Interior Department Appropriations for fiscal 1975 (H.R. 16027). The vote is on the Nelson amendment to prohibit the use of herbicide 2,4,5-T (a major component of Agent Orange) in the National Forests. The Forest Service planned to use 2,4,5-T in 61 National Forests in 23 states for fire protection and promotion of timber growth by eradicating the competing undergrowth. 2,4,5-T contains TCDD, a substance 1000 times more toxic than the nerve gas VX. Some studies show that TCDD is persistent and builds up in the food chain, while others show that residues disappear quickly. The Environmental Protection Agency stated that because "the long term levels of TCDD remain undetermined, an acceptable level cannot be set." The Nelson amendment would prevent the use of this chemical in National Forests until more conclusive studies are made. President Nixon took no position on the amendment. August 7, 1974. Rejected 34-56. YES is the correct vote.