WASHINGTON, DC — In Case You Missed It (ICYMI): Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, had legislation signed into law by President Trump that seeks to lower cancer rates in aviation service members.
The bipartisan, bicameral Aviator Cancer Examination Study (ACES) Actdirects the VA Secretary to study cancer incidences and mortality rates among military aviators and aircrews. This legislation was passed by voice vote in the House and unanimously in the Senate earlier this year.
Read Rep. Pfluger's official statement and more about the signing HERE.
Check out these stories highlighting this by clicking the images below:
What they are saying on X:
Click the images below to see the post
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 Actalongside 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.
In May, 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.
In June, the Senate unanimously passed Senator Kelly's version of the ACES Act, and the House passed it by voice vote shortly after. Prior to its passage in the House, Rep. Pfluger delivered remarks on the House floor in support of the legislation. Watch his full remarks here.
