Survivor Benefits Fairness Act

Hozzl · 2024-01-05T21:30:18Z

Explore the details of House Bill 1609 Survivor Benefits Fairness Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Armed Forces and National Security. Stay informed on legislative developments.

1/5/2024, 9:30 PM

Summary of Bill HR 1609

Bill 118 hr 1609, also known as the Survivor Benefits Fairness Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address an issue regarding survivor benefits for certain federal employees.

Specifically, the Survivor Benefits Fairness Act aims to provide equal treatment for surviving spouses of federal employees who were in same-sex marriages. Currently, under existing law, these surviving spouses are not eligible to receive the same benefits as surviving spouses in opposite-sex marriages.

The bill seeks to rectify this discrepancy by ensuring that all surviving spouses of federal employees, regardless of their gender or the gender of their spouse, are entitled to the same benefits. This includes benefits such as pension payments, health insurance coverage, and other forms of financial support. Supporters of the Survivor Benefits Fairness Act argue that it is a matter of fairness and equality, and that all surviving spouses should be treated equally under the law. They believe that denying benefits to same-sex spouses is discriminatory and unjust. Opponents of the bill may argue that it represents a departure from traditional definitions of marriage and could have financial implications for the federal government. However, proponents maintain that the bill is simply about ensuring that all surviving spouses are treated fairly and equitably. Overall, the Survivor Benefits Fairness Act is a piece of legislation that seeks to address a specific issue regarding survivor benefits for federal employees and their spouses. It is currently under consideration in Congress, and its fate will ultimately be decided by lawmakers in the coming months.

Congressional Summary of HR 1609

Survivor Benefits Fairness Act

This bill adjusts the effective date of a reduction or discontinuance of compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, or pension payments by the Department of Veterans Affairs to the last day of the month during which a marriage, remarriage, or death of a payee occurs.

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Current Status of Bill HR 1609

Bill HR 1609 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 14, 2023. Bill HR 1609 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on March 14, 2023. Bill HR 1609's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. as of April 10, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1609

Total Number of Sponsors

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Total Number of Cosponsors

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1609

Primary Policy Focus

Armed Forces and National Security

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1609

Survivor Benefits Fairness ActSurvivor Benefits Fairness ActTo amend title 38, United States Code, to adjust the effective date of certain reductions and discontinuances of compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, and pension under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

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