Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.2149 - Correcting Guam’s History in the PACT Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.2149, the "Correcting Guam's History in the PACT Act," aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code to expand eligibility for a presumption of service connection for diseases associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents for veterans who served in Guam. Specifically, it modifies Section 1116(d)(5) to include veterans who served in Guam between August 15, 1958, and July 31, 1980, within the eligibility criteria.
The bill seeks to rectify an oversight in the original PACT Act by acknowledging the potential exposure of veterans in Guam to herbicide agents during the specified period. This correction ensures that veterans who served in Guam receive the same consideration as those who served in other locations where herbicide exposure is presumed.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 14, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Expected Effects

The primary effect of H.R.2149 will be to expand the pool of veterans eligible for presumptive service connection for diseases linked to herbicide exposure. This expansion will likely lead to increased access to healthcare and disability benefits for veterans who served in Guam during the specified period.
By amending Title 38, the bill clarifies the eligibility criteria and ensures that veterans who may have been exposed to herbicides in Guam receive the benefits they deserve. This correction aims to address a historical oversight and provide equitable treatment to all veterans.
Ultimately, the passage of this bill would result in increased financial and medical support for affected veterans, acknowledging the sacrifices made during their service.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased access to healthcare for veterans who served in Guam.
  • Expanded eligibility for disability benefits related to herbicide exposure.
  • Correction of a historical oversight in the PACT Act.
  • Equitable treatment for veterans who served in Guam compared to those who served elsewhere.
  • Improved financial stability for veterans and their families through increased benefits.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential increase in costs to the Department of Veterans Affairs due to expanded eligibility.
  • Possible delays in processing claims due to a larger applicant pool.
  • Risk of fraudulent claims if eligibility criteria are not carefully monitored.
  • Limited impact on veterans who served outside the specified timeframe or location.
  • Administrative burden associated with implementing the changes to Title 38.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the Constitution's provision for Congress to provide for the common defense and general welfare (Preamble). Specifically, it falls under Congress's power to raise and support armies (Article I, Section 8) and to provide for veterans. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Furthermore, the bill's focus on providing benefits to veterans aligns with the principle of ensuring the well-being of those who have served the nation. By addressing a historical oversight and expanding eligibility for benefits, the bill promotes fairness and equity in the treatment of veterans.
In summary, H.R.2149 appears to be a legitimate exercise of Congress's constitutional authority to legislate on matters related to national defense and the welfare of veterans.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).