Schatz’s Native American Veterans Memorial Bill Approved

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The U.S. Senate this week unanimously passed the Native American Memorial Amendments Act of 2013, introduced by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. If signed by President Obama, a memorial could be in the works for the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

“In every conflict since the Revolutionary War, Native Americans have answered the call to serve and defend our country. It is long past time for our nation to honor the uncommon contributions of Native Hawaiian, Native Alaskan, American Indian, and other native veterans,” Schatz said in a press release.

According to Schatz’s office, a memorial was established more than 20 years ago but has languished “due to some funding and logistical problems.” With the bill’s passage, the National Museum of the American Indian can accept donations to privately fund the memorial.

Sens. Mazie Hirono, Mark Begich (D-Alaska) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) are among the bill’s co-sponsors.

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Photo: Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and Sen. Brian Schatz. www.schatz.senate.gov)

—Chad Blair

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