Rep. Salazar Urges Senate To Pass Veterans’ Cemetery Bill, Legislation Flies Through House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – For several years, Colorado Congressional members have tried to pass legislation that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to construct a national cemetery in southern Colorado.  Today was the first time such a bill was approved by the full U.S. House of Representatives, thanks to the leadership of John Salazar (CO-3).

“This is a great day for Colorado veterans,” said Rep. Salazar, whose father served in the Army. “A national cemetery in southern Colorado is a way to give thanks to our veterans who served our country with honor. I call on my colleagues in the Senate to move swiftly in passing this legislation and sending it to the President to sign.”

The bill would create a new national cemetery for southern Colorado veterans that would be located in the Pikes Peak region. Currently, the state has the Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver and the Fort Lyon National Cemetery near Las Animas.

Salazar proposed H.R. 1660 out of concern for the distance it takes aging veterans and their families to drive to Denver to visit a loved ones’ grave and to serve the growing population of veterans in the region.

Veterans’ groups that have worked to build support for this bill include the Colorado chapters of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Association for Service Disabled Veterans.

Salazar, the only military veteran in the Colorado delegation, has bipartisan support for the legislation. Members of Colorado’s congressional delegation have signed on as co-sponsors including U.S. Reps. Diana DeGette (CO-1), Mark Udall (CO-2), Marilyn Musgrave (CO-4), Doug Lamborn (CO-5), and Ed Perlmutter (CO-7).

H.R. 1660 now moves to the Senate for consideration.