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119th Congress
Independent · Nonpartisan · Reader-supported
HOUSEH.R. 4928· 119th Congress

Expand VA headstones to more reserve members

GRAVE Act

Sponsor
Michael Lawler (R-NY)
Introduced
Aug 8, 2025
Last Action
Dec 19, 2025
Passage
32%
Introduced
Aug 8, 2025
2
Committee
3
Floor Vote
4
Both Chambers
5
Enacted
01 — The Text

What.

  • Expands VA-provided government headstones and markers to reserve component members who don't meet active-duty service minimums.
  • Current law limits this benefit to reservists eligible for retirement pay or those under 60 who would qualify.
  • New rule would cover reservists ineligible for veteran status solely due to insufficient active-duty service length.
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • Reserve members and their families gain burial recognition benefits previously unavailable to them.
  • Affects reservists who served but fell short of active-duty thresholds—expanding who gets acknowledged in death.
  • No fiscal impact detailed in summary; primarily a symbolic/eligibility change affecting a defined subset.
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • Bill introduced August 2025, referred to Veterans' Affairs Committee, then to Disability Assistance subcommittee in December. No cosponsors yet.
  • Next step: subcommittee review and potential markup before full committee consideration.
  • Contact your House representative to weigh in on whether reserve service deserves equal burial honor recognition.
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Dec 19, 2025Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
  • Aug 8, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
  • Aug 8, 2025Introduced in House
  • Aug 8, 2025Introduced in House