U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) on July 14 sponsored a bipartisan bill that would establish a pilot program to help the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) better diagnose service-related respiratory illnesses using advanced imaging technology.
“Under this bill, veterans suffering from respiratory conditions and lung cancer would receive better quality care at the VA through the use of imaging software equipped to properly evaluate their symptoms,” Rep. Ciscomani said. “Better imaging software means an improved rate of diagnosis, which would save lives by catching issues like lung cancer sooner.”
The congressman introduced the Advanced Imaging for Respiratory Care, Assessment, and Research Excellence for Veterans Act of 2026, also known as the AIR CARE for Vets Act of 2026, H.R. 9666, alongside cosponsor U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH).
The measure would direct the VA to launch a five-year pilot program using FDA-approved four-dimensional functional lung imaging software to identify respiratory disorders in United States military veterans receiving VA care.
“Our nation’s heroes deserve access to quality health care, including the most up to date technology to best diagnose service-related conditions. That’s what the AIR CARE for Vets Act is all about,” added Rep. Ciscomani. “The men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country deserve to know they are receiving the highest level of care possible at all stages, starting with quality evaluation of their symptoms.”
H.R. 9666 is intended to improve diagnosis for veterans suffering from respiratory conditions linked to military service, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer, particularly those exposed to burn pits during deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Ciscomani’s staff.
The proposal also would authorize $5 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to lease eligible imaging software from approved developers and deploy the technology at VA medical facilities, the summary says.
Rep. Pappas said the legislation would help bring newer technology into the VA healthcare system for veterans affected by toxic exposure.
“For thousands of veterans living in New Hampshire, exposure to burn pits has significantly increased their chances of developing lung disease and this pilot program will improve the resources and care available to them now and in the years to come,” said the congressman.
The bill has also drawn support from members of Rep. Ciscomani’s Veterans Advisory Council, including Tom Murphy, council chairman and mayor of Sahuarita, Ariz., and retired U.S. Air Force Col. Alex Wright, another council member.