Bills · HR 4398
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 4398Armed Forces and National Security
Veteran Burial Timeliness and Death Certificate Accountability Act
INTRO JUL 15· LAST ACTION DEC 3
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
123BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it addresses a very practical and emotionally charged issue for military families: the timely processing of a veteran's death. Currently, delays in obtaining death certificates can cause significant distress, holding up funeral arrangements and preventing families from accessing much-needed financial support, sometimes for weeks.
If this bill becomes law, it would establish a clear expectation and timeline for VA healthcare providers, potentially reducing stress and financial hardship for grieving families. It also introduces an accountability measure through annual reporting to Congress. If it doesn't pass, families of veterans could continue to face unpredictable and potentially lengthy delays in getting death certificates, prolonging their inability to finalize arrangements and receive benefits.
KEY PROVISIONS
3AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires VA physicians and nurse practitioners to certify a veteran's death due to natural causes within 48 hours of learning about it.
This provision aims to significantly reduce delays in death certificate processing for veterans, easing the burden on grieving families.
PROVISION 02
Allows a local coroner or medical examiner to certify the death if the VA provider cannot meet the 48-hour deadline.
This provides a critical backup option to ensure death certificates are issued promptly, even if a VA provider faces a barrier.
PROVISION 03
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit an annual report to Congress on compliance with the 48-hour certification rule.
This provision creates accountability and transparency regarding the VA's performance in timely death certification.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 123
R· Minnesota
YRS IN OFFICE
11
BILLS LED
10
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 50%
DEM 31 REP 92 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSDEC 3
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
JUL 15
Introduced in House
JUL 15
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 4398
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJul 15, 2025
Last actionDec 3, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JUL 15, 2025
House BillHR 4398Armed Forces and National Security
Veteran Burial Timeliness and Death Certificate Accountability Act
INTRODUCED JUL 15, 2025· LAST ACTION DEC 3, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
123
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
