WILSON, N.C. – Please join Barton College students and faculty on Monday, March 24, as they welcome Third District Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) to speak on “The Economic Future of America.” The lecture, sponsored by the Department of History and Social Sciences and the Political Science Honor Society, will be held in The Sam and Marjorie Ragan Writing Center from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and a brief reception will immediately follow. This event is open to the public at no charge, and the community is invited to attend.
A native of Farmville, Rep. Jones received his Bachelor of Science degree from Atlantic Christian College in 1968. And, in 1983, he became an elected member of the North Carolina General Assembly where he served for 10 years.
Following in his father’s footsteps, he pursued a career to serve at the national level. Jones was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, Third Congressional District of North Carolina in 1994, and his dedication and commitment to providing tax relief for American families, retirement security for seniors, a strong national defense and a quality education for every child has earned him respect among his colleagues on both sides of the political aisle.
Currently serving his 7th term in Congress, Rep. Jones is a member of the House Committees on Armed Services and Financial Services.
As a member of the Armed Services Committee, he has concentrated on safeguarding the well being of our nation’s veterans and our men and women on active duty. His concern for Vietnam-era veterans led him to introduce the War Crimes Act of 1996, which allows prisoners of war, the opportunity to bring their persecutors to justice in U.S. courts. While only three percent of all bills introduced in the 104th Congress ever became law, the President signed Jones’ War Crimes Act into law on August 21, 1996.
As a member of the Financial Services Committee, Rep. Jones has earned a reputation for fighting for small businesses, and for helping individuals gain greater access to capital and a broader array of financial services. With its jurisdiction over America’s banking, insurance and securities industries, the Committee is of great importance to North Carolina’s many financial services operations and their employees.
During his previous tenure on the House Resources Committee, Rep. Jones championed the rights of farmers, landowners and fishermen. He has actively voiced the need to improve water quality for current and future generations, and has fought to protect our nation’s tobacco farmers and their families.
Rep. Jones has also dedicated much of his time in Congress to preserving and protecting North Carolina’s unique history and culture. From preparing for the 2003 centennial anniversary of the Wright brother’s first flight in Kitty Hawk, N.C., to passing legislation to protect the Shackleford Banks wild horses of Cape Lookout National Seashore, Rep. Jones has proven his dedication to preserving Eastern North Carolina’s rich heritage for future generations to enjoy.
Although he spends a majority of his time in Washington, Congressman Jones still maintains a home in Farmville, where he and his wife, Joe Anne, are very active in the community and church.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Jean Palmer-Maloney, associate professor of geography, at 252-399-6444 or email: lpalmer@barton.edu.
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Questions? Please contact Kathy Daughety, director of public relations, at 252-399-6529 or email: kdaughety@barton.edu.