Bill Extends Defense Department PFAS Prohibitions to Other Federal Agencies
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure that all federal agencies are purchasing products that are free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that continue to threaten the health and safety of people across the nation. Current law prohibits the Department of Defense (DoD) from procuring various products that contain certain types of PFAS, and this bill would extend those restrictions to all federal agencies. The federal government owns several facilities in Michigan, including hospitals operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Customs and Border Facilities, and a Social Security Administration Building. These facilities employ more than 27,000 federal workers and are frequently visited by veterans, seniors, and others. Requiring federal agencies to stop procuring products that contain PFAS will help protect these individuals from being exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals.
“PFAS substances that are found in everyday items continue to threaten the health and safety of our communities,” said Senator Peters. “This bill will set the federal government on a path to a PFAS-free future, and help protect the Michiganders and Americans who rely on federal facilities for critical services from unnecessary exposure to these toxic chemicals.”
PFAS are a class of more than 4,700 highly-fluorinated man-made chemicals that have been widely used in industry and consumer products due to their ability to repel water, oil, and heat. Over the last few decades, emerging science has shown that PFAS have an adverse impact on human health and the environment. PFAS exposure has been linked to a number of detrimental health effects, including an increased risk of cancer, damage to the immune system, decreased fertility, birth defects, liver disease, and thyroid disease.
The PFAS-free Procurement Act would extend DoD’s sensible procurement restrictions on certain types of products containing PFAS across the federal government. Specifically, this bill would prohibit the heads of executive agencies from procuring cookware, utensils, carpets, furniture, and other items that contain certain PFAS substances. This bill would also require heads of executive agencies to prioritize the procurement of PFAS-free products where available.
Peters has led congressional efforts to address PFAS contamination in Michigan and across the country. Earlier this year, Peters reintroduced bipartisan legislation to expand federal research to effectively address PFAS contamination. Peters supported or led provisions in the 2019 national defense bill banning the DoD from purchasing firefighting foams containing PFAS. The bill also immediately prohibited the use of firefighting foams containing PFAS in military training exercises, and enhanced state cooperation with the DoD to clean up PFAS contamination stemming from military-related activities. In September 2018, Peters helped convene the first hearing on PFAS in the Senate, assessing the federal response to contamination and remediation. He then convened a field summit in Grand Rapids in November 2018 to shine a light on how the local, state, and federal governments are coordinating their response to PFAS.
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Stabenow, Peters, Casey, Fetterman Introduce Legislation to Ensure Health Care for Veterans Exposed to PFAS Chemicals
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Gary Peters (D-MI), Bob Casey (D-PA), and John Fetterman (D-PA) introduced the Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act (VET PFAS Act) which would require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide health care services and benefits to veterans exposed to toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at military installations. Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08) is the author of the House companion bill.
“Our veterans shouldn’t have to stand at the back of any line for their health care, especially when they face health risks because of their service,” said Senator Stabenow. “Our bill makes sure veterans and their families harmed by PFAS chemicals will be eligible for treatment and benefits from the VA.”
“We know that PFAS contamination can cause serious health issues,” said Senator Peters. “This much-needed bill would ensure our veterans and their families who sacrificed for our country and were unknowingly exposed to PFAS contamination can access the VA health care and benefits they deserve.”
“We will never be able to fully repay our servicemembers for their sacrifice, but we can, and we must, take care of them now,” Senator Casey said. “The Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act will allow veterans exposed to PFAS contamination related to their service to claim the disability benefits they deserve. I will keep fighting to ensure our servicemembers, veterans, and all Americans have access to safe, clean water.”
“It’s just common sense that we need to provide our veterans with the benefits and healthcare they deserve after being exposed to harmful substances. Our veterans deserve the best of the best, and this is no exception. I’m proud to co-sponsor this bill,” said Senator Fetterman.
The VET PFAS Act ensures that illnesses connected to PFAS exposure are considered service-connected disability, making veterans exposed to PFAS eligible for disability payments and medical treatment from the VA. High cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, testicular cancer, kidney cancer, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and other health issues have been linked to exposure to PFAS.
The military’s heavy use of firefighting foam has resulted in widespread PFAS contamination around military sites. These chemicals are dangerous to human health, and many veterans have been exposed as part of their military service.
For years, Senators Stabenow and Peters have led efforts to address PFAS contamination and keep Michigan families safe. In past defense budget bills, the Senators passed legislation to clean up contaminated sites and invest millions to study the health impacts of PFAS exposure. This bill would build on their efforts to keep Michigan veterans and their families safe.
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