HONOR Gold Star Families Act
Rep. Van Epps Introduces HONOR Gold Star Families Act to Double Military Death Benefits
Legislative Progress
Key Points
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
While the death gratuity primarily applies to deaths occurring during military service, some veterans in certain reserve or recall statuses can qualify. More broadly, the Gold Star Family community — many of whom are connected to veterans' networks — would see this as an important recognition of their sacrifice. The bill signals stronger commitment to military families generally.
“To increase the death gratuity payable upon the death of a member of the Armed Forces and to provide for annual cost-of-living adjustments to such death gratuity, and for other purposes.”
Programs
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
2 articles
Rep. Van Epps sponsors bill to double military death survivor benefit to $200,000
Rep. Matt Van Epps has introduced his first piece of legislation, the HONOR Gold Star Families Act, which doubles the military death benefit from $100,000 to $200,000. The bill aims to provide immediate financial support to families of fallen service members and includes inflation protection.
Reps. Van Epps, Kiggans, Tokuda Introduce Legislation to Double Gold Star Family Bridge Payment
A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced the HONOR Gold Star Families Act to double the military bridge payment to $200,000. The legislation is retroactive to the start of 2026 to support families of seven service members recently killed in the Middle East during Operation Epic Fury.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
HONOR Gold Star Families Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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