Lubbock Times

On June 12, 2024, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) delivered a floor speech advocating for two amendments in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that honor Private Second Class Caleb “Smitty” Smither, a 19-year-old Lubbock native who died on active duty at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

"His mother, Heather, has worked relentlessly with the unconditional love for her son, that not only would his spirit live on but would actually save the lives of other soldiers who would find themselves in the same predicament," said Chairman Arrington on the House Floor. "I think we all care about our soldiers, our sons and daughters in uniform, and that we would want an abundance of precautions so that we could prevent this from happening, and I ask my colleagues for their support."

On May 22, 2024, the House Armed Services Committee passed through committee the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included two of Arrington’s amendments honoring Private Second Class Caleb Smither.

Congressman Jodey Arrington’s amendments include:

1. Directing the Army to report to Congress on the implementation and enforcement of “Smitty Check” protocol. This protocol was developed in response to Caleb Smither’s death and requires thorough monitoring of service members following an injury.

2. Requiring the Department of Defense to disclose on medical records whether a service member received care from a DoD doctor or a civilian doctor.