Veterans and military families who have been following the future of Arlington National Cemetery should prepare to engage.

The Army intends to revisit a proposed rule that would significantly narrow eligibility for in-ground burial and inurnment at the ceremony, Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director of the Office of Army Cemeteries/Army National Military Cemeteries, said during a June 30 hearing before the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. Among those who could lose eligibility under the proposal are many retirees who served honorable careers but did not receive certain valor awards or meet other newly established criteria.

The Army is reviewing the proposal, first published in response to section 598 of the FY 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, in light of updated burial projections and ongoing efforts to preserve cemetery capacity while continuing to honor those who served, Durham-Aguilera said.

The proposal generated nearly 2,000 public comments, mostly from those concerned the new rule would depart from Arlington’s long-standing tradition of honoring career servicemembers.

[FROM MILITARY OFFICER MAGAZINE: Why Congress Must Act on Arlington National Cemetery]

Protecting Earned Benefits

MOAA has long worked to preserve eligibility for the nation’s most iconic military cemetery while recognizing the legitimate need to ensure it remains available for future generations.

As part of that effort, MOAA has partnered with the office of Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) on the Expanding America’s National Cemetery Act, which would help address long-term capacity challenges by expanding national cemetery options. Although the bill has not yet been reintroduced in the 119th Congress, MOAA continues to pursue legislative solutions that preserve burial opportunities for today’s servicemembers and retirees without reducing service-earned benefits.

A member of MOAA’s government relations team, accompanied by a MOAA Life member, recently met with staffers in McClain’s office to discuss the issue. MOAA representatives urged the congresswoman’s staff to request the Army formally rescind the proposed rule and start over with a new process, one that better balances Arlington’s future capacity needs with the promises made to generations of servicemembers.

[FOR PREMIUM AND LIFE MEMBERS: Your Guide to Military Burials]

While recent testimony does not indicate which direction the Army will take with the rule – finalizing, amending, or rescinding – MOAA members must be prepared to engage with lawmakers and urge them to preserve current eligibility standards for Arlington National Cemetery. Look for updates on this issue and other MOAA priorities at our advocacy news page and our Legislative Action Center.