WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate has passed an amendment introduced by U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, ranking member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, that aims to help military survivors maintain certain benefits even if they remarry after the death of their spouse in military service. The amendment was included as part of the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Under current law, surviving spouses are granted certain benefits from the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). However, if they remarry before the age of 55, these benefits could be terminated. Sen. Moran’s amendment seeks to address this issue by ensuring that surviving spouses maintain access to commissaries and exchanges on U.S. military bases even if they remarry.
"A survivor who remarries is still a survivor, regardless of when they remarry,” said Sen. Moran. “No survivor should have to choose between getting married again or keeping benefits that are actively supporting their family. This amendment is one piece of the larger puzzle to support military survivors, and I am grateful for its passage."
The amendment introduced by Sen. Moran is part of his comprehensive bill, the Love Lives on Act of 2023. This bill aims to ensure that military surviving spouses are able to keep certain benefits provided by the VA and DOD even if they choose to remarry before reaching the age of 55.
The passage of this amendment is seen as a positive step towards providing support and assistance to military survivors. By allowing surviving spouses to maintain their benefits, even if they decide to remarry, the amendment acknowledges that the status of being a survivor should not be affected by marital status.
The Love Lives on Act of 2023, of which Sen. Moran's amendment is a part, seeks to address the larger issue of supporting military survivors. It recognizes the importance of providing ongoing benefits to these individuals and their families, regardless of their decision to remarry.
The full text of Sen. Moran's amendment can be found [here](insert link).
This amendment highlights the commitment of lawmakers to ensure that military survivors are not faced with difficult choices between marriage and benefits. By allowing surviving spouses to maintain access to commissaries and exchanges on military bases, the amendment recognizes the sacrifices made by these individuals and aims to provide them with the support they need.
As the amendment passes the Senate, it moves one step closer to becoming law. Its inclusion in the FY2024 NDAA reflects the recognition of the importance of supporting military survivors and ensuring that they are able to maintain certain benefits even if they choose to remarry.
The passage of Sen. Moran's amendment is a positive development for military survivors and their families. It highlights the ongoing efforts to address the unique challenges faced by these individuals and provides them with the assurance that their benefits will not be jeopardized if they decide to remarry.
The Love Lives on Act of 2023, with Sen. Moran's amendment, demonstrates a commitment to supporting military survivors and acknowledges the importance of maintaining their benefits. This comprehensive bill recognizes the sacrifices made by military families and aims to provide them with the resources they need to thrive.
Sen. Moran's amendment and the Love Lives on Act of 2023 are crucial steps towards ensuring that military survivors receive the support they deserve. By addressing the issue of benefits for surviving spouses who remarry, these measures acknowledge the sacrifices made by these individuals and their ongoing need for assistance.
The passage of this amendment is a significant achievement, and it is hoped that it will lead to further progress in supporting military survivors and their families. The commitment shown by lawmakers in addressing this issue is commendable, and it is an important step towards providing the necessary support to those who have lost loved ones in service to their country.
To learn more, click on this link: https://www.veterans.senate.gov/2023/12/passed-sen-moran-s-amendment-to-help-military-survivors-maintain-benefits
