[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 2 (Thursday, January 7, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E48]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY BURIAL ELIGIBILITY ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. BOB STUMP

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 6, 1999

  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the ``Arlington 
National Cemetery Burial Eligibility Act.'' I invite members to join me 
as a cosponsor of this important legislation. It is my expectation that 
the VA Committee will take prompt actions so that the House may 
consider this legislation early in the Congress.
  This bill is almost identical to the legislation passed by the House 
during the 105th Congress by a vote of 412-0. The VA Committee learned 
as a result of its investigative efforts that the practice of allowing 
burial of persons who did not meet Army regulations prescribing 
eligibility for burial at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) had become 
the subject of serious controversy. Further, the practice of allowing 
burial of persons without military service at ANC has caused 
considerable anguish on the part of members of military and veterans 
organizations. As a result, the VA Committee recommended this 
legislation to codify existing burial regulations for ANC with two 
significant changes. First, there would not be authority to grant 
exceptions, or ``waivers,'' under the proposed legislation. No one--not 
the Superintendent of ANC, the Secretary of the Army, or the President 
of the United States--could authorize the burial of a person who is not 
eligible under the proposed legislation. However, Congress could enact 
subsequent legislation on behalf of an individual whose accomplishments 
are deemed worthy of the honor of being buried at Arlington National 
Cemetery.
  Second, this bill eliminates the ``politically well-connected'' 
category of eligibility now found in existing Army Regulations. Under 
existing Army regulations, veterans who do not meet the military 
criteria for burial at ANC are nevertheless eligible if they served as 
a member of the House or Senate, as a Federal judge, a diplomat, or a 
high-ranking cabinet officer. This legislation eliminates future 
eligibility of such persons so that Arlington will once more be the 
final resting place for those with distinguished military service.
  As indicated, this bill passed the House by an overwhelming margin 
and had the active support of all the major veterans service and 
military organizations. Unfortunately, the other body did not debate 
the issue during the 105th Congress. By introducing this bill and 
planning for its early consideration by the House VA Committee, we hope 
to give the Senate ample opportunity to consider it and reach agreement 
on what the nation's policy should be on this issue of abiding 
importance to veterans and their families.

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