Rep. Morgan Luttrell, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, delivered remarks on Mar. 26 at the start of a markup session for seven proposed bills focused on improving oversight and accountability within the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Board of Veterans Appeals and the National Cemetery Administration.
The session aims to address how benefits for survivors and veterans can better meet their needs, as well as streamline the burial reimbursement process for families who choose private cemeteries. Luttrell said all seven bills had previously been discussed in a legislative hearing held by the subcommittee.
"All of these bills were considered at a legislative hearing held by this Subcommittee," Luttrell said. He added that informal, preliminary cost estimates for each bill had been requested from the Congressional Budget Office, noting that these are only ranges of potential costs.
Luttrell explained that none of the measures currently include fiscal offsets necessary to advance them through the full committee. "Finding offsets ensures that we keep our fiscal house in order," he said.
He emphasized his commitment to working with both Republican and Democratic colleagues to identify suitable budgetary offsets so reforms can move forward: "Offsets are a central part of this process and I look forward to working with my colleagues on this Committee, Republican and Democrat, to see where we can find common ground." Luttrell also expressed interest in collaborating with Ranking Member McGarvey and other members to find reasonable solutions.
The review comes amid ongoing efforts by lawmakers to ensure veterans receive timely support while maintaining responsible federal spending.
