Press Releases

Today, Congressman Jim Banks (R-IN) introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at increasing oversight of reforms at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and properly honoring unclaimed remains of deceased veterans. 

Specifically, H.R. 698, would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit a report to Congress and the U.S. Comptroller General on the progress and action taken by the Secretary in implementing the High Risk Action Plan of the VA to address areas of concern identified by the Comptroller General in the most recently published High Risk List. Read the full bill text here. 

H.R. 697 would allow the VA Secretary to transport unclaimed veterans remains to specified state or tribal cemeteries in addition to national cemeteries. It changes the definition of “covered veteran’s cemeteries” to ones that have received a VA grant, and ensures that remains are transported to cemeteries that follow VA standards and requirements. Read the full bill text here.

Said Rep. Banks, “Our Nation’s veterans deserve the best from their government.  Whether it is the medical care and services they receive when they return to civilian life, or proper burial honors when they pass away, serving those who gave so much for our country is a duty that I take seriously as a member of Congress.  That is why today I introduced two bills aimed at making sure the federal government lives up to its obligations.  Reform plans put in place at the VA to address ‘high risk’ areas, must be completed in a timely manner, and the VA secretary must keep Congress, and the American people updated on their progress.  Additionally, unclaimed veterans remains should be transferred to national or state run veterans cemetery so a grateful Nation may honor them one more time.  These commonsense measures will help better serve veterans across Indiana and the Nation and I urge my colleagues to support their passage.”

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