H.R.1004 - Love Lives On Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1004, the Love Lives On Act of 2025, aims to amend titles 10 and 38 of the United States Code to improve benefits and services for surviving spouses of veterans and members of the armed forces. The bill focuses on modifying eligibility criteria for veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) and survivor benefit plans (SBP) for surviving spouses who remarry. It also expands the definition of 'dependent' under the TRICARE program to include remarried widows or widowers whose subsequent marriages have ended.
Expected Effects
The act will allow surviving spouses who remarry to continue receiving certain benefits, specifically veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation and survivor benefit plan annuities. It will also grant TRICARE benefits to remarried widows/widowers whose subsequent marriages ended. This aims to provide greater financial security and healthcare access for surviving spouses.
Potential Benefits
- Continued access to benefits for surviving spouses who remarry, providing financial stability.
- Expanded healthcare coverage under TRICARE for remarried widows/widowers whose subsequent marriages have ended.
- Retroactive payments for some surviving spouses who remarried before age 55.
- Simplification of benefit eligibility requirements.
- Increased support for families of deceased veterans and service members.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increased costs to the government due to expanded benefits eligibility.
- Possible administrative complexities in implementing the changes.
- Could incentivize remarriage for financial reasons, potentially altering family structures.
- May create disparities between surviving spouses who remarry and those who do not, if not carefully implemented.
- The bill does not address other potential needs of surviving families beyond financial and healthcare benefits.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Specifically, it promotes the general welfare by providing benefits to surviving spouses of veterans and service members. The bill falls under Congress's power to provide for the common defense and to make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces (Article I, Section 8).
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).