WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), released the following statement celebrating the enactment of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, bipartisan legislation she helped introduce that extends disability benefits associated with Agent Orange exposure to Blue Water Navy veterans who served on U.S. ships off the coast of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The law also extends benefits to the dependents of Blue Water Navy veterans born with spina bifida as a result of exposure to Agent Orange.
“Every one of our nation’s veterans has made a great sacrifice for our country, and that sacrifice must be honored,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m pleased to see that the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act has been signed into law, and finally provide benefits to members of our armed forces who experienced injury, pain, and grief as a result of toxic exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam during the war. I will continue to support commonsense, bipartisan legislation that protects our veterans.”
BACKGROUND: Last month, Senator Rosen co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to allow Vietnam War-era veterans exposed to Agent Orange while serving in Thailand to qualify for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, without the undue burden of proving toxic exposure that took place decades ago.
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