Keeping Military Families Together Act of 2024

1/3/2025, 9:08 PM

Keeping Military Families Together Act of 2023

This bill permanently extends certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) burial benefits provided to spouses and dependent children of veterans or active duty servicemembers. Specifically, the bill permanently requires the VA to furnish, upon request, memorial headstones or markers for spouses or dependent children of veterans or servicemembers who were serving on active duty at the time of the spouse’s or child’s death. Additionally, the bill permanently authorizes burial in any open national cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration for a spouse or dependent child of veterans or servicemembers who were serving on active duty at the time of the spouse’s or child’s death.

The Keeping Military Families Together Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 s 2181, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of addressing the challenges faced by military families. The bill seeks to provide support and resources to ensure that military families are able to stay together and thrive despite the demands of military service.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the expansion of access to mental health services for military families. This includes increasing funding for mental health programs specifically tailored to the unique needs of military families, as well as improving access to counseling and support services for family members of service members.

Additionally, the bill aims to address the issue of frequent relocations faced by military families by providing increased support for housing assistance and relocation expenses. This includes provisions for affordable housing options near military bases, as well as financial assistance for families who are required to move frequently due to military service. The Keeping Military Families Together Act of 2023 also includes measures to improve access to education and childcare for military families. This includes expanding access to high-quality childcare services on military bases, as well as increasing funding for education programs that support the academic success of military children. Overall, the bill is designed to ensure that military families have the support and resources they need to stay together and thrive in the face of the unique challenges posed by military service. By addressing issues such as mental health, housing, education, and childcare, the bill aims to strengthen military families and support the well-being of service members and their loved ones.
Congress
118

Number
S - 2181

Introduced on
2023-06-22

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

5/1/2024

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Passed in Senate
To President

Purpose and Summary

Keeping Military Families Together Act of 2023

This bill permanently extends certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) burial benefits provided to spouses and dependent children of veterans or active duty servicemembers. Specifically, the bill permanently requires the VA to furnish, upon request, memorial headstones or markers for spouses or dependent children of veterans or servicemembers who were serving on active duty at the time of the spouse’s or child’s death. Additionally, the bill permanently authorizes burial in any open national cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration for a spouse or dependent child of veterans or servicemembers who were serving on active duty at the time of the spouse’s or child’s death.

The Keeping Military Families Together Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 s 2181, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of addressing the challenges faced by military families. The bill seeks to provide support and resources to ensure that military families are able to stay together and thrive despite the demands of military service.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the expansion of access to mental health services for military families. This includes increasing funding for mental health programs specifically tailored to the unique needs of military families, as well as improving access to counseling and support services for family members of service members.

Additionally, the bill aims to address the issue of frequent relocations faced by military families by providing increased support for housing assistance and relocation expenses. This includes provisions for affordable housing options near military bases, as well as financial assistance for families who are required to move frequently due to military service. The Keeping Military Families Together Act of 2023 also includes measures to improve access to education and childcare for military families. This includes expanding access to high-quality childcare services on military bases, as well as increasing funding for education programs that support the academic success of military children. Overall, the bill is designed to ensure that military families have the support and resources they need to stay together and thrive in the face of the unique challenges posed by military service. By addressing issues such as mental health, housing, education, and childcare, the bill aims to strengthen military families and support the well-being of service members and their loved ones.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to repeal the sunset on entitlement to memorial headstones and markers for commemoration of veterans and certain individuals and to repeal the sunset on authority to bury remains of certain spouses and children in national cemeteries, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Armed Forces and National Security

Potential Impact
Cemeteries and funerals
Military personnel and dependents
Veterans' organizations and recognition

Comments

APPROVED
DS
David Schwartz
@tamdhu_rutabaga_basil85617
I don't think this bill is a good idea. It could cause more problems than it solves. Just doesn't sit right with me.

APPROVED
SF
Sienna Finley
@anise_brioche_nigella_sativa82998
I think it's great that this bill is helping military families stay together.

APPROVED
ED
Evangeline Daniels
@ras_el_hanout_glenlossie_watermelon16920
This bill is a waste of time and money. It won't help anyone.

Recent Activity

Latest Summary11/13/2024

Keeping Military Families Together Act of 2023

This bill permanently extends certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) burial benefits provided to spouses and dependent children of veterans or active duty servicemembe...


Latest Action12/26/2024
Presented to President.