Providing for Consideration of H.R. Pfas Action Act of 2019

Floor Speech

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Ms. DEAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule, and I thank Representative Scanlon for allowing me this brief time.

PFAS water contamination continues to harm America's health. The EPA's website describes some of the effects: ``low infant birth weights, effects on the immune system, cancer . . . and thyroid hormone disruption.'' Our constituents deserve better. Our constituents have a right to clean water.

Finally, we are making some progress. Over the last year, we have considered and passed more PFAS legislation than any previous Congress, and this week's PFAS Action Act marks our most comprehensive step.

We also see progress at the local level. In my district, contaminated surface water runoff from Horsham Air Guard Station has polluted local wells and waterways for years.

Last week, the Air Force released the funds for a $2.8 million containment and filtration system at the runoff site. I commend them for their leadership. Still, however, much work remains.

PFAS contaminants exist on more than 400 military bases nationwide and threaten the health and safety of those who live nearby. Addressing this challenge fully requires a national solution. That means listing PFAS as a toxin, banning its manufacture, regulating its disposal, cleaning up our water supplies, and providing health testing and treatment to everyone who needs it.

I thank Representative Dingell for her tenacity in drafting and passing this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support this rule.

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