Background:
Right now, congressional conference committee members are deciding on which
provisions will remain in the final version of S. 4049, the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA.) Senate Amendment 1972 to this bill
would provide the life-saving care and benefits needed for Vietnam veterans
suffering from bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and parkinsonism.
For decades, Vietnam veterans have endured the ill health effects of Agent
Orange exposure. Currently, VA recognizes 14 presumptive conditions linked to
Agent Orange exposure. Scientific studies have also determined the same link to
bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and parkinsonism. However, VA has refused to
add these diseases to the list of presumptive conditions, making it nearly impossible
for these veterans to receive the desperately needed care and benefits they
have earned.
Take Action:
Contact your senators and representative today and tell them to ensure Senate
Amendment 1972 remains in the final version of the NDAA. Hold Congress
accountable to do the right thing for our Vietnam veterans!