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New bill would increase oversight at Arlington

Sen. Claire McCaskill
(UPI)
Sen. Claire McCaskill

By Mandi Rice, St. Louis Public Radio

ST. LOUIS – Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill has introduced legislation to address problems with gravesites at Arlington National Cemetery.

The bill would increase Congressional oversight of the cemetery, where an Army investigation this summer found hundreds of unmarked or mislabeled graves.

McCaskill said the bill could also give the Department of Veterans Affairs control of Arlington's daily operation.

"VA oversees literally dozens and dozens and dozens of cemeteries of our fallen heroes, and they have a core competency in terms of this that we should probably be taking advantage of," McCaskill said.

Arlington is one of two national cemeteries administered by the Army. McCaskill said the Army would still be involved with honor ceremonies at the cemetery.

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