An expert on military matters in Congress says Congress needs to keep its distance while the investigation into the Ft. Hood shootings takes place.
West-Central Missouri Congressman Ike Skelton, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, says Congress shouldn’t be too quick to call for hearings on the Ft. Hood shootings.
“I’m urging members of the House and members of my committee to wait until they have completed their investigation and then we can take action,” Skelton says.
Army Major Nadal Malik Hasan is alleged to have killed 13 and wounded 38 November 5th. He was wounded by a Ft. Hood civilian security officer and arrested. He will face charges in military court.
Skelton says Congress must wait until the criminal investigation has concluded before it makes its review.
“There may be things out of all this that cause us to want to do something legislatively or, at least, have the opportunity to have a hearing and let the American people know what we find out,” Skelton says, “but I don’t want to rush to judgment.”
Skelton, a former prosecutor, says any interference by Congress could compromise the criminal case.
Skelton adds that the shootings have shaken the military and not just those stationed at the Texas Army base. He says it has placed an added strain on an already overburdened military. Skelton calls the Ft. Hood shootings “an unimaginable tragedy”.
Download/listen Brent Martin reports (:60 Mp3)
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