[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 165 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S15092-S15093]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. DOMENICI:
  S. 1978. A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
establish a national cemetery for veterans in the Albuquerque, New 
Mexico, metropolitan area; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.


               albuquerque national cemetery legislation

  Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure and honor that 
I rise today to introduce a bill to create a National Veterans Cemetery 
in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
  The men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces 
have made immeasurable sacrifices for the principles of freedom and 
liberty that make this Nation unique throughout civilization. The 
service of veterans has been vital to the history of the Nation, and 
the sacrifices made by veterans and their families should not be 
forgotten.
  These veterans at the very least deserve every opportunity to be 
buried at a National Cemetery with their fellow comrades. However, the 
Santa Fe National Cemetery, which serves the Northern two thirds of New 
Mexico, is rapidly approaching maximum capacity.
  Unfortunately, even though the Senate has already passed my 
legislation to extend the useful life of the Santa Fe National Cemetery 
by authorizing the use of flat grave markers the life of the Cemetery 
will only be extended to 2008. Consequently, I would submit that it is 
not too soon to being planning or the day when Santa Fe will no longer 
be available.
  Before I continue, I would like to take a moment to talk about the 
Santa Fe National Cemetery. I believe all New Mexicans can be proud of 
the Santa Fe National Cemetery that has grow from 39/100 of an acre to 
its current 77 acres.
  The cemetery first opened in 1868 and within several years was 
designated a National Cemetery in April of 1875. Men and women who have 
fought in all of nation's wars hold an honored spot within the hallowed 
ground of the cemetery.
  With that said, I believe now is the right time to begin looking for 
another

[[Page S15093]]

suitable site to serve as the last resting place for those New Mexico 
veterans who gave of themselves to protect the American ideals of 
liberty and freedom. The need to begin planning becomes even more 
pressing by virtue of the fact that more than half of New Mexico's 
180,000 veterans live in the Albuquerque/Santa Fe area and internments 
are expected to peak in 2008.
  Consequently, I am introducing legislation today to create a National 
Veterans Cemetery in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I also want to compliment 
Congresswoman Heather Wilson who offered this far-sighted legislation 
in the House of Representatives last week with the knowledge that there 
is only a finite amount of space available over the long term at the 
existing national cemetery in Santa Fe.
  The Bill simply directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
establish a national cemetery in the Albuquerque metropolitan area and 
to submit a report to Congress setting forth a schedule for 
establishing the cemetery.
  Mr. President, in conclusion I ask unanimous consent that a copy of 
the bill be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:
       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL CEMETERY.

       (A) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall 
     establish, in accordance with chapter 124 of title 38, United 
     States Code, a national cemetery in the Albuquerque, New 
     Mexico, metropolitan area to serve the needs of veterans and 
     their families.
       (b) Report.--As soon as practicable after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act. The Secretary shall submit to Congress 
     a report that sets forth a schedule for the establishment of 
     the national cemetery under subsection (a) and an estimate of 
     the costs associated with the establishment of the national 
     cemetery.
                                 ______