WARWICK, R.I. (AP) _ Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse says he has introduced legislation to help protect military service members from losing their homes to foreclosure.

The Rhode Island Democrat said Saturday he has introduced a bill to extend one that is due to expire this year. The law protects service members for a year after they return from active service. Whitehouse says that protection should be made permanent. He says National Guard members and reservists who leave their full-time civilian jobs for active service often need more time to regain their financial footing.

Whitehouse made the announcement at his annual veterans’ breakfast and resource fair at the Rhode Island National Guard Armory. U.S. Rep. David Cicilline also attended along with National Guard Maj. Gen. Kevin McBride and Providence VA Medical Center director Dr. Susan MacKenzie.