On the recordMarch 2, 2022
Mr. Speaker, I applaud the VA for initiating a review of these nine rare cancers to determine if they are linked to airborne hazard exposure while deployed. I am looking forward to hearing about the VHA's research, which supported the expansion of benefits to these Gulf war and post-9/11 veterans. Likewise, I am interested in learning more about the number of veterans who would be impacted by this decision and the effect it will have on the VA. However, these nine cancers are only a subset of the conditions included in Chairman Takano's bill. I believe more scientific research is needed to determine if additional disabilities are linked to airborne hazard exposure. Both the majority and the minority want world-class healthcare for our veterans, and thus, it underscores our concern with this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
