Legislation recently introduced by Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) would require the secretary of veterans affairs to study how the unclaimed remains of veterans are identified, processed and stored.
The unclaimed remains of an estimated 47,000 veterans are currently in storage in the United States, according to the Missing in America Project. The nonprofit organization works to locate and identify missing remains, but its work has been slowed by a patchwork of state laws that govern who may take custody of unidentified veterans and leads to remains staying in storage indefinitely, sometimes for decades.
“Our veterans put their lives on the line to bravely protect our country, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their service,” Shuster said. “When they pass away, they should be treated with the proper respect, but unfortunately the remains of thousands of veterans are currently lying unclaimed in facilities across the country. It is crucial for Congress to address this issue and examine how we can improve the VA process for dealing with these remains. Our brave men and women fought for our freedom, and they should be laid to rest with the appropriate military honors that they deserve.”
Shuster’s Dignified Interment of Our Veterans Act would evaluate how effectively the VA identifies, claims and inters unidentified veterans so the process can be streamlined.
Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.), one of the bill’s original co-sponsors, said he is “deeply saddened” by the undignified treatment of fallen veterans under the current system.
“The sacrifice made by these veterans reflect bravery, courage and strength, and it is now our turn to show that same dedication,” Bishop said. “These veterans cannot be forgotten — they have served our country and are owed a proper military burial with honor and respect. We must fix this grave injustice by supporting the Dignified Interment of Our Veterans Act.”
Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
