Connecticut Senate Bill SJ00018

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/20
• Refer: 2/27/20
• Report Pass: 3/10/20

Caption

Resolution Memorializing The United States Congress To Enact The Agent Orange Exposure Fairness Act Of 2019.

Impact

Should Congress enact the Agent Orange Exposure Fairness Act of 2019, it would modify the existing veterans' benefits system by eliminating the time-based restrictions that currently govern eligibility for disability claims related to certain health issues manifesting from exposure to Agent Orange. Specifically, this act would remove the requirement that conditions such as chloracne or Porphyria must show symptoms within one year after service to be eligible for benefits. This change would allow veterans to claim compensation for their ailments regardless of when they began, ensuring fair treatment and support for all affected individuals.

Summary

Senate Joint Resolution No. 18 memorializes the United States Congress to enact the Agent Orange Exposure Fairness Act of 2019. This resolution is significant as it addresses the health issues faced by Vietnam War veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange, a harmful herbicide used during military operations. This resolution points out that many veterans suffer from serious health complications, including various types of cancer and birth defects, that are linked to this herbicide. The resolution emphasizes the need for legislative action to support these veterans in gaining the recognition and compensation they deserve for their service-related health concerns.

Contention

The discussion surrounding this bill highlights the ongoing challenges veterans face in accessing their benefits. While the resolution calls for greater acknowledgment of their sacrifices and the repercussions of exposure to toxins, there may be contention regarding the legislative process. Some may argue about the budgetary implications of widening eligibility for compensation, while advocates emphasize the moral obligation to support veterans suffering from these long-term health effects. The proposed addition of acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy to the list of recognized conditions demonstrates an ongoing evolution in understanding and addressing the complex health issues associated with military service.