Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB453

Introduced
1/15/25  

Caption

Religious Insignia on Dog Tags Act This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to allow trademarks owned or controlled by DOD to be combined with religious insignia on commercial identification tags (i.e., dog tags) and to be sold by lawful trademark licensees. The bill applies retroactively to September 13, 2013.

Impact

If enacted, HB453 would modify how identifiers are issued and marketed within military contexts, emphasizing inclusiveness and respect for religious diversity among service members. By allowing personal insignia to be coupled with official military trademarks, it addresses a potential gap in representation for religious beliefs within the armed forces, reflecting a changing societal approach to military identity. This bill aligns military identification systems with broader cultural sentiments that value personal expression and religious freedom.

Summary

House Bill 453, titled the 'Religious Insignia on Dog Tags Act,' seeks to update existing Department of Defense regulations to permit the combination of trademarks owned or controlled by the Department of Defense with religious insignia on commercial identification tags, commonly referred to as 'dog tags.' This bill requires the Secretary of Defense to review and revise the relevant directive within 90 days of enactment, allowing lawful trademark licensees to produce and sell these uniquely designed dog tags. Notably, the bill applies retroactively to September 13, 2013, suggesting a focus on aligning past decisions with current legislation.

Contention

While the bill seems aimed at promoting individual rights, it may also provoke discussions about the relevance of religious symbols in military contexts. Opponents could argue that the introduction of religious insignia on military dog tags may lead to complications regarding uniformity and the secular nature of military service. Proponents argue that such changes respect individual rights while maintaining compliance with military regulations, suggesting a careful balance between tradition and modern values.

Congress_id

119-HR-453

Policy_area

Armed Forces and National Security

Introduced_date

2025-01-15

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB392

Religious Insignia on Dog Tags Act This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to allow trademarks owned or controlled by DOD to be combined with religious insignia on commercial identification tags (i.e., dog tags) and to be sold by lawful trademark licensees. The bill applies retroactively to September 13, 2013.

US HB10550

To amend the Trademark Act of 1946 to clarify the applicability of Federal trademark law in the area of digital replicas of identifying characteristics of individuals, and for other purposes.

US SR736

A resolution recognizing the importance of trademarks in the economy and the role of trademarks in protecting consumer safety, by designating the month of July as "National Anti-Counterfeiting and Consumer Education and Awareness Month".

US HB453

Allowing Military Exemptions, Recognizing Individual Concerns About New Shots Act of 2023 or the AMERICANS Act This bill prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from issuing any COVID-19 vaccine mandate as a replacement for the rescinded vaccine mandate of August 24, 2021, unless the mandate is expressly authorized by Congress. The bill also provides that DOD must establish an application process for remedies for members of the Armed Forces who were discharged or subject to adverse action under the rescinded mandate. Any administrative discharge of a member on the sole basis of a failure to receive a COVID-19 vaccine must be categorized as an honorable discharge, and DOD is prohibited from taking any adverse action against such a member for that reason. Under the bill, DOD must try to retain unvaccinated members and provide such members with professional development, promotion and leadership opportunities, and consideration equal to that of their peers. Additionally, DOD may only consider the COVID-19 vaccination status of members in making certain decisions (e.g., deployments in countries where it is the law) and must establish a process to provide exemptions to certain members for such decisions. This bill applies to all members of the Armed Forces, regardless of whether they sought an accommodation to any DOD COVID-19 vaccination policy.

US HB1505

No Stolen Trademarks Honored in America Act of 2023

US SB5537

A bill to require the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office to establish and carry out a pilot program to expedite the examination of applications for certain patents, and for other purposes.

US SB746

No Stolen Trademarks Honored in America Act

US SR325

A resolution recognizing the importance of trademarks in the economy and the role of trademarks in protecting consumer safety, by designating the month of August as "National Anti-Counterfeiting and Consumer Education and Awareness Month".

US HB208

Pet Safety and Protection Act of 2023 This bill revises requirements concerning the sources of dogs and cats used by research facilities. Specifically, the bill revises the list of permissible sources of dogs and cats used by research facilities to include dogs and cats obtained (1) from a licensed dealer, (2) from a publicly owned and operated pound or shelter that meets specified requirements, (3) by donation from a person who bred and raised the dog or cat or owned it for not less than one year, or (4) from a research facility licensed by the Department of Agriculture. The requirements pertaining to sources apply to dogs and cats obtained through sales, donations, or offers. Monetary penalties are established for violations.

US SB5557

A bill to require identification in medical records of the Department of Defense of the affiliation of certain non-Department of Defense health care providers, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.