ASSEMBLY MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION No. 263

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 9, 2021

      The Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee reports favorably Assembly Resolution No. 263.

     This resolution urges the United States Congress to pass the “K2 Veterans Care Act of 2021” in order to allow veterans who were exposed to toxic substances while serving at Karshi-Khanabad Air Base in Uzbekistan to receive healthcare and benefits.

     The United States military stationed service members at K2 from October 2001 to November 2005.  While there, service members may have been exposed to jet fuel, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter and dust, depleted uranium, asbestos, and lead based paint without their knowledge.  These toxic exposures may lead to a higher risk of certain cancers.  This legislation would give service members the presumption of service connection for those who served at K2 and have been diagnosed with toxic exposure-related illnesses and diseases and access to hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care.  Service members have sacrificed to serve this nation and deserve to receive healthcare and benefits for the hazards they faced during their service.