Fitzpatrick calls for oversight and health protections following glyphosate executive order

(The following press release was provided verbatim by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick)

On Wednesday, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) called on Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to address vital health protections for the American people, raising serious concerns regarding the President’s Executive Order, “Promoting the National Defense by Ensuring an Adequate Supply of Elemental Phosphorus and Glyphosate-Based Herbicides.”

While national security preparedness is critical, Fitzpatrick stressed that public health protections and oversight cannot be sidelined.

“These chemicals, used in certain herbicides, have been linked to cancers across the country, and offering immunity for production of glyphosate under the 1950 Defense Production Act with no oversight or accountability measures risks future endangerment to Americans’ health,” Fitzpatrick wrote.

The Congressman further emphasized the importance of maintaining progress made in addressing chronic disease and removing harmful chemicals from the nation’s food supply.

“As our nation’s chronic disease epidemic persists, I ask that the Administration remains focused on the positive gains that have been made. The elimination of harmful dyes and chemicals by industry leaders are crucial steps towards improving the overall health of our Nation.”

Fitzpatrick formally requested answers to three central questions:

1. What is the emergency rationale for offering immunity under the 1950 Defense Production Act?
2. How will agencies oversee implementation to ensure Americans’ health is protected and the chronic disease epidemic is addressed?
3. What policies are being advanced to remove or limit harmful dyes and chemicals from the nation’s food supply?

Fitzpatrick has consistently emphasized that national defense priorities must be pursued in tandem with transparency, scientific rigor, and accountability.

“Emergency powers should never come at the expense of long-term public health,” said the Congressman. “Americans deserve clarity, oversight, and confidence that protecting our security does not mean compromising their safety.”

Read the full text of the letter here or below:

Dear Secretary Hegseth, Secretary Rollins, and Secretary Kennedy,

I write to express my concerns surrounding the issuing of the President’s Executive Order, “Promoting the National Defense by Ensuring an Adequate Supply of Elemental Phosphorus and Glyphosate-Based Herbicides.”

These chemicals, used in certain herbicides, have been linked to cancers across the country, and offering immunity for production of glyphosate under the 1950 Defense Production Act with no oversight or accountability measures risks future endangerment to Americans’ health. As our nation’s chronic disease epidemic persists, I ask that the Administration remains focused on the positive gains that have been made. The elimination of harmful dyes and chemicals by industry leaders are crucial steps towards improving the overall health of our Nation.

With this taken into consideration, I am requesting answers to the following questions:

1. What is the emergency rationale to offer immunity under the 1950 Defense Production Act?
2. How will your agencies oversee the administration of this Executive Order to ensure the health of Americans is protected and the chronic disease epidemic is being addressed? 
3. What policies or proposals are your respective agencies working on to address the chronic disease crisis and removal or limitation of harmful dyes and chemicals in our nation’s food supply? 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. If you have any concerns or questions regarding this request for information, please contact my office at (202) 225-4276.

Sincerely,

Brian K. Fitzpatrick

Member of Congress

Background:

Congressman Fitzpatrick has consistently led bipartisan efforts to strengthen public health protections, remove toxic exposure risks, and hold federal agencies and polluters accountable.

As Co-Chair of the bipartisan PFAS Task Force and Co-Chair of the Cancer Caucus, he has worked across party lines to confront the rise of chronic disease, eliminate harmful chemicals from food and water, and secure historic investments in cleanup and research, always keeping impacted families and communities front and center.

Among his broader public health portfolio, Fitzpatrick has led the charge in Congress to remove petroleum-based food dyes and toxic chemicals from food and medicine, advancing reforms aimed at reducing long-term exposure risks and improving overall health outcomes for American families.

Other recent initiatives include:

• H.R. 3761, secured in the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), establishing the first-ever high-level Coordinator at the Department of Defense dedicated to PFAS-impacted defense communities — marking the most significant federal action to date to accelerate cleanup at military installations and enforce accountability at the highest levels of the Pentagon.
• Indoor Air Quality and Healthy Schools Act, launching a comprehensive national assessment of indoor air quality in schools and childcare facilities to improve environmental conditions and protect students, teachers, and staff.
• PFAS National Drinking Water Standard Act, codifying the EPA’s first-ever national primary drinking water regulation for PFAS.
• Public Utility Remediation and Enhancement for Water (PURE) Act, funding municipal water treatment upgrades to remove PFAS at the source.
• Knock Out (K.O.) Cancer Act, bipartisan legislation proposing one of the most significant increases in cancer research funding in a generation while addressing the national crisis of cancer drug shortages.

Whether confronting toxic exposure, strengthening cancer research, or demanding oversight, Congressman Fitzpatrick’s mission is clear: America’s health and safety must always come first.