H.R.1030 - Flight 293 Remembrance Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1030, the "Flight 293 Remembrance Act," directs the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to create a database of Armed Forces members who died in non-combat military plane crashes, starting with records from 1984. It also mandates providing support to the families of these members, including access to benefits, personalized guidance, and connection to support networks.
The bill requires the establishment of a designated point of contact within the Department of Defense to guide families through the benefits process and provide updates. A report to Congress is required within two years, detailing the support provided and progress on the database.
Finally, the bill includes nondiscrimination provisions, ensuring that programs and activities funded under this section comply with civil rights laws.
Expected Effects
This bill will likely lead to increased awareness and access to benefits for families of Armed Forces members who died in non-combat military plane crashes. The creation of a database will provide a centralized resource for information and remembrance.
It will also lead to improved coordination between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs in providing support services. The report to Congress will provide oversight and accountability for the program's implementation.
Potential Benefits
- Provides a centralized database of service members who died in non-combat crashes.
- Ensures families are aware of and have access to available benefits and support services.
- Offers personalized guidance to families navigating the benefits process.
- Connects families with community and peer support networks.
- Establishes a designated point of contact within the Department of Defense for assistance.
Potential Disadvantages
- The bill focuses narrowly on non-combat military plane crashes, potentially excluding other types of non-combat related deaths or injuries.
- The database creation and support services may require significant resources and funding.
- The effectiveness of the program depends on the thoroughness of record review and the accessibility of the database.
- There may be challenges in identifying and contacting families of service members who died in crashes before 1984.
- The two-year reporting requirement may not be sufficient to fully assess the long-term impact of the program.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the constitutional mandate to "provide for the common defence" and "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). It falls under Congress's power to raise and support armies (Article I, Section 8). The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
The establishment of a database and provision of support services are within the scope of congressional authority. The nondiscrimination provisions align with the principles of equal protection, although the 5th and 14th amendments apply to states, the principle of equal protection is generally applicable to the federal government as well.
Overall, the bill appears to be constitutionally sound, as it addresses a legitimate governmental interest and does not violate any specific constitutional provisions.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).