By Pacific Island Times News Staff
The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act passed in the House of Representatives on Wednesday authorizes over $2 billion in economic activity for Guam, including $100 million for access roads.
It also includes a provision requiring the secretary of defense for health affairs to provide a report detailing information about the use of Agent Orange on Guam.
The language incorporated into the NDAA was introduced by Guam Del. James Moylan.
“There are many eyewitness reports from veterans who have stated that Agent Orange may have been used in Guam as far back as 1958,” Moylan said.
The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics, or PACT Act, has indicated Jan. 9, 1962 as the start date for veterans to make claims.
“In early 2023, our office introduced H.R. 1191 to correct the dates, but the relevant committees required reliable commissioned studies to begin any discussion. This report would be that study,” Moylan said.
The amendment would require the secretary of defense for health affairs to provide a report to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees by Dec. 31 on the use of Agent Orange in Guam.
The briefing would include the exact dates and specific areas where Agent
Orange was used, identification of suspected dump sites for the herbicide and "any other relevant matters that the secretary deems necessary or appropriate.
The NDAA also requires the inclusion of details on any known disabilities and diseases that can result from exposure to Agent Orange.
“The objective of this report is not only to enhance an argument of expanding the timelines of exposure of Agent Orange by veterans who served on Guam but also to begin the conversation on healthcare or disability compensation for civilians who may have been exposed," Moylan said.
"This endeavor has a long road ahead, but we need to start somewhere, and this report would help craft that path,” he added.
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