Bill > HR6032

This bill amends existing veterans' memorial regulations to expand eligibility for government-provided headstones, markers, and medallions to include two previously overlooked groups: enslaved individuals who supported military efforts and individuals who performed military functions while being legally prohibited from serving in the Armed Forces due to discrimination based on race, gender, sex, or ethnicity. Specifically, the bill allows headstones for enslaved people who accompanied military members or served in place of another person, and for those who performed military roles despite legal restrictions. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must develop regulations within one year, consulting Civil War historians, civil rights organizations, and descendants of affected individuals. The regulations will define "military function" and establish acceptable evidence for proving service, including historical documents like pay records, regimental histories, photographs, ship logs, and family records. For enslaved individuals who served in Confederate forces, the headstone must explicitly acknowledge that they were forced to support their own enslavement. Requests for these memorial markers can only be made by direct descendants or individuals who have sought and been unable to obtain direct descendant consent. The bill aims to recognize and honor the contributions of marginalized individuals who supported military efforts despite systemic barriers to their participation.

Health and Social Services, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6032/all-info