U.S. Senators Jim Risch of Idaho and Angus King of Maine introduced the Veteran Burial Benefit Correction Act on Mar. 17, aiming to resolve a difference in funeral and burial benefits for veterans who die from service-connected disabilities.
The legislation seeks to ensure that families of veterans who die as a result of their service receive equitable support compared to those whose deaths are not service-related. This issue arose after Congress increased burial benefits for non-service-connected deaths in 2020, tying them to inflation, which led those benefits to surpass the capped $2,000 amount for service-connected deaths.
“Our nation’s veterans answered the call to serve and made incredible sacrifices for our freedoms,” said Risch. “My Veteran Burial Benefit Correction Act ensures our veterans who are injured or wounded during their service are laid to rest with honor and dignity.”
King said, “Veterans who die as a result of their service to our nation deserve to be honored appropriately, and their families deserve our full support. Our Veteran Burial Benefit Correction Act corrects an unintended disparity between service and non-service related deaths to even out the burial benefits for these veterans who served our country. On behalf of a grateful nation, it is the least we can do for these families.”
The proposed act would increase the benefit for service-connected deaths from $2,000 to $3,000 and apply the same inflation adjustment used for non-service-connected cases. The bill has received backing from several organizations including the Idaho Division of Veteran Services, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Gold Star Spouses of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, National Funeral Directors Association, and TAPS.
Mark Tschampl, Director of Idaho Division of Veteran Services, said: “Honoring those who served our great nation should always be a priority, especially when a Veteran passes from a service-connected illness or injury. This Bill ensures we continue to honor those Veterans and ease the financial burden placed on grieving families when it is time to lay their Veteran to rest.”
Tamra Sipes, National President of Gold Star Spouses of America added: “Gold Star Spouses of America strongly supports legislation introduced by Senator Jim Risch to amend Title 38 of the United States Code to increase the burial and funeral benefit provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans who die from service-connected disabilities. While no financial benefit can ever compensate for the loss of a service member or veteran, this legislation recognizes the responsibility our nation holds to care for the families left behind. Ensuring that those who died as a result of their service are honored with dignity and that their families are not burdened with preventable financial strain, is a matter of basic respect and gratitude.”
According to the official website, Risch has advocated for energy independence, Second Amendment rights, protection of Idaho agriculture and natural resources while achieving property tax reductions and increased funding for public schools. He has also served as U.S. Senator for Idaho chairing key committees such as Senate Foreign Relations Committee along with positions on Energy and Natural Resources; Small Business and Entrepreneurship; Intelligence; and Ethics Committees according to his official biography. Risch previously held roles including Ada County Prosecuting Attorney, Idaho State Senator, Lieutenant Governor and Governor according to his official website.
Risch resides on a ranch outside Boise with his wife Vicki along with three sons and nine grandchildren according to his official website. He maintains offices across Idaho as well as in Washington D.C., supporting constituents throughout his state according to his official website.
