WASHINGTON, D.C. – H.R. 24 – legislation introduced in January by Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) to redesignate the Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps – has gained 200 cosponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives. In each Congress since 2001, Jones has introduced legislation aimed at giving the United States Marine Corps the recognition it deserves as one of the official branches of the military.

“I’m very encouraged by the support for H. R. 24 among so many of my House colleagues,” Congressman Jones said. “I am also grateful to Senator Pat Roberts, a former Marine, who has introduced companion legislation in the Senate, S. 504. With the support of Senator Roberts and my House colleagues, I’m hopeful that this will be the year the Marine Corps may be granted the recognition it deserves.”

“The Navy and the Marine Corps have operated as one entity for more than two centuries, and H.R. 24 would ensure the name of the department they share exemplifies this fact,” Jones continued. “This legislation is not about changing the responsibilities of the secretary, reallocating resources between the Navy and Marine Corps or altering the course of their missions. Rather, it is about showing the nation the true meaning of the department and recognizing the overall importance of the Marine Corps to our national security.”

The National Security Act of 1947 defines the U.S. Marine Corps, Army, Navy and Air Force as the four services given statutory missions. It clearly indicates that the Marine Corps is a legally distinct military service within the Department of the Navy.

Furthermore, in 1986, through landmark legislation known as the Goldwater-Nichols Act, Congress formally acknowledged the roles of each service’s commanding officer. The act stated that each branch’s commander serves equally as a member of the Joint Chiefs and, when called upon, as a military advisor to the Secretary of Defense, the National Security Counsel and the President.

H.R. 24 has been endorsed by the Fleet Reserve Association and the Marine Corps League.

For additional information, or to schedule an interview with Congressman Walter B. Jones, please contact Kathleen Joyce at (202) 225-3415.