Senator Patty Murray (above) serves on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (and chaired it until becoming, this year, the Chair of the Senate Budget Committee). Her office issued the following on the new order regarding the military and marriage equality:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Murray Press Office
Thursday, September 05, 2013 (202) 224-2834
Senator Murray’s Statement on VA Benefits for Same-Sex Spouses
WASHINGTON,
D.C. – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following
statement after U.S. Attorney General Holder announced yesterday that
President Obama has directed the Justice Department to stop enforcing Department of Veterans Affairs provisions which deny full access to spousal benefits for same-sex married couples:
“This
long-awaited move by the Obama Administration is a major step towards
finally ensuring each of our heroes and their spouses receive the same
quality care and services once they leave the military – no matter who
they love. And after pressing Secretary Shinseki to expedite the process
for dignified, same-sex burials in our national cemeteries, I am
thrilled yesterday’s news will no longer force veterans to face
uncertainty when mourning the loss of their spouse. Our veterans and
their families, who selflessly served our nation and have given so much,
will finally be afforded the benefits they have so rightly earned. This
is not only a matter of fairness and equity, it is simply the right
thing to do.”
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Meghan Roh
Press Secretary | New Media Director
Office of U.S. Senator Patty Murray
Mobile: (202) 365-1235
Office: (202) 224-2834