Sponsors (2)
The bill provides formal recognition and a clear application path for eligible Agent Orange–exposed veterans and their families through a dedicated medal, at the cost of modest taxpayer expense and added administrative burden for VA and DoD.
Eligible veterans and, where applicable, next-of-kin will receive an official Agent Orange Veterans Service Medal recognizing their service and exposure.
Establishes a clear application and certification process so veterans and families have an administrative pathway to request and receive the medal.
Administering certification and distribution will add workload to VA and DoD staff and could divert time and resources, possibly delaying other veteran services.
Designing, producing, and distributing the medal will incur taxpayer-funded costs for the Department of Defense.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates an Agent Orange Veterans Service Medal and requires the Defense Department to design, produce, and issue it to qualifying herbicide-exposed Vietnam-era veterans or their next-of-kin upon application.
Introduced April 2, 2026 by Jefferson Van Drew · Last progress April 2, 2026
Creates a commemorative Agent Orange Veterans Service Medal and requires the Department of Defense to design, produce, and issue the medal to qualifying veterans. Veterans who meet specified VA compensation or Vietnam-era herbicide-exposure criteria can apply for the medal; next-of-kin may receive it if the veteran is deceased, and an application form must be prepared and made available. The bill focuses on issuing a symbolic medal to recognize veterans exposed to herbicides during the Vietnam era. It does not change VA benefits, medical care, or compensation levels, and it does not specify funding amounts or a detailed timeline for production and distribution.