H.R. 2719 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Armed Services, Apr 8, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryAllows Purple Heart for traumatic brain injuries
This bill opens the door for veterans who suffered traumatic brain injuries from enemy action to receive the Purple Heart medal, even if their injury happened decades ago. Veterans would need to show either that they have a service-connected disability from the brain injury or have military records proving the injury occurred. The military would have to set up a way for these veterans to apply.
How it affects you
Veterans with traumatic brain injuries caused by enemy action could now qualify for the Purple Heart if they previously didn't receive one. This applies to veterans going back to December 7, 1941, regardless of how long ago their injury happened.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Apr 8, 2025)
Staff Sergeant John D. Martek Purple Heart Restoration Act
This bill provides for the awarding of the Purple Heart to veterans who experienced a traumatic brain injury on or after December 7, 1941, that is attributable to an act of an enemy of the United States. To be eligible, such veterans must have a service-connected disability attributable to the brain injury or have a military record demonstrating the occurrence of the brain injury.
The bill requires the military departments to (1) establish a process for persons to submit applications for the awarding of the Purple Heart to such veterans, and (2) award the Purple Heart to qualifying applicants regardless of the date of the brain injury.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 2719
A BILL
Staff Sergeant John D. Martek Purple Heart Restoration Act
Sponsor: Rep. Timothy M. Kennedy (D-NY-26) · Introduced Apr 8, 2025 · Armed Forces and National Security · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Apr 8, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.”