[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 15 (Wednesday, February 16, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 PROVIDING OUR VETERANS DIGNITY IN DEATH: THE VETERANS BURIAL BENEFITS 
                        IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2000

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MAC COLLINS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 16, 2000

  Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, since the early days of this century, it 
has been Federal policy to insure a proper, dignified burial for 
veterans who are qualified to receive a VA pension or compensation. 
Today, I will introduce legislation to insure that after years of 
inadequate support this policy is actually implemented.
  Ever since veterans were first provided with a burial allowance 
following World War I, the benefit has been slowly eroding. If the 
original allowance were adjusted for inflation, the $100 World War I 
benefit would total over $1,000 today. The $150 benefit provided after 
World War II would total over $850 today. The $300 benefit that has 
been provided since 1978, the last time the benefit was increased, 
would total over $700 today if it were adjusted for inflation. Today, 
however, veterans' families receive exactly what they would have 
received 22 years ago--$300--a fraction of the cost of even the most 
basic memorial. Our veterans deserve better.
  The Veterans Burial Benefits Improvement Act enhances the current, 
insufficient burial allowance, providing $1,000 to each qualified 
veteran. This brings the benefit in line with Congress' original 
intent--allowing veterans' families to provide our soldiers, sailors, 
airmen, and Marines with dignity in death. I urge my colleagues to join 
me in this effort by cosponsoring this important initiative.

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