Both sides have signed this (Bill Ranking)
H.R. 3123 · 119th Congress (2025-2026)
3 members · Left 1 · Center 1 · Right 1 (Bill Ranking)
| Sponsor | Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. (R-NY) (Introduced 04/30/2025) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Voting Record | Lean right · DW-NOMINATE +0.31 · measured from every roll-call vote this member has cast (voteview.com) (Sponsor Ranking) |
| Support |
LLLCLRR support across the spectrum: 3 members signed on (Bill Ranking) this bill: sponsor + current cosponsors, each once |
| Committees | Senate - Veterans' Affairs Committee; House - Veterans' Affairs Committee; House - Veterans' Affairs Committee; House - Veterans' Affairs Committee; House - Veterans' Affairs Committee |
| Latest Action | 02/03/2026 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. |
| Roll Call Votes | 1 |
| Source | view on congress.gov → |
Introduced in House (04/30/2025)
Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act
This bill establishes procedures for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to issue a pension that was due but unpaid at the time of a veteran’s death. Specifically, if the VA issues a decision awarding entitlement to a pension to a veteran prior to the veteran’s death but issues the payment after the veteran dies, the pension must be paid to the first available recipient on the following list: (1) the veteran’s living spouse; (2) the veteran’s living children; (3) the veteran’s living dependent parents; or (4) the estate of the veteran, unless the estate will escheat (i.e., transfer to the state). To be eligible for such pension payments, a claimant of accrued benefits must file an application within one year after the veteran's death.
If no application for accrued benefits is filed within one year following the death of the veteran, the pension must be paid to the veteran’s estate unless the estate will escheat.
119 HR 3123 EH: Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act U.S. House of Representatives text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 3123
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements to laws relating to the payment of certain benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that are affected by death, and for other purposes.
1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act.
2.Payment by Secretary of Veterans Affairs of pension after death of a veteran in certain circumstances (a)In generalChapter 51 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting, after section 5121A, the following new section: 5121B.Payment of pension after death of a veteran in certain circumstances (a)In generalSubject to subsection (b), if the Secretary issues a decision awarding entitlement to a pension to a veteran before the death of such veteran, and the Secretary issues payment of such pension after the veteran dies, such pension that was due and unpaid at the time of the veteran’s death shall be paid to the first living person or entity listed below: (1)The veteran’s spouse. (2)The veteran’s children (in equal shares). (3)The veteran’s dependent parents (in equal shares). (4)The estate of the deceased veteran unless the estate will escheat. (b)LimitationIn a case described in subsection (a), if no application is filed under section 5121 of this title during the one-year period following the death of the veteran, the pension described in such subsection shall be paid to the estate of the deceased veteran unless the estate will escheat.. (b)Technical and conforming amendments (1)Conforming amendmentSection 5121(a) of such title is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting section 5121B of this title, or before sections 3329 and 3330. (2)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting, after the item relating to section 5121A, the following new item: 5121B. Payment of pension after death of a veteran in certain circumstances.. (c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to the death of a veteran that occurs on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
3.Extension of certain limits on payments of pensionSection 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking January 31, 2033 and inserting February 28, 2033. Passed the House of Representatives February 2, 2026.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk.
119 HR 3123 IH: Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act U.S. House of Representatives 2025-04-30 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I119th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 3123IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESApril 30, 2025Ms. Stefanik (for herself and Mr. Khanna) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' AffairsA BILLTo amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements to laws relating to the payment of certain benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that are affected by death, and for other purposes.
1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act.
2.Payment by Secretary of Veterans Affairs of pension after death of a veteran in certain circumstances (a)In generalChapter 51 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting, after section 5121A, the following new section: 5121B.Payment of pension after death of a veteran in certain circumstances (a)In generalSubject to subsection (b), if the Secretary issues a decision awarding entitlement to a pension to a veteran before the death of such veteran, and the Secretary issues payment of such pension after the veteran dies, such pension that was due and unpaid at the time of the veteran’s death shall be paid to the first living person or entity listed below: (1)The veteran’s spouse. (2)The veteran’s children (in equal shares). (3)The veteran’s dependent parents (in equal shares). (4)The estate of the deceased veteran unless the estate will escheat. (b)LimitationIn a case described in subsection (a), if no application is filed under section 5121 of this title during the one-year period following the death of the veteran, the pension described in such subsection shall be paid to the estate of the deceased veteran unless the estate will escheat.. (b)Technical and conforming amendments (1)Conforming amendmentSection 5121(a) of such title is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting section 5121B of this title, or before sections 3329 and 3330. (2)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting, after the item relating to section 5121A, the following new item: 5121B. Payment of pension after death of a veteran in certain circumstances.. (c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to the death of a veteran that occurs on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
119 HR 3123 : Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act U.S. House of Representatives 2026-02-03 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IIB119th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 3123IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESFebruary 3, 2026Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' AffairsAN ACTTo amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements to laws relating to the payment of certain benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that are affected by death, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act.
2.Payment by Secretary of Veterans Affairs of pension after death of a veteran in certain circumstances(a)In generalChapter 51 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting, after section 5121A, the following new section:5121B.Payment of pension after death of a veteran in certain circumstances(a)In generalSubject to subsection (b), if the Secretary issues a decision awarding entitlement to a pension to a veteran before the death of such veteran, and the Secretary issues payment of such pension after the veteran dies, such pension that was due and unpaid at the time of the veteran’s death shall be paid to the first living person or entity listed below:(1)The veteran’s spouse.(2)The veteran’s children (in equal shares).(3)The veteran’s dependent parents (in equal shares).(4)The estate of the deceased veteran unless the estate will escheat.(b)LimitationIn a case described in subsection (a), if no application is filed under section 5121 of this title during the one-year period following the death of the veteran, the pension described in such subsection shall be paid to the estate of the deceased veteran unless the estate will escheat..(b)Technical and conforming amendments(1)Conforming amendmentSection 5121(a) of such title is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting section 5121B of this title, or before sections 3329 and 3330.(2)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting, after the item relating to section 5121A, the following new item:5121B. Payment of pension after death of a veteran in certain circumstances..(c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to the death of a veteran that occurs on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.3.Extension of certain limits on payments of pensionSection 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking January 31, 2033 and inserting February 28, 2033.Passed the House of Representatives February 2, 2026.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk.
119 HR 3123 RH: Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act U.S. House of Representatives 2025-10-08 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IBUnion Calendar No. 291119th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 3123[Report No. 119–339]IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESApril 30, 2025Ms. Stefanik (for herself and Mr. Khanna) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' AffairsOctober 8, 2025Additional sponsor: Ms. Lee of NevadaOctober 8, 2025Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printedStrike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italicFor text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on April 30, 2025A BILLTo amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements to laws relating to the payment of certain benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that are affected by death, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act.
2.Payment by Secretary of Veterans Affairs of pension after death of a veteran in certain circumstances(a)In generalChapter 51 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting, after section 5121A, the following new section:5121B.Payment of pension after death of a veteran in certain circumstances(a)In generalSubject to subsection (b), if the Secretary issues a decision awarding entitlement to a pension to a veteran before the death of such veteran, and the Secretary issues payment of such pension after the veteran dies, such pension that was due and unpaid at the time of the veteran’s death shall be paid to the first living person or entity listed below:(1)The veteran’s spouse.(2)The veteran’s children (in equal shares).(3)The veteran’s dependent parents (in equal shares).(4)The estate of the deceased veteran unless the estate will escheat.(b)LimitationIn a case described in subsection (a), if no application is filed under section 5121 of this title during the one-year period following the death of the veteran, the pension described in such subsection shall be paid to the estate of the deceased veteran unless the estate will escheat..(b)Technical and conforming amendments(1)Conforming amendmentSection 5121(a) of such title is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting section 5121B of this title, or before sections 3329 and 3330.(2)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting, after the item relating to section 5121A, the following new item:5121B. Payment of pension after death of a veteran in certain circumstances..(c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to the death of a veteran that occurs on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.3.Extension of certain limits on payments of pensionSection 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking November 30, 2031 and inserting December 31, 2031.October 8, 2025Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed
The bill's own words, from our database (synced from the GPO BILLS XML); paragraph breaks added at the bill's section boundaries, nothing else changed.
| Date | Chamber | All Actions |
|---|---|---|
| 04/30/2025 | Library of Congress | Introduced in House |
| 04/30/2025 | Library of Congress | Introduced in House |
| 04/30/2025 | House floor actions | Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. |
| 05/15/2025 | House committee actions | Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. |
| 06/24/2025 | House committee actions | Subcommittee Hearings Held |
| 07/23/2025 | House committee actions | Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged |
| 07/23/2025 | House committee actions | Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held |
| 07/23/2025 | House committee actions | Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote. |
| 10/08/2025 | Library of Congress | Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-339. |
| 10/08/2025 | House floor actions | Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-339. |
| 10/08/2025 | House floor actions | Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 291. |
| 02/02/2026 | House floor actions | Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. |
| 02/02/2026 | House floor actions | Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1930-1932) |
| 02/02/2026 | House floor actions | DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3123. |
| 02/02/2026 | House floor actions | At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed. |
| 02/02/2026 | House floor actions | Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1937-1938) |
| 02/02/2026 | Library of Congress | Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 - 1 (Roll no. 50). (text: CR H1930-1931) |
| 02/02/2026 | House floor actions | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 - 1 (Roll no. 50). (text: CR H1930-1931) |
| 02/02/2026 | House floor actions | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 02/03/2026 | Senate | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. |
| Title Type | Title |
|---|---|
| Short Titles from RFS (Referred to Senate) bill text | Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act |
| Short Title(s) as Passed House | Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act |
| Official Titles from EH (Engrossed in House) bill text | To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements to laws relating to the payment of certain benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that are affected by death, and for other purposes. |
| Short Title(s) as Reported to House | Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act |
| Display Title | Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act |
| Short Title(s) as Introduced | Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act |
| Official Title as Introduced | To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements to laws relating to the payment of certain benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that are affected by death, and for other purposes. |
There are no amendments to this bill.
* = Original cosponsor
| Committee | Activity |
|---|---|
| Senate - Veterans' Affairs Committee | 02/03/2026 Referred To |
| House - Veterans' Affairs Committee | 10/08/2025 Reported By |
| House - Veterans' Affairs Committee | 07/23/2025 Markup By |
| House - Veterans' Affairs Committee | 07/23/2025 Discharged from |
| House - Veterans' Affairs Committee | 04/30/2025 Referred To |
No related bill information was received for H.R. 3123.
Policy Area: Armed Forces and National Security
All data on this page comes from our own database (legislation.congress_* tables), synced daily from the GPO govinfo BILLSTATUS and BILLS collections. Formatted after congress.gov; nothing is generated. Member placement is their DW-NOMINATE score (voteview.com, Lewis et al.) - a measurement of roll-call voting behavior, not our judgement. Buckets: Left below −0.50 · Lean Left to −0.25 · Center to +0.25 · Lean Right to +0.50 · Right above +0.50. The bill's Support meter aggregates the people who signed the bill - sponsor and current cosponsors, each counted once - nothing else.