H.R.530 - ACES Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 530, the ACES Act, mandates a study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on cancer prevalence and mortality among active duty aircrew in the Armed Forces. The study aims to identify exposures linked to military occupations and determine cancer rates using available data from various departments and agencies. The Act also extends certain limits on pension payments under title 38, United States Code.
Expected Effects
The primary effect will be a comprehensive report on cancer risks faced by aircrew members. This report could inform future policy decisions regarding veteran healthcare and occupational safety standards. The extension of pension payment limits provides continued financial support to eligible veterans.
Potential Benefits
- Provides valuable data on cancer risks for aircrew members.
- Informs policy decisions related to veteran healthcare.
- Potentially improves occupational safety standards for military personnel.
- Extends pension payment limits for eligible veterans, ensuring continued financial support.
- Increases awareness of health issues specific to military service.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- The study's findings may take time to materialize into tangible benefits.
- The cost of the study is not explicitly addressed, potentially impacting the VA budget.
- The study's scope is limited to specific cancers and aircrew members, potentially overlooking other health issues and populations.
- The reliance on existing data may limit the study's accuracy and comprehensiveness.
- There may be delays in finalizing the agreement with the National Academies, as outlined in the bill.
Constitutional Alignment
The ACES Act aligns with the Constitution's provision for the common defense and general welfare (Preamble). Congress has the power to raise and support armies (Article I, Section 8), which implicitly includes caring for veterans. The Act's focus on veteran health falls under Congress's enumerated powers to provide for the common defense and promote the general welfare.
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).