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Washington, DC – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) today lauded House passage of legislation enforcing new standards to better identify and code remains at Arlington National Cemetery. Wittman cosponsored legislation last week to urge its passage in the House of Representatives before the 111th Congress completes its business. Today, the bill passed 407-3.

“I’m pleased to see the House act quickly on this legislation to ensure accountability for the management of one of our country’s most sacred grounds,” Wittman said. “Army Secretary John McHugh deserves credit for his efforts already in place to bring change in the system, but this measure, with the President’s signature, will ensure accountability and that these issues are avoided in the future. I’m proud to champion this effort to ensure Arlington remains a sacred shrine to sacrifices of this nation’s military servicemembers and honored veterans. Arlington is the last resting place of so many of our nation’s heroes, servicemen and women who were called upon and gave the ultimate sacrifice to this country, a sacrifice which has furthered the cause of American liberty. I encourage the President to sign this measure quickly.”

Wittman spoke pressing for swift passage during consideration of the legislation last night.

Specifically, the legislation will:

·Require the Secretary of the Army to report to Congress on the Cemetery's ability to verify the identity, location and burial records for every gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery and the plans to remedy any errors found.

·Require the Secretary of the Army to report to Congress on the progress at Arlington on changing the management and oversight structure at Arlington National Cemetery, including contract management and practices for providing information and outreach to families of individuals buried at Arlington.

·Require the Government Accountability Office to oversee and report to Congress on the management and oversight of contracts at Arlington National Cemetery, including oversight of:

-All contracts for the automation of burial operations

-Cemetery contract management and coordination with Army contracting agencies

-Any corrective action taken to address the Inspector General report's findings

-The Cemetery's compliance with directives from the Secretary of the Army and recommendations from the Army National Cemeteries Advisory Commission

-Cemetery practices for providing information and outreach to families of individuals buried at Arlington

-Feasibility and advisability of transferring the control of Arlington National Cemetery and the Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

VIDEO: Wittman questions McHugh in June 2010.

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the Natural Resources Committee and the Armed Services Committee where he is the Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.