Task force proposed to support Pa. veterans exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam War

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) – New legislation has been proposed that, if passed, will work to connect veterans of the Vietnam War suffering from the effects of Agent Orange with treatment options.

Law makers introduced bipartisan legislation on Wednesday that would create a task force to communicate with Vietnam War veterans affected by Agent Orange. This task force would be comprised of members of military organizations and members of the PA House and Senate.

The task force's duty will be to provide veterans with information on available treatments for long-term health effects caused by exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War.

This legislation was introduced by State Representative Paul Takac (D-Centre), along with Representatives Mike Cabell (R-Luzerne), Brian Munroe (D-Bucks), Dane Watro (R-Schuykill/Luzerne), Tarik Khan (D-Philadelphia), Zachary Mako (R-Northampton/Lehigh), Chris Pielli (D-Chester) and Abby Major (R-Armstrong/Westmoreland).

“We owe all those who have served our country, especially those who have been harmed as a result of their service, not only our profound respect and gratitude but an enduring commitment to serve and support them and their families. That, of course, includes Vietnam-era veterans who were exposed to–and at the time, unknowingly harmed by–Agent Orange. As our understanding of the extent of the damage caused by that chemical exposure has grown and evolved, so have the programs and benefits available to those affected,” Takac said.

Agent Orange was a blend of herbicides used to remove foliage that provided cover to enemies during the war from 1962 to 1971. Following the emergence of evidence of the harmful or deadly results of exposure, use was ended and banned. Both civilians and military personnel that were exposed to the chemical are at risk of developing cancers, neurological and psychological conditions, and other long-term effects on the skin and heart. Agent Orange exposure can also cause reproductive health problems and birth defects in the children of veterans, including spina bifida, hip dysplasia and congenital heart disease.

“Veterans come into my offices just about every day looking for help, and I have always pledged to do whatever I can for those who served our nation. That’s why I feel it is my moral obligation to support this proposed legislation,” Cabell said. “Agent Orange exposure has had lifelong impacts on some of our brave soldiers who fought in Vietnam, so assisting them in any way we can is certainly the right thing for us to do.”

According to Cleveland Clinic, over 300,000 U.S. veterans have already died from exposure and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs reports that approximately 2.7 million men and women served in this region during the time period that Agent Orange was used.

Legislators are hoping that the enactment of this task force will help connect veterans to several benefits available to them through Veterans Affairs.