Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, to lower military cancer rates. The Aviator Cancers Examination Study (ACES) Act directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to study cancer incidences and mortality rates among aviators and aircrews who served in the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. This legislation now heads to the Senate.
The ACES Act would improve our understanding of the link between military service and cancer risks among veteran aviators. By better understanding the correlation between aviator service and cancer, we can better assist our military and provide more adequate care for our veterans.
“We owe a sacred obligation to the women and men who serve our country in uniform. That includes fully understanding the health risks our aviators face while protecting our country,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander. “I am proud to help lead the Aviator Cancers Examination Study (ACES) Act, which would ensure we understand the cause and scope of service-related cancers and would give our aviators the best possible protections and care.”
Read the full text of the legislation here.
The 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.
A member of the House Armed Services Committee, Representative Goodlander has dedicated her life to serving New Hampshire and our country. Goodlander began her career as an advisor to Senators John McCain and Joe Lieberman, both of whom served on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Before taking the oath to represent the Second District in the People’s House, she served as an intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve for over a decade.
Background
Pilots and aircrew have been found to have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer and melanoma, with possible links to non-Hodgkin 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 service members. The ACES Act passed the House of Representatives in the 117th and 118th Congresses.
