PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 107-247.
Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · May 21, 2002
Veterans' and Survivors' Benefits Expansion Act of 2002 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2002, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled adult children, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children.Requires each such increase to be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date.(Sec. 3) States that remarriage after age 65 shall not bar a surviving spouse from dependency and indemnity compensation, death compensation, medical care for survivors and dependents, educational assistance, and housing loan benefits to which such spouse is entitled based upon prior marriage to a veteran. Allows spouses who remarried after age 65 but before enactment of this Act to apply for such coverage until one year after enactment. States that eligibility for dependency and indemnity compensation shall not cause a reduction in any other authorized benefits for such spouses.(Sec. 4) Eliminates the additional 0.75 percent home loan funding fee for members of the Selected Reserve from October 1, 2002, to September 30, 2005.(Sec. 5) Increases from $90,000 to $150,000 the amount of Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance coverage provided to eligible veterans. Requires eligible veterans to apply for such insurance at age 69 or younger. Allows such insurance to continue beyond age 70 (the current termination age).(Sec. 6) Increases to $18 million for each of FY 2003 through 2005 the amount available for State approving agencies (approving veterans education programs) for administrative expenses.
People & committees
Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4] · R–NJ
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 107-247.
Became Public Law No: 107-247.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H7122)
Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H7122)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments to H.R. 4085.
Mr. Smith (NJ) moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments. (consideration: CR H7122-7124)
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent.
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S9550)
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 410 - 0 (Roll no. 185). (text: CR 5/20/2002 H2624-2625)
House roll call 185 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 410 - 0 (Roll no. 185).(text: CR 5/20/2002 H2624-2625)
House roll call 185 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2779-2780)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4085.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2624-2628)
Mr. Smith (NJ) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 283.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 107-472.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 107-472.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Benefits.
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.4085 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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