[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 1, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4645-S4646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           TEXT OF AMENDMENTS

  SA 434. Mr. McCAIN (for himself, Mr. Allen, Mr. Graham of South 
Carolina, Mr. Chambliss, Mr. Craig, and Mr. Miller) proposed an 
amendment to the bill S. 718, 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; as follows:

       Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the 
     following:

     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 forces 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)

[[Page S4646]]

     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.

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