This bill makes sure that when spouses, children, or other family members of veterans are buried in state-owned cemeteries, the Department of Veterans Affairs will help pay for the burial costs. Specifically, the VA will provide $525 to cover plot or internment fees for spouses (including remarried surviving spouses), children under 21 (or under 23 if they're in college), and in some cases unmarried adult children of veterans. Right now, families often have to pay these cemetery costs out of pocket, even though their loved one served in the military. This bill recognizes that sacrifice by ensuring the federal government helps cover these burial expenses when families choose to use state cemeteries. The money goes directly to the state or local cemetery to offset the burial costs, making it easier and more affordable for military families to give their loved ones a proper burial.

Protecting our Veterans’ Memories Act

Kim, Andy

Protecting our Veterans' Memories Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay a state, state agency, or political subdivision of a state $525 as a plot or internment allowance for spouses and children of veterans who are buried in a cemetery owned by the state, agency, or political subdivision. Specifically, the bill requires the VA to pay a plot or internment allowance for spouses, surviving spouses (including if they have remarried), or minor children (those under 21 or under 23 if they are attending an approved educational institution). The VA may pay the allowance for unmarried adult children of certain veterans.