US spending bill includes Nunnelee “death gratuity”

Spending bill includes money for Nunnelee’s widow

WASHINGTON – A government spending bill making its way through the Senate includes $174,000 for the widow of the late Rep. Alan Nunnelee, R-Miss., who died of complications from brain cancer in February at the age of 56.

The “death gratuity” payment for Nunnelee’s wife, Tori, is in a measure both the Senate and House are expected to approve this week that would temporarily fund the federal government, from Oct. 1 through Dec. 11.

The one-time payment, equal to a member’s annual salary, has long been a practice in Congress. It is given to the widow, widower or children and is considered a gift, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Hattiesburg American
9/29/15