Washington, DC – Today Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV), Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), and Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-TX) introduced legislation to extend health care access to veterans who patrolled the Panama Canal, so they can be treated for illness contracted in connection to their service.

The bipartisan Panama Canal Zone Veterans Act would provide veterans who served in that area from 1958-1999 the healthcare benefits and disability compensation associated with military service, by establishing a presumption of service connection for specified conditions associated with active duty.

Under such a designation, specific health conditions in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded and services delivered through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Last year the Honoring Our PACT Act, which I was proud to vote for, finally secured critical health care services for veterans who were exposed to toxic burn pits. Similar benefits have been provided to ‘atomic veterans’ with presumption of illnesses caused by exposure to radiation in the South Pacific and at the Nevada Test Site. I’m helping lead this legislation to extend similar protections to even more veterans. It’s the least we can do,” said Rep. Titus.

“Miami is home to numerous veterans who served our country by patrolling the Panama Canal while our military was stationed there,” said Rep. Salazar. “We need to provide our veterans with the healthcare they deserve, and which they need. They risked their lives every day for our country, its only right to be there for them in their time of need.”

“San Antonio is proud to be Military City, USA because we know how important veterans and their families are to our community and the nation,” said Rep. Castro. “Yet, for too long, America’s veterans have returned home only to fight an uphill battle for the healthcare and benefits they earned. This bill delivers much needed relief and support to those suffering from illnesses that stem from active duty service in the Panama Canal Zone.”