Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 111 Part 2.djvu/749

 PUBLIC LAW 105-85—NOV. 18, 1997 111 STAT. 1829 (1) The type and effectiveness of previous research efforts, including the activities undertaken pursuant to section 743 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 (Public Law 104-201; 10 U.S.C. 1074 note), section 722 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 (Public Law 103-337; 10 U.S.C. 1074 note), and sections 270 and 271 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 (Public Law 103-160; 107 Stat. 1613). (2) Recommendations regarding additional research regarding Gulf War illnesses, including research regarding the nature and causes of Gulf War illnesses and appropriate treatments for such illnesses. (3) The adequacy of Federal funding and the need for additional funding for medical research initiatives regarding Gulf War illnesses. SEC. 770. PERSIAN GULF ILLNESS CLINICAL TRIALS PROGRAM. 10 USC 1074 (a) FINDINGS. —Congress finds the following: (1) There are many ongoing studies that investigate risk factors which may be associated with the health problems experienced by Persian Gulf veterans; however, there have been no studies that examine health outcomes and the effectiveness of the treatment received by such veterans. (2) The medical literature and testimony presented in hearings on Gulf War illnesses indicate that there are therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, that have been effective in treating patients with symptoms similar to those seen in many Persian Gulf veterans. (b) ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM.— The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, acting jointly, shall establish a program of cooperative clinical trials at multiple sites to assess the effectiveness of protocols for treating Persian Gulf veterans who suffer from ill-defined or undiagnosed conditions. Such protocols shall include a multidisciplinary treatment model, of which cognitive behavioral therapy is a component. (c) FUNDING. —Of the funds authorized to be appropriated in section 201(1) for research, development, test, and evaluation for the Army, the sum of $4,500,000 shall be available for program element 62787A (medical technology) in the budget of the Department of Defense for fiscal year 1998 to carry out the clinical trials program established pursuant to subsection (b). SEC. 771. SENSE OF CONGRESS CONCERNING GULF WAR ILLNESS. (a) FINDINGS. —Congress makes the following findings: (1) Americans served in the Persian Gulf Conflict of 1991 in defense of vital national security interests of the United States. (2) It was known to United States intelligence and military commanders that biological and chemical agents were in theater throughout the conflict. (3) An undetermined amount of these agents were released into theater. (4) A large number of United States military vetereins and allied veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations have been stricken with a variety of severe illnesses.

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