U.S. Rep. Van Taylor (TX-03) and 11 bipartisan cosponsors introduced legislation to create a federal hiring preference for the children of fallen service members.
H.R. 3938, the Gold Star Children Act will extend the federal hiring preference currently available to Gold Star Spouses and Gold Star Parents to the children of fallen or permanently and totally disabled service members.
Taylor (R-TX-03), author of the legislation, stated, “Serving in our nation’s military is a family commitment—an unescapable truth made soberly apparent when a family member dies protecting our freedom.” He continued, “As a nation, we can never repay the debt owed to the families of our fallen military personnel; however, we can help ensure they can care and provide for their family. By expanding the federal hiring preference to Gold Star children, we can alleviate some stress and support those left to bear the sorrow of that ultimate sacrifice.”
Original cosponsors of Taylor’s legislation include U.S. Reps. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND-AL), Don Bacon (R-NE-03), Jim Baird (R-IN-04), Gil Cisneros (D-CA-39), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Elaine Luria (D-VA-02), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-23), Greg Steube (R-FL-17), and Michael Waltz (R-FL-06).
“Congress should honor the legacy of our fallen service members by putting Gold Star children in the best position to succeed,” Congresswoman Elaine Luria (D-VA-02) said. “The Gold Star Children Act creates opportunities by establishing a federal hiring preference to survivors of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I’m proud to work in a bipartisan way to recognize the bravery of fallen service members and their families.”
“When our brave young people join our military, they’re making a commitment on behalf of their entire family,” Congressman Michael Waltz (R-FL-06) said. “Sadly, this commitment can mean the ultimate sacrifice for some military families. It is up to us to fight for Gold Star children, just as their loved ones fought for us.”
Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20) said, “Gold Star families deserve the support and gratitude of our nation. The Gold Star Children Act provides the children of fallen service members greater potential for employment in civil service by expanding the federal hiring preference. Our bipartisan bill bolsters our commitment to military families who have sacrificed so much for our country.”
Congressman Greg Steube (R-FL-17) said, “Our commitment to our service members must also extend to their families who have sacrificed so much. I’m proud to support this bill that ensures we are caring for our Gold Star families for generations to come.”
“As a Navy veteran and member of a military family, I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting this bipartisan effort to expand the preference of employment in the federal government to Gold Star children,” said Congressman Gilbert R. Cisneros Jr. (D-CA-39). “Gold Star Families deserve our steadfast support and deepest gratitude, and Congress should come together to honor and also recognize their family’s sacrifice.
“We owe much to those who gave their lives or who have suffered a permanent disability defending this country. One of the best ways to thank them is by supporting their children. This legislation does just that by expanding federal hiring opportunities for Gold Star Children, providing them with some sense of stability and hope for the future as they work through the loss of a loved one or adjust to lifestyle changes,” said Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE-02).
“Our Gold Star Families deserve all of the support and honor that we can give,” said Congressman Baird (R-IN-04). “We will never be able to fully repay their sacrifice, but we can do everything in our power to support those who carry on their legacy. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues as we work toward creating greater opportunities for the children of our nation’s heroes.”
“We are indebted to our Gold Star families for the incredible sacrifices they have made for our country,’ said Congressman Dan Crenshaw (R-TX-02). “By extending the hiring preference to Gold Star children, we’re ensuring these families will not be left behind and are able provide for their family, even when facing horrific circumstances.”
The Gold Star Children Act will extend the federal hiring preference to the children of fallen or permanently and totally disabled service members. Today, candidates for federal employment are graded on a 100-point scale. Under the Gold Star Children Act, eligible Gold Star children would receive a 10-point hiring preference.
H.R. 3938 has broad bipartisan support and has been endorsed by the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., Gold Star Kids, Gold Star Children, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, AMVETS, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
The text of H.R. 3938, the Gold Star Children Act can be found here and a legislative summary can be found here.
