Thornberry Gold Star Parents Bill Passes the U.S. Senate
Bill removes red tape that prevents care for parents who have lost a child in military service
Washington,
Sep 21, 2010 -
A bill sponsored by U.S. Congressman Mac Thornberry (TX-13) to expand access to State Veterans’ Homes to parents whose son or daughter died while serving in the Armed Forces passed the U.S. Senate late Monday. The bill unanimously passed the U.S. House on June 30, 2010.
“Adding a little common sense to a law is a good thing, and in this case, gives those we ask to fight and die in our wars assurance that their families will be cared for by their country. Losing a child in war is a life altering event, and I am pleased that this law will ensure parents of the fallen will be cared for, ” Congressman Thornberry said.
Known as “Gold Star parents,” these men and women currently may receive care in veterans’ homes only if they have lost all of their children in service to the country. Today’s bill will change these federal regulations to allow admission to any parent who has lost at least one child serving in the military. The Senate version of the Gold Star Parents bill, S. 1450, was sponsored by Senators John Ensign (R-NV) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH).
State Veterans’ Homes were created following the Civil War and still play a critical role in providing care for thousands of veterans and their dependents. Currently there are 137 State Veterans’ Homes in all 50 States and Puerto Rico that provide a multitude of health care services.
State Veterans’ Homes are owned and operated by the state. The federal Veterans Administration (VA) subsidizes their operations by paying an annually-adjusted rate per day for each veteran in the home. Additionally, the financial impact to the federal government will be minimal, since the VA does not pay a per diem to state homes for Gold Star Parents.
The bill was supported by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the National Association of State Veterans Homes.
###
