Senator Hassan Cosponsors Bipartisan Resolution to Create Fellowship Program for Gold Star Family Members

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan cosponsored a bipartisan resolution to establish a 12-month fellowship program in the Senate for Gold Star children, spouses, and siblings. The fellowship program aims to bring the unique perspective of Gold Star family members to Senate offices. The bipartisan resolution was introduced by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Gary Peters (D-MI).

“The loved ones of fallen service members understand better than anyone the importance of supporting veterans, service members, and their families,” Senator Hassan said. “I am proud to join this bipartisan resolution that will create more opportunities for Gold Star families to provide important feedback on policies that will impact military families in New Hampshire and across the country.”  

This bipartisan resolution builds on Senator Hassan’s efforts to support Gold Star families and honor their loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. Last year, Senator Hassan successfully worked with a bipartisan group of her colleagues to reverse tax increases from the 2017 Republican tax law that hurt Gold Star families. Senator Hassan also successfully worked with a bipartisan group of her colleagues to put an end to the so-called “Widow’s Tax” that prevented as many as 65,000 surviving military spouses nationwide from receiving their full Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs survivor benefits. The Senate also recently passed bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Senator Hassan to improve the Department of Veterans Affairs’ caregiver program following reports that caregivers and veterans were arbitrarily discharged or downgraded from the program. Furthermore, Senator Hassan introduced a bipartisan bill on the 19th anniversary of 9/11 with Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) that would authorize the construction of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall.

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