Overview
Title
To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain spouses eligible for services under the disabled veterans’ outreach program, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
H.R. 9188 is a plan to let certain spouses of veterans, like those who passed away while serving, get help from a program meant for veterans. This change means more families can get support and help with finding jobs.
Summary AI
H.R. 9188 proposes amendments to title 38 of the United States Code to allow certain spouses to access services under the disabled veterans' outreach program. This bill seeks to include spouses within the definition of "eligible persons," thereby entitling them to career services and support similar to that of eligible veterans. The bill specifies that this includes spouses as defined in a specific section of the title, as well as spouses of those who died while serving in the Armed Forces.
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AnalysisAI
Summary of the Bill
The bill, known as the "Gold Star and Surviving Spouse Career Services Act," seeks to amend title 38 of the United States Code. Its primary aim is to make certain spouses eligible for services under the Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program. This amendment extends eligibility to spouses of veterans and those who died while serving in the Armed Forces. The bill proposes specific changes to Section 4103A, introducing the term "eligible persons," which now encompasses these defined spouses.
Significant Issues
One significant issue with the bill is the introduction of the term "eligible persons." While it aims to expand service eligibility to spouses, the definition may not be entirely comprehensive. This could lead to confusion or exclusion of certain dependents who might also benefit from such programs. Additionally, the language used in these amendments is rather technical, which might make it difficult for the general public to understand the exact changes and who stands to benefit from them. Finally, the removal of the term "non-veteran-related" might unintentionally broaden eligibility criteria, potentially stretching resources thin.
Impact on the General Public
For the general public, particularly families of veterans, the bill represents an expansion of benefits and support systems. Spouses of disabled or deceased service members will potentially gain access to important career services. However, the complexity and potential ambiguities in the bill might lead to misunderstandings about who exactly qualifies, possibly delaying some from accessing much-needed services.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Positive Impacts:
Spouses of Veterans and Deceased Service Members: The bill is poised to provide these individuals vital access to career services, which can aid them significantly in adjusting to civilian life, especially after the loss or disablement of a loved one.
Career Support Programs: By targeting a broader group, these programs might see increased engagement and usage, leading to potentially richer data on how to support veterans' families effectively.
Negative Impacts:
Potentially Excluded Dependents: There is a risk that some groups, like non-spouse dependents, may not be clearly addressed by the current definition of "eligible persons," leading to potential gaps in service availability for them.
Resource Allocation: By broadening eligibility without clear limits, there may be a risk of shortages in available services, affecting the quality and timeliness of support provided to the intended beneficiaries.
Overall, the bill aims to serve as a positive step toward providing additional support to the families of those who have served, though careful implementation and clarification will be crucial to its success.
Issues
The amendment to Section 4103A of title 38, United States Code, involves the removal of the term 'non-veteran-related'. This could lead to a broader interpretation of eligibility, potentially resulting in misuse or overextension of resources. This is significant because the scope of resources could inadvertently extend beyond intended beneficiaries. (Section 2, subsection (d)(1))
The bill introduces the term 'eligible persons' and attempts to provide a definition, but might lack comprehensiveness and clarity. The language used is complex and could result in ambiguity regarding who is eligible for services, which is a critical issue for understanding and implementing the terms of the bill. (Section 2)
The definition of 'eligible person' as added in the new subsection (e) may not cover all potential scenarios, leading to potential exclusion of some deserving individuals, such as non-spouse dependents. This could raise ethical and fairness concerns, especially if certain dependents of veterans are unintentionally excluded from receiving necessary support. (Section 2, new subsection (e))
The language in the amendments is technical and may be overly complex for the general public to easily understand, potentially leading to misunderstandings about the changes being proposed and the practical implications of these changes. Clear communication is crucial for public confidence and effective implementation. (Section 2)
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of this act states its short title, which is the "Gold Star and Surviving Spouse Career Services Act".
2. Eligibility of spouses for services under the disabled veterans’ outreach program Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section amends the law regarding services for disabled veterans to include their spouses as "eligible persons" who can receive these services. It specifies that an "eligible person" is a spouse described in another part of the law or the spouse of someone who died while serving in the Armed Forces.