H.R. 3656, To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for a consistent eligibility date for provision of Department of Veterans Affairs memorial headstones and markers for eligible spouses and dependent children of veterans whose remains are unavai

Floor Situation

On Monday, November 6, 2017, the House will consider H.R. 3656, as amended, To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for a consistent eligibility date for provision of Department of Veterans Affairs memorial headstones and markers for eligible spouses and dependent children of veterans whose remains are unavailable, under suspension of the rules. H.R. 3656 was introduced on August 18, 2017, by Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) and was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, which ordered the bill reported by voice vote on October 12, 2017.

Summary

H.R. 3656, as amended, authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide a headstone or marker for non-veterans whose remains are unavailable and who die on or after November 11, 1998.

Background

Under current law, the VA may provide, upon request, a memorial headstone for a deceased spouse or un-remarried surviving spouse of a veteran if the remains are not available. Subsequent laws have extended this benefit to certain dependent children and remarried survivors, but only those who died after 2006 and 2008, respectively[1]. This inconsistency in dates leaves certain surviving spouses of veterans eligible for a headstone or marker, while their children are not. This bill would extend this benefit to all eligible beneficiaries who died on or after November 11, 1998.

Cost

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the increased direct spending would be insignificant for each year and would total less than $500,000 over the 2018-2027 period.

Staff Contact

For questions or further information please contact Dominique Yantko with the House Republican Policy Committee by email or at 3-1555.