Congresswoman Sara Jacobs Joins Colleagues on Congressional Delegation Trip to Fort Hood
Jacobs part of bipartisan group of lawmakers visiting Fort Hood to meet with service members at all levels seeking answers on the military’s handling of sexual assault
Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53) arrived in Fort Hood, Texas, today, joining a bipartisan congressional delegation led by Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-14), Chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
This three-day visit is part of the investigation into the Army’s failed response to the murder of SPC Vanessa Guillen, the deaths of PV2 Gregory Wedel Morales and SGT Elder Fernandes, and overarching persistent and dangerous culture at the base.
In their December 2020 report, the Fort Hood Independent Review Committee found that the command climate at Fort Hood was permissive of sexual harassment and sexual assault, that the Army Criminal Investigation Division detachment was under-experienced and under-resourced, and that sexual assault prevention and response programs were structurally flawed.
Upon her arrival in Fort Hood, Congresswoman Sara Jacobs issued the following statement:
“This week, I’m visiting Fort Hood with a bipartisan group of colleagues from the Armed Services Committee to hear from servicemembers; question base and Army leadership; and inspect Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Program facilities, housing sites, and other areas of concern.
“Fort Hood is where SPC Vanessa Guillen was sexually harassed and murdered. Her death is a horrific loss and reminder of a much larger problem. Following an investigation, 20 soldiers have been relieved or suspended and disciplinary actions are being taken against 11 others.
“Fort Hood has the worst rate of violent crime and incidents among all U.S. installations. Last year, nearly 30 servicemembers at Fort Hood died, including eight killed in accidents, six deaths by suicide, five homicides, with six other deaths undetermined.
“We have to make sure that all members of our Armed Forces can serve without fear of violent crime, sexual assault, harassment, and a toxic culture. My colleagues and I are here to get answers.”
Earlier this week, Congresswoman Jacobs met with San Diego military spouses to discuss how Congress can ensure service members and their families get the support they need from the federal government.
The following House members are taking part in the trip to Fort Hood:
Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA)
Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-TX), MILPERS Chair
Congressman Jim Banks (R-IN), MILPERS Ranking Member
Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA)
Congressman Marc Veasey (D-TX)
Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX)