H.R.2721 - Honoring Our Heroes Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2721, the Honoring Our Heroes Act of 2025, directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a pilot program. This program will furnish headstones or burial markers to veterans who died on or before November 1, 1990. The program will operate for two years after the Act's enactment.
Expected Effects
The bill aims to provide commemorative headstones or burial markers for veterans who passed away before November 1, 1990, who may not have received them previously. This will involve the Department of Veterans Affairs updating its website with eligibility requirements. The pilot program will be active for two years, after which it will terminate unless further action is taken.
Potential Benefits
- Provides headstones or burial markers to veterans who died before November 1, 1990, honoring their service.
- Updates the National Cemetery Administration's website with eligibility requirements, increasing transparency.
- The pilot program structure allows for assessment and potential improvements before a broader rollout.
- It acknowledges and commemorates the sacrifices of veterans, fostering a sense of national gratitude.
- The program is time-limited, allowing for a focused and manageable implementation.
Potential Disadvantages
- The program is limited to veterans who died before November 1, 1990, potentially excluding others who may need assistance.
- The two-year termination date may not be sufficient to reach all eligible veterans or fully assess the program's effectiveness.
- The bill does not specify funding sources, which could lead to implementation challenges.
- There may be administrative burdens associated with processing applications and furnishing headstones or markers.
- The bill's impact is limited in scope, focusing solely on headstones and burial markers rather than broader veteran support.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the constitutional principle of promoting the general welfare, as it seeks to honor and commemorate veterans' service. While the Constitution does not explicitly address veteran affairs, the government's power to provide for the common defense and general welfare (Preamble) can be interpreted to include supporting those who have served in the military. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).