Ashley Hinson U.S. House of Representatives from Iowa | Official U.S. House Headshot
Ashley Hinson U.S. House of Representatives from Iowa | Official U.S. House Headshot
Congresswoman Ashley Hinson and Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick have introduced a bipartisan bill to amend the PACT Act, ensuring Vietnam War veterans exposed to Agent Orange can access benefits for glioblastoma. The legislation is named the Specialist Fourth Class Keith Smith Glioblastoma Parity Act, in honor of SP4 Keith Smith, a Vietnam veteran who died from glioblastoma after being denied benefits under the current PACT Act.
Linda Smith, his widow, advocates for this change to prevent other families from facing similar challenges. "This was Keith’s wish─to help other Vietnam veterans affected by Agent Orange," she stated.
Congresswoman Hinson emphasized the importance of updating the law: "Ensuring our veterans receive the benefits they have earned remains a top priority for me... I’m humbled to co-lead this bipartisan effort."
Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick added, "When our veterans serve, we make a promise to stand by them—not just in war, but long after they return home."
The Military Aviator Coalition for Health (MACH) and The Invisible Enemy organization have endorsed the bill. COL. Vincent Alcazar of MACH called it "a huge step in rectifying past disparities." David Tilem of The Invisible Enemy expressed gratitude for recognizing glioblastoma as related to service.
The full text of the bill is available online.
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