WASHINGTON — In this year’s Army-Navy football game, players demonstrated a longstanding tradition of honoring each other’s school songs at the conclusion of the match. This act symbolized the potential for future collaboration when the rivals may become comrades in more perilous situations.
This spirit is echoed by a group within the U.S. House known as the For Country Caucus, which consists of veterans from diverse military backgrounds who have united across political lines. Amid a challenging environment in Congress where bipartisan cooperation is increasingly rare, this caucus serves as a beacon of collaboration among those with differing ideologies.
“We aim to set an example, not just within Congress to illustrate that collaboration is achievable, but also to the nation at large,” stated Jason Crow, a Colorado Democrat and outgoing co-chair of the caucus. “Often, the chaotic aspects of Congress dominate the headlines, overshadowing the instances where we’re successfully working together,” he added.
Founded in 2019, the caucus was created to mend the divisions that hinder effective governance in Washington, according to Steve Womack, a Republican from Arkansas and retired Army National Guard colonel. The group aligns on a commitment to prioritize country and mission, intending to advance beneficial agendas. Womack characterized this unity as fostering a “warrior ethos,” which thrives under pressure and aligns around shared objectives.
Since its inception, the For Country Caucus has played a crucial role in enacting over 100 pieces of legislation. This includes measures related to bolstering national security, enhancing military capabilities, addressing veterans’ issues, and supporting military families, particularly those mourning lost service members.
Notably, the caucus facilitated the first increase in two decades for payments aiding military families coping with the financial impacts of deployments. It also championed legislation allowing federal agencies to appoint military spouses to remote work roles, enabling them to retain employment amid frequent relocations.
Additionally, the group has worked on legislation to continue evacuation efforts for Afghans who assisted U.S. service members, diplomats, and aid workers during the Afghanistan conflict. One of their early achievements was advocating for the establishment of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall, which is currently in the design phase.
“We may be small, but our impact is significant—our output exceeds expectations,” remarked Crow. The caucus members regularly collaborate on various committees and gather for bi-monthly breakfast briefings, which have recently featured high-ranking military leaders, including heads from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The caucus also invites guests discussing national service roles, encompassing organizations such as the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps. “We firmly believe that facilitating collaboration among Americans is vital to uniting the country,” said Crow. He emphasizes that the unifying effort need not be military-centric, as community service also serves as a pathway to shared understanding.
The caucus’s operational outreach includes staff meetings and community activities like cleaning the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. While two members are retiring, the remaining 28 have been reelected, with expectations to welcome at least five new members in the next Congress, positioning nearly 8% of the House within the caucus.
Crow, a former Army Ranger with extensive combat experience, and co-chair Tony Gonzales, a GOP representative and retired Navy chief petty officer, will transition leadership to new co-chairs Jake Ellzey, a Texas Republican and former F/A-18 pilot, and Don Davis, a Democrat from North Carolina and Air Force Academy alumnus.
Edward Crawford, a co-founder of the War Veterans Fund that supports Republican veteran candidates, highlighted that several newcomers to Congress have joined the caucus. “In a deeply divided nation, veterans must collaborate across political boundaries. Combat experiences transcend race and party affiliations; collaboration is essential,” he stated.
Some members possess direct military affiliations, such as New York’s Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan and Michigan’s Republican Rep. John James, West Point classmates who once lived on the same hall. Ellzey and Florida’s Mike Waltz, a fellow caucus member, have a shared military history as well.
Crow and Womack noted their active engagement in current debates surrounding nominations, such as those for the Defense Department. While Womack affirmed that the Senate holds the responsibility for nominations, he suggested that the caucus is prepared to respond if nominees propose views contrary to its values.
Crow dismissed the concerns regarding women in combat, stating, “This is settled; women serve in combat. Our experiences render this a non-issue.” The caucus comprises diverse members with varying backgrounds and viewpoints. The outgoing co-vice chairs include New Jersey Democrat Mike Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot, and Iowa Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks, a veteran and healthcare professional.
Crow emphasized that the caucus’s goal is not ideological warfare but rather identifying common ground even amid disagreements. “An all-or-nothing approach can paralyze progress, leading to a lack of outcomes for citizens. We refuse to let that happen,” he asserted.
