Technical corrections only. The changes between v3 and v4 primarily involve administrative updates, such as adding public law information, page numbers, and legislative history, reflecting the bill's enactment into law. No substantive policy changes were made.
ACES Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]
- Committees
- Veterans' Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Aug 14, 2025
Bottom line
The ACES Act of 2025 requires a scientific study to examine cancer rates and potential causes among military fixed-wing aircrew, aiming to inform future veteran health policies.
What it actually does
This bill mandates the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a comprehensive study. The study will investigate the prevalence and mortality of various cancers among active duty aircrew members of fixed-wing aircraft in the Armed Forces, identifying potential occupational exposures and reviewing existing literature and data sources. It also sets deadlines for the agreement and requires congressional reporting if deadlines are missed.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is a crucial step towards understanding and addressing the health challenges faced by military aircrew, who may have been exposed to unique environmental and occupational hazards during their service. They contend that a comprehensive study is necessary to establish potential links between service and specific cancers, ensuring that veterans receive appropriate care and benefits. The bill demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of those who served in demanding roles.
Opponents contend
No organized opposition to a study of this nature is typically raised, as understanding veteran health is a widely supported goal. Potential concerns, if any, might revolve around the cost of the study or the scope of its mandate, but the bill's focus on data collection and scientific review is generally seen as a responsible approach to a complex issue.
The bill is very short and clear, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions.
Section 2(a)
Mandate for National Academies Study Agreement
This provision requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine within 30 days of the bill's enactment. The purpose of this agreement is for the National Academies to conduct a study on cancer prevalence and mortality among active duty aircrew. The provision also sets a 60-day deadline for finalizing this agreement after negotiations begin, with reporting requirements to Congress if the deadline is missed.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that setting clear deadlines for establishing the study agreement ensures prompt action and prevents delays in addressing critical veteran health concerns. The reporting requirement adds accountability for the VA.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the procedural aspects of initiating such a study, as the intent is to gather vital health information for veterans.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies in balancing the urgency of initiating the study with the administrative complexities of negotiating a comprehensive agreement with a scientific body like the National Academies within tight deadlines.
Section 2(b)
Comprehensive Study on Cancer Among Aircrew
This section details what the National Academies' study must cover. It requires identifying military occupational exposures (chemicals, agents, etc.) for aircrew, reviewing scientific literature for links between these exposures and various cancers (including specific types like brain, lung, prostate, melanoma, etc.), and determining the prevalence and mortality of these cancers among covered individuals using existing health and administrative databases from the VA, DoD, and the National Death Index.
Section 2(d)
Definition of "Covered Individual" for the Study
This provision precisely defines who qualifies as a "covered individual" for the purpose of the study. It specifies individuals who served on active duty in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps as an aircrew member of a fixed-wing aircraft. This includes roles such as pilot, navigator, weapons systems operator, aircraft system operator, or any other crew member who regularly flew in a fixed-wing aircraft. This ensures the study focuses on a clearly delineated population.