Press Releases

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew (R-NJ), along with Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT), reintroduced the Agent Orange Service Medal Act to honor veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during their service and continue to suffer from its long-term health effects.

"Too many of our Vietnam veterans came home carrying invisible wounds from Agent Orange and are still dealing with the consequences decades later," said Congressman Van Drew. "We now know that exposure to this toxic chemical, which was used to clear dense vegetation during the war, is linked to serious illnesses, including cancers and chronic conditions that have impacted thousands of veterans and their families. These men and women answered the call to serve, and they deserve to know their country sees them, respects them, and remembers what they went through. This bill establishes a dedicated service medal to formally recognize those who were exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. We owe them much more, but this is one step toward honoring their sacrifice and giving them the respect they have long deserved."

"The Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022 extended care and benefits to thousands of veterans exposed to Agent Orange during their service. There's more work to be done, and while we build on the PACT Act to ensure every veteran receives the care and benefits they've earned, we should also continue honoring veterans' service and sacrifice," Congressman Courtney said. "The Agent Orange Service Medal Act would provide veterans and their families with a tangible token of our nation's enduring gratitude. I'm glad to join Congressman Van Drew to reintroduce this bill. In a Congress that is frequently defined by division, leaders should bring more bipartisan veterans bills to the floor for a vote."

Click here to read the text of the bill.