H.R.2631 - Protecting Gold Star Spouses Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2631, the Protecting Gold Star Spouses Act of 2025, aims to provide interim appropriations for the Coast Guard Retired Serviceman's Family Protection and Survivor Benefits Plans for each fiscal year after 2024. The bill ensures that these benefits continue to be paid even if a full-year appropriations bill has not yet been enacted. It authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds from the Treasury to cover these benefits.
The bill specifies that if a subsequent appropriations bill is enacted, the funds provided by this act will be charged to that later appropriation. This prevents double-funding of the same benefits.
The bill is introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Green of Tennessee and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill is to provide financial security and stability for Gold Star spouses and families of retired Coast Guard personnel. It ensures that their survivor benefits are not interrupted due to delays in the regular appropriations process.
This bill will allow for continued payment of benefits, providing peace of mind to beneficiaries. It also streamlines the process by providing interim funding until a full appropriations bill is passed.
This action will likely result in a more reliable system for delivering benefits to Gold Star spouses, reducing uncertainty and potential financial hardship.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures uninterrupted benefits for Gold Star spouses and families of retired Coast Guard personnel.
- Provides financial stability during periods when full-year appropriations are delayed.
- Streamlines the process of providing benefits by authorizing interim funding.
- Reduces uncertainty and potential financial hardship for beneficiaries.
- Demonstrates support for military families and honors the service of Coast Guard personnel.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased government spending if not managed carefully.
- Could create a reliance on interim appropriations rather than timely passage of full-year appropriations bills.
- May require additional administrative oversight to ensure proper allocation of funds.
- Could be perceived as a temporary solution rather than a long-term fix to appropriations challenges.
- Limited scope, focusing solely on Coast Guard benefits and not addressing broader issues in other branches.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the US Constitution, as it aims to provide for the well-being of Gold Star spouses and families of retired Coast Guard personnel. The appropriations are subject to congressional authorization, as outlined in Article I, Section 9, Clause 7, which states that "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law".
The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. It falls within the powers granted to Congress to provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.
Furthermore, the bill adheres to the principle of legislative authority, as it is being considered and debated by the House of Representatives.
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).