Bill Clinton: “Today my colleague Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and I are reintroducing a bill that will help repay our Nation's debt to…”

“Today my colleague Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and I are reintroducing a bill that will help repay our Nation's debt to the Gold Star Wives of America. This bill corrects a long-standing disparity and would finally allow the widows of veterans who remarry after the age of 55 to continue to receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. The Gold Star Wives of America brought this matter to our attention. We are tremendously grateful to them for working with us on this important bill. At this time in our Nation's history, when our brave men and women in uniform are putting their lives on the line in Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world, it is especially important to recognize the wives and families of those who have already served their country so proudly. This benefit covers the surviving dependents of members of the Armed Forces who have died in active duty or of a service-connected cause. Currently, it is the only Federal annuity program that does not permit a widow who receives compensation to retain her benefits if she remarries after the age of 55. It is time for this policy to change. By eliminating this marriage penalty, our bill will continue to provide these women the help some need to make ends meet, and will allow them to live their lives to the fullest. Discouraging marriage after the age of 55 by making marriage financially burdensome is not the way to show our appreciation for their sacrifice.”