Shutdown: Aid Slowed to Families of U.S. Troops Killed in Afghanistan
“The Pentagon says it is not allowed to pay these families a ‘death gratuity,’ as long as the shutdown continues. The same goes for the family of a Marine who died in Afghanistan on Saturday and any others who die during the budget impasse.”
“A legal review of a law meant to shield the military from the shutdown determined that, while the Pentagon can promptly pay salaries and other benefits, the $100,000 tax-free payment to families of fallen troops is not covered.”