Dayton National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2164
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-26: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-23T17:03:01Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Dayton National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2025 (H.R. 2164) aims to expand the Dayton National Cemetery in Ohio by authorizing the transfer of approximately 58 acres of adjacent land from the Montgomery County Land Bank to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at no cost. This would allow the VA to use the land as part of a national cemetery, providing more space for veterans' burials.
Key Provisions
- Transfer Authorization: The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must begin negotiating an agreement within 30 days of receiving an offer from the Montgomery County Land Bank to transfer the specified land parcel.
- Terms of Agreement:
- The Land Bank transfers all rights to the land for free (no cost or payment to the VA).
- The VA accepts the transfer specifically to develop it as a national cemetery and must complete the process within three years of the offer.
- Land Description: The parcel is about 58 acres in Dayton, Ohio, located across from the existing Dayton National Cemetery. It is bounded by McCall Street and South Gettysburg Avenue, McCall Street and Resaca Avenue, and U.S. Route 35. It is shown as the "Expansion Area" on a map titled "Dayton National Cemetery Proposed Land Transfer," dated January 26, 2024.
- Limitations (Rules of Construction): The law does not require the VA to acquire any other land or enter agreements with any other entities beyond this specific transfer.
- Definition: The "Montgomery County Land Bank" refers to the entity at 130 W. Second Street, Suite 1425, Dayton, Ohio 45402, which manages underutilized properties to benefit the community.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces new, targeted authority for the VA to accept a no-cost land transfer from a local land bank for cemetery expansion. Previously, such acquisitions might have required competitive processes, payments, or broader approvals under general VA property laws (e.g., under Title 38 of the U.S. Code). It streamlines this specific transaction without altering broader VA land acquisition rules.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The VA gains additional burial space for veterans without financial expenditure, potentially easing capacity pressures at Dayton National Cemetery. It may require VA resources for development and maintenance within three years.
- On Citizens: Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families in Ohio and surrounding areas benefit from increased access to dignified burial options at a national cemetery, addressing potential future shortages in space.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic land transfer focused on U.S. veterans' services.
- Broader Effects: Local Dayton community could see economic or environmental benefits from repurposing vacant land, though development might involve minor local disruptions during construction.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Primary beneficiary, responsible for accepting and developing the land.
- Montgomery County Land Bank: Transfers the property and facilitates community redevelopment.
- Veterans and Military Families: Gain expanded cemetery services, particularly those in the Midwest region.
- Local Community in Dayton, Ohio: Indirectly affected through land use changes and potential improvements to the area's infrastructure around the cemetery.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill ensures a clear, time-bound process for the transfer, reducing risks of delays or disputes. It limits the VA's obligations to this one parcel, avoiding unintended expansions of authority.
- Constitutional: No significant issues; it aligns with Congress's power to regulate federal property and provide for veterans' benefits under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.
- Political: Supports bipartisan priorities for veterans' care by enabling efficient use of public resources. It highlights local-federal partnerships in land management but is narrowly focused, minimizing broader policy debates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Turner, Michael R. [R-OH-10]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-26: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 2026-03-26: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-02-03: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2026-01-30: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
- 2025-03-14: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2025-03-14: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-14: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Dayton National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2025 — issued 2025-03-14 — PDF (3 pages)