Thomas Daschle: “Mr. President, according to the Congressional Budget Office, approximately 2,785 children of Vietnam veterans suffer…”

“Mr. President, according to the Congressional Budget Office, approximately 2,785 children of Vietnam veterans suffer from spina bifida, a serious birth defect that requires lifelong care. That has already been established. A March report from the National Academy of Sciences suggests that a connection between these children's disabilities and their parents' exposure to agent orange in Vietnam is a very real and growing problem. Today, along with 25 of my colleagues, I am offering an amendment to acknowledge the Federal Government's share of responsibility for these children's care. Spina bifida occurs when the spinal cord does not close fully early in pregnancy. It is a complex disability. It requires coordinated care for many medical specialists, including neurosurgeons, neurologists, orthopedists, pediatricians, internists in adult years, psychologists, physical therapists, dietitians, and social workers. Children with spina bifida often go through a series of operations in early childhood followed by special care, therapy and treatment throughout their lives. Many are wheelchair bound. Others can walk with assistance. There is a high survival rate. But these victims of this horrendous disease face daily challenges few of us will ever fully comprehend.”