What They’re Saying: Honor Gold Star Families
In March, Reps. Matt Van Epps (TN-07), Jen Kiggans (VA-02), and Jill Tokuda (HI-02) introduced the bipartisan Honoring Our Nation’s Obligation to Remember (HONOR) Gold Star Families Act.
This legislation doubles the military “death gratuity” or bridge payment from $100,000 to $200,000 for the families of fallen servicemembers and also includes a cost-of-living adjustment so future payments account for inflation. In light of the deaths of multiple U.S. servicemembers in the Middle East during Operation Epic Fury, the legislation also applies retroactively to the beginning of 2026 to ensure those families receive the enhanced benefit.
“Our Gold Star Families endure the highest sacrifice in service to our nation. In the wake of tragedy, they deserve steadfast support,” said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor. “With Honor is proud to endorse the HONOR Gold Star Families Act to increase the bridge payment for the families of our fallen service members. We thank For Country Caucus Reps. Matt Van Epps and Jen Kiggans, and Rep. Jill Tokuda, for supporting our Gold Star Families and honoring those who’ve given their lives for this country.” -With Honor CEO, Rye Barcott
“Congressman Van Epps' intent with this proposed legislation is to strengthen immediate support for survivors, and we support that as well. …[T]he standard gratuity of $100,000 has not been updated since FY2006, and the increase to $200,000 for fallen families of servicemembers is needed at this time. This bill, which allows for annual protection through an automatic cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to ensure the benefit never again loses real value over time, is key to Gold Star Families. Please accept this letter as our wholehearted support for the ‘Honoring Our Nation’s Obligation to Remember Gold Star Families Act.’” -American Gold Star Mothers President, Annette Kirk
Read the full letter here.
“The HONOR Gold Star Families Act is so important for the families of the Military members who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The $100,000 amount established in 2006 without cost-of-living adjustments has lost much of its buying power. The wives and husbands left behind need funds to address their families’ needs as they transition from being a couple with hopes and dreams to a military survivor. Ensuring the amount will rise as inflation rises will keep the benefit current without requiring annual legislative action. Thank you, Representative Van Epps, for introducing this important legislation,” -Gold Star Wives of America National President Dr. Nancy Peppers.
“The United States must be gracious and compensate to the extent possible for the loss of a loved one in the military service. The death gratuity was fixed at $100,000 in 2006, that is no longer appropriate. While it is impossible to compensate someone for the death of a loved one, we must make every effort to assist our Gold Star families in taking care of their immediate needs.” -Military Veterans Advocacy. Board Executive Director Commander John B. Wells U.S. Navy (retired)
“For too long, the military death gratuity has failed to keep pace with inflation, shortchanging those families who have sacrificed the most. This legislation restores that promise and ensures Gold Star Families receive the immediate, meaningful compensation they deserve and that our nation’s commitment never again loses its value. NGAUS thanks Representatives Van Epps, Kiggans, and Tokuda for bringing this bill forward. It has our full endorsement and support.”-NGAUS president Retired Maj Gen. Francis M. McGinn
“As a Central Nonprofit Agency authorized to facilitate the AbilityOne Program, SourceAmerica expressed strong support for the Honoring Our Nation’s Obligation to Remember (HONOR) Gold Star Families Act. We also thank you for your leadership in introducing legislation that strengthens our nation’s commitment to families who have borne the immeasurable cost of military service. … The death gratuity is one of the first forms of assistance provided to surviving families following the loss of a service member. It serves as a critical, immediate, tax-free payment to help stabilize financial circumstances during a moment of profound grief and uncertainty. By increasing the gratuity and protecting it from future erosion, the HONOR Gold Star Families Act ensures that this benefit reflects both the realities of today’s economy and the value our nation places on the ultimate sacrifice made by military families. On behalf of the hundreds of nonprofit agencies within the SourceAmerica network and the tens of thousands of people with disabilities and veterans they employ, SourceAmerica supports the HONOR Gold Star Families Act and appreciates your continued commitment to Gold Star families. This legislation represents a meaningful affirmation of our nation’s responsibility to provide tangible, lasting support to those left behind.” -SourceAmerica President and CEO Richard Belden
Background:
This legislation
- Doubles the military death gratuity from $100,000 to $200,000 for the families of fallen servicemembers.
- Locks in annual inflation protection through an automatic cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), ensuring the benefit never again erodes in real value.
- Applies retroactively to service members who lost their lives on or after January 1, 2026.
Read the legislation here.
Read the one-pager here.
You can also read more from the Stewart County Standard here or here.
You can read the media round-up here.
Watch Rep. Van Epps’ video on the HONOR Gold Star Families Act here.
Watch Rep. Van Epps’ whiteboard video here.
Watch Rep. Van Epps talk about the bill with Newsmax here or News Channel 5 here.
Listen to Rep. Van Epps talk about the bill with Liberty Radio here and Michael Patrick Leahy here.
Learn more here, here, here, and here.
Rep. Van Epps honors the Month of the Military Child here.
Rep. Van Epps honors Gold Star Spouses Day here.
Rep. Van Epps honors Medal of Honor Day here.