This legislation amends title 38, United States Code, to adjust the applicability of the authority to reconsider decisions made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or the Secretary of the Army regarding interring remains or honoring a person's memory in a national cemetery. A key provision restricts this reconsideration authority to only those decisions that were made on or after June 18, 1973 , thereby limiting the scope of past decisions that can be revisited. Furthermore, the bill makes a technical clarification by updating the reference for the definition of a Tier III sex offender , ensuring it aligns precisely with section 111 of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. This amendment aims to provide greater specificity and consistency in applying the criteria for such individuals in national cemetery decisions. It also includes a conforming repeal to align with these changes.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Armed Forces and National Security
Cemeteries and funeralsSex offensesVeterans' organizations and recognition
RESPECT Act of 2025
USA119th CongressS-2807| Senate
| Updated: 3/18/2026
This legislation amends title 38, United States Code, to adjust the applicability of the authority to reconsider decisions made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or the Secretary of the Army regarding interring remains or honoring a person's memory in a national cemetery. A key provision restricts this reconsideration authority to only those decisions that were made on or after June 18, 1973 , thereby limiting the scope of past decisions that can be revisited. Furthermore, the bill makes a technical clarification by updating the reference for the definition of a Tier III sex offender , ensuring it aligns precisely with section 111 of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. This amendment aims to provide greater specificity and consistency in applying the criteria for such individuals in national cemetery decisions. It also includes a conforming repeal to align with these changes.