Delaney Votes to Restore Survivor Benefits to Military Families

Statement

Today the House passed H.J. Res 91, which provides continuing appropriations for death gratuities and related survivor benefits for the families of deceased military service members for fiscal year 2014. The law restores benefits that had been halted due to the government shutdown that began October 1.

"Restoring survivor benefits to military families is the right thing to do. We're going to stand with those families that have made the ultimate sacrifice" said Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6). "I was proud to join colleagues on both sides of the aisle in correcting this shameful but unintended lapse in appropriations. The bipartisan spirit and the belief in working towards the common good which animates us today should be an impetus we carry forward."

The Pay Our Military Act which passed in September was intended to cover survivors' benefit programs, but the Department of Defense has stated that additional legislative action is necessary under the law.

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