Riley Demands Healthcare Access for Veterans Exposed to Toxic Chemicals

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Josh Riley (NY-19) joined Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and a bipartisan group of lawmakers in introducing the Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act (VET PFAS Act), legislation that would guarantee access to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare for veterans exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at military installations.

PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are synthetic substances found in firefighting foam, military gear, and industrial waste. Long-term exposure has been linked to serious health conditions including cancer, hormone disruption, liver damage, thyroid dysfunction, reproductive issues, and reduced vaccine efficacy.

“We have over 30,000 veterans in Upstate New York who answered the call to serve our nation and protect our freedoms. We owe them more than just our thanks; we owe them the care they deserve,” said Rep. Josh Riley. “Any veteran who was exposed to toxic chemicals at a U.S. military base should get healthcare access upon returning home. That is common sense. The VET PFAS Act is about stepping up and ensuring these servicemembers and veterans finally get the healthcare and benefits they’ve earned—without any further delay.”

“Our veterans have sacrificed so much in defense of our freedoms. We must honor that sacrifice with concrete action to support them once they’ve come home,” said Rep. Mike Lawler. “Too many of our brave veterans were stationed at military facilities where they were unknowingly exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals. The VET PFAS Act will deliver long-overdue care to those who have already given this nation so much.”

Since taking office in January, Rep. Riley has made supporting veterans a top priority:

• In April, the House passed H.R. 586, the Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act, a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by Riley to investigate links between cholangiocarcinoma and service in the Vietnam theater.
• Riley is also an original co-sponsor of the Protect Veterans Jobs Act (H.R. 1637), which would reinstate laid-off veteran federal employees and require agencies to report data on veteran dismissals.

The VET PFAS Act is a critical step in holding the federal government accountable and delivering long-overdue care to those who risked their lives for our country.

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