Senators Thune and Clinton Introduce Legislation to Extend Child Care for Families of Fallen Soldiers

Senators Thune and Clinton Introduce Legislation to Extend Child Care for Families of Fallen Soldiers

Senators John Thune (SD) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (NY) announced today that they have introduced legislation that will allow children whose parents die while in service to our nation to keep eligibility to federal child care benefits for two years. The legislation will cover members of the armed forces, including the reserve component, who die while in active duty.

"After suffering the loss of a loved one, surviving spouses are forced to make life changing decisions. This is especially difficult for those with young children. Making child care available is just one step we can take to help families that have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country," said Thune.

"Members of our armed services are sacrificing so much as they valiantly serve our nation," said Senator Clinton. "We need to do by right by their families and making sure their children keep access to child care is one important step we should take."

As members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senators Thune and Clinton have worked tirelessly to improve benefits for our military service members and their families. Both Senators Thune and Clinton co-sponsored legislation to raise survivor benefits from $12,000 to $100,000 and provide money to families within 72 hours to assist with immediate financial needs.

Senator Thune supported legislation to allow survivors to have access to military housing from 180 days to 365. Senator Thune also co-sponsored legislation that provided for a traumatic injury insurance rider to the Soldiers Group Life Insurance Program.

Senator Clinton has championed legislation that would make all Guardsmen and Reservists and their families eligible for TRICARE military healthcare benefits regardless of their activation status.

http://clinton.senate.gov/~clinton/news/2005/2005519C09.html