119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 6244
The "Protecting our Veterans' Memories Act" expands federal burial benefits by requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide a plot allowance of $525 to state and local cemeteries when spouses, surviving spouses, minor children, or adult children of veterans are buried there. Currently, the VA provides plot allowances for veterans themselves buried in state cemeteries, but this bill extends that benefit to their family members as well. The $525 allowance will be adjusted over time to account for inflation. The bill applies to all burials occurring after it becomes law, affecting families who choose to bury their loved ones in state-run cemeteries rather than VA national cemeteries.