Laredo, TX — Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) celebrated the Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances (PFAS) Act being sent to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. Congressman Cuellar 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. It will also require the Department of Homeland Security to develop educational resources for firefighters on equipment alternatives that do not contain PFAS chemicals.

 “Every day, our firefighters risk their lives to protect us. The PFAS Act will help us protect them,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I voted for this bipartisan legislation to bolster federal resources for firefighters and mitigate the presence of forever chemicals in their equipment. Our firefighters deserve peace of mind knowing they will not be exposed to toxic chemicals while in the line of duty. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue to deliver resources and protections to our firefighters across South Texas.”

The Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances (PFAS) Act is a bipartisan federal measure aimed at protecting firefighters from toxic PFAS chemicals often found in their equipment. The Act awaits being signed into law by President Biden after being passed in the House of Representatives and the Senate.