“I am very pleased that the committee accepted many of my provisions in this legislation critical to the future of our Eastern North Carolina bases,” Jones said.  “This legislation takes concrete steps towards providing the proper resources to equip and train the military forces of today, as well as making the investments needed to support the military forces of tomorrow.”

   H.R. 4205 authorizes $309.9 billion, $4.5 billion more than the President's request, to improve the quality of life of our military personnel and fund military equipment and modernization programs.  Specifically, the bill increases key readiness, procurement, and research and development accounts by over $4 billion. The bill includes a 3.7 percent pay raise for those in uniform, passed Jones pay reform legislation to benefit mid-career non-commissioned and petty officers, and improved health care benefits for active duty and retired military personnel.  The bill also includes a provision that would raise the military standard of living for the most economically challenged personnel, especially those living on food stamps, by creating a targeted subsistence payment of up to $500 per month.   This is a cause that has been championed by Rep. Jones.

   “At present time more than 6,000 of our men and women in uniform are forced to stand in line for government assistance just to feed their families,” Jones said.  “I must stress the fact that these are men and women who are ready and willing to lay down their lives for this country.  At my urging, this bill will provide special allowance for military personnel on food stamps of up to $500 per member qualified.”

   “By passing this bill and expanding access to TRICARE for all military retirees, Congress is working to ensure that promises made are promises kept,” Rep. Jones said.  “I have heard from thousands of retirees and veterans in the 3rd District who feel that the country they risked their lives for is now letting them down,” Jones said.  “This provision is an important, historic step towards ensuring that those who have served their nation have access to the quality medical care they earned and deserve.  ”

   The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 conference report passed the House by a vote of 382-31. The measure has been sent to the Senate for consideration.  Following passage, it will be sent to the President for signature.