Congressman Walter Jones Takes Action | Eastern North Carolina Now

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Jones Receives Commendation for Work to Fight Terrorists

    WASHINGTON, D.C.     Today, Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) received a letter of commendation for his work to bring terrorists to justice from The Beirut Families, a coalition of surviving victims and family members of those killed in the 1983 bombing of the United States Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. The attack claimed the lives of 241 Americans – many of whom were assigned to the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit deployed out of Camp Lejeune in North Carolina's 3rd District – and wounded an additional 128. The letter thanks Congressman Jones for his ongoing efforts to remember the victims and bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice.

    "I am honored to receive a letter of commendation from The Beirut Families," said Congressman Jones. "We must not forget the individuals in Beirut who suffered as some of the first victims of terror, and I will continue to fight to honor their sacrifice and bring their attackers to justice."

Jones Votes to Increase Funding for Veterans Programs

    WASHINGTON, D.C.     Last night, Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) voted in favor of legislation to increase funding for veterans programs by $1.5 billion in the coming fiscal year. The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act (H.R. 4486) will, among other things, provide funding for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical services and support efforts to reduce the growing backlog of VA disability claims and appeals. Furthermore, the legislation will fund housing and service-related construction for each branch of the military, ensuring that active duty service members are equipped with the infrastructure they need.

    "After all of the sacrifices they have made for us, our service members deserve a VA that works efficiently and effectively for them," said Congressman Jones. "The funding and reforms included in this bill will allow the VA to take steps that will significantly cut the time that our veterans wait to receive a response to their claim or appeal, and it will ensure that the brave men and women who serve our nation receive the highest standard of physical and mental health care."

    Congressman Jones has long been a leader in the efforts to reduce the backlog of VA claims and appeals and ensure that all veterans have access to the health resources that they need, particularly those suffering from traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, and mental health issues.

Jones Opposes Rule Expanding EPA Authority Over Private Property

    WASHINGTON, D.C.     Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) is speaking out in opposition to a proposed rule that would aggressively expand federal authority over private property. The rule, proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, would broadly redefine waters subject to EPA regulation. Existing rules limit EPA jurisdiction to "navigable" waters of the United States. The Obama administration's new rule would expand the definition of waters to include nearly all areas that have any connection to downstream navigable waters, including man-made ditches.

    The proposal runs counter to Supreme Court precedent and is based on flawed scientific evidence that grossly underestimated the number of additional U.S. waters and wetlands that would be subjected to EPA jurisdiction. If enacted, it would have a significant negative impact on private property owners in Eastern North Carolina and across the nation.

    Citing these facts, Congressman Jones and 230 of his colleagues penned a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and Army Secretary John McHugh, requesting that the rule be returned to the two agencies.

    "By deciding that essentially any area containing water should be regulated by the EPA, this rule would impose more unnecessary federal regulations on many of Eastern North Carolina's private property owners," said Congressman Jones. "To grow the economy and create jobs in Eastern North Carolina, we need less federal red tape, not more. Furthermore, this burdensome regulation would be imposed with little to no benefit for the environment. This is a bad rule, and the administration ought to withdraw it immediately."


    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