Bill > HR705

This bill directs the Secretary of Defense to establish the Military Firefighters Compensation Fund within two years, which will provide financial compensation and medical benefits to current and former military firefighters who have been exposed to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a group of man-made chemicals known to potentially cause health issues. The bill presumes firefighters were exposed to PFAS if they worked at military installations, National Guard facilities, or formerly used defense sites during periods when these chemicals were present. Compensation will be provided for occupational illnesses, with a specific protocol for distributing payments to survivors if the firefighter is deceased, prioritizing payment to spouse, then children, then parents, then grandchildren, and finally grandparents. The bill defines a military firefighter as a member of the Armed Forces or civilian Department of Defense employee whose primary duties involve fire suppression and prevention. The compensation program aims to provide timely, uniform, and adequate support to firefighters and their families who may have suffered health consequences from PFAS exposure during their service, and authorizes necessary funding to implement the program. Medical benefits, including services, appliances, and supplies recommended by a qualified physician, will be provided to eligible individuals, along with potential transportation and expense reimbursement.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/705/all-info