U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), along with two of his fellow Senate Republican colleagues, has introduced a bill increasing the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) coverage.
The legislation, titled “Supporting Families of the Fallen Act,” would raise the amount of coverage from $400,000 to $500,000. Congress has not increased the group coverage extended to servicemembers since 2005. He sponsors the bill with U.S. Sens. Rick Scott (R-FL) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND).
Alabama’s junior senator expressed what he sees as the need to further ensure the financial needs of fallen servicemembers’ families are met.
“Our military families support our warfighters in the dangers of battle and through the most difficult times,” said Tuberville. “We hope they never receive that horrible call, but when one of our service members pays the ultimate sacrifice, their family should be taken care of. This legislation is one way to ease their financial worries and hopefully alleviate the peripheral stress that comes with mourning the loss of a loved one.”
The North Dakota senator believes the introduced legislation is necessary due to the rising cost of inflation.
“While inflation is on the rise in the United States, the maximum amount we allow for beneficiaries of certain VA life insurance policies has remained stagnant for over 15 years,” stated Cramer. “Our bill would authorize a significant raise in that maximum amount so veterans can better provide their families with stability and peace of mind for the future.”
The Sunshine State’s junior senator noted his family’s personal experience of military service and encouraged members of the U.S. Senate to support the bill’s passage.
“As a Navy veteran and the son of a World War II veteran, I know firsthand the sacrifices our men and women in uniform and their families make to defend our freedom,” said Scott. “The Supporting Families of the Fallen Act provides families of fallen service members and veterans with the resources they deserve after the tragic loss of a loved one. I urge my colleagues to support this good bill.”
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
