Senate Unanimously Passes Collins, Colleagues’ Bill to Improve Veterans’ Access to Lifesaving Breast Cancer Screening & Care
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate unanimously passed bipartisan, bicameral legislation introduced by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Jon Tester (D-MT), John Boozman (R-AR), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) to expand veterans’ access to high-quality breast cancer screening and lifesaving cancer care. This legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
“We owe it to our veterans to provide them with the high-quality health care they have earned through their service to our country,” said Senator Collins. “I am pleased that the Senate has passed this important bill, which would improve breast cancer detection and prevention services at the VA, helping to better support those affected by this devastating disease and promote the health and well-being of our veterans.”
“Paralyzed Veterans of America commends the Senate's passage of the MAMMO for Veterans Act as our women veterans deserve health care that is responsive to their needs and fully equipped with access to breast imaging services and the best in mammogram technology, whether you’re disabled or not,” said Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Associate Executive Director of Government Relations Heather Ansley. “It is a basic preventative tool that can save our lives and something we are entitled to. We appreciate the support of Senators Tester, Boozman, Hirono, and Collins in moving forward this legislation. We call on the House to pass the MAMMO for Veterans Act as soon possible to ensure both our VA and community care systems continue to swiftly evolve to meet the critical needs of all veterans, especially those with disabilities.”
“Wounded Warrior Project is excited to see the MAMMO for Veterans Act pass the Senate,” said Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) President of Government and Community Relations Jose Ramos. “Women are the fastest growing group in the veteran population and this legislation will ensure better access to lifesaving breast cancer screening and care. We want to thank Senators Tester, Boozman, Hirono, and Collins for their commitment to women veterans and we encourage the House of Representatives to continue the momentum and help send this legislation to the President’s desk.”
“Vietnam Veterans of America fully supports the swift passage of S.2533 Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options (MAMMO) for Veterans Act,” said Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Women Veterans Committee Chair Kate O'Hare Palmer. “This comprehensive, bipartisan legislation will broaden access to high-quality mammography and improve breast cancer research, prevention, and treatment for women veterans seeking care and treatment at the VA. We applaud Senators Tester, Boozman, Hirono, and Collins for introducing this important legislation which will enhance the quality of care for those diagnosed with breast cancer, no matter their geographic location and proximity to a VA facility.”
“The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) applauds the United States Senate for passing Senators Tester, Boozman, Hirono and Collins’ legislation to improve veterans’ access to high-quality mammography and breast cancer care, specifically for veterans in rural communities,” said National Rural Health Association (NRHA) Chief Executive Officer Alan Morgan. “The Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options (MAMMO) for Veterans Act will improve access to screening, care, and treatment for rural veterans by allowing for care partnerships to be created via telehealth. NRHA urges the House of Representatives to quickly pass this important legislation. Veterans’ are the backbone of rural America, and ensuring their wellbeing and access to critical services like mammography and breast cancer care is essential.”
The Senators’ Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options (MAMMO) for Veterans Act would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop a strategic plan to improve breast imaging services, create a telemammography pilot program for veterans in areas where VA does not offer in-house mammography, and expand veterans’ access to clinical trials through partnerships with the National Cancer Institute.
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