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Support our Fort Hood troops

May 23, 2014

Today, the House passed H.R. 4435, the National Defense Authorization Act, to provide necessary authority to fund the military. Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) spoke on the House floor in support of the bill which contains a provision he helped craft that would make the victims of the 2009 Fort Hood shooting eligible to receive the Purple Heart under newly passed criteria.

Williams' remarks can be viewed here.

"Mr. Speaker, as we approach Memorial Day to honor and remember the fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price while serving in the Armed Forces - it is vital for Congress to ensure appropriate funding for our troops. With crises around the world and constant threats to our national defense, we ask a lot of those who wear the uniform. They shouldn't have to ask for anything in return.

"In November of 2009, an Islamic extremist opened fire on troops at Fort Hood, killing 14 and injuring dozens of others. The victims and survivors have been denied the benefits and honors granted to injured troops in combat zones because the President considers the massacre "workplace violence," rather than a terrorist attack. Nobody but this Administration believes this was workplace violence. The men and women dressed in Army fatigues that day were targets…simply because they were American soldiers.

"H.R. 4435, the National Defense Authorization Act, brings the victims of the Fort Hood shooting one step closer to receiving the Purple Heart medal, giving them the benefits they earned and the recognition they deserve. They were victims of terrorism, and it's time for them to be recognized as such. I urge every member to vote in favor of our troops."

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Issues:Military