Lawler Joins Downing, Steube in Introducing Bill to Honor Fallen Heroes on Veterans Day

Washington, D.C.- 11/11/25… Today, on Veterans Day, Congressman Mike Lawler joined Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02) and Greg Steube (FL-17) in introducing H.R. 5942, the National Cemetery Access Act. This bill requires all national cemeteries to be open on federal holidays.

"Across the country, families and veterans haven't been afforded the opportunity to visit national cemeteries on days meant to honor those who have served when it falls on a federal holiday. 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," said Congressman Lawler.

"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," said Congressman Downing. "Congress must act quickly to pass my H.R. 5942 so friends, family members, and fellow veterans of fallen soldiers never have to wonder whether the last resting place of their loved ones will be accessible when it matters most. I want to thank Congressman Steube and my colleagues for joining me in this effort to honor our nation's heroes and look forward to seeing it make a difference in the lives of Montana's veteran community."

"Federal holidays offer us a respite for celebration, thanksgiving, and remembrance. It should therefore be common practice for our national cemeteries to be open to the public on said dates to honor those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom," said Congressman Steube. "I am pleased to lead my Republican colleagues on this bill to ensure every American can visit a national cemetery on a federal holiday and pay their respects."

Additional cosponsors include Representatives Tom Barrett (MI-07), Barry Moore (AL-01), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Tony Wied (WI-08), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), and David Joyce (OH-14). Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) is the sponsor of the Senate companion.

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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