Miller-Meeks’ Veterans Bills Signed Into Law
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, June 7th, 2022, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-02), a 24-year Army veteran, had three pieces of legislation to support the health of and honor the lives of America’s veterans signed into law.
“As a 24-year Army veteran, I am thrilled to see three of my bills become law. It is fitting that on the day after the 78th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, my bill to honor the Army Rangers of World War II with the Congressional Gold Medal reaches the finish line,” said Miller-Meeks. “I am also proud to see two of my bills that increase access to breast cancer screenings for female veterans are now law. Female veterans are at risk for several types of cancer, especially breast cancer, and they should have access to these necessary screenings. America’s veterans put their lives on the line to keep all of us safe at home, and I am proud to work for them every day to honor their service.”
The United States Army Rangers Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act would award the U.S. Army Ranger Veterans of World War II with the Congressional Gold Medal.
The Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas Supporting Expanded Review for Veterans in Combat Environments (SERVICE) Act would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide mammogram screening for female veterans who served in areas associated with burn pits and other toxic exposure.
The Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options (MAMMO) for Veterans Act would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop a strategic plan to improve breast imaging services, create a telemammography pilot program for veterans in areas where VA does not offer in-house mammography and expand veterans’ access to clinical trials through partnerships with the National Cancer Institute.
To read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.
Read the full text of the SERVICE Act HERE, and watch Miller-Meeks’ remarks HERE.
Read the full text of the MAMMO for Veterans Act HERE, and watch Miller-Meeks’ remarks HERE.
Background:
In May of 2021, Miller-Meeks joined Rep. Jason Crow (CO-06), Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—all Army veterans—to introduce the bipartisan resolution to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Army Rangers of World War II. The bill unanimously passed the Senate in October of 2021 and unanimously passed the House in May of 2022.
In July of 2021, Miller-Meeks joined Rep. Julie Brownley (CA-26), Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) to introduce the SERVICE Act. The bill unanimously passed the Senate in March of 2022 and unanimously passed the House in May of 2022.
In July of 2021, Miller-Meeks, Brownley, and Boozman joined Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), the Chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, to introduce the MAMMO for Veterans Act. The bill unanimously passed the Senate in March of 2022 and unanimously passed the House in May of 2022.
The incidence of breast cancer in female veterans and military populations is estimated to be 20-40% higher than the risk of the general population. Breast cancer diagnoses are also higher among female servicemembers with exposure to toxic substances than those with low or no exposure. Under current law, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) national policy on breast cancer mammogram screening for veterans advises screening on the basis of age, symptoms, or family history. This bill revises the current guidance to include female veterans who served in areas associated with burn pits and other toxic exposures.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. The SERVICE Act would require the VA to submit a report to both the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees two years after enactment that compares the instances of breast cancer among members of the Armed Forces.
The MAMMO for Veterans Actwould also require VA to upgrade all in-house breast imaging to 3D mammography, which is considered the gold standard imaging technology for mammography. It would also direct VA to expand partnerships for clinical trials and research on breast cancer care, and emphasize improving access to care for women veterans, rural veterans, and disabled and paralyzed veterans.
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