GRAVE Act (Giving Reservists A Valiant Eternity Act) would broaden who can receive a government-provided headstone or grave marker from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Specifically, it amends 38 U.S.C. 2306(a)(5) to include a member (or former member) of a Reserve of an Armed Force who is not considered a veteran solely because they have not met the minimum active-duty service requirements defined in section 5303A. In practical terms, this means certain Reserve members who served but did not fulfill the active-duty time necessary to gain veteran status would become eligible for VA headstones or grave markers, treating their service as qualifying for memorial recognition. The bill is titled the GRAVE Act and was introduced in the House by Rep. Lawler on August 8, 2025. It has been referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. There is no Senate action noted in the provided text.
Key Points
- 1Short title: The act may be cited as the Giving Reservists A Valiant Eternity Act (GRAVE Act).
- 2Purpose: Expand eligibility for VA headstones/grave markers to Reserve members who are not veterans solely due to not meeting minimum active-duty service requirements.
- 3Legal change: Amends 38 U.S.C. 2306(a)(5) to include “A member (or former member) of a Reserve of an Armed Force who is not a veteran solely by reason of not meeting the minimum active-duty service requirements under section 5303A.”
- 4Scope of eligibility: Applies to headstones or grave markers under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
- 5Status: Introduced in the House on August 8, 2025 by Rep. Lawler; referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. No further action stated.