July 23, 2019

Correa's Bipartisan Legislation To Ensure Access To American Legion For All Veterans Serving Honorably Headed To President's Desk

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Lou Correa's (D-CA-46)bipartisan legislation, introduced with Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA-06) and Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-CA-39), was passed by the United States House of Representatives and is on the way to the President's desk. H.R. 1641 - The LEGION Act expands membership criteria of the American Legion to include all honorably discharged veterans who served during unrecognized times of war since World War II. This bill will ensure that thousands of brave American veterans who defended their country during unrecognized times of war can access the full benefits of American Legion membership.

Rep. Lou Correa said, "I am proud of today's work. The House and Senate have done their job and passed the LEGION Act. Now it's up to the President to keep his promises to America's veterans and sign this critical legislation into law.

"For 100 years, the American Legion has provided critical resources and created a community for veterans. This legislation will ensure that everyone who puts on the uniform has the privilege to join the Legions' ranks. Regardless of when a servicemember served, every veteran is a hero and has earned our respect and full access to their benefits. This bill will ensure every veteran has the opportunity to join their brothers and sisters in arms in the American Legion.

"I want to thank my colleagues, Rep. Ben Cline and Gil Cisneros, and Senators Kristen Sinema and Thom Tillis, for championing this legislation and helping our great nation keep our promises to America's veterans."

"I was proud to help lead the effort to pass this bipartisan legislation which does the right thing for those military members who honorably served and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice during unrecognized periods of conflict," Rep. Ben Cline said. "Congressmen Correa and Cisneros, along with Senators Sinema and Tillis, believe we should recognize the honorable military service of those who served during unrecognized periods of war. Opening membership of the American Legion to our heroes who have served in conflicts from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan is the right thing to do."

"As a Navy Veteran and proud member of the American Legion, I am honored to have joined Representatives Correa and Cline, as well as Senators Sinema and Tillis on this legislation, which opens up membership in the American Legion to all veterans, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law by the President," said Congressman Cisneros. "Veterans and their families have made incredible sacrifices for our country, and their service should not be defined by a period in time or some unrecognized war era. All veterans are deserving of recognition and membership in the American Legion, and our legislation will ensure these veterans have the opportunity to gain those benefits."

"Expanding Legion membership improves services for veterans across Arizona and honors our brave servicemembers killed or injured during periods of unrecognized war. Our bill shows what's possible when we stay focused on getting things done that matter," said Senator Kyrsten Sinema, a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Rep. Lou Correa represents California’s 46th Congressional District. He serves as Chair of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, and as the Vice-Chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet. Read more here.