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Correcting Guam’s History in the PACT Act

4/2/2025, 9:53 AM

Summary of Bill HR 2149

Bill 119 hr 2149, also known as the "Guam Veterans Agent Orange Exposure Act," aims to amend title 38 of the United States Code to broaden the eligibility criteria for veterans who may receive a presumption of service connection for diseases linked to exposure to certain herbicide agents. Specifically, this bill focuses on veterans who served in Guam and were exposed to these harmful chemicals.

The bill seeks to provide these veterans with easier access to healthcare and disability benefits by expanding the list of diseases that are presumed to be connected to their exposure to herbicide agents. By doing so, it aims to ensure that these veterans receive the support and care they need for any health issues that may have arisen as a result of their service in Guam.

Overall, Bill 119 hr 2149 is designed to recognize and address the sacrifices made by veterans who served in Guam and were exposed to dangerous herbicide agents. It aims to provide them with the necessary resources and assistance to cope with any health issues that may have resulted from their service, in a fair and equitable manner.

Congressional Summary of HR 2149

Correcting Guam's History in the PACT Act

This bill expands eligibility for a presumption of service-connection for specified diseases associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded.

Under the bill, service performed in Guam or its territorial waters between August 15, 1958, and July 31, 1980, provides a veteran who has a specified disease that is associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents with eligibility for a presumption of service-connection. (Under current law, the eligible time frame for service in Guam is between January 9, 1962, and July 31, 1980.)

Current Status of Bill HR 2149

Bill HR 2149 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 14, 2025. Bill HR 2149 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on March 14, 2025.  Bill HR 2149's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. as of March 14, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 2149

Total Number of Sponsors
4
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
4
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
61
Democrat Cosponsors
48
Republican Cosponsors
13
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 2149

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 2149

To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand eligibility for a presumption of service connection for diseases associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents for certain veterans who served in Guam.
To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand eligibility for a presumption of service connection for diseases associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents for certain veterans who served in Guam.

Comments

Ocean Collier profile image

Ocean Collier

465

8 months ago

Why do they want to change it? Who does this bill really help?