Washington, Feb. 11 -- Congressman Joaquin Castro issued the following press release:
Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-TX) and Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) led more than a dozen of their colleagues in a letter urging the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure veterans who served in the Panama Canal Zone (PCZ) and were exposed to toxic chemicals receive disability compensation through the PACT Act.
"Historical documentation reveals that the Department of Defense (DoD) transferred herbicides and other toxic chemicals to U.S. bases in the PCZ to maintain and clear vegetation. Veteran testimony and archival records confirm their presence. At least 400 PCZ veterans have been diagnosed...