Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, joined Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) in introducing the Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act, a bipartisan and bicameral bill to ensure all reserve components and the National Guard are eligible to be buried in state veterans cemeteries as long as their service was terminated under honorable conditions. Currently, only certain service members who meet national eligibility standards are allowed to be buried there if cemeteries receive federal grant funding.
“Guardsmen and Reservists sign up to risk their lives in defense of our freedoms. There is no reason to deem them as unworthy of being buried in a veterans cemetery after their death,” said Senator Cramer. “Our legislation would ensure these heroes receive proper recognition for their sacrifice and service.”
The Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act would:
- Ensure the Veterans Affairs Department cannot limit plot allowances provided to state veterans cemeteries if they choose to bury the individuals specified in the legislation.
- Allow children of those eligible for burial to be buried in a state veterans cemetery as well if they choose.
Senators Cramer and Shaheen are joined on the bill by Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH). Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Click here to read the bill.