Betty McCollum

Forever Chemical Regulation and Accountability Act of 2026

Forever Chemical Regulation and Accountability Act of 2026 This bill phases out the release and nonessential use of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and addresses PFAS research, remediation, regulation, and enforcement. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must require each manufacturer and user of PFAS to submit annual reports that include specified information about the essential (e.g., critical for health or safety reasons) and nonessential uses of PFAS by such entities. Not later than 10 years after the enactment of this bill, manufacturers and users must fully phase out nonessential uses of PFAS. The bill also establishes specified deadlines to phase out the sale of certain products containing PFAS; requires federal agencies, to the maximum extent practicable, to eliminate the procurement of products known to contain PFAS; imposes a 10-year phaseout of the release of PFAS above a certain threshold of detection; provides enforcement authority to the EPA regarding violations of the requirements of the bill, including through civil and criminal penalties; allows citizen suits against manufacturers and users of PFAS and the EPA; and addresses actions under state law related to damages from exposure to hazardous substances, including with regard to statutes of repose. The bill exempts from a bankruptcy petition’s automatic stay any proceeding against a non-debtor entity (e.g., a proceeding to obtain property from a non-debtor) with respect to a PBT claim (a claim relating to persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals) against the non-debtor entity, the debtor, or the estate.

Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act

This bill would direct the U.S. government to investigate and report on alleged human rights violations against Palestinian children and families in areas under Israeli military control, and would condition certain U.S. military aid to Israel on improvements in how Israeli forces treat Palestinian civilians. The legislation aims to hold both Israeli security forces and Palestinian armed groups accountable for abuses while pushing for better protection of children and families caught in the conflict.

Peace Corps Volunteers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025

This bill would award the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors, to Peace Corps volunteers in recognition of their service and contributions to international development and diplomacy. The medal honors volunteers who have worked abroad promoting education, health, infrastructure, and cultural exchange in developing countries. This is a ceremonial recognition of the Peace Corps' mission and the sacrifices volunteers make while serving communities worldwide.

Cold-blooded Animal Research and Exhibition Act

The legislation would establish new standards and regulations for how cold-blooded animals like reptiles and amphibians are cared for, bred, and displayed in zoos, research facilities, and other public exhibitions. It would affect zoos, pet breeders, research institutions, and anyone else who keeps these animals, requiring them to meet specific housing, temperature, and care requirements. The bill aims to improve animal welfare while allowing legitimate research and educational programs to continue operating.

Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act

Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act This bill protects and preserves approximately 225,504 acres of federal land and waters in a specified area in the Rainy River Watershed of Superior National Forest in Minnesota from certain mining, such as sulfide-ore copper mining. (The area is upstream from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.) Specifically, the bill withdraws those acres from entry, appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws; location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws. However, the Forest Service is authorized to permit the removal of sand, granite, iron ore, and taconite from national forest system lands within such area if the removal is not detrimental to the water quality, air quality, and health of forest habitat within the Rainy River Watershed. Land or interest in land within such area that is acquired by the United States must be immediately withdrawn in accordance with this bill.