Ripon Forum


Vol. 57, No. 5

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In this edition

With American politics polarized and America facing an increasing number of threats around the world, the 5th Annual Veterans Day Special Edition of The Ripon Forum shines a light on a group of Republican and Democratic leaders who are working across the aisle to take care of our veterans and keep our nation secure.

“A Time to Reflect on the Privilege, Service, and Sacrifice of Veterans.”

Veterans Day is our opportunity to celebrate and thank those who served honorably and returned to build their lives as our fellow citizens.

“Live Everyday According to Their Values: Duty, Honor, and Service…”

More military virtue is needed in Washington. Unfortunately, there are some who seemingly care more about their party than their country.

“A Life of Service is One That is Well-Lived.”

It is critical that we remember those who have fought for our values and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of all we hold dear.

Working Across the Aisle for America’s Veterans

The Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee have put politics aside to fulfill the promise President Lincoln has made to veterans, their families, and their survivors.

Bridging the Partisan Divide for Our Veterans and National Security

In these highly polarized times, Republican and Democratic veteran members of the For Country Caucus are working together to keep America secure and help those who served.

Putting Veterans at the Center of Their Care: If the VA won’t implement the MISSION Act, Congress must step in

If the VA won’t implement the MISSION Act, Congress must step in.

Beyond the Uniform: Veterans Shaping Civic and Political Landscapes

A look at how veterans are shaping the civic and political landscape heading into the 2024 election.

Veterans in the White House: A Brief History of Presidents Who Served

Of the 35 men who have served as President, 31 previously served in uniform, as well.

Housing First Does Nothing to Solve the Homelessness Crisis

Despite spending billions of dollars, the number of homeless individuals has continued to rise.

The VA assists Veterans in a Way the Private System Cannot

We need a system that allows veterans to have options for the best of what VA can offer, as well as the best of what the private sector can offer.

To Protect Service Members and Honor Veterans, Reform the VA

Privatization of the VHA would improve health care for veterans and nonveterans alike.

Ripon Profile of Mariannette Miller-Meeks

Veteran and Lawmaker U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) discusses her career in the military and her job on Capitol Hill.

Bridging the Partisan Divide for Our Veterans and National Security

Members of the bipartisan For County Caucus served America in uniform. Now, they are working together to serve America in Congress.

There’s an innate level of understanding and mutual respect between veterans. We’ve put the mission and often our safety before self-interest. We’ve worked and fought alongside men and women of different beliefs with whom we bonded over a shared commitment to the American people. The military taught us service above self, teamwork, and the ability to work under pressure. These are the values we bring to Washington, D.C.

Together, we Co-Chair the For Country Caucus, a group of 30 veterans from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force who didn’t see the end of their military careers as the end of their service to this country. Having taken the same oath, we have an immediate sense of understanding and trust. We came to Washington with a commitment to put aside party differences and get work done, even in the toughest of times.

Going into caucus meetings, we know that the member sitting next to us gets it. They could have been the person next to us in combat. And for some of us, they were. Rep. Jake Ellzey (TX-06) flew in a squadron that provided air support in Afghanistan for Rep. Mike Waltz (FL-06). Rep. John James (MI-10) and Rep. Pat Ryan (NY-18) attended West Pont together. In a time when it’s so easy to demonize someone on the other side of the aisle, we’ve agreed to work together to ensure that even in these highly polarized times, our nation passes thoughtful, bipartisan legislation regarding veterans, military quality of life, and national security.

We’ve agreed to work together to ensure that even in these highly polarized times, our nation passes thoughtful, bipartisan legislation regarding veterans, military quality of life, and national security.

One of our earliest successes since the For Country Caucus was founded in 2019 was passing legislation establishing a Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall. Many of us served in the Global War on Terror (GWOT), our country’s longest war, and uniquely understand what a GWOT Memorial means for our nation. We continue to push for a swift and thorough process to build the memorial and look forward to joining our fellow Americans to mourn, reflect, and honor the sacrifices of so many.

While the memorial will serve as a place of healing, we remained focused on providing other outlets as well. For years, mental health has carried a stigma that has made it difficult for veterans and service members to seek the care they need. Luckily, the narrative is changing. Seeking help when you need it is a necessity of remaining a strong member of a team. We now know that to have the strongest troops, we must also have strength of mind. We worked across party lines to pass the Brandon Act, making it easier for military personnel to report mental health concerns and receive treatment. We led efforts to change the Veterans Crisis Line number, also used by active duty servicemembers, to 988. The easy-to-remember number has seen a dramatic uptick in calls and those receiving help.

The military demands sacrifices, which we all deem essential. However, our servicemembers and their families should not go hungry, struggle to care for their children, or find it difficult to put a roof over their heads. As our military struggles with retention and recruitment, who would want to join under these conditions? We’re working to ensure food security, address military housing transparency and accountability, expand parental leave for certain servicemembers, and make it easier for military spouses to secure employment. We also look forward to reviewing the recommendations of the Military Quality of Life Panel, led by For Country Caucus members Reps. Don Bacon (NE-02) and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), and implementing provisions that can ensure Americans want to both join the Armed Forces and develop meaningful careers that support their families and our nation as a whole.

We’re working to ensure food security, address military housing transparency and accountability, expand parental leave for certain servicemembers, and make it easier for military spouses to secure employment.

Our commitment extends to our allies as well. In August of 2021, the world watched as Kabul fell. For members of the military community, including many of our caucus members, this was personal. We saw the people who served alongside us, people we had promised safety for working with us, now in grave danger. We expedited the process for Afghan translators and interpreters to escape the Taliban and led efforts to pass the Afghan War Commission Act. Our work isn’t done. We must continue to secure the safety of our allies. Why would locals in future conflicts want to work with us if we have failed our past allies? It remains a national security imperative to uphold our oaths and do what is right.

This same principle of standing by our partners extends to Taiwan, Ukraine, and Israel. As the aggression of our adversaries intensifies, we’re working to fortify our national security capacities and bolster our competitiveness. We continue to grow our cyber workforce and invest in new technologies. Our members remain vigilant and up to date, with many sitting on the China Select Committee and participating in the Foreign Military Sales Task Force. As a caucus, we know that internal divides make us vulnerable to outside threats.

We served our nation in uniform, and we remain committed to serving Americans in Congress. We are proud of the bipartisan work our caucus has accomplished in a deeply divided Congress. We look forward to the next mission as we serve the American people.

Tony Gonzales is a Republican who represents the 23rd District of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives.  Jason Crow is a Democrat who represents the 6th District of Colorado.  Together, they serve as Co-Chairs of the bipartisan For Country Caucus.

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