N E W S
| May 7, 2008 |
| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman Denny Rehberg today contacted House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Bob Filner and Ranking Member Steve Buyer asking them to quickly schedule a hearing on legislation introduced by Rehberg and Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) that would provide healthcare to veterans who were unknowingly subjected to biological and chemical weapons tests conducted in the 1960s and 70s. “When you’ve waited decades for the federal government to take responsibility for its actions, a couple weeks may not seem like a long time,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “But, I refuse to let this thing get swept under the rug again. The Project 112 veterans deserve quality healthcare now and Mike and I are going to continue to bang the drum until we can move this bill forward.” Project 112, which included Project SHAD, was conducted between 1963 and 1973 by the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. During these projects, a number of weapons containing chemical and biological agents such as VX nerve gas, Sarin Nerve Gas and E. Coli were tested on unknowing military personnel. The existence of these tests was denied by the Department of Defense (DoD), despite reports from participating veterans that they were being stricken with unusual diseases. Though the DoD now acknowledges that the tests took place, the Veterans Administration (VA) will not provide these veterans with health benefits and compensation for their diseases. The Rehberg-Thompson legislation would require the VA to assume the toxins used in the weapons tests caused injury to the veterans, making them eligible for medical benefits and/or compensation for their conditions. In addition, this bill instructs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs within 180 days of enactment to notify all veterans of potential exposure to the biological or chemical weapons used in Project 112 and Project SHAD. A Government Accountability Office report (GAO-04-410) issued in May of 2004 concluded that a substantial number of veterans still remain unaware that tests were conducted on them. “Veterans have the right to know if they have been exposed to toxic testing under Project 112, and if they have, to receive our help in providing much needed health coverage,” said Rehberg in a letter. “I respectfully request that you schedule a Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing as soon as possible on H.R. 5954, which would grant presumption of service connection for veterans who were unknowingly subjected to chemical and biological tests as part of Project 112/SHAD.” Additionally, today the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) organization announced their support of the Rehberg-Thompson bill. It had already been endorsed by the Vietnam Veterans of America. “This legislation is a great way to honor and give back to those who have sacrificed so much for our Nation,” said Dennis Cullinan, Director of National Legislative Service for VFW in a letter in support. “Thank you for concentrating on the changes that can make all the difference in veterans’ lives. The VFW commends you, and we look forward to working with you and your staff to ensure the passage of this important legislation.” Letter: May 7, 2008 The Honorable Bob Filner Chairman House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs 335 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 The Honorable Steve Buyer Ranking Member House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs 333 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Chairman Filner and Ranking Member Buyer: I respectfully request that you schedule a hearing of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs as soon as possible on H.R. 5954, which would grant presumption of service connection for veterans who were unknowingly subjected to chemical and biological tests as part of Project 112/SHAD. As you know, myself and Mr. Thompson have worked diligently to help these veterans since the tests became public knowledge in 2001. In 1962, the Department of Defense (DOD) commenced Project 112, a series of chemical & biological tests involving at least 6,000 American military personnel. These tests, which included Project SHAD (Shipboard Hazard and Defense), exposed service members, without their knowledge, to toxic agents such as VX Nerve Gas, Sarin, Nerve Gas and E. coli. As a result, many of these veterans have experienced serious medical diseases. However, the Veterans Administration asserts these veterans are not able to claim medical care or compensation for these diseases because there is no proof that their injuries are service-related. On Thursday, May 1st, Mr. Thompson and I introduced H.R. 5954 to grant these veterans the basics benefits their government owes them. This bill would also require the Department of Defense to do its utmost to locate and notify all test participants, including hundreds of civilians, of their potential exposure as a result of these tests. Despite efforts to get the Department of Defense to do so, a February 2008 GAO study found that thousands of test participants have not yet been notified. Veterans have the right to know if they have been exposed to toxic testing under Project 112, and if they have, to receive our help in providing much needed health coverage. I would like to thank you, Chairman Filner, for your support in cosponsoring this legislation. Additionally, H.R. 5954 has been endorsed by the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Thank you for your time and consideration of this request, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Denny Rehberg Member of Congress |
