Snowe's SERVE Act Wins Approval of Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee

Press Release

Legislation authored by U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) to protect military funerals from outside disruptions was approved unanimously by the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee today as part of a broader package of veterans-related bills. Snowe introduced the Sanctity of Eternal Rest for Veterans (SERVE) Act (S.815) in April to preserve the dignity of military funerals from those who wish to cause disruptions. The legislation clearly defines the time and place for protests at military funerals and it provides clear remedies and increased penalties when conduct at military funeral services is not protected by the First Amendment. Snowe thanked Zach Parker, a high school senior from Frankfort who has supported this legislation with grassroots activism and an inspiring commitment to preventing disruptions at military funerals.

Senator Snowe said:

"Those who fight and die in the service of our country deserve our highest respect, and I commend the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee for giving this issue its due consideration. Protests outside the funerals and burials of our fallen soldiers are repugnant and inappropriate -- and they undermine the respect military families and loved ones undeniably deserve. Our nation has a vested interest in respecting those who serve in our armed forces and this bill achieves that while respecting the intent of the First Amendment to our Constitution. I look forward to the full Senate's consideration of this vital legislation to protect the solemn moments of military funerals from outside disruption."

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