Legis Daily

Veterans’ Surviving Spouse Equity Act of 2025

USA119th CongressHR-4637| House 
| Updated: 12/19/2025
Julia Brownley

Julia Brownley

Democratic Representative

California

Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee, Veterans' Affairs Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill aims to expand eligibility for certain benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for surviving spouses of veterans who were rated as totally disabled at the time of their death . It amends section 1318 of title 38, United States Code, to broaden the criteria for who qualifies as an eligible surviving spouse. Under the proposed changes, a surviving spouse would be eligible if they were married to the veteran for at least one year immediately preceding the veteran's death. Alternatively, eligibility would extend to those who lived with the veteran in the same household for at least one year and publicly presented themselves as spouses during that period, regardless of any other legal or religious marriages.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jul 23, 2025
Introduced in House
Jul 23, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Dec 19, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
  • July 23, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • July 23, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.


  • December 19, 2025
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

Armed Forces and National Security

Veterans’ Surviving Spouse Equity Act of 2025

USA119th CongressHR-4637| House 
| Updated: 12/19/2025
This bill aims to expand eligibility for certain benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for surviving spouses of veterans who were rated as totally disabled at the time of their death . It amends section 1318 of title 38, United States Code, to broaden the criteria for who qualifies as an eligible surviving spouse. Under the proposed changes, a surviving spouse would be eligible if they were married to the veteran for at least one year immediately preceding the veteran's death. Alternatively, eligibility would extend to those who lived with the veteran in the same household for at least one year and publicly presented themselves as spouses during that period, regardless of any other legal or religious marriages.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jul 23, 2025
Introduced in House
Jul 23, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Dec 19, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
  • July 23, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • July 23, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.


  • December 19, 2025
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
Julia Brownley

Julia Brownley

Democratic Representative

California

Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee, Veterans' Affairs Committee

Armed Forces and National Security

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted