Larsen Votes to Improve Care for Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange
For Immediate Release
Contact: Emily Halnon
(202) 225-2605
July 1, 2010
Washington, D.C. — Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted for legislation which provides funding for our troops in Afghanistan and includes over $13 billion to improve care for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam. Earlier this year, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki certified that Parkinson's disease, ischemic heart disease and B-cell leukemias are linked to exposure to Agent Orange, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles for veterans with these illnesses seeking care from the VA.
“We have an obligation to take care of veterans who suffer illnesses due to their service to our country,” said Rep. Larsen. “Tonight’s vote brings us one step closer to getting veterans exposed to Agent Orange the care they need.”
Vietnam veterans who suffer from these diseases are encouraged to visit http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/ for further information.