OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Veterans' Cemeteries

Date: Nov. 18, 2003
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Veterans

VETERANS' CEMETERIES

Mr. GRAHAM of Florida. Mr. President, would the Senator from Missouri be willing to engage me in a colloquy?

Mr. BOND. I would be pleased to engage in a colloquy with my friend from Florida.

Mr. GRAHAM of Florida. I have come to the floor today to speak about an issue of great importance; the need to construct new national veterans cemeteries.

National cemeteries are reaching capacity throughout the United States as veterans, particularly those from World War II and the Korean War, die in increasing numbers. By the end of 2004, only 64 of the 124 veterans national cemeteries will be available for both casketed and cremated remains.

Recognizing the need to establish new cemeteries, Congress recently passed the National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2003 (H.R. 1516). This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to construct a new national veterans cemetery in the following six cities: Jacksonville, FL; Sarasota, FL; Birmingham, AL; Bakersfield, CA; Philadelphia, PA; and Columbia, SC. These cities were identified by VA as being the areas in the greatest need of a new cemetery.

As cemetery service capabilities decrease, veterans in areas near cemeteries that are at capacity will lose access to burial options within a reasonable distance of their homes. In order to ensure that burial options are provided for veterans and their family members, we must develop new cemeteries and expand existing cemeteries. This process must start as soon as possible because the construction of a new cemetery takes an average of seven years.

I respectfully request that the distinguished chairman of the VA-HUD Subcommittee work to include advance planning funds in conference so we begin constructing these new cemeteries and ensure our veterans have the burial options they deserve.

Mr. BOND. I agree this is an important issue and I will try to address it in conference.

Mr. GRAHAM of Florida. I would like to thank the distinguished chairman for his efforts and I look forward to the final conference report.

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