For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2005

Contact:

Michael Allen
(202) 225-2701

WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Representative Dan Boren (D-Muskogee) announced his support today for bi-partisan legislation to increase death gratuity benefits for U.S. troops killed in combat zones and operations.

Recently introduced, by Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-AL) and Dennis Moore (D-KS), the proposal raises the gratuity from $12,000 to $100,000 and would be applied retroactively to all servicemen and women on active duty who have died since September 11, 2001. Boren is co-sponsoring the bill and says that the increase is long overdue.

The benefit is a cash payment to the survivor of soldiers killed in battle to help them cope with their immediate needs following the loss of their loved one.

“The current benefit is grossly inadequate and outdated,” said Boren.

“We are deeply grateful to the families of our fallen heroes. We can not take away their emotional hardship, but we can help alleviate the financial hardship during their time of loss. I am hopeful that the President and Congress can work together to provide this benefit to the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” remarked Boren.

The Bachus-Moore legislation has already gained widespread support on both sides of the isle and has been endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and the Non Commissioned Officers Association of the United States of America.

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