Sunday, August 16, 2015

Walz pushing for Agent Orange Extension Act

http://kimt.com/2015/08/14/walz-pushing-for-agent-orange-extension-act/
ROCHESTER, Minn. – Agent Orange is a herbicide that was used by the United States during the Vietnam War and to this day we’re still learning of the health effects caused by exposure to it.
In 1991 the Agent Orange Act was passed and helped begin the understanding of toxic wounds of war and the government’s responsibility to them. However, the AOA Agent Orange Act, is set to expire at the end of September 2015. Now, a local law-maker is pushing for an extension.
Since the original AOA of 1991, scientists have been able to connect more diseases with Agent Orange exposure. In fact, next spring, the National Academy of Science is expected to release its final report on Agent Orange exposure. However AOA will expire the next month.
U.S. Congressman Tim Walz (DFL – Minnesota) recently introduced the Agent Orange Extension Act of 2015 that extends that original deadline. Walz says that is vital for making sure the Vietnam vets exposed received compensation and care.
“I think sometimes we forget, especially folks who are a little younger, how big that deal was in 1991 when we finally added Agent Orange as a cause of these diseases and I just don’t want to let this slip away before we make sure we’ve covered it all.”
Walz says without studies the National Academy of Sciences have done with Agent Orange exposure, thousands of Vietnam era Vets would have gone without the medical benefits they so greatly deserve.

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