Senators Baldwin and Moran introduce Legacies of War Removal Act

On Wednesday, March 9, Senators Tammy Baldwin and Jerry Moran introduced the Legacies of War Recognition and Unexploded Ordnance Removal Act. The bill authorizes the President to provide humanitarian aid to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia for the clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and landmine clearance. The bill also gives assistance for victims of these remnants of war.

As a result of US bombing campaigns during the Vietnam War, Southeast Asia is one of the most heavily contaminated regions in the world, with Laos containing the most UXO per capita of any country on Earth. Countless men, women, and children fall victim to explosive remnants every year and removal of US legacy ordnance is crucial to the region.

“Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam contain some of the world’s heaviest mine and unexploded ordnance contamination, impacting millions of people on a daily basis. Unfortunately, many of these deadly devices were left behind by the U.S. more than four decades ago. It’s time for the U.S. to pass legislation addressing this tragic legacy for good, and we are grateful for the leadership of Senators Tammy Baldwin and Jerry Moran in introducing the Legacies of War Recognition and Unexploded Ordnance Removal Act,” said Chris Whatley, Executive Director, HALO Trust (USA).

To read Sen. Baldwin’s press release, click here.