Response from Senator Cornyn:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the horrific attack that occurred at Fort Hood, Texas on November 5, 2009. I appreciate having the benefit of your comments on this important matter.
My thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and their families during this difficult time. Fort Hood is one of our nation’s finest and largest military installations, and a place that has long been a source of pride for Texans, and for all Americans who value the selfless service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform.
The federal government has a fundamental duty to our men and women in uniform to safeguard them against avoidable harm in the course of their service. We must protect the protectors whenever and wherever we are able, especially at home in the United States. Our government failed the brave Americans who were killed and wounded at Fort Hood. The devastation inflicted on them was preventable, and it is of paramount importance that we ascertain exactly where the system broke down.
To this end, I have written to President Barack Obama to express my deep concern at the Administration’s reluctance to recognize the events at Fort Hood as an act of domestic terrorism. There are a myriad of investigations underway, and I appreciate the importance of ascertaining the facts before making any judgments; however, it is increasingly apparent that Islamist terrorism is to blame for this senseless attack.
Islamist terrorism represents one of the single most dangerous threats to the national security of the United States. As you may know, this enemy seeks the complete and total destruction of our nation, our government, and our entire American way of life. As additional facts surrounding the Fort Hood attack surface, it appears increasingly probable that Major Nidal Hasan, who has been charged in the attack, heeded terrorist calls to violence, compelled by a fanatical religious ideology. If Islamist terrorism was the driving force behind the senseless violence at Fort Hood, as it appears to be, this attack must serve as a call to action for the federal government. Federal agencies must follow every lead and look into every possible threat, regardless of whose particular sensitivities might be offended in the process. We must never allow the safety of those who defend our freedom to be made a secondary priority to political correctness.
Furthermore, whether in Central Iraq or Central Texas, when Americans serving our country come under terrorist attack, they should be eligible for the same level of benefits and recognition. Therefore, I have introduced the Fort Hood Victims and Families Benefits Protection Act (S. 2807). This legislation would ensure that the victims of the Fort Hood massacre and their families are entitled to the very same benefits that are afford to Americans who have been injured in overseas combat zones and the families of those who have been killed in action. Additionally, S. 2807 would provide recognition of the tremendous physical sacrifices made by these brave Americans by making affected service members eligible for the Purple Heart medal and Department of Defense civilian employees eligible for the Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom. S. 2807 has been referred to the Armed Services Committee for further consideration. I am hopeful that the committee, and subsequently the full Senate, will expeditiously consider and pass this important legislation, which is the very least we can do for the victims of the Fort Hood shootings.
As investigations into this attack move forward, you may be certain that I will continue to stand with the families of the 13 killed, the many wounded, and the countless others affected. I appreciate having the opportunity to represent you in the United States Senate. Thank you for taking the time to contact me.
Sincerely,
JOHN CORNYN
United States Senator
