Senator Boxer: Helping Hometown Heroes

June 21 , 2007

In 2003, Congress passed the Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits Act to provide survivor benefits to the families of public safety officers who die from a heart attack or stroke within 24 hours of performing non-routine strenuous activity in the line of duty.  Congress passed the act in recognition of the fact that police officers, firefighters and other public safety officers put themselves at risk every day to protect us.  On December 15, 2003, President Bush signed the bill into law.

Along with providing survivor benefits, Congress intended the act to ease the burden on families applying for benefits.  For example, shortly after passage, the Attorney General mandated that all claims be processed in no more than 90 days. 

Since 2003, however, claims under the Hometown Heroes Act have been languishing.  Of the 260 claims received by the Department of Justice, only 6 have been approved and 46 denied.  Action on the other 80 percent has not been completed. 

I recently joined several of my Congressional colleagues in writing to President George W. Bush to express our collective concern that the intent of Congress is being ignored.  Our letter asks that the Administration “... afford the families of public safety officers who die from heart attacks or strokes ... their rightful benefits under the law by expediting all of the outstanding claims and ensuring that benefits are awarded in line with the intention of Congress.”

Scientific research has shown that our public safety officers are at a much higher risk of heart attack or stroke.  Congress responded by passing the Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits Act.  It is now time for the Administration to carry out the intent of this law and provide benefits to the families of our hometown heroes.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

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