The following is a news release from the Office of Congressman James Moylan:
Based on the information which noted that the exposure of Herbicide Agents was evident in Guam as early as 1958, earlier today, Delegate James Moylan introduced H.R. 1191, also known as the “Correcting Guam’s History in the PACT Act.”
The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022, also known as the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022, is an Act of Congress intended to significantly improve healthcare access and funding for veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during military service.
“The ‘Correcting Guam’s History in the PACT Act’ simply amends a technicality in the law, which is the date on when the actual spraying of the herbicide agents first took place. This means that unless we correct this inequity, several veterans, unfortunately, would be left out of the benefits. We are talking about veterans who were exposed as far back as a little more than three years prior to what is currently in statute,” stated Delegate Moylan.
The PACT Act of 2022 stipulates that veterans who were in Guam between January 9, 1962, and July 31, 1980, and were exposed to herbicide agents would qualify for the benefits of the statute. However, based on information that has surfaced, the spraying of the herbicides in Guam traces back to August 15, 1958; hence several veterans who were exposed have been denied the benefits.
“I also understand that there are efforts led by Senator Jesse Lujan for Congress to consider a compensation program for those civilians who were also exposed to these pesticides, and he is correct. This is also a discussion that was brought to my attention by veteran groups here. I do look forward to working with Senator Lujan on the matter. Unfortunately, it’s not going to be an overnight fix, but our team is currently working on solutions to lay the foundation down soon,” added Delegate Moylan.
2 Comments
Michael Bornes
03/04/2023 at 12:37 AM
Please do all that you can to Interduce/support bill to support Okinawa and PCZ veterans exposed to toxic herbicide s. They have been forgotten way to long.
Warren Oakley
03/05/2023 at 1:34 AM
Please, there are many sick veterans like my self who are exposed to agent orange and other chemicals on Okinawa, and Guam and other islands who are not getting the help they need for their exposures. I am suffering from Parkinson’s, and other incurable diseases due the exposure of agent orange from these islands and being off the coast of VietNam, Cambodia, and Laos in the south China sea as a blue water veteran. Any help will be greatly appreciated by many sick veterans. Thanks for your support.