WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) re-introduced a bill extending the authorization funding deadline for a monument dedicated to Gold Star families, which expired in January 2020 and is now on hold. Under the Gold Star Mothers Families Monument Extension Act, funding for the construction of the monument would continue through January 2027. The monument would honor the families that have lost a loved one in service to our nation.
"The Gold Star tradition reminds our nation of the ultimate sacrifices made by service members and their families," said Senator Booker. "While we can never truly repay the enormous debt we owe Gold Star families, they deserve to be recognized for their sacrifices. This bill will provide the flexibility needed to honor these families appropriately."
“We have a duty to not only honor the service members who've given their lives defending our freedoms, but also recognize the enormous sacrifices made by the Gold Star families who served alongside them," said Senator Menendez. "I'm proud to work alongside Senator Booker to provide the time and flexibility necessary to ensure the Gold Star Families National Monument will stand as a tribute to their contributions to our country and a symbol of our immense gratitude."
In addition to introducing the Gold Star Families Monument Extension Act, this week Senator Booker also introduced the DOULA Act. This legislation would establish a pilot program to encourage the use of doulas in the Veterans Health Administration to support pregnant veterans and improve maternal health outcomes. He also introduced the GI Bill NEED Act as well as the VR&E NEED Act with Representative Mikie Sherrill, which would protect veterans' educational and vocational rehabilitation benefits under the GI bill during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Full text of the Gold Star Mothers Families Monument Extension Act can be viewed here.
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