(Photo: Sam Craig)
The American Legion is urging members of the Legion Family to engage with their respective members of Congress, advocating for support of H.R. 3651, bipartisan legislation designed to ensure surviving spouses of military servicemembers maintain survivor benefits in the event of remarriage.
The Love Lives On Act aims to change the existing circumstances for Gold Star Spouses who choose to remarry before reaching the age of 55 risk losing essential benefits. The proposed bill extends to surviving spouses of active-duty, Veteran, and retired military personnel. Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) introduced the bipartisan bill along with Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC). Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) are spearheading the Senate counterpart to the Love Lives On Act.
“Spouses of those who die in service to our nation make unimaginable sacrifices and deserve unending respect and support in return. The Love Lives On Act is part of my mission to ensure military families have access every single benefit they are owed,” said Phillips, who lost his birth father in the Vietnam War. “I’m grateful to colleagues on both sides of the aisle for backing it, but our work is not done. I will continue to push to eliminate remarriage benefit reductions for anyone who dies in service to their country, civilian or military.”
This legislation proposes several key measures:
- Removal of the age restriction for remarriage without loss of benefits.
- Permission for remarried surviving spouses to retain educational benefits.
- Safeguard Commissary and Exchange benefits for remarried spouses.
Additionally, the act seeks to:
- Restorate TRICARE benefits for remarried spouses in case of subsequent marital dissolution.
- Eliminate the outdated “Hold Themselves Out to Be Married” clause, which unnecessarily instills fear and restricts freedom.
The American Legion asserts its commitment to championing the rights and entitlements of Gold Star Spouses, believing these individuals should not face repercussions for seeking love again. They ought to remain the surviving partners of fallen heroes, deserving of their benefits through their service and sacrifices.
The Legion Family is encouraged to reach out to members of Congress, urging their support for the Love Lives On Act. Explore further details about this legislation and other initiatives endorsed by The American Legion through the Grassroots Action Center. Stay informed about legislative developments by signing up for legislative alerts here.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.