WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 1228 · 119th Congress

Prioritizing Veterans’ Survivors Act

Passed HouseArmed Forces and National Security
IntroducedFeb 12, 2025
Passed HouseApr 9, 2025
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed House. Latest step, Apr 10, 2025: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. The House passed it 424–0. In the House, Iowa's representatives split: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks yes, Zachary Nunn did not vote. It would change 1 section of existing law.

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 1228 would change 1 section of existing law. Read from the bill text as sent to the Senate (Apr 10, 2025).

38 U.S.C. 321 Office of Survivors Assistance

  • (a) Establishment.—The Secretary shall establish in the Department an Office of… changed · Sec. 2 · see the words
What the words would change: every change, in place (1)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what would be struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

  1. 38 U.S.C. 321(a)changedby H.R. 1228 Sec. 2

    (a) Establishment.—The Secretary shall establish in the Departmentin the Office of the Secretary an Office of Survivors Assistance (in this section referred to as the "Office") to serve as a resource regarding all benefits and services furnished by the Department— (1) to survivors and dependents of deceased veterans; and (2) to survivors and dependents of deceased members of the Armed Forces.

    The bill says: Section 321(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking "in the Department" and inserting "in the Office of the Secretary".

    Bill text · Current law (38 U.S.C. 321)

From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, 2024 edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

What it does

Sourced

Prioritizing Veterans' Survivors Act

This bill provides that the Office of Survivors Assistance (OSA) must operate within the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (Currently, OSA operates within the Pension and Fiduciary Service of the Veterans Benefits Administration.)

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Feb 12, 2025).

Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

What has happened

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  1. Apr 10, 2025Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.Senate
  2. Apr 9, 2025Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
  3. Apr 9, 2025On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 424 - 0 (Roll no. 99). (text: 4/7/2025 CR H1433-1434) Roll call recordHouse floor actions
  4. Apr 9, 2025Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 424 - 0 (Roll no. 99). Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
  5. Apr 9, 2025Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1552-1553)House floor actions
  6. Apr 7, 2025At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Bost objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.House floor actions
  7. Apr 7, 2025DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1228.House floor actions
  8. Apr 7, 2025Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1433-1435)House floor actions
  9. Apr 7, 2025Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.House floor actions
  10. Mar 26, 2025Subcommittee Hearings HeldHouse committee actions
  11. Mar 21, 2025Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.House committee actions
  12. Feb 12, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.House floor actions
  13. Feb 12, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
  14. Feb 12, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Show key steps only

Recorded votes

Sourced
  1. Apr 9, 2025 · HousePassed 424–0
    Iowa: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks yes, Zachary Nunn did not vote
    On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass · needed two-thirds
    R 212 yes, 0 noD 212 yes, 0 noEach member · Record

Cosponsors

  • Mike Bost R-IL-12