Oppose H.R.1671—Vaccine Claims Should Be Evidence-Based

I am writing as a constituent to express my concerns about H.R.1671, which would create a blanket presumption of service connection for certain medical conditions following COVID-19 vaccination. While I fully support fair and timely care for veterans who experience verified adverse events, this bill appears to go further than the science warrants. The legislation presumes causation for a range of conditions without requiring rigorous evidence or incidence thresholds. Multiple independent studies, including those conducted by the CDC and the Department of Defense, confirm that serious complications like myocarditis, pericarditis, thrombosis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome are extremely rare following COVID-19 vaccination. Importantly, the VA already has established processes to adjudicate these claims case by case, ensuring that veterans who truly suffer long-term health consequences can receive benefits. Blanket presumptions of causation—especially without clear scientific criteria—risk undermining public confidence in vaccines, duplicating existing systems, and fueling misinformation. I urge you to oppose this bill or seek amendments to ensure it is grounded in evidence rather than political messaging. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your commitment to veterans’ health and public trust.