During the Vietnam War, many U.S. soldiers were exposed to the chemical herbicide called Agent Orange, which can have detrimental health effects. For many years, Vietnam veterans had the ability to apply for additional benefits related to Agent Orange exposure only if they served on the ground or intercoastal waterways (one mile or less from shore). However, many service members in the surrounding areas who did not set foot in Vietnam were exposed to Agent Orange from contact with clothes, gear, food or water that was contaminated.

Last year, Congress unanimously passed the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, which was signed into law shortly after by President Trump. This law extended benefits to the veterans who served in the South Pacific, but did not necessarily set foot in Vietnam. These men and women are experiencing the same effects as many soldiers who were on the ground, and I believe they deserve the same respect and benefits as other veterans.

Since I started serving in Congress, many veterans groups have come to my office to discuss the importance of this bill, so I am glad that it was passed and signed into law with such overwhelming bipartisan support.

I am happy to announce that the Veterans Administration (VA) this week informed me that about half of the nearly 70,000 claims made by Blue Water Navy veterans have been processed. As you may know, it is often very difficult for the government to run efficiently and effectively, but I am glad to say that the VA, under the leadership of the Trump Administration, has continued to make American veterans a priority and have done an outstanding job quickly processing these claims.

For more information from the VA on Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans, please click here.

Earlier this year, I joined every member of the Wisconsin Congressional delegation in sending a bipartisan letter to Kenneth Braithwaite, Secretary of the Navy, suggesting that one of the Navy's new submarines be named after our state.

I am pleased to share with you that this week, Secretary Braithwaite announced that one of the Columbia-class submarines currently under construction will be named the U.S.S Wisconsin. The Columbia is a new class of submarine that will be replacing the Ohio. This will be the first ship named after the Badger State since 1944.

You can read more about the new U.S.S. Wisconsin here.

On Monday, we celebrated National Day of the Deployed. We honored the brave military personnel across the globe defending our American values and freedoms. Thank you to all of our troops, past and present!

Generations of men and women of the U.S. Navy have dedicated their lives to our nation’s defense. Tuesday, on Navy Day, we recognized their selflessness, and showed support for our current service members and veterans.

Congratulations to Sidney Buchman of Grafton for earning the rank of Eagle Scout!

Wednesday was National First Responders Day. When disaster strikes, first responders take immediate action. They are truly American heroes. Thank you to our nation’s police officers, firefighters, EMS and dispatch officers that keep us safe in times of chaos.

One more thing. I hope you have a happy and safe Halloween!

As your Congressman, I’m here to serve you. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to my offices in Fond du Lac and Washington. If you enjoyed this newsletter be sure to forward it to your family and friends so they can stay informed on what I’m doing in Washington and the Sixth District. 

You can also stay up-to-the-minute by following me on Facebook (Congressman Glenn Grothman), Twitter (@RepGrothman) and Instagram (@RepGlennGrothman).