Specialist Fourth Class Keith Smith Glioblastoma Parity Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3752
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-23: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-12T09:06:59Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Specialist Fourth Class Keith Smith Glioblastoma Parity Act of 2025 aims to recognize the link between exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange during the Vietnam War and the development of glioblastoma multiforme (a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer). It establishes a presumption that this condition is service-related for certain veterans, making it easier for them to access benefits without needing to prove a direct connection to their military service.
Key Provisions
- Findings Section: Outlines historical facts about U.S. military herbicide spraying in Vietnam (1961–1971), including approximately 19 million gallons of herbicides (13 million of which was Agent Orange) over 1.5 million hectares in South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. It notes widespread exposure affecting tens of thousands of Americans and ongoing health impacts on veterans, Vietnamese people, Vietnamese Americans, and their descendants.
- Presumptive Service Connection: Adds glioblastoma multiforme to the list of diseases presumed to be caused by exposure to herbicides during service in specific Vietnam-era locations (as defined under existing law).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends Section 1116(a)(2) of Title 38, United States Code (which governs veterans' benefits for herbicide exposure), by inserting glioblastoma multiforme as a new subparagraph (N) in the list of presumptive conditions.
- This change expands the existing framework for Agent Orange-related presumptions, which previously included conditions like certain cancers and neurological disorders, but did not cover glioblastoma multiforme.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may see an increase in disability claims and benefit payouts for this condition, potentially requiring additional resources for processing and healthcare services.
- On Citizens: Vietnam-era veterans exposed to herbicides in qualifying locations will have streamlined access to VA healthcare, disability compensation, and survivor benefits, reducing the burden of proving causation in claims.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, though it acknowledges the broader effects of U.S. military actions on Vietnamese populations, potentially supporting ongoing diplomatic or humanitarian discussions related to Agent Orange remediation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Vietnam-Era Veterans: Primary beneficiaries, particularly those who served in sprayed areas and developed glioblastoma multiforme.
- Veterans' Families and Survivors: Eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation if the veteran passes away from the condition.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Responsible for implementing the presumption, handling claims, and providing related medical care.
- Congressional Committees: The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs (where the bill was referred) and similar Senate bodies, influencing future veterans' policy.
- Affected Communities: Indirectly includes Vietnamese Americans and descendants impacted by transgenerational effects of exposure.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens veterans' entitlement to benefits under the Veterans Benefits Administration by using a "presumption of service connection," which shifts the burden of proof from the veteran to the VA. This aligns with precedents like the Agent Orange Act of 1991, promoting equity in claims processing.
- Constitutional: Supports the constitutional mandate (Article I, Section 8) for Congress to provide for the armed forces, including post-service care, without raising separation of powers issues.
- Political: Highlights bipartisan support (introduced by Representatives from both parties) for veterans' health issues, potentially setting a precedent for adding emerging science-backed conditions to presumptive lists. It addresses long-term accountability for military herbicide use, fostering public trust in government support for veterans while recognizing historical environmental and health legacies.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20]
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Hinson, Ashley [R-IA-2], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3], Rep. Messmer, Mark B. [R-IN-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-23: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
- 2025-06-05: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2025-06-05: Introduced in House
- 2025-06-05: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Specialist Fourth Class Keith Smith Glioblastoma Parity Act of 2025 — issued 2025-06-05 — PDF (3 pages)