Trump Signs Tester’s Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act into Law

Senator’s bipartisan bill expands care and benefits to veterans exposed to toxic substances in the line of duty

(U.S. Senate) – President Donald Trump has signed U.S. Senator Jon Tester’s bipartisan Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act into law.

As Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Tester has fought tirelessly for years to extend VA benefits to these Vietnam veterans. The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act guarantees that veterans who served off the shores of Vietnam and were exposed to toxins such as Agent Orange, can access treatment and receive benefits from the VA.

“Today’s victory was hard fought and hard won by brave servicemembers who returned home only to be denied the benefits and care they earned,” Tester said. “This bill is long overdue for so many veterans and their families in Montana and across the country, living with the effects of exposure to Agent Orange. We are finally delivering on our government’s commitment to the Blue Water Navy veterans who sacrificed so much to keep us safe and free.”

Tester’s bill is supported by the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, Military Officers Association of America, Fleet Reserve Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Paralyzed Veterans of America, AMVETS, and Military Order of the Purple Heart.