U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster, D-N.H., highlighted the issue of toxic chemicals in New Hampshire’s drinking water in Washington on Wednesday.

Kuster spoke at a hearing about the impact contamination from the chemicals is having on communities near some industrial plants and military bases.

Last week, Kuster, along with Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., introduced a new act stopping the introduction of new per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS.

“How important is it to stop new PFAS chemicals from the entering the supply chain?” Kuster asked Erik Olson, health program director for the Natural Resources Defense Council.

“It's absolutely critical,” Olson replied. “We have more than 4,700 of these things and adding new ones. As I say in my testimony, it’s sort of what Will Rogers said: ‘If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.’ And we're still digging. We’re still approving new uses."

Kuster said that, as a mother and lawmaker, her highest priority is the health and well-being of Granite Staters.