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Markup on Pending Legislation

House Veterans Affairs Committee, Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee

March 26, 2026 (recording here)

BILLS CONSIDERED IN MARKUP

• H.R. 1004, Love Lives On Act of 2025

• H.R. 2164, Dayton National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2025

• H.R. 5339, Susan E. Lukas 9/11 Servicemember Fairness Act

• H.R. 5723, Fraud Reduction And Uncovering Deception (FRAUD) in VA Disability Exams Act

• H.R. 6698, Board of Veterans Appeals Annual Report Transparency Act of 2025

• H.R. 6943, Veterans Burial Allowance and Reimbursement Act of 2026

• H.R. 7260, National Cemetery Administration Annual Report Act of 2026

OTHER INFORMATION

At the conclusion of the markup, the Subcommittee favorably reported all seven bills to the full Committee.

OPENING STATEMENTS FROM THE SUBCOMMITTEE

• Chairman Morgan Luttrell opened the markup by stating that the Subcommittee was considering seven bills, some of which would be considered en bloc. He explained that all bills had undergone legislative hearings and that preliminary cost estimates had been requested from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). He mentioned that none of the bills currently included offsets, which would be required to advance them through the full Committee. He stressed the importance of fiscal responsibility while pursuing reforms to better serve veterans, their families, and survivors.

• Ranking Member Morgan McGarvey thanked the Chairman for his leadership and acknowledged the bipartisan effort behind the markup. He articulated that the Committee’s mission was to serve veterans and their families and expressed support for continuing that cooperation. He highlighted the importance of several bills on the agenda, particularly H.R. 7260, which he noted would improve transparency in National Cemetery Administration reporting. He indicated a strong willingness to move the legislation forward.

SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS ON H.R. 6698

• Rep. Keith Self spoke on his amendment in the nature of a substitute (ANS) to the Board of Veterans Appeals Annual Report Transparency Act of 2025 (H.R. 6698). He explained that the bill aimed to improve transparency within the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. He claimed that enhanced reporting would help Congress, veterans service organizations (VSOs), and veterans understand delays and remands, identify areas for improvement, and provide veterans with clearer expectations about their appeals. Rep. Self underlined that the bill relied on existing data and would increase accountability and efficiency.

• The ANS was agreed to without opposition. The bill, as amended, was ordered favorably reported to the full Committee.

SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS ON H.R. 7260

• Ranking Member McGarvey introduced his ANS to the National Cemetery Administration Annual Report Act of 2026 (H.R. 7260) and acknowledged the bipartisan collaboration with Rep. Ryan Mackenzie. He explained that the amendment added clarifying language on construction project reporting and required more detailed reporting on interments and grants. He described the bill as “good government” legislation that would enhance oversight and improve services related to veterans’ burial and memorial affairs.

• The ANS was adopted, and the bill, as amended, was favorably reported to the full Committee.

SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS ON THE EN BLOC

• Chairman Luttrell ordered the Dayton National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2025 (H.R. 2164), the Susan E. Lukas 9/11 Servicemember Fairness Act (H.R. 5339), the Fraud Reduction And Uncovering Deception (FRAUD) in VA Disability Exams Act (H.R. 5723), and the Veterans Burial Allowance and Reimbursement Act of 2026 (H.R. 6943) to be considered en bloc. He stated that these bills would improve benefits for veterans and survivors, including ensuring fair reimbursement for burial in private cemeteries. He acknowledged that offsets had not yet been identified but expressed intent to work collaboratively to resolve that issue.

• The en bloc was favorably reported to the full Committee.

SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS ON H.R. 1004

• Chairman Luttrell then brought up the Love Lives On Act (H.R. 1004) and explained that under current law, surviving spouses who remarried before age 55 lost their benefits. He said the bill would eliminate this remarriage penalty, allowing spouses to retain benefits and access TRICARE under certain conditions. He voiced his strong support for the policy while mentioning the need to ensure compliance with House rules and identify a viable path forward.

• Ranking Member McGarvey strongly supported the bill and questioned why veterans and survivors were repeatedly asked to find offsets within their own community. He described the current policy as placing survivors in an “impossible situation,” forcing them to choose between remarriage and financial stability. He argued that the nation should honor not only veterans but also their families and urged passage of the bill.

• Rep. Kelly Morrison spoke on her bipartisan work on the bill and highlighted her personal connection to military families. She reiterated that the bill would eliminate the remarriage penalty, allow survivors to retain key benefits regardless of remarriage age, and restore TRICARE eligibility under certain circumstances. She argued that surviving spouses had already made significant sacrifices and should not face additional financial hardship.

• The bill was favorably reported to the full Committee without any objection.

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