Chairman Carter and Rep. Williams Outraged Over Fort Hood Sexual Assault Allegations; Demand Action

Statement

Congressman John Carter, (R-TX31) Chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee and Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX25) are speaking out on the inexcusable allegations that a U.S. Army Sergeant First Class, stationed at Fort Hood, has been involved in sexual misconduct.

"I am disgusted by the reports that a soldier sexual assault prevention and response coordinator was involved in sexual misconduct. These individuals are there to help our men and women in uniform that are in need of help. To have someone violate that trust and expectation is appalling."

"As a judge for 21 years, I presided over a number of sexual assault cases and have prosecuted them to the fullest extent of the law. This case is no different. This criminal behavior within our Armed Forces must be addressed and if guilty, the individuals involved in this case, including the chain of command, must be held accountable and prosecuted."

"I fully support any legislation that may come from the House Armed Services Committee and the oversight that Chairman Buck McKeon may call for, now and in the future, to address this problem within the military. I fully support an investigation into this matter and implore the Department of Defense to further address the disconcerting and systemic problems that seems to be happening within our Armed Forces."

"The reports from Fort Hood this week are shocking and incredibly disturbing. While the details are still unknown and questions still unanswered, all parties involved must be held fully responsible and accountable for their actions," said Congressman Roger Williams. "This abhorrent behavior cannot and will not be tolerated, especially by an individual tasked with protecting our troops. I hope for a swift investigation to bring out the truth, and I will support any measure in Congress to put a stop to these sexual assault cases plaguing our women and men in uniform."

Chairman Carter and Congressmen Williams are calling on the Department of Defense to meet with them to brief them on the situation at Fort Hood and what is being done to prevent these crimes.

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