U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Braddock, ranking member of the Subcommittee on Border Management, Federal Workforce and Regulatory Affairs, recently led U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., and U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri in introducing legislation to modernize the death gratuity payment system to ensure that loved ones of civil servants who die in public service receive the full benefits they deserve, according to a news release.

“Our laws have failed the families of federal workers killed in the line of duty. So many Americans are struggling with outdated benefits that barely even cover their loved one’s funeral costs,” said Fetterman, according to the news release. “It’s long past time that our laws reflect our national values and profound appreciation for federal workers who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I’m proud to join Senators Hagerty, Padilla, and Hawley to introduce legislation that would do just that.”

“Law enforcement put their lives on the line every day and deserve our highest honor and recognition,” said Hagerty, according to the news release. “I’m pleased to join this bipartisan legislation that will help families heal and provide resources that will help them cover everyday expenses.”

Today, the news release said, only certain survivors of Federal Civil Servants who die in the line of duty are eligible for a one-time benefit of $10,000 and a funeral expense of $800.

“These benefit amounts were set decades ago and barely cover the cost of a funeral in 2025,” the news release said. “The Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act raises these payments to $100,000 and $8,800, respectively, expands access to these payments to the survivors of all federal workers, and makes sure federal workers have a say in designating the beneficiary of their choosing.”

The bill is endorsed by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Treasury Employees Union, National Border Patrol Council, FBI Agents Association, National Federal of Federal Employees, National Postal Mail Handlers Union, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers and American Federation of Government Employees.

“Each day, federal law enforcement officers at home and abroad put their lives on the line in defense of this nation, its citizens, and its elected and appointed officials. And when one of these hero officers falls in the line of duty, we must ensure that their surviving families receive the support and benefits they deserve,” said Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association National President Mathew Silverman, according to the news release. “The ‘Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act’ does just that and will help demonstrate the federal government’s commitment to fully honoring the sacrifice our fallen officers have made to keep this nation safe. We commend Sens. Fetterman, Hagerty, Padilla, and Hawley for their leadership on this legislation, and FLEOA looks forward to working with them to ensure it is swiftly enacted into law.”

“It is far past the time to update the death benefits for federal employees who are killed in the line of duty. Law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other federal workers are facing increasingly dangerous conditions, yet surviving families are still only receive paltry benefits set back during the Johnson Administration,” said Randy Erwin, National Federation of Federal Employees union president. “It is not only inadequate, but also disrespectful to those who make the ultimate sacrifice serving our country.”