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The Issues: Veterans - Health Risks for Troops
In the fall of 1998, I, along with Representatives
Lane Evans (D-IL) and Bob Filner (D-CA), requested that the
General Accounting Office study the dangers that may be posed
to troops through the handling of and exposure to depleted
uranium (DU). Used in tank and cannon rounds to increase their
penetrating power, DU is a toxic and radioactive metal that
the Department of Defense (DoD) acknowledges must be handled
carefully to avoid health risks. The GAO report found that
errors in methodology caused the Army to miscalculate probable
exposure to DU. I am pleased that the efforts my colleagues
and I made prodded the Special Assistant for Gulf War Illnesses
to direct the Army to perform new tests as soon as possible.
It is becoming increasingly clear that DoD records on exposure
levels to dangerous chemicals are insufficient. I wrote to
the Secretary of Defense urging that the DoD work toward ensuring
that we keep accurate and cumulative records on exposure levels
to dangerous chemicals. The failure to maintain such records
has hampered research on any link between chronic health problems
of Gulf War veterans and chemicals used during the Gulf War.
I have also asked that the VA eliminate any administrative
problems in medical screening programs for veterans with higher
than normal uranium levels.
In a post-September 11th world, we also must protect our troops
against chemical and biological weapons. In March of 2003,
prior to military action in Iraq, I wrote a letter to the
Secretary of Defense to express my concern about the potential
for the use of chemical and biological weapons against American
forces during combat operations in Iraq, and the ability of
our military personnel to defend against such an attack. The
long-term effects on the health of military personnel of such
an attack are unknown and potentially troubling. My letter
also asked the Secretary what steps were being taken to prevent
another Gulf War illness.
I fully support our brave men and women in uniform and want
to be sure that they are prepared in case of attack by or
exposure to chemical or biological weapons. I will continue
to be vigilant on behalf of our nation's military personnel
and veterans, ensuring that their post-deployment health care
needs are taken seriously and that they are treated with respect
upon their return home.
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