U.S. Rep. David Valadao (D-CA) on May 21 sponsored legislation that would require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a centralized system for storing information pertaining to the unclaimed remains of deceased military veterans.
On May 22, the congressman said that such a centralized system would help the VA “identify any unclaimed remains and ensure these veterans are laid to rest with the dignity, respect, and military honors they deserve.”
The Locating Our Unclaimed Veterans Act, H.R. 9006, would address the fact that the VA currently does not have a formal system for intake and identification of individuals classified as unclaimed because while they are often known by name, they may lack family or friends willing or able to claim them for burial.
In 2023, the VA estimated that out of some 150,000 unclaimed remains nationwide, roughly 20,298 were United States military veterans.
“All veterans deserve to receive a military burial and recognition for their service to our nation,” said Rep. Valadao. “Unfortunately, when a deceased veteran has lost contact with their family — or has no next-of-kin at all — their unclaimed remains can sit on a funeral home shelf collecting dust for years.”
If enacted, H.R. 9006 would direct the Veterans Benefits Administration to implement a digital intake and identification system for unclaimed remains and match it against existing VA records.
Additionally, the bill would require the VA to develop memorandums of understanding with the Social Security Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Department of Defense to develop a system for utilizing information collected by the VA to confirm the identity and veteran status of the unclaimed remains, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Valadao’s staff.
The measure has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, where Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL) applauded Rep. Valadao for his leadership on veterans’ issues and for introducing H.R. 9006.
“Far too often, missing or unidentified remains of those who have defended our freedoms are left unclaimed,” Rep. Bost said. “The Locating Our Unclaimed Veterans Act, led by my friend, Rep. David Valadao, would set up a central system to ensure coroners, state governors, and funeral homes can submit the unclaimed remains they believe are veterans.”