Peach Tree Times

Fort Gillem, Ga. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff introduced new legislation to upgrade Fort Gillem’s forensics capabilities and strengthen U.S. national security and counterterrorism efforts.

Sens. Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock introduced the Fort Gillem Defense Forensics Enhancement Act of 2023 to help build a permanent facility for the forensics investigations unit based at Fort Gillem.

The Forensic Exploitation Directorate (FXD) provides global forensic capability in support of the full range of military operations and counterterrorism efforts. The Directorate deploys teams around the world to provide commanders with a forensic analysis capability.

Sens. Ossoff and Warnock secured bipartisan support in Congress last year to deliver resources to build a permanent forensics laboratory on Fort Gillem; however, the Department of Defense’s authorization for project is set to expire at the end of this fiscal year.

Sens. Ossoff and Warnock’s new bill would authorize a one-year extension to work on the project.

“Senator Warnock and I introduced the Fort Gillem Defense Forensics Enhancement Act of 2023 to ensure the Army has the authorities necessary to build a world-class laboratory facility for the men and women who are testing and evaluating evidence recovered all over the world vital to our national security,” Sen. Ossoff said.

“By investing in these facilities at Ft. Gillem, we are strengthening our national security,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “As the proud son of a veteran and voice in the Senate for Georgia’s military communities, I am proud to work alongside Senator Ossoff to support Georgia’s servicemembers and military institutions.”

Sen. Ossoff continues to ensure Georgia’s military installations have the resources they need to ensure military readiness and strengthen our national security.

Last year, Sens. Ossoff and John Cornyn (R-TX) passed provisions into law that will upgrade barracks, daycare centers, and other facilities for military families in Georgia and across the nation.

Over the last two years, Sen. Ossoff has also led several bipartisan investigations into the mistreatment and neglect of military families living in privatized housing on Ft. Gordon, highlighting the misconduct that many families faced while living in these housing units.

Click here to read the Fort Gillem Defense Forensics Enhancement Act of 2023.

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Original source can be found here.