Dear john,

Today, I am celebrating the Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances (PFAS) Act being sent to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. I joined an overwhelming bipartisan House majority in voting for the PFAS Act.

Also known as “forever chemicals” due to their inability to degrade naturally, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are toxic, man-made chemicals that are often found in firefighting foams and personal protective equipment. The Act will direct federal agencies to provide guidance to federal, state, and local firefighters on proper training and handling of PFAS chemicals to reduce exposure. The Act will also require the Department of Homeland Security to develop educational resources for firefighters on equipment alternatives that do not contain PFAS chemicals.

This bipartisan legislation will bolster federal resources for firefighters and mitigate the presence of forever chemicals in their equipment. Our men and women in red deserve peace of mind knowing they will not be exposed to toxic chemicals while in the line of duty.

I will continue to utilize my position as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee to deliver resources and protections to our firefighters across South Texas.