4th Annual TAPS Gold Star Families Advocacy Week and Congressional Reception

September 21 - 24, 2026

Washington, D.C.

Registration Close Date: August 31, 2026

4th Annual · Washington, D.C. · September 2026

TAPS Gold Star Families Advocacy Week and Congressional Reception

Advocacy & Awareness on Capitol Hill

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 4th Annual TAPS Gold Star Families Advocacy Week and Congressional Reception. Children 6 and up are welcome to join!

Schedule

Pre-Training — Late August / Early September

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 21st

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Meet & Greet and Dinner — Location TBD.

Tuesday, September 22nd

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Meetings on Capitol Hill all day. Whether you are staying at the hotel or elsewhere, meet in the hotel lobby at 8:30 a.m. Meetings on the Hill will last until approximately 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, September 23rd

8:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Meetings on Capitol Hill all day. Meet in the hotel lobby at 8:30 a.m. Meetings on the Hill will last until approximately 4:30 p.m.

TAPS Congressional Reception — 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., located on the Hill. Location TBA.

Thursday, September 24th

Check out of the hotel and depart for home.

Event Fees

No Cost to Participate

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

Lodging & Transportation

Hotel

Rooms have been reserved at the Hilton Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. You are responsible for booking and paying for your own lodging.

Reserve at the group rate →

The hotel is within walking distance from the Capitol — we will walk over at 8:30 a.m. each morning.

Transportation

You are responsible for covering the cost of your transportation to and from Washington, D.C.

3rd Annual Event Photos

See all photos from the 3rd Annual Event held in September 2025.

View Photos →

Registration

Open until August 30, 2026 — look for the blue button at the top of the event page.

Questions? Email policy@taps.org or call 800-959-TAPS (8277)