Blumenthal Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Honor Gold Star Families

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Ahead of Memorial Day, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs Committees, today led colleagues in introducing two bipartisan bills to honor the sacrifice of Gold Star families who have lost a loved one in service to the nation. One bill would award a Congressional Gold Medal to Gold Star Families and the other would direct the U.S. Postmaster General to issue a Gold Star Families Forever Stamp. 

“All who give their lives in service to our nation leave behind a brave Gold Star Family,” said Blumenthal. “Far too often, the courage and resolve of our Gold Star Families go unrecognized. These bills are important tokens of gratitude to honor and pay tribute to these American heroes. The Gold Star Families Forever Stamp and the Gold Star Families Congressional Gold Medal Act will ensure more Americans can learn from their model of sacrifice and service.”

The two bills introduced today are:

• The Gold Star Families Congressional Gold Medal Act: This bill would award the Congressional Gold Medal to Gold Star Families. The Congressional Gold Medal is the nation’s highest civilian honor and is awarded to individuals and groups who have made meaningful contributions to the country through their patriotism, service, and accomplishments. This bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT). The text of the legislation can be found here.
• The Gold Star Families Forever Stamp Act: This bill directs the Postmaster General to issue a Forever Stamp to honor Gold Star Families. Blumenthal introduced this legislation in the 115^th Congress and has written the Postmaster General and Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee to urge them to issue a Forever Stamp to honor those who have lost a loved one in service to our country. Forever Stamps can be used to mail a letter regardless of when the stamps are purchased and no matter how prices may change in the future. This bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA). The text of the legislation can be found here.

-30-