WASHINGTON, DC – Today, building on their continued leadership in confronting the PFAS crisis, U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) and Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-8), Co-Chairs of the Congressional PFAS Task Force, have introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure greater transparency and accountability from the Department of Defense (DoD) for communities impacted by widespread PFAS contamination. The bill would establish a new high-level position at the Pentagon—Coordinator for PFAS-Impacted Defense Engagement—to serve as a direct advocate for affected families, improve transparency, drive remediation, and ensure the government delivers answers, not delays.
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:
- Engaging directly with affected communities to address concerns, ensure accountability, and provide updates on remediation efforts.
- Streamlining communication between local stakeholders, advocacy organizations, and federal agencies.
- 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. Alongside Congresswoman McDonald-Rivet, confronting this threat has been central to our bipartisan mission in Congress,,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Co-Chair of the Congressional PFAS Task Force. “Our legislation demands real accountability and urgency from the Department of Defense—ensuring that families in Pennsylvania and across the country are no longer overlooked or left behind. Impacted communities deserve answers, swift cleanup, and the full commitment of their government to safeguard their health, safety, and future.”
“Communities affected by PFAS created by military facilities deserve swift answers and action from our government,” said Congresswoman McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Co-Chair of the Congressional PFAS Task Force. “Empowering a PFAS coordinator at the Defense Department will make cleanup efforts more transparent and effective by streamlining conversations between the military, local governments, and residents. As a co-chair of the Congressional PFAS Task Force, I’m proud to work with Congressman Fitzpatrick to put forward this commonsense solution to help impacted families.”
This initiative builds on Fitzpatrick and McDonald Rivet’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.
Click here to read the full bill.
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