Political Quotes

“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. 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.”