Senate BillS 3226Missing personsNational Archives and Records Administration
Bring Our Heroes Home Act
INTRO NOV 19· LAST ACTION AUG 6
READING
43MIN
COSPONSORS
13
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
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This bill matters because it addresses a long-standing issue for thousands of families who still don't know the full story of what happened to their loved ones who went missing during wartime. By creating a centralized, accessible collection of records and pushing for their public release, it offers a path to greater transparency and potential closure.
If this bill becomes law, it means that government agencies can no longer keep these historical records hidden without a strong, specific justification. For families, it could mean finally getting answers after decades of waiting. For the public, it means a more complete understanding of critical periods in American history. If it doesn't pass, these records may remain scattered, classified, or difficult to access, leaving many questions unanswered for families and historians alike.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Establishes the Missing Armed Forces and Civilian Personnel Records Collection at the National Archives.
This creates a central, organized place for all records related to missing service members and civilians, making them easier to find and access.
PROVISION 02
Requires expeditious public transmission and disclosure of these records to the Archivist, with a presumption of declassification.
This means government agencies must quickly send these records to the National Archives and that they should be made public unless there's a very compelling reason not to, speeding up access to information.
PROVISION 03
Defines 'missing Armed Forces and civilian personnel' to include those from December 7, 1941, to the bill's enactment date.
This clarifies the scope of the collection, ensuring it covers a wide range of historical conflicts and includes both military and supporting civilian personnel.
PROVISION 04
Directs the Archivist to establish criteria for agencies to follow when submitting records, including metadata and privacy safeguards.
This ensures consistency and proper management of the incoming records, making the collection useful and protecting sensitive personal information.
PROVISION 05
Establishes a Missing Armed Forces and Civilian Personnel Records Review Board to promulgate rules for disclosure.
This board will oversee the declassification and release process, providing a structured approach to making these sensitive records public.
This bill matters because it addresses a long-standing issue for thousands of families who still don't know the full story of what happened to their loved ones who went missing during wartime. By creating a centralized, accessible collection of records and pushing for their public release, it offers a path to greater transparency and potential closure.
If this bill becomes law, it means that government agencies can no longer keep these historical records hidden without a strong, specific justification. For families, it could mean finally getting answers after decades of waiting. For the public, it means a more complete understanding of critical periods in American history. If it doesn't pass, these records may remain scattered, classified, or difficult to access, leaving many questions unanswered for families and historians alike.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Establishes the Missing Armed Forces and Civilian Personnel Records Collection at the National Archives.
This creates a central, organized place for all records related to missing service members and civilians, making them easier to find and access.
high
Requires expeditious public transmission and disclosure of these records to the Archivist, with a presumption of declassification.
This means government agencies must quickly send these records to the National Archives and that they should be made public unless there's a very compelling reason not to, speeding up access to information.
med
Defines 'missing Armed Forces and civilian personnel' to include those from December 7, 1941, to the bill's enactment date.
This clarifies the scope of the collection, ensuring it covers a wide range of historical conflicts and includes both military and supporting civilian personnel.
med
Directs the Archivist to establish criteria for agencies to follow when submitting records, including metadata and privacy safeguards.
This ensures consistency and proper management of the incoming records, making the collection useful and protecting sensitive personal information.
high
Establishes a Missing Armed Forces and Civilian Personnel Records Review Board to promulgate rules for disclosure.
This board will oversee the declassification and release process, providing a structured approach to making these sensitive records public.
Not later than 90 days after a quorum of the Review Board has been established
Archivist to commence establishment of the Collection, subject guidebook, index, and criteria for agencies.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the swearing in of the Review Board members
Review Board to promulgate rules for disclosure of records.
GLOSSARY
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Archivist of the United States
The official responsible for the National Archives and Records Administration, which manages historical federal government documents.
Executive agency
A department, agency, or other part of the executive branch of the federal government, including military departments.
Missing Armed Forces and civilian personnel record
Any government document from December 7, 1941, onwards that relates to the loss, fate, or status of a missing U.S. service member or a civilian who supported the military.
Presumption of declassification
An assumption that a record should be made public unless there's a strong, specific reason to keep it secret.
Review Board
A panel of individuals created by this bill to oversee the process of collecting, reviewing, and releasing records about missing personnel.
Expeditious public transmission
The requirement for government offices to quickly send records to the National Archives so they can be made public without unnecessary delay.
ACTION TIMELINE
4 EVENTS
AUG 6
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
COMMITTEE
NOV 19, 25
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
NOV 19, 25
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
INTROREFERRAL
NOV 19, 25
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.