Senator Craig Hickman introduces bipartisan bill to support the health of Gagetown veterans and reestablish the Gagetown Harmful Chemical Study Commission
AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, April 30, Senator Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop, introduced a bipartisan bill to support Maine veterans affected by chemical exposure during military training at the Canadian military support base in Gagetown, New Brunswick. LD 1640, “An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Gagetown Harmful Chemical Study Commission and to Reestablish the Gagetown Harmful Chemical Study Commission,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs.
“Our veterans deserve our support — it’s as simple as that,” said Sen. Hickman. “The least we can do is ensure they are able to live the healthiest and fullest lives they can after they transition to civilian life — especially those who were exposed to harmful chemicals during their service. As the son of a veteran, this bill is particularly meaningful, and I hope my colleagues will join me in providing this critical support to Maine’s veterans and their families.”
If passed, LD 1640 would implement the recommendations of the Gagetown Harmful Chemical Study Commission’s January 2024 report. It would establish the Base Gagetown Training Registry within the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management’s Bureau of Veteran’s Services, which would collect and maintain data related to military services and health conditions of those who have trained at the base at Gagetown. The data would be voluntarily collected and remain confidential and help policymakers understand the scope of potential health issues caused by training at Gagetown.
The bill would also reestablish the Gagetown Harmful Chemical Study Commission, which was initially created by the 131st Legislature in 2023 and was authorized to meet between the first special and second regular sessions of the 131st Legislature. It would require the Commission to request necessary information from the United States Department of Defense and other federal agencies, and to provide medical testing for those individuals identified through the data they receive.
Finally, LD 1640 would require the Commission to submit another report documenting its findings, recommendations, and any suggested legislation to the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee no later than December 3, 2025
In his testimony in support of the bill, former Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, said, “[Last year], Rep. Ron Russell and I appeared before this committee to present the findings of the Gagetown Harmful Chemical Study Commission. The evidence we gathered and the testimony we received made it more than clear that Maine and Canadian servicemen stationed at the base were exposed to levels of carcinogenic chemicals that were not only harmful, but in too many cases ultimately deadly. We concluded that the federal government is failing to support members of the National Guard harmed by the exposure to these chemicals. … We’ve seen this play out before with the burn pits in Iraq, the water contamination at Camp LeJeune and Agent Orange in Vietnam. It takes a relentless group of people pushing for change until the evidence is irrefutable and those exposed to harmful chemicals receive the health care benefits they are owed.”
Former Pres. Jackson continued, “The State of Maine has a responsibility to those who served in the Maine National Guard and were exposed to harmful chemicals while serving or training at Gagetown. Data collection of those who were stationed at the base and are suffering from the effects of Agent Orange is crucial to determining next steps, including whether those service members are eligible for State or Federal assistance. I and the other members of the commission believe the best way to accomplish this is to reestablish the commission [so it may] continue its work.”
In the 131st Legislature, a similar bill was unanimously passed by the Maine Legislature, but was pocket vetoed by Governor Janet Mills upon the conclusion of the 131st Legislature.
LD 1640 faces further action in the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee.
Sen. Hickman represents District 14, which includes Chelsea, Farmingdale, Gardiner, Hallowell, Manchester, Monmouth, Pittston, Randolph, Readfield, Wayne, West Gardiner and Winthrop in Kennebec County.
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