H.R. 8445 — Introduced in House

I 118th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 8445 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 17, 2024Mr. Reschenthaler (for himself and Mr. Miller of Ohio) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To amend title 38, United States Code, and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for the eligibility of United States citizens who serve in the Israeli Defense Forces for certain protections relating to such service. 1. Eligibility of United States citizens serving in the Israeli Defense Force for benefits under USERRA and the SCRA (a) USERRA (1) In general Subchapter IV of chapter 43 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 4336. Treatment of service in Israeli Defense Forces (a) In general For purposes of this chapter, 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. (b) Regulations The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to implement this section. . (2) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 4335 the following new item: 4336. Treatment of service in Israeli Defense Forces. . (b) SCRA Section 104 of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. 3914) is amended— (1) by striking A citizen and inserting (a) In general.—A citizen; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (b) Service in IDF A citizen of the United States who is serving with the Israeli Defense Forces is entitled to the relief and protections provided under this Act if that service is similar to military service as defined in this Act. The relief and protections provided to such citizen shall terminate on the date of discharge or release from such service. . (c) Applicability The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to service performed on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.