WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HCR 276

House concurrent resolution honoring the brave Vermont Vietnam War veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and recognizing the important initiative of the Orange Heart Medal Foundation, Inc. to honor their military service

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Morgan and 1 co-sponsor

Vermont honors its Agent Orange–exposed Vietnam veterans and promotes the Orange Heart Medal Foundation’s efforts to publicly recognize their service.

Adopted pursuant to Joint Rule 16b
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HCR 276

Summary of H.C.R. 276 (2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose and intent

  • H.C.R. 276 is a House concurrent resolution honoring Vermont Vietnam War veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange.
  • The resolution also recognizes the efforts of the Orange Heart Medal Foundation, Inc. to publicly honor these veterans for their military service.

Key provisions and changes

  • Declarative statements:
    • Acknowledges that from 1961 to 1971 the United States sprayed Agent Orange over Vietnam (and parts of Laos and Cambodia) as part of Operation Ranch Hand to defoliate terrain used by enemy forces and destroy crops.
    • Notes health impacts associated with Agent Orange exposure, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Parkinson’s disease, prostate cancer, respiratory cancers, and other serious conditions.
    • Cites estimated veteran mortality related to Agent Orange exposure (per the Cleveland Clinic), stating more than 300,000 Vietnam War veterans, including Vermonters, have died from exposure.
    • References the federal Agent Orange Act of 1991, which provided a health-care eligibility presumption for related illnesses but did not provide public recognition for these veterans’ service-connected injuries.
  • Recognition of advocacy and initiative:
    • Highlights the efforts of Ken Gamble (a Vietnam War veteran who was exposed to Agent Orange) and the Orange Heart Medal Foundation, Inc. This foundation, initially funded with $25,000, has:
    • Developed the Orange Heart Medal.
    • Distributed 6,000 medals initially and, subsequently, 10,000 medals to qualifying Vietnam War veterans.
    • Established the Orange Heart Memorial in Springfield, Tennessee, to honor these veterans.
  • Formal resolution:
    • The Vermont General Assembly expresses its honor for Vermont Vietnam War veterans exposed to Agent Orange.
    • It recognizes the Orange Heart Medal Foundation’s initiative to honor their military service.
  • Administrative directive:
    • directs the Vermont Secretary of State to transmit copies of the resolution to the Orange Heart Medal Foundation, Inc. and to Katie Kleczkowski.

Who is affected

  • Vermont Vietnam War veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange.
  • The dedicated beneficiaries of the Orange Heart Medal Foundation’s efforts (including recipients of the Orange Heart Medal and the memorial initiative).
  • The recognition participants and their organizations (Orange Heart Medal Foundation, Inc.; affiliated individuals such as Katie Kleczkowski).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: On Consent Calendar as of April 30, 2026, indicating approval on a non-controversial, routine basis without further floor debate.
  • No fiscal implications or budgetary allocations are stated in the text of the resolution.
  • The act functions as a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than establishing new programs or funding.

Overall impact

  • This resolution serves to publicly recognize and honor Vermont Vietnam War veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange.
  • It also reinforces and publicizes the mission of the Orange Heart Medal Foundation, highlighting a broader national effort to honor veterans whose service-connected injuries may not meet traditional recognition criteria (e.g., Purple Heart, Medal of Honor).
  • While primarily ceremonial, the resolution enhances awareness of Agent Orange-related health issues among Vermonters and supports veteran commemoration efforts.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.