Thomas Daschle: “Let me begin by reminding my colleagues about the mission of agent orange and the Agent Orange Act of 1991. The Agent…”

“Let me begin by reminding my colleagues about the mission of agent orange and the Agent Orange Act of 1991. The Agent Orange Act of 1991 was passed unanimously, 99-0, with the cosponsorship of my colleague from Wyoming, Senator Simpson. It requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to evaluate scientific findings from the National Academy of Sciences, based on their review of all related evidence. This year, the National Academy of Sciences found compelling evidence, based on scientifically sound epidemiological studies, to place spina bifida in the second category of compensated diseases. As I mentioned earlier, the VA already covers all of the conditions in categories 1 and 2, except spina bifida, because the Secretary doesn't have the authority to provide these benefits to children of veterans. We are not here today to debate the underpinnings of the original law. What we are here today to do is to talk about our obligation. The battle about the original law was fought and won. That ended 5 years ago. We have a reasonable proposal to address the unique needs of these kids, whose disabilities are linked to their parent's exposure to agent orange.”