Rep. Richard Hudson Leads Bipartisan Bill to Support Surviving Spouses of Fallen Servicemembers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Richard Hudson (R-NC) led Representatives Joe Neguse (D-CO), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), Morgan Luttrell (R-RX), Ro Khanna (D-CA), and Kelly Morrison (D-MN) in reintroducing the Love Lives On Act to ensure military spouses of fallen servicemembers maintain access to survivor benefits if they remarry, regardless of age. This bipartisan legislation is being led in the Senate by Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA).

“It takes great courage for surviving spouses of fallen servicemembers to pick up the pieces and move forward in the face of unimaginable loss," said Representative Hudson."We must ensure they do not have to worry about losing benefits that are actively supporting their family."

"TAPS is grateful to Senators Moran, Warnock and our 24 Senate original cosponsors as well as Representatives Hudson, Morrison, Van Orden, Neguse, Luttrell and Khanna for their leadership in reintroducing comprehensive remarriage legislation, the Love Lives On Act of 2025," said Bonnie Carroll, President and Founder, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). "Their leadership in the last Congress led to the passage of many of the provisions of the Love Lives On Act of 2023 and we look forward to passing the remaining provisions of this important legislation to ensure surviving military spouses retain their benefits upon remarriage at any age. Surviving spouses should not have to choose between finding love again and financial security."

Background

Under current law, surviving spouses of federal personnel, both civilian and military, are at risk of losing survivor benefits if they remarry under the age of 55.

The bipartisan, bicameral Love Lives On Act would allow surviving military spouses to retain benefits upon remarriage no matter their age. The bill's protections would extend to surviving spouses of active-duty, veteran, and retired military personnel.

While the Love Lives On Act does not eliminate the remarriage penalty for surviving spouses of civilian federal personnel, it establishes a precedent and road map for the entire federal workforce to do so in the future.

Key Provisions in the Love Lives On Act

• Allows surviving spouses of military personnel to retain the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) if they remarry. SBP provides up to 55% of a servicemember's retirement pay to an eligible beneficiary after the servicemember dies. The DIC is a tax-free monthly benefit to survivors. 
• Surviving military spouses would also be able to regain TRICARE benefits if their new marriage ends in death, divorce, or annulment.

Read the Love Lives On Act HERE.

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