KILLEEN, T.X. – Congressman Carter (R-TX31) and Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX25), who represent Fort Hood, announced today the passage of a bill that would ensure victims of the 2009 terrorist attack on Fort Hood are eligible for being awarded the Purple Heart, along with its corresponding benefits.  As of December 12, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed both the House and Senate and is ready for the President to sign into law. The NDAA authorizes funding for the Department of Defense.

Representatives Carter and Williams held a joint press conference on Monday morning to mark the Congressional passage of the landmark legislation. Reps. Carter and Williams were joined by victims’ family members and local supporters, who attended to urge the President to quickly sign the legislation and the Department of Defense to award the Purple Hearts as soon as possible.

“This has been a long, tough battle. My heart has always been with the victims of this horrific terrorist attack. These brave men and women have struggled and suffered for years, all while political correctness took precedence. The President has the chance to make it right for those who have been struggling by signing the National Defense Authorization Act in to law. Keep your promise to support these victims, Mr. President,” said Congressman Carter.

“The victims of the attack have suffered physically, mentally, and financially.  Shortly after the attack, President Obama made promises to those injured and the families of those killed that he would take care of them.  However, his negligence has caused many of them to suffer even more as they struggle to pay for treatment and make ends meet. The National Defense Authorization Act gives the Obama Administration yet another opportunity to honor his pledge to provide for these men and women who were victims of terror.  I urge President Obama to take this incredible opportunity to restore the proper care and recognition for these individuals,” said Congressman Williams.

Alvin Howard, a victim of the 2009 terrorist attack, was also in attendance and gave the following statement:  “This is a special day and long overdue. I want to give special thanks to Congressmen Carter and Congressman Williams for hearing the cries of the men and women of our armed forces and citizens. I thank them for answering that call and going forward with legislation that would give the men and women the awards and benefits due to them. The only thing that holds this up is the President of the United States and I urge him to quickly sign this in to law.”

The NDAA would adjust the Purple Heart criteria so that our service members and civilians, who experience an attack inspired by terrorism, receive the appropriate awards and recognition. 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.   

####