All Roll Calls
Yes: 418 • No: 0
117-s-2102117th CongressWALLET
Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas SERVICE Act
Sponsored By: Senator Boozman, John [R-AR]
Became Law
Summary
Expanded mammography eligibility for veterans with potential toxic exposures. This law directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to treat service in certain locations and periods tied to burn pits and airborne hazards as an eligibility factor for VA mammography screening, alongside other risk factors.
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- Veterans: Veterans who served in listed locations linked to burn pits and airborne hazards become eligible for VA mammography screening. Examples include service in Iraq from Aug 2, 1990 to Feb 28, 1991 and deployments from Sept 11, 2001 in Afghanistan and nearby countries through periods tied to burn pit use.
- VA policy and definitions: The Under Secretary for Health must adopt a screening policy that uses recorded service in specified locations and periods as an eligibility criterion and defines "burn pit" as outdoor land used to burn solid waste without a commercial incinerator.
- Reporting and study: VA, working with the Department of Defense, must report to Congress within two years and at least every two years after that identifying additional locations and periods. VA must also submit a report within two years comparing breast cancer rates among deployed service members, non-deployed service members, and the civilian population.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
VA mammograms for burn pit veterans
Veterans can get a mammogram at the VA if they served in certain places and times tied to toxic exposure. Service in these locations counts as a screening risk factor. Examples include Iraq (Aug 2, 1990–Feb 28, 1991), Iraq again starting Mar 19, 2003, and the Southwest Asia theater starting Aug 2, 1990. It also covers Afghanistan, Djibouti, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, and Yemen starting Sept 11, 2001; many end when VA says burn pits have stopped. This applies to deployments in support of a contingency operation and covers land areas, not water or airspace. Effective upon enactment.
VA and Defense update eligible locations
The VA and Defense Department must report more places and times that count for VA mammograms. The first report is due within two years of enactment. After that, they must report at least every two years. The list can also draw from the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry. This can expand who qualifies over time.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Boozman, John [R-AR]
AR • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
OR • D
Sponsored 6/17/2021
Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND]
ND • R
Sponsored 7/12/2021
Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
CT • D
Sponsored 7/12/2021
Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC]
NC • R
Sponsored 7/26/2021
Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
ME • R
Sponsored 7/26/2021
Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
NH • D
Sponsored 7/27/2021
Rep. Sinema, Kyrsten [D-AZ-9]
AZ • D
Sponsored 7/27/2021
Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
IA • R
Sponsored 8/2/2021
Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
NJ • D
Sponsored 9/22/2021
Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]
NV • D
Sponsored 9/22/2021
Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
NV • D
Sponsored 10/6/2021
Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]
AZ • D
Sponsored 10/20/2021
Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA]
CA • D
Sponsored 11/15/2021
Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]
MD • D
Sponsored 12/16/2021
Roll Call Votes
house vote • 5/18/2022
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
Yes: 418 • No: 0