The Dignity They Deserve

While we continue to support our troops as they serve on the frontlines, a very small percentage of misguided people have decided to make veterans’ funerals a springboard for their agenda. The recent trend of protesting at the funerals of soldiers killed in action is not only disturbing, but it demeans the ultimate sacrifice that these brave individuals have made for each and every one of us. It is very disheartening to see that some people would rather make a statement than respect the sacrifices our veterans have made.

As Chairman of the House VA Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, I take the concerns of our veterans and their families very seriously. For this reason, I cosponsored the “Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act” a bipartisan bill which prohibits demonstrations during a funeral or memorial service at a national cemetery.

Today, the House is scheduled to take this important legislation up. I am glad to see my colleagues moving to restrict these diversionary actions and allow families to remember and memorialize their loved one with dignity they deserve. America is a compassionate and caring nation that respects the men and women that have served our country. It is time to ensure that compassion is heard.