To direct the Secretary of Defense to designate a Coordinator for Engagement with PFAS-impacted defense communities.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3761
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-05: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-12T19:44:39Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill aims to establish a dedicated position within the Department of Defense (DoD) to enhance communication and support for communities affected by contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used in products like firefighting foams and coatings, which can persist in the environment and potentially harm health; they have been linked to DoD activities at military sites.
Key Provisions
- Designation of Coordinator: Within one year of the bill's enactment, the Secretary of Defense must appoint a DoD official as the "Coordinator for Engagement with Defense Communities Affected by PFAS."
- Responsibilities:
- Improve DoD's outreach, education, and communication with current or former U.S. defense communities (areas near military installations) impacted by PFAS contamination or leakage.
- Act as a primary point of contact (liaison) between DoD and local governments, advocacy organizations, and individual citizens in communities where PFAS cleanup projects are ongoing or unfinished.
- PFAS Definition: The bill adopts the definition of PFAS from section 333(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, which covers perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances as specified in that law.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This introduces a new mandatory role within DoD focused specifically on PFAS-related community engagement, which was not previously required by law.
- It builds on existing DoD environmental remediation obligations under laws like the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA, often called Superfund), by adding a structured communication mechanism but does not alter core cleanup authorities or timelines.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: DoD will need to allocate resources for the coordinator's role, potentially streamlining internal processes for PFAS response and improving coordination with other federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- On Citizens: Residents in affected defense communities may gain better access to information, support, and updates on PFAS remediation, potentially leading to faster resolutions and reduced health risks from contamination.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the bill focuses on U.S. domestic defense communities; however, it could indirectly support DoD's global environmental compliance by demonstrating commitment to addressing legacy pollution.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of Defense (DoD): Responsible for implementing the coordinator role and enhancing engagement efforts.
- Local Governments and Communities: Near current or former military sites, benefiting from improved liaison services for PFAS issues.
- Advocacy Organizations and Citizens: Groups and individuals affected by PFAS contamination, who will have a dedicated DoD contact for concerns and updates.
- Secretary of Defense: Oversees the designation and ensures the coordinator fulfills responsibilities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens DoD's accountability for environmental impacts under existing federal pollution laws without creating new enforcement mechanisms; the one-year implementation deadline provides a clear timeline but allows flexibility in operations.
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts with constitutional principles, as it involves executive branch organization and does not infringe on states' rights or individual liberties; it aligns with Congress's authority to regulate military affairs.
- Political: Could foster bipartisan support for military environmental stewardship, addressing concerns from communities near bases; it highlights ongoing debates over PFAS regulation, potentially influencing future defense budgets or broader EPA rules on these chemicals.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8], Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-05: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 2025-06-05: Introduced in House
- 2025-06-05: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To direct the Secretary of Defense to designate a Coordinator for Engagement with PFAS-impacted defense communities. — issued 2025-06-05 — PDF (2 pages)