Rep. John R. Carter (R-TX-31) has requested the Secretary of the Army to provide an installation by installation breakdown of Army force structure changes announced in July. The troop reductions, Rep. Carter said, disproportionately affect Fort Hood, and he wants answers.

“Targeting the brave men and women of our military is the absolute wrong approach to cutting government spending, and I believe Texas is unfairly taking the biggest beating,” said Rep. Carter. “The cuts to our military, specifically the Army, are weakening America’s position around the globe, jeopardizing our national security at home, and hurting our regional economies. The Army’s decision to implement a roughly nine percent reduction at Ft. Hood is outrageous. That is why I have sent a letter to Army Secretary John McHugh requesting an explanation to these cuts.” 

“I question the Army’s decision making with these cuts. They don’t make sense economically, are seemingly not based on military value assessments and appear to significantly degrade our national security. Ft. Hood is one of our nation’s largest Army installations, with the best trained and readily available armored units. These cuts to our armored combat power alone are tantamount to reducing our military’s readiness and weakening our national defense.”

“As a fiscal conservative, I welcome a thoughtful dialogue about reducing federal spending, but for the preservation of our way of life and the safety of our children, we must not continue to slash our troop levels, and overall military budget. I am committed to ensuring we preserve, protect and defend our military warriors.”

The full text of the letter to Secretary McHugh is attached.

Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, the largest military installation in the free world. He serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, is on the Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. 

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