Statement on Death Gratuities

I am offended, outraged, and embarrassed that the government shutdown had prevented the Department of Defense from fulfilling this most sacred responsibility in a timely manner.  In the days before the shutdown, we warned Congress and the American people that DoD would not have the legal authority to make these payments during a lapse in appropriations.  In the days after the shutdown, Departmental lawyers and budget officials pursued every tool and option at our disposal in an effort to provide these benefits.  Even under the Pay Our Military Act, we found that we lacked the necessary authority to make payments to the families directly. 

In the last 24 hours, however, the Department of Defense was approached by the Fisher House Foundation, which had generously offered to make payments to these families from its own funds.  In consultation with the Office of Management and Budget, DoD has determined that we can enter into a contract with the Fisher House Foundation to provide these benefits.  The Fisher House Foundation will provide the families of the fallen with the benefits they so richly deserve.  After the shutdown ends, DoD will reimburse the Fisher House for the costs it has incurred.