H.R. 970: Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2025, proposes to enhance the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) programs. Below are the key provisions of the bill:

Periodic Review of Insurance Coverage

The bill mandates that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs regularly assess the automatic maximum coverage amounts for both programs. This review will occur every five years, starting on January 1, 2026.

Assessment Procedure

During each review, the Secretary will:

• Compare the current maximum coverage amount with a newly calculated value based on economic factors.
• Submit the findings of the review to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, providing guidance for potential adjustments to coverage in the future.

Calculation of Coverage Amount

The new coverage amount will be determined by multiplying $500,000 by the average percentage change in the Consumer Price Index over the five preceding fiscal years. The Consumer Price Index is a measure published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics that indicates the average change over time in the prices paid by consumers for goods and services.

Clerical Amendment

The bill also includes a clerical change, which involves updating the official table of sections in the relevant chapter of the U.S. Code to reflect the new section regarding the periodic review.

Overall Impact

By instituting this periodic review and adjusting the coverage accordingly, the bill aims to ensure that the insurance benefits remain relevant and effective in providing financial security for servicemembers and their families.

Relevant Companies

• None found