WASHINGTON – Congressman Keith Rothfus (PA-12) issued the statement following after voting for the House-passed Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2017 (H.R.299). This bill requires the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to expand the presumption of exposure to herbicide agents, like Agent Orange, to Blue Water Navy veterans who fought in offshore waters of the Republic of Vietnam or in and around the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between September 1, 1967 and April 1, 1968. This presumption serves to simplify claims of disability for those exposed to herbicide agents and may have developed health issues because of it. The Congressman is also a cosponsor of H.R. 299.

“Our Vietnam veterans endured harrowing danger and hardship in serving our national defense,” said Congressman Rothfus. “The Blue Water Navy veterans have earned the right to claim disability from exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides for their heroic service. With my support, I am glad the long-overdue Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act passed the House and I look forward to working with the Senate to send this bill to the President’s desk. It is time these veterans receive the medical treatment they have earned.”