Congressman Gonzalez Statement on the Fort Hood Independent Review

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) issued the following the statement regarding the independent review conducted by the Army after the tragic deaths of Spc. Vanessa Guillénand Sgt. Elder Fernandes at the Fort Hood military base in Texas. Fort Hood was found to have multiple soldier disappearances, homicides, sexual assaults and deaths at Fort Hood over the past few years.

"Actions, or should I say, inactions have consequences. Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy's decision to relieve 14 officers of their command is necessary and marks the beginning of a long overdue reformation of the culture of our Armed Forces. The high rate of murders, sexual assault and harassment at this military installation, or any military base for that matter, is disturbing and unacceptable. Army leadership failed at every level and a complete overhaul is needed. I will continue to push for the passage of the I am Vanessa Guillén Act to codify the much-needed changes and oversight in our military service. I look forward to reviewing the rest of the independent investigations findings."