Sergeant Dave Crete FORGOTTEN Veterans Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9127
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-03: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-24T08:09:40Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation aims to expand benefits for veterans potentially exposed to toxic substances during military service at specific sites, primarily nuclear testing and related facilities in Nevada and certain Department of Energy locations. It focuses on simplifying claims processes for those who may have encountered radiation or other hazards without requiring proof of specific exposure.
Key Provisions
- Definitions: Establishes terms for "active military, naval, air, or space service," "covered location" (including Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act facilities and the Nevada Test and Training Range or Nevada National Security Site after January 27, 1951), and "toxic exposure."
- Identification Process: Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs, in coordination with the Department of Defense, to identify affected veterans using personnel records and a new registry, without mandating evidence of specific toxic substances if service at a covered location is confirmed.
- Presumptive Service Connection: Amends title 38 of the U.S. Code to treat service at the Nevada sites as radiation-risk activities and to presume toxic exposure for veterans assigned to covered locations, facilitating claims for related diseases.
- Study Requirement: Directs a study, within 180 days, on toxic exposures at these sites, including links to cancer, using data from federal agencies and the National Death Index.
- Veteran Registry: Creates a registry to track veterans, share data between agencies, inform them of benefits, and support research and claims, with opt-out options and recruitment efforts.
- Location Classification: Instructs the Department of Defense to designate the Nevada sites and Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act facilities as contamination locations and to identify stationed service members, sharing records with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Updates sections 1112 and 1119 of title 38, United States Code, to add new categories for radiation-risk activities and toxic exposure presumptions tied to Nevada sites and listed facilities.
- Introduces mechanisms for automatic presumption of exposure based on location and service dates, reducing the burden of proof compared to prior requirements.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Increases coordination and data-sharing between the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense; may lead to more claims processing and a new registry system.
- On citizens: Provides veterans with easier access to health care, benefits, and screenings related to toxic exposures.
- On international relations: No direct effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans and former service members who served at the specified Nevada locations or Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act facilities.
- The Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense.
- Potentially the Department of Health and Human Services or other scientific bodies conducting the study.
- Families of affected veterans.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Expands presumptive service connection rules, which could affect the volume and adjudication of veterans' benefits claims under existing statutes.
- Involves interagency data sharing with privacy considerations.
- Focuses on historical military activities at nuclear test sites, potentially addressing long-standing gaps in recognition for certain service-related health risks.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Amodei, Mark E. [R-NV-2], Rep. Horsford, Steven [D-NV-4]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-03: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.
- 2026-06-03: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.
- 2026-06-03: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-03: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Sergeant Dave Crete Fighting for the Overlooked Recognition of Groups Operating in Toxic Test Environments in Nevada Veterans Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-03 — PDF (11 pages)