Wenstrup’s bipartisan bill helps families of fallen, injured U.S. service members end contracts

The families of fallen and critically injured U.S. service members would be able to terminate their contracts for phone, cable or internet services without financial penalty under a new bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH).

“The families of our nation’s service members deserve support when tragedy strikes,” Rep. Wenstrup said. “This bill would ensure spouses of service members who are killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty are not trapped in contracts.”

Rep. Wenstrup on Sept. 17 cosponsored the Protecting Families of Fallen Servicemembers Act, H.R. 4356, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA).

“If your family member is killed or wounded while serving overseas, the last thing you need to worry about is fighting your internet company,” added Rep. Harder. “Military families already make a huge sacrifice, and losing a loved one is one more reminder that our heroes in uniform don’t serve alone.”

Specifically, H.R. 4356 would amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to allow certain individuals to terminate contracts for telephone, multichannel video programming, or internet access service, according to the congressional record.

During the last session of Congress, the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation similar to H.R. 4356, however, the U.S. Senate did not include the measure in a larger bill, according to Rep. Wenstrup’s office.