SENATE BILL REPORT
HJM 4035
BYRepresentatives Unsoeld, Sayan, Anderson, Nelson, Patrick, Jacobsen, Rust, Todd, Ferguson, Meyers, Sutherland, Holm, Holland, D. Sommers, Sanders, Heavey, Rasmussen, Grant, Appelwick, Basich, Pruitt, Dellwo, Peery, Fisher, H. Sommers, Wang, Jones, Nutley, Jesernig, Belcher, R. King, O'Brien, Sprenkle, Leonard, Cooper, Walk, Dorn, Lewis, P. King, Brough, Winsley, Miller, Brekke and Spanel
Petitioning Congress to study the claims of veterans exposed to Agent Orange.
House Committe on Human Services
Senate Committee on Governmental Operations
Senate Hearing Date(s):February 25, 1988
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Zimmerman, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Garrett, Halsan, Metcalf, Pullen.
Senate Staff:Barbara Howard (786-7410)
February 26, 1988
AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, FEBRUARY 25, 1988
BACKGROUND:
One of the areas of conflict remaining from the war in Vietnam is whether the herbicide Agent Orange is a factor in some of the disorders suffered by Vietnam Era veterans, including cancer, infertility, birth defects among their children, and nervous disorders. Several studies have been completed on the effects of Agent Orange with inconclusive results. However, the Veterans Administration has released a report showing higher percentages of lung cancer and non-Hodgkins lymphomas among veterans exposed to Agent Orange. There has been little compensation for veterans suffering from post-war ailments associated with exposure. More than 5000 lawsuits concerning Agent Orange are pending.
SUMMARY:
The Memorial calls for additional compensation to be paid based on available data, initiation of hearings regarding the cancellation of Agent Orange studies and the funding of additional studies. The Memorial is to be transmitted to the President of the United States and the members of the United States Congress.
Appropriation: none
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: none requested
Senate Committee - Testified: Joe Cole, Independent Agent Orange