WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Stephen F. Lynch’s legislation H.R. 995, the Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act, passed on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives as part of H.R. 675, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2015. H.R. 675, introduced by Congressman Ralph Abraham (R-LA), authorizes the annual cost-of-living adjustment for veterans' service-connected disability compensation and makes changes to several benefit programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill passed by a vote of 409-0.

The Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act calls for two minutes of silence every Veterans Day to recognize and reflect on the service and sacrifice of all veterans, past and present. The set time of 2:11 PM EST allows for all 50 states and Puerto Rico to take part.

“We owe our brave veterans an enormous debt of gratitude. They have served to defend our country and the freedoms that we cherish. This moment of silence is a way for all Americans to come together, regardless of ideology, and give these courageous men and women the thanks they deserve,” said Congressman Lynch.

The Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act was the inspiration of the Bendetson family: Daniel, Michael, and their father, Dr. Peter Bendetson, of Weston, Massachusetts.

“It was my honor and privilege to bring forth this bill on behalf of the Bendetson family,” said Congressman Lynch. “Taking time to give thanks to our military is something we can all agree on. I thank Chairman Jeff Miller (R-FL) and Ranking Member Corrine Brown (D-FL) for incorporating my bill into H.R. 675 and am pleased that it has passed in the House of Representatives.”