Congress·Reported·S. 2807

National Cemeteries: Rules for Denying Burial to Serious Offenders

RESPECT Act of 2025

Legislative Progress

Senate

House

President

Law

This bill, known as the RESPECT Act, updates the rules for who is allowed to be buried or honored in a national cemetery. It focuses on making sure people who committed very serious crimes do not receive these special honors.
The law currently allows the government to deny burial or remove remains if a person committed a capital crime or a serious sex offense. This bill clarifies that officials can go back and reconsider burial decisions made as far back as June 18, 1973.
It also updates the legal language used to define the most serious sex offenders. This change ensures that the rules for national cemeteries match other federal laws regarding criminal records.
The goal of the policy is to protect the reputation of national cemeteries. It ensures that these sacred spaces remain reserved for veterans and others who served the country honorably without committing major crimes.

3 milestones4 actions

Mar 18, 2026Senate

Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Dec 10, 2025Senate

Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

Sep 16, 2025Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Sep 16, 2025

Introduced in Senate

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

RESPECT Act of 2025

Bill NumberS 2807

Congress119th Congress

ChamberSenate

Latest ActionCommittee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

(5)

D: 3R: 2

Congress.gov

Official legislative information

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