Williams’ statement on Honoring the Families of Fallen Soldiers Act

This afternoon, the House passed H.J. Res. 91, the Honoring the Families of Fallen Soldiers Act, to ensure that death benefits to families of fallen troops will continue to be paid despite the government shutdown.

“Our troops voluntarily sacrifice their safety, stability and comfort in order to protect American families each and every day. The last thing on their minds should be a financial problem, especially one brought on by the Administration’s own doing. Congress passed the Pay Our Military Act which covered these benefits for families of fallen troops, yet the Department of Defense has chosen to interpret the law in such a way that denies these benefits.

“Regardless of the DoD’s misguided interpretation, the House passed the Honoring the Families of Fallen Soldiers Act to explicitly cover these disbursements. I hope the Senate and President act quickly. Taking care of our troops and their families should never be an option – it should be a priority.”

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