[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 4]
[House]
[Pages 5263-5264]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       FORT HOOD VICTIMS RECEIVE PURPLE HEARTS AND FULL BENEFITS

  (Mr. BURGESS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, it has been more than 5 years since the 
2009 shooting in Fort Hood, Texas. The whole country was shocked by 
this senseless activity. Finally, earlier this month, the 47 soldiers 
and surviving family members of this tragic event did receive Purple 
Heart medals for their sacrifice, and they will be provided with every 
benefit that this commendation obliges.
  Following the shooting back in 2009, I went to Fort Hood. I met with 
the families of loved ones of this attack's victims. I saw firsthand 
the devastation and the sacrifice. None of them--none of them--should 
have had to wait this long for the recognition. Although the delay can 
never be made right, I am relieved that these families and victims have 
finally received the recognition for their sacrifice.
  Mr. Speaker, Senator Cornyn from my State of Texas, Representative 
Carter, and Representative Roger Williams put a lot of effort into 
this, but I also need to recognize the thousands of constituents--not 
just in Texas, but across the country--who

[[Page 5264]]

phoned, emailed, and sent letters asking that this omission be made 
right.
  I am happy to say and acknowledge that through their efforts, it 
finally has been.

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