A measure making its way through Congress authorizes tribal governments to receive funds for veterans� cemeteries.

Currently, only states can receive cemetery funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill opens the pot of money to tribes and tribal organizations.

Native leaders say the bill will allow tribes to bury their veterans closer to home. It would make it easier to conduct ceremonies, they say.

The House and the Senate have included the measure in a comprehensive veterans' bill that needs to be reconciled when Congress returns to work this month.

Get the Story:
Bill Would Aid Cemeteries for Indian Veterans (The New York Times 9/3)
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Get the Bill:
H.R.601 | S.2659

Relevant Links:
National Native American Veterans Association - http://www.nnava.org
Department of Veterans Affairs - http://www.va.gov

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