Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

S.1204 - Gold Star and Surviving Spouse Career Services Act (119th Congress)

Summary

S.1204, the "Gold Star and Surviving Spouse Career Services Act," aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code. The amendment expands eligibility for services under the Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) to include certain spouses of deceased service members and spouses described in section 4101(5) of Title 38. This bill intends to provide career services and support to these eligible spouses.

Expected Effects

The primary effect of this bill would be to broaden the scope of the DVOP to include Gold Star and surviving spouses. This expansion would allow these individuals to access career counseling, job training, and other related services. Ultimately, this could lead to improved employment outcomes and financial stability for the affected spouses.

Potential Benefits

  • Provides career services to Gold Star and surviving spouses, aiding in their employment prospects.
  • Expands the scope of existing programs to support a vulnerable population.
  • May improve the financial stability and well-being of eligible spouses.
  • Demonstrates support for families of deceased service members.
  • Could lead to a more skilled workforce by assisting spouses in career development.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential increased costs to administer the expanded program.
  • May require additional resources and staffing for the DVOP.
  • Possible strain on existing services due to increased demand.
  • Could create administrative complexities in determining eligibility.
  • Limited impact if the program is not effectively implemented or utilized.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to support the well-being of surviving spouses of service members. Specifically, it falls under Congress's power to provide for the common defense and promote the general welfare (Preamble). There are no apparent conflicts with specific constitutional provisions or amendments.

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).