Section 1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU) Veterans Service Recognition Expansion Act of 2019”.
Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU) Veterans Service Recognition Expansion Act of 2019
A BILL
To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to inter in national cemeteries individuals who supported the United States in Laos during the Vietnam War era, and for other purposes.
Sec. 2 Eligibility for internment in national cemeteries
In general— Section 2402(a)(10) of title 38, United States Code, is amended—
by striking the period at the end and inserting “; or”; and
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
“(B) who—
“(i) the Secretary determines served honorably with a special guerrilla unit or irregular forces operating from a base in Laos in support of the Armed Forces of the United States at any time during the period beginning February 28, 1961, and ending May 7, 1975; and
“(ii) at the time of the individual’s death—
“(I) was a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; and
“(II) resided in the United States.”
Effective Date— The amendments made by this section shall have effect as if included in the enactment of section 251(a) of title II of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 (division J of Public Law 115–141; 132 Stat. 824).