To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery for veterans in southeastern Pennsylvania.
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on October 14, 2003. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, within four years after the enactment of this Act, to establish six new cemeteries, one each to be located in the following areas: (1) Southeastern Pennsylvania (the city of Philadelphia and specified neighboring counties); (2) Birmingham, Alabama; (3) Jacksonville, Florida; (4) Bakersfield, California; (5) Greenville/Columbia, South Carolina; and (6) Sarasota County, Florida.
Requires the Secretary to: (1) solicit the advice and views of State and local veterans organizations representatives in determining specific cemetery sites; (2) submit an initial report to Congress on the establishment of such cemeteries; and (3) submit annual implementation reports until all six cemeteries are completed and have opened.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Benefits.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S6628)
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Specter with amendments and an amendment to the title. With written report No. 108-164.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Specter with amendments and an amendment to the title. With written report No. 108-164.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 307.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with amendments and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S12853; text of measure as reported in Senate: CR S12853; text as passed Senate: CR S12853)
Passed Senate with amendments and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S12853; text of measure as reported in Senate: CR S12853; text as passed Senate: CR S12853)
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Mr. Smith (NJ) moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments to H.R. 1516.
Enacted as Public Law 108-109
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At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 5, rule I, the chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 412 - 0 (Roll no. 577).(consideration: CR H10054-10058, H10080-10081)
Roll Call #577 (House)On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 412 - 0 (Roll no. 577). (consideration: CR H10054-10058, H10080-10081)
Roll Call #577 (House)Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Became Public Law No: 108-109.
Became Public Law No: 108-109.