H.R.2244 - Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2244, the Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act, aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code to establish presumptions of service connection for specific diseases associated with firefighting for veterans. This bill focuses on veterans who served in military occupational specialties with primary firefighting responsibilities. It seeks to provide them with easier access to benefits for diseases such as heart disease, lung disease, and various cancers.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would streamline the process for military firefighters to receive disability benefits for certain diseases. It would establish a presumption that these diseases are service-connected, reducing the burden of proof on veterans. This could lead to increased access to healthcare and financial support for affected veterans.
Potential Benefits
- Easier access to disability benefits for veterans with firefighting-related diseases.
- Reduced burden of proof for service connection.
- Increased healthcare access for affected veterans.
- Potential for improved financial stability for veterans and their families.
- Recognition of the health risks associated with military firefighting.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in costs to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Possible expansion of benefits beyond the intended scope if the criteria are not carefully defined.
- Risk of fraudulent claims if the presumption is not adequately monitored.
- May create disparities with other veteran groups who face similar occupational hazards but do not receive the same presumptions.
- Could incentivize certain individuals to seek firefighting roles solely for the potential future benefits.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's mandate to provide for the common defense and promote the general welfare, as it supports veterans who have served in roles critical to national security. Specifically, it relates to Congress's power to raise and support armies (Article I, Section 8). The bill also indirectly relates to the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause, as it seeks to address the specific needs of a defined group of veterans, raising questions about whether similar protections should be extended to other groups with comparable occupational risks.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).