H.R. 3051: Victims of Agent Orange Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Victims of Agent Orange Act of 2025, aims to provide assistance to individuals affected by the health consequences of exposure to Agent Orange, a herbicide used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. The bill is intended to address the ongoing impacts of this chemical on both Vietnamese and American populations, especially veterans and their families.

Findings

The bill starts with several findings, highlighting the extensive use of herbicides, particularly Agent Orange, during the Vietnam War. It notes that:

• Approximately 19 million gallons of various herbicides were sprayed over parts of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, with Agent Orange being the most significant.
• Studies indicate that millions of people, including Vietnamese civilians and American veterans, were exposed to these chemicals, leading to health issues and birth defects in subsequent generations.
• Contamination from Agent Orange persists in many areas, affecting the environment and health of local populations.

Purpose

The purpose of this Act is to remediate and address the damage caused by the use of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War, ensuring that affected individuals receive the necessary support and care.

Assistance for Affected Individuals

The bill outlines several forms of assistance to be provided to those affected by Agent Orange:

• Healthcare Services: Medical and chronic care services, including vocational training and provision of medical equipment.
• Support for Caregivers: Assistance to health care providers in Vietnam offering medicines, training programs, and rehabilitation services for those affected by Agent Orange.
• Housing and Poverty Alleviation: Support for repairing dilapidated homes and providing micro grants to reduce poverty among affected individuals and their families.
• Environmental Remediation: Efforts to clean up contaminated areas in Vietnam, prioritizing sites where Agent Orange was heavily used.

The bill mandates coordination between the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other federal and non-governmental organizations to deliver these services.

Health Assessment for Vietnamese Americans

The Secretary of Health and Human Services is tasked with conducting health assessments to determine the effects of Agent Orange exposure on Vietnamese Americans and their descendants. This will include creating centers for assessment, counseling, and treatment for those affected.

Implementation Timeline

The bill sets deadlines for implementation, requiring a plan to be complete within 180 days of enactment and full implementation within 18 months. Additionally, there are requirements for quarterly progress reports to Congress to ensure transparency and accountability.

Definition of Agent Orange

For the purposes of this Act, Agent Orange is defined to include any chemical compounds associated with the herbicides used during military operations in Vietnam, whether they were intended components or impurities.

Relevant Companies

• None found