Bill > HR2701

This bill establishes the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Program through the American Battle Monuments Commission to address historical inaccuracies in religious markers for Jewish servicemembers buried in overseas military cemeteries. The program aims to identify approximately 900 American-Jewish servicemembers from World War I and World War II who were mistakenly buried under Latin Crosses, and will involve contracting with a nonprofit organization to research and contact survivors and descendants. The program will operate for five fiscal years, with annual contracts of $500,000 awarded to a nonprofit organization with demonstrated expertise in this area. A "covered member" is defined as a deceased Jewish Armed Forces member buried in a U.S. military cemetery outside the United States under a marker that does not accurately represent their religious identity. The bill recognizes the significant contributions of American-Jewish servicemembers and the U.S. government's responsibility to properly honor those who died in service. As a secondary provision, the bill also extends certain pension payment limits to January 31, 2032. The broader context is acknowledging and correcting historical oversights in memorializing Jewish servicemembers who made ultimate sacrifices for their country.

Health and Social Services, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2701/all-info