U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, D-AL, is travelling throughout the Middle East this week to get a first-hand look at the impacts of U.S. policy in the region.

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Jones is traveling as part of a congressional delegation that includes the committee’s Ranking Member, Sen. Jack Reed, D-RI, and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH, to Afghanistan, Iraq and other Middle Eastern nations.

Along with getting an idea of the impacts that U.S. foreign and military policy are having in the region, the delegation will be evaluating political developments in the region and assessing what effect they are having on U.S. counter-terrorism operations and national security at home.

During his first trip to the region, Jones will have the chance to meet with Alabama service members, while also meeting with high-ranking foreign leaders, diplomats and American military commanders and civilian personnel.

Jones joined the Senate Armed Services Committee in December, at a time when Alabama was not represented on the committee, and takes the appointment seriously.

Jones has said the appointment is “key” for Alabama, which is home to five military installations employing roughly 8,500 active duty service members and more than 23,000 civilian workers.

Additionally, Alabama is home to 75,000 veterans, including 65,000 retirees.

Jones set off on his voyage last week and is slated to return this week.