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Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act

Floor Speech

By: Mike Bost
By: Mike Bost
Date: Sept. 17, 2025
Location: Washington, DC

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Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I rise to include in the Record the following letter of support for H.R. 2701 from National Commander Scott P. Stevens, CW04, USA, (R).

The Jewish War Veterans of the USA supports H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. JWV appreciates the leadership of Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) for their bipartisan introduction, as well as the support of the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability and Memorial Affairs and the Full Committee in moving this critical legislation to the House floor. JWV urges swift passage of H.R. 2701 to start the process of properly marking graves and honoring these brave Jewish American servicemembers.

The Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act requires the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) to create a program to identify Jewish servicemembers buried with grave markers that do not reflect their faith and to connect with their descendants. This vital effort will correct the historical record and ensure our fallen heroes are remembered as they lived and served.

JVW understands that approximately 900 American-Jewish servicemembers who lost their lives during World War I and World War II and were buried in U.S. military cemeteries overseas (ABMC) were mistakenly interred under markers that do not represent their religion or heritage. JVW recognizes that most of these errors are unintentional; however, these mistakes hide the identity and legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. American-Jewish servicemembers served with honor and bravery, playing a crucial role in winning the Allied victory. They deserve to be remembered with dignity and accuracy.

The United States has a solemn duty to ensure every fallen servicemember is honored correctly Enacting H.R. 2701 helps ensure that the Star of David marks the Jewish graves of servicemembers, currently marked in error.

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