Bill > HR2078

This bill, known as the Bertie's Respect for National Cemeteries Act, addresses two key issues related to burial in national cemeteries. First, it strengthens the existing prohibition against interring individuals who have committed federal or state capital crimes in National Cemetery Administration or Arlington National Cemetery by requiring appropriate federal officials to actively search public records to ensure the eligibility of individuals being buried in these cemeteries. The bill gives officials the authority to disinter (exhume) remains if an ineligible person has been buried. Second, the bill specifically mandates the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disinter the remains of George E. Siple from Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, with the requirement to notify his next-of-kin about the disinterment and either return the remains to the family or arrange for an appropriate alternative disposition. These provisions aim to maintain the integrity and respect of national cemeteries by ensuring that only eligible individuals are interred in these hallowed grounds.

Health and Social Services, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2078/all-info