Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) released the following statements regarding Rep. Banks’ selection to serve on both the U.S. Naval Academy’s Board of Visitors, as well as the United States Delegation to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Parliamentary Assembly.

Said Rep. Banks, “Officers graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy are the future leaders that our country will rely upon for safety and security, and I’m grateful to play a role in ensuring they are well-equipped and prepared.  I could not be more honored that Speaker Pelosi selected me to serve on the USNA’s Board of Visitors to help contribute to this prestigious institution of higher learning and naval excellence.

“Last month, I had the distinct privilege to meet with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and discuss important foreign policy issues facing both America and Europe.  As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have seen the value of the NATO alliance and the role it plays countering threats from the East.  As an Afghanistan War Veteran, I have served in NATO-led operations while stationed at NATO bases, giving me an on-the-ground perspective on America’s working relationship with our European allies.   I am humbled that Speaker Pelosi has chosen me to serve on the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Delegation to help further the bonds of this critical alliance.  I look forward to working with Chairman Gerry Connolly (VA-11) to help foster a safer and freer Euro-Atlantic region.”

Said Leader McCarthy, “Congressman Jim Banks is an inherent leader. Given his service in Afghanistan, his experience in the Indiana Senate, and his time with me in the U.S. House of Representatives, I am proud but unsurprised, that Jim has been selected to serve on the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Delegation and USNA Board of Visitors.  I am confident he will be a positive addition to both teams.” 

About the U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors (from official website)

The duty of the Academy's Board of Visitors is to inquire into the state of morale and discipline, the curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods, and other matters relating to the academy which the Board decides to consider. The Board consists of six members appointed by the President, three appointed by the Vice President, four appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, one designated by the Senate Armed Services Committee and one designated by the House Armed Services Committee. The President of the United States receives an annual written report of the Board's findings and recommendations. Learn more here.

About the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (from official website)

Since its creation in 1955, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly has provided a unique specialized forum for members of parliament from across the Atlantic Alliance to discuss and influence decisions on Alliance security. Through its work and activities, the Assembly facilitates parliamentary awareness and understanding of the key issues affecting the security of the Euro-Atlantic area and supports national parliamentary oversight over defense and security. Crucially, it helps to strengthen the transatlantic relationship and the values which underpin the Alliance. The Assembly is institutionally separate from NATO, but serves as an essential link between NATO and the parliaments of the NATO nations. It provides greater transparency of NATO policies and fosters better understanding of the Alliance’s objectives and missions among legislators and citizens of the Alliance.  Learn more here.

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Congressman Jim Banks represents Indiana’s 3^rd Congressional District and serves on the House Armed Services Committee, Committee on Veterans Affairs, and Committee on Education and the Workforce.  All press inquiries may be directed to tw.arrighi@mail.house.gov.