H.R. 3052: Agent Orange Relief Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Agent Orange Relief Act of 2025, aims to provide assistance and support to individuals affected by exposure to Agent Orange, a herbicide used during the Vietnam War. The act includes several key provisions:

Findings

The bill acknowledges the extensive use of herbicides, particularly Agent Orange, during the Vietnam War and its harmful effects on both U.S. veterans and the Vietnamese population. Key findings include:

• Approximately 19 million gallons of herbicides were sprayed in Vietnam between 1961 and 1971.
• Agent Orange and other herbicides contained toxic substances, including dioxin.
• There has been significant exposure, resulting in various health issues for Vietnamese people and U.S. veterans, as well as their descendants.
• The Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes several diseases linked to Agent Orange exposure among Vietnam War veterans.
• There is no similar recognition or assistance for affected Vietnamese or Vietnamese Americans.

Purpose

The purpose of the bill is to address the ongoing health and social issues arising from Agent Orange exposure and ensure proper remediation and support for those affected.

Support for Children of Veterans

The bill proposes changes to existing laws to ensure that children of both male and female Vietnam veterans who have certain birth defects related to Agent Orange exposure receive proper benefits and care.

• It seeks to amend existing benefits to include children of male veterans on the same basis as female veterans.
• There will be more access to medical records for research purposes concerning intergenerational effects of exposure to Agent Orange.

Research and Assessment

The bill mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs to support research on health issues related to Agent Orange exposure, including:

• A survey of children of veterans exposed to Agent Orange to assess their medical care needs.
• Collaboration with other federal agencies and organizations to enhance research efforts and public health contributions.

Health Assessments for Vietnamese Americans

The act also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to:

• Grant funds to organizations conducting health assessments for Vietnamese Americans exposed to Agent Orange.
• Establish centers in areas with large Vietnamese American populations to provide health assessments and treatment related to exposure to Agent Orange.

Implementation Timeline

The bill establishes deadlines for implementation, requiring plans to be completed within 180 days of enactment and actions to be taken within 18 months.

Reporting Requirements

There are requirements for quarterly reports to Congress on the implementation of the bill's provisions, ensuring ongoing oversight and accountability.

Definitions

The bill defines “Agent Orange” to include any herbicide used in military operations in Vietnam that may contain harmful chemical compounds.

Relevant Companies

• None found