Senate Committee Advances Boozman-Led Veteran Burial Benefits Bill and Other Priorities

WASHINGTON-U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), members of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, welcomed committee passage of the Veterans Burial Timeliness and Death Certificate Accountability Act to eliminate bureaucratic red tape that significantly delays Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) burial benefits that families grieving the loss of a veteran loved one depend on.

"Processing a veteran's death certificate expeditiously must be the standard," said Boozman. "Failing to get it right, and quickly, blocks access to important benefits and further VA assistance for our heroes and their families, which is unacceptable. I am pleased my colleagues supported this bipartisan measure and look forward to continuing to advocate for all who have worn our nation's uniform as well as those who supported and sacrificed along with them."

"Our veterans deserve dignified burials, and their families deserve to mourn and honor the lives of their loved ones without getting bogged down in paperwork and delays," said Hassan. "I'm glad that we were able to advance this bipartisan legislation to help ensure that when a veteran passes away, their death certificate is processed quickly."

The bill would require the signing of a veteran's death certificate by a VA physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant within two business days of proper notification, regardless of where the veteran passes. If the VA is unable to meet this timeline, a local coroner or medical examiner may sign the death certificate. The VA shared its support for the legislation with Boozman at a committee hearing in December.

The committee approved two other measures championed by Boozman to address difficulties former servicemembers face when they fall victim to scams targeting their hard-earned benefits and to allow certain Purple Heart veterans to transfer their educational benefits to one or more of their dependents. The Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion (VSAFE) Act would establish an office at the VA to assist with fraud and scam protection as well as create response plans and resources for veterans. According to a 2023 Federal Trade Commission report, veterans reported $350 million in fraud loss in 2023. The Purple Heart Veterans Education Act would ensure post-9/11 veterans who receive the Purple Heart after their time in uniform have the option and flexibility to provide their GI Bill benefits to one or more family members.

The bills now head to the full Senate for consideration.

Permalink: https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2026/3/senate-committee-advances-boozman-led-veteran-burial-benefits-bill-and-other-priorities