Rep. Fossella Cosponsors Bill to Increase Military Combat Death Benefit

Rep. Fossella Cosponsors Bill to Increase Military Combat Death Benefit
February 18, 2005

Legislation Would Provide Up To $500,000 to Families of Soldiers Killed in Action

[Washington, DC] - Congressman Vito Fossella (R-NY13) today cosponsored legislation to increase the military combat death benefits paid to the families of soldiers killed in action to as much as $500,000, mirroring the President's proposal outlined in the State of the Union earlier this month.

The benefit is a cash payment to the survivor of soldiers killed in battle to help them cope with their immediate needs following the loss of their loved one

The bill, the Honoring Every Requirement of Exemplary Service (HEROES) Act (H.R. 377), would increase the death gratuity from $12,420 to $100,000. It would also guarantee $150,000 in life insurance for every soldier deployed into combat, making the minimum total benefit $250,000. Soldiers would have the option of purchasing an additional $250,000 of life insurance through the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance program, which would guarantee families up to $500,000.

"Any American soldier who makes the ultimate sacrifice should have the peace of minding of knowing that his or her family will be cared for financially," Fossella said. "We all hope there is never a need to pay the death benefit, but when a soldier falls America must stand behind their family. While there is no amount of money that can make up for the loss of life, we have a responsibility to the families to help them through a difficult time. The men and women serving in our military are true heroes who put their lives on the line to protect our freedom and way of life. They represent the very best of our nation.

Under the HEROES Act, retroactive payments of $238,000 would be made to the families of those military personnel who've already lost their lives in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq. This amount is equal to the $88,000 increase in the death gratuity payment as well as the $150,000 insurance coverage benefit boost.

In 2003 and 2004, Congress approved enhancements as part of the annual Defense Authorization bills, including increasing the military combat death benefit from $6,000 to $12,000.

The bill is sponsored by Congressman Terry Everett (R-AL) and currently has 60 cosponsors in the House. It is the companion bill to S.77, the HEROES Act, introduced by Senator Jeff Sessions, R-Alabama.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ny13_fossella/pr050218_mildeathbenifit.html