Dick Durbin: “it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to speak about the tragic shooting last week at Fort Hood. The shooting…”

“it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to speak about the tragic shooting last week at Fort Hood. The shooting claimed the lives of three innocent people. One was a son of Illinois, and 16 others were wounded. As chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I often begin subcommittee hearings by quoting the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey. At his speech at the National Press Club 2 years ago, General Dempsey spoke about the number of challenges facing the military, from Afghanistan to sequestration, and the need to take care of our troops when they transition to civilian status. General Dempsey said: ``No matter how well we address the other challenges''--and I quote him--``if we don't get the people right, the rest of it doesn't matter.'' His words reflect a basic truth. More than weapons systems or stockpiles of ammunition, the strength of our military and the security of America depend on the men and women who volunteer to risk their lives for us. Investigators are still trying to understand what happened as an Army specialist went on a shooting rampage at Fort Hood. Press reports speculated on a host of possible motives, from mental health difficulties following a recent deployment, grief over the death of his mother, and even financial pressure.…”