WASHINGTON, D.C.- Third District Representative Walter B. Jones yesterday evening voted with his colleagues to approve H.R. 2443, the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act. Included in yesterday's legislation was the Commandant of the Coast Guard Advice and Recommendations Act of 2003, introduced by Congressman Jones, a longtime advocate for the United States Coast Guard.

The provision would provide the Commandant of the Coast Guard the same authority currently provided to the chiefs of the other military services. After informing the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Commandant of the Coast Guard would be authorized to make such recommendations to the Congress relating to the Coast Guard as the Commandant considers appropriate.

The military heads of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps currently have authority under 10 USC 151 (f) to provide to Congress, after first notifying the Secretary of Defense, such recommendations relating to their Service as they consider appropriate. However the Commandant of the Coast Guard, despite serving as the chief of the fifth Armed Service, does not have the same authority. Jones' intention in offering the language passed in today's bill was to create a level field of authority among all branches of the military.

"The advice received from the other service chiefs has been invaluable in ensuring that Congress provides the proper resources and legislative support. At a time when the Coast Guard is engaged in a wide range of military operations abroad and homeland defense missions at home, it is even more important that Congress receive the same level of advice from the Commandant," Jones stated.

"The amendment approved today by my colleagues was first brought to my attention by the Fleet Reserve Association, a service organization representing the interests of the enlisted personnel of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Much like they explained to me, the Commandant of the Coast Guard Advice and Recommendations Act would give the Commandant the same authority provided to the heads of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. Doing so would improve the ability of Congress to ensure that the Coast Guard has the resources it needs to remain true to its motto – Semper Paratus – Always Ready."

"The Coast Guard is integral to maintaining our Nation's security and it is important that the Commandant has the same authority to provide Congress such recommendations relating to their Service as they consider appropriate - an entitlement already available to the chiefs of the other military services," said FRA National Executive Secretary Joe Barnes. "FRA salutes Congressman Jones for his leadership on this issue and looks forward to working with him in the future."

For additional information or to schedule an interview with Congressman Jones contact Lanier Swann at (202) 225-3415 or via email at lanier.swann@mail.house.gov.