Congressman Richard Hudson Joins TAPS Press Conference to Advance Love Lives On Act for Military Survivors

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) joined the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and his bipartisan colleagues on Wednesday to advocate for passage of the Love Lives On Act, bipartisan legislation that protects survivor benefits for spouses of fallen servicemembers.

"Forcing a surviving spouse to choose between rebuilding their life and protecting their family's financial security is simply wrong," Hudson said. "The Love Lives On Act sends a clear message: the sacrifice made by a military family never expires, and the benefits earned through that sacrifice should not disappear because someone chooses to find hope again."

The event followed a congressional hearing where surviving military families and advocates highlighted the need to reform current federal law, which can force surviving spouses to give up key benefits if they remarry before age 55.

Hudson, a longtime champion for military families, Fort Bragg, and veterans across North Carolina, reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring survivor benefits follow sacrifice, not marital status.

The Love Lives On Act allows surviving spouses of fallen servicemembers to remarry at any age without losing earned survivor benefits, including Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). It also restores access to TRICARE health coverage if a subsequent marriage ends due to death, divorce, or annulment.

The bipartisan legislation is supported by more than 50 veteran service organizations and would protect benefits for nearly 30,000 surviving spouses nationwide.

Hudson was joined at the press conference by TAPS Founder and President Bonnie Carroll, surviving family members Anita and Sophia Sullivan, Representative Kelly Morrison (D-MN-03), and other bipartisan leaders working to advance the bill.

Read the full bill text HERE.