Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025

Floor Speech

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Mr. PFLUGER. 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.

After putting their lives on the line for their country, our airmen and -women deserve assurances that they will be cared for and not exposed to unknown dangers. The U.S. military must understand any potential health risks threatening our military heroes in the cockpit or those serving as crewmembers.

As a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot myself, who has lost many colleagues to cancer, this issue is personal to me.

My amendment ensures that cancer incidence rates are adequately studied, that they are adequately understood, and that the military and the Department of Defense has the tools that it needs to properly care for our military heroes.

I think this is a commonsense amendment. It is building upon work and studies that have already been done, and I would urge all of my colleagues to support this as we support those who are serving and protecting our country.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, even though I am not opposed to the amendment.

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Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Chair, just to clarify, I am not sure what the opposition is. I didn't hear what the opposition was.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Chair, would the gentleman yield for the purpose of a colloquy?

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Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Chair, I yield to the gentlewoman from Florida for the purpose of a colloquy.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. There wasn't opposition. Procedurally, we rise to claim time in opposition and then say we are not opposed to the amendment. It is just procedural.

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Mr. PFLUGER. Very good.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. That way I have an opportunity to speak.

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

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Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Chair, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Carter).

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Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

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