The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2015 (H.R. 969 and S. 681) was introduced by Representative Christopher Gibson and Senator Kristin Gillibrand, respectively. This legislation would expand presumptions for Vietnam Veterans to be awarded service connection for illnesses and diseases associated with exposure to herbicides containing dioxin, including Agent Orange. This legislation would extend eligibility to Vietnam veterans who served in the vicinity of Vietnam, including the inland waterways, ports, harbors, and waters offshore or territorial seas of Vietnam, as well as in the airspace above, during the period of war.
As of March 15, 2016, H.R. 969 has 305 cosponsors and has been referred to the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. S. 681 has 39 cosponsors and is pending before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
DAV supports these measures, which are is in line with DAV Resolution No. 018, passed at our most recent National Convention. Please take a moment to send the prepared e-mail to your legislators to seek their support for this legislation.
Also, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Association has launched a petition drive in support of this bill. We recommend you support this petition as a part of your advocacy to pass this important legislation.
As always, thank you for your support.
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https://www.votervoice.net/BroadcastLinks/ujNfi_8TLlkzp9j_WjEtNA