House unanimously passes burn pit registry act

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass local Congressman Raul Ruiz’s Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act.

H.R. 1381 passed with 416 votes in favor, 0 votes against.

The goal of the bipartisan bill is to expand and improve the data available for studies related to burn pits. This will help researchers determine the full range of diseases and negative health outcomes that can result from exposure to burn pits.

The bill was inspired by a local veteran’s fight to raise awareness on the dangers of burn pits.

Cathedral City resident Jennifer Kepner served in the Air Force in Iraq in 2006 where burn pits were used to dispose of all waste on base including Styrofoam and other carcinogens. She was later diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that she told News Channel 3 she believed was caused by her exposure to the burn pits.

Kepner’s oncologist conducted an extensive genetic and environmental risk assessment and found that the only, most probably cause of her cancer was her exposure to burn pits.

Kepner passed away on October 18, 2017, after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer.

“My bill will spur medical research to help physicians diagnose illnesses and potentially save the lives of veterans exposed to burn pits. None of this would be possible without Jennifer Kepner, whose legacy of empathy and service continue to inspire my fight to ensure every veteran exposed to burn pits can access the health care and benefits they have earned and deserve.” Ruiz said, co-chair of the Burn Pits Caucus.

The bill is now headed to the Senate.