WASHINGTON, DC - The House of Representatives today passed H.R. 931, the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act of 2017, by unanimous consent. H.R. 931 first passed the House in September 2017, by voice vote. The Senate passed the bill, with an amendment, in May by unanimous consent. H.R. 931 now heads to the President’s desk for signature.
Authored by Rep. Chris Collins (R-NY), this important public health legislation will require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop and maintain a voluntary registry to collect data regarding the incidence of cancer in firefighters. This registry will allow researchers to have a greater understanding of the impacts of smoke inhalation and other occupational hazards have on a firefighter’s health, and lead to better treatment options.
“Our firefighters are brave men and women, who put themselves in harm’s way day after day. This registry has the potential to improve the quality of life for these real-life heroes," said Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) and Health Subcommittee Chairman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX). “From a house fire to the wildfires that ravage the west, these men and women don’t think twice before heading into dangerous situations of fire and smoke to protect others. This national registry is one way we can help protect them."
