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.
Impact Analysis
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Milestones
5 milestones5 actions
Mar 18, 2026Senate
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Dec 10, 2025Senate
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
Dec 10, 2025Senate
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 119-247.
Sep 16, 2025Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Sep 16, 2025
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes, news coverage, or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Source Information
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.
