By Staff
FAIR Act will provide help for vets
Veterans are stuck.  Veterans who were exposed to asbestos while they were risking their lives fighting enemies and defending US interests are not allowed to seek compensation from the government for their asbestos-related illnesses. In addition, most of the companies that supplied the asbestos to the U.S. government no longer exist. As veterans, all we're asking for is a fair shot at compensation for our colleagues with asbestos-related illnesses.
The Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act - or FAIR Act - now making its way through the Senate is the only solution that will help vets. The medical criteria bill supported by some will do little, if anything, to provide assurance for veterans, because it leaves asbestos compensation system in the courts. 
Thankfully, the Senate is closing in on a solution. As a veteran, I urge Sen. Sessions, who sits on the Judiciary Committee that will soon consider the FAIR Act, to put the needs of sick veterans and other asbestos victims before the needs of special interests. 
Without the FAIR Act, thousands veterans may be left with nowhere to turn for compensation for their asbestos-related illness.  We've come too far to let this opportunity pass.  I urge both of our Senators to vote "yes" when the FAIR Act comes to the Senate floor.
Sincerely,
Jimmy Manley
Past State Commander
Alabama Department of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
Huntsville, AL