Bill would track and presume toxic exposure for Nevada test range veterans
In markupS. 2220Latest action
Sponsor: Jacky Rosen · Senator · NV
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Fighting for the Overlooked Recognition of Groups Operating in Toxic Test Environments in Nevada (FORGOTTEN) Veterans Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Security & foreign affairs
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
The FORGOTTEN Veterans Act would presume toxic exposure for veterans of the Nevada Test and Training Range, easing benefit claims.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The bill directs the Department of Defense to expand the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record (ILER) to track hazardous exposures, related medical issues, and duty locations, sharing this data with the VA. It also creates automatic presumptions of exposure for those who served at certain Department of Energy facilities or the Nevada Test and Training Range since 1951, and updates VA law to link specific health conditions, including tumors and lipomas, to service there.
Who does it affect?
This affects veterans and current service members who worked at nuclear testing or toxic material sites, especially in Nevada, and their families. VA staff, military record-keepers, and the Air Force would also be affected, as they would need to implement new tracking and identification systems.
Why does it matter?
By removing the burden of proving exposure, the bill would change how disability and healthcare claims are processed for affected veterans. It would also require the Air Force and VA to build new systems to identify and track exposed individuals.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Introduced in Senate” text of Jul 9, 2025.
After that text, a committee agreed on Mar 18, 2026 to send the bill to the full chamber with changes. This plain-language version may not reflect them.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJul 9, 2025
- Senate committeeYou are here · Mar 18, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.