Larson, Soto, Boyle, Booker Introduce Firefighter PFAS Injury Compensation Act of 2026 to Compensate Firefighter Families Impacted by PFAS-Related Illnesses

Washington, D.C. - Today, Reps. John B. Larson (CT-01), Darren Soto (FL-09), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) announced the introduction of the Firefighter PFAS Injury Compensation Act of 2026-legislation to compensate firefighters and families who have suffered from injuries or have died from PFAS-related conditions.

Rep. Larson and the Connecticut delegation previously helped secure $19 million in federal infrastructure funding to combat PFAS pollution in Connecticut's drinking water supply, and helped pass the bipartisan PFAS Act, which was signed into law by President Biden in 2022, to prevent the release of PFAS foam into the environment.

"In 2019, I saw firsthand the hazards PFAS chemicals pose to our communities and first responders when 50,000 gallons of firefighting foam spilled into the Farmington River in Windsor, Connecticut," said Larson. "Since that disaster, I have worked to secure federal funding to clean up our water supply and reduce PFAS exposure-most notably for our firefighters who work tirelessly to keep us all safe. It is past time for the federal government to ensure first responders suffering because of these cancer-causing chemicals get the compensation they deserve. I urge all my colleagues to join us in passing this important bill."

As Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, Larson has been focused on bipartisan solutions to invest in local fire departments and support firefighters on and off the job. In the last Congress, he helped pass the Fire Grants and Safety Act, to reauthorize the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs, directly providing federal funding to improve staffing and services at local fire departments, and the Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act, which reauthorized the National Firefighter Registry that tracks cancer in the fire service. He also supported the effort to end the use of firefighting foam containing harmful PFAS chemicals at airports across the country, securing new funds that were signed into law as part of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.

The Firefighter PFAS Injury Compensation Act of 2026 directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to establish a program under which eligible firefighters and their families can file a claim to seek timely, uniform, and adequate compensation. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, is a group of hazardous chemicals used in the production of the foam, multi-layered coats, and pants firefighters wear. The PFAS compound has been linked to numerous health problems, including several types of cancer.

"Since my days in the Florida legislature, I have been committed to addressing the public health and environmental risks posed by PFAS. In Florida, we saw a cancer cluster in Ocala affect many of our firefighters, and we continue to see local families suffer at the mercy of these forever chemicals," said Soto. "I'm proud to introduce the PFAS Injury Compensation Act alongside Reps. Boyle and Larson and Senator Booker to create a program at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that will address these issues and provide the compensation that affected families deserve. This is a major step in the right direction as we work to eliminate PFAS from the ecosystem."

"Day in and day out, firefighters bravely confront a multitude of risks and dangers on the job to save lives and protect communities. It is unacceptable that the gear and tools designed to shield them have been exposing them to PFAS and causing serious illnesses," said Booker. "This legislation establishes a compensation program for firefighters and their families that have been devastated by PFAS-related illnesses. This is an important step to support firefighters who selflessly risk their lives as we work to eliminate PFAS exposure altogether."

"Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, and they should never have to worry that the very equipment meant to protect them could make them sick," said Boyle. "When firefighters develop serious illnesses because of PFAS exposure on the job, we have a responsibility to stand with them and their families. This legislation is about making sure they receive the support and compensation they have earned."

Under the program, firefighters who have served two or more years and can provide evidence of injury are eligible to file a claim. In the case of a death related to PFAS exposure, one heir of a deceased firefighter would be eligible to submit a claim. This legislation would require the Secretary of HHS to review claims within 120 days of submission.

"Firefighters dedicate their careers to protecting their communities, often without knowing that the very equipment designed to protect them may expose them to chemicals associated with serious health consequences," said Dr. Andre McShan, President of the Firefighter Health Coalition. "We welcome the introduction of the Firefighter PFAS Injury Compensation Act and appreciate Senator Booker and Congressman Soto for continuing to bring attention to the firefighters and families who have been affected by PFAS exposure. This legislation recognizes the sacrifices firefighters make throughout their years of service and the health consequences that can follow them long after that service."

"The International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters (IABPFF) strongly supports the legislation and its effort to provide meaningful support and compensation to firefighters and their families impacted by PFAS exposure. Firefighters have been exposed to PFAS for decades through firefighting foams, protective equipment, and other occupational sources. These exposures can have serious and lasting consequences for the health and well-being of firefighters and their families," said Gary Tinney, President of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters. "The IABPFF believes firefighters should not have to bear the financial and personal burden of illnesses associated with chemicals they encountered while protecting their communities.

Full bill text is available HERE.