II 111th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1940 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES October 27, 2009 Mrs. Gillibrand introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a study on the effects on children of exposure of their parents to herbicides used in support of the United States and allied military operations in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era, and for other purposes.

1.

Study on association between diseases in children and exposure of parents to herbicide agents used in support of military operations in Vietnam

(a)

In general

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall complete a study on the effects on children of exposure of their parents to herbicides used in support of the United States and allied military operations in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era. (b)

Review of scientific evidence

As part of the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall review and evaluate the available scientific evidence regarding associations between diseases in children, including multiple sclerosis and asthma, and the exposure of their parents to dioxin and other chemical compounds in herbicides described in subsection (a). (c)

Report

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of a Representatives a report on the findings of the Secretary as a result of the study required by subsection (a). (d)

Vietnam era defined

In this section, the term Vietnam era has the meaning given the term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.