Wasserman Schultz’s Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act Passes House

Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Max Miller's (OH-07) bipartisan Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by voice vote. If signed into law, it would help ensure hundreds of fallen American-Jewish servicemembers are buried under military grave markers that represent their true religion and heritage.

The bill now moves to the Senate to be considered. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) lead the companion bill in the Senate.

"This bill is an important step to allow for the research necessary to correct these errors and ensure there are resources for that work," said Wasserman Schultz. "This will make it possible for these brave Jewish servicemembers' descendants to know that their loved one's military service, life and religious heritage are properly honored."

Due to the sheer scale of burials that occurred during World War I and II, hundreds of American-Jewish servicemembers killed in action were improperly buried under Latin Cross grave markers, rather than Stars of David. It is estimated that as many as 900 remain that way today.

To replace a grave marker at American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) cemeteries, the next of kin must present the ABMC with evidence of the decedent's religious heritage and submit a grave marker change request. However, without resources, this process can be difficult for families. This legislation would create the "Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Program," to award contracts to nonprofits to identify and research American-Jewish servicemembers buried in ABMC cemeteries under grave markers that do not represent the proper religion and heritage. It authorizes $500,000 per year for five years for the program.

This bill is supported by Jewish Federations of North America, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Gold Star Spouses of America, Jewish War Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Aleph Institute, the Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA), Vietnam Veterans of America, the American Legion, and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).

Read the full bill here.

Watch Rep. Wasserman Schultz's full remarks on the bill here.

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