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

This bill is formally titled 'To improve benefits for veterans who may have been exposed to toxic substances, and for other purposes.'

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 utilize military records from the Department of Defense and information from the veteran registry (section 7). Veterans are not required to provide affirmative evidence of exposure to a specific toxic substance if 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 38 U.S. Code § 1112(c)(3)(B) to add a new clause. The amendment defines specific military service and onsite participation as radiation-risk activities for Department of Veterans Affairs purposes. This includes active service within the Nevada Test and Training Range and the Nevada National Security Site. The period covered begins January 27, 1951, and ends upon certification by the Secretary of Defense or 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) to establish presumptions of toxic exposure and service connection for veterans. Subparagraph (C) applies to veterans who served at facilities listed under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000. Subparagraph (D) applies to veterans who served within the Nevada Test and Training Range and the Nevada National Security Site on or after January 27, 1951.

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

This section directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, to establish an agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services or another scientific organization to conduct a study. The study will identify toxic exposures and environmental hazards at covered locations associated with veterans' military occupations. The study will review existing literature to determine associations between these exposures and cancer morbidity and mortality among veterans. 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 several 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 Covered Location Veteran Registry within the Department of Veterans Affairs. The registry will collect epidemiological information to analyze adverse health effects among veterans who served at covered locations. The registry aims to facilitate coordination between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to verify veteran service. Veterans will be informed of available health care, benefits, and screenings through the registry. The registry will support outreach, research, and claims adjudication related to toxic exposure. Participants have the opportunity to opt-out of the registry. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is tasked with recruiting veterans not already represented in data sources of the Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs. Information collected through the registry will be shared with the Secretary of Defense, subject to privacy and security laws.

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 from 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 such a location. The Secretary of Defense must establish a process to identify Armed Forces members and former members stationed at these facilities. Members and former members can provide documentation to assist in identification, but the Secretary of Defense should make efforts to identify individuals without requiring such evidence. The Secretary of Defense is required to share gathered information with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to support claims for benefits.

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Sergeant Dave Crete FORGOTTEN Veterans Act of 2026

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

Author: Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a presumption of toxic exposure for veterans who served at facilities listed under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 and within the Nevada Test and Training Range or Nevada National Security Site.
It directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to coordinate with the Department of Defense to identify veterans who served at covered locations and may have been exposed to toxic substances.
The bill creates a Covered Location Veteran Registry within the Department of Veterans Affairs to collect epidemiological information and facilitate access to healthcare, benefits, and screenings for affected veterans.
It mandates the Department of Defense to classify the Nevada Test and Training Range and facilities listed under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 as locations where toxic exposures occurred.
The bill authorizes a study by the Department of Veterans Affairs, in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services, to identify toxic exposures and environmental hazards at covered locations and their association with veteran health outcomes.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 9127(In Committee)Official page

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

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