Rep. Cisneros Statement on The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act Being Signed Into Law

Statement

Today, Congressman Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (CA-39), son of a Vietnam veteran who was initially denied disability compensation for his exposure to Agent Orange, released the following statement after the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 was officially signed into law:

"I am proud to be part of the united bipartisan support for our Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans. I know firsthand the hardships a family faces when a veteran is not provided the care they need. Now all veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War will receive the benefits and treatment they have earned and deserve. This law was long overdue and I am glad we finally got it right."

Background:

H.R. 299 was introduced by Chairman Mark Takano (D-CA) on January 1, 2019 and the legislation will extend benefits to service members that served in the territorial waters off the coast of Vietnam and were exposed to Agent Orange. Thousands of Vietnam Veterans who are currently ineligible for disability benefits caused by Agent Orange under the Agent Orange Act of 1991 will now receive their rightful benefits.

Rep. Cisneros is a Navy veteran and serves on the House Veterans Affairs Committee and House Committee on Armed Services.

Source