Correcting Guam’s History in the PACT Act

# Summary of HR 2149: Correcting Guam's History in the PACT Act **What the bill would do:** This bill would expand healthcare benefits for veterans who were exposed to herbicide agents (like Agent Orange) while serving in Guam. Specifically, it would extend the presumption that certain diseases are service-connected—meaning the military is presumed responsible for the condition—to veterans who served in Guam starting in 1958, rather than the current start date of 1962. This presumption allows veterans to more easily qualify for VA health care and disability compensation without having to prove their illness was caused by military service. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects veterans who served in or around Guam during a specific time period. By moving the eligibility date back to August 15, 1958, the bill would cover additional veterans who were there during the earlier years of potential herbicide exposure.

It also affects the Department of Veterans Affairs, which administers these benefits. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but not yet voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Delegate James C. Moylan, a Republican from Guam.