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| For
Immediate Release: March 18, 2004 |
Contact: |
Harald Stavenas |
OPENING
REMARKS OF CHAIRMAN DUNCAN HUNTER
Hearing on H.R. 1741
- A bill to redesignate the position of
Secretary of the Navy as the Secretary of the
Navy and Marine Corps.The committee
meets this morning to receive testimony on
H.R. 1741 - a bill sponsored by Rep. Walter
Jones, to redesignate the Office of the
Secretary of the Navy as the Secretary of the
Navy and Marine Corps.
Let me first recognize the hard work and diligence of Rep. Walter Jones in relationship to this issue. For four long years Congressman Jones has worked this bill and brought needed visibility to this important issue.
I must say that I am impressed with the level of support for this cause, As evidenced by the caliber of our witnesses today. Some may view this issue as a minor one, but I am sure our witnesses today will give us a new appreciation of the significance of this office redesignation.
The redesignation of the Office of Secretary of the Navy, to include the Marine Corps, is a change I personally support. Since 1775, when the Continental Marines were created by an act of Congress, our Nation has benefited from the outstanding Navy and Marines war fighting team which now exists within the Department of Navy.
This team has worked together from the Revolution to the current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. But while both services have made tremendous contributions to the cause of freedom, only one service in this team is recognized in the title of Secretary of the Department.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we need to address this issue. Too many times we take simple recognition for granted here on Capitol Hill. We must step forward and give honor where honor is due. H.R. 1741 does just that in my opinion.
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