(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Representatives Erin Houchin (R-IN-09), Val Hoyle (D-OR-04), and Nick LaLota (R-NY-01) recently introduced the bipartisan Parkinson’s Protection for Fire Fighters Act of 2025 to provide medical coverage and increased support for fire fighters who develop Parkinson’s Disease symptoms.
Despite clear evidence linking firefighting to an increased risk for developing Parkinson’s, the federal government has yet to officially recognize the connection. As a result, firefighters living with Parkinson’s face bureaucratic barriers when seeking the care they need. Houchin’s office say this bill would change that by formally recognizing Parkinson’s as a job-related illness for firefighters to access the care they have earned and deserve.
“Our fire fighters put their lives on the line every day, facing extreme risks most of us will never fully understand. The science is clear—chemical exposure and head trauma from fire fighting significantly increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The Parkinson’s Protection for Fire Fighters Act ensures these heroes aren’t left to fight this battle alone. This bill is about honoring their service with the care and support they’ve earned,” Rep. Houchin said.
“Firefighters are exposed to significantly more toxins than the civilian population. They put their lives on the line to protect and serve our communities. It is our responsibility to ensure that the medical issues that disproportionately arise as a result of their service are covered. Fire fighters shouldn’t have to fight to prove the link between their service and Parkinson’s disorders, given the data. This is the least we can do to those who dedicated their lives to protecting and serving us,” Rep. Hoyle said.
“The risks firefighters face don’t end when the fire is out, and the science is clear: repeated exposure to toxic chemicals on the job significantly increases their risk of developing Parkinson’s. That’s why I support federal legislation to establish a presumptive link. Our fire fighters deserve more than praise—they deserve care, support, and the full backing of the country they serve,” said Rep. LaLota.
“The research is clear: fire fighters face an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease due to frequent, repeated exposure to toxins on the job. That’s why the Parkinson’s Protection for Fire Fighters Act is so important. This bipartisan legislation will help ensure fire fighters have access to the care and support needed following a Parkinson’s diagnosis,” said International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) General President Edward Kelly. “The IAFF is proud to endorse this bill, and we’re grateful to Reps. Hoyle and Houchin for their leadership on this critical issue.”
“The sacrifices made by federal firefighters extend far beyond the immediate risks of responding to fires and other emergencies,” said National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) National President Randy Erwin. “Many suffer from job-related injuries and illnesses, including Parkinson’s, long after their federal service ends. NFFE is proud to endorse the Parkinson’s Protection for Fire Fighters Act to ensure these brave men and women receive the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve should they be diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Thank you to Representatives Hoyle, Houchin, and LaLota for their leadership on this important issue.”
The Parkinson’s Protection for Fire Fighters Act of 2025 is also cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Joe Neguse (D-CO-02).
The bill is also supported by several organizations including the IAFF, NFFE, American Parkinson Disease Association, Davis Phiney Foundation, Power Over Parkinson’s Foundation, and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
The full text of the bill can be found here.
