Expressing the sense of Congress that tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies have historically provided and continue to provide critical benefits to the people and communities of the United States.

Summary

Recognizes and praises fraternal benefit societies for their long history of providing life, health, accident, and other benefits through local chapters and national organizations, notes their roughly 7 million members and estimated $3.8 billion annual social value from charity, volunteering, and education, and affirms that they ease pressure on government safety-net programs. The resolution notes their long-standing federal tax-exempt recognition but does not change law or provide funding.

• Formally recognizes fraternal benefit societies as mutual aid organizations providing insurance-like benefits and community services.
• Highlights a nationwide membership of about 7,000,000 and an estimated $3.8 billion in annual societal value.
• Notes chapter-based local structures and national organizations that support members and communities.
• Records historical federal recognition of tax-exempt status under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(8) but does not change tax law.
• States these societies help ease pressure on government safety-net programs.
• Is a findings/recognition resolution with no new funding, legal mandates, or regulatory changes.
• Affirms that fraternal benefit societies have served their purpose for more than a century.