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H.R. 2243, The Surviving Spouses' Benefit Improvement Act of 2009
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Visitor Comments
joan madsen
May 19, 2009, 12:49pm (report abuse)Als has taken my husband from me and think we deserve an increase for what he did for his country, it was not his choice to go in 1961.
wheeping widow
May 26, 2009, 8:41am (report abuse)How could anyone vote against this bill?
Connie Beemer
May 28, 2009, 10:38am (report abuse)Agent orange was the cause of my husband passing. Years of pain, diabetes and a fight to keep his legs, unexplained lung disease, congestive heart failure (these are just a few things he suffered from). He died of service connected injuries 100% housebound. He served 23 years and most of those years in EOD. He made the military his career. He was proud to serve his country. We miss him very much. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.
Martin Shelton
June 4, 2009, 8:16pm (report abuse)My lovely wife Brigitte had served her country for 18 years, and passed with a deadly disease of breast country. and to see what little money they awarded her spouse seem like a slap in the face. Very small money of what my wife has sacrifice for her country.
Susie
(logged in user) June 30, 2009, 4:53pm (report abuse)My husband of 45 years spent 31 years on active duty to include two tours in Vietnam and Desert Storm. He served his country proudly. He lost his life in Jan 2009 due to Lung Cancer caused by agent orange. Believe me the widows did their part supporting their husbands,and country. They should pass this bill. How could you even have to think about it.
Suzanne M.
July 2, 2009, 5:24pm (report abuse)My heart goes out to you folks who have lost a spouse. My veteran husband just died. He was a Marine on Iwo Jima, and survived to become a Navy chaplain, and served in Viet Nam. Because of his Agent Orange exposure, he developed Lymphoma and diabetes. He suffered from many other ailments as well, hypertension, congestive heart failure, COPD among them. Watching him fight his ailments for years was heart-wrenching. It is tragic that we spouses left behind are not given what we are entitled to. Especially when you find out that retired federal employees' spouses get both the full DIC payment and the full payment of their version of SBP---no offsets. Where is the justice in that? Stop discussing it, Congresspeople and Senators, and pass this bill.
Joyce
July 22, 2009, 7:57pm (report abuse)My husband spent 21 years serving our country in the Air Force. He did four tours in Viet Nam came down with Agent Orange in 1999 and passed away in 2004 at the age of 67 years old. I had to watch him suffer for five years. Why should the federal employee spouses recieve more than us? They did not have to go thought what we did. Why should they have to think so long and hard about passing this bill which will help people who spouses spent their lifes serving our country. My husband has never seen his grandchildren and that is a sad thing in its self.
CRT
July 24, 2009, 12:52am (report abuse)Joyce,
Could you explain how someone "Came down with Agent Orange"? Agent Orange isn't a disease, it was one of a group of herbicides sprayed in Vietnam.
MCS
July 27, 2009, 10:27am (report abuse)CRT,
Why are you asking Joyce this question? The bottom line her husband death was service connected. Therefore she was entitled DIC.
k2nca2d
July 31, 2009, 12:13pm (report abuse)My husband spent many years fighting the illiness that Agent Orange brought him. His fight ended in 1999. We were married for 29 years. Get this bill passed so that the widows who gave up carreers to help there husbands through the many problems did just that. I never had much of a chance to build up a retirement as my husband needed me. I didn't mind giving up my career, but given the fact that my husband has been gone for more then 10 years and that He could not take out mortgage insurance to pay the house off, those left behind are in need.1SIVD
Hopeful
August 8, 2009, 9:20am (report abuse)My husband died 15 years ago (age 46) from combat related injuries from service in Vietnam. Had to sell my home after that.
Hope and pray this bill passes.
Cin
August 13, 2009, 5:47pm (report abuse)my husband has had recurring tumors for the past 5 years,just received temporary status of 100% until December, lung removed plus ribs and six months of radiation what qualifies as permanent.. must it continue to come back.......for God sakes pass this bill on behalf of all who have suffered in war and at home
I Love Elvis
August 15, 2009, 4:25pm (report abuse)Oh I hope this passes. Husband committed suicide in 1992. Have been struggling for years. I, like the person named Hopeful, hope and pray that this bill passes.
Tim's wife
August 17, 2009, 10:22pm (report abuse)My husband passed away in 2003 from lung cancer caused by agent orange. He served 2 tours of duty in vietnam and after a year of trying to prove he was on land (he was in the navy), they finally gave me his DIC Benefit. No one told me about state annuities or property tax abatements that I was entitled to. Now they will not go back and pay me for the past 4 years- the $16,000 I did not know about would have helped save my house. I finally met a wonderful man, and we want to get married, but I am 54 and have to wait until I am 57. Part of this bill changes the age from 57 t0 55. Pray that it passes, as we both had heart attacks last year (that's how we met) and want to be married before anything happens to one of us. On disability and cannot afford to lose my DIC benefit.
Cin
August 18, 2009, 4:47pm (report abuse)bless all who have had to deal with this.
so sorry for your lose I love Elvis
Tim's wife hang in there God will bless you
I pray we all learn from each other and save the heartache that continues in all of our lives
Joni
August 19, 2009, 1:01pm (report abuse)My Husband Ben was a two Tour Vietnam Veteran. He passed away in 2006. Vietnam and Agent Orange destroyed both his mind and his body. I left my job to take care of him and had to watch the pain and confusion as he suffered. I had to fight for a year and a half to get my DIC. I went back to work at 66 and I'm still working a 50 hr. week. Maybe this bill will pass and I can finally take time to greive for this wonderful man.
flo
August 23, 2009, 8:09pm (report abuse)Think of all the past years these spouses have not received their 55% of deceased loved one's compensation as have other retired federal government employees. They can never make that up, as they have received in the neighborhood of 42% for many years. Pass this bill retroactive, please, and thank your stars, Congressman!
nanahogie
(logged in user) August 24, 2009, 7:09pm (report abuse)My husband is a 100% rated Vietnam Vet with severe PTSD. Our family has gone through hell right along with him. No one realizes what the family goes. You are all in my prayers.
Rebecca D
August 25, 2009, 8:43am (report abuse)My husband died of ALS. He was ill 3 years before he died. I had to continue working plus take full care of him. Our expenses were out of this world since VA did not recognize this illness untill 2007 as service related. Since his death I have been trying to catch up the expenses we paid out of pocket during his illness. Every surviving spouse needs to contact his or her Senators and Congressmen to support this bill. There has been no activity on the bill since May, 2009. We can write blogs however the law makers do not read these. Go to you law makers Web site and send them your stories. Make them aware of your hardships and encourage activity on this bill.
Martin
August 26, 2009, 9:50am (report abuse)I do agreed with Rebecca D that we shall all if already write to our Senators and Congressmen to get this Bill some attention so that it will pass.
do it right
September 9, 2009, 10:25pm (report abuse)As I watch to see if this bill will pass I find that more and more people are down and out. I am going to work part time to help make ends meet. What happened to the 55%of the spouses disability? Why has no one enen tried to work on getting this bill pass and made into law7Xo
Martin
September 10, 2009, 10:19am (report abuse)I believe that nothing happen with the spouses 55% of their money is due to the spouses, it's how are leaders in washington are not concern about this issue until this issue hit them in their faces. This is wrong and I cannot believe that nothing is being done about it, these are soilders whom put their lives on the line for our country, and in return the government is not acting on this matters, sometime their prioritize are not in place. I do belive that this bill will pass, but it will take some time, just do not give up. Right will come out!
Carol Ann
September 15, 2009, 7:22pm (report abuse)Oh how I hope this bill does pass. My husband who was 42 at the time committed suicide as a result from being in Viet Nam. As I am reading all these comments, I am wondering if I had more options that I could have benefited from. I only receive the $1154 per month. I know it is a blessing believe me, but we as widows need more. I think we are all trying to make ends meet. It's just becoming impossible. I now live in an apt and it costs me so much just for the electric bill, and it's only me that is living here. We desperately need this bill to pass. Any idea when they will be voting on this?? I have just about every web site for veterans that I keep checking, but can't find any information about DIC.
Martin
September 17, 2009, 10:03am (report abuse)Carol,
If I can suggest that you contact your congressman or senator on the status on this bill. Our leaders need to get this bill through congress before the end of this year.
Corky
(logged in user) September 27, 2009, 1:39am (report abuse)I am guessing that the suvivors are again going to be left behind. Wake up out there! DIC does not cover what people think it does. And then of course if your spouse paid preimums for SBP you are not receiving that either. I never Kknew you could pay for an annuity and then have it offset
Bernice
September 27, 2009, 2:50am (report abuse)I think that our senators and representatives need to introduce another bill that reduces wifes of deceased Federal workers income down to 43 percent too. If they don't pass the bill S.1118, it is just discrimination against Surviving Spouses, who have sacrified more than did most Federal workers spouses.
Martin
September 28, 2009, 6:42pm (report abuse)Bernice,
I agreed with your comments that if bill 2243 do not pass the house and senate; the house and senate should they reduce the federal workers benefit down to 43 percents, that only fair.
Bernice
September 30, 2009, 12:08am (report abuse)I want to thank all our Representatives and Senators who are supporting the Veterans Bills. I would also like to thank all of our Veterans. They deserve the very best, because of their Loyality to our Country. And please don't forget all the Surviving Spouses and the Sacrifice they too made. Thank You
Rebecca D
September 30, 2009, 3:04pm (report abuse)This bill and others are going to be discussed by a house subcommittee on October 8, 2009. This is the time to write or email your congressmen and urge them to support the bill. Ann Kirkpatrick who introduced a similiar bill is on that committee. You should contact her also. Most survivors don't even know about this bill coming up for review. Tell any you know!
Corky
(logged in user) October 1, 2009, 3:24am (report abuse)I certainly hope this bill becomes law. Too many people forget the person behind the soldier. I was one of those people. My husband came first. His health was very poor. I have been a widow for more then ten years. I could not make ends meet with the DIC rate. I gave up a career to care for my husband and family. This I don't mind, but I have very little Social Security built up in my own name. My husband was retired medically from the Army. He did sign up for SBP. I was just waved off and told to accept DIC if I could get it. I did get it but what about the money my husband had put away in the SBP with the Army? I don't get that. I get the SSIA which will run out in 2017. For this reason, I don't feel I can count on that money for any income. Once I do, it will be gone and I will have to figure out how to live without it. So Sen. and conrewssmen listen to the person behind the soldier.
Martin
October 1, 2009, 9:47am (report abuse)Rebecca,
Thanks for the information, I will contract my congressmen to re enforce this issue. I hope on 8 october goes well on this bill.
wendy white
October 4, 2009, 11:37pm (report abuse)my husband passed away aug 2009 from cll i also left my job to be with him and when i checked on dic they said it would take up to 6 months or so , i also saw other things on here that i may qualify for could anyone help me out
Corky
(logged in user) October 5, 2009, 12:32am (report abuse)I notified the CVSO office when my husband died. I also called a National Service Officer at the DAV. I received the DIC as soon as the next month. When I contacted the Army, they told me to check with the VA before fileing for SBP as I could only have one. They told me that the DIC would pay more. I have received it regularly since. However the County Veterans Service Office helped most just to get paper work going and to get the allotment for Funeral and the headstone. So Wendy if this helps you good.
Rebecca D
October 8, 2009, 11:34am (report abuse)The hearings on 2243 were this AM. There seems to be a lot of support for the bill. Everyone spoke favorably. My guess is that it will be marked up and go back to the floor soon. Don't forget to notify your representatives soon!
I Love Elvis
October 8, 2009, 1:11pm (report abuse)Just wanted to say thank you to Rebecca D for keeping us informed. This is the only site that I can find with up to date news about DIC payments. Hope it passes..Thanks again Rebecca. I appreciate it.
Kathyj
October 8, 2009, 6:51pm (report abuse)Wendy...
You seem to know alot about the legal proceeding on this bill...can you explain what happened today..where the bill goes next and when would the senate and house approve it ? Back to the floor...does this mean for a vote ? Thanks for your help!
Kathyj
October 8, 2009, 7:10pm (report abuse)oops..sorry...my previous post wad for Rebecca !!!! Thanks!
Martin
October 8, 2009, 7:45pm (report abuse)Thanks Rebecca, for keeping us posted. Please let us know any addtiional infomation come out soon on this bill. I did my part.
kathyj
October 8, 2009, 11:40pm (report abuse)Does anyone know if this bill is also including changing the age that you can get remarried without losing DIC from 57 to 55? Thanks !
Martin
October 9, 2009, 7:45am (report abuse)kathyj,
still in process.
Rebecca D
October 12, 2009, 7:48pm (report abuse)I really don't know the exact process of getting the bill to the floor for a vote however when I asked my representative, she told me that the veteran's committee would discuss the bill, consider the discussion presented at the hearing and decide if it will be moved on. They can decide on any amendments or changes that they think is necessary and then send it to the House for discussion and possibly a vote and then it would go to the Senate. The process can take a while. If they decide not to send it on then it is considered dead. Hope for the best.
Martin
October 13, 2009, 4:42pm (report abuse)Rebecca,
Thanks for the update; I called my representative today for update status on HR 2243, and all I received the bill went back to the house, and the house have to act upon this bill. Hopefully, they act soon.
Corky
(logged in user) October 14, 2009, 12:04am (report abuse)From what I have been able to read on the computer this bill is to be discussed at 10 A.M. Octurber 14, 2009. There is to be a full committee hearing update on the state of the VA.
I Love Elvis
October 14, 2009, 6:50am (report abuse)Thank you for the information Corky. I'll be watching.
Rebecca D
October 19, 2009, 9:57am (report abuse)2243 did not make the mark up list as of scheduled sessions up to Oct 22, 2009
Martin
October 19, 2009, 6:28pm (report abuse)Rebecca,
what does this mean? I believe you are saying the house is schedule to vote on this bill, the 22 Oct 09?
Rebecca D
October 19, 2009, 7:06pm (report abuse)No, the bill has to be scheduled for mark up before it goes back to the house floor. Mark up means that the committe members can change or amend the bill to make it ready to go back to the House. Several bills are listed for mark up but this one isn't. This means that it doesn't have the priority of the others and it may be marked up later or that it is tabled or dead. The schedule on the House of Representative Veteran's committe site doesn't show 2243 on its schedule at this time.
Martin
October 20, 2009, 9:23am (report abuse)Rebecca,
Thanks for the clarifying what you stated earlier.
Rebecca D
October 20, 2009, 4:57pm (report abuse)There is a hearing in the Senate Veteran's committee on S 1118 tomorrow at 9:30. This is a similiar bill introduced in the Senate by Blanch Lincoln that includes the DIC increase. It is at 9:30
Corky
(logged in user) October 20, 2009, 8:58pm (report abuse)The Senate bill has language in referring to remarriage. They would like to lower the age for remarriage from 57 to 55.
Martin
October 22, 2009, 7:30am (report abuse)Rebecca D,
Do you have any feedback info on what the result from the senate hearing on S.1118 yesterday? I saw a new article on this bill today from the New York Times, but no information.
Rebecca D
October 22, 2009, 12:23pm (report abuse)The first panel said they were not in favor of the increase. This was a physician with the veteran's administration. The others spoke favorably. Could go either way.
Martin
October 22, 2009, 2:28pm (report abuse)Rebecca D,
Thanks, I hope it will goes through.
Bernice
October 23, 2009, 12:14am (report abuse)I feel that Senators and Representatives would be open minded about this issue and not allow any one person's opinion influence their decision on how they will vote on this bill.
Martin
October 23, 2009, 7:11am (report abuse)Bernice,
I totally agreed with your comments, lets stay open minded.
vetswidow
October 23, 2009, 11:48am (report abuse)i cant see how anyone could vote against this bill...if they do, they may as well just go spit on the graves of our beloved vets. that about what it would amount to.
i have to wonder if our lawmakers who are so concerned about the housing crisis have stopped think how many foreclosures
ocurred while many surviving spouses played the VA waiting game.
Corky
(logged in user) October 23, 2009, 8:28pm (report abuse)Perhaps our legislators ae looking at the whole bill. This is not just a raise for DIC. It is also providing for the repeal of SBP/DIC offset. In other words, I don't get SBP even though my husband opted to take it. It is offset by the DIC I get. This has been in both bills to repeal the offset.
Marianne Stringer
October 28, 2009, 10:05am (report abuse)If you would like to see the law changed to remove the SBP/DIC Offset now in place, please contact either Gold STAR Wives of America, or SurvivingSpouses LegislativeIssues@yahoogroups.com, and join us in our fight.
We need all the help we can get and all we ask from you is to email or call your congressman and ask him/her, to support HR 775 and HR 2243 today. We can make a difference if we work together.
My husband died a very painful death in 2002 from agent orange. I know what many of you are going through. By helping us fight, you are helping not only yourself, but all the others that walk in your shoes.
MaJWODrianne Stringer
October 28, 2009, 3:57pm (report abuse)Please call you representative's office and ask to speak to the Military Legislative Assistant in the office. Urge him to ask your representative to co-sponsor HR 775 and HR 2243.
We have 300 representatives that have agreed to co-sponsor. We need all 400 to get on board and co-sponsor this bill. Your emails and phone calls could get us to that number. We are OK in the Senate. We need to put the pressure on the house members. Please take a stand and help us, help you.
SBP was intended for their survivors as an insurance policy or annuity. Those receiving DIC because their spouse died from either a war related injury, illness, or direct combat, should not have to give up their annuity. They are entitled to receive both. They are two different payments from two very different sources, for two very different reasons.
One is paid because he fought for his country, and one is paid because he died for his country. The surviving spouses have suffered and sacrificed enough.
Corky
(logged in user) October 28, 2009, 5:34pm (report abuse)I agree the spouses did earn these as two seperate things. However, no one in congress seems to agree. It seems that every time we get close to repealing the offset, it is the first thing to be taken out of the budget.
Bernice
October 29, 2009, 12:05am (report abuse)Why can't these bills be put in with another bill that has High priority? It's called an ombinus bill. It was done with the defense bill. I believe it was for hate crimes. Many of the congressmen were upset and said that it didn't belong in with that bill, which it didn't and yet it passed.
I Love Elvis
October 29, 2009, 9:58am (report abuse)Everyday I check and I see nothing new about this bill. It's getting really frustrating. I can't believe why this bill doesn't get top priority. I just don't know. Don't they realize when servicemen die for our country, it is the widows who are left with so many unpaid bills?? I just don't know anymore. I am so saddened by how anyone would be able to say no to this bill...
Marianne Stringer
October 29, 2009, 1:40pm (report abuse)Part of the problem in getting HR 775 and HR 2243 passed...along with many others, is the fact that people complain, but do nothing to help.
We are closer than ever to winning the repeal of this unjust offset, but we do need all 400 house members...or as close to that number as we can get, to co-sign. Remember, there is safety in numbers. If we have and overwhelming majority of co-sponsor's, then it is very difficult for them not to pass this bill. To date, we have never had as many co-sponsors as we have today.
The more we call...and I mean call, email, write letters, the better our chances are. They have only been hearing from the same people for most of this year. We need a mass bombardment of survivors, their families, friends, neighbors and even co-workers, to be heard.
It only takes a few minutes to email or call but it needs to be done now.
Just do it!
Martin
October 29, 2009, 2:49pm (report abuse)To: I love Elvis,
This bill is going to pass, I really believe so. I agreed with Marianne, we all need to write our letters to our congressmans, remmeber 400 house members is the key to win this vote!
Corky
(logged in user) October 31, 2009, 12:52am (report abuse)Marianne,
I believe you are right. However, I have been e-mailing my senators and representative. They are all on board with the bills.
But yes , to get back to writing to your representatives, everyone needs to do this. As the former Legislative officer in a DAV Auxiliary, I used to write the many letters the Chapter as well as Auxiliary had only to sign the letter and mail it in a self addresd envelop I provided.
I don't know if this would work, but it sure did when I was the Legislative officer. Many people just are not willing to write and a written letter is what they got. Also we found with the written letter, more people got a response back.
Marianne Stringer
October 31, 2009, 9:53am (report abuse)Corky,
You are absolutely right, the written/mailed letter is best, however...if we could just get people to sit and type a quick email, it will help.
Remember, we are asking our legislators to pass a bill that effects ALL of the surviving spouses, not just the ones in their home state. Therefore, you can write to all of them across the nation. Just send the email to their MLA and not directly to the legislator. In the letter, you will be asking the MLA to ask the representative to please co-sponsor HR 775 and HR 2243.
I have personally written to all 400 at least 10 times this year. I have had some wonderful responses, especially from the many who had never heard of an SBP/DIC Offset or what it meant to survivors.
Many of the MLA's have a military background and want to help. They have been instrumental in getting their bosses to co-sponsor.
Phone calls are a fast and easy way to voice your request. Whatever way you choose to go, please... just do it.
Corky
(logged in user) October 31, 2009, 4:59pm (report abuse)Marianne,
I am wondering if we could get all write at the same time. As the Legislative officer of the DAVA, I wrote the letter and then made enough copies for everyone to send. I do believe it made a difference, because we sort of bombarded them with the letters. It made them stop and take a look at what we were writting about. I believe it also changed some minds. When a bill is written about by so many at one time, it gives our Senators and Representative something to mull over.
Martin
November 1, 2009, 12:06pm (report abuse)Corky,
That sound great to me, let do it!
Someone please correct me if I have this wrong, I believe the increase is still a go. However, the SBP portion of the bill has been turn down so far, is this correct?
Bernice
November 3, 2009, 2:56am (report abuse)Don't potiticans realize that if the spouse wouldn't take care of the Veteran, unfortunately the veteran would end up as a resident at a VA center or at a Nursing home, which would cost a hell of alot more than the $300 increase would per month. Wake up lawmakers!
Marianne Stringer
November 5, 2009, 8:54am (report abuse)I would be interested in hearing from anyone that has lost their full SBP when they began receiving DIC.
Please email me at:
MedicaidAdvocate@aol.com
I may be able to use your stories in Washington. We have been fighting to get this offset repealed for over 7 years and we are closer this year than ever.
We can use your help. If it does not affect you personally, maybe you know someone it does.
Please let me hear from you.
Cindy Benefield
November 13, 2009, 5:16am (report abuse)I too am a widow of a Army soldier. He died in 2001.We had been married for over 19 yrs. I don't agree with the age 57 limit on continuing to collect the DIC. from VA. I am 45 years old. I feel like the government keeps us women from moving on with our lives. When we can find someone that we want to marry, they punish us by taking away the money that we have been receiving and paying our monthly bills with. Not only do we have to make up the difference in the money, we lose our medical care. How is this fair to a woman (or man) that has been married to a soldier, traveled around the world away from their family for almost 20 years, lose that spouse and finally receive something for all they have been through. When they find happiness again, it all gets taken away. The security that they have had for years. It's just not fair to make us choose either to not remarry and be unhappy and alone, or to live immorally and still get the money. What do we do?
MARTIN
November 13, 2009, 10:24am (report abuse)CINDY-I DO AGREED, IT SEEM LIKE THE GOVERNMENT DO RUNS OUR LIVES. IT IS NOT FAIR. I HOPE THAT CONGRESS PASS THIS BILL.
rebecca p
November 16, 2009, 3:40pm (report abuse)I am the spouse of a retired army soldier, and i will not be able to make it if he dies and they take away the survivor benefits, we should get both, we have paid for the survivors benefits, the other is dic, which is for a disability the the army gave my husband. and the compensation he should recieve. thank you. becky p
Margaret Annt
November 17, 2009, 10:36pm (report abuse)I pray that this bill will pass for all survivors as well as myself.
BB
November 18, 2009, 8:47pm (report abuse)Can anyone tell me when this bill will go back to the floor from committee? Is it on any schedule for any type of action? Or is it going to die for this year?
Martin
November 19, 2009, 7:33am (report abuse)BB,
I been asking the same question myself. I believe the bill is not dead. I aasume that it will go back to the floor early next year.
Corky
(logged in user) November 20, 2009, 1:39pm (report abuse)I can't tell you when this bill will go back to the floor. However, I can tell you that a study done by the GAO was completed on Nov, 13 2009. I was a study on the amount of DIC paid and what percentage was paid. Most people fell into the category of 35 to 55% paid to them.
Bernice
November 21, 2009, 7:17am (report abuse)I had read somewhere on the internet that we are getting 40.8% of what our spouses got. That would be a slap on the face, compared to the 55% that spouses of federal workers get. Let's not forget that. Maybe spouses need to start speaking up and make the government take more responsability for a disabled veteran's physical care too. We did more than our part. Now we need their support.
The Corky
November 22, 2009, 12:46am (report abuse)And I read somewhere on the internet that none of you deserve anything. You already get more than you deserve. Scammers and con-artists, all of you.
Karoline Harman
November 22, 2009, 6:01pm (report abuse)My husband made 7 crossing of the Atlantic during World War 11. He developed tuberculosis caring for our heroic wounded and spent the rest of his life with two lungs that no longer functioned normally. He died of lung cancer which was directly related to the extensive damage done to his lungs from the tuberculosis. Most of the Gold Star Widows receive $1154 a month. How many of our congressman would like to live on that pittance. We can give millions to other countries to build schools, etc. but we let our War Widows and Widowers live in poverty. Where is the justice in that?