One way we can support these families is to ensure that they are taken care of through military death benefits. What is known as the "death gratuity" is provided to families within days of a service member's death to help them with their most immediate needs, such as food, rent, and transportation costs. I have long supported an increase in the payment made to the families of those who have lost their lives in military service. In 2003, I led the Senate effort to double the death gratuity to $12,000 and make it tax free. That law was a modest first step, and I am very pleased to see the growing agreement that we should promptly enact legislation to make this benefit more significant. Congress is currently considering legislation that would accomplish this goal.
I am currently cosponsoring two bills that will increase the amount of the military death gratuity from $12,000 to $100,000. The first bill, the "Honoring Our Fallen Soldiers and Families Act of 2005" simply changes current law by increasing the death gratuity from $12,000 to $100,000. The second bill, the "HEROES Act of 2005," increases the death gratuity to $100,000 and extends these benefits to the families of those who have lost their lives since October 7, 2001, when the war against terrorism began. The bill also includes an increase of the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance (SGLI) maximum benefit from $250,000 to $400,000. It goes on to provide these benefits not only to those who lose their lives in combat, but also during hazardous operations and training.
The young men and women of our military represent the very best of our nation. They do not join the military for monetary gain nor to have a comfortable lifestyle. They serve our nation out of a sense of patriotism that should make each and every American proud. The patience and dedication they displayed during the months leading up to and through the Iraqi elections are testaments to the strength of character that is the core of our military values. In many cases, we ask our own troops to take additional risks in order to avoid injuring or killing innocent civilians. The fact that they do this without question or regret speaks well not only of our military – but also of our country.
When we send young men or women into harm''s way, our nation has in return a sacred obligation to them and to their families. Should the worst happen and they are called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice, we must ensure that they can go forth with the complete confidence that their country will care for their families and honor their service.
The death gratuity is only a small token, but it assists grieving families with their immediate financial needs. There are a variety of military insurance and other programs that provide longer-term support, but in the initial hours and days after a family endures such a terrible loss, these funds help to alleviate immediate monetary concerns. This benefit is commonly provided within 72 hours to the family of the service member who is killed while on active duty.
Brigadier General John Libby, the Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard, recently wrote to me in support of the initiative to increase this benefit. More than 65% of Maine's Army National Guard forces have now been mobilized and deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Brigadier General Libby wrote, "Behind every dedicated service member is a dedicated service family who deserves to be taken care of in the event of the loss of their service member. The level of the current benefit package is not sufficient but this corrective action will honor those who serve us on a daily basis."
We can never fully repay the debt of our proud nation to those who have laid down their lives for our country. The best we can do is honor their memory, ensure that their sacrifice is not in vain, and help provide for their families. I will continue my efforts to ensure that we properly care for the families of those brave servicemen and women who have given their all for our country.
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