John Boozman (R-AR)· Introduced February 24, 2026

Gerald’s Law Reauthorization Act of 2026

S. 3898 · Senate bill Armed Forces and National Security

A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor

Last activity February 24, 2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

In committee

Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.

The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.

Its path through Congress

Introduced
In Committee

What this bill would do

This bill, titled the ``Gerald's Law Reauthorization Act of 2026'', seeks to amend the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. The primary purpose is to extend burial benefits for specific veterans. This applies to those who die at home while receiving hospice care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The amendment changes a specific date within the existing law to extend these benefits.

Yes· 3 of 5

Scored +5
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
The extension of burial benefits is highly beneficial for seniors and veterans receiving end-of-life care.
Scored +5
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
The bill directly extends burial benefits for veterans receiving VA hospice care at home.
Scored +5
Would retired people be better off under this?
The expansion of benefits provides financial certainty for retirees and their families regarding end-of-life expenses.

The opposite

No question was scored the opposite.

Who it would affect, and how

Potential Positive Impacts for People

Extension of Burial Benefits: The bill extends the period during which certain veterans are eligible for burial benefits. This applies to veterans who die at home while receiving hospice care furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This is achieved by amending Section 301(c)(2) of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act by striking 2026'' and inserting 2030''. (Section 2)

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 retired people be better off under this? — The expansion of benefits provides financial certainty for retirees and their families regarding end-of-life expenses. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The extension of burial benefits is highly beneficial for seniors and veterans receiving end-of-life care. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill directly extends burial benefits for veterans receiving VA hospice care at home.
Healthcare: Does this help veterans get medical care? — The bill extends crucial end-of-life and burial benefits for veterans receiving VA hospice care.
National Security And Foreign Policy: Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill extends specific burial benefits for veterans receiving VA hospice care through 2030.