Speeches and Floor Statements

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, S. 3076, the Charles Duncan Buried with Honor Act passed the House of Representatives. This bill, introduced by Senator Tom Cotton (AR-R) in the Senate and Congressman Brad Wenstrup (OH-2) in the House, would allow veterans buried in a casket provided by the VA to have the option of interment at a state or tribal cemetery for which the VA has provided a grant.

Today, Wenstrup delivered the following remarks on the House floor:

“This bill will have a direct and personal impact on the families of many of our veterans. I am pleased that it is being considered today, and I was proud to sponsor the House companion bill, H.R. 6114.

 Under current law, if a veteran dies without the resources to pay for a casket, the VA will provide one, but only as long as the veteran is buried in a National Cemetery.

 That means that, in my district and throughout the county, veterans in need of this service may be transported to a national cemetery, often far from home and far from family.

This has caused heartache for many families in my district in Ohio and across the country: it can mean that their loved one must be buried nowhere near their home. It can prevent friends and family from attending the funeral or from regularly visiting the gravesite.

 S. 3076 would amend current law to allow veterans who receive a casket purchased by the VA to be buried at a state or tribal cemetery for which the VA has provided a grant.

 By expanding the burial options available to veterans, we can better ensure that they are laid to rest close to their loved ones.

 Let’s provide this peace of mind to our veterans and their families. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.”

Click HERE to read S. 3076, the Charles Duncan Buried with Honor Act.

###

Office of Representative Brad Wenstrup

www.Wenstrup.House.gov