Bill would let families of veterans who died before 1990 apply for government headstones in two‑year pilot
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Summary
Representative Kennedy described a bill to create a two‑year pilot allowing families of veterans who died before Nov. 1, 1990, to apply for government‑issued headstones or markers; veterans service organizations told the subcommittee the measure would correct an historical practice change made for budgetary reasons.
Representative Kennedy urged the subcommittee to support the Honoring Our Heroes Act, which would create a two‑year pilot to allow families of veterans who died before Nov. 1, 1990, to apply for government‑issued headstones or markers from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Kennedy said the pre‑1990 change restricting headstone issuance to veterans who died on or after Nov. 1, 1990, was implemented as a cost‑saving measure and that families are seeking dignity and recognition for service regardless of date of death. He listed veteran service organizations that support the bill, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Gold Star Mothers, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Disabled American Veterans and American Legion posts.
Witnesses from advocacy groups, including TAPS, expressed support for the proposal and related bills to strengthen memorial and burial benefits. VA officials at the hearing indicated they would consider the proposal and discuss implementation details and costs with the committee.
The subcommittee did not vote on the pilot program; members expressed bipartisan support for correcting what supporters called an arbitrary distinction tied to earlier budget choices.