With Honor Action Sends Letter to Senate Detailing FY27 NDAA Priorities

Posted on by Abigail Trotter

On March 27, 2026, With Honor Action sent a letter to Senate Allies and Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee detailing our initial priorities for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. These priorities include the Warrior Right to Repair Act, co-led by For Country Caucus members Reps. Maggie Goodlander (D-NH) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA), provisions of the SHIPS for America Act, co-led by With Honor Action allies Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and the expansion of youth service programs.

To With Honor Senate Allies and Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee,  

Each year, With Honor Action endorses several pieces of bipartisan national security legislation. For the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), we ask that you consider including the following 20 provisions in your submissions. As we enter an election year that will undoubtedly raise the partisan temperature, this critical, consensus-driven legislation is more important than ever, and the principled leadership demonstrated by the veteran and public service leaders that make up With Honor’s Senate Allies is the path toward a more prosperous and secure nation. 

Modernizing the Department of Defense and Revitalizing the Defense Industrial Base:

  1. H.R. 5155 / S. 2209 – Warrior Right to Repair Act of 2025  
  2. Special consideration of key national security pieces of the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act (H.R.3151/S.1541):
    1. Sec. 403 – Assessment of Undersea Cable Repair Contingencies
    2. Sec. 512 – Plan of action for use of Defense Production Act of 1950 authorities
    3. Sec. 521 – United States Center for Maritime Innovation
    4. Sec. 616 – Military to maritime transition

Expanding Pathways and Opportunities to Service:

  1. Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC)
    1. With Honor Action supports the authorization of funding for the JROTC program at or above the FY26 congressionally-authorized level of $353.9 million.
  2. United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC)
    1. With Honor Action supports the authorization of funding for the USNSCC program at or above the FY26 congressionally-authorized level of $4.3 million.
  3. Civil Air Patrol (CAP)
    1. With Honor Action supports the authorization of funding for the CAP program at or above the FY26 congressionally-authorized level of $50.3 million for aircraft and maintenance.
  4. National Guard STARBASE Program
    1. With Honor Action supports the authorization of funding for the DoD STARBASE program at or above the FY26 congressionally-authorized level of $50 million.

Supporting Our Global Allies & Partners:

  1. The establishment of a preservation process for the service records of recognized “Afghan allies” in the Department of Defense.
  2. The establishment of a United States – Ukraine Working Group on Unmanned Systems. 
  3. Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative (TSCI) 
    1. With Honor Action supports the authorization of funding for TSCI at or above the FY26 authorized level of $1 billion for FY27.

Addressing Military Quality & Ease of Life:

  1. H.R. 6383 – Brandon Act Training and Protocol Act 
  2. H.R. 7188 / S. 3654 – Military Occupancy Living Defense (MOLD) Act 
  3. H.R. 6976 – Duty Status Reform Act  
  4. The designation of a senior official responsible for the management and oversight of all programs and activities of the Department of Defense related to the transition of members of the Armed Forces to civilian status. 
  5. The expansion of resources to address childcare shortages on Department of Defense installations.

Countering Foreign Malign Influence:

  1.  H.R. 6469 – Feasibility Review of Emerging Equipment for Digital Open Media (FREEDOM) Act
  2. H.R. 7969 – Combatting Chinese Communist Party Influence Act 
  3. Authorization for the Secretaries of Defense and State to support the national security forces of partner countries and actors to counter Russian influence and destabilizing activities. 

Other National Security Matters:

  1. The establishment of an Advisory Council on Fiscal Capacity to Meet National Security Requirements.  
  2. The modification of the annual report on the military and security developments involving the People’s Republic of China to include an assessment of progress toward artificial general intelligence. 
  3. Amending the responsibilities of the Chief Digital Artificial Intelligence Officer within the Department of Defense, to include addressing threats posed by artificial general intelligence.

Detailed descriptions of these measures can be found in Appendix I, and specific legislative text may be found in Appendix II attached to this letter.

Vice President of Government Affairs, Kaylan Swartz, is available to assist your staff with any follow-up information you may need (swartz@withhonor.org).

Rye Barcott

Co-Founder & CEO

With Honor

You can read the full text of the letter here.

You can read our letter to the 18 members of the For Country Caucus on the House Armed Services Committee on the FY27 NDAA that we sent earlier this year here.

With Honor Action Sends Letter on VALID Act Inclusion in the ROAD to Housing Act

Posted on by Abigail Trotter

On March 27, 2026, With Honor Action, along with Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals, The American Legion, Blue Star Families, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, and National Association of Mortgage Brokers, sent a letter to Senator Tim Scott, Chair, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and Representative French Hill, Chair, and Representative Maxine Waters, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Financial Services on giving special consideration to the VA Loan Informed Disclosure (VALID) Act, H.R. 3694 / S.1932, which was included as Sec. 602 of the ROAD to Housing Act, and ensure it remains – in its entirety – in any final housing bill negotiations.

Dear Chairman Scott, Ranking Member Warren, Chairman Hill, and Ranking Member Waters,

We thank you for your thoughtful consideration as you’ve worked on your respective housing bills. We believe that the American people are best served by bipartisan, common-sense solutions, and we appreciate the way you have crossed the aisle to craft these bills to ensure Americans’ access to affordable housing.

As each Chamber works to resolve the differences between your respective bills, we ask that you give special consideration to the VA Loan Informed Disclosure (VALID) Act, H.R. 3694 / S.1932, which was included as Sec. 602 of the ROAD to Housing Act, and ensure it remains – in its entirety – in any final housing bill negotiations.

The Informed Consumer Choice Disclosure, which applies to FHA mortgages and conventional loans, does not require mortgage lenders to disclose the VA loan rate to eligible borrowers. The VALID Act solves this problem by requiring a side-by-side comparison of conventional, FHA, and VA home loans, enabling borrowers to fully understand their options and the resources available to them. It also ensures that the military service question on the Uniform Residential Loan Application form is required, so borrowers understand their available benefits from the start.

In 2024, more than 58,000 eligible VA borrowers did not utilize the VA home loan benefit, representing billions of dollars in potential homeownership opportunities that went unrealized. Today, only 10-15% of eligible veterans are using this benefit. Many service members and veterans are unaware of VA home loan options, and are often steered towards conventional mortgages due to incomplete information on their options. Billions of dollars are being left on the table, and veterans and service members remain unaware of this critical benefit that they have rightfully earned through their service.

For veterans and service members, the ability to purchase a home is more than just securing a roof over their heads; it is the cornerstone of the American Dream they swore an oath to protect. Homeownership provides a stable foundation that allows military families to build equity and achieve long-term financial security after years of transient service. By lowering barriers to entry and streamlining the VA loan process, Congress isn’t just facilitating a transaction—they are empowering veterans to establish generational wealth that will support their children and grandchildren for decades to come.

We appreciate the Committees’ bipartisan leadership and encourage you to include the VALID Act language in its entirety in any conferenced final bill text. Thank you for your time and consideration.

With Honor Action and America250 Kick Off Our Nation’s Semiquincentennial

Posted on by Abigail Trotter

L-R: Rye Barcott, With Honor Co-Founder & CEO, Lynn Forney Young, former president of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Cathy Gillespie, Commissioner of America250, Rosie Rios, Chair of America250, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, former Rep. Joe Crowley, Rep. Robert Aderholt, Rep. Nick LaLota, Jennifer Condon, Executive Vice President of America250.org, Inc.

With Honor Action was excited to host the America250 Commission and Congressional America250 Caucus Reception on Capitol Hill, a special evening marking the kick-off of our nation’s Semiquincentennial in 2026.

As a Founding Sponsor, With Honor Action is proud to support America250 in bringing Americans together—through service, civic engagement, and a renewed commitment to put country over politics. Together with the Congressional America250 Caucus–the largest bipartisan, bicameral caucus in U.S. history–alongside federal agencies and national partners, the event highlighted collaborative efforts already underway to orchestrate a celebration and commemoration from sea to shining sea.

With Honor Co-Founder & CEO Rye Barcott reminded attendees of the importance of youth service, noting that less than 2% of Americans serve in any capacity, whether in the military or through civilian service programs like AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps. With Honor Action and America250 share a commitment to making this year the largest year of service in American history, so that it remains a cornerstone of the American experience.

For Country Caucus Vice Chair Rep. Nick LaLota, along with members Rep. Pat Harrigan, Rep. Tom Barrett, Rep. Derek Tran, Rep. Jen Kiggans, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Rep. Matt Van Epps were also in attendance as members of the Congressional America250 Caucus.

 

With Honor Action Marks 1 Year of Biotech Across America with the NSCEB

Posted on by Abigail Trotter

L-R: NSCEB Executive Director Caitlin Frazer, Commissioners Paul Arcangeli and Dawn Meyerriecks, Vice-Chair Michelle Rozo, House BIOTech Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, NSCEB Chair Sen. Todd Young, House BIOTech Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Stephanie Bice, BIO President and CEO John Crowley, and With Honor Co-Founder & CEO Rye Barcott

With Honor Action was pleased to host a reception to celebrate a historic year for biotechnology in America, highlighting the legislative progress achieved over the past year and recognize the work advancing biotechnology as a key pillar of American national security and economic strength.

In December 2025, Congress passed a significant package of biotechnology provisions informed by the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB)’s Final Report. The legislation incorporated 17 With Honor Action-supported provisions in last year’s defense bill, aimed at strengthening biotechnology across the defense and intelligence communities, including steps to improve national security coordination, accelerate biotechnology development and manufacturing for defense applications, address supply chain risks, and expand collaboration with allies.

“We had a singular focus from the very beginning. We wanted to do all we could to make sure that we optimize our biotech ecosystem in this country all to the benefit of the national security of the American people.” – Senator Todd Young, NSCEB Chair

The reception also featured showcases from Exiger, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), the Engineering Biology Research Consortium (EBRC), and the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), allowing event attendees to experience the recent breakthroughs in the biotech industry.

“We all collectively recognize that we need to work together on this, because this is really, really important work. And it uniquely will impact, the health and safety of our country and of the world.” – Representative Chrissy Houlahan, House BIOTech Caucus Co-Chair

We are especially grateful for the leadership of Sen. Todd Young, a With Honor Action ally, and For Country Caucus member Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, a Founding Vice Chair of the For Country Caucus—both veterans—as well as Rep. Stephanie Bice, all of whom have helped elevate biotechnology as a critical national security priority.

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With Honor Action Celebrates the For Country Caucus Seven Year Anniversary

Posted on by Abigail Trotter

L-R: For Country Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Don Davis, former Vice Chair Rep. Jim Baird, Founding Co-Chair Rep. Don Bacon, Vice Chair Rep. Herb Conaway, MD, Rep. Pat Harrigan, Vice Chair Rep. Troy Downing, & Rep. Tom Barrett.

With Honor Action was pleased to host an anniversary reception to celebrate seven years of the For Country Caucus. The For Country Caucus was founded to bring together Republican and Democratic veterans committed to putting service before politics and working across the aisle to strengthen America’s national security.  Over the past seven years, caucus members have advanced more than 200 bipartisan initiatives that reflect the values of those who have worn the uniform.

Since its founding, With Honor Action has worked to support and elevate principled veteran leaders dedicated to integrity, civility, and effective governance; values that are embodied in the continued work of the caucus. Rooted in a mission to promote cross-partisan collaboration and restore a spirit of service in Washington, we support a new generation of men and women answering the call to serve again, and take the With Honor Pledge to put principles before politics.

The reception, held at Bullfeathers on Capitol Hill, brought together members, supporters, and partners for an evening of reflection and renewed commitment. The event featured remarks from Founding Co-Chair Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), and current Co-Chair Rep. Don Davis (D-NC), along with current Vice Chairs Rep. Troy Downing (R-MT) and Rep. Herb Conaway (D-NJ), each underscoring the importance of trust, teamwork, and mission-driven leadership in today’s political climate.

The evening served not only as a celebration of past accomplishments but also as a powerful reminder of what is possible when leaders choose collaboration over division. The caucus continues to demonstrate that bipartisan cooperation is still possible in Washington when leaders commit to putting country before party.

Read the press release marking the Caucus’s 7th anniversary here.

For Country Caucus Marks Seven Years, 200+ Bipartisan Laws Passed to Strengthen National Security, Increase National Service, and Support Veterans and Military Families

Posted on by Abigail Trotter

For Immediate Release

Contact: Susan Forbes, forbes@withhonor.org

For Country Caucus Marks Seven Years, 200+ Bipartisan Laws Passed to Strengthen National Security, Increase National Service, and Support Veterans and Military Families

Bipartisan caucus of military veteran lawmakers celebrates record of results in a polarized Congress

 

Washington, D.C. — March 18, 2026 — The bipartisan For Country Caucus today proudly marks seven years, celebrating a record of more than 200 bipartisan laws passed by its members. These laws have strengthened national security, expanded national service and civic education, supported veterans, and improved the lives of service members and their military families. 

Founded in 2019, the For Country Caucus is a bipartisan group of veteran lawmakers united by their commitment to advancing principled leadership and bipartisan solutions in Congress. Today, the caucus proudly includes nearly 40 Republican and Democratic members who have served in uniform and continue their service through legislative leadership on national security and support for the military community. 

“The For Country Caucus was founded on the idea that those who have served our nation in uniform should work together to serve it in Congress,” said Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-TX) and Rep. Don Davis (D-NC), Co-Chairs of the For Country Caucus. “Seven years later, we are proud of the bipartisan progress our members have made—and committed to continuing that work on behalf of our troops, veterans, and national security.”

Among the Caucus’s and its members’ achievements are:

  • Expansion of national service programs, including Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, AmeriCorps, and the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps
  • Designation of “988” as the nationwide Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the passage and sustainment of the Brandon Act to improve the ability of active duty military personnel to receive mental health assistance
  • Leadership of the Military Quality of Life Panel, contributing to 14.5% pay raise for junior-enlisted service members to combat military food insecurity
  • Creation of an Afghan War Commission to examine lessons from America’s longest war
  • Passage of more than two dozen recommendations of the National Security Commission on AI and the Cyberspace Solarium Commission
  • Establishment of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology in 2021and subsequent sections under the National Biotechnology Initiative Act enacted in 2025
  • Support for democratic allies, including the NATO Support Act, Baltic Security Initiative codification, and measures to repurpose Russian assets for Ukraine’s recovery
  • Laws to counter malign CCP influence, including the BIOSECURE Act and TikTok divest-or-ban legislation restructuring U.S. ownership
  • Authorization of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall

“Seven years ago, a group of veteran lawmakers came together with a simple belief: service to country should come before politics,” said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor. “In a time when Americans are seeking courage in their elected officials, these members have shown that the oath they took to serve in uniform is translating into the kind of principled leadership our country needs in Congress.”

Read the 2019 Washington Post op-ed by the caucus’s original leadership, Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), and former Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL) here.

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About With Honor

With Honor Action fights polarization in Congress by supporting principled veterans across party lines who pledge to serve with integrity, civility, and courage. With Honor Action works alongside the bipartisan For Country Caucus in Congress to pass critical legislation for our nation. With Honor Action is a 501(c)(4), which serves as the organization’s policy and social-welfare arm. With Honor has an affiliated federally registered “super PAC” called With Honor Fund III. Learn more about our work at WithHonor.org.

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