Representative Mike Garcia (CA-25) co-sponsored the bipartisan Aviator Cancer Examination Study (ACES) Act, which would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to study instances of cancer among soldiers who served as pilots in the armed forces. This legislation would direct VA to work with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) to extend research in hopes of establishing a causal link between certain exposures and illness. By determining this link, ill aviators would be able to receive care faster.

“The need for extended medical research and expedited care in the veteran community is clear. After being on the frontlines, too many servicemembers come home to fight life-long battles with service-related illness. I am proud to cosponsor the Aviator Cancer Examination Study Act and stand up for those who have risked their lives for our country,” said Garcia. 

Garcia is a former U.S. Navy fighter pilot who flew over 30 combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also is a co-founder of the MACH 1 Caucus, a group of members dedicated to policy issues important to the fighter pilot community.