From Lesley Witter, NFDA Lobbyist

From securing expanded burial benefits for veterans to reducing regulatory burdens for small funeral homes, NFDA continues to lead the way on the issues that matter most to you, your business and the grieving families you serve. As your advocate on Capitol Hill, I’m here every day representing you – making sure lawmakers and regulators understand the realities of funeral service and fighting for smart, sensible policies that support the important work you do.

Here’s the latest news from our nation’s capital:

NFDA Supports New Legislation to Ensure Timely, Dignified Burials for Veterans

NFDA is proud to support the Veterans Burial Accountability Act (H.R. 4398), a bipartisan bill introduced this week by Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN), Majority Whip of the U.S. House of Representatives, that would ensure veterans receive the timely, dignified burial services they deserve.

The bill would require Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clinicians to sign death certificates within 48 hours of a veteran’s death. H.R. 4398 provides a sensible solution that respects the service and dignity of veterans and ensures their families are not forced to delay burial or cremation.

This legislation reflects the same values that funeral service professionals uphold every day – honoring veterans with respect, compassion and integrity. NFDA has long been a national leader in advocating for improved funeral and burial benefits for those who have served our country.As the nation’s leading voice for funeral service, we believe that no veteran should experience delays or indignities in their final arrangements. Our support for this bill reaffirms NFDA’s ongoing commitment to honoring the sacrifices of America’s heroes. Click here to read more about the legislation.

VA Expands Burial Benefits for Veterans: A Win for Families

The VA recently announced it has temporarily expanded burial benefits for certain veterans under the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. Previously, veterans who died at home under VA hospice care after discharge from VA-provided medical or nursing care were not always eligible for a full VA burial allowance. The Dole Act addresses that gap.

The new law specifies eligible veterans are those who are discharged from VA-provided medical or nursing care to receive VA-provided hospice care at their home and who pass away between July 1, 2025, and Oct. 1, 2026.

NFDA has worked closely with the VA for many years and applauds this important step forward. These expanded benefits will reduce the financial and emotional burden on grieving families, while helping funeral directors provide the high standard of care veterans deserve.

Click here to read the VA’s official announcement.

Learn More About the Green Burial Section Pilot at Three VA Cemeteries

Late last year, the VA launched a Green Burial Section Pilot Program at three national cemeteries – in Colorado, Arizona and Florida – offering sustainable interment options for veterans and their families. This new option aligns with the growing consumer interest in environmentally conscious choices while maintaining the solemn dignity veterans deserve.

NFDA strongly supports providing families with meaningful choices – and this pilot program is an important milestone. We encourage funeral professionals to learn more during an upcoming webinar hosted by the Green Burial Council and the National Cemetery Administration on Wednesday, July 23 at 6 p.m. CT.

Free Webinar: An Update on the VA Green Burial Section Pilot Program

• Date/Time: Wednesday, July 23, 6 p.m. CT
• Speakers: George N. Cannizzaro, Deputy Director, Cemetery Operations, National Cemetery Administration; and Melissa K. Tolai, Supervisor for Current and Integrated Operations, National Cemetery Administration
• Click here to register for the free webinar.

OSHA Reduces Penalties for Small Businesses

NFDA has long been a strong voice for reasonable, practical regulations that reflect the unique realities of funeral service. Thanks to continued advocacy, OSHA recently revised its penalty structure to reduce the burden on small businesses, including funeral homes. 

Effective immediately:

• The 70% penalty reduction now applies to businesses with up to 25 employees (previously capped at 10).
• A 15% penalty reduction is now available to employers who promptly correct safety hazards.
• These updates apply to open investigations where penalties have not yet been issued as of July 14, 2025.

These changes reflect a more balanced approach to workplace safety, one that prioritizes education and correction over punishment. NFDA remains actively engaged with OSHA and other regulatory bodies to ensure that the voices of funeral service professionals are heard and respected.

Click here to learn more about the new penalty structure.

Amplify Our Voice – Support the NFDA PAC

The NFDA Political Action Committee (PAC) helps ensure lawmakers in Washington, D.C., understand the value and needs of funeral service professionals. When you support the PAC, you help us build relationships on both sides of the aisle with members of Congress who are proven allies of funeral service. Your contributions ensure NFDA can advocate effectively for issues that matter to you, like improved veteran benefits, estate tax reform and stopping unethical body brokers.

Click here to leard more. 

Federal law mandates that PAC contributions must come from personal funds. Corporate contributions cannot be accepted.

Contributions or gifts to NFDA PAC are not tax deductible and are limited by federal law to $5,000 per person, per year. In accordance with federal law, contributions are strictly voluntary and not a condition of NFDA membership. All personal contributions to NFDA PAC are used in support of candidates for federal office. Corporate contributions cannot be used in support of candidates for federal office and are attributed to NFDA's Political Education Fund.