Bipartisan bill aims to help civilians exposed to toxic burn pits
Summary
U.S. lawmakers introduced a bipartisan bill to help civilian federal workers, like law enforcement agents, receive compensation for illnesses caused by exposure to toxic burn pits during overseas service. The bill aims to treat civilians the same as military members by making it easier to prove their illnesses are work-related.Key Facts
- The bill is called the Kenya Merritt Renewing Our Promise to Address Toxicity Act, named after an FBI agent who died from lung cancer linked to burn pit exposure.
- It would give civilian federal employees the same legal status as military personnel for illnesses from burn pits.
- A 2022 law helps military members get compensation for burn pit exposure but does not cover civilians.
- Civilians must currently prove a direct connection between their illness and toxic exposure to get workers' compensation.
- The new bill would create a "presumption" that certain illnesses are work-related for eligible civilians exposed to burn pits during overseas operations.
- The bill is supported by both Democrats and Republicans and backed by the FBI Agents Association.
- According to lawmakers, every civilian claim related to burn pits has been denied so far by the Department of Labor.
- The bill was introduced during Police Week to highlight the needs of law enforcement agents exposed overseas.
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