HR-4704 : Still Just a Bill

The "Rotary-wing Operator Toxic Occupational Research Act" or "ROTOR Act," designated as H.R. 4704, mandates a study on cancer prevalence and mortality among military rotary-wing pilots and aviation support personnel. The study, to be conducted by the Director of the Defense Health Agency in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute, will proceed in two phases:

• Phase 1: Determine if covered individuals experience increased prevalence or mortality rates for specific cancers (brain, breast, colon/rectal, kidney, lung, melanoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, testicular, urinary bladder) compared to the general population. A report on the findings is due to Congress within one year of the Act's enactment.
• Phase 2: If Phase 1 identifies increased cancer prevalence or mortality, this phase will identify:
  • Carcinogenic toxins or hazardous materials associated with military rotary-wing aircraft operation (e.g., fumes, fuels).
  • Operating environments where covered individuals may have received excess exposure to non-ionizing radiation (e.g., radars).
  • Potential exposures to carcinogenic toxins or other hazardous materials not directly related to aircraft operation (e.g., burn pits, contaminated water).
  A report on the findings of Phase 2 is due to Congress within one year of the submission of the Phase 1 report. Data will be formatted in accordance with the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program.

The study will utilize data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program, a prior study conducted under section 750 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, and any other relevant studies conducted by the military departments.