PFAS Research and Development Reauthorization Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6667
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-03T09:05:48Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The PFAS Research and Development Reauthorization Act of 2025 aims to extend federal funding support for research and development activities related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—a group of synthetic chemicals used in products like non-stick cookware and firefighting foams, known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks—conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The bill is officially named the "PFAS Research and Development Reauthorization Act of 2025."
- Authorization Extension: It amends Section 7362(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (codified at 15 U.S.C. 8962(b)) to extend the authorization of appropriations for EPA-led PFAS research and development through fiscal year 2030.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The primary change is replacing the previous end date of "2024" with "2030" in the existing authorization language, thereby prolonging federal funding availability for EPA's PFAS-related scientific studies and development efforts without altering the scope or amount of funding authorized.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The EPA will have continued budgetary support for PFAS research, potentially enabling sustained environmental monitoring, toxicity assessments, and technology development to address contamination, which could streamline agency operations and reduce the need for new legislative authorizations in the near term.
- On Citizens: Extended research may lead to improved public health protections by advancing knowledge on PFAS exposure risks (e.g., links to cancer or immune system effects) and informing cleanup efforts in affected communities, such as those near military bases or industrial sites.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though enhanced U.S. research could position the country as a leader in global PFAS regulation, potentially influencing international standards or collaborations on environmental treaties.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Primary beneficiary, gaining extended funding for research programs.
- Researchers and Scientists: Benefits from prolonged federal support for studies on PFAS detection, remediation, and health effects.
- Communities and Industries: Affected populations near PFAS contamination sites (e.g., water supplies) and industries using PFAS (e.g., manufacturing, defense) may see indirect effects through policy advancements.
- Congressional Committees: The bill was referred to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Science, Space, and Technology, and Transportation and Infrastructure, indicating oversight by these groups on environmental and scientific matters.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: This is a straightforward reauthorization that builds on prior law without introducing new mandates or enforcement mechanisms, ensuring continuity in EPA activities under existing statutory authority; it does not require additional rulemaking unless tied to broader appropriations.
- Constitutional: No significant implications, as it involves Congress's enumerated power to appropriate funds for federal agencies (Article I, Section 9), promoting environmental welfare without infringing on states' rights.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (by Reps. Pappas and Fitzpatrick) suggests broad support for addressing PFAS as an emerging environmental issue; extending to 2030 could preempt future debates on funding but may face scrutiny over fiscal priorities in annual budget processes.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- 2025-12-11: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Science, Space, and Technology, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-12-11: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Science, Space, and Technology, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-12-11: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Science, Space, and Technology, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-12-11: Introduced in House
- 2025-12-11: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- PFAS Research and Development Reauthorization Act of 2025 — issued 2025-12-11 — PDF (2 pages)