Provisions in the House and Senate annual defense authorization bills reduce restrictions on the Pentagon’s use of “forever chemicals.”

In the House, one such provision is generating pushback even from Republicans.

“Forever chemicals” are the nickname for a family of man-made chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals, which have been linked to health issues including cancer, have been used by the military for years in firefighting foam.

They have also been used in firefighter gear used by the military and civilians, as well as in common products including nonstick pans, fast food packaging, clothing, furniture, cosmetics and more.

As the public and policymakers became more aware of the hazards posed by these substances, past iterations of the Nation

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