WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the Senate unanimously passed Congressman August Pfluger's (TX-11) bipartisan, bicameral Aviator Cancer Examination Study (ACES) Act, seeking to lower military aviation cancer rates after it passed through the U.S. House of Representatives last month.

“I am thrilled that the Senate acted with urgency and passed the ACES Act today, which is my top priority in Congress. The ACES Act is in honor of my dear friend and former fighter pilot, Colonel Shurtleff, who recently lost his life in a second battle he never anticipated having to fight. Furthermore, the ACES Act is more than just a bill—it's a lifeline for those who have already given so much for our freedom, and it's a message to every pilot who has ever put on the uniform to protect our skies that we will fight to protect them in return. I look forward to moving this through the House once more and joining my colleagues at the White House to witness President Trump sign this vital bill into law,” said Rep. Pfluger.

Background:

Pilots and aircrews have been found to have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer and melanoma, with possible links to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and testicular cancer.

Earlier this year, Congressman Pfluger, a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, introduced the ACES Act alongside Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), a U.S. Navy Veteran, in the House. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Senator Tom Cotton (R-AK), both veterans and members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, introduced companion legislation in the Senate. The ACES Act was introduced in the 117th and 118th Congresses. 

The ACES Act directs the Secretary of the VA to study cancer incidences and mortality rates among aviators and aircrews 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.

In March, Rep. Pfluger participated in the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs legislative hearing on several bills, including Rep. Pfluger's ACES Act. Additionally, Rep. Pfluger's good friend and fellow fighter pilot, 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. Colonel Shurtleff was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer as a result of his service, and recently lost his life in this second battle he never anticipated having to fight. This bill is dedicated to his life and service.

Last month, the ACES Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 376-5. Colonel Shurtleff was able to witness this legislation pass through the House before his passing, and Rep. Pfluger intends to get this legislation across the finish line and signed into law in his honor.