[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 40 (Tuesday, March 19, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H1581]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               FORT HOOD

  (Mr. WILLIAMS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, 3\1/2\ 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 
servicemembers, one civilian, and an unborn child.
  Since the attack, the Ford Hood community has seen and felt an 
outpouring of support from across the State of Texas and the Nation, 
but not from the Federal Government. Currently, the troops killed and 
wounded in this horrible attack are denied the treatment, benefits, and 
honors granted to soldiers who are attacked overseas in a declared 
combat zone. The Pentagon deems this attack ``workplace violence'' 
rather than ``combat violence.''
  This is shameful, and Americans should be outraged by the 
administration's refusal to acknowledge this wrong. Our troops were 
attacked on U.S. soil in a blatant terrorist attack, and we owe it to 
these patriots and all who wear the uniform to provide for them. They 
willingly and admirably put their lives on the line every day to 
protect our freedom.
  I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 705, the Fort Hood Victims and 
Families Benefits Protection Act, and start providing the needed 
assistance for the victims and families of this terrible tragedy. Our 
troops deserve better.
  May God bless all who serve.

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