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Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act
4/11/2025, 8:06 AM
Summary of Bill HR 2244
The bill proposes the creation of a registry to track and monitor the incidence of cancer among firefighters. This registry would help researchers and policymakers better understand the link between firefighting and cancer, ultimately leading to improved prevention and treatment strategies for firefighters.
Additionally, the bill seeks to establish presumptions of service connection for certain diseases, such as cancer, that are commonly associated with firefighting. This means that if a firefighter develops one of these diseases, it would be presumed to be connected to their service as a firefighter, making it easier for them to receive the necessary medical care and benefits. Overall, Bill 119 HR 2244 aims to prioritize the health and well-being of firefighters by addressing the unique risks they face on the job and ensuring they have access to the support they need in the event of a service-related illness.
Congressional Summary of HR 2244
Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act
This bill establishes a presumption of service-connection for specified diseases becoming manifest in certain military firefighter veterans to a degree of disability of 10% or more within 15 years of the veteran's separation from active military, naval, or air service. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific diseases or disabilities diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded.
Veterans addressed by this bill are those who (1) are trained in fire suppression, and (2) served on active duty in a military occupational specialty or career field with a primary responsibility of firefighting or damage control for at least five years in the aggregate.
