Bipartisan Bill Seeks Presumed Benefits For Civilians Exposed To Burn Pits

Lawmakers unveiled the Kenya Merritt Renewing Our Promise to Address Toxicity Act on Capitol Hill on Thursday, May 14, 2026, to grant presumed workers' compensation benefits to federal civilians exposed to toxic burn pits.^[1]

The bipartisan bill is sponsored by Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Democratic Rep. Nellie Pou and Republican Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Celeste Maloy.^[1] It would create a presumption that specified illnesses in eligible federal civilians who were exposed to burn pits during overseas operations are work-related for workers' compensation purposes.^[1] Backers say the change would open benefits that many civilians have been unable to obtain under current rules.^[1]

A 2022 law created a Department of Veterans Affairs presumption linking some illnesses to burn pit exposure for service members.^[1] Sponsors say civilians have been left out of that framework and that aligning benefits would correct the disparity.^[1] Lawmakers also said Department of Labor investigators have denied every civilian federal burn pit-related claim filed to date, underlining the immediate stakes for affected workers.^[1]

1. CBS