Certain benefits would be extended to American citizens serving in the Israel Defense Forces under legislation sponsored on May 17 by U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA).
H.R. 8445 would extend the benefits of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) to those citizens fighting in Israel.
“Over 20,000 American citizens are currently defending Israel from Hamas terrorists, risking their lives for the betterment of our ally,” Rep. Reschenthaler said. “This legislation will ensure we do everything possible to support these heroes who are standing with Israel, fighting for freedom, and combating terrorism in the Middle East.”
The SCRA provides members on active-duty status with financial management safeguards, such as rental agreements, security deposits, evictions, installment contracts, credit card interest rates, mortgages, civil judicial proceedings, and income tax payments, among others, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Reschenthaler’s staff.
The USERRA prohibits employment discrimination based on an individual’s prior service in the uniformed services, current service in the uniformed services, or intent to join the uniformed services, the summary says.
“To the extent practicable, the service of a citizen of the United States in the Israeli Defense Forces shall be treated in the same manner as service in the uniformed services,” according to the text of H.R. 8445, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.