(Washington D.C.)- The House of Representatives today passed the Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act (H.R. 5037) by an overwhelming vote of 408 to 3.  U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) voted for and co-sponsored the bill, which would protect military families from having their loved ones' funeral interrupted by protests. 

"Military funerals are for honoring those who have given their lives for their country," said U.S. Rep. Levin.  "They are not a platform for hate groups.  Today the House stands with our fallen soldiers and their families."

The legislation was prompted by recent well-publicized incidents of verbal abuse toward the families of service members killed in Iraq and Afghanistan during military funerals. It provides limited restrictions on demonstrations at national cemeteries.  It also expresses the sense of Congress that states should enact similar protections at state and private cemeteries and funeral homes.

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