To temporarily expand the authorized uses of grants awarded under the Veterans Legacy Program of the National Cemetery Administration, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9321
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-25: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-30T22:02:47Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 9321
Purpose
This legislation temporarily broadens how grants from the Veterans Legacy Program can be spent. It allows these funds to help locate, identify, and bury unclaimed or abandoned remains that may belong to veterans, instead of limiting their use to other activities.
Key Provisions
- Expanded Grant Uses: During a set time period, grant recipients may assist the Department of Veterans Affairs by:
- Finding unclaimed or abandoned human remains suspected to be those of a veteran.
- Checking if the remains belong to a veteran.
- Burying such remains in a national cemetery.
- Time Limit: The expanded uses apply from the date the law is enacted until the end of the second full fiscal year after that date.
- Budget Restriction: Any money used for these new purposes cannot be requested on top of the usual funding amounts for the Veterans Legacy Program in the President's annual budget.
- Definition: The Veterans Legacy Program refers to the program established under Public Law 116-107.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
The bill temporarily overrides a restriction in Public Law 116-107 that limited grant activities. It adds new authorized purposes for a limited time while keeping overall funding requests unchanged.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The National Cemetery Administration within the Department of Veterans Affairs may see increased activity in handling veteran remains through partnerships with grant recipients.
- Citizens: Entities such as nonprofits or local organizations receiving grants gain flexibility to address unclaimed remains, potentially benefiting families or communities seeking closure for veterans.
- International Relations: No direct effects noted.
Main Stakeholders
- Department of Veterans Affairs and its National Cemetery Administration.
- Recipients of Veterans Legacy Program grants.
- Veterans whose remains may be located and buried.
- Congress, as the body authorizing the temporary change.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The measure introduces a short-term adjustment to grant rules without altering permanent law or raising constitutional concerns. It includes a safeguard to prevent expanded budget requests, which may limit its long-term scope.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-25: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2026-06-22: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
- 2026-06-15: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2026-06-15: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-15: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To temporarily expand the authorized uses of grants awarded under the Veterans Legacy Program of the National Cemetery Administration, and for other purposes. — issued 2026-06-15 — PDF (2 pages)