Bill Text - HCR38 (2012)

Urging the United States Congress to extend equal benefits for the treatment of Agent Orange exposure to Vietnam veterans who served outside of Vietnam.


Revision: May 21, 2012, midnight

HCR 38 – FINAL VERSION

2012 SESSION

12-2140

09/05

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 38

A RESOLUTION urging the United States Congress to extend equal benefits for the treatment of Agent Orange exposure to Vietnam veterans who served outside of Vietnam.

SPONSORS: Rep. Baldasaro, Rock 3; Rep. Tamburello, Rock 3; Rep. Graham, Hills 18; Rep. Weyler, Rock 8; Rep. Griffin, Rock 4; Rep. R. Ober, Hills 27; Rep. Tucker, Rock 17; Rep. O’Brien, Hills 4; Rep. K. Roberts, Ches 3; Sen. Bradley, Dist 3; Sen. Carson, Dist 14; Sen. Barnes, Jr., Dist 17; Sen. Lambert, Dist 13

COMMITTEE: State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

ANALYSIS

This house concurrent resolution urges the United States Congress to extend equal benefits for the treatment of Agent Orange exposure to Vietnam veterans who served outside of Vietnam.

12-2140

09/05

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twelve

A RESOLUTION urging the United States Congress to extend equal benefits for the treatment of Agent Orange exposure to Vietnam veterans who served outside of Vietnam.

Whereas, thousands of veterans of the Vietnam War suffer from the effects of exposure to Agent Orange, a powerful and toxic defoliant used to clear areas of dense vegetation used as enemy hideouts; and

Whereas, Agent Orange exposure causes a variety of devastating health effects, such as increased rates of cancer, immune system disorders, and genetic maladies which lead to birth defects in the children of those exposed; and

Whereas, although the use of Agent Orange is most commonly associated with the country of Vietnam, it was also used extensively in surrounding areas such as Thailand; and

Whereas, many veterans affected by exposure to Agent Orange proudly and bravely served their country in these surrounding areas without ever actually setting foot in Vietnam itself; and

Whereas, these veterans are struggling to obtain the same medical benefits to deal with their exposure as those who served on the ground in Vietnam; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the New Hampshire legislature urges the United States Congress to work with the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that Vietnam veterans who served in areas surrounding Vietnam are able to receive the same medical benefits for the treatment of Agent Orange exposure as those who served within the borders of the country of Vietnam; and

That the house clerk send a copy of this resolution to each member of the New Hampshire congressional delegation.

Approved: May 2, 2012