Same Sex Benefits

A Democratic congressman has introduced legislation that would grant benefits to same-sex spouses of veterans and service members. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash) is the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee. His bill would make the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments recognize any marriage that is recognized by a U.S. state, commonwealth, territory or the District of Columbia. The bill would change the definition of spouse in the U.S. code. Same-sex marriage is now legal in six states and the District of Columbia.