AUGUSTA — The Maine Senate enacted a measure sponsored by Democratic Sen. John Tuttle of Sanford to acknowledge harm to Maine’s National Guard veterans from exposure to Agent Orange and other chemicals at the Canadian Forces Base in Gagetown, New Brunswick.

“We all agree that part of our nation’s duty to the men and women who serve includes making sure that we take care of the treatment and care of any injuries or disabilities caused by their service,” said Tuttle. “Unfortunately, I know many veterans who sacrificed their lives for this country only to be denied the care and benefits they need.”

The bill, LD 1632, requests that the federal government recognize environmental hazards at the military training center in Gagetown, and the resulting health risks and disabilities suffered by some Maine National Guard members.

The bill has been sent to Gov. Paul LePage for his signature.

In a prepared statement, Tuttle said the U.S. government has refused to acknowledge any connection between the soldiers’ illnesses and their exposure to the chemicals. Tuttle’s resolve will recognize the environmental hazards present at Gagetown and the resulting potential health risks and disabilities.

“I’m grateful that lawmakers were able to come together in support of this common-sense measure to demand action from the federal government,” said Tuttle, a veteran of the Maine National Guard.

According to the Associated Press, the U.S. military tested Agent Orange, Agent Purple and several other defoliants on a section of the Canadian Forces Base at Gagetown in 1966 and 1967. The 2007 AP report said troops from the Maine Army National Guard began training at the base in 1971.