U.S. Senator Steve Daines chaired a Senate National Parks subcommittee hearing, where he advocated for legislation to keep national cemeteries open on federal holidays. During the session, Daines addressed Mike Caldwell from the National Park Service and called on his colleagues to support his bill that would require national cemeteries administered by the Park Service to remain accessible during these holidays.
In his opening remarks, Daines stated, “Today’s subcommittee hearing is the first in the 119th Congress. I want to thank my co-chair, Senator King, for joining me today. I look forward to continuing our long streak of bipartisan work. Specifically, I am excited to continue our work on reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund to address Park Service deferred maintenance in our strongly bipartisan America the Beautiful Act.”
He highlighted the significance of the Legacy Restoration Fund as an investment in parks and public lands and expressed intent to collaborate with other committee members to advance the America the Beautiful Act before July 4th, marking the country’s 250th birthday. Daines noted that 26 bills were on the agenda for discussion, many with bipartisan or state delegation support. He mentioned S.290, known as the Making National Parks Safer Act, which aims to improve emergency communications and digital park passes within national parks.
Daines also brought attention to Senate Bill 1858, which was not on that day’s agenda but has implications for national cemeteries managed by the Park Service. “S. 1858 requires National Cemeteries, including those administered by the National Park Service, to be open to visitors during federal holidays so family and friends can visit their loved ones during special remembrance days,” Daines said.
Addressing Caldwell directly about this issue affecting Montana’s Custer National Cemetery and others nationwide, Daines asked if he agreed that cemeteries should remain open for visitors and patriotic activities such as wreaths across America on important holidays.
Caldwell responded: “Yes, Senator.”