Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2023

10/23/2024, 8:05 AM

Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2023

This bill extends death and disability benefits under the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB) to certain public safety officers who suffer from exposure-related cancer while on duty and their survivors. The PSOB program provides death, disability, and education benefits to public safety officers who are killed or injured in the line of duty and their survivors.

The bill specifies that exposure-related cancer shall be presumed to constitute a personal injury in the line of duty if

  • the public safety officer was exposed to or in contact with heat, radiation, or a carcinogen that is linked to an exposure-related cancer;
  • the officer began serving as an officer not later than 5 years before the date of the diagnosis of an exposure-related cancer and the diagnosis occurred not later than 15 years after the last date of active service; and
  • the exposure-related cancer directly and proximately resulted in the death or permanent and total disability of the officer.

The Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) must periodically review the definition of exposure-related cancer. It directs the BJA to add additional cancers to the definition under certain circumstances (e.g., a petition process).

Bill 118 hr 1719, also known as the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to honor and recognize the sacrifices made by members of the military who have lost their lives in service to their country.

The bill outlines several key provisions, including the establishment of a national day of remembrance for fallen heroes, as well as the creation of a national memorial to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Additionally, the bill calls for increased support for the families of fallen heroes, including financial assistance and access to counseling services.

Furthermore, the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2023 aims to raise awareness about the contributions and sacrifices of military members, and to ensure that their memories are preserved for future generations. The bill has received bipartisan support in Congress, with lawmakers from both parties expressing their commitment to honoring the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to their country. Overall, the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2023 is a significant piece of legislation that seeks to pay tribute to the sacrifices of military members and their families, and to ensure that their memories are never forgotten.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 1719

Introduced on
2023-03-22

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

3/22/2023

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2023

This bill extends death and disability benefits under the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB) to certain public safety officers who suffer from exposure-related cancer while on duty and their survivors. The PSOB program provides death, disability, and education benefits to public safety officers who are killed or injured in the line of duty and their survivors.

The bill specifies that exposure-related cancer shall be presumed to constitute a personal injury in the line of duty if

  • the public safety officer was exposed to or in contact with heat, radiation, or a carcinogen that is linked to an exposure-related cancer;
  • the officer began serving as an officer not later than 5 years before the date of the diagnosis of an exposure-related cancer and the diagnosis occurred not later than 15 years after the last date of active service; and
  • the exposure-related cancer directly and proximately resulted in the death or permanent and total disability of the officer.

The Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) must periodically review the definition of exposure-related cancer. It directs the BJA to add additional cancers to the definition under certain circumstances (e.g., a petition process).

Bill 118 hr 1719, also known as the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to honor and recognize the sacrifices made by members of the military who have lost their lives in service to their country.

The bill outlines several key provisions, including the establishment of a national day of remembrance for fallen heroes, as well as the creation of a national memorial to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Additionally, the bill calls for increased support for the families of fallen heroes, including financial assistance and access to counseling services.

Furthermore, the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2023 aims to raise awareness about the contributions and sacrifices of military members, and to ensure that their memories are preserved for future generations. The bill has received bipartisan support in Congress, with lawmakers from both parties expressing their commitment to honoring the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to their country. Overall, the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2023 is a significant piece of legislation that seeks to pay tribute to the sacrifices of military members and their families, and to ensure that their memories are never forgotten.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide public safety officer benefits for exposure-related cancers, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Crime and Law Enforcement

Potential Impact
Cancer
Disability assistance
First responders and emergency personnel
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Law enforcement officers
Worker safety and health

Comments

APPROVED
AE
Avi Ellis
@radish_daikon_vadouvan49424
Not a fan of it.

APPROVED
TD
Tobias Douglas
@aromatic_ginger_shiso_white85490
I don't get why this bill is being pushed through. Seems like it's gonna cause more problems than it solves. Just doesn't sit right with me. #confused

APPROVED
LR
Luis Rankin
@asafoetida_mulberry_celery98594
I don't like this bill, it's gonna mess things up for me.

Recent Activity

Latest Summary2/14/2024

Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2023

This bill extends death and disability benefits under the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB) to certain public safety officers who suffer from exposure-related cancer while on dut...


Latest Action9/25/2024
ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. Gimenez asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 1719, a bill originally introduced by Representative Pascrell, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting repri...