WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 586 · 119th Congress

Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act

Passed HouseArmed Forces and National Security
IntroducedJan 21, 2025
Passed HouseApr 7, 2025
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed House. Latest step, Apr 8, 2025: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. The House passed it 411–0. All 4 of Iowa's representatives voted yes in the House. It would change 1 section of existing law and would add 1 new provisions of its own.

How this bill changes the law

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H.R. 586 would change 1 section of existing law, and would create 1 new provision of its own. Read from the bill text as sent to the Senate (Apr 8, 2025).

38 U.S.C. 5503 Hospitalized veterans and estates of incompetent institutionalized veterans

  • (d) (1) For the purposes of this subsection— changed · Sec. 3 · see the words

New provisions of the bill's own

  • Sec. 2 Study on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma in veterans who served in the Vietnam theater of operations during the Vietnam era
What the words would change: every change, in place (1)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what would be struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

  1. 38 U.S.C. 5503(d)(7)changedby H.R. 586 Sec. 3

    (7) This subsection expires on November 30, 2031December 31, 2031.

    The bill says: Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking "November 30, 2031" and inserting "December 31, 2031".

From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, 2024 edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

What it does

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Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct an epidemiological study and report on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) in veterans who served in the Vietnam theater of operations during the Vietnam era. The study must identify the rate of incidence of cholangiocarcinoma in such veterans and in U.S. residents.

The bill also requires the VA to track and report on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma using the Veterans Affairs Central Cancer Registry. Additionally, the VA must periodically submit follow-up reports to Congress regarding the epidemiological study and information collected from the cancer registry regarding the prevalence of bile duct cancer.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Jan 21, 2025).

Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

What has happened

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  1. Apr 8, 2025Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.Senate
  2. Apr 7, 2025Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
  3. Apr 7, 2025On 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 recordHouse floor actions
  4. Apr 7, 2025Passed/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 recordLibrary of Congress
  5. Apr 7, 2025Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1441-1442)House floor actions
  6. Apr 7, 2025At 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.House floor actions
  7. Apr 7, 2025DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 586.House floor actions
  8. Apr 7, 2025Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1435-1437)House floor actions
  9. Apr 7, 2025Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.House floor actions
  10. Feb 25, 2025Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.House committee actions
  11. Jan 21, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.House floor actions
  12. Jan 21, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
  13. Jan 21, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Show key steps only

Recorded votes

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  1. Apr 7, 2025 · HousePassed 411–0
    On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended · needed two-thirds
    R 207 yes, 0 noD 204 yes, 0 noEach member · Record

Cosponsors

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