Differing DOD bills have cleared each chamber, neither measure classifies PFAS as hazardous materials.

A defense bill released by a congressional conference committee Dec. 9 dropped provisions that would have restricted discharges of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—a class of chemical compounds known as PFAS—from manufacturers into water supplies and designated PFAS as “hazardous substances” under the federal Superfund law.

The Dept. of Defense’s plan to put off $3.6 billion in construction projects and shift the agency’s already appropriated funds to build sections of the southwest border wall has sparked sharp criticism from Democrats in Congress.

A massive Dept. of Defense authorization bill that, at press time, was awaiting President Obama’s signature includes a provision to eliminate much of the fraud in individual surety bonds.