New York Assembly Bill K01139

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/17/26
• Refer: 4/17/26

Caption

Urging the United States Congress to authorize and direct the issuance of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal to veterans of the United States Armed Forces who served in Honduras from 1981 through 1992

Summary

This resolution urges the United States Congress to authorize the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for veterans who served in Honduras between 1981 and 1992. The bill is a memorializing resolution, so it does not itself change state law or create a new state program; instead, it formally asks federal lawmakers to recognize this group of service members with a military decoration. The resolution explains that U.S. forces in Honduras operated during a period of regional instability and often under hazardous conditions in support of broader operations in Central America. It cites the awarding of Purple Hearts, Prisoner of War Medals, and Air Medals to service members connected to the mission as evidence that the service met the kind of dangerous, expeditionary conditions associated with AFEM eligibility. It also notes that Congress previously extended AFEM recognition to veterans who served in El Salvador during the same era, but not to those in Honduras, despite overlap in personnel and operations. The stated impact is primarily symbolic and advocacy-based. If adopted, the resolution would place the Legislature on record supporting federal action and would direct copies to federal officials, including the President, congressional leaders, and defense officials. It would not alter New York statutes, benefits, or military award rules directly, but it could add political pressure for Congress to act. The general sentiment around the bill is strongly supportive and respectful toward veterans. The text emphasizes honor, sacrifice, fairness, and correcting a longstanding inequity in military recognition. There is no recorded committee debate or vote history in the provided materials, so no opposing arguments are documented in the record here. The main point of contention implied by the resolution is the unequal treatment of similarly situated service members: veterans who served in Honduras were excluded from the earlier AFEM authorization for El Salvador, even though many supported operations from Honduras. The resolution frames this as an omission that should be corrected, and it cites support from veterans organizations and other states to bolster that position.

Impact

This resolution has no direct effect on New York state law, regulations, or appropriations. Its legal effect is limited to expressing the Legislature’s support for a change in federal military awards policy and transmitting that position to federal officials. The practical impact would be political and commemorative, aimed at encouraging Congress and the Department of Defense to recognize Honduras service from 1981 through 1992 with the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

Sentiment

The sentiment reflected in the bill text is overwhelmingly favorable and appreciative of military service. The resolution presents the issue as one of fairness and overdue recognition for veterans who served under dangerous conditions, and it invokes support from major veterans organizations and other states. No votes or committee transcripts were provided, so there is no documented opposition or divided sentiment in the available record.

Contention

The central issue is whether veterans who served in Honduras during 1981-1992 should receive the same expeditionary medal recognition previously granted to veterans associated with El Salvador operations. Supporters argue that the Honduras mission involved hazardous conditions, that some service members were wounded or otherwise decorated, and that excluding Honduras created an inequity. Any potential opposition would likely focus on whether the service in Honduras met the formal criteria for the AFEM or whether Congress should expand medal eligibility, but no explicit opposing arguments appear in the provided materials.