WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) voted today for the Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act, H.R. 5037. The bill would prohibit protesters from harassing mourners at the funerals of military men and women who die while serving their nation.

“No family should have to endure such a double tragedy of losing a loved one and then dealing with protesters,” said Tiahrt. “This bill will keep protesters away from grieving families and friends and allow these heroes to be mourned and honored with dignity and respect.”

The Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act bans protestors from demonstrating at military funerals in national cemeteries for 60 minutes before a funeral and continuing until 60 minutes afterward. It also requires protestors to remain at least 500 feet from the funeral site and mourners, and includes a sense of Congress that all 50 states should adopt such legislation affecting the locations of military funerals.

H.R. 5037 has about 200 co-sponsors and is supported by American Veterans (AMVETS), Disabled American Veterans Fleet Reserve Association, Gold Star Wives of America, Jewish War Veterans of the USA, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Military Order of the Purple Heart-Department of Michigan, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, and We Care America.