To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a compensation fund for military firefighters exposed to PFAS.
To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a compensation fund for military firefighters exposed to PFAS.
Plain Language Summary
# HR 705 Summary: Military Firefighters PFAS Compensation Fund **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would require the Department of Defense to create a compensation fund for military firefighters who became ill due to exposure to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)—harmful man-made chemicals found in firefighting foam and other products used at military bases. If passed, the bill would compensate current and former military firefighters, as well as survivors of deceased firefighters, for health problems caused by this exposure. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects military firefighters who worked at U.S. military installations, National Guard facilities, or former defense sites where PFAS was present.
A key provision presumes that firefighters at these locations were exposed to PFAS unless proven otherwise, making it easier for them to qualify for compensation without having to prove exposure individually. If a firefighter has died, their surviving spouse would receive compensation, with provisions for other family members if no spouse survives. **Current Status** HR 705 was introduced by Representative Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) in the 119th Congress and is currently under review in committee. The bill has not yet been voted on or passed.
CRS Official Summary
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.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.