FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- June 26, 2003 -

STEARNS JOINS VA COMMITTEE IN APPROVING BILL WITH VA CEMETERY FOR JACKSONVILLE

COMMITTEE INCORPORATES STEARNS' BILL, H.R. 197, CREATING A JACKSONVILLE VA CEMETERY

WASHINGTON, JUNE 26, 2003 - "For years I have been pushing for a VA cemetery in Jacksonville for the benefit of the growing veterans population in the area," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "I am grateful to my colleagues on the committee for incorporating my legislation for a VA cemetery in Jacksonville into this measure we approved today." The Veterans Affairs Committee approved H.R. 1516, the National Cemetery Expansion Act, which directs the establishment within four years of a new national cemetery in each of these areas: southeastern Pennsylvania; Birmingham, Alabama; Bakersfield, California; Greenville/Columbia, South Carolina; and Jacksonville, Florida.

"The Jacksonville region has a growing veterans population, but the nearest open VA cemetery is in Bushnell, some three hours away," explained Stearns. "The 1990 census indicated a veterans population of 159,000 in the Jacksonville area and the 2000 census showed that the number grew to 189,000. Clearly, we need a national cemetery in Jacksonville."

Earlier this year, Stearns offered H.R. 197, directing the VA to establish a national cemetery in the Jacksonville metropolitan area. He had offered similar legislation in the 107th, 106th, and 105th Congresses. H.R. 1516 now goes to the House floor for consideration

For Further Information Please Contact Paul Flusche at 202-225-5744 or Email.