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| National Cemetery in New Mexico |
April 01, 2004 |
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The Honorable Anthony J. Principi
Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington, D.C. 20420
Dear Mr. Secretary,
On November 30, 1999, President Clinton signed Public Law 106-117 that established, as a matter of public policy, the objective that ninety percent of veterans in the US live within 75 miles of a national or state veterans cemetery.
I understand from a letter you sent to Chairman Christopher Smith on June 20, 2003 that the VA suggested a veteran population of 170,000 within a 75 mile service radius would be an appropriate threshold for the establishment of a new national cemetery. While this threshold was used to prioritize the areas in most need when we authorized the six new national cemeteries last year, it will not be possible to reach the 90% goal if we use this guideline long term.
My priority for the short term is to extend the life of the national cemetery in Santa Fe as much as possible. But we have also begun planning for the time when Santa Fe is closed to new internments. When I was elected in 1998, the projected closure of Santa Fe was in the 2008-2010 timeframe. Because of actions taken by the VA and Congress, the estimated closure is now 2012.
In the VA HUD Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2002, I was able to secure support for $125,000 to fund a VA study to find a suitable location in North Central New Mexico for a new national cemetery to replace Santa Fe when it closes to new interments, currently projected for the 2010-2012 timeframe.
In February, 2003 the VA completed its initial survey and identified three sites, from twenty surveyed, that were best suited for a potential follow-on to Santa Fe.
Unfortunately, in spite of all this planning work and Public Law, I believe VA employees in New Mexico have been telling veterans that there will never be another national cemetery in New Mexico. Congress authorizes the construction of national cemeteries, with the approval of the President. The VA may advise on priorities, but your current 170,000 guideline is not consistent with public law and does not constrain Congress is any way.
According to a VA Future Burial Needs Report, revised June 16, 2003, New Mexico will be in need of a new national cemetery by 2015. I want to work with the VA to ensure that this happens and reassure my constituents that the VA recognizes this need and obligation.
I appreciate your support which will allow us to move forward to authorize and build a National Cemetery in New Mexico when Santa Fe is closed to new internments. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Heather Wilson
Member of Congress
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