Media

Washington, D.C.—Today, Jim Baird (IN-04) voted in favor of S. 112, a bill that will strengthen benefits for the children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida. The children of Vietnam veterans have an increased risk of spina bifida, a neural tube defect in the spine, as a result of their parent’s exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides during their service. S. 112 is the Senate companion to H.R. 3888, introduced by Congressman Baird in June.

“The children of Vietnam veterans are encouraged to take advantage of the benefits available to them due to their parent’s service, but many are unaware that these benefits exist,” said Congressman Baird. “This legislation will strengthen the benefits available to the children of Vietnam veterans who suffer from spina bifida and establishes a plan to contact eligible individuals. I hope President Biden will sign this bill into law without delay.”

Background:

• The Office of Community Care (OCC) Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program Guide states, “This program provides services and supplies for enrolled beneficiaries for all covered medical conditions, not simply those related to spina bifida.” This assistance includes instrumental activities of daily living (i.e., cleaning a house or apartment, showering, cooking, etc.).

• VAOIG reported serious problems with the administration of the spina bifida program in their 2021 report, including payments to deceased beneficiaries and significant numbers of participants not receiving all the benefits for which they are eligible.

• It is estimated over 1,000 Veterans children suffer from the disease in the United States, and yet less than half of those are enrolled in the program.

• The lack of social workers and case management services is particularly worrisome because this condition often leaves beneficiaries without the capacity to arrange their own care.

• The bill passed unanimously with 422 yeas and 11 members not voting.