Rep. Thompson Applauds Provisions to Help Veterans Exposed to Toxic Substances Being Signed Into Law


Press Release

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Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-05) released this statement following the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 into law, which included the provisions of his legislation, the Jack Alderson Toxic Exposure Declassification Act:

“For decades, veterans and civilians have been fighting to learn the truth about their exposure to toxic substances,” said Rep. Thompson. “I am pleased that my provision to provide more transparency was included in the National Defense Authorization Act that was signed into law today. Veterans will now have the chance to get the answers and services they deserve.”

Veterans who have health conditions that are linked to exposure to toxic substances during their military service are eligible to apply for disability benefits and health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, some military operations and projects that resulted in their exposure to toxic substances remain classified by DoD, despite having taken place decades ago.

The provisions from Thompson’s bill, H.R. 3327, the Jack Alderson Toxic Exposure Declassification Act, that were included in the NDAA require the Department of Defense to conduct a declassification review of documents related to any known incident in which no less than 100 members of the Armed Forces were exposed to a toxic substance.

The legislation was named for Jack Alderson, a veteran and longtime constituent of Congressman Thompson, who was the Senior Navy Officer in charge of 5 different light tug operations from 1964 to 1967 as part of the Shipboard Hazard and Defense Project (SHAD). When he became sick in 1993, Alderson asked Thompson to investigate whether or not there could be a link between his health problems and Project SHAD.

Alderson has been a long-time champion seeking the truth and transparency for all of his fellow sailors and servicemembers who took part in classified missions that may have exposed them to toxic substances.