[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 5 (Tuesday, February 3, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H109-H110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY INTEGRITY ACT

  (Mr. KLECZKA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to offer legislation that will 
restore the integrity of the final resting place for many of our 
veterans at Arlington National Cemetery. In recent months we have heard 
about 69 nonveterans who were granted waivers by the Secretary of the 
Army to be buried in Arlington over the last 6 years. We also heard 
allegations that campaign donations may have influenced the waiver 
process.
  While an investigation by the GAO found no wrongdoing, the need for 
tightened standards has become evident.
  That is why today I am introducing the Arlington National Cemetery 
Integrity Act, which will put into law the current regulations allowing 
veterans, certain family members, and a few distinguished government 
officials who

[[Page H110]]

have served on active duty to be interred at the cemetery. This bill 
will end the practice of granting waivers and legally clarify once and 
for all who may be buried at Arlington Cemetery.
  Being laid to rest at Arlington is the last honor we can bestow upon 
our veterans. The Arlington National Cemetery Integrity Act will 
provide this honor for veterans for years and years to come.

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