Congressman Walter Jones Takes Action | Eastern North Carolina Now

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Jones Calls For Hearing On USMC Decision to Move Marine Corps Times in Commissaries

    WASHINGTON, D.C.     Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) has called for a congressional oversight hearing on the United States Marine Corps' decision to move the Marine Corps Times from front newsstands in commissaries and exchange stores worldwide to a new location where the publication will be more difficult to locate and purchase. In a letter to House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee Chairman Joe Wilson and Ranking Member Susan Davis, Congressman Jones expressed concern that the decision was made as a "blatant attempt to punish the Marine Corps Times for their articles investigating the questionable actions of the commandant." The letter went on to request that the Marine Corps make available all documentation surrounding the decision to move the publication.

    "This attempt by the Marine Corps leadership to stand in the way of a free and open press is unacceptable," said Congressman Jones. "The Marine Corps Times is a widely-read publication among members of our armed forces, as it provides them with critical information related to various aspects of their employment and service to our country."

    Congressman Jones also sent a letter to Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Lieutenant General Robert E. Milstead requesting further details regarding the decision to relocate the Marine Corps Times.

    Less than two days after Congressman Jones weighed in on the issue, the Marine Corps announced that it has temporarily reversed its decision and will return the Marine Corps Times to its original location in commissaries and exchange stores. While Congressman Jones welcomes this decision, he remains troubled that Marine Corps leadership has implied an intent to again remove the publication from its prominent store location in the future to create room for "healthier food and beverage choices" and "military literature from the Commandant's Reading List," as Assistant Commandant General John Paxton, Jr. has been quoted as saying. As a result, the congressman believes that a hearing and the production of all documentation on the original decision and the temporary reversal are necessary to prevent this infringement on the First Amendment from occurring again.

Jones Advocates For Full Repeal of Cola Reduction

    WASHINGTON, D.C.     This week, Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) voted against a proposal that allowed cuts to military retirees' cost of living adjustment (COLA), enacted by the Ryan-Murray budget, remain in place for future enlistees and service members who have not yet retired.

    "Just as today's retired service members have rightfully earned the benefits that they receive through years of selfless service, our future service members will also make incredible sacrifices for our country," said Congressman Jones. "That's why I will continue working for a full repeal of the COLA cuts for all members of our armed forces - both current and future."

    The American Legion issued a statement thanking Congressman Jones for his vote, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars also expressed support for a full repeal of the COLA cuts. The congressman voted against the "Ryan-Murray" Bipartisan Budget Act in December because it included the COLA reduction, among other reasons, and he has cosponsored multiple pieces of legislation to fully repeal the cuts to military retiree benefits.


    Sarah Howard
      Communications Director

    Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3)

     2333 Rayburn House Office Building
     Washington, DC 20515

     sarah.howard@mail.house.gov  •  (202) 225-3415