RSC Member-Veterans Reflect on Veterans Day and Service to America
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Since our nation's founding, countless brave Americans have answered the call to serve our country in uniform. Many veterans continue this sacred duty by serving in Congress, working to defend our freedoms and protect the homeland.
Forty-eight members of the Republican Study Committee (RSC) are distinguished military veterans, Reservists, or Guardsmen. They have brought their experiences from years of service and deployments across the world to Capitol Hill.
Veterans Day is a time to honor those who served our country and reflect on their sacrifice. The RSC continues to champion veteran initiatives to support those who have defended our freedoms.
On Veterans Day, RSC member-veterans reflected on their service to America, current threats to the homeland, and called for an end to the Democrats’ government shutdown:
"Veterans Day is a moment for our nation to honor the sacrifice and service of America's veterans. As a combat veteran and U.S. Air Force Reservist with over twenty years of service, I remain committed to ensuring our government fulfills its duty to those who wore the uniform. Veterans represent the very best of America, and we owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. The current government shutdown has impeded military readiness as threats grow across the world. We owe it to every veteran, active duty servicemember, and military family to deliver on our commitment to reopen the government," said RSC Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11).
"As a Marine and Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Veterans Day is personal to me. It’s a time to honor those who put on the uniform and to recommit ourselves to the principles they fought to defend. In a world where threats to our freedom are growing, service matters more than ever. That’s why we need to invest in our heroes and ensure they receive the benefits and support they have earned,” said House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (IL-12).
“There are few actions more selfless than signing up to serve America in the Armed Forces. Growing up in a military family and serving in the U.S. Army myself, I know firsthand the sacrifices our veterans and their families endure to protect the freedoms we hold so dear. Our responsibility to our veterans doesn’t stop when they take off the uniform. We have a duty to ensure they have the support and care they need after their service. I endlessly appreciate America's veterans and their families for their service and would encourage every American to take a moment today to thank and honor the veterans in your life,” said House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford (AR-01).
“Veterans Day is a reminder that freedom is not free. It is earned by the sacrifice of those who wear the uniform. As a 20-year combat veteran, I have served alongside men and women who represent the best of America. Iowa’s veterans carry forward a legacy of service, strength, and quiet courage. Today we honor their sacrifice and recommit to having their backs not just on Veterans Day, but every day," said RSC National Security Task Force Chair Zach Nunn (IA-03).
"Veterans Day is a reminder that America’s strength and freedom rest on the sacrifice of those willing to stand the watch. I’ve served alongside men and women who put everything on the line for our country, and I carry that sense of duty with me every day. Around the globe we face growing challenges. Our ability to respond depends on a military that is fully funded, trained, and ready and the ongoing shutdown undermines that readiness. We can’t honor our Veterans with words alone - we must back them with action and a commitment to the mission they carried forward,” said Rep. Jack Bergman (MI-01).
“As a decorated Vietnam combat veteran, I want to express my gratitude for my fellow veterans today,” said Rep. Jim Baird (IN-04). “Our country owes our veterans a debt of gratitude we can never fully repay, and I thank those who have answered the call to serve our country with integrity and honor. In Congress, I will continue to be an advocate for my fellow veterans to ensure they receive the care and benefits they earned and ensure our military is the strongest, most capable fighting force the world has ever seen. God bless all our veterans, God bless our troops, and God bless America.”
“As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, the son of a World War II Veteran, a 31-year veteran of military service myself, and the father of four sons who have served overseas in the military, Veterans Day is particularly meaningful to my family. America exists today because of the courage of the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States military. We will remain forever grateful for their service. God Bless our troops and God Bless America,” said Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02).
"I loved serving three decades in the world’s greatest Air Force. I loved the mission and the people. Serving on the House Armed Services Committee is what I enjoyed doing most in Congress. We want to ensure our servicemen and women are trained and armed to the level that no adversary will want to pick a fight with the Good Old USA," said Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02).
“On Veterans Day, we honor the men and women who put on the uniform and stand on the front lines to protect our freedoms. Their courage built the foundation of this great nation, and their example reminds us that liberty requires sacrifice,” said Rep. Barry Moore (AL-01). “As a veteran myself, I know what service means, and I also know our troops can’t do their jobs if Washington fails to do its own. The recent shutdown has real consequences for military readiness and national security, especially as threats grow abroad. We owe it to every veteran and every active-duty service member to make sure America stays strong, secure, and worthy of their sacrifice.”
“Having served in the Navy for 25 years on active duty, Veterans Day is a powerful reminder of the sacrifice and honor of the brave men and women who have put everything on the line to serve our country. At a time of growing global threats, the Democrats' reckless shutdown is an unforgivable failure that undermines our military readiness and shortchanges those who stand ready to defend America," said Rep. Ronny Jackson (TX-13).
"As an Air Force veteran and the wife of a Purple Heart recipient, I know firsthand the cost of freedom and the sacrifices our servicemembers and their families make. This Veterans Day, let’s honor those who sacrificed to serve, faced the horrors of war, and stood in defense of our nation. Unfortunately, the government shutdown has hurt military families and weakened our readiness at a time when America faces growing threats abroad. It is beyond time to end the shutdown and restore full operational efficiency of our armed forces," said Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13).
"On Veteran’s Day, we honor all who have served our nation in uniform. They have truly made and kept our nation free in times of peace and war. It’s free to join, but for some it costs everything. We remember those who died in combat on Memorial Day, but Veteran’s Day should honor all who answered our nation’s call to service. Thankfully, we live in an era where supporting our veterans is one of the most unifying aspects of our culture. We certainly need more of that. Thank a veteran today!” said Rep. Warren Davidson (OH-08).
“As a career naval officer, serving alongside men and women who put duty above themselves was one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18).“Veterans Day reminds us of their courage and the quiet strength it takes to step forward and defend this nation. We are grateful for those who answered that call and protected the freedoms we rely on every day. While our adversaries challenge American resolve, Senate Democrats chose reckless brinkmanship over responsible funding, weakening readiness and signaling vulnerability abroad. Our nation’s heroes deserve steady leadership and a government that keeps its promises to those who served.”
“Veterans Day is a day to reflect on and honor the service and sacrifice of all those who have served and defended our nation in uniform,” said Rep. Troy Nehls (TX-22). “As a Veteran, I extend my deepest gratitude to the brave men and women who fought to protect the freedoms we all enjoy today. We owe our Veterans a debt that can never be repaid. I will always stand with our Veterans. May God bless them and may God bless the United States of America.”
“Veterans embody the values our nation holds most dear: duty, honor, integrity and love of country. They remind us that freedom is not free and that America’s strength has always come from those willing to put their neighbors above themselves. I pray that our veterans’ service will not be in vain, and that our government’s actions will always be worthy of their sacrifice,” said Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL-16).
“I want to thank all my fellow veterans for their service to the greatest nation on Earth. It is the honor of my life serving you,” said Rep. Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08). “I and my fellow Republicans on the House Veterans Affairs and Armed Services committees have been working despite the Democrats’ shutdown to ensure that members of our Armed Services have the healthcare they need when they need it, and our warriors have the weapons they need when they need them. Already two of my bipartisan bills aimed at increasing veterans’ access to education and healthcare services passed unanimously in the House. We know we have more to do, but rest assured: we will get it done."
“Our veterans leave behind their families so that we may live in freedom. They pray to make it home alive, they bleed for our nation, and place country above self. My own family has worn the uniform for more than 60 years. We’ve fought side by side for America, and we know the cost of freedom. On this Veterans Day, we honor all who have served a cause far greater than themselves,” said Rep. Wesley Hunt (TX-38).
“On Veterans Day, we honor the roughly 7% of Americans who have worn the uniform and defended our freedom. As a veteran myself, I know the sacrifices our servicemembers and their families make every day to keep this nation safe. Semper Fidelis,” said Rep Rich McCormick (GA-07).
"Veterans Day has always had a special meaning for me and my family. My dad served in the Army, my older brother and I attended West Point, and I spent 25 years serving in the Army. This is a time for all Americans to reflect on the service and sacrifice of our veterans, as well as the troops currently standing on the ramparts of freedom. For 40+ days, Democrats shut down the federal government, held America hostage, and refused to pay our service members — all while demanding free healthcare for illegal aliens and handouts to greedy insurance companies. This was especially cruel to junior enlisted troops, many with young families and few reserves, who depend on their paycheck. Following the Senate’s action, the House will move fast to reopen the government, pay our warriors, and stop the pain being inflicted on the American people. We must never let politicians leverage their agendas and betray those who protect us," said Rep. Keith Self (TX-03).
“Montana is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the nation. We understand what it means to put service before self more than anyone. That’s why I introduced the National Cemetery Access Act ahead of Veterans Day to ensure that nothing stands in the way of paying respect to the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I’m proud to serve alongside many of my fellow veterans in Congress and look forward to continuing to work with them to make a difference in the lives of Montana's veteran community," said Rep. Troy Downing (MT-02).
“As Navy SEAL veteran I know how important it is to support those who serve,” said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). “In the state house, I supported veterans in many ways like successfully passing my bill which reduced retirement tax’s on all Virginia veterans by $40,000. In Congress, I worked with Chairman Bost to introduce the VA Data Transparency and Trust Act. This bill cuts red tape for veterans and improves the efficiency and accuracy of VA reporting to Congress. We wouldn’t have a country without our men and women in our military, on this Veterans Day make sure you thank those who sacrifice so much for us.”
“As a veteran, I am grateful for the sacrifices our service members make every day to protect our freedoms. On this Veterans Day, we honor and thank all who have worn the uniform and reaffirm our commitment to their mission. In a world with evolving threats, our military must remain strong and ready to respond. I supported keeping the government open to avoid disruptions to training and operations. Our armed forces must have the resources, support, and readiness they need to defend our nation and its values," said Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05).
“Blessed day, to all my Veteran Brothers and Sisters. Onward,” said Rep. Clay Higgins (LA-03).
“Veterans Day is a solemn reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who wore the uniform in defense of our freedoms. As threats grow around the world, we must ensure our nation’s readiness is never compromised—yet the shutdown has already strained military families and delayed critical support. This year, I was proud to help advance legislation to expand VA services for Guam and the Pacific, reaffirming our commitment that no veteran is forgotten, no matter where they call home,” said Rep. James Moylan (GU-Del).