Walter B. Jones: “we as a Congress and as a nation are very concerned about the current conflict in the Balkans. It is sad that too many…”

“we as a Congress and as a nation are very concerned about the current conflict in the Balkans. It is sad that too many times we do not think of our military or address the problems they face until they are called to duty. Only then are we reminded of the critical role they play in defending this great country and our interests. Like so many of my colleagues, I do appreciate and value the service of our Nation's armed forces, whether at war or at peace. In the Third District of North Carolina, which I am proud to represent, we are fortunate enough to have four military bases. I have had the opportunity to spend many hours meeting privately, off base, with dozens of military pilots, commanders, and enlisted personnel. These men and women will tell us what many of my colleagues will, our military's quality of life is far below what it should be. In fact, low pay levels have forced almost 12,000 of our enlisted military families to accept food stamps to survive. Mr. Speaker, this is unacceptable. A junior enlisted soldier at an E1 rank receives approximately $11,500 in basic pay for his service in addition to a housing allowance. But, Mr. Speaker, this same soldier also pays over $3,000 in taxes on that salary. These are the men and women called upon to defend this Nation. They are placed in harm's way to protect the freedoms my colleagues and I enjoy every day.”