What does Preamble of Sergeant Dave Crete FORGOTTEN Veterans Act of 2026 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To improve benefits for veterans who may have been exposed to toxic substances, and for other purposes,' aims to improve benefits for veterans potentially exposed to toxic substances. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 3, 2026.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Sergeant Dave Crete FORGOTTEN Veterans Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Sergeant Dave Crete Fighting for the Overlooked Recognition of Groups Operating in Toxic Test Environments in Nevada Veterans Act of 2026, or the Sergeant Dave Crete FORGOTTEN Veterans Act of 2026.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Sergeant Dave Crete FORGOTTEN Veterans Act of 2026 do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. “Active military, naval, air, or space service” is defined by reference to section 101(24) of title 38, United States Code. “Covered location” includes facilities listed under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000. “Covered location” also includes locations within the Nevada Test and Training Range or the Nevada National Security Site, for service on or after January 27, 1951. “Toxic exposure” is defined by reference to section 101(37) of title 38, United States Code.

What does COORDINATION WITH DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO IDENTIFY VETERANS of Sergeant Dave Crete FORGOTTEN Veterans Act of 2026 do?

This section directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to coordinate with the Secretary of Defense to establish a process for identifying veterans who served at covered locations. The process aims to identify veterans who may have encountered toxic exposure during military service. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs will use military records from the Department of Defense and information from the veteran registry (section 7) to identify these veterans. Veterans will not be required to provide affirmative evidence of exposure to a specific toxic substance if their service at a covered location is established.

What does TREATMENT AS RADIATION-RISK ACTIVITIES BY DEPARTMENT OF of Sergeant Dave Crete FORGOTTEN Veterans Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Title 38 of the United States Code. It adds a new clause to define activities treated as radiation-risk activities for Department of Veterans Affairs purposes. The new clause includes active military service or onsite participation in the development, construction, operation, or maintenance of a military installation within the Nevada Test and Training Range and the Nevada National Security Site. This applies to service between January 27, 1951, and a date determined by the Secretary of Defense or the enactment of the Sergeant Dave Crete Fighting for the Overlooked Recognition of Groups Operating in Toxic Test Environments in Nevada Veterans Act of 2026, whichever is later.

What does PRESUMPTION OF TOXIC EXPOSURE FOR VETERANS WHO SERVED AT of Sergeant Dave Crete FORGOTTEN Veterans Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 1119(c)(1) of Title 38, United States Code. It modifies existing subparagraphs (A)(viii) and (B)(ix) by replacing punctuation. It adds new subparagraphs (C) and (D) establishing presumptions of toxic exposure and service connection for veterans. Subparagraph (C) applies to veterans who served at duty stations within facilities listed under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000. Subparagraph (D) applies to veterans who served on or after January 27, 1951, at duty stations within the Nevada Test and Training Range and the Nevada National Security Site.

What does STUDY ON TOXIC EXPOSURES AT COVERED LOCATIONS. of Sergeant Dave Crete FORGOTTEN Veterans Act of 2026 do?

This section mandates a study of potential toxic exposures and environmental hazards at covered locations. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, must seek an agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services or another scientific organization to conduct the study. The study will identify exposures associated with military occupations of veterans who served at covered locations, including exposures to chemicals and other phenomena. The study will review literature to determine associations between these exposures and cancer morbidity and mortality. Data sources for the study may include databases from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, and the National Death Index. Funds authorized for the Secretary of Defense to carry out the study may be transferred to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. A report containing the study's results will be submitted to various entities, including the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of both the Senate and House of Representatives.

What does ESTABLISHMENT OF COVERED LOCATION VETERAN REGISTRY. of Sergeant Dave Crete FORGOTTEN Veterans Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a registry of veterans who served at covered locations and may have encountered toxic exposure. The registry's purpose is to collect epidemiological information to analyze adverse health effects, facilitate coordination between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense, inform veterans of available resources, and support research and claims. Participants in the registry must have the opportunity to opt-out. The Department of Veterans Affairs will recruit veterans not already represented in data sources of the Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs will share registry information with the Secretary of Defense, consistent with privacy and security laws, to identify affected veterans and improve care and benefits delivery.

What does CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN FACILITIES AS LOCATIONS WHERE of Sergeant Dave Crete FORGOTTEN Veterans Act of 2026 do?

This section directs the Secretary of Defense to classify certain locations as places where contamination occurred and members of the Armed Forces were exposed to toxic substances. The Nevada Test and Training Range, including the Nevada National Security Site, is classified as such a location starting January 27, 1951. Any facility on the most recent list under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 is also classified as a location where contamination occurred. The Secretary of Defense must establish a process to identify Armed Forces members and former members stationed at these facilities. The Secretary of Defense shall allow individuals to provide documentation to assist in identification, but is not required to demand such evidence. The Secretary of Defense is required to share gathered information with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to support benefit claims.

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Sergeant Dave Crete FORGOTTEN Veterans Act of 2026

Last updated: 6/3/2026 · Introduced: 6/3/2026

Author: Susie Lee (D-NV)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a veteran registry to collect health information from those who served at locations with potential toxic exposures, facilitating research and benefit claims.
It creates a presumption of toxic exposure for veterans who served at specific facilities listed under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 and within the Nevada Test and Training Range.
The bill expands the definition of 'radiation-risk activities' to include service at military installations within the Nevada Test and Training Range and Nevada National Security Site.
It mandates a study, coordinated between the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Health and Human Services, to identify toxic exposures and their potential health effects on veterans who served at covered locations.
The Secretary of Defense is directed to classify certain locations, including the Nevada Test and Training Range and facilities listed under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act, as sites where toxic contamination occurred.

119th Congressin committeeS. 4675(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 7 more.

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