SD29 - The Effects of Exposure to Agent Orange on the Citizens of the Commonwealth
Executive Summary: In response to the growing concerns of many citizens in the Commonwealth, especially those who were involved in the war in Vietnam, three resolutions, HJR 205, HJR 256 and SJR 141, were introduced during the 1987 Session of the General Assembly calling for studies of the effects of exposure to agent orange on citizens of the Commonwealth. Senate Joint Resolution 141 was approved, thereby establishing this study. Senate Joint Resolution 141 noted the continuing controversy surrounding the Vietnam War, the extensive use of defoliants/herbicides during that conflict and the lack of appreciation at that time of the possible medical risks from exposure to these defoliants/herbicides. This resolution also recognized the federal government's responsibility for the provision of services to veterans, but it acknowledged the Commonwealth's duty to evaluate "the needs of the victims {of Agent Orange exposure}." The Joint Subcommittee was directed to "make recommendations as to how these victims might be aided by the federal government." The Joint Subcommittee consisted of two members of the Senate, J. Granger Macfarlane of Roanoke and Frank W. Nolen of New Hope; three members of the House of Delegates, C. Richard Cranwell of Vinton, Jay W. DeBoer of Petersburg and Kenneth R. Melvin of Portsmouth; and two citizens members, Mr. Daniel E. Kames of Roanoke and Dr. Maurice K. Eggleston of Roanoke. Senator J. Granger Macfarlane served as the chairman and Mr. Daniel E. Kames served as the vice-chairman. |
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