House passes Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act, 405-1

The House passed H.R. 3123, the Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act, 405-1 on February 2, 2026. Sponsored by Rep. Elise Stefanik, the bill establishes VA procedures to pay pensions owed but not disbursed before a veteran's death, directing payment to the first available recipient among the veteran's surviving spouse, children, dependent parents, or estate. The bill was named after WWII veteran Ernest Peltz, whose VA pension was erroneously withheld until after his death. Texas Democrat Lizzie Fletcher cast the sole dissenting vote.