S. 201 · 119th Congress · Senate

ACES Act of 2025

Signed into LawDefense

Introduced 2025-01-23 · Sponsored by Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ] (D-AZ) · Last updated 2026-03-31

Last action (2025-08-14): Became Public Law No: 119-32.

Summary

Requires the VA to partner with the National Academies of Sciences to study cancer rates among veterans who served as aircrew on fixed-wing aircraft. Aircrew face unique exposure risks from radiation, fuel fumes, and other hazards, and this study would document how those exposures affect long-term cancer outcomes.

The Good

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Investigates cancer risk for military aircrew

Requires the VA to study and report on cancer prevalence and mortality among veterans who served as aircrew members in fixed-wing aircraft. Aircrew face unique exposures including radiation, JP-8 fuel fumes, and other occupational hazards.

The Bad

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Study requirements without guaranteed follow-up action

Like many study-mandating bills, the ACES Act requires research but does not commit to expanding benefits based on the findings. Veterans could wait years for a study only to see no policy change result.

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