Congresswoman Tenney Leads Bipartisan Effort to Protect Servicemembers from Toxic Burn Pit Exposure

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) joined Representatives Raul Ruiz (CA-25) and Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) in introducing the bipartisan Waste Incineration Protection, Exposure Oversight, and Updated Tracking of Burn Pits (WIPE OUT Burn Pits) Act to protect American servicemembers from toxic exposure caused by open-air burn pits operated near U.S. military installations overseas. Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) is leading companion legislation in the Senate.

Although the Department of War (DoW) has ended its use of open-air burn pits, servicemembers may still face exposure to toxic smoke from burn pits operated by foreign governments and other entities near U.S. military installations. The WIPE OUT Burn Pits Act would require DoW to identify and report non-DoW controlled burn pits operating within 4,000 meters of military installations or locations where American troops are stationed. The legislation would also require air quality testing, documentation of potential exposure in servicemembers' health records, and a report to Congress on existing burn pits near U.S. personnel. Additionally, the bill would direct DoW to work with host nations to develop plans to eliminate hazardous burn pit operations and implement safer waste disposal alternatives where required.

"Our servicemembers should not have to worry that the air they breathe while defending our country could jeopardize their health for years to come," said Congresswoman Tenney. "We have seen the devastating consequences of toxic exposure on our veterans and their families, and we must do everything possible to prevent future generations from facing the same challenges. The bipartisan WIPE OUT Burn Pits Act will help identify dangerous exposure risks, improve accountability, and ensure our troops have accurate health records if they need care in the future. Protecting those who serve our nation must remain a top priority, both during their service and long after they return home."

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