Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 586
PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 586Medical researchVietnam
Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act
INTRO JAN 21· LAST ACTION APR 8
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
8BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because cholangiocarcinoma, a serious liver cancer, has been linked to liver fluke infections, which were common in Southeast Asia where many Vietnam veterans served. Many veterans may have been exposed to these parasites through contaminated food or water during their service.
By directing a specific study, the bill aims to determine if there's a higher rate of this cancer among Vietnam veterans. If the study finds a higher prevalence, it could lead to improved screening, early diagnosis, and better support and treatment for these veterans, potentially improving their health outcomes. Without this bill, a targeted, comprehensive study on this specific cancer in Vietnam veterans might not happen, leaving a potential health disparity unaddressed. The minor pension deadline extension is less impactful but still relevant for those specific beneficiaries.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to begin an epidemiological study on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma in veterans who served in the Vietnam theater of operations.
This initiates a specific investigation into a serious health concern potentially affecting a significant group of veterans.
PROVISION 02
Requires the study to identify the incidence rate of cholangiocarcinoma in these veterans compared to the general U.S. population, including demographic breakdowns.
This comparison provides crucial data to understand if Vietnam veterans face a disproportionately higher risk of this cancer and helps identify specific risk groups.
PROVISION 03
Mandates the VA to submit an initial report to Congress with the study results and recommendations for administrative or legislative actions.
This ensures the study's findings are communicated to policymakers and prompts consideration of new policies to address the identified issues.
PROVISION 04
Requires the VA to continuously track cholangiocarcinoma in covered Vietnam veterans and provide follow-up reports to Congress.
This provides ongoing monitoring and allows for long-term understanding of the cancer's prevalence and impact.
PROVISION 05
Extends a specific deadline related to the limitation of certain veteran pension payments from November 30, 2031, to December 31, 2031.
This provides a minor, additional timeframe for a specific existing veteran benefit provision.
This bill matters because cholangiocarcinoma, a serious liver cancer, has been linked to liver fluke infections, which were common in Southeast Asia where many Vietnam veterans served. Many veterans may have been exposed to these parasites through contaminated food or water during their service.
By directing a specific study, the bill aims to determine if there's a higher rate of this cancer among Vietnam veterans. If the study finds a higher prevalence, it could lead to improved screening, early diagnosis, and better support and treatment for these veterans, potentially improving their health outcomes. Without this bill, a targeted, comprehensive study on this specific cancer in Vietnam veterans might not happen, leaving a potential health disparity unaddressed. The minor pension deadline extension is less impactful but still relevant for those specific beneficiaries.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to begin an epidemiological study on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma in veterans who served in the Vietnam theater of operations.
This initiates a specific investigation into a serious health concern potentially affecting a significant group of veterans.
high
Requires the study to identify the incidence rate of cholangiocarcinoma in these veterans compared to the general U.S. population, including demographic breakdowns.
This comparison provides crucial data to understand if Vietnam veterans face a disproportionately higher risk of this cancer and helps identify specific risk groups.
med
Mandates the VA to submit an initial report to Congress with the study results and recommendations for administrative or legislative actions.
This ensures the study's findings are communicated to policymakers and prompts consideration of new policies to address the identified issues.
med
Requires the VA to continuously track cholangiocarcinoma in covered Vietnam veterans and provide follow-up reports to Congress.
This provides ongoing monitoring and allows for long-term understanding of the cancer's prevalence and impact.
low
Extends a specific deadline related to the limitation of certain veteran pension payments from November 30, 2031, to December 31, 2031.
This provides a minor, additional timeframe for a specific existing veteran benefit provision.
Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to commence epidemiological study.
Not later than one year after the completion of the study.
Secretary to submit initial report to Congress.
From November 30, 2031, to December 31, 2031.
Extension of certain limitation of pension payments.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Cholangiocarcinoma
A rare but aggressive cancer that forms in the bile ducts, which are tubes that carry digestive fluid (bile) from the liver to the small intestine.
Epidemiological study
A study that investigates the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations.
Prevalence
The proportion of a population found to have a condition or disease at a specific time.
Incidence rate
The rate at which new cases of a disease or condition occur in a population over a specified period.
Vietnam era
A specific period defined in law (generally November 1, 1955, to May 7, 1975, for veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam; other dates apply for service elsewhere). For this bill, it refers to veterans who served in the Vietnam theater of operations during this time.
Veterans Affairs Central Cancer Registry
A centralized database maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs that collects information on cancer cases among veterans who receive care through the VA health system.
National Program of Cancer Registries
ACTION TIMELINE
12 EVENTS
APR 8, 25
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
INTROREFERRAL
APR 7, 25
Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
FLOOR
APR 7, 25
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1435-1437)
FLOOR
APR 7, 25
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 586.
A program managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that supports central cancer registries in states and territories to collect data on cancer cases, which are used for public health surveillance.
Roll Call #89
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended
