House Votes $38,400 for Family of Lincoln Memorial Caretaker

The House of Representatives, touched by the plight of a federal worker who died caring for the Lincoln Memorial but had no job benefits, Thursday voted to give the family of James Hudson almost $40,000.

Hudson, 43, spent eight years maintaining the memorial but was classified as a temporary employee ineligible for benefits granted permanent workers, including life insurance.

Thursday, lawmakers called Hudson’s situation a disgrace and introduced legislation that would help other long-term temporary workers like him. The bill has been named the James Hudson Temporary Employee Equity Act of 1993.

Marlene Hudson, Hudson’s widow, said she and her family are grateful for the House vote and for the unexpected outpouring of support from strangers who read about their plight.

The legislation named for her husband makes her feel proud and hopeful, said Hudson, who is now the sole support of seven children.

“Something good has come out of the death of my husband,” she said. “This legislation means no one else will have to go through what this family went through last week.”

Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), who initiated the effort to get compensation, called the proposal to aid Hudson’s family “small and compassionate.” She said the $38,400 roughly equaled the minimum life insurance benefit Hudson would have received if he had been considered a permanent employee.

“This means we have a much better chance of surviving,” said Inga Hudson, who runs a day care center from her Northeast Washington apartment, earning about $10,000 a year. Her husband’s annual salary at the time of his death was $29,000.

The measure now goes to the Senate, where supporters are optimistic about its chances; one senator has offered to sponsor the bill, and no opposition has emerged.

Norton said she succeeded in getting the House vote because “the life of James Hudson and the plight of the Hudson family seized the imagination and touched the hearts of members.”