Legislative update

Sea Power, May 2003 by Miller, Jeremy M

First Bill for Iraqi War Is $79 Billion

Before adjourning for the Easter recess, Congress approved a wartime supplemental appropriations bill (H.R. 1559), totaling $79 billion, that includes full funding of the president's request of $62.4 billion for military operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. However, Congress balked at the Bush administration's request to put $16 billion of that money into a flexible reserve account entitled the "Iraq Freedom Fund" for defense needs. Instead, Congress put some conditions on expenditure of the funds. Language in H.R. 1559 requires the Department of Defense to notify the Congress five days in advance of all transfers made from the Iraq Freedom Fund, giving the administration some flexibility on how to spend the funds, but simultaneously requiring accountability and congressional notification.

In addition to money for Operation Iraqi Freedom, H.R. 1559 provides $2.9 billion in assistance to U.S.-flag air carriers, $3.9 billion for the Department of Homeland security, $7.5 billion for foreign assistance, and nearly $2.3 billion for military assistance to Israel, Afghanistan, and Jordan and for counterterrorism activities in Pakistan.

Education Rights for Military Personnel

Legislation to foster education rights for military personnel called to active duty has been approved by the House of Representatives. Called the HEROES Act of 2003, the bill asks postsecondary institutions to provide a full refund of tuition and fees to students who did not complete their terms of study because they were called to active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The bill, officially named the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act (H.R. 1412), also encourages colleges, universities, and trade schools to minimize enrollment or reapplication requirements. Introduced by Rep. John Kline (R-Minn.), a retired Marine colonel, the measure also encourages lending institutions holding or servicing federal student loans to provide all available benefits, deferrals, and flexibility to ensure that military men and women are not put into an adverse financial position because of their service. It calls on the Secretary of Education to assist military personnel, including members of the Reserve and National Guard components, involved in post-secondary education. The legislation awaits Senate approval.

The Blue Star Banner

Families with loved ones serving in the U.S. military are encouraged to proudly display the Blue Star Banner, under provisions of a concurrent resolution (H.Con.Res. 109) introduced in the House by Rep. John Shadegg (RAriz.). Those who have lost a family member during a conflict are encouraged to display the Gold Star Banner. The banners are available free through the American Legion's website at www.legion.org or the Blue Star Mothers' website at www.bluestarmothers.org. They also can be purchased through the American Legion's website at www.legion.org, through the VFW website at www.vfw.org, and at www.serviceflags.com. The legislation, approved by both the House and Senate, will be sent to the archivist of the United States for publication in a special section of the Statutes at Large volume covering the 108th Congress.

USS Thresher Is Remembered

The 40th anniversary of the sinking of the USS Thresher is recognized in a resolution (H.Res. 170) introduced by Rep. Jeb Bradley (R-N.H.). The Thresher, lead ship of a class of 3,700-ton nuclear-powered attack submarines, sank on 10 April 1963 during deep-diving tests about 220 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Mass., taking the lives of 129 officers, crewmen, and civilian technicians. The resolution expresses deepest gratitude to all submariners on "eternal patrol." After House approval, the resolution will be sent to the commanding office of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, home of the Thresher, to be accepted on behalf of the families and shipmates of the crew.

In Recognition of Today's Heroes

The bravery and professionalism of the members of the armed forces of the United States and the military forces of U.S. coalition partners have been recognized in two resolutions (H.Con.Res. 104 and 118) approved by the House of Representatives. H.Con.Res. 104, introduced by the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), expresses the unequivocal support and appreciation of the nation: (1) to the president as commander in chief for his firm leadership and decisive action in the conduct of military operations in Iraq as part of the ongoing Global War on Terrorism; (2) to the members of the U.S. armed forces serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom who are carrying out their missions with excellence, patriotism, and bravery; and (3) to the families of the U.S. military personnel serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom who are providing support and prayers for their loved ones currently engaged in military operations in Iraq. H.Con.Res. 118, introduced by Rep. lack Kingston (R-Ga.), expresses support for the troops deployed and extends heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who have been killed, wounded, missing in action, or taken prisoner by Iraqi authorities. The Kingston resolution also expresses Congress's support for the president in his determination toseek the fullest possible accounting, at the earliest possible time after the cessation of hostilities, of all members of the armed forces who are still in a missing status as a result of missions carried out during Operation Iraqi Freedom.