Purple Heart for Domestic Terrorism

2014-12-04T21:59:35-05:00

Although it has been unsuccessful in the past, the provision to award the Purple Heart for domestic terrorism incidents such as the 2009 Fort Hood, TX shooting by then-MAJ Nidal Hassan is once again in the Defense budget authorization bill. According to the linked article, it seems this go-around may have a more likely chance of passage based on more comprehensive input from members of the Senate, House, and military leaders.

1. What do you think of the idea of awarding the PH for domestic terrorism incidents?

2. Do you think the PH provision will pass this time? Why / why not?

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/capitol-hill/2014/12/03/purple-heart-expansion/19834457/

New law will expand Purple Hearts to domestic terrorism

Service members killed or injured in domestic terrorist attacks – like the 2009 shooting at the Army's Fort Hood – may soon be eligible for Purple Heart awards. The new rule was included in Capitol Hill's latest military budget deal that is likely to be finalized and become law later this month. The regulations regarding who gets a Purple Heart – traditionally limited to those wounded in combat – has been debated in recent years amid ambiguity...