Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8251

Introduced
3/6/26  
Refer
3/6/26  
Report Pass
4/14/26  

Caption

HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING CONGRESS TO AUTHORIZE THE AWARD OF THE ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL, OR SIMILAR RECOGNITION, TO UNITED STATES SERVICE MEMBERS WHO SERVED IN HONDURAS FROM 1981 TO 1992

Impact

The bill aims to address a historical oversight concerning the recognition of military service during a time when U.S. forces were actively involved in operations that supported regional stability in Central America. It provides an avenue for legislative acknowledgment, which could influence future considerations on how veterans are awarded for their service, and it seeks to ensure that service members receive the full respect and benefits due to them for their sacrifice.

Summary

House Bill H8251 urges the United States Congress to authorize the award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, or similar recognition, to United States service members who served in Honduras from 1981 to 1992. By recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of these service members, the bill underscores the importance of honoring those who served in challenging and dangerous conditions abroad. The resolution specifically draws attention to the hostile environment American troops faced during their deployment in Honduras, including threats from terrorism and combat.

Contention

While the bill mainly serves as a means to honor military service, it could prompt discussions around issues of recognition and benefits for veterans. Some may argue that the scope of this resolution should be broader, seeking recognition for other conflicts or deployments in similar conditions. There might also be concerns regarding the criteria for eligibility for such awards and the implications this might have on overall military recognition policies. The unanimous support for the bill in the Rhode Island House indicates there is likely a strong consensus, but varying opinions on its broader implications may exist.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6336

HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING AND CELEBRATING "ARMED FORCES DAY" ON MAY 17TH, 2025, IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

RI H5434

HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO PROTECT PATIENTS AND TRADITIONAL MEDICARE FROM MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

RI S0056

SENATE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO PROTECT PATIENTS AND TRADITIONAL MEDICARE FROM MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

RI H6132

HOUSE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING "MEDAL OF HONOR DAY" ON MARCH 25, 2025, IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

RI H6379

HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING GRATITUDE TO UNITED STATES ARMY BRIGADIER GENERAL JACK HAMMOND (RETIRED) FOR FOUNDING HOME BASE NATIONAL CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND BRAIN INJURIES, WHICH PROVIDES MUCH-NEEDED SERVICES TO VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES AT NO COST

RI S1025

SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL 24, 2025, AS "ARMENIAN GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE DAY" TO COMMEMORATE THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE OF 1915 TO 1923, AND IN HONOR OF ARMENIAN-AMERICANS

RI H5409

HOUSE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 11TH, 2025, AS "211 DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND HONORING UNITED WAY 211 FOR ITS SERVICE TO RHODE ISLANDERS

RI H5226

HOUSE RESOLUTION CONDEMNING PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S EXECUTIVE ORDER TO WITHDRAW CITIZENSHIP FROM CHILDREN BORN IN THE UNITED STATES TO UNDOCUMENTED PARENTS

RI H5147

HOUSE RESOLUTION WELCOMING THE HONOURABLE BERNADETTE JORDAN, CONSUL GENERAL OF CANADA IN BOSTON TO THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

RI S0444

Allows members of the retirement system who served in the national guard or reserves and qualify as veterans, to purchase retirement service credits based on their years of service in the National guard or reserves.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.