Michigan Congressman Dan Killdee has introduced new legislation to help veterans who were exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals.
Exposure to toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been linked to diagnosed high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, testicular cancer, kidney cancer, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and other health issues.
Officials estimate that there is PFAS contamination at over 700 American military bases worldwide.
“Despite the fact that this has become increasingly clear veterans continue to face roadblocks when trying to get treatment for conditions related to PFAS exposure,” said Kildee during a press conference in Washington DC. “When a veteran is sick because of this kind of exposure, the last thing they and their family should have to go through is to fight the VA to get access to benefits that we promised them when they put that uniform on.”
The Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act (VET PFAS Act) would require the VA to cover treatment of certain health conditions linked to PFAS exposure. Under this bill, illnesses associated with PFAS exposure will be considered service-connected injuries, making veterans and their families exposed to PFAS eligible for medical treatment and disability payments from the VA.
“We made a promise to those who signed up to serve our country that we’d take care of them and their families. This bill makes good on that promise by ensuring that all service members exposed to toxic chemicals as a part of their military service get the health care they need,” said Kildee. “As co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force, I am proud to work with Republicans and Democrats to fight to clean up chemical contamination at military bases and get veterans and their families the resources they have earned.”
Previously, Kildee helped pass the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, which expanded VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. The VET PFAS Act builds on this legislation to ensure veterans exposed to PFAS chemicals receive the same access to care and benefits.
“Veterans and their families are among the most highly exposed people in America to toxic PFAS chemicals. They have put their lives on the line for our country, and we as a nation have a duty to provide them with the health care services that they need,” said Tony Spaniola, Co-Chair of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network. “Congressman Kildee is working to fulfill that duty in the VET PFAS Act. We urge its passage without delay.”
The legislation is endorsed by the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, the Environmental Working Group, and the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network.