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Supporting Families of the Fallen Act

Floor Speech

By: Mike Bost
By: Mike Bost
Date: Sept. 28, 2022
Location: Washington, DC

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Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 2794, the Supporting Families of the Fallen Act.

I thank Senator Tuberville and Congressman Roy for leading this effort in the Senate and the House, respectively.

This bill makes much-needed updates to the coverage amounts for the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and the Veterans' Group Life Insurance program.

Specifically, this bill would allow VA to raise the max payment for both programs from $400,000 to $500,000. An additional $100,000 would make it easier for surviving spouses to keep a roof over their family's head and food on the table following the loss of their loved one.

As many of you know, VA's life insurance programs may be the only affordable option available to servicemembers and veterans. This is because some veterans may not be eligible for private life insurance due to the added risk of military service or because they have a service-connected disability, like PTSD or cancer.

When we send our military into harm's way, VA insurance programs provide them and their families with financial security. However, the max rate of $400,000, which was established in 2005, does not meet the needs of today's survivors.

Since 2005, American families have seen the cost of living continuously rise. This is especially true right now due to historic inflation under the Biden administration.

This bill would provide families with insurance coverage that will better meet their needs. S. 2794 builds on our Nation's promises to care for the families of those lost in service to our country.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy), my good friend.

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Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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