Native American Veterans Burial Fairness Act of 2005

NATIVE AMERICAN VETERANS BURIAL FAIRNESS ACT OF 2005 -- (Extensions of Remarks - February 02, 2005)

SPEECH OF
HON. TOM UDALL
OF NEW MEXICO
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2005

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Native American Veterans Cemetery Act of 2005. I first introduced this bill in the 108th Congress, and I am optimistic about its prospects during the 109th Congress.

The Native American Veterans Cemetery Act makes all Native American tribes eligible to apply for state cemetery grants. Under current law, only states are eligible for these grants. The bill would not give preference or special exceptions to Native American tribes that apply for the state cemetery grants. It would simply put tribes on equal footing with state governments-consistent with tribal sovereignty-by allowing them to apply for grants to establish, expand or improve tribal veterans cemeteries. Moreover, if a Native American tribe were awarded a state cemetery grant, the cemetery would be open to all veterans.

Historically, Native Americans have the highest record of service per capita of any ethnic group. New Mexico is home to almost 9,800 Native American Veterans, making it one of the top five states in the country with regard to its Native American veteran population. I believe it is time that Native American veterans who have served our country so honorably are allowed to pursue a decent, dignified resting place on their tribal lands.

Last year, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Principi stated in writing that he strongly supported this bill's enactment, and because it does not extend any special exceptions or benefits to Native American tribes that apply for state cemetery grants, this bill is budget neutral. The bill is also supported by the Navajo Nation, the largest federally recognized tribe, as well as National American Indian Veterans, Inc (NAIV). In addition to a resolution adopted by the Navajo Nation Council, the New Mexico and Arizona state legislatures have both passed memorials urging Congress to adopt this measure. I have included with this statement support letters from the VA, Navajo Nation, and NAIV.

I would like to thank my colleague Representative TOM COLE of Oklahoma for his strong and early support of this bill, as well as the other 24 original cosponsors. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to move this bill during the 109th Congress.

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