Steil Introduces Survivor Benefits Fairness Act in Honor of Wisconsin Family

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) introduced H.R. 6323, the Survivor Benefits Fairness Act, legislation to ensure the VA cannot demand the families of beneficiaries pay back their monthly benefits in the event of a surviving spouse's death. Steil's office was contacted by a constituent who received notice from the VA to return survivor benefit payments. This legislation is in honor of the Hessil family and seeks to undo the unfair policy currently in place at the VA.

"My office is here to help. We are always looking for people to bring us their problems with the federal government so we can help to solve them. In this case, we wanted to do more. The Survivor Benefits Fairness Act will ensure that no family has to return rightly deserved benefits to the VA after a family members passing. I want to thank Anne Hessil for coming to our office, and working with us to help get this important piece of legislation introduced, said Rep. Bryan Steil."

"The greatest sacrifice an American citizen can give is to serve his country, and to help enforce the freedoms that we all get. I think sometimes we take it for granted. This is an incredible country. We have opportunities here because of the sacrifices that soldiers have that have put us first. I don't think we do enough for our veterans, and those family members. The sacrifices that they've made, whether it's directly on the battlefield, or whether it's a subsequent illness or condition that occurs, that we have to put them ahead of our politics, said Anne Hessil."

Congressman Connor Lamb (D-PA) is an original co-sponsor of this legislation.

To read a one-pager about the bill, click HERE.

To read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.

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