U.S. Senator Jim Risch is pushing federal legislation aimed at raising burial benefits for American veterans and establishing a national cemetery in North Idaho, according to details from his office.

The effort would increase the financial assistance provided to families of deceased veterans to help cover burial costs, which have not kept pace with rising funeral expenses. Risch is also advocating to bring a dedicated national cemetery to the North Idaho region, which currently lacks a nearby federal burial site for veterans and their families.

North Idaho is home to a significant veteran population, and supporters of the measure argue that local families should not have to travel long distances to bury their loved ones with full military honors at a national cemetery.

Risch has been a consistent advocate for veteran services throughout his Senate tenure. No vote timeline has been confirmed at this stage.

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