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Swalwell Passes Amendment to Let the Music Play at Pleasanton Scottish Games

June 14, 2013

WASHINGTON, DC –U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15) applauded passage today of his amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2014. The amendment fixes a bureaucratic issue that was prohibiting military bands from playing at community events like the Scottish Games in Pleasanton if the organization funds the band's expenses.

"Visitors to the Scottish Games in Pleasanton and other events across the country should get to enjoy the patriotic music of military bands, especially if the event is willing to pick up the tab," said Rep. Swalwell. "But incomprehensible intransigence stood in the way and created a sour note. My amendment will let the music play again. Now more people will get to hear our great military bands and help energize community events across the county."

The Scottish Games have been held in the Bay Area every year since 1866. They draw roughly 35,000 people and are held at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Rep. Swalwell's congressional district. The Caledonian Club, which runs the Scottish Games, was told the Marine Corps Band would not be able to perform– even though the organization would fully fund the band's expenditures, as they have in previous years. This issue was brought to Rep. Swalwell's attention by a Marine Corps Veteran from his district who was disappointed that visitors would lose the opportunity to hear the Marines perform at the Games.

Earlier this year the Department of Defense (DoD) changed its prior policy and stopped allowing military bands from performing at community events, even when the sponsoring organization agreed to pay for all expenses. DoD claimed that reimbursements from sponsoring organizations were not going to the correct department's account. Swalwell's amendment, which he sponsored with Rep. Patrick Meehan (R-PA), ensures this problem is corrected.

"I'm surprised this hasn't been addressed before by others. For my part I'm pleased and appreciative of Congressman Swalwell's diligent work on this issue, not only for the Caledonian Club, but for other organizations as well that enjoy visits by the Marine Corp and other military bands," said Maj. Brooks Wilson, Military Liaison, Caledonian Club of San Francisco. "Military music is a national tradition that stirs the human breast to reflect upon those that serve faithfully and honorably."

"My amendment is a common-sense solution to the problem and I am proud it was adopted today. It won't cost the taxpayer a dime, and more Americans will now get to appreciate terrific music played by the talented men and women of our armed forces," added Rep. Swalwell.