Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, I rise today to present an amendment that seeks to improve our understanding of the link between military service and cancer risks, specifically among our aviators. The amendment I am proposing to the fiscal year 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill underscores our commitment to protecting and supporting our men and women in uniform during their service and long after that, as well. Specifically, my amendment calls for the Secretary of the VA to allocate funds for collaboration with the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study the prevalence and mortality of cancer among individuals who served as Active-Duty aircrew in the Armed Forces. Tragically, military aviators and crewmembers are being diagnosed with various forms of cancer at alarming rates. A 2021 study conducted by the Air Force Research Laboratory's 711th Human Performance Wing found that pilots and aircrew have higher risks of developing prostate cancer and melanoma with possible links to Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and testicular cancer. Additionally, a study from the DOD found elevated rates of cancer among military aviators and aviation ground personnel. The existing evidence demonstrates a link between cancer and military aviation service. However, we must gather more comprehensive data to understand this correlation better and to properly care for our servicemembers.…”