LEGISLATION INCLUDES LANGUAGE MAINTAINING THE USS KENNEDY - AUTHORIZES $60 MILLION FOR ITS OPERATIONS

Washington, May 25, 2005 - The House today approved an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, H.R. 1815, offered by Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) that puts Congress on record in support of denying certain federal funds, especially defense-related funds, to colleges or universities to that discriminate against ROTC or military recruiters. 

"We are engaged in a global war on terrorism - our success depends on the quality of the men and women in the armed services," said Stearns. "It is vital to national security that we improve the ability of students to participate in ROTC programs, and ensure that colleges and universities provide military recruiters entry to campuses and access to students that is at least equal in quality and scope to that provided to any other employer."  The amendment also requires the Secretary of Defense to issue a report to Congress on the colleges and universities that deny equal access to ROTC and military recruiters.

Stearns provided examples, "Harvard Law School allowed military recruiters to interview students at the offices of its Veterans Association, but did not use its own personnel to set up the interviews as it would for other recruiters.  In addition, some universities have officially banned ROTC from their campuses. At Yale, students who wish to participate in ROTC must drive to the University of Connecticut at least once a week, a trip that could take up to an hour and a half each way. Perhaps worse, Yale accepts ROTC dollars but refuses to grant credit for ROTC courses.  I went to college through Air Force ROTC and I know the value of this program."

In 1996 Congress enacted a provision of law that came to be known as the Solomon Amendment.  This provision provides for the Secretary of Defense to deny Federal funding to colleges and universities if they prohibit or prevent ROTC or military recruitment on campus.  Recently, a group of law schools have challenged the constitutionality of the Solomon Amendment and the Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case in October 2005.

 "I am also pleased that this measure includes language from legislation I support requiring 12 operational aircraft carriers," added Stearns.  "This bill requires the Secretary of Defense to take all necessary actions to ensure that the USS Kennedy is maintained in a fully mission capable status, and it authorizes $60 million for its operations next year."