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HR9127119th CongressWALLET

Sergeant Dave Crete FORGOTTEN Veterans Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Lee, Susie [D-NV-3]

In Committee

Summary

Would create presumptions and a registry for veterans exposed to toxic contamination at specified Nevada test and related sites. It would force VA and DoD to share records, set new rules that make it easier to link certain Nevada service to illnesses, and require a formal study of exposures and cancer outcomes.

Show full summary
  • Veterans and families: Veterans who served at named Nevada Test and Training Range locations or Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act facilities would get new presumptions that make establishing service connection easier. The bill bars requiring separate proof of exposure if service at a covered location is confirmed.
  • Benefits administration and claims: VA would have to build and run a Covered Location Veteran Registry to collect health data, help with outreach and screenings, and support claims adjudication. The registry would allow opt-out rights and permit data sharing with DoD under privacy rules.
  • Research and agency duties: The Department of Defense would classify contaminated locations and share service and injury records with VA. The bill would require a study using VA, DoD, and National Death Index data with a final report due within 180 days of enactment.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Easier VA claims and veteran registry

If enacted, the VA could not require veterans to prove exposure to a specific toxic substance once service at a covered location is established. The bill would define covered locations to include facilities on the latest Energy Employees list and Nevada Test and Training Range sites for service on or after January 27, 1951. VA would create a registry of veterans who served at covered locations to collect health data, inform veterans about care and screenings, support outreach and claims, and let participants opt out. DoD would classify contaminated locations, identify members who served there, and share service records with VA without forcing members to submit proof of stationing.

More VA presumptions for Nevada veterans

If enacted, the VA would presume toxic exposure and service connection for veterans who served at covered Energy Employees facilities at any time. It would also presume exposure for veterans who served at the Nevada Test and Training Range or Nevada National Security Site on or after January 27, 1951. The bill would treat service in the Nevada test area from January 27, 1951 onward as a radiation-risk activity until the Secretary of Defense, with independent verification, certifies the area no longer poses a radiation risk. If you meet these place and date rules, you may not need extra proof to get VA benefits for related conditions.

Study of toxic exposures and cancer

If enacted, VA and DoD would seek an agreement within 180 days with HHS or another scientific group to study toxic exposures at covered locations. The study would identify exposures tied to military jobs, review links to cancer incidence and mortality, and may use VA, DoD, and the National Death Index data. Amounts authorized for DoD to carry out the study could be transferred to HHS without regard to 10 U.S.C. 2215 to pay for the study. A final report would go to Congress and specified scientific bodies.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Lee, Susie [D-NV-3]

NV • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Amodei, Mark E. [R-NV-2]

    NV • R

    Sponsored 6/3/2026

  • Rep. Horsford, Steven [D-NV-4]

    NV • D

    Sponsored 6/23/2026

  • Rep. Hamadeh, Abraham J. [R-AZ-8]

    AZ • R

    Sponsored 7/14/2026

  • Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 7/20/2026

  • Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1]

    NC • D

    Sponsored 8/17/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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