Kenya Merritt Renewing Our PACT Act of 2026 Introduced in House of Representatives

Bill would ensure fair, consistent treatment for FBI Special Agents and other federal employees affected by burn pit exposure

Washington, D.C. — The FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) today applauded the introduction in the House of Representatives of bipartisan legislation addressing a longstanding gap in care for FBI Special Agents, professional staff and other civilian federal employees exposed to toxic burn pits. The Kenya Merritt Renewing Our PACT Act of 2026, introduced by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), a former FBI Special Agent, and Reps. Celeste Maloy (R-UT), and Nellie Pou (D-NJ), would ensure fair and consistent treatment for those suffering from burn pit–related illnesses.

FBIAA led the advocacy effort behind the legislation’s introduction, working closely with the bill’s sponsors to address a longstanding gap in care for FBI Agents, professional staff, and other federal employees exposed to toxic burn pits while serving alongside the military.

The legislation is named in honor of Special Agent Kenya Merritt, who voluntarily deployed to Iraq as an FBI Special Agent in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he was exposed to toxic burn pits. He was later diagnosed with lung cancer linked to those exposures and passed away on October 30, 2024.

“FBIAA thanks Representatives Fitzpatrick, Maloy, and Pou for introducing this important legislation,” said Natalie Bara, President of the FBI Agents Association. “We are proud to have led the advocacy effort to get this bill introduced. Before his passing, Kenya was actively involved with FBIAA in advocating for this legislation. Naming the bill in his honor reflects his service and helps carry forward his efforts to ensure others receive the care and recognition they deserve.”

Since Operation Desert Shield, FBI personnel and other civilian federal employees have served overseas alongside U.S. armed forces, facing many of the same risks and exposures. The legislation ensures that those suffering from burn pit–related illnesses have a fair and appropriate standard to evaluate their claims—consistent with the standard applied to members of the military.

“FBIAA will continue working with Congress to advance this important legislation and ensure that affected personnel and their families receive the care and support they have earned,” said Bara.

About the FBI Agents Association

The FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to providing support and advocacy to active and former Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.Membership includes more than 14,000 active and former Special Agents of the FBI. For more information, please visit https://www.fbiaa.org.

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