Dr. Joyce: We Must Support Life Saving Technology

Washington, DC Today, Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) challenged a potential ban of all PFAS substances that would prevent secure chemical disposal and curb the innovation of safer products.

In a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives, Dr. Joyce argued for a science-grounded, risk-based approach that identifies the most harmful chemicals and treats them as such, rather than regulate the whole family of chemicals as a single group.

"PFAS materials have a variety of uses in health care, ranging from cardiac stents to coating contact lenses," said Dr. Joyce. "Thanks to technology developed using PFAS materials, surgeries - such as one needed to repair a child's congenital heart defect - no longer require risky open-heart surgery and can simply be done through their arm."

During his speech, Dr. Joyce advocated for a measured response that would help to reduce the build-up of toxic chemicals while maintain the ability to use PFAS materials in life saving technology.

"Of course, we don't want dangerous chemicals in our water supply. But, to outright ban a whole family of products is not the answer. Inclusion in the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act has the potential to slow down the clean-up process of PFAS, divert resources from current higher-priority public health issues, and create another unfunded mandate for critical public utilities and local governments." He added.

Watch Dr. Joyce's full speech here. A full transcription of his statement can be found below.

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose H.R. 2467, the PFAS Action Act. This bill takes the wrong approach to dealing with these complex and complicated chemicals. A de facto ban on PFAS substances will do nothing but prevent secure disposal of existing chemicals and harm innovation of new, safer products.

As a physician, I have seen personally the benefits provided by these products. PFAS materials have a variety of uses in health care, ranging from cardiac stents to coating contact lenses.

Thanks to technology developed using PFAS materials, surgeries - such as one needed to repair a child's congenital heart defect - no longer require risky open-heart surgery and can simply be done through their arm.

Of course, we don't want dangerous chemicals in our water supply. But, to outright ban a whole family of products is not the answer.

We need a science-grounded, risk-based approach that identifies the most harmful chemicals and treats them as such, rather than having Congress regulate the whole family as a single group.

Inclusion in the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act has the potential to slow down the clean-up process of PFAS, divert resources from current higher-priority public health issues, and create another unfunded mandate for critical public utilities and local governments.

Instead of interfering, it is time to let the government agencies do their work, and so I urge my colleagues to join me in voting NO on H.R. 2467. Thank you and I yield the balance of my time.

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