House adopts Matzie resolution calling attention to Agent Orange impact on Vietnam War veterans, families
Rep. Robert F. Matzie October 23, 2026 | 10:08 AM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 – The Pennsylvania House on Wednesday unanimously adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie's H.R. 539, designating October 2026 as "Agent Orange Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
Matzie, who is chairman of the House majority caucus, said he introduced the resolution to raise awareness about the devastating impact of Agent Orange exposure and its continuing effects on some Pennsylvania veterans and their families.
"While thousands of our troops were fighting in Vietnam, nearly 20 million gallons of Agent Orange and other herbicides were being sprayed to clear trees and other foliage that provided enemy cover,” Matzie said. “Exposure to Agent Orange was later linked to severe health problems, including heart disease, nervous system disorders like Parkinson's disease, birth defects like spina bifida, and various cancers including prostate, blood, bladder, respiratory and other cancers. Because the effects of exposure can take years to show up, many veterans are still discovering and being diagnosed with these conditions.
"I introduced this resolution to make sure we remember and honor the sacrifice of those who died as a result of their exposure to this deadly chemical and those who continue to live with the consequences decades after they've served."
Matzie said that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes certain conditions as "presumptive" conditions, meaning that they are legally assumed to have been caused by exposure to Agent Orange during military service. Veterans diagnosed with a presumptive condition do not need to prove that it started during – or got worse because of – their service.
A list of Agent Orange presumptive conditions is available at this page: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/.
Information about Agent Orange exposure and eligibility for disability compensation is available at this page: https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/.