Updated on November 12, 2026

The bipartisan effort to pass the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act continues as the 119th Congress approaches its conclusion. With a new Congress set to take office in January 2027, the coming weeks are an important opportunity to build on the support already established and keep a comprehensive federal asbestos ban moving forward.

ARBAN: Current Legislative Status

Senate — 2026: Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the bipartisan ARBAN Act of 2026 (S. 5235) in August.

House — 2025: Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Don Bacon (R-NE) are leading the House version, (H.R. 5373), introduced in September 2025.

Bipartisan support: The legislation has brought together lawmakers from both parties, alongside public health, scientific, labor, and environmental advocates. ADAO continued this engagement through its 21st Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference and 20th Congressional Staff Briefing in 2026.

Current status: The latest materials identify S. 5235 and H.R. 5373 as the active 119th-Congress vehicles. Neither has become law. The Senate and House bills have different introduction dates; H.R. 5373 should not be described as a newly introduced 2026 bill.

Why a Comprehensive Ban Remains Necessary

EPA’s 2024 Part 1 rule addresses specified ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, but it does not establish a comprehensive prohibition covering all asbestos fibers and commercial uses.

EPA’s Part 2 risk evaluation found that disturbing and handling asbestos from legacy uses presents an unreasonable risk to human health. After EPA missed the December 2025 statutory deadline to propose a risk-management rule, ADAO filed suit in April 2026 to compel action. EPA later announced an extension to June 3, 2027, which ADAO is challenging.

ADAO and public health partners are also continuing to defend the scientific foundation of the Part 1 rule while seeking stronger safeguards. These regulatory and legal efforts are important, but they do not replace the need for comprehensive federal legislation.

Looking Ahead: The 120th Congress

The 2026 midterm elections produced a major shift in the congressional landscape, widely described as a “blue tsunami,” with Democrats projected to take control of both the House and Senate when the 120th Congress convenes in January 2027. The 119th Congress remains in session through the end of this year, leaving an opportunity to advance legislation before the transition.

If ARBAN is not enacted before the 119th Congress concludes, the legislation will need to be reintroduced in the 120th Congress and move through the new Congress’s legislative and committee process. ADAO looks forward to working with returning and newly elected lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to build on the bipartisan foundation, renew congressional engagement, and advance lasting protections against asbestos.

What ARBAN Would Do

ARBAN would prohibit the importation and commercial use of asbestos, addressing all six recognized asbestos fiber types as well as winchite and richterite, as described in ADAO’s existing legislative materials. It would close gaps left by narrower regulatory approaches and establish a durable national framework for preventing future asbestos use.

The science is clear. The need is urgent. ADAO will continue working with Congress, public health partners, and the broader asbestos community to advance a comprehensive ban and protect future generations.

Hear Asbestos. Think Prevention.™