TEMPLE, Texas — Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War could finally have their voices heard after years of denials and appeals.
Mark Takano, a democratic California representative and the chairman of the House of Representatives' Veterans Affair Committee, introduced House Bill 299 in early January hoping to give justice to those affected by Agent Orange.
The bill, better known as the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, promises to extend benefits for veterans who were exposed to herbicides like Agent Orange while serving.
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A similar bill died out last year in the Senate.
"It got held up by a few Senators," Takano said. "They weren't being responsible. They were extreme in their ideology and extreme in their reservations about the cost and the pay for."
Army veteran Jeff Petzke said when he first arrived in Panama, he was exposed to Agent Orange without even knowing it. He said his memory of the dangerous herbicide is vivid and there was no hiding from it.
"You're sleeping in the trees that been with it," Petzke said. "They sprayed it everyday. Even in the housing areas, they were spraying it."
Petzke said he felt let down by the government's response.
"Our government didn't keep their promises and they seem to be very good at that," Petzke said. "I know the VA is a huge entity and has many issues but to rubberstamp denial on everybody's claim, it's just impossible."
Takano said he heard the veterans' pleas and promised to make things right.
"Justice is coming to our Vietnam veterans," Takano said. "It's-- in my view-- too late, but it's better late than never."
When asked about Air Force veteran Richard Brown, who was exposed to Agent Orange and recently picked up his seventh fight with cancer in five years, Takano said he was committed to finally getting Brown the help he needs.
"I am terribly disappointed that people like Mr. Brown have had to wait this long," Takano said. "And my commitment is to say to Mr. Brown, "Wait no more. We are going to do right by you.'"