To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the allowance for burial expenses of certain veterans.

February 2, 2005

Mr. CASE (for himself, Mr. EVANS, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire, Mr. BASS, Mr. STRICKLAND, Mr. ABERCROMBIE, Ms. CARSON, Mr. FARR, and Mr. ALLEN) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs

To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the allowance for burial expenses of certain veterans.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `State Veterans Cemetery Fairness Act of 2005'.

SEC. 2. INCREASE OF ALLOWANCE FOR THE PLOT ALLOWANCE OF CERTAIN VETERANS.

(a) In General- Section 2303(b)(1)(A) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after `$300' the following: `(or, in the case of a State in which ground burial in a national cemetery is not available, the lesser of the actual costs or $750)'.

(b) Effective Date- The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to deaths occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

END