Recently NFDA was asked to testify before the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs on two separate occasions.  Our first testimony was on September 24, and focused on "How We Can Better Serve America's Veteran's and their Families".  NFDA's testimony focused on the inadequate amount of the current funeral and burial benefit.  On October 7, the House passed H.R. 1037, which increases the Burial and Funeral Expenses for Deaths in Department Facilities from $300 to $745 and increases the Plot Allowance from $300 to $745.  The Senate passed a similar bill on October 13.  Differences in the House and Senate bills will be reconciled by a Conference Committee."  NFDA also offered strong support for H.R.2642, a bill that directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to assist in the identification of unclaimed and abandoned human remains to determine if any such remains are eligible for burial in a national cemetery.

 

NFDA was asked to testify again at a hearing before the same committee on October 8, 2009.  This hearing was a legislative hearing that focused on several bills.  NFDA voiced strong support for H.R. 2243, a bill that increases the monthly rates of veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation payable to surviving spouses through the Department of Veterans Affairs.  NFDA also supported H.R. 3544 to lower the threshold for establishing new national cemeteries, because funeral directors believe the family of every deceased veteran should have easy and convenient access to a national cemetery.

 

NFDA also offered strong support for H.R. 761, also known as the "Corey Shea Act".  I am very happy to report that yesterday, November 3, the House passed the Veterans' Small Business Assistance & Servicemembers Protection Act (H.R. 3949), which includes the entire language of the "Corey Shea Act" by a vote of 382-2. 

 

H.R. 761, was introduced by Rep. Barney Frank at the request of one of his constituents; Denise Anderson. Ms. Anderson's son, Corey Shea, was killed while on duty in Iraq almost one year ago.  Ms. Anderson's request to be able to be buried with her son in the U.S. military cemetery in Bourne had been rejected by the U.S. Department of Veterans affairs.  She subsequently contacted Congressman Barney Frank, who introduced legislation to allow Mrs. Anderson and other parents of fallen soldiers to be buried with their sons or daughters in special circumstances (unmarried with no children).  NFDA surveyed our members on this issue and testified in support of HR 761.  NFDA worked closely with the VA committee, Rep. Frank's office and Ms. Anderson to gain passage of this legislation. While this legislation does not specifically benefit funeral directors, our testimony was an excellent opportunity for NFDA to demonstrate that our members truly care about the families we serve.  The legislation still has to be pass the U.S. Senate. According to Rep. Frank's office, a companion bill has already been introduced by Senator John Kerry. Little opposition is anticipated in the Senate. 

 

We will keep you apprised of any developments.