H.R.3710 - Loved Ones Interment Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3710, the "Loved Ones Interment Act," amends Title 38 of the United States Code to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish headstones and markers for certain veterans who were cremated and for whom urns were previously furnished. This applies when such veterans are interred at the same burial site as another eligible individual. The bill aims to provide a more complete memorial for veterans interred with loved ones.
Expected Effects
The bill will expand the eligibility for headstones and markers provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. It specifically addresses situations where a cremated veteran is interred with another eligible individual. This will allow for a headstone or marker that includes information about both individuals, provided it does not increase the cost beyond the legal maximum.
Potential Benefits
- Provides a more complete memorial for veterans who are cremated and interred with eligible loved ones.
- Clarifies existing regulations regarding headstones and markers for cremated veterans.
- Potentially reduces the financial burden on families seeking to honor their deceased veteran loved ones.
- Honors the service and sacrifice of veterans by ensuring appropriate recognition at their final resting place.
- Streamlines the process for obtaining headstones or markers in specific interment scenarios.
Potential Disadvantages
- The bill specifies that the inclusion of information about both individuals should not increase the cost of the headstone or marker beyond the legal maximum, potentially limiting design options.
- The bill's impact is limited to veterans interred with other eligible individuals, excluding other interment scenarios.
- There may be administrative costs associated with implementing the changes to the existing regulations.
- The bill does not address other potential issues related to veterans' burial benefits.
- The scope of the bill is relatively narrow, focusing specifically on headstones and markers for cremated veterans in shared burial sites.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the constitutional principle of providing for the general welfare, as it seeks to honor veterans and support their families. While the Constitution does not explicitly address veterans' affairs, the government's role in providing for veterans can be inferred from its power to raise and support armies (Article I, Section 8). The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).