Respect for Grieving Military Families Act

3/12/2024, 8:22 AM

Summary of Bill S 1588

Bill 118 s 1588, also known as the Respect for Grieving Military Families Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to provide additional protections and support for military families who have lost a loved one in service to their country.

One of the key provisions of the bill is to ensure that military families are given the time and space they need to grieve the loss of their loved one. This includes allowing families to have a say in the timing and location of their loved one's funeral, as well as providing them with access to counseling and support services.

Additionally, the bill aims to address issues related to the handling of the remains of fallen service members. It requires the Department of Defense to establish clear guidelines for the respectful treatment of remains, as well as to provide families with information about the process of repatriating their loved one's remains. Overall, the Respect for Grieving Military Families Act seeks to honor the sacrifices made by military families and ensure that they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve during their time of loss.

Congressional Summary of S 1588

Respect for Grieving Military Families Act

This bill addresses the overpayment of retired or retainer pay to a joint account (bearing the name of the decedent and the decedent's designated beneficiary) during the month of the death of a retired member of the armed forces.

Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to forgive or offset the overpayment if the decedent was enrolled in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). In the case of an offset, each of the first 12 SBP annuity payments after the death of the retired service member must be reduced by one-twelfth of the overpayment. If the decedent was not enrolled in the SBP, DOD is authorized to forgive the overpayment.

Current Status of Bill S 1588

Bill S 1588 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since May 11, 2023. Bill S 1588 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on May 11, 2023.  Bill S 1588's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. as of May 11, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1588

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
4
Democrat Cosponsors
2
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1588

Primary Policy Focus

Armed Forces and National Security

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 1588

Respect for Grieving Military Families ActRespect for Grieving Military Families ActA bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to direct the forgiveness or offset of an overpayment of retired pay paid to a joint account for a period after the death of the retired member of the Armed Forces.
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