Media Center

Despite the strong lobbying efforts by President Barack Obama and his administration, one local lawmaker remains skeptical about taking military action in Syria.

In comments made to the Herald on Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin, indicated that he was not in support of the president’s call for a military strike against the Syrian government.

“Right now I’m not leaning toward sending our young men and women into harm’s way,” Williams said.

Members of Congress said this week they’ll renew a push to designate the November 2009 Fort Hood shootings as part of the battle against terrorism, which would make the victims eligible for Purple Hearts and open up more benefits for those killed or wounded.

The Obama administration has designated the deadly attack as an act of “workplace violence,” rejecting critics who note that convicted shooter Nidal Hasan, an Army major and psychiatrist, openly acknowledged his ties to radical Islamist elements as his motivation.

Nearly four years ago, our nation was viciously attacked when an Islamic extremist opened fire on our troops at Fort Hood. We lost 14 innocent Americans that day — 12 military service members, one civilian and an unborn child. Since the attack, the Fort Hood community has received an outpouring of support from across the state of Texas and the nation. But not from the federal government.

Nearly four years ago, our nation was viciously attacked when an Islamic extremist opened fire on our troops at Fort Hood. We lost 14 innocent Americans that day – 12 military service members, one civilian, and an unborn child. Since the attack, the Fort Hood community has received an outpouring of support from across the state of Texas and the nation. But not from the federal government.