[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 6]
[House]
[Page 8815]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT

  (Mr. WILLIAMS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. WILLIAMS. 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 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 in America, 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 is time for them to be 
recognized as such. I urge every Member to vote in favor of our troops. 
Vote for H.R. 4435.
  In God we trust.

                          ____________________