For the second straight year, ASNE has endorsed the "Fallen Heroes Commemoration Act", a bill introduced by Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) which will reinstate media access to military repatriation ceremonies.

ASNE endorsed HR 6662 in 2008, but the 110th Congress ended before the bill was able to move anywhere in the legislative process. 

Rep. Jones has reintroduced the legislation as HR 269.  In a letter sent to Rep. Jones on Jan. 13, ASNE endorsed the new version of the legislation as a strong statement supporting not only the First Amendment right to gather news, but the public's right to receive the full story from all sides of even the most controversial events of our times.

 At the same time, ASNE urges Rep. Jones to resolve the only difference between the previous and current versions of the bill: While both versions guarantee access to the repatriation ceremonies where a fallen soldier's remains first arrive at a military facility in the United States, the current version no longer guarantees access to commemoration or memorial services.  ASNE's letter asserts that the media can and will accord these events the dignity and solemnity they deserve and that they are vitally integral to telling every story.

HR 269 has been referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.