After viewing an Agent Orange documentary, 14 members of Congress wrote to Representative Ray Roberts of Texas, chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. They wanted the Department of Veterans Affairs to report on its research of Agent Orange health claims and let Congress know what legislation could help the Veterans Administration act in veterans’ best interests.
"We feel strongly that the Veterans’ Affairs Committee should look into this matter. Initially, we feel a complete report from the Veterans’ Administration is needed so that we can properly assess the situation."
Records of the U.S. House of Representatives, National Archives and Records Administration
Letter from several members of Congress to Representative Ray Roberts, Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, April 21, 1978
Congress Investigates Agent Orange
In the late 1970s Congress began to address the effects of exposure to Agent Orange, a chemical defoliant used by the United States military during the Vietnam War. Congressional committees interviewed Vietnam veterans and consulted medical experts to explore possible links between Agent Orange and certain forms of cancer and other health problems. After experts confirmed the product was harmful to humans, Congress mandated the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct further research on consequences of Agent Orange exposure and passed laws providing benefits to affected veterans.
After viewing an Agent Orange documentary, 14 members of Congress wrote to Representative Ray Roberts of Texas, chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. They wanted the Department of Veterans Affairs to report on its research of Agent Orange health claims and let Congress know what legislation could help the Veterans Administration act in veterans’ best interests.
"We feel strongly that the Veterans’ Affairs Committee should look into this matter. Initially, we feel a complete report from the Veterans’ Administration is needed so that we can properly assess the situation."
Records of the U.S. House of Representatives, National Archives and Records Administration
