The Warren Sun

Today, Representatives John James (MI-10), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Jack Bergman (MI-01), and Don Davis (NC-01), all veterans, introduced the Preserving Veterans’ Legacy Act of 2024. The legislation aims to allow veteran families to be buried together beyond the current law's sunset date of October 1, 2024. The existing regulation only permits the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration (NCA) to bury families together until that date.

Rep. James released a statement following the introduction of the bill: "Veterans should not be burdened by needless bureaucracy when making important decisions, even ones that are difficult to make. For veterans and military spouses, being interred together represents the ultimate honor of both the service of the individual and the sacrifice of their spouse in life," said Rep. James. "I am proud to introduce the Preserving Veterans’ Legacy Act with fellow veterans to ensure our brothers and sisters who wore the uniform are honored even at the end of their journey."

Cosponsors also expressed their support for the legislation:

“I’m proud to join my friend, Congressman James, in introducing this legislation that will ensure our veterans and their families receive the respect they have earned. Our veterans have sacrificed for our country, and they deserve to be honored with dignity,” stated Rep. Morgan Luttrell.

“Our National Cemeteries provide Veterans and their spouses with the greatest honor – to be laid to rest together among others who served and sacrificed for the good of our country. The Preserving Veterans’ Legacy Act takes important steps to ensure the National Cemetery Administration can continue to carry out this vital mission. I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill to ensure the legacy of our servicemembers and their spouses will live on for future generations,” said Rep. Jack Bergman.

“America has a sacred obligation to serve and honor our veterans and veteran families—and that includes providing memorial services that honor their service and meet their needs. I am glad to join my colleagues on this bipartisan bill to more easily allow veteran families to stay together in their final resting place. The Preserving Veterans’ Legacy Act of 2024 is a commonsense fix that will give veteran family members more options for burial places and comfort that they will be able to stay together—even after death,” commented Rep. Chris Deluzio.

The Bill provides permanent authority for NCA:

- To inter eligible spouses and dependent children into VA National Cemeteries.

- To provide a group burial marker for veterans buried in a group interment instead of individual headstones.