Gaetz, Moskowitz Introduce Bill to Protect National Cemeteries if Debt Ceiling Negotiations Breakdown

Florida Reps. Jared Moskowitz (D) and Matt Gaetz (R) have partnered to introduce a bill that would prevent the closure of national cemeteries amidst debt ceiling negotiations.

Rep. Gaetz, who is a member of the Armed Services Committee, represents a district with the highest concentration of active-duty military and veterans. The bill would prevent the closure of national cemeteries if a debt ceiling agreement is not reached in time. Moreover, Gaetz also claims membership in the Congressional Air Force Caucus, the Congressional Special Operations Command Caucus, and the Congressional Navy Caucus.

In a statement, Rep. Gaetz praised the effort, saying that “it is imperative that we do not deny veterans, Gold Star families, military families, and all Americans the invaluable opportunity to visit the hallowed grounds of our fallen war heroes due to the ongoing debt ceiling negotiations.”

Explaining that “the preservation of our national cemeteries is paramount, as they serve as sacred spaces for remembrance, reflection, and profound gratitude,” Gaetz shared that he was appreciative of Moskowitz’s support for the bill. It is an example of their “unwavering commitment to keeping our national cemeteries open, irrespective of the ongoing debt ceiling debate between Congress and the White House.”

Talks surrounding the debt ceiling have been in turmoil as President Joe Biden (D) cut his second leg of an international trip short because of the ongoing negotiations. On Wednesday, Biden is scheduled to head to Japan as he will be attending the G-7 leaders summit.

However, the President will now be returning on Sunday after the meeting ends, and he will not be visiting Australia or Papua New Guinea as he was scheduled to visit.

Republicans argue that the government should increase the work requirements for federal assistance programs, but Democrats are pushing back against the demand.