WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville’s (R-AL) bill to increase service members’ life insurance benefit coverage was signed into law by President Biden today. The Supporting Families of the Fallen Act, cosponsored by eight of Senator Tuberville’s colleagues, increases the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) coverage amount from $400,000 to $500,000. Until today, SGLI and VGLI coverage amounts had not been updated since 2005.
“The families of America’s heroes deserve our unwavering support and appreciation,” said Senator Tuberville. “Increasing the life insurance benefit provided to families of those who pay the ultimate sacrifice was long overdue, and I am proud to see this important legislation signed into law. We can never fully repay our service members and military families for their sacrifice, but I am committed to finding ways to show our appreciation by doing everything I can to support our troops and their loved ones.”
Senator Tuberville was joined by U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Rick Scott (R-FL), Mike Braun (R-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), John Cornyn (R-TX), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Roger Wicker (R-MS) in sponsoring the legislation.
BACKGROUND:
Senator Tuberville, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), introduced the Supporting Families of the Fallen Act in September of 2021. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Rick Scott (R-FL), Mike Braun (R-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) were original cosponsors of the bill. SVAC favorably passed the bill in December 2021, which set it up for approval by the full Senate in March. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill last week.
Senator Tuberville has spoken about the importance of passing this bill for military families and veterans:
Senator Tuberville Speaks on Supporting Families of the Fallen Act
Senator Tuberville Veterans’ Bill Passes SVAC Committee
Numerous groups have praised the legislation, including the Military Officers Association of America and Wounded Warrior Project.
“The Supporting Families of the Fallen Act is long overdue and will authorize the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) to catch up with inflation. This legislation is ultimately about supporting the families of service members and MOAA looks forward to growing bi-partisan support for this important modernization of life insurance,” said Dana Atkins, President and CEO of Military Officers Association of America.
“This bill would raise the coverage amount of VA’s life insurance policies for both Veterans and those currently serving, and provides additional peace of mind and security for military and veteran families,” said Wounded Warrior Project’s Vice President for Government & Community Relations, Jose Ramos.
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.
Original source can be found here.
