2007

Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3793, the Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act, by a vote of 405 to 0. Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) is an original cosponsor of the bill, introduced by Congressman Jason Altmire (D-PA). The legislation would prevent the unfair punishment of our nation’s wounded warriors and the families of fallen service members by requiring the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide full payment of any and all remaining enlistment bonus or similar benefit no later than 90 days after the date of retirement, separation, or death of the service member.

Constituents of North Carolina's 3rd Congressional District too easily swayed by political mudslinging would do well to remember their congressman's long record of service.

Third District Representative Walter B. Jones is an original cosponsor of H. R. 4464 – a bill introduced this week by Congressman Tom Price (R-GA) that would ensure that an employer may require employees to speak English while engaged in work.

Yesterday evening the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1585, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, by a bipartisan vote of 370 to 49. This legislation is the annual policy and funding blueprint for the national security activities of the Departments of Defense and Energy, and includes several initiatives authored by Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3). The bill is expected to pass the Senate later this week, before going to the President for his signature.

Congressman Walter B. Jones today praised the decision of the United States Marine Corps to allow the family of Corporal Dustin Jerome Lee, a U.S. Marine Corps military working dog handler killed in action on March 21, 2007, in Fallujah, Iraq, to adopt their son’s canine partner, Lex. Cpl. Lee and Lex, a German shepherd from Camp Lejeune, were a highly-trained explosives detection team.

Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) has joined Congressmen Bill Delahunt (MA), Dana Rohrabacher (CA), Silvestre Reyes (TX) and other House colleagues in introducing H. Con. Res. 267, a resolution asking for an immediate commutation of the prison sentences of imprisoned U.S. Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean. The two men entered federal prison on January 17, 2007 to begin serving 11- and 12-year sentences respectively for wounding a Mexican drug smuggler who brought 743 pounds of marijuana across the U.S. border in 2005.

Today, Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) testified at an oversight hearing of the House Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans on “Rebuilding Overfished Fisheries under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management Act.”

For several months, the Department of Defense has been aware of a problem and has done little to address it. In July, the President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors reported that the Department of Defense was applying a rule that enlistees who leave the service early cannot receive their full enlistment bonus. The commission was confident that this rule was “not intended to apply to service men and women whose combat-related injuries forced them to leave the military.”

This holiday season, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones has joined with the Greenville Detachment of the Marine Corps League to collect new toys for distribution to needy children by Christmas. Rep. Jones’ Third District office, located in Greenville, will serve as a drop-off point for public donations of unwrapped toys for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program until December 17th. “The Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots Program provides a fantastic way for citizens to perform an act of charity during the holiday season by letting these children know someone cares,” Congressman Jones said. “I encourage citizens to bring the joy of Christmas to a child in need by bringing a new toy to the collection box in my office or to any nearby organization helping the Marine Corps Reserves collect toys this season.”

In a letter today to Attorney General Michael Mukasey, Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) called for a full-scale review of the case against imprisoned border agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean in light of the recent arrest of Osvaldo Aldrete Davila – the prosecution’s star witness against the agents. Because Aldrete’s arrest indicates the possibility that his testimony against Ramos and Compean was knowingly false and perjured, Jones urged the Attorney General to support a new trial for the agents.

In a letter today to Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Alphonso Jackson, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) expressed his concern over a HUD directive to its Community Managers and Administrators on October 29, 2007, regarding holiday decorating. The memo covers HUD policy for holiday decorations in common areas. The memo states: “Unfortunately, in today’s world, we can’t wait for someone to tell us to do things differently, we have to be pro-active.”

On November 11th, our nation celebrates Veterans Day by paying tribute to those individuals who have courageously fought to protect the freedom and liberty of this great nation.

Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) is an original cosponsor of H.R. 4088, the Secure America with Verification and Enforcement (SAVE) Act of 2007, legislation introduced this week by Rep. Heath Shuler (D-NC) which outlines a three-part plan to drastically reduce illegal immigration. Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-CA), the Chairman of the House Immigration Reform Caucus, also helped author the bill. The SAVE Act boasts bipartisan support, with 44 Democrats and 46 Republicans as original cosponsors.

This evening the U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure by Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) to permit military death gratuities to be contributed to certain tax-favored accounts. The Jones legislation – introduced as H.R. 418 – passed the House as part of H.R. 3977, the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2007, a bill designed to help members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. H.R. 3977 passed the House by a vote of 410 to 0 and now moves to the Senate.

This evening the U.S. House of Representatives passed H. Con. Res. 162, expressing the sense of Congress that Congress and the President should increase basic pay for members of the Armed Forces, by a vote of 409 to 0. Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) is the lead cosponsor of the resolution, which was introduced by Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-PA).

In a letter this week to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) joined 40 House colleagues in expressing their serious concerns regarding H. Res. 106, the Affirmation of the United States Record on the Armenian Genocide Resolution. Citing concerns that the resolution could hinder the efforts of U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan by damaging U.S. relations with Turkey and further destabilizing the Middle East, the letter urges Speaker Pelosi not to schedule a vote by the full House on this issue.

In a House vote today, Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) voted to sustain the President’s veto of H.R. 976, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007, legislation to extend and expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Congressman Jones has opposed H.R. 976 primarily due to a provision in the bill that would make it easier for illegal aliens to fraudulently qualify for the Medicaid and SCHIP programs. Today’s vote of 273 to 156 failed to achieve the two-thirds majority necessary to override the President’s veto.

Today, Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) appeared before a joint hearing of two House Ways and Means Subcommittees to testify in support of H.R. 418, a bill he introduced to permit military death gratuities to be contributed to certain tax-favored accounts. The House Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support and the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures received testimony from Jones and other members who have introduced bills that will be inserted into pending tax legislation called the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2007, which is designed to help members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) has joined Reps. Jason Altmire (D-PA), Cliff Stearns (R-FL) and Patrick Murphy (D-PA) as an original cosponsor of H.R. 3793, the Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act, introduced this week. The legislation would prevent the unfair punishment of our nation’s wounded warriors by requiring the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide veterans who have been discharged due to combat-related wounds with full payment of any and all remaining enlistment bonuses within 30 days of discharge.

In a letter yesterday to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) joined 136 House colleagues in calling for the reversal of a policy by acting Architect of the Capitol Mr. Stephen T. Ayers which prohibits religious references on citizens’ dedications of flags flown over the U.S. Capitol. Several congressional offices have indicated that constituents’ requests for flag certificates have been censored by Mr. Ayers. For example, flag dedication requests that read “for the love of God, family, and Country” have been denied. These certificates have been returned with the word “God” censored, and read only “for the love of family and Country.”

In a letter today to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) expressed concern over Lieutenant General Frank Kearney’s directive that premeditated murder charges be levied against Master Sergeant Troy Anderson and Captain Dave Staffel, even though the two soldiers were exonerated by the Army’s Criminal Investigation Command (CID). Rep. Jones urged that the Defense Inspector General immediately initiate an investigation of Lt. Gen. Kearney concerning the command influence utilized to bring charges against MSgt. Anderson and Cpt. Staffel, and the decision to expel the entire Marine Special Operations Company from Afghanistan in March 2007.

Third District Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) today announced his membership in the newly-formed bipartisan Congressional Community Pharmacy Coalition. Congressman Jones is one of 36 founding members of the coalition, which is dedicated to preserving patient access to America’s most accessible health care professional – the community pharmacist.

Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) today voiced opposition to the Senate’s adoption of an amendment by Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA) to H.R. 1585 – the Fiscal Year 2008 Defense Authorization Act – that would create federal penalties for certain hate crimes, including those based on gender, disability and sexual orientation. The Senate adopted the amendment today by voice vote.

Third District Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) this week introduced H. R. 3659, the American Flag Display Protection Act, a bill that would prohibit a school from receiving federal funds if the school prevents a student from displaying or wearing in a respectful manner a representation of the flag of the United States.

In a House vote today, Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) voted to condemn MoveOn.org’s slanderous attack on General David Petraeus which appeared in The New York Times earlier this month. After Democratic leaders had previously refused to allow a vote on the measure, House Republicans forced a floor vote which affirmed the House’s support for General Petraeus by a bipartisan vote of 341 to 79.

In a House vote today, Third District Representatives Walter B. Jones (R-NC) voted in favor of H.R. 1400, the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act of 2007. The legislation would end the practice of waiving sanctions on corporations that do large-scale business with Iran’s energy sector, and would expand bilateral sanctions intended to cut off funds that currently support and sustain Iran’s nuclear weapons program. The bill passed by a vote of 397 to 16.

In a House vote this evening, Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) voted against H.R. 976, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 – legislation to extend and expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) – due to a provision in the bill that would make it easier for illegal aliens to fraudulently qualify for the Medicaid and SCHIP programs. The bill passed by a vote of 265 to 159.

This week Third District Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) introduced H. R. 3581, legislation that would streamline the Veterans Administration (VA)/Department of Defense (DoD) Disability Evaluation System to protect military service members and veterans from the negative effects of inconsistent disability ratings.

In a letter today to Acting Attorney General Paul Clement, Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) – a long-time champion of churches’ constitutional rights – expressed concern over the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s decision not to renew the tax exempt status of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association of the United Methodist Church because of that church’s policy not to allow homosexual couples to hold civil union ceremonies on its premises.

U.S. Rep. Walter Jones said during a visit to Greenville on Wednesday that he was impressed with projects undertaken by the local government in partnership with others.

Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) today announced that the Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) has awarded the Greenville Police Department $2,977,343 in grant funds under the 2007 COPS Technology Program. The funds will be used to gain access to crime-fighting technology systems to improve communications and data sharing.

Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) today announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $70,200 in Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) funds to the Jacksonville Fire Department. The funds will be used for a personnel accountability system which utilizes radio technology to allow firefighters to remain in constant radio contact and receive updates during evacuations and other emergencies.

In light of President George W. Bush’s recent commutation of I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby’s prison sentence, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) wrote a letter today to again call on the President to pardon U.S. Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean.

Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) today praised the defeat of Senate legislation that would have offered amnesty to virtually all of the 12 to 20 million illegal immigrants in the United States. The Senate voted 53 - 46 today to prevent the advancement of the bill.

At a press conference today, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) joined fellow members of the House Rural Health Care Coalition, including co-chairs Greg Walden (R-OR) and Earl Pomeroy (D-ND), to unveil H.R. 2860 – the Health Care Access and Rural Equity (H-CARE) Act. The legislation would help rural health care providers deliver quality health care close to home.

Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) continued an effort to protect our nation’s borders when he was asked to speak today before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security on the issue of U.S. Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean. Jones applauded the Subcommittee’s inclusion of the agents’ case in its review of mandatory minimum sentencing laws.

In a letter today to President George W. Bush, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) joined North Carolina Representatives Heath Shuler, Patrick McHenry, Virginia Foxx and other House colleagues in urging President Bush to veto H.R. 65 – the Lumbee Recognition Act – should it reach the White House for his consideration. H.R. 65 passed the House on June 12, 2007, and has moved to the Senate.

In a letter today to U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) renewed his request for an investigation of former Durham County, North Carolina District Attorney Mike Nifong's prosecution of three Duke University student athletes falsely accused of an alleged sexual attack on a woman at a March 2006 party in Durham.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the Senate renewed its push for an immigration bill that would offer amnesty to illegal immigrants in the United States, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) responded this week by highlighting the true cost of amnesty and its history of broken promises.

Today in the U. S. House of Representatives, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) voted in favor of an amendment to H.R. 2638 – the appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security – directing that $1 billion already in the bill for border security be put toward the construction of two layers of reinforced fencing and roads along the U.S.-Mexican border as called for in the Secure Fence Act. However, the amendment, introduced by Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), was defeated on a mainly party-line vote of 149 to 272 as Democrats voted overwhelmingly against it.

Third District Representative Walter B. Jones is an original cosponsor of H.R.2734 – the Tax Increase Prevention Act – legislation introduced this week that would make permanent the tax relief packages passed by Congress in 2001 and 2003.

The House of Representatives passed by voice vote today H. Res. 329 – a resolution introduced by Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) to congratulate the Barton College men’s basketball team for winning the 2007 NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship.

In a vote today in the House of Representatives, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) voted against S. 5, legislation to expand the number of stem cell lines that are eligible for federally funded research. The legislation passed the House by a vote of 247 to 176, but it is expected to be vetoed by President Bush. The bill did not receive enough votes in the House to override a veto.

At a news conference today, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) joined Representatives Bill Pascrell (NJ), Duncan Hunter (CA) and Mike Michaud (ME) to introduce H. R. 2600, the Border Tax Equity Act. The bill aims to ensure that foreign goods entering the U.S. are subjected to the same degree of taxation imposed on U.S. goods entering other countries.

Today, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) testified before a hearing of the U.S.–China Economic and Security Review Commission which examined “The Extent of the Government’s Control of China’s Economy, and its Impact on the United States.”

Third District Representative Walter B. Jones denounced today’s announcement that Senate negotiators have reached an agreement on immigration legislation that would offer amnesty to virtually all of the 12 million illegal immigrants in the United States.

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1585, the National Defense Authorization Act, by a vote of 397 to 27. Included in the bill is a provision by Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) that would authorize the Secretary of Defense to permit the National War Dogs Monument, Inc. to establish and maintain – at a suitable location at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, or another military installation in the United States – a national monument to honor the sacrifice and service of United States Armed Forces working dog teams that have participated in U.S. military operations. The non-profit organization would be required to pay all expenses to establish and maintain the monument.

Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) this week spoke to pharmacists from across the country at the National Community Pharmacists Association’s (NCPA’s) 39th Annual Legislative Conference on Capitol Hill. In his remarks, Congressman Jones stressed the need for Congress to enact legislation to address the problem of inadequate and slow reimbursements for independent pharmacists, and to ensure an accurate pharmacy reimbursement benchmark that reflects the true cost for pharmacists to dispense medicine.

In a letter yesterday to Acting Secretary of the Army Pete Geren, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) expressed disappointment with public statements by Army Col. John Nicholson, which presumed the guilt of special operations Marines who allegedly killed and wounded civilians after a suicide bomber struck their vehicle convoy during a March 4th ambush in Afghanistan. Congressman Jones urged Acting Secretary Geren to ensure due process for the accused Marines by prohibiting further public comment by the Army until a pending investigation into the incident is complete.

This morning, the House Armed Services Committee unanimously approved H.R. 1585, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal year 2008, by a vote of 58 – 0. This legislation is the annual policy and funding blueprint for the national security activities of the Departments of Defense and Energy, and includes several initiatives authored by Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC). H.R. 1585 is expected to be considered on the House floor in the coming weeks.

Today Third District Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC) introduced H. R. 2200, legislation that would exempt wounded veterans who are federal employees from a stipulation of the leave transfer program requiring the exhaustion of annual and sick leave before donated leave may be used.

At a reception this Friday at the Emerge Gallery in Greenville, NC, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) will honor participants of 26th Annual Congressional High School Art Competition, “Artistic Discovery.”

In a letter yesterday to President George W. Bush, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) joined Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX) – a former criminal court judge – and other House Republicans to urge swift action in reviewing the federal prosecution brought against Edwards County, Texas Deputy Sheriff Guillermo ‘Gilmer’ Hernandez, and to ask the President to exercise his executive authority by considering an immediate pardon and/or commutation of the Deputy’s sentence. Deputy Hernandez was sentenced to one year and one day in United States District Court for the Western District of Texas on March 19, 2007.

At a ceremony yesterday evening on Capitol Hill, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) received The Military Officer Association of America (MOAA) Col. Arthur T. Marix Congressional Achievement Award for championing legislation to protect retired military families against disproportional health fee increases. Along with Rep. Chet Edwards (D-TX), Congressman Jones introduced bipartisan legislation, the Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act, to protect military beneficiaries against large, unwarranted fee increases for military health coverage.

In a letter this afternoon to the U.S. Department of Justice, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) renewed his December 7, 2006 request for a federal inquiry into Durham County, North Carolina District Attorney Mike Nifong’s prosecution of three Duke University student athletes falsely accused of an alleged sexual attack on a woman at a March 2006 party in Durham. Specifically, Congressman Jones urged the Attorney General to launch a federal investigation in light of North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper’s dismissal of all criminal charges against the three men.

Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) today announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded more than $300,000 to the North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources, in cooperation with the town of Morehead City and the Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association, to develop new slips for visiting boaters.

In a letter this week to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) united with other members of the Immigration Reform Caucus asking the Speaker not to bring amnesty legislation to the floor of the House as part of its consideration of immigration reform.

In a letter today to Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) asked the Navy to reconsider its preference to locate an Outlying Landing Field (OLF) at Site C in Washington County, North Carolina, citing concerns that Site C poses significant risks to pilots, planes, wildlife and taxpayers.

Third District Representative Walter B. Jones is an original cosponsor of H.R. 1730 – the MedPAC Rural Representation Act – legislation introduced this week by Reps. Greg Walden (R-OR) and Earl Pomeroy (D-ND), Co-Chairs of the Rural Health Care Coalition. The bill would require adequate rural representation on the Medicare Payment Advisory Committee (MedPAC), which analyzes issues affecting the Medicare program and shapes legislation by making recommendations to Congress on Medicare payment policies.

Yesterday in the House Armed Services Committee, Third District Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) voted in favor of the Wounded Warriors Assistance Act to ensure that America’s injured and wounded military soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines receive the finest health care available through the military health system.

Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) has joined Reps. Fred Upton (R-MI) and Joe Donnelly (D-IN) as a cosponsor of H. R. 1490, legislation that would ensure that troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan receive expedited compensation for service-related disabilities.

The Military Officers Association of America announced it will present its highest award to an actor and a corporation for their strong support of military servicemembers.

This week, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) and Rep. Marion Berry (D-AR) introduced H.R. 1474, the Fair and Speedy Treatment (FAST) of Medicare Prescription Drug Claims Act of 2007. The legislation would help prevent independent pharmacists from going out of business by ensuring that insurance companies do not provide inadequate and late reimbursement under the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. Reps. Roger Wicker (R-MS), Sam Graves (R-MO), Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) are also cosponsors of the bill.

Today, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) joined Reps. Mark Souder (R-IN) and Mike Ross (D-AR) in sponsoring H. R. 1399, The District of Columbia Personal Protection Act, legislation to restore the fundamental rights of District of Columbia residents under the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution.

Today, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) has joined Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA) in sponsoring H. R. 1110, legislation to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow Federal civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis and to allow a deduction for TRICARE supplemental premiums.

At a news conference today, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) joined other members of the House and Senate to call for a new pro-American trade policy. The group outlined trade priorities including fast track, reducing manufacturing job losses, currency manipulation and ensuring the American workforce can compete in global markets.

Third District Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC) has been named Co-Chairman of the Congressional Coastal Caucus for the 110th Congress, along with Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Henry Brown (R-SC) and Lois Capps (D-CA). The bipartisan Coastal Caucus keeps members and staff informed about a wide range of coastal issues such as shore protection, beach replenishment, coastal conservation, non-point source pollution, watershed management and marine environmental protection.

Today Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) commended the Administration for its decision to participate in talks with Iran and Syria on the future of Iraq. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced yesterday during testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee that the United States, at the invitation of the Iraqi government, will take part in two regional conferences with Iran, Syria, and neighboring states.

In a letter today to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Department of Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) expressed his opposition to the Department of Transportation’s recent announcement of a year-long pilot program to allow 100 Mexican trucking companies unlimited access to U.S. roads to haul international cargo. The program extends the Mexican companies’ access beyond the currently permitted 20 to 25 mile zones along America’s Southwest border.

In a letter today to Congressman John Murtha, Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) applauded his leadership in properly equipping and training our armed forces, but also urged Chairman Murtha not to cut off funding for U.S. troops in Iraq.

In a letter today to President George W. Bush, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) expressed his deep concern over recent revelations surrounding the prosecution of U.S. Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean, who entered federal prison on January 17, 2007 to begin serving sentences of 11 and 12 years respectively for wounding a Mexican drug smuggler who brought 743 pounds of marijuana across the U.S. border in 2005.

In today's uncertain world, there is one thing I know for sure: We live in dangerous times. My name is Congressman Duncan Hunter. For the last 26 years I have represented California's 52nd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. For the last four years I have been honored to be, first, the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and now the committee's Senior Republican Member.

Today during floor debate of House Concurring Resolution 63, ten House Republicans joined Congressman Jones in voicing their opposition to a “surge” of U.S. military forces in Iraq. The resolution, cosponsored by Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-NC), states: “Congress and the American people will continue to support and protect the members of the United States Armed Forces who are serving or who have served bravely and honorably in Iraq.” The resolution also expresses Congress’ disapproval of the decision to deploy more than 20,000 additional U. S. combat troops to Iraq.

This morning, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) spoke to over 200 Marine Corps veterans and retirees on issues that will come before the 110th Congress. One of these issues is H.R. 346, legislation that would redesignate the Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps. The Marine Corps League has proudly endorsed this legislation and has pledged to work with Congressman Jones to secure its passage by the House and Senate.

In a letter today to President George W. Bush, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) – and 29 other members of the House Immigration Reform Caucus – urged the President to take swift action in reviewing the case against former U.S. Border Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean, and to expedite his consideration of a pardon for the two men whose lives are in danger in prison.

That question is at the heart of a nationwide uproar over Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean, who are beginning decade-long sentences in federal prison for the nonfatal shooting of a suspected drug smuggler given immunity to testify against them.

Are they mistreated heroes or rogue lawmen? That question is at the heart of a nationwide uproar over Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean, who are beginning decade-long sentences in federal prison for the nonfatal shooting of a suspected drug smuggler given immunity to testify against them.

Yesterday, Third District Congressman Walter B. Jones introduced H. Con. Res. 49, a resolution recognizing the 75th anniversary of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and commending recipients of the Purple Heart for their courageous demonstrations of gallantry and heroism on behalf of the United States.

Yesterday, Third District Congressman Walter B. Jones introduced H. Con. Res. 49, a resolution recognizing the 75th anniversary of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and commending recipients of the Purple Heart for their courageous demonstrations of gallantry and heroism on behalf of the United States.

This week, Third District Congressman Walter B. Jones introduced H.R. 657, the Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act. This legislation is a simple fix that would provide relief to surviving beneficiaries of military retirees.

This week, Third District Congressman Walter B. Jones introduced H.R. 657, the Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act. This legislation is a simple fix that would provide relief to surviving beneficiaries of military retirees.

A bill preventing the Defense Department from increasing Tricare premiums for reservists, retirees and their families was introduced Friday by two champions of military benefits.

At a press conference yesterday on Capitol Hill, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) joined Reps. Ted Poe (R-TX), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Duncan Hunter (R-CA), Steve King (R-IA), Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Ed Royce (R-CA) to urge Attorney General Gonzales to direct federal prosecutors assigned to the case of U.S. Border Patrol Agents Jose Compean and Ignacio Ramos not to oppose a motion to allow the agents to remain free on bond pending their appeal. Joining members of Congress were Agent Compean, his wife Patty, and presidents of the National Border Patrol Council and Friends of the Border Patrol.

At a press conference yesterday on Capitol Hill, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) joined Reps. Ted Poe (R-TX), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Duncan Hunter (R-CA), Steve King (R-IA), Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Ed Royce (R-CA) to urge Attorney General Gonzales to direct federal prosecutors assigned to the case of U.S. Border Patrol Agents Jose Compean and Ignacio Ramos not to oppose a motion to allow the agents to remain free on bond pending their appeal. Joining members of Congress were Agent Compean, his wife Patty, and presidents of the National Border Patrol Council and Friends of the Border Patrol.

In a letter this week to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) requested that the Speaker take the necessary steps to establish an exhibit in the U.S. Capitol to honor those Americans who have lost their lives while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.