WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) participated in the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs legislative hearing yesterday on several bills, including Rep. Pfluger's Aviators Cancer Examination Study (ACES) Act. Additionally, Rep. Pfluger's good friend and fellow fighter pilot who is actively battling cancer as a result of his service, Colonel Andy "Pablo" Shurtleff, appeared as a witness to the committee to share his story and explain the need and urgency for the ACES Act.

In his opening remarks, Rep. Pfluger said in part, "Military aviators and crewmembers are tragically being diagnosed with various forms of cancer at alarming rates – which is why I am proud to lead this legislation to address the critical gap in our care for military aviators. When brave men and women volunteer for our nation, they shouldn't face a second battle against cancer without proper government support...As an Air Force fighter pilot with over 20 years of service, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible dedication, bravery, and resilience of our nation’s aviators. But I’ve also seen many of my brothers and sisters fight their toughest battles not in the air, but in hospital rooms, against cancer. That’s why I was honored to invite my dear friend Colonel Andy “Pablo” Shurtleff, who is currently fighting non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, to testify before this committee."

Watch highlights from the hearing:

· Rep. Pfluger's opening remarks HERE or read them as prepared for delivery below

· Colonel Shurtleff's testimony HERE

· Rep. Pfluger questioning Colonel Shurtleff on the need for the ACES Act HERE

· Rep. Pfluger questioning VA officials HERE

Click HERE for pictures from the hearing available for broadcast and distribution.

Background:

Military aviators and crewmembers 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. This is why Rep. Pfluger reintroduced the ACES Act earlier this year. If passed, this bill would direct the Secretary of the VA to study cancer incidence 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. By better understanding the correlation between aviator service and cancer, we can better assist our military and provide more adequate care for our veterans.

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 was introduced in the House of Representatives in the 117^thand 118^thCongress.

Rep. Pfluger's Opening Remarks as Prepared for Delivery:

Chairman Luttrell, Ranking Member McGarvey, esteemed colleagues on the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, thank you for inviting me to speak on behalf of my bill, H.R. 530, the Aviator Cancers Examination Study, also known as the ACES Act.

Military aviators and crewmembers are tragically being diagnosed with various forms of cancer at alarming rates – which is why I am proud to lead this legislation to address the critical gap in our care for military aviators. When brave men and women volunteer for our nation, they shouldn't face a second battle against cancer without proper government support.

The ACES Act directs the VA to partner with the National Academies of Sciences to study cancer prevalence among military aviators and identify service-connected factors, ultimately saving lives through earlier detection, developing targeted screening protocols, and ensuring our veterans receive the specialized care they've earned.

This is critical because in 2021, an Air Force cancer incidence study revealed troubling findings about the health risks faced by fighter pilots and their crews. When compared to the general population, it showed aircrews had a 29% greater probability of testicular cancer, 24% higher for melanoma, and 23% higher for prostate cancer.

Additionally, the Department of Defense’s Military Aviator Cancer Study also found elevated rates of cancer among military aviators and aviation ground personnel.

I understand concerns about potential duplication with the DoD's ongoing work. Let me clarify – the ACES Act is complementary, not duplicative. It leverages the National Academies’ expertise in meeting the VA’s evidentiary requirements for determining service connections and includes veterans who might not qualify under the PACT Act.

Through more comprehensive and focused research on this issue than the aforementioned studies, the ACES Act will help us develop tailored interventions, improve screening protocols, and provide better care for aviators affected by cancer.

This is not a partisan issue. Over 20 veterans, cancer, and medical professional organizations have rallied behind this bill because they're tired of waiting year after year while aviators continue to suffer. They demand action now. Moving this legislation forward isn't just about providing critical care—it's about finally acknowledging the true cost of service these aviators have paid and continue to pay daily.

As an Air Force fighter pilot with over 20 years of service, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible dedication, bravery, and resilience of our nation’s aviators. But I’ve also seen many of my brothers and sisters fight their toughest battles not in the air, but in hospital rooms, against cancer.

That’s why I was honored to invite my dear friend Colonel Andy “Pablo” Shurtleff, who is currently fighting non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, to testify before this committee.

You must not just hear the facts and figures but the voices of those living with the consequences of their service.

The ACES Act is not just a bill—it's a lifeline for those who have already given and continue to give and will give so much for our freedom. We owe it to them to act now.

Thank you again, Mr. Chairman. I yield back.