Media Advisory: Lawmakers, Veterans host press conference on Agent Orange legislation Wednesday, May 18

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                          
May 16, 2016
Contact: Matt Sheehey
202-225-5614 or matt.sheehey@mail.house.gov
Media Advisory: Lawmakers, Veterans host press conference on Agent Orange legislation Wednesday, May 18

Washington, DC – Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) and several Members of Congress and U.S. Senators will gather with Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans, military families, members of Veterans Service Organizations, and other allies this week for a press conference on the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act (H.R. 969, S. 681), a bipartisan bill in support of Navy and Marine Corps personnel and other Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during their service aboard vessels off the coast of Vietnam and now have serious illnesses that are directly connected to that exposure.

Congressman Gibson said, “Sadly, we’re losing these Veterans every day to a host of illnesses caused by drinking, bathing in, and otherwise being exposed to water contaminated by Agent Orange. This water was drawn into shipboard desalination units after mixing with runoff from Vietnamese rivers, as well as being brought to these ships from barges transporting water from heavily sprayed inland areas. The VA suspects the water was toxic, but for decades this agency has denied presumptive coverage to these brave men and their families because proof of exposure, even for those having touched land, is impossible to certify. Our bill corrects this injustice, and we are gathering together this week to see that Congress takes action now.”

 

The press conference details are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, May 18

Time: 1 PM

 

Location: House Triangle, East Front of the U.S. Capitol. In case of rain, the event will move to Room 441 in the Cannon House Office Building.

Expected Attendees: Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) and Steve Daines (MT), Representatives Chris Gibson (NY-19), Paul Tonko (NY-20), David Valadao (CA-21), Leonard Lance (NJ-7), Bill Johnson (OH-6), Roger Williams (TX-25), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Ryan Costello (PA-06), and Beto O’Rourke (TX-16), Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans, military families, members of Veterans Service Organizations, and other supporters.

Media Note: Members of the media will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Matt Sheehey

Press Secretary

Office of Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19)

1708 Longworth House Office Building

202-225-5614