WASHINGTON, OCT. 29, 2003 -"I first offered legislation to place a VA cemetery in the Jacksonville area in 1996 to serve the growing veterans population, and I appreciate my colleagues for supporting the development of these needed VA cemeteries," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-6th), Vice-Chairman of the Veterans' Health Subcommittee. The House today joined the Senate in approving H.R. 1516, the National Cemetery Expansion Act, which now goes to the President. H.R. 1516 incorporates legislation offered by Stearns, H.R. 197, establishing a veterans cemetery in the Jacksonville area.
"Florida has the nation's second largest veterans population and the oldest population," explained Stearns. "Yet the closest open VA cemetery is a three-hour drive. With some 325,000 veterans calling the Jacksonville area home, this cemetery is essential." Under the provisions of the legislation, the VA Secretary will have four years to establish these new cemeteries.
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