H.R. 705

119th Congress

In Committee

To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a compensation fund for military firefighters exposed to PFAS.

Sponsored byDemocrat:Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10]WA· Introduced 23 January 2025

3

Cosponsors

3

Actions

0

Amendments

0

Committees

Since introduced

Introduced
Committee
Passed Chamber
Passed Both
Enacted
Step 1 of 0
Latest action

Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

23 January 2025·1 year ago

Summary

Introduced in House · Updated 17 March 2025

This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish the Military Firefighters Compensation Fund to provide compensation to current and former military firefighters, or survivors of such firefighters, for illnesses incurred in the line of duty due to exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects.

Under the bill, current and former military firefighters are presumed to have been exposed to PFAS (in the absence of substantial evidence to the contrary) if the firefighter was employed at a military installation, facility of the National Guard, or formerly used defense site during a period when PFAS would have been present at such facility.

The bill provides that in cases where a military firefighter is deceased at the time of payment of compensation, the surviving spouse must receive the payment. If there is no surviving spouse, the bill provides for the order of distribution to other surviving parties (e.g., a child or parent of the firefighter). The bill also provides that a survivor of a firefighter may file a claim for compensation if the firefighter dies before filing a claim.

DOD must furnish the services, appliances, and supplies prescribed or recommended to a military firefighter who is receiving medical benefits for an illness related to PFAS exposure. Additionally, such firefighter may be furnished necessary and reasonable transportation and expenses incident to securing care for such illness.

Timeline

3 actions

  1. Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

    23 January 2025 · IntroReferral

  2. Introduced in House

    23 January 2025 · IntroReferral

  3. Introduced in House

    23 January 2025 · IntroReferral

Sponsorship

3 cosponsors

Cosponsors

  • Democrat133%
  • Republican267%

Classification

Policy area

Armed Forces and National Security

Legislative subjects

FiresFirst responders and emergency personnelHazardous wastes and toxic substancesMilitary civil functionsMilitary medicineVeterans' pensions and compensation

Cosponsor momentum

Cumulative over time

Cosponsors grew from 1 on 23 January 2025 to 3 on 17 April 2025.

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