Elise Stefanik (R-NY)
Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act
A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
In the other chamber's committee
Passed one chamber and has been handed to a committee in the other.
The committee decides whether it goes any further, and most bills that reach a committee never leave it. A committee that simply does nothing kills a bill without anyone ever voting against it, so no news from here is usually the news.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed House 405–1
- In Senate committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act," aims to improve laws regarding the payment of certain benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. It specifically addresses how pensions are handled when a veteran dies after being awarded entitlement but before payment is made. The Act establishes a priority list for receiving these unpaid funds, including spouses, children, dependent parents, or the veteran's estate. Additionally, the bill extends certain limits on pension payments. These changes apply to veteran deaths occurring on or after the date the Act is enacted.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +5
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
The bill secures the intended legacy of veteran pension benefits for their surviving family members.
- Scored +5
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?
The act clarifies the distribution of unpaid pension funds to a veteran's survivors and extends certain payment limits.
- Scored +4
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
The bill provides a mechanism for dependent parents of deceased veterans to receive unpaid pension entitlements.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
What Congress actually voted on
One recorded vote has been taken on this bill.
- The House: a fast-track vote, needing two-thirds to pass The House sets aside its normal procedure to move quickly: no amendments, little debate, and a two-thirds bar instead of a simple majority. It is used for measures expected to be uncontroversial, so a bill that fails here failed despite broad expectations that it would not. Passed 405 yes · 1 no
02/02/2026 · Roll call 50 · recorded as “On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended”
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Ensures timely distribution of unpaid funds to families: Under Section 2(a), if a pension was awarded before a veteran's death but remained unpaid, the funds are directed to specific living persons or entities. This provides a clear path for spouses, children, or dependent parents to receive what was due to the veteran.
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Provides a clear hierarchy for benefits: Section 2(a) establishes a specific order of priority for payments. By listing spouses first, followed by children, dependent parents, and then the estate, the bill creates a clear process for who is entitled to the unpaid pension.
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Extends existing pension payment limits: Section 3 extends the date for certain limits on payments of pension from January 31, 2033, to February 28, 2033.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Potential loss of priority if no application is filed: According to Section 2(a)(b), if no application is filed under section 5121 within one year of the veteran's death, the pension must be paid to the estate of the deceased veteran (unless it will escheat). This could result in the funds being diverted from immediate family members to the estate if the one-year window is missed.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill secures the intended legacy of veteran pension benefits for their surviving family members. Would retired people be better off under this? — The bill protects the financial interests of surviving spouses and dependents through a clear priority hierarchy. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The bill provides a mechanism for dependent parents of deceased veterans to receive unpaid pension entitlements. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill ensures the continuity of pension payments to the immediate family of a deceased veteran.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The act clarifies the distribution of unpaid pension funds to a veteran's survivors and extends certain payment limits.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The bill establishes a priority hierarchy to ensure unpaid pension funds reach surviving spouses, children, or parents.
- 2/3/2026
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2/2/2026
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 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)
- 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)
- Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1937-1938)
- 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.
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3123.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1930-1932)
- Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 10/8/2025
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-339.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 291.
- 9/30/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/23/2025
- Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 6/24/2025
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 5/15/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
- 4/30/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
