WASHINGTON - The Senate on Saturday passed a bill co-sponsored by Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) to improve management and oversight of Arlington National Cemetery.
Officials at Arlington Cemetery have come under scrutiny this past year for allegations of mismanagement and misconduct. The Cemetery’s top two administrators were relieved of their duties this summer following the discovery of over 200 misidentified graves, improper record keeping, several cases of urns being unearthed and dumped in landfill piles, and improper contracting practices.
“Our heroic fallen soldiers gave their lives fighting for America’s freedom. The least we can do for those brave men and women and their families is to ensure they receive a proper burial,” Senator Coons said. “I am proud that my colleagues were able to put partisan differences aside to approve a measure that will ensure Americans who make the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.”
This legislation requires the Secretary of the Army to report to Congress on the cemetery’s ability to verify the identity, location and burial records for every gravesite at Arlington Cemetery, as well as plans to remedy any errors found. The Secretary of the Army must also report to Congress on the progress on changing the management and oversight structure at Arlington Cemetery, including contract management and practices for providing information and outreach to families of individuals buried at Arlington. The Government Accountability Office will oversee and report to Congress on the Cemetery’s contracts.
The bill, S. 3860, was introduced by Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) earlier this year and passed the Senate this morning by unanimous consent. The bill will now be sent to the House for consideration.
###