Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) celebrated House passage of the National Defense Appropriations Act (NDAA) which included his amendment honoring Private Caleb Smither of Lubbock by establishing mandatory wellness checks for service members who are injured, ill, or on sick call, ensuring greater accountability and safeguarding the health and welfare of America’s men and women in uniform.

“Private Caleb Smither of Lubbock lived his dream of serving our country as an Army paratrooper, but his life was tragically cut short due to preventable circumstances on his base.

“Because of the tireless advocacy of his mother, Heather, Caleb’s story will now bring about meaningful change for every soldier in uniform.

“My amendment to this year’s NDAA — the Smitty Check Act — requires the Department of Defense to conduct wellness checks for service members who are injured, ill, or on sick call. These Smitty Checks will help ensure no soldier is ever “left unaccounted for, and that the sacred promise to ‘leave no man behind’ is honored not just on the battlefield, but in every barracks and base.

“Caleb embodied the best of West Texas — faith, courage, and an unwavering commitment to his country. Enforcing these checks in his legacy will save lives, strengthen accountability, and spare other families from enduring the same heartbreak.” - House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19)

• This amendment requires the DoD to implement wellness checks for soldiers known to be injured, ill, or on sick call. These wellness checks would be named “Smitty Checks” in honor of amendments honoring 19-year-old Lubbock native Private Second Class Caleb “Smitty” Smither, who died on active duty at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. 
• It also includes a vignette of Caleb’s story in the training documents related to welfare and accountability of soldiers to drive home the importance of these checks. 
• Last year, Arrington successfully passed an amendment to enforce “Smitty Checks” in the Army.