Van Drew, Singleton Resolution Urging Congress to Enact the ‘Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act’ Advances

TRENTON – A resolution sponsored by Senator Jeff Van Drew and Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chair Troy Singleton that urges Congress to enact the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act cleared the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee today.

The resolution, SR-82, urges Congress to enact the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act, which is a bill in Congress designed to protect the retirement compensation that military spouses receive when the retiree dies.  This compensation is called the Survivor Benefit Plan, which is annuity purchased insurance. Military spouses have found that this compensation is being cut, putting military spouses and families at risk.

“We ask our military families to sacrifice so much for our country, we have to make sure we properly reward them for their sacrifices,” said Senator Van Drew (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland).  “Congress needs to act on this bill in order to protect the benefits that military spouses and families receive after the retiree dies.”

“For many families, this retirement benefit may be their main source of revenue,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington).  “It is imperative for Congress to take action on this bill in order to protect the compensation that so many military families depend on. Our gratitude to our veterans and their spouses – who both made significant sacrifices for our nation – should not end when our veterans pass away.”

The resolution was released from committee by a vote of 4-0, and next heads to the full Senate for further consideration.