Story perspectives

Chemical Liability Shield Axed in Funding Bill Debate

1/6/2026

Center

Massie Challenges Liability

A provision shielding chemical companies from liability was removed from a funding bill aimed at preventing a government shutdown.
Activists, including those from the Trump administration's Make America Healthy Again initiative, opposed the measure.
Rep. Thomas Massie criticized the provision as hindering EPA pesticide-warnings updates and plans to sponsor an amendment to remove the language.
Industry lobbyists say the measure would not affect litigation and would reaffirm existing law.

Left

Democrats Strip Bayer Protections

Democrats removed a rider from the 2026 appropriations bill that would have protected pesticide manufacturers, particularly Bayer, from health-risk lawsuits.
Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) said the measure to limit state warnings about pesticide dangers was stripped from the 2026 funding bill after intensive Bayer lobbying.
Bayer claimed the rider would not prevent lawsuits.
Pingree said the fight is ongoing as Bayer continues to prioritize language favorable to the pesticide industry.

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Massie Challenges Liability

A provision shielding chemical companies from liability was removed from a funding bill aimed at preventing a government shutdown.
Activists, including those from the Trump administration's Make America Healthy Again initiative, opposed the measure.
Rep. Thomas Massie criticized the provision as hindering EPA pesticide-warnings updates and plans to sponsor an amendment to remove the language.
Industry lobbyists say the measure would not affect litigation and would reaffirm existing law.

1 / 2