Tonko Introduces Hero Flight Act

Press Release

Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20) has introduced legislation that would provide additional funding for transportation of American servicemen and women who have given their lives in defense of the nation. H.R. 3337, the LTC Todd J. Clark Hero Flight Act, addresses an oversight in the Department of Defense's (DOD) transportation of remains policy that provides deceased service members only one flight at government expense.

"The standing DOD policy has caused great hardship to at least one Upstate New York family -- and that is one too many," said Tonko. "After working with LTC Clark's family and consulting with the Department of Defense, I believe this legislation is something that can move through committee and gain considerable bipartisan support even in today's conflicted environment. When families of our service members are dealing with the loss of a loved one, the last thing they should have to work through is bureaucratic red tape."

Source