H.R. 1004 · In committee · Armed Forces and National Security

Love Lives On Act of 2025

Sponsor: Richard Hudson (R-NC)

What it does

• Extends benefits and services for surviving spouses of deceased service members or veterans.
• Provides that remarriage does not bar dependency and indemnity compensation or special pension benefits for a surviving spouse.
• Bars DOD from ending a surviving spouse's Survivor Benefit Plan annuity solely because the spouse remarries.
• Expands the TRICARE definition of dependent to include a remarried widow or widower whose later marriage ended by death, divorce, or annulment.

Official summary

Love Lives On Act of 2025 This bill extends entitlement for various benefit programs and services for surviving spouses of deceased members of the Armed Forces or veterans. The bill provides that the remarriage of a surviving spouse must not bar the furnishing of dependency and indemnity compensation or special pension benefits to such spouse. Additionally, the Department of Defense may not terminate the payment of an annuity for a surviving spouse under the Survivor Benefit Plan solely because the surviving spouse remarries. The bill also expands the definition of a dependent under TRICARE to include a remarried widow or widower whose subsequent marriage has ended due to death, divorce, or annulment.

Latest action

Mar 26, 2026: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

Committee: House Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee