[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 718 Referred in House (RFH)]
1st Session
S. 718
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IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 2, 2003
Referred to the Committee on Armed Services
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AN ACT
To provide a monthly allotment of free telephone calling time to
members of the United States armed forces stationed outside the United
States who are directly supporting military operations in Iraq or
Afghanistan.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Troops Phone Home Free Act of
2003''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSE.
It is the purpose of this Act to support the morale of the brave
men and women of the United States armed services stationed outside the
United States who are directly supporting military operations in Iraq
or Afghanistan (as determined by the Secretary of Defense) by giving
them the ability to place calls to their loved ones without expense to
them.
SEC. 3. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) The armed services of the United States are the finest
in the world.
(2) The members of the armed services are bravely placing
their lives in danger to protect the security of the people of
the United States and to advance the cause of freedom in Iraq.
(3) Their families and loved ones are making sacrifices at
home in support of the members of the armed services abroad.
(4) Telephone contact with family and friends provides
significant emotional and psychological support to them and
helps to sustain and improve morale.
SEC. 4. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BENEFIT.
(a) In General.--As soon as possible after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 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.
(b) Monthly Amount.--The value of the benefit provided by
subsection (a) shall not exceed $40 per month per person.
(c) End of Program.--The program established by subsection (a)
shall terminate on the date that is 60 days after the date on which the
Secretary determines that Operation Iraqi Freedom has ended.
(d) Funding.--
(1) Use of existing resources.--In carrying out this
section, the Secretary shall maximize the use of existing
Department of Defense telecommunications programs and
capabilities, private support organizations, private entities
offering free or reduced-cost services, and programs to enhance
morale and welfare.
(2) Use of appropriated funds.--In addition to resources
described in paragraph (1) and notwithstanding any limitation
on the expenditure or obligation 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 this section.
SEC. 5. DEPLOYMENT OF ADDITIONAL TELEPHONE EQUIPMENT.
The Secretary of Defense shall work with telecommunications
providers to facilitate the deployment of additional telephones for use
in calling the United States under this Act as quickly as practicable,
consistent with the availability of resources. Consistent with the
timely provision of telecommunications benefits under this Act, the
Secretary should carry out this section and section 4 in a manner that
allows for competition in the provision of such benefits.
SEC. 6. NO COMPROMISE OF MILITARY MISSION.
The Secretary of Defense shall not take any action under this Act
that would compromise the military objectives or mission of the
Department of Defense.
Passed the Senate April 1, 2003.
Attest:
EMILY J. REYNOLDS,
Secretary.