Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) has gained the support of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) for H.R. 3897, The Gold Star Family Support and Installation Access Act. The Gold Star Family Support and Installation Access Act addresses fundamental problems with current laws regarding the access and use of already established benefits to surviving spouses and dependent children.
 
“MOAA is proud to support H.R. 3897, the Gold Star Family Support and Installation Access Act. This bipartisan, common sense bill provides installation access for Gold Star families to attend memorial services and unit reunions on military installations,” said MOAA CEO Lieutenant General Dana Atkins USAF (Ret.) “It also extends access to on-base services for surviving spouses who remarry as long as the dependent children of the deceased member remain under their guardianship.”
 
“This legislation demonstrates a commitment to America’s military families to whom we owe an unpayable debt for their dedication and sacrifice,” added Atkins. “We applaud Rep. Don Bacon for his 29 years of military service and his continued support for Gold Star families. We will work with him to see this bill enacted in the 115th Congress.”
 
“I am thankful for the support of MOAA,” said Rep. Bacon “MOAA represents active and retired military members from every branch of service, and works to better the lives of those who have risked everything for our nation, as well as their families. H.R. 3897 will contribute to this effort by giving Gold Star spouses and dependent children access to benefits they deserve. This bill is a commitment for life to our Gold Star Families.”

The Gold Star Family Support and Installation Access Act was introduced by Rep. Bacon on October 2, 2017 along with original cosponsors Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Rep. Martha McSally (R-AZ), Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL), Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA), Rep. Steve Russell (R-OK), and Rep. Anthony Brown (D-MD). The bill currently has 35 cosponsors.