North Columbus News

May 30, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator JD Vance’s East Palestine Health Impact Monitoring Act has passed with overwhelming, bipartisan support through the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. The legislation aims to establish a comprehensive long-term study on the public health impacts from the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants, contracts, and/or cooperative agreements to universities and research institutions in the region. These entities will conduct a voluntary health study utilizing epidemiologists, toxicologists, cancer researchers, neurologists, among others. Participants will receive annual progress reports and a comprehensive final report within five years, along with healthcare recommendations when appropriate.

Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH) and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) have introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Families in East Palestine deserve to understand the long-term health implications of the Norfolk Southern train derailment,” said Senator Vance. “This legislation will empower trusted and respected research institutions to give residents the answers they deserve. I’m thankful we had an overwhelming, bipartisan vote to pass it through committee and that it’s been introduced by our colleagues in the House of Representatives. There’s more work to be done, but passing this bill would be a big step in the right direction.”

“Over a year ago, the lives of residents in East Palestine, Ohio and the surrounding areas were turned upside down following the derailment of a train carrying thousands of gallons of toxic chemicals,” said Congressman Joyce. “As many residents are still concerned about the potential for long-term health impacts, this bipartisan legislation will help ensure proper research is done through HHS to identify any harmful effects now and in the future. I will continue to rally support behind this legislation in the House and Senate to help rebuild the community.”

“More than one year later, as the people of East Palestine, Ohio and surrounding communities continue to recover from the Norfolk Southern train derailment and subsequent venting and burning of toxic chemicals," said Congresswoman Kaptur. "We have a responsibility and duty to address community concerns. I am honored to co-lead this bipartisan legislation which would secure necessary funds to better understand long-term health impacts that residents face. While we cannot undo what has been done, we can put every possible effort forward to ensure that railroads are held accountable for their negligence."

Senator Vance has repeatedly called on the Biden administration to provide funding for comprehensive long-term health testing through federal grants. To date, these requests have not been fulfilled; only smaller awards have been provided which do not meet residents' needs fully. This legislation seeks to achieve Senator Vance's goal by delivering long-term health testing through federal statute.

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