Washington, DC – During the 69^th Annual Blue Star Mothers Convention, U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) announced that they will introduce a bipartisan bill to expand membership in Blue Star Mothers of America to more mothers of current or former military service members. Blue Star Mothers of America is a congressionally-chartered, non-political veterans service organization that supports mothers of service members, promotes patriotism and democracy, and organizes service projects to support the troops.

“When our military service members are sent overseas or put in harm’s way, their mothers and families also make a tremendous sacrifice at home,” said Bennet. “Blue Star Mothers is a fantastic way for mothers and families to better support each other and their serving sons and daughters. And this legislation will ensure that the organization is open to all types of mothers whose sons and daughters have served in more recent conflicts.”

"As a military spouse and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I deeply appreciate the invaluable support that our Blue Star Mothers provide not only to our men and women in uniform, but to their families," said Senator Ayotte. "Expanding membership opportunities will enable more women to become involved in this patriotic organization and to support America’s brave service members and their families who have sacrificed so much for our freedom and security."

Last summer, the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. voted to update its charter for the 21^st century and expand membership opportunities for more women who have supported service members in new conflicts and to address the composition of today’s family. This bill would update the Congressional Charter to reflect that vote and is fully endorsed by the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.

This week, Rep. Scott Tipton, along with 23 representatives, is introducing a similar bipartisan bill in the House of Representatives.

“We truly appreciate Senator Bennet and Rep. Tipton’s support on our resolution changing the definition of a mother,” said Wendy Hoffman, President of the Blue Star Mothers. “The current family structures are vastly different from those in 1942 and it is important to have those ‘mothers’ included that have significantly impacted the life of our service members.”

This bill would update the Blue Star Mothers Congressional Charter to:

• Include grandmothers, foster mothers, and female legal guardians;
• Expand membership to mothers whose children have served more recently, by removing references to specific conflicts; and
• Expand membership to eligible mothers living outside of the U.S.

The 69^th Annual Blue Star Mothers of America Convention began yesterday in Washington, D.C., and runs through August 13.