Petroplex News

Congressmen August Pfluger and Jimmy Panetta have reintroduced the Aviator Cancers Examination Study (ACES) Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at investigating cancer rates among military aviators. The proposed legislation would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to study cancer incidences and mortality rates among aviators and aircrew from the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.

The ACES Act seeks to enhance understanding of potential links between military service and cancer risks in veteran aviators. Congressman Pfluger emphasized the importance of ensuring that veterans receive proper healthcare after their service. "The bipartisan ACES Act will ensure that the VA takes necessary steps to completely understand any links between aviation and cancer incidences," he stated.

Congressman Panetta echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for comprehensive knowledge about health risks faced by aviators. "This study is essential to equipping our military and veteran health care providers with the critical knowledge they need," he said.

Senators Tom Cotton and Mark Kelly are leading efforts in the Senate to pass this legislation again. Senator Cotton highlighted the commitment to protect service members long after their duty ends, while Senator Kelly pointed out the necessity of improving understanding of unseen risks facing aircrews.

The bill has garnered support from several organizations including Red River Valley Association, With Honor Action, HunterSeven Foundation, MACH Coalition, Fleet Reserve Association, Wounded Warrior Project, and Veteran Prostate Cancer Awareness Inc.

Vince Alcazar from Red River Valley Association praised Congressman Pfluger's role as a champion of this cause. Rye Barcott from With Honor Action expressed concern over higher cancer rates among airmen linked to their service. Dr. Sheri Boucher from HunterSeven Foundation commended Pfluger's leadership in addressing alarming cancer rates among young aviators.

The ACES Act aims to advance research on correlations between aviator service and cancer rates for better assistance to veterans and active service members. It previously passed in both houses during earlier sessions of Congress.