Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14), Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9), Congresswoman Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Congressman Michael Rulli (OH-6) have introduced the East Palestine Health Impact Monitoring Act of 2025.

The bill will authorize funding over the span of fiscal years 2025 through 2029 to conduct studies of the long-term health impacts caused by the 2023 East Palestine train derailment.

Sponsors of the bill say since the derailment, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has not done enough to monitor or ensure affordable treatment for the potential long-term health impacts, or to establish voluntary disease registry for the residents of East Palestine.

Additionally, the bill would require the HHS Secretary to award a grant, contract or cooperative agreement to a group of public or private higher education institutions to conduct a study on the human health impacted.

"The community of East Palestine and the surrounding areas are still suffering from the train derailment and resulting contamination from thousands of gallons of toxic chemicals," said Congressman Joyce.

Joyce continues, "Unfortunately, there is still a need for more research to uncover the long-term health impacts and address the valid concerns of the people in the area. This bipartisan legislation will ensure that the proper research is conducted, and I hope to see it move forward quickly."

"More than two years later, as the people of East Palestine, Ohio and the surrounding communities continue to recover from the Norfolk Southern train derailment, and subsequent venting and burning of toxic chemicals, it is imperative that we continue to monitor the human health impacts," said Congresswoman Kaptur.

She continues, "We have a responsibility and duty to address the community's concerns. I am honored to co-lead this bipartisan legislation which would secure the necessary funds to better understand the long-term health challenges that residents and neighboring communities face. While we cannot undo what has been done, we can put every possible effort forward to ensure that the railroads are held accountable for their negligence, and that those impacted are made whole."

"I was in East Palestine earlier this week with Vice President JD Vance, standing with residents still grappling with the aftermath of that devastating disaster from two years ago. After speaking directly with my constituents, one thing is clear, fears about long-term health impacts are real and persistent," said Congressman Rulli.

He continues, "This legislation is a critical step forward, requiring the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct rigorous research to identify any harmful effects, both now and for generations to come. I am unwavering in my commitment to push this through both the House and Senate. Our community deserves nothing less than action, answers, and a clear path to full recovery."

"The people of East Palestine still have questions and concerns about the possible long-term health impacts, if any, of exposure to hazardous chemicals following the train derailment," said Michael Oakes, senior vice president of research and technology management at Case Western Reserve University.

He adds, "A longitudinal comparative study on human health effects is the best way to answer these questions. We appreciate that Congressman Joyce and Congresswoman Kaptur have continued to support this important bipartisan legislation, as well as Vice President Vance's prior efforts to advance the companion bill in the Senate."