Brian Jones: “8 years ago I introduced a bill that would rename the Department of the Navy to be known as the Department of the Navy…”

“8 years ago I introduced a bill that would rename the Department of the Navy to be known as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps. This bill has passed the House for 8 years in what is called the armed services bill. It has been supported by the former Armed Services chairman, Duncan Hunter, and is now being supported by the current chairman of the Armed Services Committee, Ike Skelton. For 8 years, the Senate has said ``no'' to the Marine Corps, that you do not deserve this recognition. Mr. Speaker, I think that's very sad. This year I am pleased to say to the House that with the help of 362 House Members who have joined me in legislation to rename this Department to be known as the Department of Navy and Marine Corps, and with the help of Chairman Ike Skelton, we are hoping to send this bill to the Senate and let the Senate debate and think about the importance of honoring one fighting team. Whenever we've held hearings on the Armed Services Committee, the CNO of the Navy, an admiral, and the commandant of the Marine Corps are there together saying, We're one fighting team. Well, if you're one fighting team, why don't you do what the Navy football team does, and that is to say, You both are recognized.”