WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) and Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Aviator Cancers Examination Study (ACES) Act.
If passed, this bill would direct the Secretary of the VA to study cancer incidences and mortality rates among aviators and aircrew who served in the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.
"This legislation is critical as it would improve our understanding of the link between military service and cancer risks among Veteran aviators," information from Pfluger's office states. "By better understanding the correlation between aviator service and cancer, we can better assist our military and provide more adequate care for our veterans."
Senator Tom Cotton (R-AK) and Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), both veterans and members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, championed the Senate version of the bill last session and will do so again this Congress.
“As a former fighter pilot, I know first-hand the risks that airmen and women take every day when they step into the cockpit," said Congressman Pfluger. "After putting their lives on the line in the line of duty for their country, airmen and women deserve assurances that their health will be properly taken care of. The bipartisan ACES Act will ensure that the VA takes necessary steps to completely understand any links between aviation and cancer incidences to properly care for and treat our service members.”
“We have a responsibility to fully understand the health risks facing our aviators in defense of our nation,” said Congressman Panetta. “I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation to ensure that we uncover the full scope of service-linked cancer diagnoses among our airmen and women as we continue our work to improve care for our servicemembers and veterans. This study is essential to equipping our military and veteran health care providers with the critical knowledge they need to deliver the top-tier care our aviators and aircrew so rightly deserve for their service to our nation.”
“We owe it to past, present, and future aviators in the armed forces to study the prevalence of cancer among this group of veterans," said Senator Cotton. "Our legislation will make the necessary commitments to protect our men and women in uniform long after their service has ended."
"As a former Navy pilot, I understand the sacrifices aviators make every day, but the fact is we need to improve our understanding on some of the unseen risks facing aircrews,” said Senator Kelly. “This bipartisan legislation will boost our knowledge to better address this terrible disease among veterans and recognize what needs to be corrected to help mitigate the threat among current service members.”
The bill is co-sponsored in the House by Representatives Rob Wittman (VA-7), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Seth Moulton (MA-6), Daniel Webster (FL-11), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Don Davis (NC-01), David Valadao (CA-22), Marianette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Susie Lee (NV-03), Mike Simpson (ID-02), and Scott Franklin (FL-18).
Read the full text of the legislation here.
Rep. Pfluger's legislation is supported by Red River Valley Association (RRVA), With Honor Action, HunterSeven Foundation, the MACH Coalition, Fleet Reserve Association, the Wounded Warrior Project, and Veteran Prostate Cancer Awareness Inc.
Vince Alcazar, COL, USAF, ret., Director of Red River Valley Association Medical Committee said, “In the 117th Congress, Representative August “Pfoto” Pfluger (TX-11) first introduced the Aviator Cancer Examination Study (ACES) Act. A former F-15 and F-22 pilot, “Pfoto” Pfluger sees the problem of elevated cancer rates among Military and Veteran aircrew. RRVA is proud to remain alongside Congressman Pfluger in his role as the House champion of the ACES Act. RRVA’s grassroots advocacy for enactment of the ACES Act resumes in the 119thCongress.”
Rye Barcott, Co-Founder & CEO of With Honor Action said, “It’s alarming that airmen and airwomen may face higher cancer and mortality rates in connection to their service. We commend the bipartisan work of Rep. Pfluger and Rep. Panetta, both members of the For Country Caucus, and urge Congress to pass this bill to help us better understand the risks our airmen and airwomen face while on duty.”
Dr. Sheri Boucher, LtCol. (ret.), United States Air Force Flight Nurse (32 years of service, OEF Combat Veteran), Vice President of HunterSeven Foundation said, “The veterans and medical providers of the HunterSeven Foundation fully support the ACES Act to address the alarming increase in cancer diagnoses and untimely death among many young, otherwise healthy aviators in their 30s and 40s—illnesses typically seen in individuals decades older. We commend and praise Congressman Pfluger, a distinguished Air Force pilot with over 24 years of service and thousands of flight hours, for his leadership exemplifies a deep commitment to addressing the alarming cancer rates among aviators. His dedication to identifying the root causes of these illnesses is pivotal in preventing future cancer cases and safeguarding the health of our nation’s service members.”
Vince Alcazar, COL, USAF, ret., MACH Coalition Founder & Director said, “The Military Aviator Coalition for Health (MACH) Coalition, composed of over a dozen non-profit military and Veteran aviator organizations, gives its highest endorsement of the Aviation Cancer Examination Study (ACES) Act. Representative August “Pfoto” Pfluger is the driving force and champion of the ACES Act. Rep. Pfluger, a former F-15 and F-22 pilot, is a Veteran flyer who has seen firsthand the problem of elevated cancer rates.”
Theo Lawson, Assistant Director, Legislative Programs, Fleet Reserve Association said,“The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA),wholeheartedly support the ACES Act and commend Congressman August Pfluger for his incredible work in championing this vital legislation, because understanding cancer is the first step to defeating it. This study will uncover critical links between aircrew service and cancer risks, providing the knowledge needed to better protect past and current servicemembers while providing future generations with preventive measures. Congressman Pfluger’s leadership ensures we can better equip our military heroes with the tools to identify and prevent this silent enemy, honoring their sacrifices and paving the way for a healthier future.”
Background
Pilots and aircrew have been found to have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer and melanoma, with possible links to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and testicular cancer.
The ACES Act will help advance research on any correlation between aviator service and cancer rates to better assist veterans and active service members. The ACES Act passed the House of Representatives in the 117th and 118th Congress.
Subscribe to the LIVE! Daily
Required
Post a comment to this article here: