3rd Annual TAPS Gold Star Families Advocacy Week Event

Surviving spouses and families who want to advocate to end the remarriage penalty, increase the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), allow surviving young adults to remain on their parent's healthcare policy up to age 26, and treat suicide as a presumptive service connected death are warmly invited to join us in Washington, D.C. for the 3rd Annual TAPS Gold Star Families Advocacy Week and Congressional Reception. Children 4 and up are welcome to join as well!

This is the 3rd Annual TAPS Gold Star Families Advocacy Week and Congressional Reception. Surviving families will have the opportunity to walk the halls of Congress to help build support for the Love Lives On Act (which ends the remarriage penalty for surviving spouses), the Caring for Survivors Act (which increases Dependency and Indemnity Compensation), Tricare and CHAMPVA parity (allow young adults to remain on their parent's healthcare policy up to age 26), and Treating Suicide as a presumptive Service Connected Death.  See all photos from the 1st Annual Event held in September 2024.

SCHEDULE 

Mandatory pre-training Dates will occur in Late August and Early September, a survey will be sent out to finalize dates and times.

Monday, September 15th, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Meet and Greet and dinner at Location TBD.

Tuesday, September 16th, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Meetings will be held all day at Capitol Hill.  If you are staying at the hotel, meet in the lobby at 8:00 a.m.  For those not staying at the hotel, we will send details for a meeting location closer to the event.  Meetings on the hill will last until approximately 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, September 17th, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.: Meetings will be held all day at Capitol Hill.  If you are staying at the hotel, meet in the lobby at 8:00 a.m.  For those not staying at the hotel, we will send details for a meeting location closer to the event.  Meetings on the hill will last until approximately 4:30 p.m. The Congressional reception will be from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and located on the House side of the Capitol.

Thursday, September 18th: Check out of the hotel, depart for home.

EVENT FEES

There is no cost to participate in this special event. You are responsible for reserving and paying for your lodging and transportation costs to/from Washington, D.C.

LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION

Rooms have been reserved at the Embassy Suites by Hilton National Airport Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia. You are responsible for booking and paying for your own lodging. Make reservations (https://book.passkey.com/go/tapsadvocacydays) at the group rate.

Transportation from/to the Homewood Suites by Hilton Arlington Rosslyn Key Bridge to Capitol Hill and TAPS Headquarters will be provided each day.

You'll need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from Washington, D.C. 

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Registration is open until August 30, 2025 (look for the blue button at the top of this page).

If you have any questions, please email policy@taps.org or call 800-959-TAPS (8277).