March 08, 2019

Reps. Correa, Cline, Cisneros Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Ensure Access To American Legion For All Veterans Serving Honorably

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Lou Correa (D-CA-46), joined by Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA-06) and Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-CA-39), introduce “H.R. 1641 - LEGION Act,” which will expand 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, “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.”
Rep. Ben Cline said, “Veterans issues are America’s issues. I am pleased to join my colleagues Luis Correa and Gil Cisneros on this bipartisan piece of legislation which enables Congress to recognize the honorable military service off those who served during unrecognized periods of war. Paying tribute to these men and women and to the estimated 1,600 patriots who gave the last full measure of devotion to their country is fitting and right.”

“As a member of the American Legion, I am proud to join my colleagues in becoming an original cosponsor of the bipartisan, bicameral LEGION Act,” said Rep. Cisneros. “All Veterans, regardless of when they served, made a commitment to our country and our Constitution. As a Navy Veteran, I understand the sacrifice that all our veterans and their families have made and that 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 that is why I wholeheartedly support this bill. Our legislation will ensure these veterans have the opportunity to gain the membership eligible benefits that they deserve. I thank Congressman Correa, Congressman Cline, and Senator Sinema for their leadership on this issue and I am honored to join them on their support of this important veterans organization.”

“The American Legion is thankful to Congressman Lou Correa (D-CA) and Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) for introducing the LEGION Act,” said American Legion Commander, Brett P. Reistad. “The LEGION Act will honor so many servicemembers who honorably served during unrecognized times of war, by allowing them to join The American Legion, the nation's largest veterans service organization. Thanks to Rep. Correa and Rep. Cline for their outstanding leadership on this issue, particularly as The American Legion turns 100 years old on March 15th, 2019.”