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Originally posted by HiTechCowBoy:
On 5 MAY 09, Rep Bob Filner (D-CA-51st) introduced the Agent Orange Equity Act of 2009 (H.R.2254). This legislation would clarify the legal presumption of exposure to Agent Orange for veterans who served in the vicinity of Viet Nam. Currently, 38 US Code Section 1116, defines a Viet Nam veteran as "a veteran who, during active military, naval, or air service, served in the Republic of Vietnam during the period beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975."

The Department of Veterans Affairs uses a conservative interpretation to mean "boots on the ground" which excludes most Navy and Air Force personnel who have Agent Orange related issues but who cannot prove "boots on the ground." H.R.2254 would clarify this section by redefining a Viet Nam veteran as one who during active military, naval, or air service (a) served in the Republic of Vietnam (including the inland waterways, ports, and harbors of such Republic, the waters offshore of such Republic, and the airspace above such Republic) during the period January 9, 1962 - May 7, 1975; (b) served in Johnston Island during the period April 1, 1972 - September 30, 1977; or (c) received the Vietnam Service Medal or the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

As of October 20, 2009, HR 2254, The Agent Orange Equity Act of 2009 has 174 Co-Sponsors in the House of Representatives. Yet, still this bill is still stuck in the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs where it was referred to on 5/08/2009.

The House Veterans Affairs Committee is chaired by Bob Filner (D-CA), author of the legislation. Also on this Committee is Cliff Stearns (R-Fla). On June 11, 2009 Rep. Stearns (R-Fla.) withdrew his co-sponsorship of this bill. Rep. Stearns is the only member of the House who supported the original bill to withdraw his name.

The House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, referred to above, has one Colorado Congressman, Ranking Member Doug Lamborn (R-C0 5th District), sitting on it. As of October 20, 2009 Congressman Lamborn has refused to Co-Sponsor this legislation. Of the seven Colorado Congress members only John Salazar (D-Co District 2) has signed on as a Co-Sponsor. This is an abomination and an insult to Colorado’s Vietnam Veterans who have been denied medical care and compensation for the over ten diseases caused by Agent Orange.

It is nearing the end of the 2009. It is past time for all Vietnam Veterans including Blue Water Vets to e-mail and call your Congress persons to demand action on this bill. For Colorado Veterans the following Representatives need to hear from you.

Congresswomen Diana DeGette (D-Co. 1st District)
• http://degette.house.gov/
Congressman Jared Polis (D-Co. 2nd District)
• http://polis.house.gov/
Congresswomen Betsy Markey (D-Co. 4th District)
• http://betsymarkey.house.gov/
Congressman Ed Perlmutter (D-Co. 7th District)
• http://perlmutter.house.gov/

Time is running out. If this legislation falters, the Veterans Administrations MBA managers and Attorney’s who have stalled medical treatment and compensation for the Vietnam Vets, will have again succeeded in consigning this increasingly aging population in this state to a speedier demise.