Heller’s plan to bring sailors’ remains back to U.S. hits roadblock

WASHINGTON -- A bid to bring home the remains of 13 American sailors who were killed and buried in Tripoli more than 200 years ago was shelved Thursday in the Senate.

Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., sponsored an amendment to repatriate the remains from the Protestant cemetery in the Libyan capital at the request of some of the sailors' descendants and veterans groups such as the American Legion. But the Navy objected, and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., blocked the amendment from being debated as part of a defense authorization bill that passed later in the evening, Senate aides said.

The Navy said it considered the cemetery where the sailors are buried to be their final resting place in keeping with custom, adding that a formal memorial ceremony was held in 1949 at the site. Descendents say the gravesites are in poor condition.

McCain wants more study on the proposal, a spokesman said.

The sailors were aboard the USS Intrepid, which exploded mysteriously and sank in Tripoli's harbor on Sept. 3, 1804, during the Barbary War against Mediterranean states that were harboring pirates.

The House has passed a defense bill that allows for repatriation of the sailors' remains. A final decision may rest with an upcoming House-Senate conference committee.

"I'm disappointed that the effort to bring these sailors home has stalled in the Senate," Heller said. "However, I'm committed to making sure these fallen sailors receive the recognition they deserve."

Contact Stephens Washington Bureau Chief Steve Tetreault at stetreault@stephensmedia.com or 202-783-1760.