To provide funds for certain emergency and moral communications programs.

1. Rewrites page 43, lines 4–9

   ReplacesPrinted page

   Removes page 43, lines 4–9 of the printed bill. See that page

   Inserted: SEC. 311. EMERGENCY AND MORALE COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAMS.

   Inserted: (a) Armed Forces Emergency Services.--Of the amount authorized to be appropriated by section 301(5) for operation and maintenance for Defense-wide activities, $5,000,000 shall be made available to the American Red Cross to fund the Armed Forces Emergency Services.

   Inserted: (b) Department of Defense Morale Telecommunications Program.--(1) As soon as possible after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish and carry out a program to provide, wherever practicable, prepaid phone cards, or an equivalent telecommunications benefit which includes access to telephone service, to members of the Armed Forces stationed outside the United States who are directly supporting military operations in Iraq or Afghanistan (as determined by the Secretary) to enable them to make telephone calls to family and friends in the United States without cost to the member.

   Inserted: (2) The value of the benefit provided by paragraph (1) shall not exceed $40 per month per person.

   Inserted: (3) The program established by paragraph (1) shall terminate on September 30, 2004.

   Inserted: (4) In carrying out the program under this subsection, the Secretary shall maximize the use of existing Department of Defense telecommunications programs and capabilities, private entities free or reduced-cost services, and programs to enhance morale and welfare. In addition, and notwithstanding any limitation on the expenditure or obligations of appropriated amounts, the Secretary may use available funds appropriated to or for the use of the Department of Defense that are not otherwise obligated or expended to carry out the program.

   Inserted: (5) The Secretary may accept gifts and donations in order to defray the costs of the program. Such gifts and donations may be accepted from foreign governments; foundations or other charitable organizations, including those organized or operating under the laws of a foreign country; and any source in the private sector of the United States or a foreign country.

   Inserted: (6) The Secretary shall work with telecommunications providers to facilitate the deployment of additional telephones for use in calling the United States under the program as quickly as practicable, consistent with the timely provision of telecommunications benefits the program, the Secretary should carry out this subsection in a manner that allows for competition in the provision of such benefits.

   Inserted: (7) The Secretary shall not take any action under this subsection that would compromise the military objectives or mission of the Department of Defense.

   Original wording

   On page 43, strike lines 4 through 9 and insert the following:

Read automatically from the Congressional Record. Check the original before relying on it.

As printed