U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson says he will keep trying to get the Beaufort National Cemetery expanded, even though he will no longer represent the area next year.
BEAUFORT, S.C. (AP) -- U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson says he will keep trying to get the Beaufort National Cemetery expanded, even though he will no longer represent the area next year.
The Beaufort Gazette reported that Wilson has twice failed to convince Congress to expand the burial ground for the nation's military personnel.
Most of Beaufort County will move into the state's 1st Congressional District next year. U.S. Rep. Tim Scott of Charleston currently holds that seat. Wilson is from Springdale near Columbia.
Wilson tried last year to convince Congress to approve the purchase of nearly five acres near the back of the current cemetery.
The cemetery contains the graves of more than 19,000 service members and their spouses. Officials think it has enough space for another 20 to 30 years.
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