WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) introduced bipartisan legislation in the House of Representatives to expand benefits for Blue Water Navy Vietnam veterans.  Joined by several lead cosponsors, H.R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act works to grant presumptive Agent Orange exposure status to U.S. military personnel who served in the territorial seas of Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

H.R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act would grant presumptive Agent Orange exposure status to U.S. service members who served in the territorial seas of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. This would enable eligible veterans to receive expedited consideration for Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits if they suffer from any of the diseases the U.S. Government has linked to Agent Orange.

The measure has received support from various veteran’s organizations including the Association of the United States Navy, the Fleet Reserve Association, Military-Veterans Advocacy, Inc., and the Blue Water Navy Association. Original cosponsors of the legislation include Representatives Joe Courtney (D-CT), Frank A. LoBiondo (R-NJ), Dennis A. Ross (R-FL), Elise M. Stefanik (R-NY), and Timothy J. Walz (D-MN).

Sources: Press Release - Washington, January 5, 2017  Anna R. Vetter and http://valadao.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398288