Loebsack on Mismanagement at Arlington National Cemetery: This Can Never Happen Again

Press Release

Today, the House Armed Services Committee held a hearing on the Army Inspector General's report on mismanagement at Arlington National Cemetery. A report was issued by Army investigators that found more than 100 unmarked graves, over 200 discrepancies between existing records and gravesites, and burial urns that had been unearthed and dumped in unmarked areas. It now looks as though these initial reports may only portray a fraction of the mismanagement.

"Arlington National Cemetery is a sacred place that stands testament to the sacrifices that generation after generation have made in defense of our freedom. We must make sure the Army is taking all the necessary steps to fix these problems. This can never happen again. Among the many damaged graves and headstones was a grave marker for an Iowa soldier; as a father and grandfather, I am appalled by the lack of respect and responsibility that has created this problem. We must make this right. I vow to monitor this situation until the entire cemetery is taken care of with the dignity and honor that is deserved," said Loebsack.

"The Army is fully committed to rapidly correcting the management and leadership deficiencies and organizational problems at ANC. It is not only our responsibility, but our solemn duty. We will not rest until the cemetery is led, managed and operated in a manner commensurate with the service and sacrifice of our fallen warriors," stated the Honorable John McHugh, Secretary of the Army.

During the hearing, Loebsack demanded answers regarding the status of the headstones that were found in a river and a refuge area and detailed answers regarding the Army's plans to put in place strict accountability and oversight so that the Arlington National Cemetery is run with the respect such hallowed ground demands and such negligence never happens again.

Lieutenant General R. Steven Whitcomb, Army Inspector General also testified, and outlined several of the missteps and failures that caused the state of disrepair in Arlington National Cemetery. Click here for video of Loebsack's questioning. Click here for transcripts and video of the full hearing.

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