PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Jan 4, 2025
Keeping Military Families Together Act of 2024
This act extends certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) burial benefits provided to spouses and dependent children of veterans or active duty servicemembers.
Specifically, the act extends through FY2032 the requirement for the VA to furnish, upon request, memorial headstones or markers for spouses or dependent children of veterans or servicemembers who were serving on active duty at the time of the spouse’s or child’s death.
Additionally, the act extends through FY2032 the authority for burial in any open national cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration for a spouse or dependent child of veterans or servicemembers who were serving on active duty at the time of the spouse’s or child’s death.
People & committees
Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI] · D–MI
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 118-271.
Became Public Law No: 118-271.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Senate agreed to the House amendment and amendment to the title to S. 2181 by Unanimous Consent.
Resolving differences -- Senate actions: Senate agreed to the House amendment and amendment to the title to S. 2181 by Unanimous Consent.
Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendments to Senate bill.
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 voice vote. (text: CR H6036)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6036)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 2181.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6036-6037)
Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S3294)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S3294)
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3294)
Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3294)
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Jul 17, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.2181 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.
Examine S.2181 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine S.2181 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine S.2181 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.