August Pfluger: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today not just as a Member of Congress but as a wingman, a servicemember, and a friend to those in…”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today not just as a Member of Congress but as a wingman, a servicemember, and a friend to those in uniform and in strong support of S. 201, the Aviator Cancers Examination Study Act, or the ACES Act. Far too many of our military aviators and aircrew are being diagnosed with cancer at troubling rates. A 2021 Air Force study supported by additional Department of Defense research found that aviators face a 29 percent higher likelihood of testicular cancer, a 24 percent higher likelihood of melanoma, and a 23 percent higher risk of prostate cancer compared to their civilian counterparts. These are incredibly healthy, in-shape, well-tested individuals, yet they have almost 30 percent higher cancer rates than the average civilian population. Mr. Speaker, these numbers tell a painful story. When brave men and women volunteer to defend our Nation from the cockpit, they shouldn't face a second battle against cancer without our full support. This is why this legislation, led by me and my friend from California (Mr. Panetta) in the House and by Senators Kelly and Cotton in the Senate, is critically necessary.”