A real policy push has emerged in the United States to extend certain legal protections to Americans who serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). In 2024, members of Congress introduced H.R. 8445, a bill that would amend federal law “to provide for the eligibility of United States citizens who serve in the Israeli Defense Forces for certain protections relating to such service.”
Under current law, US veterans’ benefits are tied to service in the US armed forces. The statutory definition of “veteran” appears at 38 USC § 101(2) and limits eligibility to those who served in U.S. military forces or narrow statutory exceptions. The proposal in H.R. 8445 would move away from that framework.
Who Is Pushing for It and What They Are Saying
The legislation was introduced by Representatives Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) and Max Miller (R-OH). In their official statement, they said the bill is intended to support Americans serving in Israel and noted that “over 20,000 American citizens are currently defending Israel.” They added that the legislation would “ensure we do everything possible to support these heroes.”
The proposal explicitly frames IDF service as deserving of treatment similar to US military service for certain protections. Reporting summarizing the bill states that it would treat Americans serving in the IDF “in the same manner as service in the uniformed services” for specific legal protections.
What Exactly They Are Trying to Extend
The bill focuses on extending two core legal protections that apply to US servicemembers.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides protections such as limits on interest rates, protections against eviction and foreclosure, and relief in certain legal proceedings.
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) guarantees that individuals who leave civilian employment for military service can return to their jobs and are protected from discrimination.
H.R. 8445 would extend these protections to Americans serving in the IDF, effectively treating that service as qualifying military service under US law for those purposes.
Hellbound and Down 