Shelley Berkley: “Today, 9.3 million veterans are over 65. Sadly, 1,500 veterans pass away every day in the United States. The National…”

“Today, 9.3 million veterans are over 65. Sadly, 1,500 veterans pass away every day in the United States. The National Cemetery Expansion Act provides more national cemeteries so that veterans' families can ensure their loved ones have a proper burial. I strongly support this legislation offered by Congressman Gerlach. In addition to providing more cemeteries, this Congress also needs to address the almost non-existent burial benefits provided by the VA. Burial benefits have seriously eroded due to inflation; leaving states and families to make up the cost. Paying for rising burial expenses is a growing concern to families and veterans cemeteries. I have introduced a bill to increase burial benefits for veterans buried in state and national cemeteries. This bill would provide veterans families with the same percentage of burial costs as promised in 1973. I encourage this Congress to support my colleague's bill to increase the number of National Veterans Cemeteries, and to reestablish burial benefits for the families of our national heroes.”