Downing Bill Would Ensure Cemetery Access on Memorial Day, Veterans Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. — National cemeteries are not required under federal law to be open on Memorial Day or Veterans Day, a gap in policy that Montana Congressman Troy Downing aims to close with legislation introduced ahead of Veterans Day.

Downing introduced H.R. 5942, the National Cemetery Access Act, on Sunday. The bill would require all national cemeteries to remain open on federal holidays, ensuring Gold Star families and veterans can visit gravesites on the days specifically dedicated to honoring military service and sacrifice.

“On the most revered days of the year for the veteran community, nothing should stand in the way of paying respect to the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” Downing said in a statement.

The legislation addresses what supporters describe as an oversight in federal cemetery policy. Despite Memorial Day and Veterans Day being nationally recognized days of remembrance, no federal law mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs keep national cemeteries accessible to the public on those dates.

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on Nov. 7, along with the Armed Services and Natural Resources committees, where it will be reviewed before any potential floor vote.

“It’s unthinkable that on Memorial Day or Veterans Day, the very days set aside to remember the fallen, families could be locked out of our national cemeteries,” said Rep. Barry Moore (R-AL), one of 10 original cosponsors.

Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) is sponsoring a companion bill in the Senate, making the effort a coordinated push by Montana’s congressional delegation.

“Our national cemeteries should be open on these special days, so that family and friends can pay their respects to their loved ones,” Daines said.

The bill would apply to all federal holidays, not just those tied to military service. This would include Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and others throughout the year.

“All federal holidays, including Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and many more are times where veterans and families should be able to visit the gravesites of fallen soldiers, and they deserve that right to honor their loved ones,” said Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ).

The legislation also ensures that veterans organizations can access cemetery grounds to perform memorial services on federal holidays.

Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) is serving as co-lead on the House bill. Additional Republican cosponsors include Representatives Tom Barrett (MI), Jack Bergman (MI), Wesley Hunt (TX), Glenn Grothman (WI), Tony Wied (WI), Mike Lawler (NY), and David Joyce (OH).

“By requiring all national cemeteries to remain open to visitors on those days, this legislation ensures that Gold Star families, veterans’ organizations, and communities can gather to pay their respects on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and other national observances,” Lawler said.

Downing emphasized the Montana connection in his statement, saying he looks forward “to seeing it make a difference in the lives of Montana’s veteran community.”