Two Bipartisan Subramanyam Bills Signed into Law as Part of Annual Defense Legislation

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) announced that two of his bipartisan bills have been signed into law. The two bills are the Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act and the Contaminated Wells Relocation Act. These two bills were signed into law as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which President Trump signed last night.

"Thousands of Korean American families in Virginia and across the country have been forcibly torn apart from their loved ones by the Korean War for more than seven decades," said Congressman Suhas Subramanyam. "This bipartisan law will bring these families one step closer to a long-overdue reunion. I thank all the Korean American families who have shared their stories with me and who helped get this legislation over the finish line."

"I've heard from Korean Americans in Virginia about how their families were separated after the Korean War. That's why I'm glad that my bipartisan bill to help facilitate their reunification passed and was signed into law," said U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA).

The Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act, now law, will accelerate family reunifications by directing the U.S. Department of State to compile information about Korean American families who want to reconnect with relatives in North Korea to enable future family reunions. The law, co-introduced with Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA-40), also directs the State Department to prioritize progress on arranging future reunions for Korean American families and their relatives in North Korea in any future bilateral discussions with North Korea.

Rep. Subramanyam continued, "The people in the town of Chincoteague will soon get some relief from unnecessary burdens to allow the town and NASA to come to an agreement on the costs of relocating contaminated water wells. Safe drinking water is a right, and I am glad this bipartisan, bicameral law will make life better for fellow Virginians."

The Contaminated Wells Relocation Act, co-introduced with Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02),will authorize NASA to reimburse the town of Chincoteague for the costs associated with the removal of contaminated wells, as well as the relocation of these wells to a safe location free from groundwater contamination. From the late 1970s to 1988, the Navy conducted fire training activities on Navy-owned land on the north-central portion of Wallops Island, using a common firefighting foam that contained PFAS compounds.