Summary
A U.S. senator is asking the Trump administration to fix delays and management issues in a program that provides benefits to families of police officers and firefighters who die or get injured on the job. The program has a large backlog of claims, causing long waiting times for families to receive their benefits. Senator Chuck Grassley urged changes in leadership to address these issues.
Key Facts
- The program provides financial support and education benefits to families of deceased or disabled police and firefighters.
- Many families are waiting over five years for their claims to be processed.
- Nearly 900 claims have been pending for more than one year.
- The Government Accountability Office reported problems with the program's management since 2009.
- DOJ officials are working on recommendations to improve the program's claim system.
- The DOJ confirmed receipt of Grassley's letter but did not comment further.
- Senator Grassley wants updates within two weeks about efforts to improve the program.
- A Texas widow, Lisa Afolayan, has waited 16 years for benefits after her husband died in service.
