AR264

An Assembly Resolution urging the United States Congress to create a permanent and comprehensive federal framework of healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service.

Whereas, Members of the United States Armed Forces put their lives in danger in order to protect our freedoms and keep our nation safe; and

Whereas, The United States has a responsibility to provide healthcare and benefits to veterans who have suffered physical and emotional injuries while serving their country, both on and off the battlefield; and

Whereas, There has been a long history of United States service members facing toxic dangers in association with their military service, the ramifications of which may not become visible until years after exposure to these dangerous substances; and

Whereas, Soldiers serving during World War I and II were exposed to Mustard Gas, soldiers serving in Vietnam were exposed to Agent Orange, and soldiers fighting in the Persian Gulf War, as well as those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan after September 11th encountered dangers from burn pits, depleted uranium, sand, dust and other toxins; and

Whereas, Men and woman in the military serving at home in times of peace have also come into contact with unknown toxic dangers during the course of their service, for example contaminated water sources at Kelly Air Force Base in Texas and Camp Lejune in North Carolina; and

Whereas, Veterans who suffer illnesses associated with exposure to toxic substances are entitled to receive benefits and healthcare, however, because of the nature of these illnesses, as well as the frequent time lapse between exposure and initial symptoms, it is often difficult for veterans who suffer from illnesses associated with toxic exposure to receive benefits; and

Whereas, Exposure to toxins like Mustard Gas, Agent Orange, burn pits, depleted uranium and contaminated water sources can result in symptoms of muscle and joint pain, sleep disorders, neurological problems, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory illnesses, and several different types of cancers, however, symptoms of these serious illnesses often do not display until many years after a service member’s exposure or military service; and

Whereas, Under the system currently in place, a veteran is required to establish a “service connection” for an illness related to a toxic exposure if there is no presumptive connection in existence, but it can often take years to establish this connection or prove causation for a toxic exposure related illness; and

Whereas, Many of the illnesses related to toxic exposures are life threatening in nature, and many veterans who suffer from these illnesses do not have the time or resources available to establish causation or a service related connection, therefore, it can be exceedingly difficult to obtain the benefits and healthcare they are in dire need of receiving; and

Whereas, Creating a comprehensive federal framework for benefits and healthcare for veterans exposed to toxic substances during the course of their military services is necessary to help these veterans, who have risked the ultimate sacrifice for their country, obtain access to much needed services related to their military service; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The General Assembly of the State of New Jersey urges the United States Congress to create a permanent and comprehensive federal framework for healthcare and benefits for veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances in the course of their military service.

2. Copies of this resolution as filed by the Secretary of State shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the Majority and Minority Leaders of the United States Senate, the Speaker and Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, and every member of the United States Congress elected from the State of New Jersey.

STATEMENT

The men and women of the United States military put their lives on the line in order to protect our nation and fight for freedom. It goes without saying that we owe these brave men and women a debt of gratitude, and at the very least, the promise that the physical and emotional injuries they may suffer as a result of such service will be provided for by way of a comprehensive healthcare and benefits system.

Exposure to dangerous toxins like Mustard Gas, Agent Orange, depleted uranium sources and hazards from burn pits have become common place in modern era warfare. Unfortunately, symptoms of illnesses related to exposure to such toxic substances often do not occur right away and it can sometimes be difficult to prove a causal relationship. The current benefit system can be complex and difficult for some veterans to navigate, especially when there is no presumptive causation process in place. As a result, veterans in dire need of benefits and healthcare may have those benefits and healthcare, which are vital to their survival, delayed or denied.

This resolution urges the United States Congress to create a permanent and comprehensive federal framework for veterans exposed to toxic substances during the course of their military service to obtain healthcare and benefits.