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Pentagon to Propose Bigger Military Death Benefits
Feb 1, 1:49 AM (ET)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Under pressure from lawmakers for better treatment for U.S forces serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Pentagon plans to increase survivor benefits for families of service members killed in war, a Pentagon official said on Monday.
The proposed increase would effectively double to $500,000 the amount that survivors receive in government payments and life insurance benefits, The Washington Post reported.
Defense officials will ask that the higher payments be retroactive to October 2001, when the war in Afghanistan started. About 1,500 U.S. forces have died in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"There is a recognition that some of the benefit programs have not kept apace with the times," said Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman.
Pentagon officials would be discussing their proposal in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, Whitman said.
Citing unnamed officials, The Washington Post reported the proposal to boost benefits will be sent to Congress formally next week as part of President Bush's 2006 budget request.
Both Republicans and Democrats have introduced legislation to raise military death payments. The proposed legislation is part of a broader effort in Congress to improve conditions for members of the armed forces, their families and veterans, The Washington Post said.