[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 25, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S4381]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Ms. COLLINS (for herself, Mr. Warner, and Mr. McCain):
  S. 704. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to increase the 
amount of the death gratuity payable with respect to decreased members 
of the Armed forces; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation on 
behalf of my self and Senator Warner that will provide increased 
support for the families of those brave men and women in the armed 
forces who make the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Nation. The 
bill I introduce will raise the amount paid to the next-of-kin of 
military personnel killed while on active duty from $6,000 to $12,000. 
Further, it makes this increase retroactive to September 11, 2001.
  Like all Americans, I have been greatly saddened by the loss of life 
in recent days during our operations in Iraq. While all of us 
understand the dangers whenever the Commander-in-Chief sends our troops 
into harm's way, that does not lessen the shock and sadness we all have 
felt as we learn of the loss of lives and see the cruel video of 
American POWs held in Iraq.
  In the initial days of the war, two Marines with ties to Main lost 
heir lives. Both Captain Jay Aubin and Corporal Brian Kennedy, who 
perished in a helicopter crash in the Kuwaiti desert, have parents 
living in Maine. I came to this floor yesterday to express my 
condolences to their families, and declare my commitment to ensuring 
that their sacrifice is remembered.
  I can think of no better way to honor their memories, and the 
memories of other Americans who have given their lives, than to ensure 
that their loved ones receive the care that they need and deserve. The 
last time that the death gratuity was raise was in 1991, during the 
period of the last Gulf War. At that time, it was increased from $3,000 
to 6,000. It well past time for the Congress to move forward and 
increase this amount to better recognize the sacrifices of these 
families.
  The death gratuity is commonly provided within 72 hours to the family 
of the servicemember who is killed while on active duty. This amount, 
while a small solace to a grieving family, assist them with their 
immediate financial needs. It is our obligation as a Nation to ensure 
that those families receive every support we can provide during such a 
terrible time. Just as important, as our troops enter into combat they 
need to be confident that, should the worst occur, that their family 
will have the support they need.
  We can never fully repay the debt of our Nation to those who have 
laid down their lives for our Nation. The best we can do is honor their 
memory, ensure that their sacrifice is not in vain, and help provide 
for their families. The bill I have introduced will send a message to 
our brave young men and women that their Nation if grateful for their 
service.
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