Rush presses for federal inquiry into Burr Oak Cemetery case and the strengthening of current law to prevent future violations across the country

Rush calls on Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz to review the Funeral Rule provisions and other relevant statutes to determine if federal laws were broken

WASHINGTON – In the wake of the criminal investigation regarding the recent disinterment of hundreds of human remains at the historic Burr Oak Cemetery, in Alsip, Illinois, U. S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush (D-IL) today alerted the chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that his review of existing federal statutes points to the need for a substantive inquiry of this incident, which occurred within his congressional district, and that the likelihood of stronger federal laws looms large. An astounding 53,000 complaints and requests for information from families with relatives buried in the cemetery have been filed with local authorities.

"These families have been so brazenly violated and have been victim to unfair and deceptive practices," said Rush.  "The Federal Trade Commission has a role to play in ensuring that these events never occur again within the United States.  I fully intend to exercise the full weight of my office to ensure the needs of the people are heard, respected and addressed to the fullest extent of the law.  That effort begins, formally, today."

In a letter delivered to FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz, Rush, who serves as the chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection, expressed his concerns and pointed to the disturbing fact that at least 10 states have no laws at all regulating the behavior of cemeteries. In addition, most of those states that do have regulatory laws lack effective enforcement mechanisms.

Rush said today's action will ensure that the needs of the families and loved ones of those who've been victimized are thoroughly addressed.

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Editor's Note: FTC Letter Attached