Bill Seeks to Extend U.S. Military Benefits To Americans Serving in IDF

By FrumNews.com 

Washington, D.C. — Two Republican Congressmen want to give the estimated 20,000 Americans who fight in the IDF, including dual U.S.-Israeli citizens, the same civilian protections as soldiers serving in the U.S. Military.

Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) and Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) introduced a bill that would extend the benefits of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) to U.S. citizens serving in the IDF.

The SCRA gives U.S. service members on active-duty status certain benefits, such as rental agreements, evictions, installment contracts, credit card interest rates and income tax payments. The USERRA prohibits employment discrimination based on an individual’s prior service in the uniformed services.

The bill wants to expand the protections to include the estimated 20,000 Americans who fight in the IDF. This means if an American is called up for reserves (receives a Tzav 8) to fight in the IDF, they cannot be fired from their civilian jobs in the U.S. if they are called up to serve in the IDF.

During the ongoing war, 21 Americans in IDF units have been killed by Hamas terrorists inside Gaza, another one was killed along Israel’s northern border, and another American was killed by terrorists in Yerushalayim, while serving in Israel’s border police.

“Over 20,000 American citizens are currently defending Israel from Hamas terrorists, risking their lives for the betterment of our ally,” said Rep. Reschenthaler. “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.”

“As our closest ally in the Middle East continues to defend itself against terror, many brave Americans have decided to lend a hand,” said Miller. “I’m proud that this legislation extends important protections to those Americans who chose to risk their lives in the fight against terror.”