Bill Overview
Title: National Cemeteries Preservation and Protection Act of 2022
Description: This act addresses the administration and jurisdiction of national cemeteries. Specifically, the act requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay a plot or interment allowance for a veteran if the veteran was buried before March 15, 2022, in a cemetery on trust land owned by, or held in trust for, a tribal organization, and the organization that maintains or operates the cemetery applies for such allowance. Such allowance is only authorized if a plot or interment allowance was not already paid for the burial of such veteran. The act also authorizes the VA to designate green burial sections in national cemeteries (i.e., sections of cemeteries in which the remains of individuals have been prepared for interment in a manner not involving chemicals or embalming fluids and have been interred in a natural manner or completely biodegradable burial receptacle). The act authorizes the Department of the Army to transfer certain lands to the VA to expand the Fort Bliss National Cemetery. In addition, the act authorizes the Department of the Interior to transfer certain land to the VA for the land to be used as a national cemetery. Finally, the act prohibits persons who have committed certain crimes from being interred or memorialized in a cemetery in the National Cemetery Administration or in Arlington National Cemetery.
Sponsors: Sen. Tester, Jon [D-MT]
Target Audience
Population: People connected to deceased US veterans eligible for burial in national cemeteries
Estimated Size: 20000000
- The bill primarily concerns the administration of national cemeteries in the United States.
- It allows for the expansion and increased capacity of Fort Bliss National Cemetery.
- It introduces green burial options, which may appeal to individuals considering eco-friendly after-death options.
- It imposes restrictions on individuals who have committed certain crimes from being interred in national cemeteries, which has implications for the eligibility of some veterans and individuals connected to the military.
- The bill will impact families of deceased veterans who seek to memorialize their loved ones in national cemeteries.
- It involves the transfer of lands from the Department of the Army to the Department of Veterans Affairs, indicating governmental and military transitions.
Reasoning
- The target population includes family members of deceased veterans who may want to utilize the changes in cemetery policy, such as green burial options.
- The policy generously impacts those living near Fort Bliss, as the cemetery expansion there will allow more burials.
- Environmental advocates and eco-conscious families might experience a higher impact due to the introduction of green burial sections.
- The budget constraints suggest initial expenditure will focus on logistical changes rather than an immediate effect on wellbeing.
- Veterans who committed crimes now face direct negative impacts from the policy given the burial restrictions.
- Despite the short-term effects, families’ long-term appreciation for memorial options will gradually enhance wellbeing.
Simulated Interviews
Retired School Teacher (El Paso, Texas)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think expanding Fort Bliss is good because so many of my husband's friends are already buried there.
- It's a relief to know there's a plan for more space as veterans deserve a proper resting place.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Environmental Engineer (Portland, Oregon)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am very interested in the green burial options. It's something that aligns with our beliefs.
- This choice makes a big difference for people like us who care about the environment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Veteran Affairs Officer (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see this as a beneficial change, especially regarding the management and preservation of cemeteries.
- While it doesn't affect me directly, it resonates with the community I serve.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired Nurse (Syracuse, New York)
Age: 78 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm supportive of the changes that protect these sacred spaces.
- The restrictions on those who've committed serious crimes make me feel these areas are more respected.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
LGBTQ+ Advocate (San Diego, California)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad there will be protections and maintenance for the burial sites of our loved ones.
- Green burials offer a modern take on honoring loved ones.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Veteran Outreach Specialist (Fort Bliss, Texas)
Age: 56 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The expansion will directly benefit my work.
- I see day-to-day how important these options are to families.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired Army Officer (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Age: 63 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Fort Bliss holds many memories for me; it's comforting to know it will be expanded.
- The policy feels like a safeguard for veterans' dignity after death.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Defense Analyst (Miami, Florida)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- From a policy angle, this seems efficient and perhaps overdue.
- Restrictions for certain crimes seem fair if carefully defined.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Veteran (Houston, Texas)
Age: 68 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our family would appreciate additional space and the respect it shows for vets.
- The ethical considerations of where one can be buried are essential to me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Psychologist (Boston, Massachusetts)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy offers reassurance to those deciding about their memorial options.
- It's a thoughtful approach to catering to various needs and beliefs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $3000000 (Low: $2500000, High: $3500000)
Year 2: $3200000 (Low: $2700000, High: $3700000)
Year 3: $3300000 (Low: $2800000, High: $3800000)
Year 5: $3500000 (Low: $3000000, High: $4000000)
Year 10: $3700000 (Low: $3100000, High: $4300000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $4500000, High: $5500000)
Key Considerations
- Efficient implementation of green burial options is key to maximizing potential cost savings.
- Balancing the costs of expanding cemetery space with the needs of the veteran community is essential.
- The most significant expenses are anticipated to involve land transfer and initial development of cemetery spaces.