Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX25) and Congressman John Carter (R-TX31) released a statement Thursday saying the House was sending legislation to the Senate that will make victims of the 2009 shooting at Fort Hood eligible for the Purple Heart.
According to the statement, the Senate is supportive of the House legislation and is expected to pass the bill next week and send it on to President Barack Obama.
The language providing those injured in the massacre Purple Heart status was included in the FY15 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference agreement.
The NDAA adjusts the Purple Heart criteria so that service members and civilians who experience an attack inspired by terrorism, receive the appropriate awards and recognition, the statement said. The language awards the Purple Heart to service members who are victims of an attack that was inspired or motivated by a U.S. State Department-designated foreign terrorist organization.
The provision would be retroactively effective as of September 11, 2001.
"The House passed the FY15 NDAA by a vote of 325-98 in May. The Senate Armed Services Committee also passed a similar version. After a conference by both House and Senate Members, the agreed upon NDAA was passed Thursday by the House of Representatives by a vote of 300-119 and now awaits passage by the Senate," the statement read.
“This is a huge step in the joint efforts to help victims of the Fort Hood terrorist attack, and I’d like to thank Rep. John Carter and many of our Texas colleagues for their endless support. Our nation’s leaders must uphold our solemn commitment to provide for troops in harm’s way – whether at home or abroad. President Obama has neglected those whose lives were taken and forever changed that day. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation gives President Obama yet another opportunity to honor his pledge to take care of our American soldiers who were victims of terrorism,” said Williams.
“This has been a top priority for my Texas colleagues and me ever since the tragic attack in 2009. I am relieved that the victims and families of the 2009 Fort Hood shooting are finally nearing justice and closure. I remain disappointed that the President has not taken action or fulfilled his promise that he made to the victims five years ago. I urge the President to forego any further politics on this issue and keep his promise by signing the NDAA into law. The victims of this terrorist attack have suffered long enough! The fight for the victims of the 2009 Fort Hood shooting has been long and hard, but I am always honored to go to battle for the men and women who serve this great country,” said Carter.
