H.R. 8445 Explained: What It Is, Where It Stands, and Why It Sparked Debate

Last updated: August 15, 2025

What is H.R. 8445?

In the 118th Congress (2023–2024), H.R. 8445 was introduced to extend certain Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and USERRA protections to U.S. citizens serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). In plain English, it aimed to ensure some of the legal and employment safeguards that protect U.S. servicemembers would also cover Americans while they’re serving in the IDF. Congress.govGovInfo

Did H.R. 8445 become law?

No. The bill was introduced on May 17, 2024 and sent to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, then to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity on July 17, 2024. It never received a floor vote and did not pass, so no part of it is in effect. Congress.gov

Who sponsored it?

The bill was introduced by Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) and co-sponsored by Rep. Max Miller (R-OH), who framed it as support for Americans fighting alongside a key U.S. ally. reschenthaler.house.gov

Why was it proposed?

Backers argued that Americans serving in the IDF may face employment, financial, or civil challenges back home—protections analogous to SCRA/USERRA could help shield them (e.g., from certain default judgments, interest accruals, or job loss). Congress.gov

Why is it controversial?

Opponents warn that extending U.S. military-style legal benefits to citizens serving in a foreign military sets a complex precedent and entangles U.S. policy with an overseas conflict. Critics also objected on moral and geopolitical grounds given the Gaza war context. Truthout

Pros (arguments from supporters)

• Protects Americans’ jobs and finances while deployed with a close ally, mirroring what U.S. troops receive. reschenthaler.house.gov
• Clarifies legal status for U.S. citizens serving abroad, potentially reducing litigation and administrative confusion. Congress.gov

Cons (arguments from critics)

• Precedent risk: Could open the door to U.S. protections for citizens serving in other foreign militaries, complicating U.S. law and diplomacy. Congress.gov
• Policy & ethical concerns: Seen by critics as tacit U.S. endorsement of specific military actions in Gaza, raising human rights and foreign policy objections. Truthout

A note on a different “H.R. 8445”

Bill numbers reset each Congress, so there’s also a 117th Congress (2021–2022) bill numbered H.R. 8445—the LGBTQI+ and Women’s History Education Act of 2022—focused on Smithsonian education programming. It, too, did not become law. Congress.govOpenSecrets

---

Sources

• Congress.gov bill page & actions for H.R. 8445 (118th Congress). Status: introduced; referred to subcommittee July 17, 2024. Congress.gov
• Bill text (118th Congress)—scope and proposed amendments relating to SCRA/USERRA. Congress.gov
• GPO (govinfo) official text mirror for H.R. 8445 (118th). GovInfo+1
• Press release from Rep. Guy Reschenthaler summarizing intent. reschenthaler.house.gov
• Analysis/critique discussing potential implications. Truthout
• Congress.gov text for H.R. 8445 (117th)—LGBTQI+ & Women’s History Education Act; OpenSecrets page noting referral. Congress.govOpenSecrets

---

Disclaimer

This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or policy advice. Legislative statuses can change; always consult official congressional sources or a qualified attorney for the most current, applicable guidance.