Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Boozman (R-AR), Angus King (I-ME), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) have called on the Department of Defense to review and confirm the presence of radiation and toxic substances at the Karshi Khanabad (K2) Air Base in Uzbekistan. Their request aims to help the Department of Veterans Affairs provide overdue benefits to K2 veterans exposed to hazardous conditions.
In a letter addressed to Secretary Pete Hegseth, the senators stated, “We write to request a review of the toxic substances present at the Karshi Khanabad (K2) Air Base in Uzbekistan. Nearly 16,000 service members deployed to K2 from 2001 to 2005. These service members have since developed serious health conditions. Yet, the federal government has not provided a consistent explanation of the hazards they encountered, which denies them the answers, care, and benefits they deserve.”
The senators further noted that “VA’s ability to recognize radiation-related exposures…remains dependent on confirmation from the Department of Defense (DOD). Without an accurate accounting of the toxic substances found at K2 by the Department, VA is unable to ensure veterans who suffer from conditions related to radiation, jet fuels, asbestos, chemical agents, and other toxins receive the benefits they deserve.”
They referenced early reviews identifying toxic substances at K2 and cited a study from the Army Medical Department Journal linking deployment there with certain rare cancers associated with radiation exposure. The senators requested that DOD conduct a thorough review of both toxic and radiological substances present at K2 as well as examine potential health effects from combined exposure.
K2 was used during the early stages of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan and was previously a chemical weapons site contaminated with uranium. Many veterans who served there report illnesses linked to radiation exposure. However, according to statements in their letter, VA has not used its authority under recent legislation such as the PACT Act to expand coverage for these veterans because it cites no evidence that enriched uranium was present at K2.
The senators’ letter continued: “These veterans dispute the federal government’s dismissal and denial of the hazards associated with their service. The Army Medical Department Journal previously identified a potential connection between K2 deployment and certain rare cancers associated with radiation exposure. Additionally, evidence submitted to the Federal Register by a former member of the US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine’s environmental assessment team confirms that enriched uranium was found at K2. If true, DOD must acknowledge enriched uranium was found at K2, as it explains the prevalence of cancer-related health conditions among K2 veterans. A complete review by the Department would resolve differences in records.”
They asked for reviews covering all available sources regarding contaminants at K2—including scientific research and direct information from service members—and an analysis focused on combined exposure risks rather than individual contaminants alone.
The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee oversees programs supporting U.S. veterans including healthcare access and benefit programs [source]. It collaborates closely with agencies like VA [source] and has advanced legislation over decades aimed at improving services for those who served [source].
Blumenthal serves as Ranking Member while Jerry Moran is Chairman of this committee [source]. The committee maintains offices within Capitol complex facilities [source].
The full text of their letter is available online.
###
