[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 20]
[House]
[Pages 27059-27065]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING VICTIMS OF FORT HOOD ATTACK

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 895) honoring the lives of the brave soldiers 
and civilians of the United States Army who died or were wounded in the 
tragic attack of November 5, 2009 at Fort Hood, Texas.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 895

       Resolved, That the House of Representatives honors the 
     lives of the brave soldiers and civilians of the United 
     States Army who died or were wounded in the tragic attack of 
     November 5, 2009, at Fort Hood, Texas.   The American people 
     share the pain and grief of this tragic loss. Our thoughts 
     and prayers will continue to be with the families of those 
     who were so unfortunately taken from them.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Missouri (Mr. Skelton) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. McCaul) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri.


                             General Leave

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on this resolution.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Missouri?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Less than 24 hours ago our Nation was shocked to learn that a 
shooting had taken place at Fort Hood, Texas, one of the largest 
military bases in our country. Over the course of these initial news 
reports, we were saddened to learn that at least 13 soldiers were 
killed or have died and more than 30 were wounded, including the 
alleged assailant and the officer who was instrumental in bringing an 
end to the shooting.

                              {time}  1145

  What was shocking to most Americans is that a fellow member is 
alleged to have carried out this vicious attack on his comrades in 
arms. Yesterday, as these soldiers were in the midst of preparing for 
combat overseas, a fellow soldier opened fire on these unsuspecting 
patriots and those civilians and soldiers who were supporting them.
  While many of those who were there were spared from the flying 
bullets, a number of these courageous soldiers and civilians were 
wounded, and they will face months, perhaps even years, recovering from 
their wounds. The heartache for these individuals and their families 
will be compounded by the fact that they will face these challenges 
knowing they were injured in the line of duty by an individual from 
within their own ranks. In the following days and months to come, these 
individuals and their families will need both emotional and physical 
sustainment and encouragement. It is our responsibility to ensure that 
they and their families have the resources they need to make a full and 
complete recovery.
  Our prayers are with those who have lost a loved one in this 
senseless killing. These military families are already stressed with 
the thought of their family member deploying to Afghanistan or Iraq for 
a year, of the holidays and special moments that they would not share 
because of this deployment. And now their world has been turned upside 
down. Those last days prior to deployment when many families often make 
special plans to spend those few precious moments together have been 
taken away.
  This morning, they will awaken to the realization that time will not 
bring their family member home to their welcoming arms. These families 
will need much love and support in the coming days; and we, as 
Americans, will be there with them and for them in their time of need.
  Mr. Speaker, there is an ongoing investigation into this incident, 
and it is not appropriate for us to speculate on the motivations and 
why this occurrence happened. The investigation should be allowed to be 
completed without intervention as quickly as possible so it can bring 
closure to those who were tragically impacted by this event.
  My thoughts and my prayers go out to those who have lost a loved one 
and to those who have been wounded, but I also want to reach out to all 
of our military families who are stationed around the world, who each 
understandably are touched by the heartbreaking events of yesterday at 
Fort Hood.
  Mr. Speaker, I am extremely saddened by this occurrence. All of us in 
this body are extremely saddened by this occurrence.

[[Page 27060]]

  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson).
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House 
Resolution 895. I appreciate the leadership of Congressman Mike McCaul 
of Texas, a proven friend of military families.
  Yesterday marked a dark and painful chapter in the history of Fort 
Hood, Texas. The Nation's largest military installation was devastated 
when the soldiers and civilians of the United States Army were 
heinously attacked by the least likely of assailants, a murderer who 
benefited from the American dream of unlimited opportunity, attending 
medical school at military expense, and a person given trust as a high 
rank in our military. He cowardly then committed treason.
  In the aftermath, we have learned that 13 of our bravest and finest 
Americans were killed and several dozen more were wounded. This 
senseless act of horror betrays our respect and dignity for human life. 
Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with each of the families affected 
by this great tragedy.
  My constituents are shocked and saddened. In discussing today this 
tragedy with Carl Gooding of WDOG radio of Allendale, South Carolina, I 
know firsthand the Lowcountry of South Carolina is praying for the Fort 
Hood families.
  Amidst this tragedy, there are reports that many soldiers in the 
immediate vicinity of the attack provided heroic aid to their fellow 
soldiers who had been wounded, several of them already wounded 
themselves. These selfless acts undoubtedly saved the lives of several 
and mitigated what was already a terrible tragedy. Many have come 
forward to donate much-needed blood and offer themselves to help at 
this needed time. This bravery and determination is a testimony to our 
servicemen and -women, the new greatest generation, and stands in bold 
opposition to the horror of yesterday's events.
  Military installations are the last place our servicemen and -women 
should fear for their safety. Over the last few years, we have made 
great effort to ensure the security of our military personnel, but 
still there is work to be done.
  I know of the great efforts our military police and protective 
services who are making a difference at bases I represent, Fort Jackson 
in Columbia, Parris Island Marine Base, the Marine Corps Air Station in 
Beaufort, and the Beaufort Naval Hospital.
  Today, as Fort Hood observes a day of mourning, we also offer our 
prayers to all those touched by this tragedy, including our soldiers, 
civilians, military families, and the Central Texas community.
  As the son of a World War II Army veteran, as a 31-year Army Reserve 
and National Guard veteran myself, as the father of four sons serving 
today in the American military, with a nephew serving in Baghdad, I 
know military members support each other as family.
  America's extended military family across the world deeply cares for 
our fellow family members at Fort Hood. I urge my colleagues to support 
H. Res. 895.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman 
from Texas (Mr. Edwards) be permitted to control the remainder of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Missouri?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. EDWARDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to my friend and 
colleague, the chairman of the Subcommittee on Readiness of the House 
Armed Services Committee, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ortiz).
  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in honor of those 
servicemembers who gave the ultimate sacrifice in support of our 
Nation. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the 12 
soldiers and one civilian who were killed yesterday at Fort Hood and 
with the 30 who were wounded. I am very familiar with Fort Hood. Not 
only is it in Texas, but this is where I went through my basic training 
many years ago.
  At this time, we must not judge. Instead, it is imperative that we 
understand. We must understand what prompted a psychiatrist who has 
helped so many of his fellow soldiers in the past to take their lives 
yesterday. We must realize that no one is above the need for mental 
health counseling, and we must help to ensure that this is readily 
available to all.
  The Army as a whole is under significant stress in support of the 
Nation's operations overseas. This stress manifests itself in many 
ways, and we must do more to understand those stresses and support the 
servicemembers and their families for the sacrifices they make on a 
daily basis.
  I join my colleagues in offering my sincere condolences to our brave 
soldiers and their families at Fort Hood, especially those who paid the 
ultimate sacrifice.
  Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe).
  Mr. POE of Texas. I thank the gentleman for yielding time.
  Fort Hood, Texas, has a long, long history. It is right in the center 
of the State of Texas, and many of us from the State of Texas have 
connections with that institution.
  It is named after a Confederate general, John Bell Hood, who was in 
charge of the 4th Texas during the War Between the States. After the 
war was over with, it became a military installation for the United 
States Army, the biggest Army installation in the world. Those from 
every State, every territory, from all over the U.S., come and serve at 
Fort Hood, Texas; and it has been that way for a great number of years.
  My father, who served in the great World War II when he was an 18-
year-old did basic training in Texas and came back home in 1945, was 
sent to Fort Hood, Texas, to be re-equipped for the invasion of Japan. 
That, fortunately, never took place. But he met my mom there in Temple, 
Texas. They got married, and that is why I was born in Temple, Texas, 
and have a great affection for that institution and all those that have 
served with the United States Army at that location.
  It is now the deployment post for individuals who go overseas to 
represent the rest of us. They go to Iraq. They go to Afghanistan. They 
go to Kosovo. They go all over the world. They are being deployed at 
this time to represent our country and the values that we have. Many of 
them have served multiple tours of duty, some of them up to four tours 
of duty in Iraq. But yet they are all volunteers, they continue to 
serve, and they continue proudly to wear the United States uniform.
  Approximately 40,000 people are associated with the base at Fort 
Hood, Texas. And not only the soldiers, but their families are there. 
We must remember as Americans, when troops go to war, their families go 
to war, too; only they stay home. Those Blue Star Moms and those Gold 
Star Moms, they stay here and they support our troops.
  This event that occurred yesterday at Fort Hood, is an attack that 
was done by one of their own, someone who had been apparently 
radicalized, who was opposed to the war. He will be held accountable to 
the law for his actions. Hopefully, he will be tried by the State of 
Texas for his actions. But what makes this a tragedy, are the 13 that 
were killed, and the 30 that were wounded.
  Yet, as my friend Mr. Wilson has pointed out, the people at the base, 
civilians and military, came to the rescue to help others, even though 
it endangered their own lives. And, today, this morning, not far from 
Fort Hood, Texas, in Temple, Texas, at Scott and White, many of those 
30 are still there, receiving treatment because of their injuries; and 
the whole community and the whole Nation needs to understand the 
importance of taking care of the survivors and the families who have 
lost those loved ones.
  We owe a great deal to our military. Next week is Veterans Day, where 
we celebrate the end of the great World War I and honor the veterans 
that have served since that time. While we celebrate our veterans and 
honor them

[[Page 27061]]

next week, we should continue to honor those who continue to serve and 
are in the military today, including those who have given their lives 
and those that have been injured because by some act of criminal 
activity against them.
  So our hearts, our prayers, and our thoughts are for them, those 
brave few, those noble few, that rare breed, that unique breed, the 
American breed, who volunteer to represent the United States wherever 
they are assigned, somewhere in the world.
  And that's just the way it is.
  Mr. EDWARDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend and 
colleague from Texas (Mr. Reyes), a senior member of the Armed Services 
Committee and the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.
  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my colleagues in expressing 
our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of 
those killed and wounded in yesterday's tragic shooting at Fort Hood. 
While there are no words that perhaps we can say here today on the 
floor of the House that will lessen the grief of the entire Army 
family, we do want them to know that our Nation mourns with them.
  As a Congress, we must work to understand why this attack occurred; 
and we must pledge to do everything within our power to prevent any 
future tragedies from happening so other families do not know and have 
to share the pain and suffering that is going on today at Fort Hood. 
But, for now, I want them to know that they are in our thoughts and in 
our prayers. The days and months ahead will be difficult, but we will 
persevere together.
  To the families of those who perished, please accept our deepest 
appreciation on behalf of all Americans for their willingness to 
volunteer for service to our Nation. You have stepped forward to answer 
the call of our country, to put yourselves in harm's way to defend us, 
and we owe all of you a tremendous debt of gratitude.
  To our men and women at Fort Hood, military and civilian alike, you 
are not alone. Our thoughts, prayers and blessings are with you. We 
will get through this together.

                              {time}  1200

  Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, yesterday marked a dark and painful chapter 
in American history and for the State of Texas. People all across this 
Nation were devastated when they heard the news that soldiers and 
civilians of the United States Army at Fort Hood, Texas, were attacked 
by the least likely of assailants. It wasn't short an act of treason.
  I want to first thank my colleague and good friend, John Carter of 
Texas, who represents Fort Hood in his district, for introducing this 
legislation to give all Members of Congress the opportunity to stand 
here today in support of the brave men and women at Fort Hood and their 
families in such a time of trial. Fort Hood lies just north of my 
district, just north of Austin. It's in central Texas. Many of us all 
across this Nation have constituents who have gone through Fort Hood to 
train for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I have had many of my 
constituents trained at Fort Hood.
  But yesterday was a dark chapter; and in the aftermath, we learned 
that 13 of our finest Americans were killed, and several dozen more 
were wounded. This senseless act of horror betrays our respect and 
deepest dignity for life. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with 
each of the families affected by this great tragedy. During this 
tragedy, there were reports that many soldiers provided heroic aid to 
their fellow soldiers who had been wounded, several of them already 
wounded themselves. These selfless acts saved the lives of many, and so 
many in central Texas have come forward to donate much-needed blood and 
offer themselves to help in this time of need.
  This selfless service and determination is a testament to our 
servicemen and -women and stands in bold opposition to the horror of 
yesterday's events. And today as Fort Hood observes a day of mourning, 
we offer our prayers and support in this hallowed Chamber in the 
Congress to all those touched by this tragedy, including our soldiers, 
civilians, military families and the central Texas community.
  Mr. Hasan, the suspect responsible for these acts of violence, these 
senseless acts of violence, was reported to have yelled out, ``Allahu 
Akbar,'' as he murdered innocents, as he wounded innocents. Translated 
that means God is great. To me, that's very disturbing. That is not my 
God. That is not our God. That is not the God of our fathers and 
Founding Fathers who have served in the military. May our God reach out 
to the families and the victims. May our God provide comfort in this 
great time of need. May our God hold them in the palm of his hand.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. EDWARDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 2 minutes to my friend 
and colleague, the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis), the 
chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, like my colleagues, I rise to 
express my deepest sympathies for the families and loved ones of all 
affected in the tragedy that occurred at Fort Hood. They are certainly 
in our thoughts and in our hearts. As someone whose committee works 
hard to look out for and care for our servicemembers who dedicate 
themselves to our country, news like this, of course, is devastating.
  As the stories unfolded yesterday, I could only think of the fact 
that we had sent so many of our men and women to the most dangerous 
places in the world; and here they were, probably in what they might 
have thought was the safest place in the world.
  We also have to think about our mental health providers today as well 
because we know that we have mental health care professionals who are 
very professional, providing the most highly demanding, specialized, 
emotional and invaluable care to our servicemembers; and it's important 
to emphasize at these rare times that the actions of one individual 
certainly don't reflect on all those serving in the profession. It 
would only add to the tragedy if we let this tarnish those working in 
the very profession that provide so much help to our troops and their 
families.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to say, having spoken to so many families, 
that a tiny percentage serve, and often families don't believe that the 
American people really understand what they go through. Today in a 
tragedy like this, we must do our best. We must make certain this does 
not happen again and that we reach out to the families and let them 
know we are listening. We will try harder.
  Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. EDWARDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield myself such 
time as I may consume.
  One of the greatest privileges of my lifetime was to represent the 
soldiers and families of Fort Hood for 14 years in the U.S. Congress. 
On behalf of all Americans, we rise today to express our deepest 
respect and heartfelt sorrow to the soldiers and families of Fort Hood. 
These great Americans who have sacrificed so much in service to country 
now face a tragedy that one day ago would have seemed unimaginable. In 
the hours, days and months ahead, I hope the Fort Hood family knows 
that the thoughts and prayers of the American people are with them.
  It is a tragedy beyond words that young Americans who are willing to 
risk their lives for our country in combat abroad ended up losing their 
lives here at home. While these soldiers did not die in combat, they 
surely gave their lives in service to country. And for that, we will 
always consider them as heroes. The spouses, children, and families of 
the fallen may not have worn our Nation's uniform; but they have served 
our Nation through their deep personal sacrifice. Let us be clear 
today, we will never, ever forget that sacrifice. We cannot bring back 
their loved ones, but I hope they will forever feel the collective 
love, gratitude, and prayers of millions of their fellow Americans.
  To the wounded and their loved ones, our Nation's fervent hopes and 
prayers are with you in these difficult moments. Please know that you 
are not

[[Page 27062]]

alone. Mr. Speaker, in the days ahead, Fort Hood will become known to 
the world as a place of unspeakable tragedy, but I know it is a place 
of great triumph, a place where service to country isn't an ideal. It 
is a way of life, a place where the American spirit is alive and well, 
even amidst this tragedy.
  I hope the world will see the Fort Hood I saw as its Representative. 
When I think of Fort Hood, I think of the 29-year-old Army widow who 
asked me not long after her husband's death in Iraq, not how I could 
help her but, rather, how she could help others who had lost their 
loved ones in combat. When I think of Fort Hood, I think of the young 
soldier I met at a welcome home ceremony. It was just 3 days before my 
wife gave birth to our first child. And when I saw him with his wife 
and his newborn baby, I told him how excited I was, the thought of 
becoming a father and being there when our son came into the world. 
Without complaining, he looked at me and said, Sir, I missed the birth 
of my first child because I was in Iraq, and I missed the birth of my 
second child while I was deployed to Bosnia. When I think of Fort Hood, 
I think of the parents I met there this summer who lost their two sons 
in combat in Iraq just 9 days apart.
  How can the Nation measure the depth of that kind of sacrifice? When 
I think of Fort Hood, I think of soldiers, families and their neighbors 
in nearby communities who care for each other and are proud to serve 
and, yes, even sacrifice for our Nation's freedom. Fort Hood is known 
as ``the great place.'' That's what they call it. That's what it is--
past, present and future--and the actions of one deranged person should 
not and will not change that fact.
  But with the support and prayers of the American family, Fort Hood 
will recover from this terrible tragedy. The servicemen and -women at 
Fort Hood, their families and the neighboring communities are a very 
special and unique family. They make Fort Hood what it is, a shining 
star in our Nation's defense, a star that will burn brightly for many 
years to come. From this tragedy, just days before Veterans Day, I pray 
that Americans will be reminded how blessed we are to live in a land 
where a special few, our servicemen and -women and their families, are 
willing to give up so much for country.
  Let us all rededicate ourselves to honoring our troops, our veterans, 
and their families. Let us remember them not just on Veterans Day and 
Memorial Day or on a day of tragedy but every day. As we ask God's 
blessings on those whose lives we honor with this resolution, let us 
remember that we are the land of the free because we are still the home 
of the brave.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. EDWARDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 2 minutes to my friend 
and colleague, the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bright), a valued member 
of the Committee on Armed Services here in the House.
  Mr. BRIGHT. I would like to thank my colleague. Mr. Speaker, I rise 
today in support of the resolution, honoring the soldiers who lost 
their lives at Fort Hood. As someone who represents two military bases, 
I can only imagine the profound sense of loss the great Fort Hood 
community must feel today. This is not just a loss for central Texas. 
This is a loss for our entire country. Military bases are not walled 
off from their surroundings. They are vital parts of our communities. 
When I served as mayor of Montgomery, Alabama, the airmen at Maxwell-
Gunter Air Force Base were upstanding citizens who went above and 
beyond to improve and advance our city. As a Congressman from southeast 
Alabama, I have seen the brave soldiers at Fort Rucker rush to the aid 
of nearby towns in the wake of tragedy and crisis. Now it's time for us 
to show our appreciation to these bases and their families and stand 
with them as we mourn the tragic and senseless loss at Fort Hood. Our 
thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who died and also 
with the ones who are wounded.
  Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. EDWARDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 1 minute to my friend 
and colleague, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Rodriguez), who served on 
the House Armed Services Committee for 8 years.
  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Congressman Chet Edwards 
for allowing me this opportunity to speak this morning on this tragic 
shooting that occurred at Fort Hood, Texas, yesterday. The most 
important thing that we can do right now is to make ourselves available 
to the families and friends of those who were killed and wounded. I 
wish to express my condolences to the families at Fort Hood who lost 
their loved ones. Our prayers are with you all as you try to make sense 
of it all.
  This tragedy, once again, raises the extreme importance of providing 
true quality in our mental health care services and the need for 
thorough mental health assessments not only for our veterans but also 
for those that are in the service at the present time, for those 
members notified of deployment as well as those returning from 
deployment. This must also be a time to take into consideration the 
medication needs, the financial difficulties, and the coping mechanisms 
that our soldiers are having to go through. These also highlight the 
need for our family and friends and peers to stand up to get their 
friends help when they need it. The signs of suicide, homicide and 
extreme behavior are almost always there.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. EDWARDS of Texas. I yield 1 additional minute to the gentleman 
from Texas, Mr. Speaker.
  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. In the military, of all places, each individual must 
be aware of what is being said or done by their peers and friends and 
recognize when those behaviors or statements may not be consistent with 
a healthy mindset. In the military, these behaviors absolutely must be 
identified to the unit commander so he can review the servicemember and 
get the member appropriate help. I believe that we can all learn from 
this tragic incident to not take things too lightly and for leaders to 
be proactive in their efforts to ensure the mental health of the 
troops. Hopefully, we can reach out to help as many as we can.
  I will close by expressing my condolences, once again, to the family 
and friends of those who have been wounded and those who have lost 
their lives.
  Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as she may consume to 
the gentlelady from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert).
  Mrs. BIGGERT. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, my 
heart goes out to all of the families and friends, to all of those who 
lost loved ones during the senseless shooting that occurred yesterday 
at Fort Hood. Nothing can really prepare you for a tragedy like this, 
especially when the lives of such dedicated young men and women are cut 
short by unthinkable violence right here on American soil. And one of 
those young men, Private First Class Michael Pearson, was from a family 
that lives in my district, Bolingbrook. He served his country with 
distinction and honor, and his life and sacrifice will be remembered 
always here in Bolingbrook and across the Nation.

                              {time}  1215

  And to his parents and family I offer my deepest thoughts and prayers 
at this difficult time.
  Mr. EDWARDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to my friend and 
colleague, the distinguished Speaker of the House of Representatives, 
the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), who has been a champion 
as a Speaker of this House on behalf of a better quality of life, 
educational benefits, and health care for America's veterans, our 
service men and women, and their families.
  Ms. PELOSI. I thank the gentleman for his kind remarks, and I accept 
them on behalf of the entire House because we have worked in a 
bipartisan way on behalf of our men and women in uniform and our 
veterans. I particularly want to salute Chairman

[[Page 27063]]

Edwards' outstanding leadership in that regard in his position as Chair 
of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Subcommittee of 
Appropriations.
  Mr. Speaker, words fail when a tragedy of this magnitude comes in 
such an unexpected way, that someone who had the confidence of the 
military, within its own walls, would perpetrate such a tragedy on 
people whose lives are dedicated to protecting the American people. It 
was an unspeakable tragedy, of course, for the families, soldiers, 
civilians, and support staff on the base at Fort Hood. But it was also 
a wound to our country.
  Our brave men and women in uniform train day in and day out to 
preserve our security. They should never have to face or fear the 
forces of violence here at home.
  At Fort Hood yesterday, ordinary citizens performed extraordinary 
acts when they were called upon. They were heroes. In the face of great 
cowardice on behalf of the perpetrator, Americans demonstrated great 
bravery from stopping the gunman from causing more loss of life to 
coming to the aid of those who were wounded and protecting the lives of 
others.
  The entire Nation and this Congress stands with the members of the 
military every day. I hope it is a comfort to the families affected by 
this, and everyone in America has been affected by this, but those who 
have lost their loved ones and the families of those who are seriously 
wounded and those who have been shaken at Fort Hood, that our entire 
country mourns the losses of those who were killed and are praying for 
them at this very, very sad time.
  I said to Mr. Carter, Congressman Carter, who represents Fort Hood, 
and Mr. Edwards, who had represented Fort Hood and many of his 
constituents worked at Fort Hood, that whatever this Congress can do to 
ease the pain, to help the recovery, we stand ready to do. And we do 
that on both sides of the aisle.
  I thank you, Mr. Edwards, for the opportunity to extend my 
condolences and that of the Congress to the families affected.
  Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California 
(Mr. McKeon) such time as he may consume.
  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to join my colleagues in 
honoring the lives of the brave soldiers and civilians who were killed 
or wounded in the tragic attack at Fort Hood yesterday.
  I know the country was riveted by the news, watching their TVs 
yesterday, trying to understand, trying to comprehend the tragedy that 
we saw.
  We expect much of the men and women in our military and their 
families. We never expect to have violence appear on their front steps. 
I was listening to General Cone yesterday as he was trying to brief the 
Nation on the tragedy. One of the questions was, Well, aren't the 
military armed?
  And he said, This is our home. We do not carry weapons in our home.
  So they were unprepared to defend themselves against a dastardly 
attack from the inside from someone that they never would have thought 
would attack them, would come at them when they were least prepared.
  Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues to express my deepest 
condolences to the families who lost loved ones, to the survivors, the 
Fort Hood family, and the entire United States Army. Also, I would like 
to thank those first responders, all those in the cities surrounding 
Fort Hood, the civilians that came to their aid and, as General Cone 
said, have offered so much to be of assistance. I think there are many 
that we need to remember in our prayers this day, and I thank all those 
for all that they have given.
  Mr. EDWARDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 2 minutes to my friend 
and colleague, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott).
  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, one can't help but feel grief and anger 
and desperation in all of what went on at Fort Hood.
  But the larger issue here, and I think the one we must not lose sight 
of, is what Dr. Hasan was dealing with was posttraumatic stress 
disorder. I sat for 2 years at the Long Beach Naval Station and 
listened to these stories from young men and women coming back from 
Vietnam day after day after day, and I can tell you the impact is huge.
  The biggest loss from this event will be if we do not deal with the 
fact that stigma about going to see mental health professionals 
prevents many of our people from getting the help they need.
  I had dinner the other night with the Vice Chief of Staff of the 
United States Army, General Chiarelli, who has made it his goal to deal 
with posttraumatic stress disorder for the people of Iraq and 
Afghanistan wars.
  This issue, because we sort of say, well, you're supposed to be tough 
and pull yourself together and never admit you've got a problem, is 
with all kinds of people in the military. A military psychiatrist is as 
vulnerable to it as is a grunt out on the field dealing with war at 
every corner. And as we talk about this today, I don't want people to 
draw conclusions and make decisions about why this happened and all the 
rest. It's human breakdown. It happens to people all the time in the 
military. When you put people in the kind of stress that we put those 
people in and send them back again and again and again, leave their 
families, see the awful things of it, you cannot expect everybody to be 
able to keep it together. We need to be sympathetic and put the money 
up for the help that these people need.
  Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. EDWARDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to my friend and 
colleague, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop).
  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I am stunned and saddened by the tragic events that 
occurred yesterday at Fort Hood, and I want to express my deepest 
sympathies to the families and the friends of those who were harmed in 
this horrific and senseless act that defies explanation.
  I have the privilege of representing Fort Benning in Columbus, 
Georgia, and the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Georgia, and I 
know that the many servicemen and -women there are mourning the loss of 
their friends and colleagues in Texas.
  The units and the families at Fort Hood, home of the 1st Cavalry 
Division, 4th Infantry Division, 3rd Corps Headquarters, have long 
served as models of honor and selfless service to our country. We thank 
them today for their noble service and we grieve with them over their 
tremendous loss.
  As the Fort Hood community struggles to find answers in the wake of 
this tragedy, I pledge the continued prayers and support of all the 
people in Georgia's 2nd District and, indeed, all of our servicemen and 
-women and military families who are stationed in bases throughout 
Georgia.
  Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time
  Mr. EDWARDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to 
the gentleman from California (Mr. Farr), who is the vice chairman of 
the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans 
Affairs in the House.
  Mr. FARR. I thank my Chair, Chet Edwards, for yielding.
  I rise today on the eve of Veterans Day recess in support of the 
condolence resolution. I fought all of my political career trying to 
get State, local, and Federal governments, including the Department of 
Defense, to seriously take the invisible wounds of war into 
consideration. This tragic loss of innocent lives to mental breakdowns 
is not new, so why should it be so hard to treat this illness?
  As we have to pay condolences in this resolution, let's not forget 
that the other House has on hold S. 1963, the Caregivers and Veterans 
Omnibus Health Care Services Act of 2009. Until Congress is willing to 
support the funding of mental health, we will not be able to fully 
assure safety for all in all our communities, be they civilian or 
military.
  I urge we support one with our hearts and the other with our minds in 
our vote.

[[Page 27064]]


  Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I'd just like to say, when 
things like this happen, you have to ask the question, many ask the 
question, why? Why did this have to happen? Why such a senseless act of 
violence that killed 13 people and wounded 30? Why did they have to 
die, our men and women serving in uniform? And there will be an 
investigation into why, what was the motivation of Mr. Hasan, but 
that's for a later day.
  Today we honor these fallen heroes. And when I think about them, I 
think about the mothers and fathers and brothers and sisters who have 
lost their loved ones both in Iraq and Afghanistan. I think the hardest 
thing we have to do as Members of Congress is to comfort these families 
who have lost their loved ones and try to make some sense out of it. 
They know that they have died for a just and noble cause. And, as Mr. 
Edwards knows, my good friend and colleague from Texas who knows so 
many people from the State of Texas that have gone through this 
training facility, one of the greatest in the world, the largest 
military installation in the United States, they are brave.
  I know there are many families at home today, many families watching 
the television, some maybe watching this on C-SPAN who are in tears, 
whose hearts are broken, who know that they can't get back what they 
lost. But to those families, know that we in the Congress hear their 
tears. We hear their cries. This resolution stands in strong support of 
them. We emotionally stand behind them, that we have passed legislation 
for both the veterans and active-duty servicemen, in addition to 
posttraumatic disorder.
  There are many issues regarding our veterans and our active-duty men 
and women. We are addressing those in this Congress. We are taking care 
of them. In my view, our most solemn obligation under the Constitution 
is for the Congress to not only take care of our veterans returning 
home but to fully support our active men and women serving both in the 
United States and abroad.
  With that, let me end by saying God bless them and God bless the 
United States of America.
  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply saddened about the 
tragic incident that occurred yesterday at the Army base in Fort Hood, 
Texas, that has taken the lives of 12 brave American soldiers, 1 
civilian, and wounded 30 more.
  My condolences and support go to the families of the fallen and the 
wounded. Our service members and their families make enormous 
sacrifices for the sake of freedom in this country and we owe them a 
special debt of gratitude. During this difficult time my thoughts and 
prayers go out to each of them.
  Fort Hood represents a crucial post for the U.S. Military and the 
fact that this tragedy has taken place in my home state of Texas just 
makes my lament even stronger.
  I am hopeful the thorough investigation of the incident that the 
federal government has already announced will clarify what has happened 
and will bring justice.
  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Fort Sam 
Houston Memorial Services Detachment.
  The Fort Sam Houston Memorial Services Detachment was formed in 1990 
to fill the void left when the Department of Defense determined that it 
was no longer able to perform full military burial honors for veterans 
of the Armed Forces. The Memorial Services Detachment is comprised of 
about 80 veterans, with and average age of 75, from World War II, 
Korea, Vietnam, and the gulf war. These selfless veterans volunteer 
their time, on rotating shifts throughout the week, to ensure the 
traditional military honors of the 3-volley-salute and the playing of 
``Taps'' are provided to every veteran buried at the Fort Sam Houston 
National Cemetery. Since 1990 the Memorial Services Detachment has 
performed services for over 25,000 deceased veterans.
  The veterans of the Memorial Services Detachment have touched the 
lives of countless family and friends by their dedicated service under 
the simple motto of ``Veterans Serving Veterans.'' They are a lasting 
reminder of what is best about our country and about those that have 
served our Nation in its defense.
  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my shock and 
sadness in the wake of yesterday's tragedy at Fort Hood.
  This type of senseless violence is tragic in any circumstance, but it 
is especially painful to have it strike at our men and women serving in 
uniform, who sacrifice so much for their country.
  It is crucial that we work to protect not only our forces deployed 
overseas from road-side bombs or insurgent attacks, but also the safety 
of those who are serving at home on bases around the nation.
  My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Fort Hood community, and 
especially the families, friends and colleagues of those killed and 
wounded in this tragedy.
  Mr. ABERCROMBE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 895, 
which honors the lives of the soldiers and civilians wounded or killed 
in the horrific tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas, on November 5, 2009. As 
chairman of the Air and Land Forces Subcommittee of the House Armed 
Services Committee, I am profoundly saddened by the loss of life at 
Fort Hood. I extend my condolences to the injured and the families of 
those who were killed.
  The most appropriate course for the Air Land Subcommittee, however, 
is to continue to provide the most effective force protection possible 
for our military personnel--the proper vehicles, the best counter-
improvised explosive device capability, the proper body armor and 
helmets, and best weapons.
  And of course, I will continue to work with Chairwoman Davis and 
Ranking Member Wilson to support their activities of the Military 
Personnel Subcommittee to ensure that our men and women in uniform are 
provided the proper health care and are fully prepared for their 
overseas assignments.
  Mr. BARTLETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 895, 
which honors the lives of the soldiers and civilians wounded or killed 
in the horrific tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas on November 5, 2009. Neil 
Abercrombie and I, as chairman and ranking member of the Air and Land 
Forces Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee are 
profoundly saddened by the loss of life at Fort Hood. We extend our 
condolences to the injured and the families of those who were killed.
  The most appropriate course for us, however, is to continue to 
provide the most effective force protection possible for our military 
personnel--the proper vehicles, the best counter-improvised explosive 
device capability, the proper body armor and helmets, and best weapons.
  And of course, we will continue to work with Chairwoman Davis and 
Ranking Member Wilson to support their activities of the Military 
Personnel Subcommittee to ensure that oar men and women in uniform are 
provided the proper health care and are fully prepared for their 
overseas assignments.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Fort Hood is the largest 
active duty armored post in the United States, and is the only post in 
the United States that is capable of supporting two full armored 
divisions and covers 339 square miles. Home to about 52,000 troops as 
of earlier this year, the sprawling base is located halfway between 
Austin and Waco, Texas.
  I am deeply saddened by the tragic shooting that took the lives of 13 
soldiers and wounded 31 others. This is one of the worst soldier-on-
soldier violence in U.S. history. It is a great misfortune that our 
nation has lost 13 brave soldiers who have dedicated their lives to 
serving our country.
  The gunfire broke out around 1:30 p.m. at the Soldier Readiness 
Center, where soldiers who are about to be deployed or who are 
returning undergo medical screening. Nearby, some soldiers were 
readying to head into a graduation ceremony for troops and families who 
had recently earned degrees. The suspected shooter, Maj. Nidal Malik 
Hasan, was shot four times and authorities believed they had killed 
him, only to discover later that he had survived. Military officials 
are starting to piece together what may have pushed this Army 
psychiatrist trained to help soldiers in distress, turn on his comrades 
in a shooting rampage.
  I want to commend the soldiers at Fort Hood for their valiant and 
selfless acts of bravery. Soldiers rushed to treat their injured 
colleagues by ripping their uniforms into makeshift bandages. The top 
commander at Fort Hood is crediting a civilian police officer, Sgt. 
Kimberly Munley, for stopping the shooting. Fort Hood police Sgt. 
Kimberly Munley and her partner responded within 3 minutes of reported 
gunfire Thursday afternoon. Munley shot the gunman four times despite 
being shot herself.
  Another story of heroism is that of 19-year-old Amber Bahr. The 
nutritionist put a tourniquet on a wounded soldier and carried him out 
to medical care. And only after she had taken care of others did she 
realize she had been shot. Both women heroically intervened despite 
being shot.
  I would like to express my deepest sympathies for the loss of these 
13 soldiers. My

[[Page 27065]]

thoughts and prayers go out to their families during their time of 
bereavement. It is unacceptable that soldiers should fear attacks on 
American soil. I want the military and their families to always be 
protected as they are the backbone of American society. It is not only 
our soldiers who make sacrifices to protect our great Nation, but their 
families as well. I am deeply saddened and troubled by the shootings at 
Fort Hood, especially because soldiers and their families from my own 
district are there.
  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of the armed 
service members whose lives were taken from us yesterday at Fort Hood.
  I am deeply saddened over the unspeakable violence that has shattered 
the lives of brave and honorable soldiers at Fort Hood. This senseless 
shooting will no doubt be met with the justice and goodness of America, 
and I stand ready to support the Fort Hood family in any way possible.
  The fallen and wounded soldiers represent the best of America. In the 
coming days and weeks, we will learn about their dreams, love of 
country, and acts of bravery that will engrave their honorable legacy 
in service of our country. They will be greatly missed. May the peace 
of God be with the victims and their loved ones. My thoughts and 
prayers remain with them.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker I rise today to express my deepest 
condolences to the families and friends of the soldiers and civilians 
who were killed in yesterday's attack on our Army military base in Fort 
Hood, Texas.
  The senseless and cowardly act by one has inflicted a terrible wound 
in our military family. But I want the Ft. Hood family to know that we 
stand with them today and offer them all of our love and support.
  We in Texas, in the Nation and around the world grieve and pray for 
the families of the 13 lives who were taken so violently. We pray for 
the swift and full recovery of the more than 30 wounded who are holding 
on to life.
  The sacrifices our troops make are already so great. It is 
particularly tragic that after surviving the dangers of combat, they 
lost their lives back home where they should have been safe. Today and 
every day we stand with them as they stand for us, as they stand always 
and forever for our country.
  Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1230

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 895.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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