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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn joined his Senate colleagues in passing four key bills benefiting troops currently serving overseas, and their families who play a critical support role back home."Our men and women overseas are serving on the front lines of freedom. These bills are a small way to thank them for their sacrifices and all they do in protecting the greatest nation on the face of the earth,” Sen. Cornyn said. “These bills will also help the thousands of military family members right here at home.”All four bills were passed unanimously. S. 704 “Increased Death Gratuity to Deceased Members of the Armed Forces” This legislation doubles to death gratuity (from $6,000 to $12,000) paid to the next of kin of a member of the Armed Services who is killed while on active duty. This change in the law is retroactive to September 2001 to cover all those service members who have perished during the Global War on Terrorism. The death gratuity is paid to the family of the deceased service member in order to assist with immediate financial needs. S. 711 “Bonuses to Mobilized Reservists” This legislation authorizes payment of reenlistment bonuses to all reservists who would have been eligible for bonuses, based on their expertise, had they not been called to active duty. The bonuses are already available for active duty service members. S. 712 “Survivor Benefits to Spouses of Reservists” This legislation provides Survivor Benefit Plan annuities for surviving spouses of reservists and guardsmen not eligible for retirement who die from a cause incurred or aggravated while on inactive-duty training. S. 718 “Troops Phone Home Free” This legislation provides a monthly allotment of free calling time to members of the United States Armed Forces stationed outside of the United States who are directly supporting military operations in Iraq or Afghanistan. The Secretary of Defense will provide prepaid phone cards with a value of up to $40, or an equivalent telecommunications benefit which includes access to telephone service, to eligible service personnel. The bill would also direct the Secretary of Defense to work with telecommunications companies to provide additional telephones for use by our troops in a manner consistent with operational security concerns.