Bill · H.R. 705· House(119-HR-705)
To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a compensation fund for military firefighters exposed to PFAS.
- Introduced
- 1/23/2025
- Last activity
- 1/23/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Sponsored by
- Marilyn Strickland
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill directs the Secretary of Defense to create a "Military Firefighters Compensation Fund" within two years. The program is designed to provide compensation to current and former military firefighters who suffered illnesses due to PFAS exposure while on duty. It establishes a presumption of exposure for those working at military installations or National Guard facilities during certain periods. Compensation may be paid to the firefighter or, in certain circumstances, to their survivors. The program also covers medical services, appliances, supplies, and related transportation expenses.
Yes· 3 of 8
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+8
The bill establishes a dedicated fund to compensate current and former military personnel for illnesses caused by their service.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+7
The bill provides direct compensation and medical benefits to current and former military firefighters for occupational illnesses.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+6
The bill provides for necessary medical services, appliances, and supplies for firefighters suffering from PFAS-related illnesses.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Compensation for Illness and Disability: The bill aims to provide timely and adequate compensation to current and former military firefighters suffering from illnesses caused by PFAS exposure during their service (Section 1(b)).
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Presumption of Exposure: It simplifies the process for firefighters to receive benefits by assuming they were exposed to PFAS if they worked at a military installation or National-Guard facility during specific timeframes, unless there is substantial evidence otherwise (Section 1(c)).
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Support for Survivors: In the event of a firefighter's death, the bill provides a structured system to ensure compensation reaches surviving spouses, children, parents, or other relatives (Section 1(e)).
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Medical Assistance: Beyond direct payments, the Secretary is required to provide necessary medical services, appliances, and supplies as prescribed by a physician (Section 1(f)).
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Coverage of Incident Expenses: The bill allows for the coverage of reasonable transportation and expenses required to obtain prescribed medical services or supplies (Section 1(g)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Time Delay for Fund Establishment: The program and its fund will not be established until at least two years after the act is enacted, which may delay relief for those currently suffering (Section 1(a)).
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Delayed Commencement of Benefits: Benefits are only furnished starting from the date an individual submits their claim (Section 1(h)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+8Good For People With Disabilities+5Good For Children+4Good For Low Income Households+4
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+7
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+6
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+2
- 4/17/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/11/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/23/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
Joe NeguseDemocrat · Colorado