Blumenthal, Murray Lead Effort to Jumpstart Groundbreaking Research for Children of Toxic-Exposed Veterans

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) recently introduced the Molly R. Loomis Research for Descendants of Toxic Exposed Veterans Act—legislation to expand research on birth defects among descendants of toxic-exposed veterans.

“Toxic exposures impact our veterans and their kids. By passing the Molly Loomis bill Congress can jumpstart groundbreaking research for them—providing military families with answers to the health challenges they may face as a result of battlefield toxins,” said Senator Blumenthal. “While we know that exposure to Agent Orange and other toxins have long lasting, generational impacts—we know almost nothing about the genetic effect of toxic exposure. Our bill will allow us to study these generational impacts so we can better treat veterans’ loved ones and prevent these exposures.”

“We have a responsibility as a nation to ensure that toxic-exposed veterans and their families can get the comprehensive health care they need—and to date there has not been nearly enough research on how toxic exposure can affect veterans’ children throughout their lives,” said Senator Murray. “This legislation will take a critical step forward by requiring research on the health conditions prevalent in the descendants of veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their service. We owe it to the men and women who serve to care for the health and safety of their loved ones, and I will never stop fighting to make sure veterans and their families receive the support and care they deserve.”

While there has been some research on the link between birth defects and generational exposure to toxins and chemicals, there has yet to be comprehensive, government-led studies into the effects of toxic exposure on descendants of toxic-exposed veterans. The Molly R. Loomis Research for Descendants of Toxic Exposed Veterans Act would commission first-of-its-kind, landmark research on birth defects among descendants of toxic-exposed veterans, enabled by the PACT Act.

Veterans exposed to toxins during their military service are more likely to develop certain medical conditions, such as rare cancers, heart conditions, and chronic lung ailments, as a direct result of their toxic exposure. Descendants of these toxic-exposed veterans are also likely to experience health challenges, related to their parents’ or grandparents’ exposure to toxic chemicals. The Senators’ legislation is named after Molly Loomis, who has spina bifida related to her father’s exposure to Agent Orange.

Veterans Service Organizations across the country support the Senators’ legislative effort to expand research on health conditions faced by descendants of toxic-exposed veterans, including the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), and Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH).

“The effects of toxic exposures can last long after service members take off the uniform. Unfortunately, sometimes family members may have some of these effects passed on to them,” said VFW National Legislative Director Kristina Keenan. “The VFW supports this legislation to research the aftereffects of toxins on the descendants of service members. We thank Senators Blumenthal and Murray for leading this effort.”

“Despite research showing descendants of toxic-exposed veterans experiencing lifelong medical conditions, there has yet to be a comprehensive government-led study looking into this,” said DAV National Commander Dan Contreras. “DAV is proud to support the Molly R. Loomis Research for Descendants of Toxic Exposed Veterans Act, which closes this critical research gap. We applaud Sens. Blumenthal and Murray for introducing this important bill and recognizing that the true cost of war extends to future generations.”

“Vietnam Veterans of America fully supports The Molly R. Loomis Research for Descendants of Toxic Exposed Veterans Act, and thank Senators Blumenthal and Murray for introducing this important piece of legislation,” said VVA National President Jack McManus. “Our veterans, their children, and their grandchildren have waited far too long for answers to their health conditions believed to be a result of military toxic exposures. When enacted, this important research will provide the much-needed science regarding the generational legacy of toxicants.”

“The Military Order of the Purple Heart USA fully supports the efforts of Vietnam Veterans of America in its unwavering and longstanding commitment to all veterans and their descendants exposed to the effects of Toxins and Chemicals. Additionally, we fully support Senator Blumenthal in reintroduction of the “Molly Loomis Act” and emphasize our professional relationship and partnership with Vietnam Veterans of America through an official MOU and we stand ready to support and encourage the passage of this critical legislation and the adoption of a companion bill in the House,” said MOPH National Commander Robert Olivarez.

-30-