James E. Risch

01/15/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/15/2026 15:49

Risch Urges VA to Build National Veterans Cemetery in North Idaho

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.

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