The House passed legislation this week from U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA) to investigate what is slowing the timely claiming and interring of veteran remains.
H.R. 1338 – the Dignified Interment of our Veterans Act of 2015 – passed by a vote of 409-0 on Monday evening. The legislation calls on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a study to identify why the remains of as many as 47,000 veterans, according to the Missing in America Project, are currently unclaimed.
“Our veterans put their lives on the line for us and their sacrifices should never be forgotten,” Shuster said. “I am proud that the House passed my legislation, and I will continue working to fix this problem as this bill’s passage is the first step in ensuring that veteran remains across the country are buried with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
Under existing legislation, the VA, veteran service organizations and funeral directors are directed to work in tandem to locate next of kin for veteran remains, though several barriers prevent such a collaboration from being successful.
The Dignified Interment of our Veterans Act of 2015 calls for an estimate of the number of unclaimed remains, as well as an evaluation of the current procedures for claiming and burial. It also seeks recommendations for appropriate legislative or administrative action for future Congressional consideration.
Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) introduced a companion version of the legislation to the Senate earlier this month.
“When our veterans pass, they should be honored in a way that reflects the bravery and sacrifice they showed in defending our country,” Toomey said. “With this in mind, I believe Congress needs to learn more about the VA’s processes to recover veterans’ cremated, unclaimed remains and develop an action plan to help resolve this issue that is so important for our veterans’ community.”
Representative Bill Shuster (R-PA) has represented Pennsylvania’s 9th District in the House of Representatives since 2001. Born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania in 1961, Rep. Shuster was educated at Dickinson College and is married to Rebecca.
He serves on the following committees: Armed Services, Transportation and Infrastructure.