WP: Senators Seek Increase in Death Benefit For Soldiers

[DeepModem Mom]

Senators Seek Increase in Death Benefit For Soldiers
By Charles Babington
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, January 22, 2005; Page A04


Senate leaders said yesterday they will push legislation to increase the death benefits for military personnel, retroactive to the war against the Taliban in Afghanistan, which began in October 2001.

The one-time, tax-free $12,000 "death gratuity" paid to survivors of those killed in the line of duty would rise to $100,000 under legislation outlined by Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) and others. Sen. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) said he will offer a separate bill to allow the children of those killed in war to continue receiving health benefits.

Many House members also support a $100,000 death benefit, underscoring public concerns about the deaths, injuries and long tours of duties of troops in Iraq. A proposal for a $100,000 death benefit languished in the previous Congress, but several lawmakers said they expect it to pass this year....

***

The senators said it was unclear how much the benefits package might cost. A retroactive $100,000 death gratuity would immediately cost about $150 million, they said, as about 1,500 U.S. military personnel have died in the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq....


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A27647-2005Jan21.html

[Bo]

1. FINALLY

[lebkuchen]

2. An incentive to boost sagging enlistment rates?

If you die in Afghanistan or Iraq, we'll give your family a sizeable lump sum.

At least those this bill affects past-tense will be better taken care of.

Now what about combat pay restoration for those who were medivac'd from the battlefield, never to return because they are paralyzed from the neck down, etc? What will we do for our disabled?

[Leilani]

3. Better late than never.

Better yet, don't start bogus wars.

[UL_Approved]

4. It seems good, but...

This is kind of like the bribery outreach that Bush did with the $300/$600 tax break check for all people with W-2 and other wage/salary taxes. This is just another one of those "we're the ones REALLY helping you, America" lines.

The total was quoted at around $150 million, from about 1500 dead soldiers. The death toll for soldiers could be even higher that that, but the Pentagon doesn't list them. If this is true, then many soldiers who had families might pursue this harder if they don't get any benefits. And that is the other thing. I wonder if they will change the requirements for being eligible for this benefit. More things to worry about.

[leftchick]

6. they will change the wording from 'in the line of duty'

to "while in action". That will eliminate thousands killed in "accidents". They are all liars.

[mordarlar]

5. I am happy to hear it but cannot help ask the question where is the...

money going to come from. He already plans to cut veterans services. They can barely survive as is. He is looking into another war. Medicare (and the orphans it cares for) is about to be cut. DAMN HIM.