Today, the House passed H.R. 7105, which includes bipartisan legislation sponsored by Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) to support Connecticut veterans and their families.
The package includes provisions from Congresswoman Hayes’ Surviving Families Benefits Expansion Act, H.R. 8559, which will lower the age at which a surviving spouse may receive Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at the point of remarriage. DIC is a tax-free monthly benefit paid to eligible survivors of military servicemembers who died in the line of duty, or survivors of servicemembers whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease. Under current law, a surviving spouse under 57 years old who remarries cannot receive these critical benefits.
The bipartisan package also includes the Deborah Sampson Act, which Congresswoman Hayes cosponsored. The legislation will eliminate barriers to care and services many female veterans encounter and will help ensure the VA can address the needs of women veterans. This groundbreaking legislation will undoubtedly help improve the lives of countless veterans and their families.
“Veterans in Connecticut and throughout the country have sacrificed so much for our nation. This historic legislation will ensure they receive the proper care and services from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and that their families receive the benefits they need,” said Congresswoman Hayes.
“I applaud the bipartisan work that went into this package to strengthen our commitment to assist veterans and their families, and address overdue changes needed to support women veterans. I l will continue to dedicate my time in Congress to serving these heroes and their families, and look forward to President signing this legislation into law.”
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Rep. Jahana Hayes has been a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.
Currently serving her first term in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut’s 5th District.