WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today joined Major General Robert White, Colonel Michael J. Hester, Mr. Bob Burns, and Mr. Jorge Rio on an aerial tour of Fort Bliss and discussed with base leadership their goals and needs for the base over the long term. 

“Texas is blessed to be home to so many of our men and women in uniform, and El Paso’s Fort Bliss is a crucial base for those who serve on the front lines to keep our entire nation safe and secure,” Sen. Cruz said. “Fort Bliss is a permanent fixture of both our nation’s military heritage and the Lone Star State’s economy, supporting more than 35,000 soldiers and contributing $24 billion to the Texas economy in 2015 alone. It has been a pleasure to hear from those leading the operations at Fort Bliss, and I am committed to representing them and defending their interests in Washington.”

Fort Bliss is comprised of about 1 million acres of land across Texas and New Mexico and is home to the 1st Armored Division, the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, and the 11th Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Brigade. Additionally, it is a FORSCOM installation comprised of units from other commands including U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM), Joint Task Force North (JTF-NORTH), U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), and the U.S. Army Reserve.

Fort Bliss is the largest employer and economic driver in the El Paso area, contributing $24 billion to the Texas economy in 2015, and employing more than 135,000 personnel with a gross domestic product of $14 billion and disposable personal income of $8 billion. More than 35,000 active duty military are assigned to Fort Bliss with more than 90,000 veteran retirees - plus their families - residing in the El Paso area.

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