Mazie Hirono actually said...

"These are some of the thousands of Blue Water Navy Vietnam veterans who have applied for VA health benefits, but were denied because they happened to serve our country at sea rather than on land."

"I think we should go ahead with covering this. And, I am pretty much in line with our former Chair in saying that, you know, we should provide the health care that they need."

"I have talked to a lot of veterans, and it is hard enough to show that they do come within the parameters for treatment even without exposure to Agent Orange."

"I am proud to join my colleagues and the veteran service organizations here today in support of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act."