FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2025
Contact:
Madison Hardy
Janessa Tolman
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today urged the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to honor Idaho’s veterans by building a national cemetery in North Idaho.
“While veterans in southern Idaho are well-served by VA national and grant-funded state cemeteries, veterans in North Idaho are forced to choose between forfeiting this honor or being buried outside Idaho,” wrote Risch. “[. . .] Idaho’s veterans served our country with distinction, and they should not be forced to be buried across state lines and away from their families simply because there is no other option.”
Idaho is home to one VA national cemetery in Buhl and two state-grant-funded cemeteries in Eagle and Blackfoot. The nearest VA cemeteries to North Idaho are in Medical Lake, Wash., and Missoula, Mont.
Read the full letter here.
About Jim Risch
Jim Risch proudly represents the people of Idaho in the United States Senate. He currently chairs the Foreign Relations Committee and sits on the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Risch previously served as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and State Senator. For the latest press releases and constituent services visit risch.senate.gov.
