Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act of 2021

Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act of 2021

This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from establishing a condition for a cemetery grant that restricts the ability of a state to inter certain reservists (or their spouses and children) at a state-owned veterans' cemetery solely because such individuals are ineligible for burial in an open national cemetery.

Specifically, as a condition for grants, the VA cannot restrict the ability of a state to inter a

• member of a reserve component whose service was terminated under honorable conditions;
• member of the Army National Guard or Air National Guard whose service was terminated under honorable conditions;
• member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps of the Army, Navy, or Air Force who died under honorable conditions while a member; and
• spouse, minor child, or unmarried adult child of any member described above.

The VA is prohibited from (1) denying an application for a grant solely on the basis that the recipient state may use funds to expand, improve, operate, or maintain a veterans' cemetery to allow for the internment of the specified individuals; and (2) enforcing certain conditions on grants for state veterans' cemeteries that were established before the date of enactment of this bill.

The bill also provides for plot allowances for the individuals listed in the bill.

Bill 117 HR 3944, also known as the Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act of 2021, aims to provide burial benefits to members of the National Guard and Reserve who die while performing authorized duty. The bill seeks to ensure that these service members receive the same burial benefits as active duty service members, including reimbursement for burial expenses and access to national cemeteries.

The bill recognizes the sacrifices made by members of the National Guard and Reserve and seeks to honor their service by providing equitable burial benefits. It also aims to alleviate the financial burden on the families of these service members during a difficult time.

If passed, the Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act of 2021 would provide much-needed support to the families of National Guard and Reserve members who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.