Stefanik leads House passage of VA bill named after North Country veteran

WASHINGTON, D.C. | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, Chairwoman of House Republican Leadership, delivered the following remarks ahead of her legislation, the Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act, passing the House of Representatives. This bill improves the process of issuing pension benefits payments administered by the VA that are impacted by the death of the beneficiary. It would ensure that veterans receive their accrued pension benefit in the event of a month of death-claim, or if payment for the month of the death has been issued. Stefanik originally introduced this bill two Congresses ago after working with Charles Peltz, whose father, World War II veteran Mr. Ernest Peltz, passed away after being approved for his accrued pension benefit. However, due to a VA processing error, the VA did not deposit the approved funds in Mr. Peltz's bank account until after his passing. The VA then removed these funds from Mr. Peltz's account, even though he was alive when his benefit was approved, leaving his family to deal with all expenses related to his care. Ahead of the vote, Stefanik offered the following remarks urging its passage: "Thank you, Madam Speaker, and thank you to Chairman Bost. I rise today in support of my legislation, the Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act H.R. 3123. I also want to thank Ranking Member Takano for his comments and support. I represented the Peltz family for well over a decade, and that included Ernest Peltz, a World War II veteran and American hero, who died a few years ago between Christmas and New Year's. At that time, I heard from his son, Charles Peltz, who found himself caught in a maze of bureaucratic VA red tape. Instead of being able to focus on honoring the life and service of his father, the Peltz family was forced to contend with a system that failed the very veteran it was designed to serve. Hero Ernest Peltz did everything right: He served admirably and honorably in our military. He continued a lifetime of public service. He applied for his accrued veterans pension benefit, and the Department of Veterans Affairs approved it while he was still alive. Yet due to a processing error, the VA did not deposit the funds until after Mr. Peltz's passing. In an even more troubling turn, the VA then clawed those funds back—even though Ernest Peltz was alive at the time his benefit was approved and fully earned. As a result, Ernest's family was left to shoulder the financial burden of his father's care on their own, compounding grief with stress, uncertainty, and frustration. In short, the Peltz family was penalized for the VA's mistakes. This is unacceptable. That's why I first introduced the Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act two Congresses ago. For years, I've worked closely with the Peltz family, veterans service organizations, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle—like Congressman Ro Khanna—to craft legislation to correct this moral wrong. My bill eliminates the burden on a veteran's surviving family by ensuring that the veteran is entitled to receive their pre-approved pension benefits within the month that death occurs. I represent New York's 21st Congressional District—serving the largest number of veterans in any district in NY State. That's why I'm proud to take action to make sure no family mourning the loss of a beloved veteran has to deal with VA red tape and bureaucratic mistakes. This commonsense bipartisan legislation honors the legacy of World War II veteran Ernest Peltz and takes a critical step toward improving the VA's effectiveness and accountability. In passing my legislation, Congress can rightfully honor veterans for their service and guarantee their families the dignity and respect they have earned. I want to particularly thank Ernest's son, Charles Peltz, who is a friend and tireless advocate of this legislation. I urge a "yes" vote on my bill and yield the floor."

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Stefanik leads House passage of VA bill named after North Country veteran

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