A coalition of military and veterans groups representing millions of members of the uniformed services community has joined in ongoing efforts to protect eligibility for burial with military honors as currently provided at Arlington National Cemetery.

The Military Coalition (TMC), which includes MOAA among its members, seeks to grow wider support for H.R. 1413, the Expanding America’s National Cemetery Act. Other large VSOs, not part of TMC due to their charters, have also voiced support. The coalition recently released an issue paper outlining the need to support this legislation, which has been a major part of MOAA’s advocacy platform.

[DOWNLOAD THE ISSUE PAPER: Share It With Your House Member and Senators]

This legislation typically would be part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and is subject to Armed Services Committees in both the House and Senate. At the time of this article, staff on both committees are working NDAA; the House committee has published its initial markup of the bill.

The House bill does not include language from the Expanding America’s National Cemetery act. The next opportunity to include that text comes with the amendment process; Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) plans to submit an amendment to protect this important benefit for our uniformed community.

[TAKE ACTION:  Ask Your House Member to Support the Expanding America's National Cemetery Act]

Growing co-sponsors for H.R. 1413 is a way to influence this process. Ask your representative to sign onto the Expanding America’s National Cemetery Act to help grow momentum for this advocacy campaign.

The coalition is also seeking a Senate Republican to join Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) to introduce a Senate companion bill.

What Are We Up Against?

ANC will run out of room one day, but with current eligibility standards, that day won’t take place for about 42 years. Having to shift operations to the “next ANC” is inevitable, but some lawmakers and staff would like to significantly reduce eligibility to extend operations at ANC before designating the next location – kicking the can down the road by depriving those who serve and have served of an earned burial benefit.

[RELATED: Closing the Gates? Why Congress Must Act on Arlington National Cemetery]

The proposed eligibility criteria would remove eligibility from countless veterans, retirees, and nearly all women veterans. The proposed reduction criteria is focused on close-combat awards and would limit interment to those with a Purple Heart or Silver Star and above. Veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam eras who have planned on this benefit for decades would be subject to this proposed reduction.

“No one promised you burial with military honors at ANC” is a difficult message to hear from congressional staff. It is especially difficult to explain the significance of military honors for families when only 18% of Congress served in uniform.

This is why grassroots advocacy is important. Your elected officials, and especially their military legislative assistants, need to hear your voice.

How You Can Help

• Activate your network to write and call your lawmakers and ask them to co-sponsor H.R. 1413 or join the Senate effort to introduce a companion bill.
• Encourage your network and family to use MOAA’s Capital Hotline – 866-272-MOAA (6622), a toll-free line to the U.S. Capitol switchboard  – to connect with their legislators' offices.
• When using the hotline, be sure to ask to speak with the military legislative assistant or legislative director. If neither staffer is available, ask to schedule a phone call with one of them to discuss H.R. 1413.
• Reach out to your local veterans organizations and ask them to send messages. You can share the Capital Hotline and this link to send a message: Support the Expanding America's National Cemetery Act

H.R. 1413 Talking Points

When engaging your elected official’s staff or amplifying your network through advocacy, use these talking points from the information paper to grow support.

• ANC will eventually run out of room.
• An enduring solution is required to maintain an equivalent level of benefits.
• The VA runs 155 national cemeteries, and the DoD runs ANC.
• While DoD’s primary focus for resources is national security, partnering with VA will provide an integrative approach with resources.
• Transforming a VA national cemetery to afford full military honors would sustain an equivalent of benefits at an existing facility.
• Cooperation between DoD and VA can offer a solution in which VA runs operations, and the armed services provide ceremonial honors at the same level as ANC.

[RELATED: Arlington Cemetery Fix Moving Forward – You Can Help MOAA Make a Difference]

You can read the latest on this and other MOAA advocacy campaigns at MOAA.org/advocacy-news.