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WASHINGTON- After the House passed the Federal Reform Act by unanimous voice vote, Congressman Henry E. Brown Jr. (R-SC), the Ranking Republican Member of the Veterans Affairs’ Subcommittee on Health, made the following statement on provisions affecting veterans in the bill:
“As the Ranking Republican Member of the Veterans Affairs’ Subcommittee on Health, I was extremely pleased to be able to offer my support for provisions of the Federal Reform Act that will decrease the burden placed on military survivors by the ‘widow’s tax.’
This is a difficult time for all Americans, but it may be especially difficult for survivors of veterans and military retirees who are unfairly losing part of their income. Under current law, although their spouse paid to provide for them through the Survivors Benefit Plan (SBP), Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is being subtracted from that annuity dollar-for-dollar. This bill will alleviate some of the burden imposed by this offset, as military survivors will begin receiving a $35 increase in payments beginning in 2010, and will continue to receive increased payments until 2016 when they will have a total monthly payment of $345.
However, this is just a small step towards my ultimate goal of repealing the current law imposing a tax on surviving spouses if they receive both the SBP and the DIC. This increase is the least we can do as we continue towards the goal of equity for military surviving spouses.”
Earlier this week, Congressman Brown praised the passage of three other bills in the House, including legislation that would allow veterans to seek emergency care at the closest provider without fear of facing large out-of-pocket expenses, legislation that extends the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program so they may provide grants to local homeless veteran’s service organizations for job training and legislation that increases rates of disability, dependency and indemnity compensation for wartime disabilities, benefits, clothing allowance and surviving spouses and children.
As a continuous and ardent supporter of all veterans, Congressman Brown has worked hard to draft and sponsor legislation to enhance the lives of our nation’s heroes and their families. Read Congressman Brown’s remarks on this legislation from this week’s the Veterans’ Affairs Committee Meeting. Learn more about the Congressman’s efforts for all veterans.
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