Veterans of Common Defense Joined Gold Star Families on Capitol Hill Urging Passage of the Love Lives On Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday in support of Gold Star Advocacy Week, veterans of Common Defense joined the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and 150 Gold Star families on Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers about the urgent need to pass the Love Lives On Act (S.410 / H.R.1004). This legislation would finally end the outdated policy that strips surviving military spouses of earned benefits if they remarry before the age of 55.

As of now, Gold Star spouses who have already endured the loss of a loved one in uniform face an unfair choice: either give up survivor benefits such as healthcare, education assistance, and commissary access, or forgo the chance to remarry. The Love Lives On Act would restore dignity to these families by ensuring their benefits follow them for life.

John Kamin, Deputy Director of Government Relations at Common Defense, issued the following statement:

“Gold Star families should never be forced to choose between a second chance at love and security for themselves and their family. These benefits were earned through service and sacrifice, and they must follow families for life. Passing the Love Lives On Act is not a partisan issue — it’s a matter of keeping our nation’s promise to those who have already given so much. Common Defense is proud to stand with TAPS on behalf of Gold Star families across America to call on Congress to finish this fight.”

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Common Defense Civic Engagement is a grassroots, veteran-led organization (501c4) that was founded in 2016. We empower veterans to stand up for our communities against the rising tide of racism, hate, and violence, to organize against the entrenched powers that have rigged our economy, and to champion an equitable and representative democracy, where “liberty and justice” truly is for all. For too long, politicians from both political parties have attempted to use veterans as unwilling political props, and Common Defense serves as a home for veterans to organize and speak for themselves and support the candidates who truly share our values.