R0429'07 LSB Research Services Division JL
Rep. Opsommer offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 273.
A resolution to memorialize the United States Congress to acknowledge that the neurological
disorder known as Parkinson's disease can be caused by exposure to Agent Orange and to require that
the United States Department of Veterans Affairs offer assistance to U.S. Military members who,
while serving their country, have acquired Parkinson's disease through their exposure to Agent
Orange.
Whereas, Agent Orange was an herbicide used in Vietnam to kill unwanted plants and to
remove leaves from trees which otherwise provided cover for the enemy. After its use, it was realized
that Agent Orange contained dioxin, which is related to a number of diseases, cancers, and other
disorders. Many U.S. veterans are known to have been exposed to significant amounts of Agent
Orange while fulfilling their military obligations; and
Whereas, As required by law, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes
many diseases as being associated with Agent Orange, including chloracne, acute peripheral
neuropathy, and numerous cancers such as Hodgkin's disease, multiple myleoma, and prostate
cancer. Veterans who served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975 and who acquire
one of the recognized diseases are entitled to VA-furnished hospital care, medical services, and
possibly nursing home care; and
Whereas, Several studies performed at internationally recognized research institutions,
including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, have linked Parkinson's disease to Agent Orange
and other pesticides. Research work at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital linked genetic
alterations associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease to pesticide exposures; and
Whereas, Parkinson's disease should be added to the VA list of recognized diseases
associated with Agent Orange. The Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Winston-
Salem, North Carolina has determined in two cases that the Parkinson's disease of veterans could
have been caused by their contact with Agent Orange while on active military duty; now, therefore,
be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the United States Congress
to acknowledge that the neurological disorder known as Parkinson's disease can be caused by
exposure to Agent Orange and to require that the United States Department of Veterans Affairs offer
assistance to U.S. Military members who, while serving their country, have acquired Parkinson's
disease through their exposure to Agent Orange; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States
Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the members of the Michigan
congressional delegation, and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Thanks Steve. I copied and pasted the article in the six post newsletters I do each month. It also went to a seventh post which I contribute to their news. Several of the members in those posts suffer from this terrible disease.

I salute you