Lawmakers have introduced the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act, known as H.R. 6047, which seeks to increase monthly compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for catastrophically disabled veterans and the surviving families of those who are fully disabled or deceased due to service-related injuries. The bill was introduced by House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.), Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Mich.), House Committee on Financial Services Chairman French Hill (R-Ark.), Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), and Subcommittee on Disability Assistance & Memorial Affairs Chairman Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas). Supporters note that these benefits have not seen an increase in decades.
The proposed legislation is backed by several major veteran service organizations, including The American Legion, Wounded Warrior Project, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, AMVETS, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Gold Star Spouses of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart USA, Independence Fund, National Military Family Association, Gold Star Wives of America, National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO), Quality of Life Foundation, and Veterans MS Alliance.
A hearing to discuss H.R. 6047 and its potential impact on more than 500,000 catastrophically disabled veterans and their families is scheduled by Chairman Bost.
Mario A. Marquez from The American Legion stated: “The American Legion supports the proposed Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act. If passed, the bill would see Dependency and Indemnity Compensation and Special Monthly Compensation increase for the first time in decades. This would help veteran families and caregivers maintain financial stability and peace of mind during the veteran’s life and beyond. Although The Legion supports the overall package, we are concerned the proposed offset could bring unintended consequences. The reality is that increasing funding fees for VA home loans has been the only mechanism to pay for new or increased veteran-related programs in past years. But expanding the population of veterans required to pay funding fees on subsequent VA Home Loans sets a new precedent. The American Legion is committed to working with Congress to improve the bill as it moves through the legislative process. We have long advocated for increases to DIC & SMC pay and don’t want to see this opportunity wasted.”
Wounded Warrior Project expressed support: “Wounded Warrior Project commends Congress for recognizing the needs of our most severely wounded veterans and the survivors of those who died from service-connected injuries... These changes would provide meaningful financial support to those who have sacrificed the most. We are committed to working with Congress to ensure that veterans’ interests are protected and strongly considered as the provisions to fund these improvements are finalized.”
Paralyzed Veterans of America also voiced approval: “No one appreciates the full scope of benefits provided by the VA more than our nation’s paralyzed veterans... PVA supports this effort to increase... Special Monthly Compensation for veterans with service-connected catastrophic disabilities and raise Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for survivors.”
Thomas Burke from Vietnam Veterans of America said: “For more than 30 years, surviving spouses and severely disabled veterans have been left behind by outdated benefit structures... this legislation... honors... sacrifice by ensuring survivors... finally see ... expansion they deserve.”
Joe Chenelly at AMVETS commented: "AMVETS is pleased to support ... For several years,... expansion of survivor benefits [has been] a top legislative priority.... we look forward to working with Congress..."
Steve Schwab at Elizabeth Dole Foundation remarked: “The Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act is a landmark measure ... offers a long overdue first step ... relief ... dignity they have long deserved.”
Tamra Sipes at Gold Star Spouses added: "Gold Star Spouses ... proudly supports ... By expanding support for surviving spouses,... Congress has [a chance]... deliver long-overdue relief..."
James McCormick from Military Order of the Purple Heart USA stated: “This legislation finally delivers long-overdue justice for families.... ensures they receive support…”
Independence Fund noted its backing as well: "... Passage ... will reduce financial burden catastrophically disabled veterans ... face by increasing ... compensation..."
Besa Pinchotti at NMFA said: “Our most severely wounded service members have already sacrificed enough… shouldn’t have to fight another battle just to make ends meet… This Act is about more than legislation — it’s a promise kept…”
Gold Star Wives echoed appreciation: “… thankful for Representative Barrett’s bill which would take an important first step toward that goal.”
NACVSO offered support stating it addresses outdated levels set since 1993.
Quality of Life Foundation pointed out disparities between current VA survivor programs versus other federal programs; they commend efforts made in this bill.
Veterans MS Alliance concluded their endorsement saying it represents critical progress toward honoring injured veterans’ service.
