WASHINGTON- Following yesterday’s tragic attack on the Canadian Parliament, Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee made the following statement:

"Canada has always stood with us in troubled times, and we stand with them. I commend the Canadian first responders, and share their grief for Cpl. Cirillo.
 
"I was impressed with the Canadian government's swift condemnation of what was obviously an act of terror. I wish the Obama Administration used similar language during the Ft. Hood shooting, rather than pretending that 'workplace violence' was an accurate description of a tragic terrorist attack.”
 
For many years advocates in the House and Senate have advanced provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act to award the Purple Heart to those who sustained combat-related injuries in domestic attacks like the one at Fort Hood.  This year, language appears in both the House and Senate versions of the defense Authorization bill.  Commenting on the provisions, McKeon said:
 
“I hope the President will follow Prime Minister Harper’s example and recognize terrorist attacks for what they are."