[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 34 (Tuesday, March 24, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H1389-H1396]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY BURIAL ELIGIBILITY ACT

  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill 
(H.R. 3211) to amend title 38, United States Code, to enact into law 
eligibility requirements for burial in Arlington National Cemetery, and 
for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 3211

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Arlington National Cemetery 
     Burial Eligibility Act''.

     SEC. 2. PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR BURIAL IN ARLINGTON NATIONAL 
                   CEMETERY.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 24 of title 38, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     section:

     ``Sec. 2412. Arlington National Cemetery: persons eligible 
       for burial

       ``(a) Primary Eligibility.--The remains of the following 
     individuals may be buried in Arlington National Cemetery:
       ``(1) Any member of the Armed Forces who dies while on 
     active duty.
       ``(2) Any retired member of the Armed Forces and any person 
     who served on active duty and at the time of death was 
     entitled (or but for age would have been entitled) to retired 
     pay under chapter 1223 of title 10.
       ``(3) Any former member of the Armed Forces separated for 
     physical disability before October 1, 1949, who--
       ``(A) served on active duty; and
       ``(B) would have been eligible for retirement under the 
     provisions of section 1201 of title 10 (relating to 
     retirement for disability) had that section been in effect on 
     the date of separation of the member.

[[Page H1390]]

       ``(4) Any former member of the Armed Forces whose last 
     active duty military service terminated honorably and who has 
     been awarded one of the following decorations:
       ``(A) Medal of Honor.
       ``(B) Distinguished Service Cross, Air Force Cross, or Navy 
     Cross.
       ``(C) Distinguished Service Medal.
       ``(D) Silver Star.
       ``(E) Purple Heart.
       ``(5) Any former prisoner of war who dies on or after 
     November 30, 1993.
       ``(6) The President or any former President.
       ``(b) Eligibility of Family Members.--The remains of the 
     following individuals may be buried in Arlington National 
     Cemetery:
       ``(1) The spouse, surviving spouse, minor child, and, at 
     the discretion of the Superintendent, unmarried adult child 
     of a person listed in subsection (a), but only if buried in 
     the same gravesite as that person.
       ``(2)(A) The spouse, minor child, and, at the discretion of 
     the Superintendent, unmarried adult child of a member of the 
     Armed Forces on active duty if such spouse, minor child, or 
     unmarried adult child dies while such member is on active 
     duty.
       ``(B) The individual whose spouse, minor child, and 
     unmarried adult child is eligible under subparagraph (A), but 
     only if buried in the same gravesite as the spouse, minor 
     child, or unmarried adult child.
       ``(3) The parents of a minor child or unmarried adult child 
     whose remains, based on the eligibility of a parent, are 
     already buried in Arlington National Cemetery, but only if 
     buried in the same gravesite as that minor child or unmarried 
     adult child.
       ``(4)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the surviving spouse, 
     minor child, and, at the discretion of the Superintendent, 
     unmarried adult child of a member of the Armed Forces who was 
     lost, buried at sea, or officially determined to be 
     permanently absent in a status of missing or missing in 
     action.
       ``(B) A person is not eligible under subparagraph (A) if a 
     memorial to honor the memory of the member is placed in a 
     cemetery in the national cemetery system, unless the memorial 
     is removed. A memorial removed under this subparagraph may be 
     placed, at the discretion of the Superintendent, in Arlington 
     National Cemetery.
       ``(5) The surviving spouse, minor child, and, at the 
     discretion of the Superintendent, unmarried adult child of a 
     member of the Armed Forces buried in a cemetery under the 
     jurisdiction of the American Battle Monuments Commission.
       ``(c) Spouses.--For purposes of subsection (b)(1), a 
     surviving spouse of a person whose remains are buried in 
     Arlington National Cemetery by reason of eligibility under 
     subsection (a), who has remarried is eligible for burial in 
     the same gravesite of that person. The spouse of the 
     surviving spouse is not eligible for burial in such 
     gravesite.
       ``(d) Disabled Adult Unmarried Children.--In the case of an 
     unmarried adult child who is incapable of self-support up to 
     the time of death because of a physical or mental condition, 
     the child may be buried under subsection (b) without 
     requirement for approval by the Superintendent under that 
     subsection if the burial is in the same gravesite as the 
     gravesite in which the parent, who is eligible for burial 
     under subsection (a), has been or will be buried.
       ``(e) Family Members of Persons Buried in a Group 
     Gravesite.--In the case of a person eligible for burial under 
     subsection (a) who is buried in Arlington National Cemetery 
     as part of a group burial, the surviving spouse, minor child, 
     or unmarried adult child of the member may not be buried in 
     the group gravesite.
       ``(f) Exclusive Authority for Burial in Arlington National 
     Cemetery.--Eligibility for burial of remains in Arlington 
     National Cemetery prescribed under this section is the 
     exclusive eligibility for such burial.
       ``(g) Application for Burial.--A request for burial of 
     remains of an individual in Arlington National Cemetery made 
     before the death of the individual may not be considered by 
     the Secretary of the Army or any other responsible official.
       ``(h) Register of Buried Individuals.--(1) The Secretary of 
     the Army shall maintain a register of each individual buried 
     in Arlington National Cemetery and shall make such register 
     available to the public.
       ``(2) With respect to each such individual buried on or 
     after January 1, 1998, the register shall include a brief 
     description of the basis of eligibility of the individual for 
     burial in Arlington National Cemetery.
       ``(i) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
       ``(1) The term `retired member of the Armed Forces' means--
       ``(A) any member of the Armed Forces on a retired list who 
     served on active duty and who is entitled to retired pay;
       ``(B) any member of the Fleet Reserve or Fleet Marine Corps 
     Reserve who served on active duty and who is entitled to 
     retainer pay; and
       ``(C) any member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces 
     who has served on active duty and who has received notice 
     from the Secretary concerned under section 12731(d) of title 
     10, of eligibility for retired pay under chapter 1223 of 
     title 10.
       ``(2) The term `former member of the Armed Forces' includes 
     a person whose service is considered active duty service 
     pursuant to a determination of the Secretary of Defense under 
     section 401 of Public Law 95-202 (38 U.S.C. 106 note).
       ``(3) The term `Superintendent' means the Superintendent of 
     Arlington National Cemetery.''.
       (b) Publication of Updated Pamphlet.--Not later than 180 
     days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
     Secretary of the Army shall publish an updated pamphlet 
     describing eligibility for burial in Arlington National 
     Cemetery. The pamphlet shall reflect the provisions of 
     section 2412 of title 38, United States Code, as added by 
     subsection (a).
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 24 of title 38, United States Code, is 
     amended by adding at the end the following new item:

``2412. Arlington National Cemetery: persons eligible for burial.''.

       (d) Technical Amendments.--Section 2402(7) of title 38, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(or but for age would have been 
     entitled)'' after ``was entitled'';
       (2) by striking out ``chapter 67'' and inserting in lieu 
     thereof ``chapter 1223''; and
       (3) by striking out ``or would have been entitled to'' and 
     all that follows and inserting in lieu thereof a period.
       (e) Effective Date.--Section 2412 of title 38, United 
     States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with 
     respect to individuals dying on or after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 3. PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR PLACEMENT IN THE COLUMBARIUM IN 
                   ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 24 of title 38, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding after section 2412, as added by 
     section 2(a) of this Act, the following new section:

     ``Sec. 2413. Arlington National Cemetery: persons eligible 
       for placement in columbarium

       ``(a) Eligibility.--The cremated remains of the following 
     individuals may be placed in the columbarium in Arlington 
     National Cemetery:
       ``(1) A person eligible for burial in Arlington National 
     Cemetery under section 2412 of this title.
       ``(2)(A) A veteran whose last period of active duty service 
     (other than active duty for training) ended honorably.
       ``(B) The spouse, surviving spouse, minor child, and, at 
     the discretion of the Superintendent of Arlington National 
     Cemetery, unmarried adult child of such a veteran.
       ``(b) Spouse.--Section 2412(c) of this title shall apply to 
     a spouse under this section in the same manner as it applies 
     to a spouse under section 2412.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 24 of title 38, United States Code, is 
     amended by adding after section 2412, as added by section 
     2(c) of this Act, the following new item:

``2413. Arlington National Cemetery: persons eligible for placement in 
              columbarium.''.

       (c) Effective Date.--Section 2413 of title 38, United 
     States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with 
     respect to individuals dying on or after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 4. MONUMENTS IN ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 24 of title 38, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding after section 2413, as added by 
     section 3(a) of this Act, the following new section:

     ``Sec. 2414. Arlington National Cemetery: authorized 
       headstones, markers, and monuments

       ``(a) Gravesite Markers Provided by the Secretary.--A 
     gravesite in Arlington National Cemetery shall be 
     appropriately marked in accordance with section 2404 of this 
     title.
       ``(b) Gravesite Markers Provided at Private Expense.--(1) 
     The Secretary of the Army shall prescribe regulations for the 
     provision of headstones or markers to mark a gravesite at 
     private expense in lieu of headstones and markers provided by 
     the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in Arlington National 
     Cemetery.
       ``(2) Such regulations shall ensure that--
       ``(A) such headstones or markers are of simple design, 
     dignified, and appropriate to a military cemetery;
       ``(B) the person providing such headstone or marker 
     provides for the future maintenance of the headstone or 
     marker in the event repairs are necessary;
       ``(C) the Secretary of the Army shall not be liable for 
     maintenance of or damage to the headstone or marker;
       ``(D) such headstones or markers are aesthetically 
     compatible with Arlington National Cemetery; and
       ``(E) such headstones or markers are permitted only in 
     sections of Arlington National Cemetery authorized for such 
     headstones or markers as of January 1, 1947.
       ``(c) Monuments.--(1) No monument (or similar structure as 
     determined by the Secretary of the Army in regulations) may 
     be placed in Arlington National Cemetery except pursuant to 
     the provisions of this subsection.
       ``(2) A monument may be placed in Arlington National 
     Cemetery if the monument commemorates--
       ``(A) the service in the Armed Forces of the individual, or 
     group of individuals, whose memory is to be honored by the 
     monument; or
       ``(B) a particular military event.
       ``(3) No monument may be placed in Arlington National 
     Cemetery until the end of the 25-year period beginning--
       ``(A) in the case of commemoration of service under 
     paragraph (1)(A), on the last day of the period of service so 
     commemorated; and
       ``(B) in the case of commemoration of a particular military 
     event under paragraph

[[Page H1391]]

     (1)(B), on the last day of the period of the event.
       ``(4) A monument may be placed only in those sections of 
     Arlington National Cemetery designated by the Secretary of 
     the Army for such placement.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the 
     beginning of chapter 24 of title 38, United States Code, is 
     amended by adding after section 2413, as added by section 
     3(b) of this Act, the following new item:

``2414. Arlington National Cemetery: authorized headstones, markers, 
              and monuments.''.

       (c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall apply with respect to headstones, markers, or monuments 
     placed in Arlington National Cemetery on or after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 5. PUBLICATION OF REGULATIONS.

       Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall publish in the 
     Federal Register any regulation proposed by the Secretary 
     under this Act.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Stump) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump).
  (Mr. STUMP asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)


                             General Leave

  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on H.R. 3211.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Arizona?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3211, the Arlington National Cemetery Burial 
Eligibility Act, is an important bill that is strongly supported by 
veterans and their service organizations.
  The lion's share of credit for setting the stage for this bill goes 
to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Terry Everett), chairman of the 
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. His investigation of the 
waiver process in Arlington National Cemetery has resulted in 
bipartisan support for H.R. 3211.
  In concert with his ranking member, the gentleman from South Carolina 
(Mr. Jim Clyburn), the subcommittee tackled some very difficult issues 
in a comprehensive and professional manner. The bill codifies many of 
the current regulations of eligibility for burial in the cemetery and 
placement in the Columbarium.
  However, the bill departs from current practice in the following 
ways:
  One, no waivers to the military service requirements for a burial 
would be allowed for anyone. Family members of eligible veterans would 
be the only nonveterans allowed to be buried, and they would be in the 
same gravesite as the eligible veteran.
  Second, the bill would eliminate automatic eligibility for Members of 
Congress and other Federal officials who do not meet all of the 
military criteria required for other veterans. Currently, these so-
called ``high Federal officials'' are eligible simply by being 
veterans. The President, as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, 
would be the only official whose eligibility would be retained under 
the bill.
  Third, the bill requires that in the future, memorials and markers 
erected in the cemetery must commemorate service in the armed services.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to join the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. 
Stump) in introducing H.R. 3211, the Arlington National Cemetery Burial 
Eligibility Act.
  The GAO has told us that the eligibility requirements for burial at 
the cemetery needs clarification, and that the standards for waivers 
have been inconsistently applied over several years.
  The bill we are considering today directly addresses those concerns. 
It writes into law the eligibility rules for burial at Arlington, 
allows for the burial of the close family members of persons whose 
military service has qualified them for burial at Arlington, and 
virtually eliminates the possibility that waivers shall be granted in 
the future to persons who do not otherwise meet the eligibility 
criteria for burial there.
  As an enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and a member of the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs since I came to Congress, I know that 
the cemetery is truly sacred ground, especially for our Nation's 
veteran population. That is why I was extremely concerned by reports 
that waivers for burial at the cemetery were being granted in exchange 
for major political contributions.
  As everyone should know by now, those reports turned out to be 
untrue, and without any substantiation whatsoever. But while the GAO 
expedited review found ``no evidence'' of waivers for contributions, it 
did highlight some of the serious flaws in the existing process for 
burials at the cemetery.
  The bill that the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), our chairman, 
and I have put together addresses those concerns. It removes most of 
the discretion, ambiguity and guesswork from the eligibility process 
for burials at the cemetery, and it makes it easier for the public to 
understand the requirements for burial at the cemetery.
  Before I conclude my remarks, Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to 
thank the gentleman from Arizona (Chairman Stump). His focus has been 
on policy over politics. He has worked through this entire process, 
working with virtually every member of the committee, and has extended 
great cooperation to me as the leading Democrat on the committee.
  I salute the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), Mr. Speaker, for his 
work on getting this bill here today.
  The bill we are bringing to this Congress today will honor the 
commitments that so many veterans have made to this country. I urge my 
colleagues to support the bill, H.R. 3211.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Alabama (Mr. Everett), who is chairman of our Subcommittee on Oversight 
and Investigations.

                              {time}  1445

  Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, if the recent Veterans' Affairs 
subcommittee hearings on Arlington National Cemetery have demonstrated 
anything, it is the special reverence with which Americans regard 
Arlington as a national shrine to honor our military heroes, many of 
whom were ordinary people who were extraordinary in their defense of 
our liberties. The only objective of our work has been to ensure the 
integrity of that hallowed place.
  Although the committee's active interest in Arlington preceded the 
burial waivers investigation by the Subcommittee on Oversight and 
Investigations, which I chaired, the subcommittee took a thorough look 
at Arlington and identified serious problems with the waivers and laid 
much of the foundation of H.R. 3211.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. 
Stump), our full committee chairman, and many of our colleagues in this 
bipartisan legislation to codify and reform Arlington eligibility. With 
the assistance of the General Accounting Office review of burial 
waivers at Arlington, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations 
found that the waiver process and criteria were unpublished; 
information about waivers has often not been available to the general 
public; the waiver process has lacked clear and consistent criteria, 
and to the extent it had criteria, it was never followed; decisions 
themselves have sometimes been inconsistent and not clearly documented; 
and worst of all, in large part because of the lack of openness and 
definition, the waiver process has been open to insider political 
influence, string-pulling and favoritism.
  While nothing is perfect, Arlington's system of burial waivers has 
proved to fall far short of the openness that veterans and the public 
deserve. I believe that there is widespread agreement that legislative 
steps are necessary to correct these serious problems our investigation 
has identified.
  As H.R. 3211 moves along and encounters the vagaries of all 
legislation, we should maintain the bill's objectives of establishing 
clear-cut eligibility and preserving the military character of 
Arlington.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump) 
for his leadership on Arlington burial

[[Page H1392]]

eligibility and for moving this very important legislation. I also want 
to commend the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), our ranking 
Democrat, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Quinn), chairman of the 
Subcommittee on Benefits, the gentleman from California (Mr. Filner), 
that subcommittee's ranking Democrat, and the gentleman from South 
Carolina (Mr. Clyburn), ranking Democrat on my subcommittee.
  They have worked long and hard on H.R. 3211.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to approve this timely measure to 
protect the integrity and honor of Arlington National Cemetery.
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Filner).
  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Evans), for yielding me this time, and I thank the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Stump), our chairman, for bringing this bill to the floor 
so quickly.
  Mr. Speaker, I too am a strong proponent of the bill before us, H.R. 
3211. The Subcommittee on Benefits held a hearing on this measure on 
February 24, and all of our witnesses were supportive of this bill.
  After all that has been said and written in recent months about 
Arlington National Cemetery, we all agreed that Arlington's burial 
eligibility requirements needed to be clarified, codified, and refined 
and this is exactly what H.R. 3211 will do.
  I am very proud that the members of our committee came together in a 
bipartisan fashion to introduce responsible and evenhanded legislation 
that will maintain the honor and dignity of Arlington's sacred ground. 
This matter is too important to us as a Nation, a Nation that deeply 
respects its military dead, for it to be manipulated.
  I know that all of my colleagues were comforted, as I was, by the 
results of the GAO investigation which found no evidence that political 
contributions played a role in waiver decisions. This is not to say 
that the Arlington waiver process does not need revision and 
clarification. The process needs to be reworked, and H.R. 3211 will 
satisfy the concerns that many of us have had about burial eligibility 
at Arlington National Cemetery.
  I do believe, however, Mr. Speaker, that the bill we are considering 
today can be and should be improved. As reported by the committee, H.R. 
3211 includes no mechanism by which individuals who perform 
extraordinary acts in service to the United States can be recognized 
and be buried in Arlington. But common sense and historical evidence 
makes it clear to me that there must be some procedure in place to 
permit burial of those rare and unusual individuals whose military 
service alone does not meet the specific criteria included in H.R. 
3211, but whose life accomplishments following their service in 
America's Armed Forces are so remarkable and distinctive and compelling 
that we as a Nation feel we must honor these individuals with burial in 
Arlington National Cemetery.
  I am certain that a very tight, very disciplined, and very public 
process can be designed that would protect and ensure the integrity of 
the hallowed ground of Arlington, but that would also enable Americans 
to demonstrate their deep respect and appreciation for the lives and 
contributions of our most brilliant and beloved countrymen and women. 
Although this issue was raised too late in the process for the 
committee to address it, I look forward to working with Members of the 
other body to further improve a very good bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge support of H.R. 3211.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Solomon), chairman of the Committee on 
Rules, a great supporter of veterans and this committee.
  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. 
Stump) for taking me out of order so I can get back to a meeting of the 
Committee on Rules and expedite the legislation for the next 2 weeks.
  Mr. Speaker, I do rise in strong support of this legislation to 
protect our most sacred national cemetery, and to commend the gentleman 
from Arizona (Mr. Stump), my very good friend and chairman of the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Evans), and certainly the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Everett) as well 
as the gentleman from New York (Mr. Quinn) sitting next to me, all of 
whom have done such a great job bringing this bill to the floor.
  As a cosponsor of this legislation, I am proud that today the House 
is taking this decisive step to protect the sanctity and integrity of 
Arlington Cemetery. Arlington Cemetery is a place that has become 
synonymous with valor, courage, and honor that is second to none. It is 
rightfully a place to be revered as more than a graveyard, but as a 
resting place and as a lasting monument to heroes, real American 
heroes, Mr. Speaker, to whom all of us owe our freedoms. And that means 
that the very least that we can do is to remove the potential for 
dishonoring that shrine with politics.
  This bill does just that by removing virtually all discretion and all 
waivers for burials at Arlington. In other words, Mr. Speaker, either 
individuals qualify or they do not, and that is the way it should be. 
That goes for Members of Congress, for Vice Presidents, for Cabinet 
members, Court Justices and anyone else. If the person was not killed 
while serving this country in uniform, was not a decorated veteran, a 
former prisoner of war, a military retiree or a spouse or child of such 
qualified veterans that will be buried there, there is no room for 
burial at Arlington. And again that is the way it should be.
  Still, any honorably discharged veteran is always eligible to have 
their cremated remains displayed there. That is, any honorably 
discharged veteran.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge everyone in the House to support this bill and, 
when they get a chance, to go out to Arlington again, if they have not 
been there before, and walk among the headstones, as Chairman Stump and 
I did just the other today. I believe they will thank themselves for 
voting to protect that national shrine and for keeping it open 
exclusively for those brave men and women who above all else deserve 
it.
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Wisconsin (Mr. Kleczka).
  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I also rise in support of H.R. 3211. 
Earlier this year, in response to public concern with the number of 
burial waivers granted at Arlington National Cemetery, I introduced the 
Arlington National Cemetery Integrity Act to clarify once and for all 
who can and who cannot be buried there.
  Because this is the last honor the United States can bestow upon our 
veterans who sacrificed for our freedoms, I was pleased that the 
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), chairman, and the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Evans), ranking member of the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs, introduced this bill which is similar to the one that I have 
introduced. Under both of these proposals, current burial guidelines 
would be put into law and waivers would be eliminated.
  Mr. Speaker, we must preserve the integrity and true meaning of this 
final tribute to our soldiers. H.R. 3211 will accomplish this goal. I 
urge my colleagues to support this important legislation and again 
commend the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for its swift action on this 
piece of legislation.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Quinn), chairman of our Subcommittee on Benefits.
  Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I too would like to support H.R. 3211. We 
have talked about its intention to bring order to the process of being 
buried at Arlington National Cemetery. We all know that the bill would 
codify, with exceptions that have been discussed today, existing 
regulatory eligibility criteria for burial at Arlington National 
Cemetery. Other than persons specifically enumerated in the bill, no 
other person could be buried in Arlington. In general, we have 
discussed who those persons would include. Those could include members 
of the Armed Forces who die in active duty, retired members of the 
Armed Forces, including Reservists who have served on active duty, 
former members of the Armed Services who have been awarded the Medal of 
Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Air Force Cross, or Navy Cross, 
Distinguished Service Medal,

[[Page H1393]]

Silver Star or Purple Heart, former prisoners of war, President or any 
former President, Members of the Guard and Reserves who have served on 
active duty and are eligible for retirement but have not yet retired, 
the spouse, surviving spouse, minor child and, at the discretion of the 
superintendent, all of those unmarried adult children, A through F, as 
we have said.
  Mr. Speaker, what I wanted to do is to thank the people on our 
committee on both sides of the aisle, both the gentleman from Arizona 
(Mr. Stump) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), ranking 
member, as well as the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Everett), the 
ranking member of the Subcommittee on Benefits, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Filner) and the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Snyder), a 
committee member who had thoughtful questions and brought discussion of 
this whole issue of Arlington.
  Now that we have come up with a compromise of sorts to make sure that 
we are heading in the right direction, toward the end of next month, 
the gentleman from California (Mr. Filner) and I will be organizing a 
visit to Arlington for members on the committee and Members of the 
Congress at large to talk about their plans for changes at Arlington 
and to talk about the things that are done in this bill today so that 
all of us at least in the Congress know where we are headed when we 
talk about changes necessary at Arlington National Cemetery.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill.
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time is 
remaining on both sides at this point?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) has 
13 minutes remaining and the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump) has 11 
minutes remaining.
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 10 minutes to the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Stump), and ask unanimous consent that he be permitted to 
control that time as he sees fit.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, if the gentleman would yield, I thank him and 
would say that we do need the time. I have more speakers than I 
anticipated.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Foley). Is there objection to the 
request of the gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Stearns), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Health.
  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman from 
Arizona for yielding me this time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3211, as amended. This bill 
establishes an important policy. It provides clear specific statutory 
criteria for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. In doing so, the 
bill would rule out a troubling policy of granting exceptions to 
eligibility rules which, until now, have been set in regulations.
  As the oversight of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs has shown, the 
practice of entertaining requests for waivers and exceptions at 
Arlington has opened a door to inconsistency and subjectivity. I hardly 
need to remind Members of the stains such practices have created.
  The bill would close the door to exceptions and restore a sense of 
honor to administration of this precious, precious site. Burial at 
Arlington should be reserved to those with distinguished military 
service. This bill would crystallize that policy. This bill codifies 
key elements of the current regulations governing eligibility for 
burial at Arlington. H.R. 3211 draws some hard lines, but they are 
lines that need to be drawn. They include the following:
  No waivers could be granted to the military service requirements for 
burial. The only nonveterans eligible for burial would be the immediate 
family members of those veterans eligible for burial, and Members of 
Congress and other Federal officials who do not meet the military 
criteria would no longer be eligible for burial at Arlington.
  The Committee on Veterans' Affairs did not set this policy in place 
lightly. H.R. 3211 is a product of careful, comprehensive oversight, 
extensive consultation with veterans and military service organizations 
and a great deal of hard work.
  I am proud to be a cosponsor of this fine bill and commend my 
colleagues for their fine work on this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I have the honor to have my father buried at Arlington 
National Cemetery for the work he did in the Navy and receiving the 
Bronze Star in the Iwo Jima campaign. And then I have a great great 
grandfather who is also buried there who has the same criteria. So it 
is with a great deal of heartfelt feeling on this issue that I commend 
this bill to my colleagues and I hope they will pass it.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Hayworth), a member of the committee.
  Mr. HAYWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. 
Stump), chairman of our committee and dean of our delegation, who 
continues to set an example in his legislative work, as he did as a 
younger man in the Pacific theater in World War II.
  I thank also the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), ranking 
minority member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for moving 
forward with this legislation in such a timely manner; for, Mr. 
Speaker, what we are preparing to do in this Chamber with this vote on 
this legislation, for which I rise in strong support, is to restore 
trust with the American people for this hallowed ground.

                              {time}  1500

  I cannot help but notice as we look at the ground that makes up 
Arlington National Cemetery that the headstones literally border the 
Pentagon. And indeed decisions made there and decisions made here to 
send American citizens into harm's way must always be carried out with 
the utmost sobriety and seriousness, because, as General MacArthur 
pointed out, ``The soldier personally loathes war the most, for it is 
the soldier who quite literally has the most to lose.''
  Mr. Speaker, as constituents of mine in the Sixth District of Arizona 
reacted with surprise and outrage, and Mr. Speaker, I do not think 
those terms are too strong to use, as revelations came forth that, 
sadly, this hallowed ground was being misused with a liberal use of 
waivers, what we will do with this legislation is again to state that 
Arlington National Cemetery exists for the purpose of honoring our 
military dead, those who have fallen in pursuing freedom, that we are 
reaffirming that this hallowed ground belongs to the memory and the 
remains of those who have contributed mightily, who may have fallen on 
the field of battle, but who always and forever represented this 
country with valor and bravery, and that we would not succumb to the 
temptations and political pressures ever again of yielding any of that 
ground under suspicions that it might go to the highest bidder.
  This is a mission of honor and a restoration of trust, and I 
appreciate the bipartisan manner in which this legislation has been 
approached because, again, we set up a formula whereby if waivers are 
ever to be granted, they will be granted with the full sunshine of this 
Congress, representing the people constitutionally to make such 
waivers, not to any back room or any regulation or waiver otherwise 
granted.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. McIntosh).
  Mr. McINTOSH. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Arizona 
(Mr. Stump) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) for their hard 
work on this bill and the bipartisan effort to bring it forward to the 
House today.
  I, too, was greatly disturbed, as were my constituents, by rumors 
that there may have been attempts used to have Arlington Cemetery and 
the privilege of being put to rest there used for political fund-
raising purposes.
  My grandmother served this country as a nurse in World War I. She had 
three sons, who all served this country in World War II. My father was 
in the Navy as an enlisted man. My father-in-law served 30 years in the 
Navy and retired as a captain. Our family takes great pride in the 
service that they have offered this country.
  It extends to all people, Democrats, Republicans, rich and poor, the 
ability to make a sacrifice to serve this country. And Arlington is 
where we honor those who have perhaps sacrificed the most in the cause 
of freedom and upholding liberty in this great Nation.

[[Page H1394]]

  So it is with great pleasure that I speak out in favor of this bill. 
My generation wants to honor those who have sacrificed for our country 
and those who will sacrifice for our country by serving in the military 
in the future. This bill puts on record that all of us can come 
together today and say, this has to be above politics.
  Mr. Speaker, I do want to thank the chairman and the ranking member 
for their hard efforts in bringing this bill to the floor.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Washington (Mr. Nethercutt).
  Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me the 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join the distinguished chairman of the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the ranking member in support of 
H.R. 3211, which will do much to restore the honor of burial at 
Arlington National Cemetery.
  I have heard from hundreds of my constituents who are concerned that 
burial at Arlington has been granted to nonveterans because of special 
waivers. My constituents were equally concerned by the reluctance of 
the administration to release names and details about those buried 
under the waiver process. So I acted on these concerns by introducing a 
bill of my own, similar to the legislation before the House today, to 
ensure greater scrutiny and full disclosure of waiver requests.
  H.R. 3211 requires the Secretary of the Army to maintain a register 
of those buried at Arlington and requires that this register be made 
available to the public. While I understand the privacy concerns that 
limit the initial disclosures of waiver recipients, I also believe that 
this reluctance created the unfortunate perception that the 
administration was trying to hide something.
  Arlington is a public cemetery, and we should have the full public 
disclosure which this bill provides. I also agree with the emphasis 
that this bill gives to educating veterans about Arlington. This bill 
will require the Secretary of the Army to publish a pamphlet describing 
eligibility requirements. Such materials are needed to reassure the 
veterans community, as well as to clarify eligibility requirements.
  I have heard stories of veterans awarded the Silver Star who deserve 
burial at Arlington by any measure, but they do not realize they are 
worthy of this honor or this opportunity. This bill corrects that 
problem by providing the Secretary the materials needed to educate this 
community.
  This is an outstanding bill, Mr. Speaker, that corrects the 
significant loopholes created by the waiver process and reaffirms our 
belief that only a very honored few deserve to be buried at Arlington 
National Cemetery. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, there have been some Members that have expressed a 
desire to consider language that would still provide a waiver for 
Arlington, and we considered this at length in committee. I personally 
oppose such language and would like to include for the record letters 
from the American Legion, AMVETS, the Disabled American Veterans, the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, the Non-
Commissioned Officers Association, and the Retired Enlisted 
Association, among others, that oppose such language.
  Mr. Speaker, I include the following for the Record:


                                          The American Legion,

                                   Washington, DC, March 12, 1998.
     Hon. Bob Stump,
     Chairman, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Washington 
         DC.
       Dear Chairman Stump: The American Legion fully supports 
     H.R. 3211, a bill to codify existing regulatory criteria for 
     burial in Arlington National Cemetery. The American Legion 
     believes codifying existing regulations and prohibiting any 
     future waiver authority is an unfortunate but necessary step 
     to maintain the honor and sanctity of Arlington National 
     Cemetery. The current waiver process is purely subjective, 
     inconsistent and vulnerable to political influence. Allowing 
     future waivers at Arlington National Cemetery would continue 
     this subjective and inconsistent waiver process and allow for 
     possible abuses by the current and future administrations.
       Although the valuable contributions of non-veterans in 
     service to the nation and society is notable, these 
     individuals are not legally obligated to perform their duties 
     in the same manner as member of the armed forces. When 
     individuals don the military uniform and take the oath of 
     office, they lose some personal freedoms, experience undue 
     hardships and accept a unique standard of conduct governed by 
     the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Failure or refusal to 
     perform their assigned mission will result in criminal 
     proceedings that may lead to a General Court Martial and a 
     dishonorable discharge. Individuals serving in the civilian 
     government and private workforce are not legally obligated in 
     this same manner.
       The American Legion believes Arlington National Cemetery is 
     clearly a cemetery operated and maintained by the Department 
     of the Army exclusively for military personnel, retirees, 
     veterans and their immediate family members. Requirements to 
     be buried in Arlington are strict because of the prestige, 
     history and special recognition of honorable military 
     service. If Congress truly believes someone warrants burial 
     in Arlington National Cemetery, it can pass separate 
     legislation authorizing a waiver on a case by case basis. In 
     light of the recent waiver abuses, The American Legion 
     believes H.R. 3211 is now the best alternative to protecting 
     the sanctity of this national military shrine.
           Sincerely,

                                           Steve A. Robertson,

                                                         Director,
     National Legislative Commission.
                                  ____

                                          Veterans of Foreign Wars


                                         of the United States,

                                   Washington, DC, March 13, 1998.
     Hon. Bob Stump,
     Chairman, Veterans' Affairs Committee, House of 
         Representatives, Washington DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
     United States (VFW) has already strongly endorsed your 
     excellent bipartisan bill H.R. 3211, the ``Arlington National 
     Cemetery Burial Eligibility Act.'' I again put the VFW on 
     record with you and your committee to clearly and concisely 
     state that the 2.1 million members of this organization 
     firmly believe no other persons should be buried at Arlington 
     other than those enumerated in your bill.
       Thank you and all other members of your committee for the 
     collective concerns and efforts extended to our nation's 
     veterans. The VFW asks that you do the only proper and 
     equitable thing today regarding Arlington National Cemetery. 
     Please retain this piece of hallowed ground for persons who 
     have dedicated their lives to the military profession and/or 
     who were either killed while on active duty or received an 
     award for extraordinary heroism.
           Sincerely,
                                                     John E. Moon,
                                               Commander-in-Chief.


                                   Disabled American Veterans,

                                   Washington, DC, March 20, 1998.
     Hon. Bob Stump,
     Chairman, House Veterans' Affairs Committee, Washington, DC.

     Attn: Mike Brinck.
       Dear Representative Stump: This letter is to advise you 
     that the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) National Executive 
     Committee passed a resolution on March 17, 1998, supporting 
     legislation to preserve burial space in Arlington National 
     Cemetery for America's military heroes. I have enclosed a 
     copy of this resolution.
       It is the DAV's position that, with the exception of the 
     President or former Presidents of the United States, burial 
     in Arlington should be reserved for veterans who meet the 
     existing criteria for burial eligibility in Arlington 
     National Cemetery. The DAV does not support any discretionary 
     waiver process that would allow for the burial of nonveterans 
     at Arlington National Cemetery.
       Accordingly, the DAV is on record as supporting the 
     principles of H.R. 3211. Thank you for your continued 
     support.
           Sincerely,
                                           Harry R. McDonald, Jr.,
                                               National Commander.
       Enclosure.

              DAV National Executive Committee Resolution


 supporting legislation to preserve burial space in arlington national 
                 cemetery for america's military heroes

       Whereas, our citizens hold veterans in the highest esteem 
     and accord special honors to them for the unique 
     contributions they make in service in our Nation's Armed 
     Forces, and
       Whereas, such honors set veterans apart because they are 
     bestowed only upon veterans, and
       Whereas, burial in Arlington National Cemetery, our 
     Nation's most prestigious and hallowed national cemetery, 
     should be an honor reserved for America's military heroes, 
     and
       Whereas, burials of nonveterans at the discretion of the 
     Secretary of the Army have brought into question not only the 
     application but also the wisdom of such policy, and
       Whereas, the limited burial space in Arlington should not 
     be further depleted by burial of nonveterans, NOW
       Therefore, be it resolved That the Disabled American 
     Veterans, National Executive Committee, meeting at Arlington, 
     Virginia on this the 17th day of March, 1998, goes on record 
     as supporting legislation to codify existing criteria for 
     veterans' burial eligibility and eliminating provisions for 
     burial of nonveterans, other than Presidents of the United 
     States, in Arlington National Cemetery.

[[Page H1395]]

                                 ______
                                 


                                                       AMVETS,

                                       Lanham, MD, March 12, 1998.
     Hon. Bob Stump,
     Chairman, House Veterans Affairs Committee, House of 
         Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: We understand that there was some 
     discussion during the markup of H.R. 3211 (Arlington 
     Cemetery) in which committee members raised the issue of 
     providing authorization of waivers for burial in Arlington 
     National Cemetery. AMVETS adamantly opposes any waivers and 
     supports H.R. 3211 as it stands.
       We testified to that effect in February to the House 
     Veterans Affairs Health Subcommittee. Arlington is a veterans 
     cemetery and should be reserved for those who served.
           Sincerely,
                                      Josephus C. Vandengoorbergh,
                                        AMVETS National Commander.
                                 ______
                                 


                            Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc.,

                                   Washington, DC, March 11, 1998.
     Hon. Bob Stump,
     House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Cannon House Office 
         Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Stump: In response to some of the discussion 
     at the full Committee markup this afternoon, I wanted to 
     convey to you and the members of the Committee VVA's 
     perspective on the Arlington Cemetery burial criteria bill.
       Recent scrutiny of the burial waiver procedures in 
     Arlington National Cemetery have certainly brought to light 
     the passion America feels for this most sacred of all 
     military burial grounds. The public at large, and veterans in 
     particular, were very alarmed at the appearance of 
     impropriety of the burial waiver process. What seems to have 
     come to light is the fact that the burial eligibility for 
     Arlington National Cemetery was not a matter of clear 
     statutory guidance. And furthermore, the waiver process was 
     not accessed by most veterans' families who were turned away 
     by the Superintendent upon initial inquiries about 
     eligibility. We suspect that many of these families were not 
     aware of a waiver process, or probably took the 
     Superintendent's assessment at face value and did not pursue 
     nor even inquire about waivers.
       It certainly seems desirable to have a cut-and-dry set of 
     criteria outlining who may and who may not be buried in 
     Arlington National Cemetery. And thus, eliminating the waiver 
     process precludes all appearances of impropriety.
       If this bill is passed, VVA is confident that Congress 
     could, in extraordinary circumstances, provide an exception 
     for individuals who do not have military service which meets 
     the statutory criteria, but who have demonstrated public 
     service which merits a distinctive burial at Arlington 
     Cemetery. Just as the Veterans' Affairs Committees led 
     Congress in the move to make Bob Hope an ``Honorary 
     Veteran,'' we believe a similar procedure would be possible 
     in specific cases. VVA would prefer that the more cumbersome 
     route of Congressional exemptions be implemented, rather than 
     having the potential for ambiguous interpretation in an 
     administrative waiver process.
       Should there be any additional questions or concerns about 
     this bill or the waiver process, I would be very pleased to 
     clarify VVA's position further. Again, thank you for your 
     leadership on this issue.
           Sincerely,
                                               Kelli Willard West,
                                 Director of Government Relations.
                                 ______
                                 
         Non Commissioned Officers Association of the United 
           States of America,
                             Alexandria, Virginia, March 11, 1998.
     Hon. Bob Stump,
     Chairman, Committee on Veterans Affairs, House of 
         Representatives, Cannon House Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: The Non Commissioned Officers 
     Association of the USA (NCOA) is writing to restate its 
     strong and unequivocal support for H.R. 3211, a bill that 
     would codify the eligibility requirements for burial at 
     Arlington National Cemetery.
       The whole purpose of H.R. 3211 is to eliminate the 
     discretion and subjective determinations that have led to 
     questionable actions concerning Arlington. This Association 
     believes we should not provide even a small amount of wedge 
     room that likely would lead to future controversy. In our 
     view, the eligibility for burial at Arlington should be so 
     clear and explicit so as to allow the Superintendent to make 
     all eligibility determinations. Waiver of the eligibility 
     criteria must be strictly forbidden including those actions 
     currently authorized by the Secretary of the Army and the 
     President. Under current, and a proposed criteria, that 
     disallows burial in Arlington National Cemetery for millions 
     of veterans, this Association is adamantly opposed to any 
     further leniency in the eligibility criteria beyond that 
     proposed in H.R. 3211.
       In NCOA's opinion, our position on this issue does not 
     preclude the consideration of exceptionally, compelling cases 
     by the Congress of the United States. Congress has taken such 
     actions previously and this course is clearly the way 
     preferred by this Association.
       For your information, I have sent a similar letter to all 
     of your colleagues on the House Veterans Affairs Committee.
           Sincerely,

                                                Larry D. Rhea,

                                                   Deputy Director
     of Legislative Affairs.
                                  ____



                             The Retired Enlisted Association,

                             Alexandria, Virginia, March 11, 1998.
     To: All members of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.
       The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA) is writing to 
     restate its strong support for H.R. 3211, a bill that would 
     codify the eligibility requirements for burial at Arlington 
     National Cemetery.
       The purpose of H.R. 3211 is to eliminate the discretion and 
     subjective determinations that have led to questionable 
     actions concerning Arlington. In our view, the eligibility 
     for burial at Arlington should be so clear and explicit so as 
     to allow the Superintendent to make all eligibility 
     determinations. Many veterans are not allowed to be buried at 
     Arlington with the current regulations. Why should we allow 
     waivers for persons that do meet the requirements for burial 
     at Arlington?
       In TREA's opinion, our position on this issue does not 
     preclude the consideration of exceptionally, compelling cases 
     by the Congress of the United States. Congress has taken such 
     actions previously and this course is clearly the way 
     preferred by this Association.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Mark H. Olanoff,
                                             Legislative Director.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I believe it would be better to investigate 
the feasibility of establishing perhaps another cemetery in Washington 
for the purpose of honoring Americans who have substantially 
contributed to the well-being of the Nation but who do not meet the 
strict military criteria for burial at Arlington. If there are Members 
who are willing to pursue this avenue, I would be happy to commit to 
working with the Senate in conference to achieve such a consensus.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, there are a lot of people who deserve a lot 
of thanks, and I would like to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Quinn), the gentleman from California (Mr. Filner), the chairman and 
the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Benefits; the gentleman from 
Alabama (Mr. Everett) and the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. 
Clyburn), the ranking member and the chairman of the Subcommittee on 
Oversight and Investigations; and special thanks to the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Evans), the ranking Democrat on this committee, for all 
the help he has provided in working out the differences on this bill, 
and I am entirely grateful for his help.
  As I mentioned before, this is a bipartisan bill and would I urge all 
Members to support it.
  Mr. GOSS. Mr. Speaker, Arlington National Cemetery is more than just 
a place or burial for our veterans. It is a symbol of honor, respect 
and American tradition. It is a tragedy when these principles are 
threatened by inconsistency or irresponsibility. There has been an 
outpouring of anger and suspicion in my district and elsewhere 
following the accusations that Arlington waivers were being handed over 
on the basis of campaign donations or political clout, rather than 
meritorious service to our country. People are questioning the 
integrity of those charged with overseeing the process. Today, we are 
responding because our veterans deserve better.
  Burial at Arlington National Cemetery shouldn't be diminished by red 
tape. But if it takes some Federal legislation to protect our 
commemoration of those who have sacrificed for our Nation, then passage 
of H.R. 3211 is the right thing to do. It is my hope that this again 
will help restore faith among our deserving veterans and the American 
people by clarifying once and for all the proper standards and 
procedures for burial in Arlington's sacred ground. I urge adoption.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, I yield 
back the balance of my time, and I urge my colleagues to support the 
bill.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Foley). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump) that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3211, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 5 of rule I and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

[[Page H1396]]



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