H.R. 3123 Passed the House Armed Forces and National Security

Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits 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. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21] Introduced April 30, 2025 Cosponsors 2 (2 D) Latest action February 3, 2026

Summary

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.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Roll-call votes

Actions

  1. Feb 3, 2026 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
  2. Feb 2, 2026 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  3. Feb 2, 2026 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)
  4. Feb 2, 2026 Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1937-1938)
  5. Feb 2, 2026 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.
  6. Feb 2, 2026 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3123.
  7. Feb 2, 2026 Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1930-1932)
  8. Feb 2, 2026 Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
  9. Oct 8, 2025 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 291.
  10. Oct 8, 2025 Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-339.
  11. Jul 23, 2025 Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
  12. Jul 23, 2025 Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

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