Taking Care of Disabled Veterans and Gold Star Families

The heroic men and women in our military make sacrifices and put their lives on the line to defend the American people and our freedom. For too many of our veterans, however, one moment serving overseas can tragically change their life forever.

Sgt. Eric Edmunson lived this reality. In 2005, his vehicle was hit with an explosive in Iraq, leaving him unable to walk or speak and requiring constant medical assistance at home. He and his loved ones, and the many more with stories just like his, should never have to wonder if their government will be there for them in their hour of need.

For some of our heroes, the cost is even higher. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Donovan Lee ‘Bull’ Briley, an Army Special Operations Black Hawk helicopter pilot who lost his life in Mogadishu, Somalia — the famous “Black Hawk Down” incident. The husbands, wives, and children of these brave souls lost on the battlefield never get the opportunity to welcome their loved ones home from serving our nation. Gold Star family members, like Bull’s widow, Sharri, deserve peace of mind and financial support.

That’s why I introduced the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act (H.R. 6047). This legislation would provide the most severely disabled veterans, like Eric, who need regular in-home aid from medical professionals with an additional $10,000 of financial support per year through the Special Monthly Compensation program. This is double the support these veterans currently receive.

For Gold Star families, the least we can do is continue to provide them with the support they deserve from the country that their loved ones died to protect. That is why I made sure this legislation would provide an additional $3,314.30 over the next five years from the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) program for the surviving spouse, parents, or children of a service member who died in the line of duty or as a result of injuries sustained in the military.

Bull Briley, Eric Edmundson, and many others have sacrificed life or limb to keep our nation safe and free. This legislation sends a clear message: We will always have their back.