On the recordJuly 16, 2015
As a representative from the 25th Congressional District of Texas, it is my pleasure to represent Fort Hood in the United States Congress. From its state-of-the-art training facilities to its experienced leadership and world-renowned reputation, Fort Hood demonstrates 21st century training for the 21st century soldier. Fort Hood is a treasure of Texas, but it is also the gold standard for the Army, the Department of Defense, and our Nation's overall national security posture. Last week, in an address to the National Commission on the Future of the Army, I presented my thoughts on the recent troop reduction announcement and how it relates to Fort Hood. If sequestration takes effect in October as planned, the U.S. Army will have to cut 30,000 soldiers in addition to the 40,000 soldiers that will be removed from ranks over the next 2 years. At this level, our military may not be able to commit to current deployments, let alone successfully take on new challenges. Mr. Speaker, with the expansion of ISIS in Syria and Iraq, the instability of governments in the Middle East, and an aggressive Russia and China, I do not believe this is the time to be cutting our Army to pre-World War II levels. Mr. Speaker, Fort Hood is a resilient community made up of the finest soldiers I have ever met. They have been dealt some serious challenges in recent years, and each time, they have overcome them. Fort Hood is the Great Place; even so, Mr.…
