S.1127 - Dennis and Lois Krisfalusy Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Dennis and Lois Krisfalusy Act (S.1127) aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code, specifically concerning eligibility for memorial headstones and markers provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The bill seeks to expand this eligibility to include certain individuals who died before November 11, 1998. Currently, the law limits eligibility to those who died on or after this date.
By removing the date restriction, the bill broadens the scope of individuals who can receive these memorial benefits. This change intends to honor a larger group of veterans and their families.
The bill was introduced in the Senate by Mr. Fetterman, Mr. McCormick, and Mr. Cramer and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to increase the number of veterans eligible for memorial headstones and markers. This would provide more families with the opportunity to honor their deceased veteran relatives with a government-furnished memorial.
The change would likely lead to an increase in the number of applications and the associated costs for providing these memorials. However, it also ensures that veterans who died before a specific date are not excluded from this recognition.
Ultimately, the bill aims to provide a more inclusive and equitable system for honoring veterans, regardless of their date of death.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Recognition: More veterans who died before November 11, 1998, will be eligible for memorial headstones and markers.
- Family Support: Provides families with a means to honor their deceased veteran relatives.
- Symbolic Value: Reinforces the nation's commitment to honoring military service.
- Equity: Addresses potential inequities in the existing law based on the date of death.
- Honoring Service: Ensures that veterans are remembered and recognized for their contributions.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Costs: Expanding eligibility may lead to higher costs for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Administrative Burden: Processing additional applications could increase the administrative workload.
- Potential for Fraud: Expanded eligibility might create opportunities for fraudulent claims, requiring stricter verification processes.
- Limited Scope: The bill only addresses memorial headstones and markers, not other veteran benefits.
- Oversight Needed: Requires careful oversight to ensure efficient and equitable implementation.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to provide benefits to veterans and their families, thereby promoting the well-being of a specific group of citizens. The Constitution grants Congress the power to provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.
Specifically, Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 provides Congress with the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. This bill falls under the purview of providing for veterans, which can be seen as part of the general welfare.
There are no apparent conflicts with specific constitutional provisions, such as individual rights or the separation of powers. The bill focuses on amending existing legislation related to veteran affairs, an area where Congress has clear authority.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).