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Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Support Veterans Exposed to Toxic Chemicals

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19) introduced the VET PFAS Act, a bipartisan legislation aimed at providing health care and disability benefits to veterans and their families who were exposed to toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at military installations. The legislation designates PFAS exposure as a service-connected condition, ensuring affected veterans receive medical care and benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This move comes as studies have linked PFAS exposure to serious health risks, including cancer, liver and kidney disease, and other chronic conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The VET PFAS Act designates PFAS exposure as a service-connected condition, enabling affected veterans to receive health care and disability benefits through the VA.
  • The legislation requires the VA to provide health care and benefits for medical conditions associated with PFAS exposure.
  • The bill ensures military families have access to the care and support they need.
  • Congressman Mike Lawler and Congressman Josh Riley co-sponsored the bill, highlighting the bipartisan effort to support veterans.
  • The legislation was introduced to address the PFAS contamination issue, which has been documented at over 700 military bases across the globe.
  • Congressman Lawler, a member of the Bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force, emphasized the need to honor the sacrifices of veterans by providing them with the care they deserve.
  • Congressman Josh Riley stressed the importance of supporting the 30,000 veterans in Upstate New York's 19th District who have been exposed to PFAS.

Statistics:

  • Over 700 military bases worldwide have PFAS contamination.
  • PFAS exposure has been linked to serious health risks, including cancer, liver and kidney disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and other chronic conditions.
  • Congressman Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which has been rated the most effective district in the 118th Congress.
  • The 118th Congress has seen a surge in bipartisan legislation, with Congressman Lawler being one of the most effective bipartisan members.

Sources:

  • Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17)
  • Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19)
  • Bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force
  • US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17) Washington, D.C. -- 5/29/25
  • Upstate New York's 19th District
  • Contify.com
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