California has more residents serving in the military today than any other state. It's no surprise then, that we have a strong history of supporting our military community. I hope Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer can continue this tradition and provide aid to sick veterans by voting for the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act.
There are roughly 2.5 million veterans in our state alone. During the years between World War II and the Vietnam conflict, California was a major center for military shipbuilding and repair. From 1941 to 1974, for example, Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco concentrated on building and modifying or repairing naval ships.
Unfortunately, the military and private shipbuilders used asbestos in construction until the mid 1970's. When inhaled, this material can cause horrible life-threatening diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Many veterans are now being diagnosed with these diseases. They face staggering medical bills because their avenues for obtaining compensation are limited. Under the law, veterans exposed during their military service can't sue their employer, the federal government.
The Senate has a chance this month to help these sick veterans while aiding all victims who suffer from asbestos-related diseases. When the FAIR Act was considered in the Judiciary Committee, Sen. Feinstein worked hard to get this bill, which would establish a defendant-financed asbestos victims' trust fund, approved.
The FAIR Act would pave the way for quick payments to flow to victims, including U.S. veterans.
Asbestos litigation has become a sinkhole for almost all involved. The courts are inundated with lawsuits and can't act quickly to help victims. Government action is necessary. More than 730,000 people have filed lawsuits nationwide. These cases drag on for years and critical compensation is delayed.
In effect, the FAIR Act would remove the problem from the overloaded courts. By establishing a standard procedure, the FAIR Act would save on administrative costs and ensure that the money would go straight to victims and not to trial lawyers. And sick veterans would be able to apply for compensation without affecting their current Veterans Administration Benefits.
The VFW and more than a dozen other national veterans' organizations support this legislation because it is the only solution to the asbestos litigation crisis that will ensure sick veterans receive the compensation they need and deserve.
Brave men and women have answered the call to service in our country and now they deserve our help and support. Sen. Feinstein is to be commended for her work on this critical legislation for vets. I urge both Sens. Feinstein and Boxer to consider the benefits this legislation will provide to sick veterans and vote yes for the FAIR Act.
Henry H. Wadahara, Past State Commander California Department of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
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