Political Illusions of the Cajun Mafia

Gulf War era and post-9/11 Veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation
Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn are suffering from illnesses that may have
been caused by exposure to open-air burn pits. Many open-air burn pits were operated close
to where many soldiers were housed during wartime.
This legislation will create a voluntary registry of self-identifying service members and
veterans who have been exposed to burn pits. The registry will be created and managed by
the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA).
The LDVA will be responsible for informing those in the registry about recent scientific
developments on the effects of exposure, availability of possible treatments, applying for
service-connected disability compensation benefits with U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA), as well as appealing an existing or requesting an upgrade to a disability rating
given by VA.
Senator John Smith said, "Today is a bitter-sweet day for us. I am grateful to Governor Jindal
for signing this important piece of legislation that will add another layer of care for our men
and women in uniform. I would be remiss if I did not recognize Sgt. William Austin Daniel
who lost his life as a result of exposure to open-air burn pits from his time on tour. Sgt.
Daniel is one out of many service members who did not have the treatment available after
their exposure to these lethal agents. This bill is a good step forward in the right direction to
not only raising awareness for treatment options for our military, but to also increase the
information flow for scientific research."
Rep. Regina Barrow said, "This legislation will help inform our veterans about the treatment
and research available for these terrible illnesses as a result of serving our nation in the
military near burn pits. Because of this bill, they will have access to the newest information
regarding medicines and health care procedures they need. This is the least we can do for
these heroes, who served honorably to defend our freedoms and ensure America remains
protected. To my knowledge, this legislation is the first of its kind in our country. I am
honored to be a part of carrying on Sgt. Daniel's legacy and to help raise awareness of his
heroic acts for our nation."