WASHINGTON – U.S. Congresswoman Candice Miller (MI-10) signed on as a co-sponsor of a measure designed to expand the eligibility for veterans who served in Vietnam and were stationed in inland waterways, ports, and harbors, waters offshore, and airspace above the Republic of Vietnam. The Agent Orange Equity Act (H.R.2254) would include veterans who are experiencing diseases associated with exposure by certain herbicide agents (Agent Orange.)

“Our brave members of the armed forces gave so much when our nation called them to action – it is only right that we make sure every one receives the care they deserve for the service that they gave us,” Miller said. “The Southeast Michigan congressional district that I am proud to represent is home to the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154, the largest group of Vietnam veterans in the country, and making sure they have access to the care they need is one of my top priorities.”

Prior to 2002, the Veterans Administration (VA) relied on the receipt of the Vietnam Service Medal to allow veterans to be treated for diseases identified as being related to Agent Orange exposure. This bill would reinstate the VA’s practice of identifying Vietnam veterans, including Blue Water veterans who received the Vietnam Service Medal or the Vietnam Campaign Medal or served on Johnston Island and were exposed to Agent Orange as eligible for care related to exposure.

“Reinstating this criterion to include all Vietnam veterans who are terribly affected by Agent Orange is keeping the promise we made to provide care for every single veteran and their families,” said Miller.

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