Political Quotes

“since its enactment some 26 years ago, the Survivor Benefit Plan has been a source of financial security for military retirees and their dependents. Should the military retiree pre-decease his or her spouse, the plan allows for the spouse to continue to receive a percentage of the retiree's income benefit. This is a program that truly works for our retirees, those who dedicated a large portion of their lives to the service of their country, and I strongly support its continuation. In the past, Congress has understood that changes occur in the lives of military retirees and has tailored the Survivor Benefit Program accordingly. Retirement from the military is unlike retirement from any other type of employment. Military personnel generally retire in their late 30s or early 40s. They spend a large portion of their lives in military retirement. During this period, their lives can change significantly. The circumstances in which they found themselves at the time of their retirement may be dramatically altered over the years. Admittedly, this is more the exception than the rule, but for some retirees it is a fact of life. The Congress has previously offered limited open enrollment periods, or 'open seasons' for retirees to participate in the Survivor Benefit Plan: once in 1981 and again in 1991.”