JONES VOTES FOR FINAL HOUSE DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) voted in favor of the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2014.  Notably, the final bill included ten proposals introduced by Congressman Jones, including measures to address military religious freedom, transparency in congressional travel costs, and improved health services for members of the armed services.  The legislation passed the House with a vote of 315 to 108 and must now be reconciled with the Senate version of the NDAA before becoming law. 

The first of Congressman Jones’ proposals – passed by voice vote in the House Armed Services Committee as an amendment – would allow military chaplains to close their prayers as they see fit, ensuring that they are not denied their constitutional right to religious freedom.  Congressman Jones has been a longtime leader in the fight for religious freedom in the military. 

“I know of multiple chaplains who have been reprimanded for closing their prayers ‘in Jesus’ name,’” said Jones.  “This provision is absolutely necessary to prevent the constitutional rights of these individuals from being trampled in the future.  Military chaplains provide an invaluable service to our men and women in uniform, and their work should not be hindered by a blatant disregard for religious freedom.”

A second amendment introduced by Congressman Jones and passed by voice vote in committee would bring transparency to the cost of taxpayer-funded overseas travel by members of Congress.  Currently, when a senator or representative takes an international trip using U.S. military aircraft, the Department of Defense is not required to disclose the cost.   Under Congressman Jones’ provision, these costs would be made public, with the exception of trips to visit U.S. military installations on foreign soil or U.S. military personnel in a war zone.

“It is my belief that members of Congress should save money whenever possible by using commercial airlines,” said Jones.  “Even if my colleagues disagree with me and continue to travel by military aircraft, I think it is perfectly reasonable for them to let the taxpayers know how much money this practice costs.  Requiring this disclosure will allow constituents to hold their elected officials accountable for their expenditures.”

To address the issue of health services for military personnel, Congressman Jones supported a provision that would create a Commission on Service to the Nation to research the issues faced by men and women transitioning from active duty to civilian life.  Separately, language proposed by Congressman Jones was adopted that would ensure the Department of Defense appropriately evaluates service members suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other mental health disorders.  In cases involving these conditions, the department’s physical evaluation board would be required to include a behavioral health professional.

“Our men and women in uniform have made incredible sacrifices to defend our freedom,” said Jones.  “They deserve high quality care to begin healing their mental and physical wounds.  Ensuring that they have access to these resources will allow them to make a healthy transition to civilian life.”

As the proud representative of many members of the Marine Corps, Congressman Jones successfully introduced a provision that would officially change the name of the Department of the Navy to the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps in order to appropriately recognize the service of the individuals in the Third District and their counterparts across the country. 

Congressman Jones backed two additional measures focusing on Defense Department expenditures.  The first would direct the Inspector General of the Department of Defense to conduct an audit, which would improve compliance with previously implemented standards that require the department to purchase certain items from American – not foreign – sources.  This requirement is commonly referred to as the Berry Amendment.   The second would allow the Secretary of Defense to authorize grant assistance for nonprofit organizations that benefit military dependent students.  Particularly, this effort would target organizations that encourage civic engagement and responsibility. 

Once the legislation was approved by the House Armed Services Committee and moved to the full House chamber for a vote, Congressman Jones supported three floor amendments addressing American foreign policy.  One of these proposals would require congressional approval for any use of military force against Syria or Iran, while another would require the executive branch to report on the exorbitant cost of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.  The final measure supported by Congressman Jones would cease combat operations in Afghanistan by the end of this year and complete the transition of all security operations from U.S. forces to Afghan forces by the end of 2014.  Should the president decide that the presence of American troops is necessary after 2014, his proposed plans would be put to a vote before Congress.