Press Releases

In case you missed it, last week the House passed H.R. 6047, the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act, landmark legislation led by Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Mich.) to provide the first significant increase in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for veterans’ survivors, Gold Star families, and service-connected, catastrophically disabled veterans in decades. To find more information about the bill and what stakeholders are saying about these historic benefits increases, click here and read below.

Elizabeth Dole Foundation: “The Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act is a landmark measure to support America’s most vulnerable veterans and their hidden heroes – the caregivers who stand by them every day. Too many veteran families face a devastating financial cliff when their loved one passes away, and too many catastrophically injured veterans and their families shoulder impossible costs without adequate support. This legislation recognizes their sacrifice and offers a long overdue first step to providing the relief, stability, and dignity they have long deserved,” said Steve Schwab, Chief Executive Officer.

Paralyzed Veterans of America: “No one appreciates the full scope of benefits provided by the VA more than our nation’s paralyzed veterans. Living with significant disabilities is not just difficult, it’s costly, and there are a wide range of additional expenses that can significantly impact a person's financial well-being. PVA supports this effort to increase the amounts of Special Monthly Compensation for veterans with service-connected catastrophic disabilities and raise Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for survivors. We thank Rep. Barrett for introducing this bill and appreciate his efforts to address the needs of veterans with significant disabilities and their families.”

Gold Star Spouses of America: “Gold Star Spouses of America proudly supports the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act. For too long, the families of America’s fallen heroes and catastrophically injured veterans have been left behind without meaningful increases in benefits. We are especially proud that Sharri Briley, a dedicated member of our organization, has lent her name and her voice to this effort. By expanding support for surviving spouses, caregivers, and severely disabled veterans, Congress has the opportunity to deliver long-overdue relief to more than 700,000 families who have given everything in service to this nation. We urge swift passage of this historic legislation to ensure that no survivor or family ever has to wonder if their sacrifice has been forgotten," said Tamra Sipes, National President.

Wounded Warrior Project: “Wounded Warrior Project commends Congress for recognizing the needs of our most severely wounded veterans and the survivors of those who died from service-connected injuries. The Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act would strengthen support for veterans, caregivers, and surviving family members whose lives have been profoundly impacted by military service. By increasing Special Monthly Compensation and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, this legislation would provide meaningful financial support to those who have sacrificed the most. We urge Congress to swiftly advance this critical measure to help ensure families receive the long-term care, stability, and support they deserve.”

The American Legion: “On behalf of 1.5 million members nationwide, The American Legion supports H.R. 4067, Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act. This legislation works to uplift our most vulnerable veterans and provide an overdue increase in Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for survivors - aptly in time for Memorial Day. We look forward to continuing our advocacy on behalf of veterans and their families,” said Mario A. Marquez, Executive Director of Government Affairs.

Veterans of Foreign Wars: “The VFW has long called for increases to survivor’s benefits and improved benefits for veterans who live with severe disabilities, and now that House leadership has addressed VFW’s concerns on how to pay for this overdue increase, we believe that HR 6047 is a strong step in improving critical benefit programs that serve people like Sgt. Eric Edmunson and Sharri Briley who have sacrificed immensely for our country,” said Ryan Gallucci, Executive Director.

AMVETS: “AMVETS is pleased to support the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act. For several years, AMVETS has made the expansion of survivor benefits a top legislative priority. This bill represents meaningful progress, and we look forward to working with Congress to ensure that the families of our fallen heroes, our most severely disabled veterans, and their caregivers receive the benefits they have earned through sacrifice and service," said Joe Chenelly, National Executive Director.

H.R. 6047 is supported by the following additional veteran service organizations and stakeholders: Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Elizabeth Dole Foundation (EDF), Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), AMVETs, Gold Star Spouses of America, Gold Star Wives of America, Fleet Reserve Association, Marine Corps League, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Armed Forces Retiree Association, Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A., Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), Commissioned Officers Association of the U.S.P.H.S., Blinded Veterans Association, Quality of Life Foundation, and Independence Fund.