Bill authored by Rep. Dexter seeks recurring clinical updates on PFAS health risks

A bill brought forward by U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter in the House proposes continuous, scientifically driven updates about the health risks tied to PFAS exposure, according to the U.S. Congress.

H.R.6977 was submitted on Jan. 8, 2026, in the 119th Congress’s 2026 regular session. The following summary reflects our analysis of the bill’s official text and may clarify certain provisions through interpretation.

Fundamentally, this proposal instructs the regular issuance of updated clinical guidance on the health impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). It tasks the Director of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry with forming a partnership with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to examine PFAS health effects and provide clinical advice. The first evaluation and recommendations are due within two years of initiating the agreement, followed by updates at least every five years or when needed. The process must also involve consulting with PFAS-affected communities. Upon completion of each assessment, new clinical guidance must be issued promptly, made publicly accessible online, and shared with health agencies and providers to keep information on PFAS health risks up to date.

Rep. Maxine Dexter (Democrat-OR-3rd District) introduced the bill, with Rep. Michael Lawler (Republican-OR-17th District) listed as a co-sponsor.

During the ongoing session, Rep. Dexter has put forward seven additional bills, one of which has passed.

A companion bill, S.3598, was filed in the Senate on Jan. 8, 2026, and is noted in congressional documents as identical to H.R.6977.

Congressional bills can originate in either the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate, except for revenue measures, which must come from the House. Following introduction, bills move to committees for study, hearings, possible amendments and floor discussion before being considered by both chambers. Passage of an identical version in both the House and Senate sends a bill to the president for approval or veto. Congressional terms last two years, each numbered sequentially and split into two yearly sessions. The legislative process and related records are managed by the U.S. Congress and made available at Congress.gov.

Maxine Dexter represents Oregon as a Democrat in the 119th Congress. She previously served in the Oregon House of Representatives (2020 to 2024) and earned both her bachelor’s and medical degrees from the University of Washington.

Information for this report comes from the U.S. Congress. Source material can be accessed here.