Jim Webb, D-Va: Not a Friend of Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange

Years of denial, small breakthroughs, and a large setback, or is it a stab in the back?

(DA NANG, Vietnam) - Senator Jim Webb, a Vietnam Veteran himself, has won approval to STALL the newest three presumptive illnesses from the Agent Orange list which Secretary Shinseki had already approved.

This is, at least for now, a temporary and 60 day freeze. However, if he receives congressional momentum in favor of what he is proposing, these three new presumptives, COULD be prevented from being approved.

I also urge you to contact your local congressional and Senate representatives ASAP. I also urge you to write to the Secretary as well as our President urging they all take our side and override this amendment sponsored by Webb. It is not, I repeat, NOT supportive of the Agent Orange victim.

In his article on Herald.net, "Spending limits placed on new Agent Orange claims", Tom Philpott wrote:

"The chief architect of the pricey new GI Bill education benefit for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan war era could become a new champion — for taxpayers — against what he perceives as excess spending on military pay and on a new wave of Agent Orange claims^[1].

"Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., a former Navy secretary and decorated Vietnam War veteran, risked the anger of thousands of veterans from that war when he won Senate approval last week of an amendment to block, at least temporarily, the Department of Veterans Affairs from paying new disability claims on three prominent diseases presumed linked to wartime herbicide exposure."

The March 2010 VA draft regulation, predicted costs for Agent Orange claims jumping by $13.6 billion in a year, and by $42.2 billion over 10 years. If Webb's plans become law, the projected 10-year cost of the new GI Bill benefits will be $52 billion.

A Vietnam Veteran, Webb has been involved in issues relating to Agent Orange since the late 1970s, when he was the staff director of the House Armed Services Committee.

The politician has "expressed concern to staff and fellow senators over the expanding list of diseases presumed caused by defoliants in Vietnam," Philpott wrote.

Under the Agent Orange Act of 1991, veterans who suffer from these presumptive diseases are eligible for compensation, even if they only spent one day in country.

Webb admitted that it is about cost, and apparently, the possibility that Vietnam Veterans who served in jungles where the toxic cancer causing chemical was sprayed, actually became ill, via 'contract through normal aging.'

We at Salem-News.com welcome Chuck aboard and look forward to sharing more of his stories with our readers in the future.

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Comments Leave a comment on this story.

All comments and messages are approved by people and self promotional links or unacceptable comments are denied.

Andre Giroux May 4, 2012 9:03 pm (Pacific time)

Don't forget Vietnamese victims. Victims of US imperialism!

Vernon Eure USMC 67-70 June 10, 2011 10:04 am (Pacific time)

Has anyone proved he was decorated so many officers put themself in for medals while the grunts die he is no better than Hanoi Jane should shot them both Webb your a coward and traitor

PD August 22, 2010 6:47 pm (Pacific time)

To the editor if you don't have the courage to post what people write then you should abondon yor post to someone with more smarts. If all people don't have the right to express their opion then what did all the good men die for? Just the ones that you like or agree with?
This forum is pretty much a joke anyway because no is listening. What a joke.

Editor: Let's see, you aren't smart enough to know that I can see you here posting under different names, claiming to be a Marine in one and now you are PD? Why would a Vietnam Vet Marine who served 22 months in combat have to resort to this? Figure out who you are. By the way, we make this available for readers because we choose to. It isn't about 'free speech', this is a media group, not a branch of the government. Don't you know that? We will never let morons spew their crap here if we don't want to. End of story.

Marine I/4/12 August 22, 2010 6:39 pm (Pacific time)

You can't rant and rave profanities here, OK? Don't insult our writer who lives in the same place he fought in. If you were in Vietnam 22 months then obviously we respect that, but don't apporach things the way you did. Why you would support Webb's throwing Veterans under the train is your business. Be civil, thanks.

Marine l/4/12 August 19, 2010 11:12 am (Pacific time)

Editor: Heydumbass, get the hell out of here and don't insult our staff if you ever expect to show up here, stupid punk. You were no Marine, we were. Hell, Chuck lives in VN today.

PD August 7, 2010 8:03 am (Pacific time)

Vets need to understand regarless of all the lies webb tells about supporting vets he is a liar period. He cares about webb and being a hero. All the vets that served in Nam know webb's type. The hero's that will get you killed as long as it is you and not him. Come on vets we have seen this for 40 yrs. The US government don't give a damn about you after they have used you up and webb is the same way he is the us govenment. There will always be the Vets that do the right thing make the sarifices to keep the us free,that was and is the Vets that served our nation regardless of cost to themselves. I still care for and love the Marines I served with at Khe Sanh. Semper FI.

Joe Lis August 6, 2010 9:19 am (Pacific time)

I hope Senator webb that your fellow democrats pull you aside and have a little talk with you. You've really hurt the party.

PD July 31, 2010 1:03 pm (Pacific time)

Sen Webb is a piece of big business crap. He has all his goodies paid for and could care less about vets. He says i take a back seat to no one helping vets. Bullsh*t webb you are crap,yellow dog do-do.

PD July 27, 2010 10:04 pm (Pacific time)

Any man that colors his hair like webb is so vain. he is a traitor to all vets. he voted to give billions to banks but gripes about helping vets that gave all they had. what a back stabbing jerk. wish i could vote against him. webb you may have the title of Marine but you aren't you only wish you were. to all true Maries SEMPER FI

Frank Masters July 25, 2010 10:23 pm (Pacific time)

I am a Viet-Nam who suffers from ischemic heart disease. My question to senator webb is if you do something wrong shouldn't you have to pay for what you have done. The goverment used agent orange which was wrong and they should have to pay for what they did no matter the cost.

keith July 9, 2010 12:50 pm (Pacific time)

it seems that the senator along with the va system would like the majoraty of the vet die before approving their claims.i guess if they can make us wait long enough the majority of veit nam vets well die and they wont have to pay as much for claims thank you senator webb for looking out for your fllow vets.

Vet911 July 8, 2010 6:07 am (Pacific time)

I think of all the wasted project you voted on and now you want to screw your brother veterans, washington has got you in there pocket.Nicejob.pay backs will come.

Robert J McInnis June 24, 2010 9:27 pm (Pacific time)

WE still have a slim chance. If you people will contact the House leader ship + your congressman. Tell them to strip S.amt 4222 sponcered by Webb from HR. 4899. This bill is still in conference commity.If it is passed with the bill the VA regulation is gone.

kst June 22, 2010 6:20 pm (Pacific time)

I think that all of the Vietnam Veterans are heroes except this desk jockey waste of breathable air. I was born in 1964 and I have the utmost respect for the veterans. You all fought for freedom and you all deserve to be taken better care of. The "Webb" of deceit needs to be voted out. Didn't they used to do away with the traitors like Webb? I salute all of the U.S. Veterans of all Wars. Thank you for making our country safe for democracy.

Deb Russo June 22, 2010 6:16 pm (Pacific time)

Our Vietnam Vets have been struggling for years with their helth, Why does the US pay Vietnam Billions due to Agent ORange and yet our own suffer

Editor: Our view is that all people affected by this wicked scourge should be helped with no questions. It is not about pitting the Veteran against the Vietnamese; they did that already.

Dave June 17, 2010 10:09 am (Pacific time)

He was most likely an office boy that never saw the bush and has no idea. Nothing against admin peeps...just the panty waist ones like Webb. them and the John (puke) Kerry's are why Vietnam Vets have such a bad time with the VA.

cpl D on Hannaah June 18, 2010 10:16 am (Pacific time)

I WAS SPRAYED with Agent Orange Dec 1965. 1st Inf Div Ben Cat Vietnam we were just moving in, 2004 4 way by pass after years of high blood pressure. Spent 93 days in cardiac intenxive care, died 4 times. Now all I can do is sit in the yard and watch the world go by. Can't work, just barely gettn by. THANK YOU Sen webb for a nince MARINE kick in the teeth. I hope you never get sick...BUT what goes around comes around...your day will come.

Pat Harris June 17, 2010 9:57 am (Pacific time)

I like the hair comment! Senator Webb in his infinite wisdom can ignore the experts and General Shinseki in their concern and beliefs in the three new presumptions. Jim (sorry, I have no respect for you), you declare that these diseases are from the aging process. You completely disregard the scientific report the General based his decision on. Money, money, money. Sleep well tonight, even on your hair.

steve lawrence June 13, 2010 7:33 am (Pacific time)

sen webb stop colorimg your hair get a life semper fi

Veteran Dave June 15, 2010 11:36 am (Pacific time)

I have ischemic heart disease...other arteries are ok, only the coronary arteries are a mess. Also have leukemia and kidney disease. Can't put in stents because the die would probably damage the kidneys to the point of causing me to go on dialysis. Between a rock and a hard place. I believe the leukemia is due to the benzene in the water at Camp Lejeune....but that is another story. Senator Webb, I would much rather be able to work. What you did to stall the approval of the final rules is just wrong. If you had a problem with the three presumptive conditions or questions, they should have been asked a year ago...not now. I feel you are a disgrace to the office you hold and have slapped Vietnam veterans in the face.

Tim Connelly June 13, 2010 10:21 pm (Pacific time)

I guess this is what we get for losing. As a vietnam veteran, I will curl up in a little ball and wait to die. I would hate to have anymore government money spent on me. I'm lucky I can go to the VA Hospital and wait five hours to see the doctor for five minutes. Now if I would have been a winner things might be different

Thomas Ortiz June 12, 2010 6:46 am (Pacific time)

Gun Bunny Airmobile 1.05 Howitzer 1966-67. What a "Moron" this Webb is, he appears to be one of those Pompus politico's, gets SS without paying into it, gets pension without paying into it, and all the other bennies. Yet, stirs controversy on the lives of his FORMER buddies and their families by stalling AO treatment or Benefits.

Robert J McInnis June 11, 2010 8:53 pm (Pacific time)

If you act now maybe we can save this reg. It was sent back to congress for final appoval. email your congressman today to strip S.amt 4222 from HR. 4899. If this is left in the bill you can kiss this reg goodby

Active still June 10, 2010 9:36 pm (Pacific time)

I find this guys constant “friend to vets” act to be such a joke. My father died because of Agent Orange and in no way do I want anyone else to. For someone who is in the “front seat for veterans” he certainly does vote against them early and often. If I could, I would vote this guy out of office.

alexy June 10, 2010 9:53 am (Pacific time)

from what I understand, jim webb wants to split veterans, vietnam verus middle east veterans, I can not believe he would have support from other senators, house representives, there are not many vietnam vets left, if jim webb waits long enough we will go away.

Wayne Phelps June 9, 2010 7:12 pm (Pacific time)

I can not beleive Senator Webb. I would like to see his voteing record. I bet he has supported a lot of stupid bills that wast money, but could care less about the people who risk all for this country. I hope all vetrans will stand togeather and vote this idiot out of office.

Pat Williams June 9, 2010 9:07 am (Pacific time)

HE'S PROBABLY GOT DISABILITY AND NOT CONCERNED ABOUT OTHERS. HE IS A DISAPPOINTMENT TO ALL VETERANS.

John Walker June 8, 2010 2:22 pm (Pacific time)

USN/Retired Vietnam Vet 4/67 to 11/68. Yes I extended for Democracy for the South as what our country stands for. Now, I feel betrayed by you Senator Webb. I do not see how you look at yourself in the mirror. You are not an American, but a betrayal to the Vietnam Vets.

Don Goulet June 8, 2010 6:16 am (Pacific time)

Senator Webb: You have slapped your Viet Nam Veterans in the Face. May God forgive you.

Pete June 7, 2010 1:42 pm (Pacific time)

I served with the 101st in 70 and 71 and stayed on active duty for 12 years. In the mid 70's started having BP spikes. They wrote it off to stress and said diet and exercise. Those spikes continued until I left active duty. In the mid 80's I had a silent heart attack and continued with hypertension issues. In 2005 a triple bypass. It started in my 20's Senator Webb, like so many of us just a few years after coming home! This was not part of the natural aging process! Why am I not surpised by such arrogance!

Doc Nadler June 6, 2010 11:05 am (Pacific time)

I think Senator Webb should take a hard look in his own backyard. The wars in Iraq and Afganistan are costing more then the Agent Orange diseases for Vietnam Vets. Are you stupid or just one of those Senators with his hand out and no compassion?

Alan Hundley June 8, 2010 1:18 pm (Pacific time)

It is apparent that Jim Webb has either had his head in the sand or in the clouds and not read the horror stories Vietnam Veterans and their families have gone through and are still going through over the use of the herbicide Agent Orange. Jim Webb apparently has a hidden agenda which we will all find out about later, I'm sure. How could a reasonable and prudent individual with a normal intelligence ignore what has been apparent to just about everyone concerning Agent Orange for the last 20 years. I intend to awaken Senator Webb on election day with my vote. I urge all you Vietnam Veterans to look at this individual and ask yourself, Do we want him representing us as Senator or as a Committee Chairman of the Armed Services Committee? Because of narrow-minded individuals like this, Vietnam Veterans have already waited long enough for compensation. I urge you as voters to remove Jim Webb from office on the next election. Vietnam Veteran, Alan T. Hundley (USMC)

FRED June 8, 2010 9:33 am (Pacific time)

Senator Webb you appear to be a smart intelligent person.It just goes to show you things are not always as they seem..I suggest you return home and reverse what you have done..Us Vets are a compassionate bunch and we can forgive...but this needs to be done and done now..You obviously do not have the pulse of the people. We are "being over run" sir..Please help us..We cannot wait 60 days or 60 seconds....

Joe Covington June 8, 2010 6:03 am (Pacific time)

As over 300 of the Vietnam War Vets die each day, with an average life span that is 10 years lower that the non-Vietnam Vet. Then this man comes along and wants them to die without their due. He claims to suppport Veterans, Yeah right! He is afraid of his past.

Pete June 7, 2010 1:41 pm (Pacific time)

Smokey June 7, 2010 10:28 am (Pacific time)

And PS....Senator Webb says he does not take the back seat to no one in his concern or vets..Well Senator you have one problem you are no longer in the car!!

Smokey June 7, 2010 10:17 am (Pacific time)

I dont mean to be rude but maybe I do..What the hell is he thinking?He WAS one of us!! All vets ALL vets take care...

Fellow Vietnam Vet June 7, 2010 9:21 am (Pacific time)

You must want to leave the senate, you just lost a lot of votes. Thousands of Vets respect you no longer.

Frank June 7, 2010 9:04 am (Pacific time)

Finally after 40 years, thousands of Vietnam Vets had hopes of receiving the benefits that they earned, now their fellow veteran that they helped get elected to the senate, is trying to kill the hopes they had of receiving what they sacrificed for. Sham on you, do you think your fellow veterans will vote for you again?

Chuck Palazzo June 6, 2010 9:09 pm (Pacific time)

You are so right, Doc...cant help but think there is much self-serving with this clown - perhaps take the focus off the other disasters he is part of, as you well point out.

Doc Nadler June 6, 2010 10:11 am (Pacific time)

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