Fischer, Bacon Improvements to Support Gold Star Families Signed into Law

Press Release

Today, President Donald Trump signed the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act into law. The bill includes language based on U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Rep. Don Bacon's (R-Neb.) "Gold Star Family Support and Installation Act."

"Our Gold Star families have sacrificed so much, and Congressman Bacon and I were committed to doing more to support them. Working together, we were able to help these families more easily access military facilities and on-base benefits. I'm grateful the president has signed into law our provision which extends to the families of those who lost loved ones in service the respect, compassion, and gratitude they deserve," said Senator Fischer.

"After hearing the personal stories of so many of our Gold Star families, I learned we aren't doing enough to support them after the loss of their loved ones. I am thankful Senator Fischer partnered with me to ensure we remain Committed for Life to these families who have sacrificed so much. With the president's signature on the 2019 NDAA, we have now made permanent the improvements necessary to properly support Gold Star families," said Rep. Don Bacon.

Previously, there were no standardized means for Gold Star families and dependents of service members lost during service to access military facilities to do things like visit a loved one's gravesite, receive grief counseling, or attend a memorial service. Senator Fischer and Rep. Don Bacon's provision gives Gold Star spouses and next of kin better access to military installations and benefits for which they are eligible.

Source