Representatives Josh Harder (CA-10) and Brad Wenstrup (OH-02) have introduced the bipartisan Protecting Families of Fallen Servicemembers Act, legislation that will allow the families of fallen and critically injured servicemembers to end their phone, cable, or internet contract without being financially penalized. Reps. Harder – who represents Oakdale, Riverbank and Escalon in the 10th Congressional District – and Wenstrup are committed to ensuring the families of fallen heroes don’t have to shoulder an additional burden after a loved one makes the ultimate sacrifice. Changes in salary and necessary moves following the death or serious injury of a servicemember can mean a military family needs to terminate their contract, but currently, companies often deny such requests or assess fees for breaking a contract. Harder and Wenstrup’s bill would allow these heroic families to end the contract in specific situations.

“If your family member is killed or wounded while serving overseas, the last thing you need to worry about is fighting your internet company,” said Harder. “Military families already make a huge sacrifice, and losing a loved one is one more reminder that our heroes in uniform don’t serve alone. Folks who lose a loved one in the line of duty may have to move or experience changes in income that mean they need to end their phone or internet contract – they shouldn’t be on the hook for extra fees after such a devastating loss. This is obvious, common sense stuff.”

Following the death of a servicemember, families have many existing protections in place to guarantee they aren’t responsible for various issues. Last year, the House of Representatives passed legislation similar to Rep. Harder’s, but the Senate did not include it in a larger bill. The Protecting Families of Fallen Servicemembers Act, will resolve that issue and ensure families don’t have to struggle with additional problems following the death of a loved one.