Repair and Maintenance of Congressional Cemetery

The Veterans Administration (VA) requested a decision on whether funds appropriated to the VA are available to maintain and enhance the Congressional Cemetery. The majority of the plots in the Cemetery are owned by Christ Church and private individuals. A relatively small number, occupying a total of less than .5 acres out of 30 acres, are owned by the Federal Government. Recently the condition of the Cemetery has deteriorated and it has lost its value as a museum of 19 century sculpture. The fiscal year 1979 appropriations did not include specific funds for the Congressional Cemetery. The VA does not have jurisdiction over the entire Cemetery but only those lots and plots owned by the Government. On several occasions in the past, Congress did appropriate funds for the Cemetery repair and improvements. These appropriations were limited to the Government owned plots. VA may not use its operating expense appropriations for the repair and maintenance of the privately owned portions without specific statutory authority. Funds are available for repair and maintenance of Government owned parts of the Cemetery.