What does Preamble of HR 6814 do?

This bill proposes amendments to title 38, United States Code. The amendments relate to improvements in laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The bill specifically addresses memorial affairs.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HR 6814 do?

This bill is formally titled the Veterans' Burial Improvement Act of 2025.

What does PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN BURIAL BENEFITS FOR SPOUSES AND of HR 6814 do?

This section amends sections 2306(b)(2) and 2402(a)(5) of title 38, United States Code. The amendments remove the expiration date of September 30, 2032, from provisions related to headstones and markers for spouses and children of deceased service members. The amendments also remove the expiration date of September 30, 2032, from provisions related to interment in national cemeteries for spouses and children of deceased service members.

What does DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PROVISION OF TRANSPORTATION FOR of HR 6814 do?

This section amends Section 2308 of Title 38, United States Code, to address the transportation of deceased veterans for burial. The Secretary may pay the cost of transportation for a deceased veteran, potentially including an allowance of $745, adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index. If actual transportation costs exceed the allowance, the Secretary may cover the difference, up to the cost of transporting the veteran to the nearest national cemetery. The allowance amount is adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index. The term 'covered deceased veteran' includes veterans who died from a service-connected disability, were receiving disability compensation, or were determined eligible for funeral expenses due to lack of resources or next of kin. The term 'covered facility' includes Department facilities and institutions providing specific types of care. The definition of 'covered veterans' cemetery' changes, with national cemeteries becoming eligible for reimbursement after January 5, 2024. Section 2303 is amended to allow the Secretary to pay up to $700 (adjusted annually) for burial and funeral costs for eligible veterans. Section 101(20) is amended to include references to both sections 2303 and 2308.

What does PROVISION OF GROUP BURIAL MARKERS. of HR 6814 do?

This section amends Title 38 of the United States Code, specifically section 2306, concerning headstones and markers for veterans. It allows the Secretary to furnish a group headstone or marker at a burial location containing the remains of multiple eligible veterans in lieu of individual markers. The Secretary may not furnish new or replacement individual headstones or markers at locations with a group headstone or marker, unless the veteran already had an individual marker before the subsection's enactment. The Secretary can provide a group headstone or marker even at a location that is not unmarked, if it aids visitors in understanding the site's significance. The provision of group headstones or markers requires coordination and approval from the property owner. The Secretary must consult with historical preservation authorities regarding the appearance of group headstones or markers. Group headstones or markers cannot include the name of a person described in section 2411(b) of this title. Subsection (a)(2) of section 2306 is amended to include eligibility for parents of certain deceased veterans.

What does BURIAL OR INTERMENT OF CERTAIN ADDITIONAL PERSON IN CEMETERIES of HR 6814 do?

This section amends Section 2303(b)(1) of Title 38, United States Code. The amendment modifies subparagraph (A) by striking 'or' and inserting 'or' and adding a new clause (iv). Clause (iv) expands eligibility for burial allowances to veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable who meet national cemetery eligibility criteria except for minimum active duty service requirements. The amendment also modifies subparagraph (B)(ii) by replacing a period with a semicolon and 'and'.

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Veterans’ Burial Improvement Act of 2025 — HR. 6814

Last updated: 1/22/2026 · Introduced: 12/17/2025

Author: Chris Pappas (D-NH)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill removes expiration dates for headstone and interment benefits for spouses and children of deceased service members.
The Department of Veterans Affairs may cover transportation costs for deceased veterans to national cemeteries, potentially up to $745 annually adjusted for inflation, and may cover burial and funeral costs up to $700 annually adjusted for inflation.
The bill allows for the placement of group headstones or markers at burial locations containing multiple veterans' remains, potentially replacing individual markers in some cases, while ensuring coordination with property owners and historical preservation authorities.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 4 more.

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