Sen. Warren Introduces Bipartisan Bill Honoring POW/MIA Service Members

United States Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Senator Marco Rubio (R - Fla.) introduced legislation in the Senate and House to honor American service members who are Prisoners of War (POW) or Missing in Action (MIA).

The National POW/MIA Remembrance Act will honor these approximately 91,662 service members by establishing a permanent commemorative chair on the grounds of the United States Capitol.

The legislation is co-sponsored in the Senate by Senators Robert Menendez (D - N.J.), Sherrod Brown (D - Ohio), Jeanne Shaheen (D - N.H.), Pat Toomey (R - Pa.), Kelly Ayotte (R - N.H.), and Edward J. Markey (D - Mass.).

Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives Massachusetts Congressman Stephen F. Lynch.

“All three of my brothers served in the military, and I understand the sacrifices our service members and their families make to keep our country safe every single day,” Sen. Warren said, in a press release. “We must honor those who have served our nation courageously, including those who have not made it home. I am proud to introduce the National POW/MIA Remembrance Act to establish a commemorative chair on the Capitol grounds in recognition of these brave men and women.”

“I am proud to support this commemorative act to honor the thousands of POW/MIA service members and their families, all of who have made great sacrifices for the protection and freedom of our nation,” said Sen. Rubio, in a written statement. “While this can’t fully express our gratitude to these brave men and women, this small act will serve as a reminder to everyone who visits the U.S. Capitol to never forget the service and sacrifices of our armed forces and their families.”

“Our Prisoners of War and Missing in Action service men and women have served our country with bravery and honor. A commemorative chair in the United States Capitol will stand as a permanent reminder to their families and our nation that we will never forget their heroic service and sacrifice,” said Rep. Lynch, in a press release. “The U.S Capitol is a symbol of our nation’s history and enduring spirit, so it is appropriate to recognize those who remain unaccounted for under its dome.”

“We owe our men and women in uniform a tremendous debt of gratitude and we can never forget the sacrifice of those who have been prisoners of war or are missing in action,” Sen. Sheehan, of New Hampshire in a written statement.“The POW/MIA chair would serve as an enduring reminder of the bravery and selflessness of all POW and MIA service members.”

“We must do all that we can to ensure that our nation’s POW-MIAs are never forgotten” Massachusetts Sen. Markey. “This bipartisan bill reflects that commitment and will remind Americans visiting the nation’s capital of the incredible sacrifice made by those brave Americans whose fate is still unknown and the strength of the families that are left behind. I am very grateful for the work of President Joe D’Entremont and the members of the Massachusetts Chapter of Rolling Thunder to make sure that our service members receive the recognition they earned through their noble and courageous service to our nation.”