in 2014, rice production in the Natural State accounted for more than 50 percent of total rice produced in the country. Farmers in more than half of Arkansas’s counties grow rice. As the number one producer of this crop, Arkansas has a unique role in the industry and Senator Boozman recognized the 25th anniversary of National Rice Month on the Senate floor.

U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee today shared the concerns he’s heard from Arkansas veterans who served in the Gulf War who say toxic exposure during their tour made them sick. Boozman questioned the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) about what is being done to help these veterans during the committee hearing examining the impacts of exposure to toxic chemicals and VA’s response.

The 39th Infantry Brigade from the Arkansas Army National Guard deployed to the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991. There are many Arkansas veterans who allege to have serious health issues resulting from these toxic sources. Boozman questioned witnesses from the VA about the status of the ongoing research to determine what medical conditions may be caused by toxic exposure during the Gulf War. VA insisted that the research was ongoing and that Secretary McDonald continues to examine the evidence.

It is Boozman’s hope that decisions will be made in short order.