Washington, D.C. — Today, the House passed H.R.5037, the Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act, which prohibits demonstrations at national cemeteries, as well as restricts any demonstration within 500 feet during the military funeral or memorial service, sixty minutes before and after the event.  Families suffering the loss of a loved one will be protected from intrusive demonstrations such as protests, as they grieve.  Military funerals at America’s national cemeteries will now be assured the respect and honor they deserve with this legislation.

“Mourning the loss of a loved one in uniform should not be disrupted by the despicable acts of others. This legislation is a clear sign that there is no tolerance for those who choose to disrupt the sacred and sacrosanct burial of a loved one,” Buyer said.

“This legislation, with overwhelming bi-partisan support, demonstrates that this Congress can and does act quickly to right a wrong.  It is my hope that the Senate does the same and moves this bill forward so that the President can sign it into law prior to Memorial Day. Our soldiers deserve nothing less,” Chairman Buyer stated.

The bill includes a sense of Congress that states should enact legislation to restrict demonstrations near any military funerals.  As of now six states have enacted into law legislation either banning or restricting demonstrations at funerals. 

Chairman Buyer brought this issue to the attention of the American people in a floor speech before Congress on March 2.  Buyer invited administration dignitaries to attend a military funeral in Kokomo, IN for Army Sgt. Rickey Jones, killed in combat in Baghdad, and shares the outrage of the American people at the despicable demonstrations of a few.

This legislation was originally introduced by Chairman Buyer (R-Ind.), Representative Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) and Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Chairman Jeff Miller (R-Fla.). 

Background: Over the past several months, organized protests have taken place around the country at the funerals of servicemen and women killed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.  These extremist demonstrators harass family members and friends with chants and signs that read, “Thank God for dead soldiers,” “God hates you,” and “Thank God for IED’s.”  Regardless of one’s position on the Global War on Terror, the committee strongly believes that family members and friends should be protected during military funerals at national cemeteries and Arlington National Cemetery, and that veterans should receive the respect they earned as a result of their service in the Armed Forces.