Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, is cosponsoring the bipartisan, bicameral Aviator Cancers Examination Study (ACES) Act, legislation to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to study cancer incidences and mortality rates among aviators and aircrew who served in the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. This legislation is led by Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11).
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 cosponsor the Aviator Cancers Examination Study (ACES) Act to ensure we understand the cause and scope of service-related cancers and can give our airmen and women 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. 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’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 service members. The ACES Act passed the House of Representatives in the 117th and 118th Congress.
