(Washington, DC) -- Legislation introduced in the Senate would grant the victims of the Fort Hood shooting earlier this month the same legal status as if the attack had occurred in a combat zone.

The Fort Hood Victims and Families Benefits Protection Act would provide those killed or wounded at Fort Hood and their families the same treatment and benefits as the victims and families of the September 11th terrorist attacks.

Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison says the soldiers who were gunned down at Fort Hood were targeted by a terrorist because they were soldiers about to be deployed to combat operations overseas.

The Texas Republican says Fort Hood became a battlefield in the war on terror and those killed and wounded by the "cowardly act of terrorism" deserve to be recognized for their service in this war.

Senator John Cornyn of Texas says the legislation would ensure the victims of the Fort Hood massacre and their families are entitled to the very same benefits that are afforded to Americans who have been injured in overseas combat zones and the families of those who have been killed there.

It would also provide recognition of their physical sacrifices by making them eligible for honors such as the Purple Heart medal.

Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman says it grows more clear each day that the shooting at Fort Hood was the worst terrorist attack on America since September 11th, 2001.

He adds this bill will take a first step toward adequately honoring and providing for the victims of this horrific attack and their families.

The legislation states Fort Hood has played a prominent role in the global war on terror and says the Fort Hood community has suffered more combat casualties in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom than any other U.S. military installation.

　

(Copyright 2009 by VERTEXNews/Newsroom Solutions)