Washington, D.C.—Today, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) released the statement below following the release of the Department of Defense’s final review of the recommendations from the independent report on the Ft. Hood shootings last year:

 

“These solid recommendations reflect the immense challenges that were imposed upon the Department of Defense during its review of the tragedy at Ft. Hood last year.  I am optimistic that the new and revised policies, programs, and procedures implemented as a result of these recommendations will improve the safety of our force in measurable ways for years to come.

 

“Secretary Gates and the independent panel did an excellent job rapidly identifying and addressing our internal security shortfalls without interfering with the criminal investigation and prosecution of Major Hasan. By tackling this process with a patient and deliberate attitude, we can successfully fix the shortfalls of our force protection without hindering the ability to bring the alleged perpetrator to justice. We now know what steps need to be taken, and the wheels of examination, assessment, and change have been set in motion. I look forward to continuing oversight of the Department as we try to move forward from this terrible event.”

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