Sen. Cramer's Supporting Families of the Fallen Act Signed into Law

Press Release

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), and Senator Tommy Tuberville's (R-AL) bill to increase service members' life insurance benefit coverage was signed into law yesterday. The Supporting Families of the Fallen Act increases the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) coverage amount from $400,000 to $500,000. Until yesterday, SGLI and VGLI coverage amounts had not been updated since 2005.

"At a time when inflation is soaring to record highs, this new law will allow our veterans to better provide their families with stability and peace of mind for the future. It authorizes a raise in Veterans Affairs life insurance to account for inflation for the first time in 15 years," said Senator Cramer.

"The families of America's heroes deserve our unwavering support and appreciation," said Senator Tuberville. "Increasing the life insurance benefit provided to families of those who pay the ultimate sacrifice was long overdue, and I am proud to see this important legislation signed into law. We can never fully repay our service members and military families for their sacrifice, but I am committed to finding ways to show our appreciation by doing everything I can to support our troops and their loved ones."

Joining Senators Cramer and Tuberville are Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Mike Braun (R-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), John Cornyn (R-TX), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).

Numerous groups have praised the legislation, including the Military Officers Association of America and Wounded Warrior Project.

"The Supporting Families of the Fallen Act is long overdue and will authorize the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) to catch up with inflation. This legislation is ultimately about supporting the families of service members and MOAA looks forward to growing bi-partisan support for this important modernization of life insurance," said of Military Officers Association of America President and CEO Dana Atkins. 

"This bill would raise the coverage amount of VA's life insurance policies for both Veterans and those currently serving, and provides additional peace of mind and security for military and veteran families," said Wounded Warrior Project's Vice President for Government & Community Relations Jose Ramos.

Source