CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN’S BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO HELP VIETNAM VETERANS WITH CANCER PASSES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Congressman Pat Ryan's Bipartisan Legislation to Help Vietnam Veterans with Cancer Passes House of Representatives

Congressman Ryan led the legislation, which will fund research to help Vietnam War veterans battling cancer, with Congressman Nick LaLota (R-NY)

WASHINGTON, DC - Yesterday the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed Congressman Pat Ryan's bipartisan "Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act," critical legislation which will make a historic investment into research and treatment of certain cancers connected to veterans' time serving in the Vietnam War.

"My fellow veterans risked their lives for our country - it is completely unacceptable that decades later, heroes who served in Vietnam still do not have the care they deserve. Today we're righting that historic wrong," said Congressman Pat Ryan."This legislation will finally help Vietnam veterans get the care our country owes them. I pushed hard to get this bill through the House, and will continue working with anyone and everyone to deliver for our veterans."

"This week, the House took bipartisan action to do what the VA has refused to for more than six years-acknowledge the suffering of Vietnam Veterans exposed to liver fluke in Southeast Asia. My bill, the Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act, passed with broad support because both sides agree: these heroes deserve answers, not more delay," said Congressman LaLota. "Too many have already died waiting. It's past time we matched our words with action and gave these Veterans the care and recognition they've earned."

Multiple studies have shown veterans who served in the Vietnam War and ate raw or undercooked fish could have been exposed to or currently carrying the dormant parasite Platyhelminthes, commonly known as "liver fluke." In several cases, this parasite has caused very serious and life-threatening health conditions including bile duct cancer and liver disease.

In 2018, the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) conducted a first-of-its-kind study on the prevalence of "liver fluke" in a group of fifty Vietnam-era Veterans. Initial reports from the study highlight the need for more research on "liver fluke," the development of standard treatment, and increased access to care for veterans at VA facilities across the country.

The study required by this bill will allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to research the prevalence and impact of "liver fluke" in the Vietnam-era Veteran population and potentially designate it as a service-related condition.

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