Momentum Builds for Bean’s POW/MIA Memorial Bill with Senate Companion

WASHINGTON-Today, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) joined Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL) at Cecil Field for the introduction of the Senate companion to his National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum Act. The legislation would designate the POW/MIA Memorial and Museum as a national landmark to honor, connect, inspire, and educate the American people about members of the Armed Forces who were held as prisoners of war (POWs) and those who became missing in action (MIA) in our nation's conflicts.

Senator Moody's companion bill marks an important step forward in advancing this bipartisan effort to ensure America's POW/MIA heroes receive the recognition they deserve.

Upon the Senate introduction, Congressman Bean said, "Throughout our nation's history, more than 223,000 American service members have been listed as POW/MIA. We owe it to those service members and their families to ensure that our nation never forgets. This memorial will give Americans a unique opportunity to honor the immense sacrifice made by our POWs and serve as a powerful reminder of the service members whose fates are still unknown. I want to thank Senator Moody for joining me in this critical effort and spearheading this legislation in the Senate."

"Prisoners of wars and soldiers missing in action deserve our prayers, support and recognition of their immense sacrifice. There is no better place to honor their service than Florida, because of our long tradition of supporting veterans. That is why I am leading the National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum Act in the Senate to ensure Florida is the leader in preserving the memory of those who endured captivity and those who never came home. This effort is about keeping our promise to remember their sacrifice, stand with their families, and ensure future generations never forget the cost of freedom," said Senator Moody.

"We were honored by a productive, personal, and typically outstanding visit to the National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum from Congressman Aaron Bean, a staunch supporter of the memorial and museum, along with Senator Ashley Moody, a first-time visitor, and her team. Our objectives for the project have never wavered, and the strong endorsements stated by both adds momentum and reinforces the need to preserve the stories and legacies of America's POWs, MIAs and their families. Support from our Congressional delegations is key! The fact that they commemorated National Former POW Recognition Day with us is not only noteworthy, but says something about their heart and true understanding of what our POWs sacrificed and endured during all of America's past conflicts," said Director of the National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum Pam Cain.

BACKGROUND

The National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum has received support from the National League of POW/MIA Families, Rolling Thunder National, National Naval Aviation Museum, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, and the City of Jacksonville.

According to the Department of Defense, there are more than 142,000 service members who have been captured as prisoners of war, and more than 81,000 service members listed as missing in action from the outset of World War II.

Congressman Bean first introduced the legislation in 2023.

Read the full bill text HERE.

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