H.R. 2078: Bertie’s Respect for National Cemeteries Act

This bill, titled the Bertie’s Respect for National Cemeteries Act, introduces several key changes regarding the management of national cemeteries in the United States, particularly concerning those who have committed serious crimes. Here is a summary of its main provisions:

Prohibition of Interment for Certain Individuals

The bill amends existing law to reinforce that individuals who have committed Federal or State capital crimes are not allowed to be buried in national cemeteries, including Arlington National Cemetery. It establishes the following:

• A responsible Federal official must take reasonable actions to check public records to confirm that individuals who are to be interred are eligible, meaning they have not committed such crimes.

Authority to Disinter Remains

The bill clarifies certain legal provisions related to disinterment, specifying that:

• The Secretary of Veterans Affairs has the authority to disinter remains from any national cemetery for cases that arise after the enactment of this bill.

Disinterment of George E. Siple

One of the specific actions mandated by the bill is the disinterment of the remains of George E. Siple from the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is instructed to:

• Notify the next-of-kin of George E. Siple regarding the planned disinterment.
• After disinterment, return the remains to the next-of-kin or, if they are not available, make appropriate arrangements for the remains.

Conclusion

The bill aims to ensure that the rules regarding who can be interred in national cemeteries are strictly enforced and specifies a procedure for disinterment in certain cases.

Relevant Companies

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