Tester: Laurel could be home to national veterans’ cemetery

Senate unanimously passes Tester’s legislation to consider creating a new national cemetery

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The U.S. Senate today unanimously approved legislation by Senator Jon Tester that would put the new Yellowstone County Veterans’ Cemetery in the running to become a national veterans’ cemetery, which would be maintained by the federal government.

Tester included a provision in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act requiring the National Cemetery Administration to study the possibility of creating a national cemetery in Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, Idaho, or eastern Washington.  There is currently no national cemetery in the region.

Tester’s language specifically directs the agency to consider turning the Yellowstone County Cemetery in Laurel into a national cemetery.

“Montana veterans understand that Jon Tester is always on their side,” said Yellowstone County Commissioner Bill Kennedy, who played a key role in creating the Yellowstone County Veterans’ Cemetery over the past few years.  “Yellowstone County would be honored to be home to a national veterans’ cemetery.  Jon is fighting to make that a reality and we are thankful for his help.”

During the groundbreaking of the Yellowstone County Veterans’ Cemetery last year, Tester had the honor of playing Taps on his trumpet.

“This is about honoring the men and women who put their lives on the line for our country, and doing right by their families and friends,” said Tester, who serves on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee.  “Being laid to rest in a national cemetery is something all eligible veterans are entitled to—no matter what part of the country they call home.”

Tester helped write the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act as a member of the influential Senate Appropriations Committee.  The measure must now be combined with the House’s version of the bill before being signed into law by the President.

Tester’s provision in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act is available online HERE (page 60).