H.R. 5942 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, and Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned, Nov 7, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryKeeps national cemeteries open on major holidays
This bill would require national cemeteries run by the Defense Department, Veterans Affairs, or the National Park Service to stay open to visitors on 11 legal public holidays, like Memorial Day. Right now, some cemeteries close on certain holidays.
How it affects you
If you want to visit a loved one's grave on a major holiday, this bill would make sure you can. Veterans, military families, and people who honor fallen service members would have guaranteed access to these cemeteries on days when many people want to pay their respects.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Nov 7, 2025)
National Cemetery Access Act
This bill requires that national cemeteries administered by the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, or the National Park Service must be open to visitors on the 11 legal public holidays (e.g., Memorial Day).
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 5942
A BILL
National Cemetery Access Act
Sponsor: Rep. Troy Downing (R-MT-2) · Introduced Nov 7, 2025 · Armed Forces and National Security · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Nov 17, 2025: “Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.”