Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - 4/30/2025… Today, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Pat Ryan (NY-18) introduced the PFAS-Free Procurement Act, a bill aimed at reducing harmful chemical exposure by prohibiting the procurement of products containing perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) or perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), commonly known as PFAS. 

These chemicals are linked to a variety of health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and developmental harm. The bill prioritizes the procurement of safer, PFAS-free products. The bill prohibits federal agencies from renewing or entering into contracts for products containing PFOS or PFOA, including nonstick cookware, cooking utensils, furniture, carpets, and rugs treated with stain-resistant coatings. The legislation takes effect six months after enactment and will apply to all contracts entered into after that date.

“Across New York and the nation, communities grapple with the long-term consequences of PFAS contamination, threats to public health, drinking water, and environmental safety. As stewards of taxpayer dollars, we have a responsibility to ensure the federal government is not perpetuating this crisis through its procurement practices. The PFAS-Free Procurement Act takes a measured, forward-looking approach that protects public health, encourages safer alternatives, and leverages the purchasing power of the federal government to drive meaningful change,” said Congressman Lawler (NY-17).

“In Michigan, PFAS contamination has touched nearly every corner of our state. Our communities have led the charge in confronting these harmful substances, and now it is time for the federal government to do the same. The bipartisan and bicameral PFAS-Free Procurement Act extends the Department of Defense’s sensible prohibition on PFAS products to most federal acquisitions. This common-sense, bipartisan bill will protect Michigan communities and take a bold step toward eliminating these harmful, forever chemicals from our daily lives,” said Congresswoman Stevens (MI-11).

“The federal government shouldn’t be fueling the PFAS crisis—it should be leading the fight to end it. The PFAS-Free Procurement Act sets a clear standard: safer products, stronger accountability, and a healthier future. As Co-Chair of the PFAS Task Force, I’ll keep pushing for real reforms that put public health and environmental responsibility first,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick (PA-01).

“PFAS and other toxic forever chemicals continue to pose health risks to Granite Staters and communities nationwide. We must take comprehensive and commonsense action to combat PFAS contamination and ensure the well-being of Americans. This bipartisan legislation would require federal agencies to prioritize procuring PFAS-free products to protect federal employees and individuals who visit federal facilities, like veterans at the VA and seniors at Social Security offices. The federal government should be a leader in addressing PFAS contamination, and this bipartisan legislation is an important step forward,” said Congressman Pappas (NH-01).

“Our communities have suffered from exposure to PFAS for too long – I refuse to let your kids or mine be exposed to these toxins any longer,” said Congressman Pat Ryan (NY-18). “I’m proud to be leading the fight against PFAS exposures, and am excited to join my colleagues in supporting this vital legislation to ban the purchasing of PFAS-contaminated materials in federal buildings, protecting families, kids, and seniors from further exposure.”

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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Full text of the bill can be found HERE.