Bipartisan Initiative Aims to Strengthen Accountability at the Department of Defense to Protect Affected Communities

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) and Dan Kildee (MI-8) have introduced bold bipartisan legislation to continue to ensure accountability at the Department of Defense (DoD) for communities impacted by the widespread, ongoing PFAS contamination crisis. The bill would establish a new position at the Pentagon—Coordinator for PFAS-Impacted Defense Engagement—to improve transparency, drive remediation, and give a voice to communities suffering from this toxic legacy.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as “forever chemicals,” are toxic compounds linked to cancer, thyroid disorders, and other life-threatening health conditions. Historically used in military firefighting foam, these toxic chemicals have contaminated water and soil in communities near military installations, leaving millions of families at risk.

Under the legislation, the PFAS coordinator would be responsible for:

1. Engaging directly with affected communities to address concerns, ensure accountability, and provide updates on remediation efforts.
2. Streamlining communication between local stakeholders, advocacy organizations, and federal agencies.
3. Driving progress on cleanup efforts with transparency and urgency.

“PFAS contamination is one of the most serious and far-reaching public health crises of our time, and alongside Congressman Kildee, tackling it has been at the heart of our work in Congress,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Co-Chair of the Congressional PFAS Task Force. “Our bipartisan legislation demands decisive action and transparency from the Department of Defense, ensuring that impacted communities are no longer ignored or left in the dark. Families in Pennsylvania’s First District and across the nation deserve swift solutions and the unwavering commitment of their government to protect their health, safety, and future.”

“Hundreds of military sites in the United States have been contaminated by PFAS, yet complaints from impacted communities have fallen on deaf ears at the Department of Defense,” said Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-8), Co-Chair of the Congressional PFAS Task Force. “By designating a point person at the Defense Department to engage with PFAS-impacted communities, our legislation would ensure that their voices are heard at the highest levels of government.”

This initiative builds on Fitzpatrick and Kildee’s ongoing leadership in addressing PFAS contamination. As Co-Chairs of the Congressional PFAS Task Force, they have consistently advocated for stronger oversight, increased funding, and urgent action to address this public health emergency and protect future generations.

For more information on the PFAS Task Force, click here.

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