WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), released the following statement on the amendments put forward by Democrats in the House of Representatives to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

“The U.S. Senate passed strong bipartisan legislation to address the dangers of PFAS pollution,” said Barrasso. “Rather than seek similar compromise, House Democrats are proposing to saddle local airports, farmers and ranchers, water utilities, and countless small businesses with billions of dollars in liability. This is what happens when the House rushes legislation and ignores the committee process. Their proposal won’t become law. Our PFAS legislation can. It advanced unanimously from the Environment and Public Works Committee and passed as part of the defense authorization bill with overwhelming bipartisan support.”

Background Information:

On June 19, 2019, the EPW Committee passed S. 1507, PFAS Release Disclosure and Protection Act 2019, as amended, by voice vote. S. 1507 is sponsored by Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Tom Carper (D-DE), and Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY).

On June 27, 2019, S. 1507, as amended by the EPW Committee, passed the full Senate as part of NDAA. The Senate passed NDAA 86 to 8.

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