Senator’s bipartisan bill improves survivor benefits for federal civil servants who die in the line of duty
WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema introduced bipartisan legislation that honors federal civil servants who die in the line of duty by ensuring their survivors receive the fair benefits they’ve earned through their service and sacrifice. Sinema’s bill is backed by Senate Homeland Security Chairman Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Committee Ranking Member Rob Portman (R-Ohio), and Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.).
“Civil servants and their loved ones, who make the ultimate sacrifice keeping our country safe, should be honored and given the full benefits they’ve earned as a token of our gratitude for their service,” said Sinema, Chair of the Senate’s Government Operations Subcommittee, which has oversight of the federal workforce.
“Federal law enforcement officers and agents working on behalf the United States remain a target for terrorists, criminals, and hostile actors both foreign and domestic. This year we have seen unprecedented attacks on federal law enforcement as federal officers and agents are increasingly called to provide necessary support to local law enforcement battling spikes in violent crime. Overall, law enforcement fatalities increased 29 percent in FY 2021. It is only right that if any federal employee makes the ultimate sacrifice for their country, that sacrifice be memorialized in a way fitting their service. This legislation is necessary to ensure all survivors of federal employees killed in the line of duty are entitled to equal and robust financial benefits to honor their lost public servants,” said Larry Cosme, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) National President.
Sinema’s legislation provides a benefit to the survivors of federal civil servants who die in the line of duty. Survivors of those killed while in the foreign service and defense already receive a one-time benefit acknowledging their death was a result of serving their country. Sinema’s bill improves the policy for other civil servants, including first responders. Since January 1, 2020, 13 Arizona federal employees have died while in the line of duty.