Pappas, Fitzpatrick, Kuster and Delgado Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Assist Veterans & Service Members Exposed to PFAS Contaminants

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), who serves as the Chair of Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee for the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, introduced the PFAS Registry Act alongside a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers including Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02), and Rep. Antonio Delgado (NY-19). Reps. Pappas, Fitzpatrick, Kuster, and Delgado all serve as members of the bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force. Their legislation would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs to create a national database for service members and veterans with health concerns due to potential exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

PFAS chemicals have emerged as a widespread contaminant to the drinking water sources of military bases across the country due to their use in firefighting foam employed by the Armed Services. In recent reports, the Department of Defense (DOD) has identified more than600 military installations and surrounding communities that may be contaminated with PFAS. This bipartisan bill would provide military personnel and veterans with updates on recent scientific developments on the effects of PFAS exposure, availability of possible treatment options, and information on what resources may be available to address their health concerns. Congressman Pappas has led efforts in Congress that seek to uncover the health impacts of emerging contaminants in water supplies.

Last week Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced companion legislation in the Senate with Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD).

"It is our solemn obligation to support the brave men and women who serve our country, and it is long past time we keep them safe from the widespread PFAS contamination across our military bases,'' said Congressman Pappas. "As we work to clean up contaminants, I am proud to introduce the PFAS Registry Act which will give military service members and veterans access to health information, research updates, and other resources they need. I will continue to work with my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to safeguard our constituents and communities from the harmful effects of PFAS."

"PFAS contamination poses serious risks to communities throughout the United States, endangering the health and wellbeing of American families," said Congressman Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of thebipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force. "I am proud to support this bipartisan legislation to protect service members who may have been exposed to PFAS chemicals through increased awareness and monitoring."

"Our nation's military members make tremendous sacrifices for our country, and they deserve to be safe from PFAS chemicals while serving," said Congresswoman Kuster. "We cannot turn our back on these men and women who have answered the call to duty. This legislation is an important step forward to do right by service members who may have been exposed to PFAS chemicals and help them access information about benefits and treatment. I will continue working to ensure that all service members have access to the resources and support they need."

"For too long, we have left our service members and veterans to battle the effects of toxic PFAS chemicals alone," said Rep. Delgado. "I am proud to partner with my colleagues to ensure that members of our military and veterans have access to the latest health studies and treatments relating to PFAS exposure. While some progress has been made over the last two years in addressing PFAS contamination, much more work is required, including protecting our men and women in uniform who have been exposed to high levels of these forever chemicals. This legislation is a common-sense step in the right direction that protects public health and supports our service members and veterans."

"After dedicating their lives to serve our nation, our service members deserve every resource available to stay healthy after being exposed to PFAS contamination," said Sen. Shaheen. "The federal government has a duty to ensure access to information and treatment so families can stay safe, and establishing a national database for service members is crucial to that mission. Our service members and their families deserve nothing short of the best care available – especially after being exposed to potentially harmful PFAS chemicals. This bipartisan, bicameral effort shows the urgency in Congress to address PFAS exposure impacting our service members and veterans, which is why I urge more lawmakers to join us and help get this bill over the finish line."