H.R. 9055 aims to amend the existing laws related to veterans' benefits by increasing the amount of burial and funeral expenses that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs will pay for veterans who die as a result of a service-connected disability. This change is intended to provide greater financial support to the families of veterans who have died due to injuries or conditions related to their military service.
Many media outlets have praised H.R. 9055 for recognizing the sacrifices made by veterans and for providing necessary financial relief to their families during a difficult time. Supporters highlight that increasing burial and funeral expenses is a vital step in honoring veterans and ensuring that their families are not burdened by high costs after a service-related death.
Critics of H.R. 9055 argue that while the intention behind the bill is commendable, the increased expenses may not address the broader issues of veterans' benefits and care. Some media reports suggest that the bill could divert attention from more comprehensive reforms needed in the Veterans Affairs system and may not be sufficient to meet the actual needs of veterans and their families.
The analysis of H.R. 9055, which aims to increase burial and funeral expenses for veterans, reveals no direct industry overlaps between the sponsor, Brad Finstad's top donor industries and the bill's subject matter. The lobbying activity associated with this bill primarily involves organizations that do not directly relate to veterans' affairs or funeral services. The highest contributions come from Hart Health Strategies ($40,000) and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation ($30,000), neither of which has a clear connection to the proposed legislation. This lack of direct financial ties suggests a low risk of conflicts of interest, as the financial support does not appear to influence the bill's intent or provisions.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ENVIRI | ENVIRI | $140,000 |
| HART HEALTH STRATEGIES | TIM YEHL, LLC | $40,000 |
| ALLIANCE FOR AUTOMOTIVE INNOVATION | TIM YEHL, LLC | $30,000 |
| BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA (FKA BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION) | BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA (FKA BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION) | $30,000 |
| FM LABS | EQV STRATEGIC | $15,000 |
| BIG SKY SCIENTIFIC | EQV STRATEGIC | $15,000 |
| CUBE RECOVERY COMPANY (DBA TEMPIQ) | PILLSBURY WINTHROP SHAW PITTMAN LLP | $10,000 |
| THESEUS TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION | PILLSBURY WINTHROP SHAW PITTMAN LLP | $10,000 |
| QUANTIFIND | PILLSBURY WINTHROP SHAW PITTMAN LLP | $10,000 |
| OBSIDIA SEMICONDUCTORS INC. | PILLSBURY WINTHROP SHAW PITTMAN LLP | $10,000 |
| WINGXPAND | PILLSBURY WINTHROP SHAW PITTMAN LLP | $10,000 |
| ANITOX | EQV STRATEGIC | $7,500 |
| PROJECT LEGACY | THE FRIEDLANDER GROUP | undisclosed |
| THE FRIEDLANDER GROUP | THE FRIEDLANDER GROUP | undisclosed |
| THE PROJECT HONG KONG TRUST | THE PROJECT HONG KONG TRUST | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Brad Finstad, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
