Rep. Barrett, Chairman Bost, House Republicans Introduce Legacy Survivor and Catastrophically Disabled Veterans Benefits Expansion Bill

Rep. Barrett, Chairman Bost, House Republicans Introduce Legacy Survivor and Catastrophically Disabled Veterans Benefits Expansion Bill

Today, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.), Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Mich.), House Committee on Financial Services Chairman French Hill (R-Ark.), Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), and Subcommittee on Disability Assistance & Memorial Affairs Chairman Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas), released the following statements after they introduced H.R. 6047, the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act, landmark legislation that would increase the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) monthly compensation benefit for service-connected, catastrophically disabled veterans and the surviving family of 100% disabled or deceased veterans. This tax-free benefit, meant to financially support the loved ones for the loss of their disabled veteran, has not been increased in decades.

H.R. 6047 is named after Sharri Briley, the surviving spouse of CWO3 Donovan Lee 'Bull' Briley, an Army Special Operations Blackhawk helicopter pilot who tragically lost his life in Mogadishu, Somalia during Operation Gothic Serpent (commonly known as the Black Hawk Down incident) in 1993. The bill is also named after Army veteran Sergeant Eric Edmundson, Eric's Humvee was hit by an IED on October 2, 2005, in Iraq. Eric sustained lifechanging injuries - including an anoxic brain injury - which changed the course of his life by ending his ability to speak or walk. Despite these challenges, Eric continues to lead a full life through enhanced medical technology and therapy. To read more about Sharri's story, click here. To read more about Eric's story of service and his life today, click here.

H.R. 6047, the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act, would increase VA's Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefit to:

• DIC currently provides only $1,650 per month. For the next five years, this bill would increase DIC by an additional 1% each year on top of inflation, helping over 500,000 families with their living expenses.
  
• The bill would also significantly raise the monthly benefits rate for catastrophically service-connected disabled veterans with a traumatic brain injury or other severe disabilities that require regular, round the clock, in-home medical care, offering an additional $10,000 annually. The first significant increase for this cohort of veterans in decades. To learn more about the bill, click here. Bill text can be found here.

"Veteran families like the Briley's and the Edmundson's - and the thousands more like them - who have given so much in exchange for their service in uniform have not seen a meaningful increase to their benefits in over 20 years. It's time we changed that to grant this deserving group of American heroes the affordability they need to comfortably live their lives," said Chairman Bost. "The Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act, led by my friend, Rep. Barrett, would provide a needed increase in the benefits disabled veterans, veterans' survivors, and their families rely on to cover therapy costs, pay the bills, and make ends meet. This bill would answer the call to try and repay the debt we owe in exchange for the sacrifices thousands of military families have made. I look forward to moving this bill through the House swiftly on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of members of our veteran community who would benefit from it."

"We can never repay the debt we owe to the men and women who sacrificed life and limb to defend our country, but that should never stop us from trying. This bill is about following through on our promises and making one of the most significant increases to benefits in more than two decades," said Rep. Barrett. "Our disabled veterans and Gold Star families have already given more for our country than anyone should ever have to. We have an obligation to take care of them and to make sure survivors like Sharri Briley and veterans like Sgt. Eric Edmundson never again have to worry about their country showing up when they need it most."

"I am proud to join this effort on behalf of families who have endured hardships in service to our nation that most of us will never know," said House Committee on Financial Services Chairman French Hill. "Donovan 'Bull' Briley's name is well known in Arkansas, and the decision to name this bill, in part, for his wife, Sharri, is a fitting and heartfelt tribute to his memory and to her tireless advocacy on behalf of surviving spouses. Families like the Brileys and the Edmundsons show remarkable strength in the face of loss and catastrophic injury, and they deserve meaningful support. This bill takes an important step toward meeting that obligation."

"This bill delivers long-overdue, commonsense increases for catastrophically injured heroes, surviving spouses, and families who have gone decades without meaningful updates," said Rep. Hudson. "Military and veteran families have sacrificed more than most Americans will ever know, and they should never have to worry about receiving the support they deserve. I'm proud to support this measure and help deliver real stability, real support, and the benefits our veterans and their loved ones have earned."

"For over two decades, far too many veteran families have been left behind to face economic peril due to a lack of an increase in VA benefits. It's our duty to support these heroes and their loved ones and ensure they receive the assistance they've rightfully earned," said Subcommittee on Disability Assistance & Memorial Affairs Chairman Luttrell. "As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, I am thankful for Rep. Tom Barrett's efforts standing up for our veterans and their families with this important legislation."

H.R. 6047 is named after and supported by two proud Americans - Sharri Briley, the surviving spouse of Army veteran CW3 Donovan 'Bull' Briley - and catastrophically disabled Army veteran, Sergeant Eric Edmundson.

"This bill is more than legislation to me; it is a promise kept," said Sharri Briley, surviving spouse of CW3 Donovan 'Bull' Briley. "For thirty-two years, I have lived with the loss of my husband, Donovan, and I have seen firsthand how surviving families continue to bear the cost of war. The Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act honors that sacrifice by providing real, tangible support to survivors and catastrophically disabled veterans. It shows that our nation hears us, sees us, values us, and will stand by us just as our loved ones stood for their country."

"This Act is recognition of the veterans and families who wake up each morning adjusting to the long-term consequences of service," said Edgar Edmundson, father of Sgt (Ret) Eric Edmundson. "The increase in benefits provided by the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act are not optional - they are essential. Our veterans' needs evolve as they age, and our support must evolve with them. This legislation ensures that injured veterans and surviving families are not left struggling to meet changing realities alone."

H.R. 6047, the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act, is supported by the following veteran service organizations (VSOs) and stakeholders: The American Legion, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), AMVETS, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Gold Star Spouses of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart USA, Independence Fund, National Military Family Association (NMFA), Gold Star Wives, National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO), Quality of Life Foundation, and Veterans MS Alliance.

The American Legion

"The American Legion supports the proposed Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act. If passed, the bill would see Dependency and Indemnity Compensation and Special Monthly Compensation increase for the first time in decades. This would help veteran families and caregivers maintain financial stability and peace of mind during the veteran's life and beyond. Although The Legion supports the overall package, we are concerned the proposed offset could bring unintended consequences. The reality is that increasing funding fees for VA home loans has been the only mechanism to pay for new or increased veteran-related programs in past years. But expanding the population of veterans required to pay funding fees on subsequent VA Home Loans sets a new precedent. The American Legion is committed to working with Congress to improve the bill as it moves through the legislative process. We have long advocated for increases to DIC & SMC pay and don't want to see this opportunity wasted." - Mario A. Marquez, Executive Director of Government Affairs, The American Legion.

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP)

"Wounded Warrior Project commends Congress for recognizing the needs of our most severely wounded veterans and the survivors of those who died from service-connected injuries. We support provisions of the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act, specifically its proposals to increase Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) by $10,000 per year and to increase Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) by 0.5% annually (plus COLA) which are important and much-needed steps. These changes would provide meaningful financial support to those who have sacrificed the most. We are committed to working with Congress to ensure that veterans' interests are protected and strongly considered as the provisions to fund these improvements are finalized."

Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)

"No one appreciates the full scope of benefits provided by the VA more than our nation's paralyzed veterans. Living with significant disabilities is not just difficult, it's costly, and there are a wide range of additional expenses that can significantly impact a person's financial well-being. PVA supports this effort to increase the amounts of Special Monthly Compensation for veterans with service-connected catastrophic disabilities and raise Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for survivors. We thank Rep. Barrett for introducing this bill and appreciate his efforts to address the needs of veterans with significant disabilities and their families."

Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)

"For more than 30 years, surviving spouses and severely disabled veterans have been left behind by outdated benefit structures. The Vietnam Veterans of America stands firmly behind this legislation, which honors the legacy of sacrifice by ensuring survivors, dependents, and catastrophically injured veterans finally see the benefits expansion they deserve." - Thomas Burke, National President, Vietnam Veterans of America.

AMVETS

"AMVETS is pleased to support the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act. For several years, AMVETS has made the expansion of survivor benefits a top legislative priority. This bill represents meaningful progress, and we look forward to working with Congress to ensure that the families of our fallen heroes, our most severely disabled veterans, and their caregivers receive the benefits they have earned through sacrifice and service." - Joe Chenelly, National Executive Director, AMVETS.

Elizabeth Dole Foundation (EDF)

"The Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act is a landmark measure to support America's most vulnerable veterans and their hidden heroes - the caregivers who stand by them every day. Too many veteran families face a devastating financial cliff when their loved one passes away, and too many catastrophically injured veterans and their families shoulder impossible costs without adequate support. This legislation recognizes their sacrifice and offers a long overdue first step to providing the relief, stability, and dignity they have long deserved." - Steve Schwab, CEO, Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

Gold Star Spouses of America

"Gold Star Spouses of America proudly supports the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act. For too long, the families of America's fallen heroes and catastrophically injured veterans have been left behind without meaningful increases in benefits. We are especially proud that Sharri Briley, a dedicated member of our organization, has lent her name and her voice to this effort. By expanding support for surviving spouses, caregivers, and severely disabled veterans, Congress has the opportunity to deliver long-overdue relief to more than 700,000 families who have given everything in service to this nation. We urge swift passage of this historic legislation to ensure that no survivor or family ever has to wonder if their sacrifice has been forgotten." - Tamra Sipes, National President, Gold Star Spouses of America.

Military Order of the Purple Heart USA

"This legislation finally delivers long-overdue justice for the families of our fallen heroes and the caregivers of our catastrophically injured veterans. The Brileys, the Edmundsons, and thousands of others have carried the weight of sacrifice for decades. The Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act ensures they receive the support and dignity they have earned." - James McCormick, Past National Commander, Military Order of the Purple Heart USA.

Independence Fund

"The Independence Fund supports the passage of the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2025. Passage of this legislation will reduce the financial burden catastrophically disabled veterans and surviving spouses often face by increasing the amount of Special Monthly Compensation and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation veterans and survivors can receive."

National Military Family Association (NMFA)

"Our most severely wounded service members have already sacrificed enough for this country; they shouldn't have to fight another battle just to make ends meet. The Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act is a long overdue step to help ensure our catastrophically injured veterans and their surviving family members receive the support they've earned. This Act is about more than legislation - it's a promise kept to America's most severely wounded veterans, their caregivers, and survivors," - Besa Pinchotti, CEO, National Military Family Association.

Gold Star Wives

"Gold Star Wives of America has been fighting to make DIC a meaningful survivor benefit for widows, widowers and their children for decades. We are thankful for Representative Barrett's bill which would take an important first step toward that goal.

National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO)

"The National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) is proud to support Congressman Tom Barrett's legislation that seeks to improve benefits for surviving families and catastrophically injured veterans. The Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefit Expansion Act would increase the benefit amount that a veteran's surviving dependent receives when that veteran dies from a service-related injury or illness. Unfortunately, surviving families are all to often forgotten, which is evidenced by the fact this benefit has not been increased outside of inflation since 1993. As a county we not only have an obligation to "care for him who shall have borne the battle" but also for their "widow, and his orphan". NACVSO appreciates Congressman Barrett's leadership on this, and we hope this commonsense legislation passes without issue."

Quality of Life Foundation

"Quality of Life Foundation is proud to express our strong support for the passage of the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act. This critical legislation would enhance and expand survivors' benefits, addressing longstanding disparities between VA's Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) program and other federal survivors' programs. Many of the caregivers we serve are eligible for DIC after the veteran they care for passes away; however, this benefit has not historically matched the level of support provided through other federal programs. We commend the Department of Veterans Affairs and members of Congress for recognizing this inequity and taking action to correct it. Furthermore, veterans living with catastrophic traumatic brain injuries, along with their caregivers, often incur substantial out-of-pocket expenses each year. The increased compensation provided by this legislation would directly offset those costs and significantly improve the quality of life for these families. For these reasons, the Quality of Life Foundation wholeheartedly supports the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act and urges its swift passage."

Veterans MS Alliance

"The Veterans MS Alliance is proud to support the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act. For too long, catastrophically injured veterans, their caregivers, and surviving families have faced immense challenges without the resources they deserve. This bill will help deliver meaningful support and relief, ensuring veterans and their loved ones can live with dignity. As an organization committed to supporting veterans living with multiple sclerosis and other life-changing conditions, we see this legislation as a critical step in honoring their service and strengthening the systems meant to care for them."

Related News

Related Files