Kaptur introduces bill to expand benefits for Gold Star survivors, Neguse proposals include firefighter training for veterans

In a move to bolster support for veterans and their families, two significant bills have been introduced by members of Congress.

Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, has reintroduced the Gold Star Spouse Healthcare Enhancement Act (H.R. 3594). The bill aims to extend the TRICARE Prime active-duty health coverage for surviving spouses of fallen service members. Currently, surviving spouses can retain this coverage for three years before shifting to retired family member status. Kaptur stated that military service requires men and women to risk their lives, and caring for their surviving spouses is a part of the commitment to them.

Meanwhile, Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Colo., has unveiled two new bills: the Veteran Wildland Firefighter Employment Act (H.R.3560) and the Veterans Jobs Training Act (H.R. 3558). The Veteran Wildland Firefighter Employment Act directs the Veterans Affairs Department to establish a pilot program for employing veterans in wildland firefighting. It will coordinate with the Agriculture Department. On the other hand, the Veterans Jobs Training Act aims to add $15 million in federal funding to the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, with the goal of better assisting unhoused veterans.

It is important to note that the Gold Star Spouse Healthcare Enhancement Act, the Veteran Wildland Firefighter Employment Act, and the Veterans Jobs Training Act are separate bills. They address different aspects of veteran and family support.

The Gold Star Spouse Healthcare Enhancement Act seeks to remove the three-year cap for surviving spouses in TRICARE Prime active-duty health coverage. This could provide much-needed relief to families who have lost a loved one in service. However, the bill was initially not passed out of committee in a short election year legislative window.

The retired family member status in TRICARE Prime carries enrollment fees of up to $372 or $450 per individual and $744 or $900.96 per family in 2025. Beneficiaries can enroll in other TRICARE plans, such as TRICARE Select, but that plan carries deductibles and potentially higher enrollment costs.

Both the Veteran Wildland Firefighter Employment Act and the Veterans Jobs Training Act have been referred to the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. The future of these bills will depend on the committee's review and the broader political landscape.

The Gold Star Spouse Healthcare Enhancement Act, first unveiled in October 2024 by Kaptur and Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., is a testament to the bipartisan support for addressing the needs of Gold Star families. As these bills progress, we hope to see similar cooperation in support of our veterans and their families.

Kaptur introduces bill to expand benefits for Gold Star survivors, Neguse proposals include firefighter training for veterans