Home

Blog

Subjects

Budget Categories

Recent Blog Posts

How People Voted

33% For, 67% Against
168 votes cast

(put this on your site)

H.R. 972, The Civilian Agent Orange Act of 2007 (30 comments ↓)

  • This item is from the 110th Congress (2007-2008) and is no longer current. Comments, voting, and wiki editing have been disabled, and the cost/savings estimate has been frozen.

H.R. 972 would provide compensation to individuals who, during the Vietnam conflict, were employees of the Federal Government or contractor employees of the Department of Defense and suffered disability or death from exposure to Agent Orange.

(read more ↓)
[144 views]


Cost per :

Visitor Comments Comments Feed for This Bill

R.C. SULLIVAN

April 13, 2007, 12:40pm (report abuse)

Civilian employees of our govenment who heroicly served in Vietnam should be compensated for disabilities or death attributed to Agent Orange. These same affected people had they been exposed to Agent Orange while working in the U.S. would have been compensated by workers compensation insurance.

tommy

April 18, 2007, 4:57pm (report abuse)

You have got to be kidding, you better pay the wounded veterans if you pay the remf.

MA

April 25, 2007, 5:54pm (report abuse)

There are several veterans that are dealing with disabilities due to Agent Orange exposure that have not been compenstated like this bill is requesting for civilian employees that were highly paid while working in Viet Nam. This bill should include all agent orange related disabled veterans as well.

Chet

September 24, 2007, 7:59pm (report abuse)

There are already laws directed at dealing with Agent Orange caused deaths or disabilities for Vietnam Vets. I know I am one!! I suggest that at times you must fight for your rights. Stand together and both will win. Always remember "United we stand, devided we fall"

Van Sanderson

November 6, 2007, 2:24pm (report abuse)

Some military personnel have been compensated for. Those in-country to a certain extent, but by no means have the majority of sick vets been taken care of in Viet Nam or all the other places where the rainbow herbs were used.

Then you have all the military personnel in places like Guam, Panama, Vieques, Thailand, Okinawa and many more who aren't being compenstaed.

Guam has the highest rates of dioxin in soil in the world at 19,000ppm on Andersen AFB. This island was the major staging area for Viet Nam and all the rainbow herbs were stored, used and disposed of there. Yet only 2 cases out of hundreds of cases maybe thousands have been decided in favor of the veteran.

The Agent Orange issue and exposed military personnel is far from over. The warning signs are there and Monsanto and Dow are already taking action so as not to be held accountable. Investors of these companies have been warned.

Take care of the military first and then the mercenaries.

Robert Silvas

November 18, 2007, 9:08pm (report abuse)

USA V.'s Zimmerman CR90-38. When Kelly AFB was not on the list of federally aproved sites to store or test Vietnam related herbicides the DOD, USDOJ, EPA, and the State os Texas conspired to illegally use and test on civilians and goverment employees Agent Orange.The point is when invade Iraq for their atrocities who will be our saviour.The American people with their eyes wide shut are again the lab rab of Vietnam legacy.Spread the word to all America.No More rsilvas3183@sbcglobal.net or 210-623-0299 Visit AgentOrangeTexas.org Gods Speed.

Bill Cundiff

December 16, 2007, 8:05pm (report abuse)

This Bill should be amended to include civilian employees (non-federal) in Guam who unloaded AO at the Navy dock and transported them to Andersen AFB during the Vietnam War. Many of these employees died of conditions associated to AO and many are living with diseases assocated to AO.

Amy

December 17, 2007, 4:04am (report abuse)

My mom was a civilian employee at McClelland Air Force Base for many years during the 60s and 70s. I and many other family members believe that her lifelone struggle with severe psoriasis was a direct result of exposure to Agent Orange. Additionally, no other family member, past or present has this autoimmune disease.

JIM DUNAVENT

February 14, 2008, 12:22pm (report abuse)

I AM A VIETNAM VET. AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I HAVE NON-HODGKINS LIMPHOMA (CANCER) AND I FEEL THAT THIS BILL SHOULD INCLUDE ALL VETERANS WITH ANY DISEASE CAUSED BY AO AND SHOULD BE AWARDED THIS COMPENSATION NO MATTER WHEN THE VETERAN IS FOUND WITH A DETERMINED AND APPROVED ILLNESS BY APPROPRIATE MEDICAL PERSONNEL. LENGTH OF TIME SINCE THE VETERAN WAS IN VN SHOULD NOT BE A CONSIDERATION AND AO SHOULD AUTOMATICALLY BE CONSIDERED THE CAUSE.

Gregg

April 10, 2008, 9:13am (report abuse)

I was told by an eye witness that AO was being used to control plant growth at the Medina Annex in the late 70's. There were a lot of people working or using the Annex at that time. There was OTS, dog handlers, intel, rifle range, wargames and many other possible exposed people. Are there many of these people, like myself, showing signs of AO exposure? My assignment was to Kelly AFB but I spent most of my time at the Medina Annex.

Wayne Blanchard

May 31, 2008, 11:54am (report abuse)

Yes I do belive that all should be covered. If you do think of the civialns to being compromized I think that the VET'S should be as well. You forget the VET'S that were stationed there is a compromize to there health as well. Their spouces are having a hard time recieving any help from the goverment.

Gary

July 7, 2008, 5:21pm (report abuse)

I was in VietNam as a contractor from early 1971-April 1973. I was employed training the ARVN. I drank the water and we cooked our food in it. I now have a brain tumor, severe skin disorders, benign tumors under my fingernails and chronic fatigue.Six of the nine people on my team are now deceased, five from rare forms of cancer. I do believe that a civilian such as myself who spent >2 years in that mess should have the right to compensation IF AND ONLY IF some quantitative connection to defoliants can be made. In any case, $100K is a pittance which would pay for about 3 weeks in the hospital. How do you sort those with legitimate claims from those who are out for a quick buck? That is the real question.

SEPTIMUS CONNOR

July 22, 2008, 6:46pm (report abuse)

THE VIETTNAM VETERAN SHOULD ALSO BE COMPENSATED UNDER THIS PROGRAM AFTER ALL HE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE? ON THE BATTLEFIELD WHO IS MORE DESERVING?

Chuck

August 10, 2008, 12:06pm (report abuse)

Dow and Monsanto were given specs for this "Rainbow," i.e., the GSA put out the specs, etc., and the chemical company bid on and was awarded the contract. The Power and Railroad Companies used this effective defolient for years (did not anybody wonder why no foliage grew along or about the tracks or power lines?) Soon, all will be "gone" to the Great Hereafter, and this part of history will be a memory. There will no longer be any "claims" as they die with the Vet, likewise with this bill that will never come out of Committee.

McManigal

August 21, 2008, 12:21pm (report abuse)

Agent Orange was used on the flight and in the aircraft for insect spray and dump around Kobbe beach, Ft Sherman, France Field, in the Gatun Lake (our water source), along the train from coast to coast, and so many places for years. I want to file against the government; cause there is proof. In Panama!!

Dan xxx-xx-6075

August 27, 2008, 12:38pm (report abuse)

I am a Vietnam veteran from Feb 1968 to Feb 1969 and have struggled with severe psoriasis after my return to the US. I truly believe my psoriasis was a direct result of exposure to Agent Orange. No one else in my immediate family, past or present has this autoimmune disease. I strongly urge the VA to study the connection of psoriasis from Agent Orange and compensate all Vietnam vets to their right to compensation

Bill Maher

September 1, 2008, 10:00pm (report abuse)

Any Vietnam Vet thinks he is being screwed by the Civilian Agent Orange Act does know what he or she is talking about! I overhauled helicopters from Vietnam at the Corpus Christi Army Depot, and now I am dying of colon and liver cancer, and Type II Diabetes and I had a stroke. No Vietnam Veteran can cry to me about nothing. I deserve compensation.

Bill Maher

September 1, 2008, 10:14pm (report abuse)

Go to Website: www.ccadagentorange.com, and see how Civilian workers were screwed by Agent Orange.

Shirley Smith

September 11, 2008, 11:00pm (report abuse)

My husband died of colon cancer. I have fought for 7 years to receive widow's compensation on to be denied when I have so much proof that AO causes colon cancer. When will justice be served??

Ted W.

September 25, 2008, 6:07pm (report abuse)

I served in the Army there, as a civilian working for DoD and as a DoD employee. If my government caused health problems during any of this service, then any help is justified.

.

October 21, 2008, 12:12am (report abuse)

Does the term "fat chance" mean anything to any of you?

Gerry

October 30, 2008, 9:21pm (report abuse)

I was stationed at "Fort Sam Houston," from from the middle of 1966 to 1968 I was sent to a

holding company, for several weeks. At the time I was in this holding company I had to do different jobs everyday and was sent to different

bases around Texas. I have done everything from KP, to loading and unloading tucks and more. My point is I have been

discharged from the US Army, as a SP/4 40 years ago. I have come down with type II diabetes, and I have been diagnosed with CLL Cancer this pass June, 2008. My daughter was diagnosed with HODGKIN'S LYMPHOMA, " Cancer" 2 months after I was diagnosed I'm wandering if there is a connection. I know you can't catch Cancer, but did it come from me?

My daughter is having chemo and is almost through and has to endure radiation treatments for about 30 to 40 days.

kay

November 7, 2008, 10:31am (report abuse)

My Dad has AO and is getting disability for it. I have been having many health issues,like my bone are now deforming,migraines,neuro problems,skin problems,stomach problems,breathing problems and the list goes on and on from head to toe. I am only 42 yrs old and i am falling apart. He pulled 4 tours in Vietnam. How do or can i prove i have it? Is there a blood test or something? Is there a contact number or email of someone who can help? I feel in my heart and gut that i have it. Please email me if you know what i can do. I am unable to work now,due to pain and i get hurt very easily. No one is helping with Social security disability and i finally got VA to send me papers,so i could try to file for AO. This is my email address:lordator40@yahoo.com

Please someone help. Thank you,Kay

Gerry

November 9, 2008, 4:10am (report abuse)

kay,you do not have Agent Orange, you are a little hard to READ! If you tihink you have cancer, believe me you will know. Go to your doctor get a body scan At your Hospital that will pick up cancer, if you have it.

Get an attorney to help yo get Social Security, you must be out of work for at least 6 months to apply the attornry, takes 20% of what he gets you from the SS..

I don't think you have agent orange.

wishing you the best,

Gerry

George

November 10, 2008, 9:21am (report abuse)

Ho one "has AO." Some may have been exposed to the defoliant called Agent Orange. Dioxin is the primary problem causing component of this defoliant. You may well have been exposed to dioxin but it was not because your dad was in Vietnam.

Terri Soucek

November 16, 2008, 9:48pm (report abuse)

My husband was in Vietnam for 4 years. When I met him in 2004 he was having nightmares and yelling in hid sleep (army commands, although I could never get him to the psychiatrist for a PTSD diagnosis.) He was also sleepwalking and eating while he was sleepwalking (one time he actually took a drink from a bottle of bleach after thinking it was milk while sleepwalking) He was diagnosed with psoriasis during the war but now has it covering 75% of his body w lesions that bleed. He also developed psoriatic arthritis that wore away 2" on his hip joint.He also has developed type II diabetes. Do you think I should try to file a claim with the VA?

Lee Roy

December 14, 2008, 3:38pm (report abuse)

I had two Tours in the 60's. I also worked for L.S.I. in sevsral locations. As a cancer patient I can tell some of you still have guilt about never doing anything to support the country you claim to love. Yes I am paid a little for PTSD but, I will die befor anything will ever be done about the worst contaniment known to man. dixon. Go to church, kiss your babies and continue to have no shame for how you have treated people who worked and served in Viet Nam. The damn stuff is now showing up in Guam, Laos Philippines and Borneo. We have no idea where all it will show up. One thing is for shure-We have no cure for cancer. Thank you for your time and please support Congressman's Filners new bill.

Lee Roy

December 14, 2008, 9:59pm (report abuse)

I don't have a clue who the guy above is but I'm the real Lee Roy and I don't agree with anything he said.

Lee Roy

December 17, 2008, 7:51pm (report abuse)

Born 1944 Diagnosed with NonHogkin's Lymphoma July 12th 2007. Thats who I am.

Rick

December 18, 2008, 8:53pm (report abuse)

Any Determinations on Vieques Exposure ?

RSS Feeds for This Bill

Keep yourself updated on user contributions and debates about this bill! (Learn more about RSS.)