[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 123 (Monday, July 23, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H6637]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1930
                            MILITARY SPOUSES

  (Mr. LaMALFA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. LaMALFA. Mr. Speaker, families who are veterans also sacrifice a 
great deal when their loved ones have been deployed and even when they 
come home. Current law, unfortunately, doesn't allow a spouse to be 
recognized by the VA-provided grave marker after that spouse has passed 
away.
  Some veterans in the north State in my district recognized this issue 
and brought it to my attention. The VA even requested this change in 
this year's budget request. The budget requires a change in law by 
Congress.
  That is why I introduced the Honoring Veterans' Families Act in order 
to correct this problem. Under the legislation, the VA will have the 
ability to replace the marker of a veteran to add an inscription about 
their spouse following the loss of that spouse.
  Veterans certainly should have the option of including their spouse 
on their own tombstone if they so choose. This is a bill that, 
unfortunately, is needed to once again honor our veterans and the 
sacrifices of their families. Let's hope we can pass it.

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