Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act

Bill Number: H.R. 586
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Armed Forces and National Security
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2025-04-08: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Last Updated: 2026-07-11T14:38:25Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This legislation, titled the "Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act," aims to investigate the occurrence of cholangiocarcinoma—a rare cancer of the bile ducts potentially linked to exposure to liver flukes (parasitic worms)—among U.S. veterans who served in Vietnam. It requires a federal study to assess prevalence and track cases, while also making a minor adjustment to veterans' pension rules.

Key Provisions

Epidemiological Study (Section 2):
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), must begin a study within 120 days of the Act's enactment.
The study uses data from the VA Central Cancer Registry and the National Program of Cancer Registries to compare cholangiocarcinoma rates in Vietnam-era veterans versus the general U.S. population, from the start of the Vietnam era (generally 1961–1975) to the Act's enactment.
It includes breakdowns by demographics such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, and location at diagnosis.
Reporting Requirements:
An initial report to Congress within one year after the study's completion, including results and recommendations for administrative or legislative actions to address findings.
Periodic follow-up reports with updates on new data.
Ongoing Tracking:
The VA must continue monitoring cholangiocarcinoma cases in affected veterans using its cancer registry and share updates in follow-up reports.
Definitions:
"Vietnam era" refers to the period defined in federal law (typically August 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975).
"Covered veterans" are those who served in the Vietnam theater of operations during that era.
Pension Extension (Section 3):
Amends an existing law (38 U.S.C. § 5503(d)(7)) to extend a deadline for limiting certain pension payments from November 30, 2031, to December 31, 2031.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Introduces a new mandate for a specific epidemiological study and ongoing tracking of cholangiocarcinoma in Vietnam veterans, which did not previously exist in this targeted form.
Makes a minor one-month extension to an existing provision on veterans' pension payment limitations, likely a technical adjustment to align with fiscal or administrative calendars.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: The VA and CDC will need to allocate resources for data analysis, study conduct, and reporting, potentially increasing administrative workload but enhancing cancer surveillance capabilities.
Citizens (Veterans): Could lead to better identification of service-related health risks, informing VA benefits, treatments, or presumptive service connections for affected veterans and their families.
International Relations: No direct impacts, as the focus is domestic veteran health research tied to U.S. military history.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Vietnam-era veterans who served in the theater of operations, particularly those potentially exposed to environmental hazards like liver flukes in Vietnam.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Responsible for leading the study, tracking, and reporting.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Provides consultation and data support.
Congress: Receives reports and may act on recommendations, influencing future veterans' health policies.
Veterans' advocacy groups: Likely to benefit from increased awareness and potential policy changes.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Strengthens VA's role in veteran-specific health research under Title 38 of the U.S. Code, potentially paving the way for expanded disability claims if the study links cholangiocarcinoma to Vietnam service (similar to Agent Orange presumptions). The pension extension is a procedural tweak with no broad legal shift.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority to regulate military benefits and public health (Article I, Section 8), without raising separation-of-powers concerns.
Political: Highlights ongoing bipartisan support for Vietnam veterans' issues, possibly influencing future funding for VA research; findings could spark debates on environmental exposures in wartime, but the Act itself is non-controversial and focused on data collection.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1]

Cosponsors (8)

Rep. Ryan, Patrick [D-NY-18], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19], Rep. Perez, Marie Gluesenkamp [D-WA-3]

Recent Actions

2025-04-08: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
2025-04-07: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-04-07: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 411 - 0 (Roll no. 89). (text: CR H1435-1436) (Roll call 89)
2025-04-07: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 411 - 0 (Roll no. 89). (text: CR H1435-1436: 1) (Roll call 89)
2025-04-07: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1441-1442)
2025-04-07: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
2025-04-07: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 586.
2025-04-07: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1435-1437)
2025-04-07: Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
2025-02-25: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
2025-01-21: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
2025-01-21: Introduced in House
2025-01-21: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act — issued 2025-04-07 — PDF (6 pages)
Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act — issued 2025-01-21 — PDF (4 pages)
Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act — issued 2025-04-08 — PDF (4 pages)