For Immediate Release: February 1, 2016

Urges Senate to Oppose S. 357

Washington, D.C. – Calling it a “slap in the face”, nearly 20 leading national veterans organizations urged Senate leaders to oppose a key legislative priority of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and major asbestos interests ahead of a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee scheduled for Feb. 3rd.

The Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act (S.357) sponsored by Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) would deplete the resources of already-dwindling trust funds set aside to compensate asbestos victims, many of whom are veterans. In addition, the bill would also require online disclosure of victims’ personal information, such as medical conditions and partial Social Security numbers, placing these veterans at heightened risk of identity theft.  

“Rhetorically showing support for our veterans in speeches, while voting against their interests and wellbeing is nothing short of a slap in the face to these brave men and women who often put their lives in harm’s way serving their country,” wrote the groups in their letter to Senators Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) – the chair and ranking members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Among the 17 organizations that sent the letter were AMVETS, the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), the Vietnam Veterans of America (VAA) and the Association of the U.S. Navy (AUSN).

As the groups note in their letter, veterans are over-represented among Americans harmed by exposure to asbestos. Thirty percent of mesothelioma victims are veterans who were likely exposed to the deadly substance during their military service. Mesothelioma is an extremely painful and rapidly fatal form of cancer that attacks the lining of the lungs, stomach and other organs.

The armed forces used to rely heavily on asbestos for its heat-resistant and fireproofing properties. It was widely used in ships, tanks, planes and other military vehicles. And after leaving the service, many veterans took jobs in manufacturing industries where often they were exposed to asbestos again.

The House passed similar legislation on January 8, 2016, sponsored by Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-Texas). However, 16 Republicans joined all of the Democrats in voting against the measure, largely over concerns it would put veterans and many other Americans at risk of identity theft.

 “We hope every member of the Senate, including those who sit on the Judiciary Committee, will take note of the growing opposition by their colleagues in the House and strongly oppose this anti-veterans bill,” wrote the veterans’ groups.

Other organizations that oppose S. 357 include the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), AFSCME, the AFL-CIO, the National Education Association (NEA), Public Citizen, the Alliance for Justice, the American Association for Justice, the Center for Justice and Democracy and the Communication Workers of America, among other groups.

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