The Pennsylvania House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee voted Tuesday to move six ceremonial resolutions to the full House and to re-refer House Bill 1777 to the House Local Government Committee.

The committee approved resolutions recognizing VFW Day (House Resolution 201), Disabled American Veterans Day (House Resolution 260), Agent Orange Awareness Month (House Resolution 303), Gold Star Mothers and Family Day (House Resolution 310), the U.S. Air Force birthday (House Resolution 314) and a local designation, Sharon Cullen Day (House Resolution 321). Committee members announced no negative votes at the conclusion of debate and said the measures will go to the House floor for consideration.

The resolutions are largely honorary. Representative Kerwin, sponsor of House Resolution 260, said the measure "recognizes the vital and distinguished work of the disabled American veterans on behalf of our nation's wounded and disabled veterans." Committee members framed the set of resolutions as a way to honor veterans and first responders across the Commonwealth.

Representative Scott introduced House Resolution 321 to designate Oct. 3, 2025, as Sharon Cullen Day in Pennsylvania. Scott told the committee that Cullen "was there without hesitation, without needing thanks, without needing recognition, to guide, to support, and to serve." He recounted Cullen's work founding the Montgomery County Hero Fund and her longtime support for first responders and their families. Sean Cullen, Sharon Cullen's husband, addressed the committee and described her background and the fund's origins, saying, "My wife, Sharon, was an only child." He told members that Sharon helped organize immediate assistance after tragedies and that the Hero Fund was created to provide that prompt support.

Committee Chair Hamm thanked the Cullen family and framed the resolutions as recognition for people who "serve our nation, whether that's in the military or serve in our community as a first responder, as a firefighter, as a police officer." Representative Krupa and Representative Haddock also offered remarks in support or to note related process questions; Krupa asked for consistent treatment of honorary recognitions across districts.

Separately, the committee re-referred House Bill 1777 (printer's number 2,184), authored by Representative Brett Miller, to the House Local Government Committee. Committee members described that move as procedural and asked for any questions; no objections were recorded. Mike (staff) summarized the re-referral and the set of resolutions during the meeting.

The committee took no binding policy action on the substantive content of veterans benefits or emergency-preparedness programs during this session; the record shows only referrals and ceremonial recognitions. The resolutions will appear on the House calendar for floor consideration; HB 1777 will continue its committee process in the House Local Government Committee.

Votes at a glance: The committee moved all listed resolutions (HR 201, HR 260, HR 303, HR 310, HR 314, HR 321) to the House floor with no negative votes reported; House Bill 1777 was re-referred to the House Local Government Committee.