Tuberville Veterans Bill Passes U.S. Senate

Press Release

Last night, the United States Senate passed U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville's bill to increase servicemembers' and veterans' life insurance maximum coverage amounts. The Supporting Families of the Fallen Act would increase the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) maximum coverage amounts from $400,000 to $500,000, updating amounts that have not been changed since 2005. This is the Senator's first piece of standalone legislation to pass the U.S. Senate, and once the bill passes the U.S. House of Representatives, it will head to President Biden's desk to be signed into law.

"This is a win for our military families and veterans," said Senator Tuberville. "Our service members selflessly sacrifice for our freedom and deserve peace of mind in knowing that their families will be taken care of should tragedy strike. I hope to see the same swift action on this legislation in the House so we can get it across the finish line."

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. In December, SVAC favorably passed the bill, which set it up for consideration before the full Senate.

Senator Tuberville has spoken about the importance of passing this bill for military families and veterans.

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 servicemembers 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 Warriors Project's Vice President for Government & Community Relations, Jose Ramos.

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