This story highlights U.S. Rep. Mark Takano’s call for action to support military veterans who served at Nevada’s Area 51 and are now suffering from serious illnesses, including cancers, without access to government benefits.
Takano credits a NewsNation report for shedding light on the issue, which stems from the Department of Defense’s refusal to acknowledge the veterans’ classified service at the secretive Air Force installation.
Takano, the ranking Democrat on the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, expressed outrage over the situation, urging the Trump administration to take immediate steps.
He emphasized that the Department of Defense could declassify the veterans’ service records, and the secretary of Veterans Affairs could extend presumptive exposure benefits to them.
Additionally, Takano hopes to revive legislation supporting these veterans by holding hearings and gathering testimonies through the House Veterans Committee.
He encourages the affected veterans to remain steadfast, acknowledging their struggle against government bureaucracy.