Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., has introduced legislation designed to broaden the laws that protect servicemembers from losing or foreclosing on their home while they are on or have recently returned from active duty. 

According to Rockefeller, the Military Family Home Protection Act of 2012 would provide mortgage foreclosure relief, mandate a permanent 12-month stay of foreclosure proceedings, increase civil penalties and improve compliance with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. A similar bill recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives with the broad support of both parties.

"Every day, these brave men and women leave their families, friends and support systems to protect our country," says Rockefeller, who is chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee. "The least we can do for these American heroes is make sure their homes and families are protected while they are away."