Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), met with Veterans Affairs Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs (USMA) Matthew Quinn to discuss his Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act of 2021 ahead of General Quinn’s visit to North Dakota next week. This meeting comes on the heels of yesterday’s SVAC hearing, which considered Senator Cramer’s bipartisan and bicameral bill. The bill ensures all reserve components and the National Guard are eligible to be buried in state veterans cemeteries so long as their service was terminated under honorable conditions.
“I’m glad General Quinn is coming to North Dakota next week to hear directly from folks. Ahead of his visit, we were able to talk about my important bill, the Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act. Guardsmen and Reservists volunteer to risk their lives in defense of our freedoms. These American heroes deserve to be recognized for their service and sacrifice with a proper and respectful burial in veterans cemeteries after their death,” said Senator Cramer.
During the hearing, Senator Cramer highlighted the support from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in expanding eligibility for burial benefits to these groups. The senator also discussed inconsistencies between VA national and VA-grant funded cemeteries.
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.