Max Miller Backed H.R.8445 Seeks Extension of VA Benefits For Foreign Military Service

STATEWIDE - Ohio Representative Max Miller has introduced H.R. 8445, seeking to amend Title 38 to allow service in a foreign military, to be eligible for the same protections under USERRA And the Civil Relief Act. 

Currently, The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protects U.S. Military service members who join by postponing or suspending certain civil obligations so enlistees can devote their entire selves to their position. Those responsibilities can include outstanding credit card debt, mortgage payments, pending trials, taxes, termination of lease, eviction from housing and Life insurance protection. Similarly, The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, or USERRA, protects the civilian positions servicemembers have, preventing employers from terminating positions should a U.S. citizen enlist in the U.S. Military. 

The bill, which Miller cosponsored and introduced in the summer session is currently sitting in subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. The bill would mark a departure from previous understandings of these federal protections by striking language which guaranteed them strictly for U.S. citizens serving in U.S. Military services. It would alter Title 38 by extending these benefits to  Israeli citizens who hold U.S. Citizenship and choose to enlist in the military of a foreign nation, namely the Israeli Defense Forces, or IDF.

Miller had previously sparked controversy due to his family's involvement in the termination of the communication director for Ohio Right to Life. According to website Open Secrets, Miller’s largest campaign contributors include AIPAC, as well as Apollo Global Management, an investment firm whose CEO, Marc Rowan, is one of AIPACs biggest donors. Apollo typically targets left-leaning candidates including former presidential candidate Kamala Harris.