Overview
Title
To authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into an agreement with the Montgomery County Land Bank for the transfer of certain land near Dayton National Cemetery to the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
H. R. 2164 is a special plan where the government wants to get some land to make more space for a cemetery where brave soldiers are buried. They want to get this land for free and promise to take it in the next three years.
Summary AI
H. R. 2164, also known as the “Dayton National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2025,” aims to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into an agreement with the Montgomery County Land Bank. The bill allows for the transfer of approximately 58 acres of land near the Dayton National Cemetery in Ohio to the Department of Veterans Affairs for use as a national cemetery. The transfer is to be made at no cost to the Department, and the Secretary is expected to accept the land within three years of the offer. This act ensures the expansion of the Dayton National Cemetery without requiring the acquisition of additional parcels or special agreements with other entities.
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AnalysisAI
Summary of the Bill
H.R. 2164, titled the “Dayton National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2025,” is proposed legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill seeks to facilitate a land transfer from the Montgomery County Land Bank to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, the legislation authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to engage with the Land Bank to acquire a 58-acre parcel of property near Dayton National Cemetery in Ohio. This land is intended to be used for expanding the national cemetery, thereby accommodating more burial space for veterans.
Significant Issues
Several issues arise concerning the bill's provisions:
Cost and Obligations: The transfer of land is stated to be at no cost, which seems favorable for the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, there are concerns about potential hidden costs or responsibilities that might emerge, requiring diligent oversight to ensure there are no unforeseen liabilities.
Timeframe for Transfer Completion: The bill gives the Secretary three years to conclude the land transfer process after the offer is made. While this allows flexibility, it may delay the availability of new burial space, which could be a pressing need if the current cemetery reaches capacity.
Parcel Description and Legal Disputes: The land’s detailed description could lead to potential legal challenges if any discrepancies arise in its physical boundaries over time. Moreover, reliance on a map that is not included in the bill text could create difficulties in clarity and interpretation for stakeholders.
Lack of Competitive Process: By stipulating an exclusive agreement with the Montgomery County Land Bank, the bill bypasses the potential for competitive bidding, which might have resulted in more favorable terms for land use or maintenance.
Potential Broad Impact
If enacted, this bill could positively impact the general public by ensuring that veterans' burial needs are met, honoring their service with accessible and dignified resting places. Providing additional cemetery space can affirm the nation’s commitment to its veterans.
On the negative side, the lack of competitive procedures and potential for hidden obligations may not represent the best financial stewardship of public resources. The government bears responsibility for prudent management of such transfers, ensuring public funds and resources are used effectively.
Specific Stakeholder Impact
Veterans and Their Families: The most direct positive impact of this legislation would be on veterans and their families, who may benefit from additional cemetery space, reducing wait times or space shortages for veteran burials in the Dayton area.
Department of Veterans Affairs: While acquiring this land without financial cost appears beneficial, the VA must ensure that any additional responsibilities—such as land maintenance—do not become burdensome due to the initial cost-free acquisition clause.
Montgomery County Community: Residents might experience a positive effect from having a dedicated space that honors veterans, potentially drawing visitors and attention to the area. However, the community could also bear indirect costs related to infrastructure or accessibility improvements required to accommodate the expanded cemetery.
These considerations highlight the complexity involved in shaping legislation that balances national obligations to veterans against the need for transparency and efficiency in governmental processes.
Issues
The transfer of land is at no cost to the Department of Veterans Affairs as stated in Section 2(a)(1). While this might seem beneficial, it raises questions about whether there are any hidden costs or obligations, necessitating oversight to ensure that the Department is not inadvertently accepting unforeseen liabilities or maintenance responsibilities.
The timeframe for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to accept the transfer outlined in Section 2(a)(2)(B)—within three years of the offer—might delay the utilization of the land as a national cemetery, which could be critical if there is an urgent need for additional burial space.
The specific location of the parcel is described in detail in Section 2(b), which could lead to potential legal disputes if there are errors or changes in the physical boundaries of the land described. The reliance on a detailed physical description opens possibilities for disagreements over the land's precise boundaries.
The map titled 'Dayton National Cemetery Proposed Land Transfer' mentioned in Section 2(b) is referred to but not included in the document. This could limit understanding and transparency for reviewers or stakeholders who need to visualize the parcel being transferred. This lack of inclusion could become an issue for legal and logistical clarity.
Section 2(c)(2) states that the Secretary is not encouraged to enter into special agreements with other entities besides the Montgomery County Land Bank. This exclusivity could potentially lead to a lack of competitive consideration for the best use or maintenance of the land, potentially sidelining more favorable arrangements that could be achieved through a competitive process.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of the Act is titled the “Dayton National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2025,” which is how this law will be referred to.
2. Authorization of transfer of certain land near Dayton National Cemetery to Department of Veterans Affairs Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The bill section authorizes the transfer of a specific 58-acre parcel of land near Dayton National Cemetery from the Montgomery County Land Bank to the Department of Veterans Affairs at no cost. The land is intended for use as a national cemetery, and the transfer must be initiated within 30 days of the offer and completed within three years.