[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 121 (Thursday, September 30, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S10063]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. HAGEL:
  S. 2867. A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to increase 
the amount of the military death gratuity from $12,000 to $50,000; to 
the Committee on Armed Services.
  Mr. HAGEL. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the ``Military 
Death Gratuity Improvement Act of 2004.'' This legislation would raise 
the military death gratuity paid to the families of military personnel 
killed while on active duty from $12,000 to $50,000. This increase 
would also be applied retroactively to all service members on active 
duty who have died since September 11, 2001.
  The military death gratuity is money provided within 72 hours to 
families of service members who are killed while on active duty. These 
funds assist next-of-kin with their immediate financial needs.
  As we face the challenges of the 21st Century, servicemen and women 
sacrificing for their country in a time of war should be assured that 
their families will be taken care of. The loss of a loved one is a 
tremendous emotional hardship for families. Congress must do what it 
can to ensure that it does not cause devastating financial hardship as 
well.
  This bill will help alleviate some of the financial hardships faced 
by the families of our brave servicemen and women who give their lives 
in service to our country. It will send a message to our brave young 
men and women and their families that their Nation appreciates their 
service and sacrifice. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to join me in 
cosponsoring this legislation.
  I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the 
Record.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                S. 2867

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. INCREASE IN DEATH GRATUITY PAYABLE WITH RESPECT TO 
                   MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

       (a) Amount of Death Gratuity.--Section 1478(a) of title 10, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``$12,000'' and 
     inserting ``$50,000''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to deaths occurring on or after 
     September 11, 2001.
       (c) Offset.--The Secretary of Defense shall derive funds 
     for amounts payable during fiscal year 2005 by reason of the 
     amendment made by subsection (a) from amounts available for 
     that fiscal year for travel for personnel assigned to, or 
     employed in, the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Amounts 
     for such purpose shall be transferred to the appropriate 
     accounts of the Department of Defense available for such 
     payments, and amounts so transferred shall not be counted for 
     purposes of any limitation on the amount of transfers of 
     Department of Defense funds during that fiscal year.
                                 ______