Washington, Jun 23, 2005 -

U.S. Representative John R. Carter (TX-31) made the following statement to clarify information being reported regarding Fort Hood losing 20,000 soldiers:

                "Army Secretary Francis Harvey's remarks have been misunderstood and taken out of their proper context.  As a result, this has caused unneeded stress on the Soldiers and their families and has increased confusion amongst them and within the community.

               "The information provided by the Secretary yesterday and Tuesday night was simply a clarification of the   Department of Defense's BRAC (Base Recommendation and Closure) recommendations, which were forwarded to the BRAC Commission on May 13, 2005.

                "The only new information the Secretary disclosed were the names of the affected units.  One possible solution that the Army could implement to accomplish their stated objective is to move unit flags as opposed to physically moving units and personnel between Fort Hood and Fort Carson.

                "We cannot forget these recommendations are what they are - recommendations.  Nothing is final until the BRAC Commission submits its official report to the President and Congress for their approval this fall, and I will continue to fight for what is best for Fort Hood.

                "Two things are for sure, whether the DoD's recommendations are accepted or not: Fort Hood will not be losing 20,000 soldiers and it will remain a premier military installation.”

U.S. Representative John R. Carter is working to protect Fort Hood.  Yesterday’s visit by Base Realignment and Closure Commissioners (BRAC) James T. Hill and Sue E. Turner was a result of Carter’s formal request. This visit preceded the regional BRAC hearing, which will be held in San Antonio on July 11^th. Carter will continue to work in preparation for the hearing with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, the Heart of Texas Defense Alliance and the local community.