Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the need for the continued availability of religious services to members of the Armed Forces and their families during a lapse in appropriations. 2013-10-10 Passed Senate amended Expresses the sense of Congress that the provision and availability of religious services and clergy is important to the morale and wellbeing of many members of the Armed Forces and their families.

Expresses hope that the Secretary of Defense (DOD) is able to determine that contractor clergy provide necessary support to military personnel, and would therefore be covered under the appropriations made available under the Pay Our Military Act (P.L. 113-39).

]]> 2013-10-05 Passed House without amendment (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Recognizes the performance of religious services and the provision of ministry as protected activities under the First Amendment of the Constitution.

Urges the Secretary of Defense, during any lapse in appropriations, to permit: (1) the performance of religious services on property owned or maintained by the Department of Defense (DOD); and (2) military chaplains and other personnel, including contract personnel, hired to perform duties of a military chaplain to perform religious services and ministry.

Expresses the sense of Congress that such services be permitted and available during a lapse in appropriations in the same manner and to the same extent as they are otherwise permitted and available.

]]> 2013-10-05 Introduced in House Recognizes the performance of religious services and the provision of ministry as protected activities under the First Amendment of the Constitution.

Urges the Secretary of Defense, during any lapse in appropriations, to permit: (1) the performance of religious services on property owned or maintained by the Department of Defense (DOD); and (2) military chaplains and other personnel, including contract personnel, hired to perform duties of a military chaplain to perform religious services and ministry.

Expresses the sense of Congress that such services be permitted and available during a lapse in appropriations in the same manner and to the same extent as they are otherwise permitted and available.

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