The bill would double the payment to families who lose a loved one in the line of duty.
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced the HONOR Gold Star Families Act, a proposal that would increase the military death gratuity paid to families of service members who die in the line of duty. The legislation, led by Representative Matt Van Epps of Tennessee, a West Point graduate and combat veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and co-sponsored by Representatives Jill Tokuda of Hawaii and Jen Kiggans of Virginia, would double the payment from $100,000 to $200,000. The proposal also includes retroactive coverage beginning in 2026, so families affected by recent military casualties would be included.
As the U.S. has experienced casualties in Operation Epic Fury, Congressman Van Epps said, “This bipartisan legislation demonstrates that when it comes to taking care of our troops and their families, there are no sides of the aisle.”
The death gratuity amount has remained unchanged since 2006. Additional co-sponsors include Representatives John Rose of Tennessee, William Timmons of South Carolina, Pat Harrigan of North Carolina, Derek Van Orden of Wisconsin, Jake Ellzey of Texas, Sanford Bishop of Georgia, Don Davis of North Carolina, and John James of Michigan.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of Congress considering the HONOR Gold Star Families Act as they address policies affecting military families.
- For Defense Department officials who support service members and their families during times of loss.
- For God’s comfort and provision for families who have lost loved ones in military service.
Sources: Washington Examiner, MSN, RedState
