WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed House Resolution 1672, a measure Congressman Mike Michaud introduced to commemorate the Persian Gulf War and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to the veterans who served in it. 

During floor debate on the bill, Michaud called on the Department of Veterans Affairs to continue their research into Gulf War illnesses, and he highlighted the plight of Michelle Comeau of Dixfield, Maine, who was exposed to toxic sarin gas as a member of the Army National Guard.  Michaud’s floor remarks on the bill as prepared for delivery can be found below.

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“Thank you, Madame Speaker.  I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 1672, a measure I introduced to commemorate the Persian Gulf War and reaffirm our nation’s commitment to the veterans who served in it.

“A cease-fire was declared by President George Bush on February 28, 1991, 100 hours after the ground campaign began.  Yet this war is far from over for the veterans who served so courageously in the Gulf. 

“In fact, an estimated 174,000 still suffer from Gulf War illnesses, including Gulf War Syndrome.  These veterans and their families must now wage a campaign of a different sort within the VA.  This includes my constituent, Michelle Comeau of Dixfield, Maine, who was exposed to toxic sarin gas as a member of the Army National Guard.  This led to unbearable migraines that have since rendered her 100% disabled. In addition, her two daughters were subsequently born with rare birth defects, and have since developed symptoms similar to their mother’s.

“Sadly, Michelle – and many other veterans and their families across the country – continue to suffer.  Not enough is known about these illnesses, including whether or not it can be passed from one generation to the next.  Because of this, it is critical that VA continue its research efforts on the illnesses of Gulf War veterans.

“The resolution we’re considering today commemorates the Persian Gulf War and honors the noble service and sacrifice of the veterans who served there.  So it’s fitting that VA Committee Ranking Member Steve Buyer is here today to speak on behalf of this resolution.  In addition to being a Persian Gulf War veteran himself, Steve Buyer began his career as a member of Congress by leading efforts to create a national Persian Gulf War veterans’ registry.  This important program was set up to provide a comprehensive physical exam and to track the special health concerns of veterans who served in the Gulf.  Thank you Steve for your service.

“I urge all of my colleagues to join me today in supporting House Resolution 1672 – to encourage all Americans to remember and pay tribute to these veterans – and let them know that their struggles and sacrifices will never be forgotten.”