Reps. Ciscomani and Pappas Introduce AIR CARE for Vets Act

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani joined Representative Chris Pappas (NH-01) yesterday to introduce legislation aimed at improving the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) ability to diagnose veterans with service-related respiratory conditions. H.R. 9666, the AIR CARE for Vets Act (Advanced Imaging for Respiratory Care, Assessment, and Research Excellence for Veterans Act) prioritizes veteran access to quality imaging software used in diagnosing certain respiratory conditions resulting from time in service, including asthma and obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as lung cancer.

This issue is of critical importance to Congressman Ciscomani as Arizona’s 6th congressional district is home to nearly 80,000 veterans, the 9th largest veteran population by congressional district.

Currently, diagnosing respiratory illnesses and conditions in veterans is limited by standard testing procedures using whole-lung assessments. These assessments can be less sensitive to changes in lung function seen in early disease or when abnormalities are limited to a specific region. In addition, standard testing procedures including lung biopsy, are often both painful and invasive. Specifically, this affects the many veterans who were exposed to toxic smoke from open-air burn pits while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and who now suffer from chronic respiratory illnesses.

In response to these issues, there has been an increase in concern for improving the level of accessibility to updated “four-dimensional” imaging technology that would allow for more accurate testing. Bringing more advanced imaging technology to VA facilities would provide an ability to better diagnose our veterans.

"Our nation’s heroes deserve access to quality healthcare, including the most up to date technology to best diagnose service-related conditions. That’s what the AIR CARE for Vets Act is all about," said Rep. Ciscomani. "Under this bill, veterans suffering from respiratory conditions and lung cancer would receive better quality care at the VA through the use of imaging software equipped to properly evaluate their symptoms. Better imaging software means an improved rate of diagnosis, which would save lives by catching issues like lung cancer sooner. The men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country deserve to know they are receiving the highest level of care possible at all stages, starting with quality evaluation of their symptoms."

"We owe everything to our veterans, and they deserve access to top of the line health care both during and following their service," said Rep. Pappas. "Our legislation would establish a pilot program for VA to utilize innovative 4-D lung scanning technology, which improves identification of respiratory disorders and lung disease in veterans. For thousands of veterans living in New Hampshire, exposure to burn pits has significantly increased their chances of developing lung disease and this pilot program will improve the resources and care available to them now and in the years to come."

Leaders of the AZ-06 veteran community have expressed support for the AIR CARE for Vets Act.

"As veterans, we face unique healthcare needs because of the challenges and environments we experienced during our time in service. The Air Care Act is a critical step toward meeting that need by expanding access to advanced, noninvasive lung screenings that can provide earlier detection and safer treatment options currently unavailable. We are grateful for Congressman Ciscomani’s leadership in introducing this bipartisan legislation to ensure the men and women who sacrificed so much for our country receive the care they have earned." - Tom Murphy, Mayor, Town of Sahuarita; Chair, Congressman Ciscomani's Veterans Advisory Council

"The Air Care Act will be instrumental in expanding access to innovative, noninvasive lung screenings for veterans in communities across the country. By advancing the use of cutting-edge technology, this legislation will help move us toward a future where our nation’s heroes can receive earlier, safer, and more effective care. I’m proud of Congressman Ciscomani’s leadership in introducing this bipartisan legislation to improve healthcare outcomes for those who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation." - Alex Wright, Colonel, US Air Force (Ret); Member, Congressman Ciscomani's Veterans Advisory Council

The AIR CARE for Vets Act would direct the VA to put a five-year pilot program in place using FDA-approved four-dimensional functional lung imaging software to assist in identifying respiratory disorders in veterans receiving care at the VA.

This legislation authorizes $5 million annually from Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) and Fiscal Year 2031 (FY2031) to be used for leasing eligible imaging software from approved developers and using this technology in VA medical facilities.

Rep. Ciscomani remains committed to introducing and passing legislation like the AIR CARE for Vets Act that directly supports the health and well-being of our veterans. Since taking office in 2023, Rep. Ciscomani has introduced 18 veterans-focused bills, four of which have passed the House this Congress.

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