Bill Honoring Federal Civilian Casualties is on Obama's Desk

Legislation to honor civilian federal employees who die in the line of duty now awaits the signature of President Barack Obama. The Civilian Service Recognition Act had drawn fire from veterans groups that feared it would diminish flag honors bestowed on fallen members of the military, The Washington Post reported.

Changes were made in the legislation to address the concerns of the American Legion, which believed civilians should not be honored “in the same way as our military or veterans.” The measure eventually passed the Senate without opposition and receive unanimous approval in the House, the Post reported.

The measure would allow the presentation of a flag to the relative of a federal worker who “dies of injuries incurred in connection with such individual’s employment with the Federal Government, suffered as a result of a criminal act, an act of terrorism, a natural disaster, or other circumstance as determined by the President,” the Post reported.