Res. No. 835
Resolution calling upon the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate to enact legislation increasing the amount of the “military death gratuity” from approximately $12,000 to $100,000, and urging the President of the United States to sign such legislation into law.
By Council Members Oddo, Gallagher, Lanza, Brewer, Clarke, Comrie, Felder, Gennaro, Gentile, Gerson, James, Jennings, Katz, McMahon, Nelson, Recchia Jr., Sanders Jr., Sears, Stewart, Moskowitz and Dilan
Whereas, According to the Federal Employees News Digest of February 1, 2005, the “military death gratuity” is money provided within 72 hours to families of service members who are killed while on active duty; and
Whereas, The current military death gratuity is approximately $12,000, a sum that is woefully inadequate for families of our fallen soldiers; and
Whereas, During the 109th Congressional session, several bills have been introduced in the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate that would significantly raise the military death gratuity; and
Whereas, These proposals enjoy broad bipartisan support and, if passed, would increase the amount of the military death gratuity from approximately $12,000 to $100,000; and
Whereas, As part of the worldwide war against terrorism, American soldiers are bravely serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as other locations; and
Whereas, Many American soldiers have heroically lost their lives in service of their country; and
Whereas, The families of our fallen soldiers should not become destitute during their time of intense grief and loss, and increasing the military death gratuity will alleviate the economic burden that such families encounter; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate to enact legislation increasing the amount of the military death gratuity from approximately $12,000 to $100,000, and urging the President of the United States to sign such legislation into law.
PS
LS# 2372
2/09/05