Walorski aims to create more generous military death benefits with new bill

U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN) on May 25 introduced legislation that would double the survivor benefits received by families of fallen active-duty United States military members while at the same time decreasing the same payments made to the families of members of Congress who die while in office.

“Military families need our help and support when a loved one dies on active duty, but today they get less than the families of members of Congress who die in office,” said Rep. Walorski. “That’s just wrong and my bill would make it right so these patriots get the support they deserve.”

H.R. 5982 would double from $100,000 to $200,000 the death gratuity that gets immediately paid to the families of U.S. active-duty service members and some serving in certain reserve statuses. The bill also would mandate that 60 percent of the death gratuity be reserved for the surviving spouse; service members could designate recipients for the remaining 40 percent, according to a summary provided by the congresswoman’s office.

“Our brave service members risk their lives each day and their families make tremendous sacrifices in service to this country,” noted Rep. Walorski, whose staff added that the death-gratuity program provides for an immediate, tax-free, cash payment that is the same amount regardless of the cause of death.

The one-time death gratuity paid to surviving spouses or children of deceased members of Congress is typically equal to the member’s annual salary. If H.R. 5982 is enacted, that payment would be reduced by $100,000 and capped at $74,000, according to the summary from Rep. Walorski’s staff.

H.R. 5982 has been referred to the U.S. House Education and the Workforce Committee and to the U.S. House Administration Committee for consideration.