Congressional Actions
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Write, call, or email congress urging bipartisan support for US priority on accounting for America’s unreturned veterans.
To find your Representative go to: http://www.house.gov/representatives/ To find your Senator: https://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm |
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Reps. Bishop, Johnson and Walz Introduce Full Military Honors Act H.R. 6734
Washington, September 10, 2018 | 0 comments "America’s POWs and Medal of Honor recipients have sacrificed immeasurably in service to the United States – regardless of their rank. "WASHINGTON – Congressmen Mike Bishop (MI-08), Sam Johnson (TX-03), and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Tim Walz (MN-01) today announced the introduction of the Full Military Honors Act of 2018 (H.R. 6734) to allow enlisted Medal of Honor recipients and Prisoners of War (POW) who are eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery to receive a full military honors burial, which includes an escort platoon, a military band, and a caisson (horse drawn casket) if available. Currently, full military honors are reserved for commissioned officers, warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers. “America’s POWs and Medal of Honor recipients have sacrificed immeasurably in service to the United States – regardless of their rank. So I was shocked to find out that earlier this year a former POW from Michigan, Army Pvt. 1st Class Robert Fletcher was denied a full honors burial at Arlington National Cemetery based solely on his enlisted rank,” said Rep. Bishop. “This has been an issue for too long, and my legislation will ensure those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty are provided the full military honors they have earned for their end of life ceremonies.” “During my time in the infamous Hanoi Hilton, many of my fellow POWs and I were isolated in cramped cells,” said Rep. Johnson. “We spent months in leg irons, years in leg stocks, and endured extreme starvation and torture. My fellow POWs who served honorably demonstrated the utmost patriotism, but not all of them were eligible for full military honors at their burial, simply due to their rank. I believe this is wrong. ANY veteran who served honorably as a Prisoner of War or whose actions earned them the Medal of Honor has already demonstrated extraordinary dedication to defending Freedom. In return, they deserve to have the country they fought for bestow full military honors if they are eligible to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. I am grateful for Rep. Mike Bishop’s leadership on this issue, and I’m proud to join him in standing up for the service and sacrifice of our Great Nation’s veterans.” “Medal of Honor recipients and POWs have earned and deserve nothing less than full military honors,” said Rep. Walz. “As a retired enlisted soldier of 24 years, I’m proud to join in introducing the Full Military Honors Act. To help ensure we honor the sacrifices these heroes and their families have made for our country, we must pass it without delay.” Congressman Sam Johnson, a 29-year U.S. Air Force veteran, flew combat missions in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. On the 25th combat mission of his second tour in Vietnam, Johnson was shot down over North Vietnam and held as a POW for nearly seven years in the “Hanoi Hilton.” While there, his captors labeled him a “diehard” resistor and moved him into solitary confinement in “Alcatraz,” along with ten other POWs including U.S. Senator Jeremiah Denton and Vice Presidential candidate Jim Stockdale. Congressman Tim Walz, a 24-year veteran of the Army National Guard, is the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and serves on the US-Russia Joint Commission on POW/MIAs. Walz is the highest ranking enlisted soldier ever to serve in Congress. The Full Military Honors Act of 2018 is endorsed by the American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Military Officers Association of America, National League of POW/ MIA Families, Special Operations Association, Special Forces Association, and American Fallen Warriors Memorial Foundation, to read letters in support of H.R. 6734 click HERE. |
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S. 3523
Senate Bill aims to widen farewells for vets As a member of the Old Guard, the U.S. Army's official ceremonial unit, U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., helped provide fitting farewells for people being buried at Arlington National Cemetery. But the veterans' send-offs, he discovered, aren't always equal. Typically, they all are accompanied by a bugle, an honor guard and a rifle volley. Caissons, color guards and military bands, on the other hand, accompany only former officers and those killed in action. In some instances, Cotton maintains, that standard is too narrow. His Full Military Honors Act of 2018 aims to broaden it. "The rank of a Medal of Honor recipient or POW should not be the final measure of their service to this country. Instead, their courageous actions and the sacrifices they made should be enough to prove their dedication, and their funeral honors must reflect the same," Cotton said in a news release. "Passage of this bill will show the families of the deceased and members of our military that the United States will always honor its veterans appropriately for their service." The measure has the support of the numerous organizations, including the American Legion and the National League of POW/MIA Families. Cotton introduced his bill Sept. 27. Similar legislation has been filed in the House. S. 3523 To amend title 10, United States Code, to require a full military honors ceremony for certain deceased veterans, and for other purposes. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES September 27, 2018 Mr. Cotton introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To amend title 10, United States Code, to require a full military honors ceremony for certain deceased veterans, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the “Full Military Honors Act of 2018”. SEC. 2. FULL MILITARY HONORS CEREMONY FOR CERTAIN VETERANS. Section 1491(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: “(3) The Secretary concerned shall provide full military honors (as determined by the Secretary concerned) for the funeral of a veteran who-- “(A) is first interred or first inurned in Arlington National Cemetery on or after the date of the enactment of the Full Military Honors Act of 2018; “(B) was awarded the medal of honor or the prisoner-of-war medal; and “(C) is not entitled to full military honors by the grade of that veteran.”. |
115th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 129
Calling on the Department of Defense, other elements of the Federal Government, and foreign governments to intensify efforts to investigate, recover, and identify all missing and unaccounted-for personnel of the United States.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 15, 2017
Mr. Sam Johnson of Texas submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
RESOLUTION
Calling on the Department of Defense, other elements of the Federal Government, and foreign governments to intensify efforts to investigate, recover, and identify all missing and unaccounted-for personnel of the United States.
Whereas more than 83,000 personnel of the United States are still unaccounted-for around the world from past wars and conflicts;
Whereas, though recognizing that an estimated 50,000 of these World War II personnel were lost deep at sea and are unlikely ever to be recovered, thousands of families and friends have waited decades for the accounting of their loved ones and comrades in arms;
Whereas the families of these brave Americans deserve our Nation’s best efforts to achieve the fullest possible accounting for their missing loved ones;
Whereas the National League of POW/MIA Families, and their iconic POW/MIA flag, pioneered the accounting effort since 1970 and has been joined in this humanitarian quest for answers by the Korean War, Cold War and World War II families, fully supported by the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, Jewish War Veterans, AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America, Special Forces Association, Special Operations Association, Rolling Thunder, and other more recently formed groups, and thousands of families are yearning and advocating for answers concerning the fates of their loved ones and comrades in arms;
Whereas the mission of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency of the Department of Defense is to provide the fullest possible accounting for missing members of the Armed Forces of the United States, designated civilians of the Department, and other designated personnel; and
Whereas the recovery and investigation teams of the Department of Defense deploy to countries around the world to account as fully as possible for these missing and otherwise unaccounted-for personnel of the United States:
Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) calls upon the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and other elements of the Department of Defense, other elements of the Federal Government, and all foreign governments to intensify efforts to investigate, recover, identify and account as fully as possible for all missing and unaccounted-for personnel of the United States around the world; and
(2) calls upon all foreign governments with information on missing personnel of the United States, or with missing personnel of the United States within their territories, to cooperate fully with the Government of the United States to provide the fullest possible accounting for all missing personnel of the United States
For a listing of the Co-Sponsors and other actions on this Bill, please check: Co-Sponsors
115th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 129
Calling on the Department of Defense, other elements of the Federal Government, and foreign governments to intensify efforts to investigate, recover, and identify all missing and unaccounted-for personnel of the United States.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 15, 2017
Mr. Sam Johnson of Texas submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
RESOLUTION
Calling on the Department of Defense, other elements of the Federal Government, and foreign governments to intensify efforts to investigate, recover, and identify all missing and unaccounted-for personnel of the United States.
Whereas more than 83,000 personnel of the United States are still unaccounted-for around the world from past wars and conflicts;
Whereas, though recognizing that an estimated 50,000 of these World War II personnel were lost deep at sea and are unlikely ever to be recovered, thousands of families and friends have waited decades for the accounting of their loved ones and comrades in arms;
Whereas the families of these brave Americans deserve our Nation’s best efforts to achieve the fullest possible accounting for their missing loved ones;
Whereas the National League of POW/MIA Families, and their iconic POW/MIA flag, pioneered the accounting effort since 1970 and has been joined in this humanitarian quest for answers by the Korean War, Cold War and World War II families, fully supported by the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, Jewish War Veterans, AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America, Special Forces Association, Special Operations Association, Rolling Thunder, and other more recently formed groups, and thousands of families are yearning and advocating for answers concerning the fates of their loved ones and comrades in arms;
Whereas the mission of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency of the Department of Defense is to provide the fullest possible accounting for missing members of the Armed Forces of the United States, designated civilians of the Department, and other designated personnel; and
Whereas the recovery and investigation teams of the Department of Defense deploy to countries around the world to account as fully as possible for these missing and otherwise unaccounted-for personnel of the United States:
Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) calls upon the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and other elements of the Department of Defense, other elements of the Federal Government, and all foreign governments to intensify efforts to investigate, recover, identify and account as fully as possible for all missing and unaccounted-for personnel of the United States around the world; and
(2) calls upon all foreign governments with information on missing personnel of the United States, or with missing personnel of the United States within their territories, to cooperate fully with the Government of the United States to provide the fullest possible accounting for all missing personnel of the United States
For a listing of the Co-Sponsors and other actions on this Bill, please check: Co-Sponsors
115th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 61
Calling on the Department of Defense, other elements of the Federal Government, and foreign governments to intensify efforts to
investigate, recover, and identify all missing and unaccounted-for personnel of the United States.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
February 15, 2017
Mr. McCain submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
RESOLUTION
Calling on the Department of Defense, other elements of the Federal Government, and foreign governments to intensify efforts to
investigate, recover, and identify all missing and unaccounted-for personnel of the United States.
Whereas more than 83,000 personnel of the United States are still unaccounted-for around the world from past wars and conflicts;
Whereas, though recognizing that an estimated 50,000 of these World War II personnel, were lost deep at sea and are unlikely ever to be recovered, thousands of families and friends have waited decades for the accounting of their loved ones and comrades in arms;
Whereas the families of these brave Americans deserve our Nation's best efforts to achieve the fullest possible accounting for their missing loved ones;
Whereas the National League of POW/MIA Families, and their iconic POW/MIA flag, pioneered the accounting effort since 1970 and has been joined in this humanitarian quest for answers by the Korean War, Cold War and World War II families, fully supported by the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, Jewish War Veterans, AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America, Special Forces Association, Special Operations Association, Rolling Thunder, and other more recently formed groups, and thousands of families are yearning and advocating for answers concerning the fates of their loved ones and comrades in arms;
Whereas the mission of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency of the Department of Defense is to provide the fullest possible accounting for missing members of the Armed Forces of the United States, designated civilians of the Department, and other designated personnel; and
Whereas the recovery and investigation teams of the Department of Defense deploy to countries around the world to account as fully as possible for these missing and otherwise unaccounted-for personnel of the United States:
Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate-- (1) calls upon the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and
other elements of the Department of Defense, other elements of the Federal Government, and all foreign governments to intensify efforts to investigate, recover, identify and account as fully as possible for all missing and unaccounted-for
personnel of the United States around the world; and
(2) calls upon all foreign governments with information on missing personnel of the United States, or with missing personnel of the United States within their territories, to cooperate fully with the Government of the United States to provide the fullest possible accounting for all missing personnel of the United States.
Cosponsor Date Cosponsored
Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME] 05/16/2017
Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID] 06/29/2017
Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI] 09/11/2017
Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX] 09/12/2017
Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR] 09/28/2017
Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL] 10/17/2017
Sen. Donnelly, Joe [D-IN] 02/14/2018
Sen. Toomey, Pat [R-PA] 03/20/2018
Sen. Isakson, Johnny [R-GA] 06/28/2018
Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA] 07/11/2018
Sen. Nelson, Bill [D-FL] 07/17/2018
Sen. Debbie Stabenow [D-MI] 09/07/2018
To check up-to-date Co-sponsors and other actions, go to: SR61
Sam Johnson Calls for Intensified Efforts to Return America’s POWs & MIAs
Washington, September 15, 2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In honor of National POW/MIA Recognition Day this Friday, U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (TX-03) introduced H. Res. 871 calling on the United States government to intensify efforts to account for the 83,000 American service members who are still unaccounted for around the world. Johnson’s resolution also calls on foreign nations to fully assist in search and recovery efforts.
“This is a particularly meaningful day for me and my fellow POW buddies as well as our Great Nation’s military families,” said Johnson. “While I was blessed to make it home to Freedom, many of my fellow compatriots did not. In keeping with America’s promise to leave no man behind, and as a gift to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, I have vowed I will never stop fighting for the Defenders of our Freedom.”
Johnson continued, “Just like those who fought for my release, I am continuing that effort to return ALL our American POWs and MIAs home. There is always more work to be done. My commitment to this country and those who fight for it will never end. Thank you to all the brave men and women in our Armed Forces, past and present, for your service and sacrifice to the greatest nation in the world – the United States of America. God bless you and I salute you.”
In addition to this resolution, Congressman Johnson recently urged the President to discuss ongoing U.S. recovery efforts in Laos to repatriate the remains of American personnel still Missing In Action in that country from the Vietnam War. In response, the government of Laos recently agreed to increase recovery personnel numbers and also indicated a willingness to ease burdens on excavation teams.
Washington, September 15, 2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In honor of National POW/MIA Recognition Day this Friday, U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (TX-03) introduced H. Res. 871 calling on the United States government to intensify efforts to account for the 83,000 American service members who are still unaccounted for around the world. Johnson’s resolution also calls on foreign nations to fully assist in search and recovery efforts.
“This is a particularly meaningful day for me and my fellow POW buddies as well as our Great Nation’s military families,” said Johnson. “While I was blessed to make it home to Freedom, many of my fellow compatriots did not. In keeping with America’s promise to leave no man behind, and as a gift to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, I have vowed I will never stop fighting for the Defenders of our Freedom.”
Johnson continued, “Just like those who fought for my release, I am continuing that effort to return ALL our American POWs and MIAs home. There is always more work to be done. My commitment to this country and those who fight for it will never end. Thank you to all the brave men and women in our Armed Forces, past and present, for your service and sacrifice to the greatest nation in the world – the United States of America. God bless you and I salute you.”
In addition to this resolution, Congressman Johnson recently urged the President to discuss ongoing U.S. recovery efforts in Laos to repatriate the remains of American personnel still Missing In Action in that country from the Vietnam War. In response, the government of Laos recently agreed to increase recovery personnel numbers and also indicated a willingness to ease burdens on excavation teams.
114th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 871
2d Session
H. RES. 871
Calling on the Department of Defense, other elements of the Federal Government, and foreign countries to intensify efforts to investigate, recover, and identify all missing and unaccounted-for personnel of the United States.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 15, 2016
Mr. Sam Johnson of Texas submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
RESOLUTION
Calling on the Department of Defense, other elements of the Federal Government, and foreign countries to intensify efforts to investigate, recover, and identify all missing and unaccounted-for personnel of the United States.
Whereas more than 83,000 personnel of the United States are still unaccounted-for around the world from past wars and conflicts;
Whereas, though recognizing that an estimated 50,000 of these World War II personnel, were lost deep at sea and are unlikely ever to be recovered, thousands of families and friends have waited decades for the accounting of their loved ones and comrades in arms;
Whereas the families of these brave Americans deserve our Nation’s best efforts to achieve the fullest possible accounting for their missing loved ones;
Whereas the National League of POW/MIA Families, and their iconic POW/MIA flag, pioneered the accounting effort since 1970 and has been joined in this humanitarian quest for answers by the Korean War, Cold War and World War II families, fully supported by the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, Jewish War Veterans, AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America, Special Forces Association, Special Operations Association, Rolling Thunder, and other more recently formed groups, and thousands of families are yearning and advocating for answers concerning the fates of their loved ones and comrades in arms;
Whereas the mission of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency of the Department of Defense is to provide the fullest possible accounting for missing members of the Armed Forces of the United States, designated civilians of the Department, and other designated personnel; and
Whereas the recovery and investigation teams of the Department of Defense deploy to countries around the world to account as fully as possible for these missing and otherwise unaccounted-for personnel of the United States: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) calls upon the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and other elements of the Department of Defense, other elements of the Federal Government, and all foreign countries to intensify efforts to investigate, recover, identify and account as fully as possible for all missing and unaccounted-for personnel of the United States around the world; and
(2) calls upon all foreign countries with information on missing personnel of the United States, or with missing personnel of the United States within their territories, to cooperate fully with the Government of the United States to provide the fullest possible accounting for all missing personnel of the United States.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 15, 2016
Mr. Sam Johnson of Texas submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
RESOLUTION
Calling on the Department of Defense, other elements of the Federal Government, and foreign countries to intensify efforts to investigate, recover, and identify all missing and unaccounted-for personnel of the United States.
Whereas more than 83,000 personnel of the United States are still unaccounted-for around the world from past wars and conflicts;
Whereas, though recognizing that an estimated 50,000 of these World War II personnel, were lost deep at sea and are unlikely ever to be recovered, thousands of families and friends have waited decades for the accounting of their loved ones and comrades in arms;
Whereas the families of these brave Americans deserve our Nation’s best efforts to achieve the fullest possible accounting for their missing loved ones;
Whereas the National League of POW/MIA Families, and their iconic POW/MIA flag, pioneered the accounting effort since 1970 and has been joined in this humanitarian quest for answers by the Korean War, Cold War and World War II families, fully supported by the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, Jewish War Veterans, AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America, Special Forces Association, Special Operations Association, Rolling Thunder, and other more recently formed groups, and thousands of families are yearning and advocating for answers concerning the fates of their loved ones and comrades in arms;
Whereas the mission of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency of the Department of Defense is to provide the fullest possible accounting for missing members of the Armed Forces of the United States, designated civilians of the Department, and other designated personnel; and
Whereas the recovery and investigation teams of the Department of Defense deploy to countries around the world to account as fully as possible for these missing and otherwise unaccounted-for personnel of the United States: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) calls upon the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and other elements of the Department of Defense, other elements of the Federal Government, and all foreign countries to intensify efforts to investigate, recover, identify and account as fully as possible for all missing and unaccounted-for personnel of the United States around the world; and
(2) calls upon all foreign countries with information on missing personnel of the United States, or with missing personnel of the United States within their territories, to cooperate fully with the Government of the United States to provide the fullest possible accounting for all missing personnel of the United States.