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The House voted 411-0 to pass a bill requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to study a rare liver cancer in Vietnam veterans potentially linked to parasite exposure.
H.R. 586, the Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act, directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct an epidemiological study on cholangiocarcinoma, a rare liver cancer. This cancer is potentially caused by liver flukes—parasites common in Southeast Asia where many veterans served. The study will determine if Vietnam veterans have a higher incidence of this cancer compared to the general U.S. population. This vote was held under a procedure known as 'suspension of the rules.' This is a fast-track method used for bills with broad bipartisan support. It bypasses typical procedural hurdles and prevents amendments but requires a higher supermajority of two-thirds of those present and voting to pass, rather than a simple majority. The measure passed the House unanimously among those present and has been sent to the Senate for further consideration. The findings from the study will be reported to Congress and could eventually lead to changes in VA health care policies or disability benefits for affected veterans.
The bill has been received in the Senate, where it was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
OPEN BILL →Why it matters. Vietnam veterans may have been exposed to liver fluke parasites decades ago; this bill ensures the government investigates whether these veterans face higher cancer risks that require specialized medical attention or benefits.
Who’s affected. Vietnam Veterans: May receive improved cancer screening and recognition of service-connected health issues. · Department of Veterans Affairs: Must allocate resources to conduct a comprehensive epidemiological study and report to Congress.
Democrats. Democrats provided unanimous support for the bill, with 198 members voting in favor.
Republicans. Republicans supported the measure overwhelmingly, with 179 members voting in favor.
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended
Apr 7, 2025
The House voted 411-0 to pass a bill requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to study a rare liver cancer in Vietnam veterans potentially linked to parasite exposure.
The House used a 'suspension of the rules' to bypass normal debate procedures and pass this bill quickly. This procedure is generally reserved for non-controversial bills and requires a two-thirds majority to succeed.
The bill has been received in the Senate, where it was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Vietnam veterans may have been exposed to liver fluke parasites decades ago; this bill ensures the government investigates whether these veterans face higher cancer risks that require specialized medical attention or benefits.
The vote was a rare display of total unanimity, with no members from either party voting against the measure.
Democrats provided unanimous support for the bill, with 198 members voting in favor.
Republicans supported the measure overwhelmingly, with 179 members voting in favor.
One independent member voted in favor of the bill.