WASHINGTON--The National Defense Authorization Act that passed in the U.S. Senate on Thursday would increase the size of the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.

The $750 billion defense bill, which was approved 86-8, calls for 141.5 acres to be transferred from Camp Joseph T. Robinson to the state of Arkansas.

The land would be designated for veterans' burials. In the event the property was ever used for any other purpose, the defense secretary would be empowered to retake the property.

The state's two U.S. senators, John Boozman of Rogers and Tom Cotton of Dardanelle, have championed the land transfer, introducing stand-alone legislation earlier this year. In the House, U.S. Rep. French Hill, a Republican from Little Rock, has sponsored a companion piece of legislation, which is supported by the three other House members from Arkansas.

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