For Immediate Release
Contact: Susan Forbes, forbes@withhonor.org

With Honor Action Applauds FY26 NDAA, Marking 65 Consecutive Years of Passage

FY26 NDAA advances bipartisan priorities championed by members of the For Country Caucus, working in partnership with With Honor Action, to strengthen U.S. national security, support service members and their families, bolster allies, and invest in the next generation of leaders.

Washington, D.C. – December 18, 2025 – As Congress marks the 65th consecutive year of passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), With Honor Action today applauded enactment of the FY26 NDAA, which includes 70 bipartisan priorities advanced by members of the For Country Caucus in partnership with With Honor Action.

Working alongside these bipartisan Members of Congress and key Senate allies, With Honor Action supported the inclusion of provisions that modernize the Department of Defense (DoD), protect and advance U.S. leadership in biotechnology, strengthen support for Ukraine and NATO, improve the health and well-being of service members, reaffirm America’s commitment to allies and partners, and expand youth service programs that help develop the next generation of leaders.

“These bipartisan results reflect what is possible when leaders put country over party,” said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor. “For 65 years, Congress has come together to pass the NDAA, and this year’s bill continues that legacy. Thanks to the leadership of bipartisan champions in the For Country Caucus, along with allies such as SASC leaders Senators Roger Wicker and Jack Reed, and biotech leaders Representative Chrissy Houlahan and Senator Todd Young—this NDAA demonstrates the power of principled, cross-party cooperation to strengthen America’s security and global leadership.”

“The Commission applauds Congress for taking clear and meaningful action to strengthen national security by including so many of NSCEB’s policy recommendations in the FY26 NDAA. We are grateful to With Honor for their collaboration on bringing these critical biotechnology priorities to life, and we look forward to continuing our work together.” —Caitlin Frazer, Executive Director, NSCEB.

“The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps gives young men and women from a variety of backgrounds the skills and confidence needed to become great citizens. Sea Cadets relies on thousands of volunteers nationwide who invest their time preparing America’s future leaders for productive careers or military service. We are grateful for congressional funding that allows us to keep costs reasonable for our families. We appreciate the strong support and advocacy of With Honor and the For Country Caucus.” —Andrew Lennon, Executive Director, U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

Select FY26 NDAA Priorities Advanced with the For Country Caucus

Protecting and Advancing American Biotechnology Leadership

In 2021, With Honor Action helped lead the establishment of the congressionally mandated National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) to assess how advances in biotechnology will shape U.S. national security and the future of the DoD. Chaired by Senator Todd Young, a key With Honor Action Senate ally, the Commission’s Final Report underscores the need for sustained, intentional U.S. investment to maintain global leadership in biotechnology. In parallel, For Country Caucus member Rep. Chrissy Houlahan co-founded the House BIOTech Caucus in collaboration with the NSCEB to further advance bipartisan biotechnology policy. With Honor Action was proud to see that 17 NSCEB-supported provisions were ultimately enacted in the NDAA, strengthening and protecting American leadership in biotechnology, including:

• Prohibitions on the federal government from procuring biotechnology from companies linked to the Chinese Communist Party that pose national security risks through enactment of the BIOSECURE Act.
• Requirements for the DoD and intelligence agencies to designate senior leaders responsible for biotechnology strategy, strengthening U.S. global leadership in emerging biotechnology.

Delivering a 21st Century Department of Defense and Industrial Base

Delivering a twenty-first-century Department of Defense requires modernizing how the Pentagon equips the warfighter while strengthening the industrial base that underpins American military power. This year’s NDAA advances that mission by accelerating acquisition reform, expanding access to commercial innovation, and investing in resilient domestic production across critical sectors. With Honor was proud to see key priorities from the FoRGED Act—introduced by Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman and With Honor Action ally Senator Roger Wicker—reflected in the legislation, including:

• The establishment of portfolio acquisition executives to oversee groups of related defense programs, replacing fragmented, program-by-program decision-making with clearer authority and accountability. This policy shift is designed to expedite delivery, enhance coordination between budgets and requirements, and enable the DoD to adapt more quickly to evolving national security needs.
• Advancements toward a commercial-first procurement policy that directs the DoD to prioritize proven, off-the-shelf technologies before pursuing bespoke military systems. This approach aims to reduce costs, shorten timelines, and better leverage America’s commercial innovation base to meet urgent defense needs.

Standing With Our Democratic Allies & Partners

This year’s NDAA reinforces America’s leadership by strengthening alliance cooperation, sustaining forward U.S. military presence, and enhancing deterrence across key regions. With Honor Action supported provisions that bolster NATO’s eastern flank through the Baltic Security Initiative, deepen Indo-Pacific partnerships including AUKUS, maintain security assistance for Ukraine, and strengthen congressional oversight of U.S. force posture in Europe and the Korean Peninsula. Together with new safeguards on outbound investment to the People’s Republic of China, these measures underscore a sustained commitment to collective defense, allied unity, and a stable, rules-based international order. Specifically, the NDAA includes:

• $400 million to support Ukraine’s self-defense through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and an expansion of U.S. efforts to identify and return the estimated over 19,000 Ukrainian children abducted during Russia’s invasion.
• Maintaining U.S. troop levels in Europe and NATO, while codifying protections for key alliance leadership roles, strengthening deterrence against continued Russian aggression, and reinforcing NATO’s collective defense posture amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and broader strategic uncertainty.
• Maintaining U.S. troop levels in Korea, which reaffirms the U.S.–ROK Mutual Defense Treaty, strengthens deterrence against North Korean provocations, and supports stability amid rising regional tensions, while reinforcing broader U.S. security commitments across the Indo-Pacific.

Supporting the Warfighter and Our Military Families

This year’s NDAA strengthens warfighter readiness by addressing long-term health risks, improving force protection, and expanding support for military families. With Honor was proud to help advance the ROTOR Act (Sec. 736), led by Reps. Rich McCormick and Chris Deluzio, which extends cancer research to rotary-wing aviators and aviation support personnel to uncover previously unstudied occupational risks. The legislation also establishes blast safety officers to reduce traumatic brain injuries (Sec. 508), enhances compensation and allowances, and expands access to childcare and family support.

Expanding National Civic Youth Programs

This year’s NDAA enhances national readiness by expanding opportunities for young Americans to serve and develop their future leadership skills. With Honor supported full funding for JROTC and the authorization of 200 new units nationwide (Sec. 542), expanding access to leadership, civics, and STEM education. The legislation also boosts funding for the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, National Guard STARBASE, and Civil Air Patrol (Sec. 4301), providing hands-on training in critical fields, while establishing automatic Selective Service registration to reduce the bureaucratic burden on registrants. Together, these measures invest in the next generation of civic and military leaders, reinforcing the foundations of the all-volunteer force.

With Honor Action commends Congress for passing the NDAA for the 65th consecutive year. In February, the organization submitted its FY26 priorities to Congress and worked alongside bipartisan members of the For Country Caucus throughout the legislative process. 70 of those shared priorities were enacted into law as part of this year’s NDAA. A full list of enacted provisions supported by With Honor Action is available [here].

While this year’s NDAA has just been finalized, With Honor is already identifying the priorities we will continue to advocate for in Fiscal Year 2027. We will work to advance the right to repair, strengthening the operational readiness of service members by ensuring they have the necessary tools, information, and authority to repair equipment in the field without incurring high contractor maintenance fees. Our advocacy will also prioritize the need to expand veteran home ownership, including the requirement of side-by-side comparisons of conventional, FHA, and VA loan options, so that eligible borrowers clearly understand and can fully access the benefits they have earned.

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About With Honor Action
With Honor Action works alongside bipartisan Members of Congress—particularly the veterans of the For Country Caucus—to advance principled, bipartisan solutions that strengthen America’s security and democratic institutions. By supporting leaders who pledge to serve with integrity, civility, and courage, With Honor Action helps counter polarization and drive results for the American people. With Honor Action is a 501(c)(4) organization and serves as the policy and social-welfare arm of With Honor. With Honor has an affiliated, federally registered super PAC, With Honor Fund III. Learn more at WithHonor.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 30, 2025 

With Honor Action to Participate in Two Sessions at the 2025 AI+ Expo for National Competitiveness

Veteran Leaders to Spotlight Public-Private Leadership, National Security Innovation, and Civic Trust

Washington, D.C. — May 29, 2025 — With Honor Action will participate in two featured sessions at the AI+ Expo for National Competitiveness, organized by the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The Expo brings together top leaders from government, industry, and academia to address how the United States can ensure that emerging technologies—particularly artificial intelligence—serve as engines of economic growth, global leadership, and national security.

With Honor Action, a bipartisan organization dedicated to supporting principled veteran leadership through the For Country Caucus, has played a pivotal role in shaping the legislative and policy landscape around emerging technologies in Congress. Drawing from the forward-looking recommendations of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence and the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, we have worked to translate national security priorities into concrete legislative outcomes.

Among our most significant achievements are the passage of the Cyber Diplomacy Act, which established the first-ever U.S. Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy, a post to which former With Honor Action Advisory Board Member and Marine Corps veteran Nathaniel Fick was appointed, and the successful codification of the Office of the National Cyber Director, which centralizes leadership for federal cybersecurity strategy, coordination, and resilience.

The veteran members of the For Country Caucus have additionally been leaders on some of the most consequential legislation in recent years, including former For Country Caucus Vice Chair Rep. Mikie Sherrill and former Rep. Mike Gallagher’s leadership of the Endless Frontier Act, a precursor to the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Taiwan Cybersecurity Resiliency Act, co-led by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan.

Building on this legacy, With Honor Action is a key supporter of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology and its final report, released earlier this year. We are actively engaged in efforts to turn the Commission’s recommendations into law—ensuring the United States remains a global leader in biotechnology innovation, security, and ethical governance.

Our work exemplifies the critical role that principled veteran voices play in navigating the opportunities and risks of emerging technologies to strengthen national security and uphold democratic values.

South Stage | 9:30–10:00 AM ET

Panel: From Capitol Hill to C-Suite: Leading with Honor Across Sectors

This panel will feature leaders who have served in uniform, in public office, and in corporate leadership—offering insight into how values like integrity, service, and accountability shape decision-making across sectors.

Speakers:

• Rye Barcott, Co-Founder & CEO, With Honor
• Representative Don Davis (D-NC)
• Representative Troy Downing (R-MT)
• Brandon Daniels, CEO, Exiger
• Moderator: Andrew Desiderio, Punchbowl News

Key Themes:

• Integrity and Accountability in Leadership
• Service-Oriented Leadership
• Bridging Government and Business for the National Interest

“As we look ahead to the upcoming panel From Capitol Hill to C-Suite: Leading with Honor Across Sectors, we’re proud to continue advancing integrity, accountability, and service-oriented leadership that bridges political divides in the national interest,” said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor. “Over the past several years, With Honor Action has worked alongside principled veteran leaders in the For Country Caucus and our allies in the Senate to help enact nearly two dozen key recommendations from the National Security Commission on AI and the Cyberspace Solarium Commission. Building on that momentum, we’re now focused on turning the bold and timely recommendations of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology—championed by Rep. Seth Moulton and chaired by Senator Todd Young—into meaningful, bipartisan action.”

Central Stage | 11:00–11:30 AM ET

Fireside: Beyond the Battlefield: The Veterans Shaping National Security Policy

This session will explore how veteran-led innovation is helping turn the technology race into a catalyst for decisive national strength—while renewing trust and agility across American institutions.

Speakers:

• Sean McClintock, VP of Government Affairs, With Honor Action
• LtGen Mike Groen, USMC (Ret.), Former Commander, Joint Artificial Intelligence Center
• Moderator: Charles Correll Jr., Partner, King & Spalding

Key Themes:

• Veteran-Driven Civic Renewal
• Operationalizing AI for Strategic Advantage
• Organizing to Win in the Tech Competition

“Veterans bring a mission-oriented mindset and practical leadership experience that is central to ensuring the United States not only competes, but leads in this new era,” said Sean McClintock, Vice President of Government Affairs of With Honor Action. “This discussion is about harnessing principled leadership to strengthen our institutions and secure a future defined by integrity, trust, and strategic resolve.”

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. The For Country Caucus is a bipartisan coalition of 37 military veteran Members of Congress united around service, civility, and the courage to work across party lines.  

More info and registration: www.scsp.ai/ai-plus-expo
Media Inquiries: Forbes@WithHonor.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 21, 2025

With Honor Joins Bipartisan Veteran Members of Congress to Clean the Vietnam Wall before Memorial Day Weekend.

Washington, D.C. – As the nation pauses to remember its fallen heroes this Memorial Day Weekend, With Honor Action will join nearly 30 Members of Congress from the bipartisan For Country Caucus and co-host the 4th Annual Vietnam Memorial Wall Cleaning, this year led by Representative Jack Bergman. A retired Marine Corps General, Congressman Bergman is a member of the For Country Caucus and one of three Vietnam veterans in Congress, along with Representatives Jim Baird and Mike Thompson, who plan to join and offer a word of reflection at the cleaning. U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, an Army veteran who led soldiers in combat in Iraq, will also join as a special guest this year.

“We honor the legacy of our fallen heroes, including the 58,318 Vietnam veterans named on the Wall, and our servicemen and women still missing in action,” said Rye Barcott, a Marine Corps veteran and Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor. “Party affiliations mean nothing in a foxhole, and it’s moving to see these veterans in Congress set aside their partisan differences during a bitterly divided time to wash the Wall together.”

With Honor Action and the For Country Caucus see this not just as a tradition, but as a continued pledge to lead by example.

“For those who’ve worn the uniform, this memorial means something deeply personal,” said Congressmen Jake Elzey (R-TX) and Don Davis (D-NC), Co-Chairs of the For Country Caucus. “Cleaning the wall isn’t just about keeping it presentable-it’s about honoring our brothers and sisters whose names our country has etched in stone to pay special tribute. It’s a quiet way for us to say, ‘You’re not forgotten.’ We owe them that—and so much more.”

Earlier that morning, With Honor Action and Exiger will co-host the wear blue: run to remember Memorial Day 2-mile run of honor on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., recognizing more than 150 fallen servicemen and women in a static display throughout the day. The event will include a benediction by For Country Caucus Co-Chair Representative Don Davis, an Air Force Officer and ordained minister, and remarks by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.  

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. The For Country Caucus is a bipartisan coalition of 37 military veteran Members of Congress united around service, civility, and the courage to work across party lines.

Media Contact:

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact: 

Susan Forbes

forbes@WithHonor.org

(678) 770-1305

Modernizing the Department of Defense & Emerging Technology 

1. Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (a.k.a “TikTok divest-or-ban bill”) [H.R. 815, Division I] – Led by former For Country Caucus member and Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Select Committee Representative Mike Gallagher, this bill restricts the availability in the U.S. of ByteDance-controlled apps, which includes TikTok, unless the apps sever ties with ByteDance and similar actors that are subject to the control of a foreign adversary. This also creates a process for the President to designate certain specific media apps that are subject to the control of a foreign adversary and that pose a national security risk. Such a designation would lead to a prohibition on app store availability and web hosting services in the U.S. unless the designated apps sever ties to the entity identified as being controlled by a foreign adversary.
2. Establishment of DoD (DoD) working group on multilateral artificial intelligence (AI) coordination [H.R. 5009, Sec. 1807] – Formerly the Five AIs Act when led by former Representative Mike Gallagher, this provision was spearheaded in the NDAA by Representative Nick LaLota. It establishes a working group in the DoD to coordinate artificial intelligence initiatives amongst allies and partners, including comparative testing, evaluation, and procurement of AI systems. It will also accelerate the interoperability of systems used for intelligence sharing and battle space awareness.
3. Independent assessment of cyber organizational models [H.R. 5009, Sec. 1544] – Led by Representative Morgan Luttrell, this provision aims to procure an independent assessment of the military’s current cyber organizational structure and capabilities that advises on further refinements or evolutions of the current model and the feasibility and advisability of establishing a separate Cyber Force.
4. Pilot program on development of near-term use cases and demonstration of artificial intelligence toward biotechnology applications for national security [H.R. 5009, Sec. 236] – This provision establishes a five-year public-private partnership pilot program for the DoD to study and develop near-term applications of artificial intelligence to biotechnology for national security purposes, such as AI-driven drug discovery, synthetic biology, and regenerative medicine.
5. Modification of public reporting of Chinese military companies operating in the United States [H.R. 5009, Sec. 1346] – This provision requires a printed justification in the Federal Register for decisions on listing or delisting companies from the DoD’s list of entities identified as “Chinese military companies” operating in the United States. The provision additionally clarifies the conditions under which companies may be listed in recognition of the complex web of ownership and affiliations such companies may operate under.
6. Biotech Futures Act [H.R. 5009, Sec. 242: Biotechnology roadmap] – This provision directs the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan that includes goals and metrics to guide the Department’s biotechnology work. The plan will encompass funding sources, technology maturity, opportunities for rapid acquisition and fielding, risk analyses, and biotechnology workforce development.
7. Establishment of national security capital forum [H.R. 5009, Sec. 1092] – This provision, led by Representative Pat Ryan, establishes a convening organization for the DoD to bring together domestic and international finance experts, capital providers, investors, entrepreneurs, and others to exchange relevant information to support the national security of the United States and to institute rigorous vetting procedures and selection criteria, including disallowing fund participants with significant investments in or from certain countries of concern.
8. Defense Quantum Acceleration Act of 2024 [H.R. 5009, Sec. 244: Strategic plan for quantum information science technologies within the DoD] – This provision incorporates part of the Defense Quantum Acceleration Act of 2024 and directs the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy plan for the research, development, testing, evaluation, procurement, and implementation of quantum information science (QIS) technologies at the DoD over the next five years, and to submit to Congress an assessment which includes the appropriateness of current budget proposals for QIS-related activities.
9. Biodefense posture reviews [H.R. 5009, Sec. 1069] – Led by Representative Jack Bergman, this provision directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct two comprehensive reviews of the Department’s biodefense policies, practices, programs, and initiatives and to provide an accompanying briefing no later than December 31, 2026, and December 31, 2029.
10. Restoring the National Defense Stockpile [H.R. 5009, Sec. 1411] – This provision tasks the Secretary of Defense with developing a plan that identifies strategic and critical minerals for both military and civilian needs for which there is a shortfall in the National Defense Stockpile alongside a strategy to resolve those shortfalls with the associated costs.
11. Modification of certain requirements relating to the Joint Energetics Transition Office [H.R. 5009, Sec. 211] –  This provision requires the Secretary of Defense to formally establish a budget line for the Joint Energetics Transition Office. Last year, With Honor Action supported the establishment of this office, led in Congress by former Representative Mike Gallagher. The office is tasked with developing a comprehensive approach to supporting and coordinating research, development, testing, and evaluation efforts in the DoD, industry, and academia. Energetic materials are substances which are used as propellants and explosives.
12. Authority to modernize recruitment for the Army [H.R. 5009, Sec. 538] – This section reflects a broad push to modernize Army recruitment by introducing new technologies, specialized roles, and data-driven strategies. Specifically, this provision provides the authority for the Secretary of the Army to establish a new Military Occupational Speciality (MOS) for enlisted members who specialize in talent acquisition, create a force of warrant officers specializing in talent acquisition, and identify regions in the U.S. that yield the highest number of recruits.
13. Plan to improve access by members of the Armed Forces to safe, high-quality pharmaceuticals [H.R. 5009, Sec. 739] – This provision requires the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Military Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Vulnerability Working Group, to develop a plan to improve access to safe, high-quality pharmaceuticals for Armed Forces members. This report will include specifics on corrections to the supply chain, reputable suppliers, and the feasibility of carrying out this plan.
14. To require the Secretary of Defense to designate the Joint Force Headquarters-DoD Information Network as a subordinate unified command under the United States Cyber Command [H.R. 5009, Sec. 1502: DoD Information Network subordinate unified command] – This provision, led by Representative Don Bacon, elevates the DoD’s primary organization for the Department’s networks, the Joint Force Headquarters-DOD Information Network, to a subordinate unified command under U.S. Cyber Command. This move reflects the elevation of the Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF), to a subordinate unified command in 2022.
15. BioTech Innovation and National Security Continuation Act [H.R. 5009, Sec. 1084: Modification of National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology] – In 2021, With Honor Action helped establish the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology with Representative Seth Moulton and former Representative Mike Gallagher. The commission studies and will make recommendations on how the federal government can better approach and support biotechnology research and development for national security purposes. This provision extends the Commission’s authority to appoint members, the due date for its final report by six months, and its termination date to December 31, 2026.
16. Supply chain illumination incentives [H.R. 5009, Sec. 849] – This provision directs the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement incentives for defense contractors to assess and monitor their supply chains for goods provided to the Department for potential vulnerabilities and noncompliance risks.
17. Report and updated guidance on continued risk management for pharmaceutical supply chains of the DoD [H.R. 5009, Sec. 850] – This provision, led by Representative Mikie Sherrill, requires the DoD to include temperature monitoring as a factor in the pharmaceutical supply chain and provide a report on the key starting material for pharmaceuticals that the Department may be relying on high-risk foreign suppliers to source from to assess potential vulnerabilities and any obstacles to obtaining that information.
18. Bolstering America’s Defenses Against Potentially Perilous Software (BAD APPS) Act [H.R. 5009, Sec. 1546] – This provision, led by Representatives Mikie Sherrill and Jack Bergman, tasks the DoD with providing a report on the feasibility and advisability of creating a framework to assess the risk of mobile applications originating from countries of concern. This framework would help the Department decide whether the regular usage of specific apps on service members’ and the civilian DoD workforce’s phones poses an unacceptable national security risk.
19. Updated acquisition and sustainment training [H.R. 5009, Sec. 832] – This provision tasks the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment with developing field teams to train acquisition and sustainment personnel on rapid acquisition procedures.
20. Enhancing requirements for information relating to supply chain risk [H.R. 5009, Sec. 841] – This provision cuts red tape by authorizing the Secretary of Defense to delegate supply chain risk management authority to defense agency directors and removes (1) the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and Chief Information Officer joint recommendation requirement, (2) the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security risk assessment, and (3) the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment concurrence requirement for supply chain risk management acquisition.

Providing for Our Service members, Veterans, and their Families

1. Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act [H.R. 8371] – This bill is the largest veterans’ affairs bill since the PACT Act, and the cornerstone of the legislation is the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act led by For Country Caucus member Representative Jack Bergman. The bill expands access to home- and community-based services at every Veterans Administration (VA) medical center in recognition of the life-saving work that veteran and military caregivers render every day to those who served our country.
2. Gerald’s Law Act [H.R. 8371, Sec. 301] – Terminally ill veterans who pass away in a non-VA facility while receiving hospice care are currently not eligible for the Non-Service Connected Burial and Plot benefit, a benefit covering up to $800 worth of burial expenses. Representative Jack Bergman’s Gerald’s Law Act, named after Gerald Elliott, a veteran whose family was denied this burial benefit, would expand eligibility to include veterans who pass away at a non-VA facility under hospice care. You can learn more about With Honor Action’s work on this bill from Representative Jack Bergman here.
3. Dustoff Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act [S. 2825] – Dustoff crews during the Vietnam War flew medevac missions into combat to rescue their fellow service members. Crews consisted of four people: two pilots, a medic, and a crew chief. They flew Hueys without weapons to defend themselves and were virtually defenseless as they evacuated over 900,000 casualties during the Vietnam War. The Dustoff Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act, supported by 25 members of the For Country Caucus, awarded a Congressional Gold Medal to the estimated remaining 800 surviving Dustoff crew members and gave them the recognition they deserve. With Honor Action combined efforts with Hunton Andrews Kurth to advocate on behalf of these veterans, highlighted by an op-ed from Mike Kerrigan, Partner at the law firm.
4. VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023 [H.R 815, Sec. 153] – While the VA has changed appointment scheduling through its website, healthcare facilities and updated internet applications, veterans still face difficulties scheduling appointments. To cut down on excessive wait times, Representative Jim Baird’s VA Same-Day Scheduling Act, directs the VA with developing a plan so that any covered veteran who makes a phone call requesting care can schedule an appointment during that phone call. A “covered veteran” is enrolled in the VA health care system. You can learn more about With Honor Action’s work on this bill from Representative Jim Baird here.
5. Blast Overpressure Safety Act [H.R. 5009, Subtitle C, Secs. 721-725: Matters Relating to Brain Health] – Led by With Honor Action ally Senator Joni Ernst, these provisions seek to better mitigate and protect service members from blast overpressure and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) they may be exposed to in the line of duty. These specific provisions will create a Defense Intrepid Network for Traumatic Brain Injury and Brain Health, establish an intensive brain health and trauma program, development of a traumatic brain injury oversight strategy and action plan, and the establishment of performance parameters for new weapon systems in order to minimize blast overpressure exposure.
6. Maintaining our Obligations to Moms who Serve (MOMS) Act [H.R. 5009, Sec. 705: Program to prevent perinatal mental health conditions in pregnant and postpartum members of the Armed Force] – This provision, led by Representatives Chrissy Houlahan and Don Bacon, would implement evidence-based programs across the military to reduce the incidence of mental health conditions in pregnant and postpartum members of the Armed Forces and their spouses. A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that one in three female service members experience maternal mental health conditions, almost double the national average for civilian women.
7. Authority to accept gifts of services for professional military education institutions [H.R. 5009, Sec. 556] – This provision, led by Representative Seth Moulton, standardizes the law governing acceptable gifts to military museums and schools by clarifying that professional military education institutions, like Marine Corps University, may accept “gifts of service” from associations created to support the institution, such as the Marine Corps University Foundation. Such gifts may include adjunct faculty salaries paid for through the associated foundation.
8. Reform to basic pay rates [H.R. 5009, Sec. 601] – This major provision, led by Representatives Don Bacon and Chrissy Houlahan, includes a targeted 10% pay increase for service members in pay grades E-1 to E-4, in addition to a 4.5% across-the-board raise. This total 14.5% pay increase for junior enlisted personnel will significantly help those struggling to afford basic necessities. The raise will add approximately $3,000 to $6,000 annually, depending on rank. For example, E-1s will see their annual pay increase to $27,828 from $24,206, while E-4s with at least six years of experience will earn $44,107, up from $38,368.
9. Military Housing Transparency & Accountability Act [H.R. 5009, Sec. 2825: Additional requirements for database of complaints made regarding housing units of DoD] – This provision, led by Representative Salud Carbajal, requires the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Housing to submit an annual report on housing complaints across privatized military housing, unaccompanied housing, and barracks for three years, categorizing complaints into physiological, psychological, safety hazards, and maintenance issues, and detailing the actions taken to address them.
10. Ensuring Military Access to Higher Education Benefits Act [H.R. 5009, Sec. 559B: Ensuring access to certain higher education benefits] – This provision, led by Representative Don Davis, requires the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Education to complete a data-matching process within one year to identify DoD employees, both military and civilian, who made qualifying student loan payments through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. This process will make it easier for qualified current and former military service members to have their federal student loans forgiven.
11. Reserve and National Guard Military Leave Enhancement Act [H.R. 5009, Sec. 1109: Increase in military leave accrual and accumulation for Federal employees] – This provision increases the amount of leave federal employees who are a part of the National Guard or Reserve components may take for military service from fifteen days to twenty days, bringing their benefits more in line with those of active duty personnel.
12. Coast Guard Reserve Parental Leave Parity Act [H.R. 5009, Sec. 603: Extension of parental leave to members of the Coast Guard Reserve] – Building upon With Honor Action’s work last year to expand parental leave parity to members of the National Guard and Reserves, this provision, led by Representatives Jeff Jackson and Zach Nunn, expands leave eligibility and parity to members of the Coast Guard Reserve of both genders who choose to adopt or foster a new child.
13. MilTax Awareness Act of 2023 [H.R. 5009, Sec. 653: Promotion of tax preparation assistance program] – This provision, led by Representative Jimmy Panetta, requires the Secretary of Defense to ensure that each member of the Armed Forces receives a notice by March 1 each year about the MilTax program and other tax preparation assistance programs. Additionally, within six months of the Act’s enactment, the Secretary must submit a report to Congress on the participation rates of military members in these programs.
14. ROTC and DEP Benefits Improvement Act [H.R. 5009, Sec. 631: Expansion of eligibility for certain benefits that arise from the death of a member of the Armed Forces] – This provision, led by Representatives Salud Carbajal and Mike Waltz, authorizes the payment of a death gratuity and casualty assistance for ROTC cadets and midshipmen who pass away as a result of a sanctioned training event.
15. Analysis of housing availability for critical civil and contractor personnel near rural military installations [H.R. 5009, Sec. 2828] – This provision requires the Secretary of Defense to revise the DoD manual responsible with Housing Management to include an analysis of housing availability for civilian personnel and defense contractors who provide critical services near rural military installations.
16. Evaluation of the rates of the basic allowance for subsistence [H.R. 5009, Sec. 627] – This provision directs the DoD to include geographic location and number of dependents in its calculation of the Basic Allowance for Subsistence.
17. Report regarding the calculation of cost-of-living allowances [H.R. 5009, Sec. 628] – This provision directs the DoD to evaluate the current threshold for the payment of cost-of-living allowance (COLA) percentage for sufficiency that includes the appropriate average spendable income of servicemembers and location-specific costs.
18. Basic needs allowance for members on active service in the Armed Forces: expansion of eligibility; increase of amount [H.R. 5009, Sec. 621] – This provision expands the eligibility threshold and the amount of the Basic Needs Allowance to 200% of the federal poverty guideline.
19. Authority to pay basic allowance for housing to junior enlisted members on sea duty [H.R. 5009, Sec. 622] – This provision expands the statutory authority for a service secretary to authorize a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for servicemembers in pay grades E-6 and below assigned to initial field or sea duty.
20. Parent fees at military child development centers for child care employees [H.R. 5009, Sec. 633] – This provision requires the military services to cover 100% of childcare fees for the first child of staff enrolled in the DoD Child Development Program and authorizes the military services to cover up to 100% of childcare fees for any additional child of said staff.
21. Competitive pay for DoD child care personnel [H.R. 5009, Sec. 583] – This provision requires that employees directly involved in military installation child development programs are paid at rates competitive with their localities while not falling below Department minimum compensation rates.
22. Expansion of annual briefing regarding waiting lists for military child development centers [H.R. 5009, Sec. 586] – This provision directs the Secretary of Defense to provide briefings regarding childcare services at military child development centers, including personnel and facility needs, at the twenty military installations with the longest waiting lists.
23. Budget justification for certain Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization projects [H.R. 5009, Sec. 2821] – This provision requires each military department to include information on prior expenditures and facility sustainment, restoration, and modernization (FSRM) requirements at unaccompanied housing facilities in the annual budget request.
24. Independent assessment of estimated costs of certain strategies to address shortages of covered military unaccompanied housing [H.R. 5009, Sec. 2831] – This provision requires an independent assessment of the lifecycle costs for building and sustaining covered military unaccompanied housing compared to the cost of alternative options, including Basic Allowance for Housing payments.
25. Strategy for use of existing leasing authorities to address shortages of covered military unaccompanied housing required [H.R. 5009, Sec. 2830] – This provision requires the Department to develop a strategy for using existing property leasing authorities to address the needs of military housing and authorize appropriations for potential leasing actions.
26. Access to broadband internet access service for certain members of the Armed Forces H.R. 5009, Sec. 651] – This provision authorizes the Secretaries of the military departments to provide high-speed internet access and wireless network connections to members of the Armed Forces who reside in unaccompanied housing within the United States, without charge.
27. TRICARE program: waiver of referral requirement under TRICARE Prime for certain care in a military medical treatment facility [H.R. 5009, Sec. 703] – This provision requires the Secretary of Defense to expand direct access, without referrals, to medical appointments in military medical treatment facilities for active duty servicemembers seeking certain health care services, including for physical therapy, nutrition, audiology, optometry, and podiatry.
28. Retention of health care providers: surveys; briefing; reports [H.R. 5009, Sec. 718] – This provision directs each of the service secretaries to conduct a survey of military health care providers to determine the reasons why military providers remain in service or separate.
29. Military Spouse Career Accelerator Program [H.R. 5009, Sec. 582] – This provision authorizes the Military Spouse Career Accelerator program until January 1, 2031.
30. Interstate compacts for portability of occupational licenses of military spouses: permanent authority [H.R. 5009, Sec. 581] – This provision authorizes the Secretary of Defense to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Council of State Governments to develop interstate licensure compacts for military spouses.
31. Child care services and youth program services for dependents: period of services for a member with a spouse seeking employment [H.R. 5009, Sec. 589] – This provision expands eligibility for unemployed military spouses seeking employment to receive childcare in DoD Child Development Programs, both on and off installation, to 180 days.

Supporting Our Allies Abroad

1. Afghan Allies Protection Act (AAPA) of 2023 [H.R. 2882, Sec. 7034(d)(9)] – Led by For Country Caucus members Representatives Jason Crow and Brad Wenstrup, key pieces of this legislation were passed which authorized an additional 12,000 Afghan Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) and extended the program through 2025. This increase was the largest expansion of the Afghan SIV program since the program’s creation in 2009, a 31% increase over the previously authorized 38,500 visas, with the potential to facilitate continued evacuations of over 130,000 Afghan allies and their families still stranded abroad.
2. Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity (REPO) for Ukrainians Act [H.R. 815, Division F] – Once the Russian invasion of Ukraine ends, extensive reconstruction of Ukraine’s economy, infrastructure, and communities will require large-scale investment. To hold Russia accountable, the U.S. should seize frozen Russian assets and allocate them for rebuilding. The Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity (REPO) for Ukrainians Act, supported by members of the For Country Caucus, including Co-Chairs Representative Tony Gonzales and Representative Jason Crow, empowers the President to confiscate these assets, which total over $300 billion, and direct them to Ukraine’s reconstruction.
3. Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum (SHIP) Act [H.R. 815, Division J] – Revenue generated from Iranian oil sales has enabled the Iranian military to enhance its nuclear program and support Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Israel. To condemn these actions and take actionable steps to mitigate future attacks, the Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum (SHIP) Act, endorsed by the For Country Caucus, will sanction foreign ports and refineries that process petroleum exported from Iran that violate U.S. sanctions.
4. Strengthening Tools to Counter the Use of Human Shields Act [H.R. 815, Division O] – Led by former For Country Caucus member Representative Mike Gallagher, the Strengthening Tools to Counter the Use of Human Shields Act will sanction terrorist organizations, specifically Hamas, Hezbollah, and Palestine Islamic Jihad, for using humans as shields during combat. The act would also require a report from the Department of Defense on strategies to address the use of human shields.
5. FEND Off Fentanyl Act [H.R. 815, Division E] – The U.S. is facing a severe drug crisis, with over 74,000 fentanyl overdoses in 2023. To tackle this, With Honor Action supported the Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence (FEND) Off Fentanyl Act. This bill declares fentanyl trafficking a national emergency, mandates sanctions on key members of drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and allows the use of forfeited assets from traffickers to support law enforcement efforts.
6. United States Foundation for International Conservation Act of 2024 [H.R. 5009, Title LI, Subtitle A] – Endorsed by the For Country Caucus and cosponsored by twenty-five of its thirty members, the U.S. Foundation for International Conservation Act, which was included in the NDAA, establishes a novel public-private partnership that has the potential to leverage $3 billion over the next ten years for global conservation efforts and protection of biodiversity, wildlife, and lands from exploitation by adversarial powers.
7. Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts Authorization Act of 2024 [H.R. 5009, Sec. 7810: Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts] – Since the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts has coordinated the federal government’s vetting efforts and issued over 45,000 Special Immigrant Visas to Afghan translators and interpreters. This provision, co-led by Representative Jim Baird, codifies this office in the State Department for three years, as it previously operated under executive authority. You can learn more about With Honor Action’s work on this bill from Representative Jim Baird here.
8. To provide authority to contribute to the NATO Innovation Fund [H.R. 5009, Sec. 1051: Authority to contribute to innovation fund] – This provision, led by former Representative and now Senator Andy Kim, authorizes the DoD to contribute no more than $200 million over the next five years to the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF), which invests in cutting-edge startups across various sectors, including artificial intelligence and biotechnology. This authorization also allows U.S. startup companies to access the NIF’s venture capital funds, which is supported by 24 of the 32 NATO allies as of November 2024.
9. Building Options for the Lasting Security of Taiwan through European Resolve (BOLSTER) Act [H.R. 5009, Sec. 5121: Improving multilateral cooperation to improve the security of Taiwan] – This provision, which incorporates part of the BOLSTER Act, strengthens America’s sanctions coordination mechanisms with members of the European Union and the United Kingdom in the case of an invasion of Taiwan by the People’s Republic of China (PRC). It additionally seeks a report from the President on the economic effects of a 30-day and 180-day blockade or quarantine of Taiwan by the PRC.

National Service and the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC)

1. Number of Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps units [H.R. 5009, Sec. 545] – This provision increases the minimum number of nationally authorized Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) units by 100. This increase will expand the JROTC program to more schools, providing additional opportunities for students to participate in a high school program which has been shown to produce “higher graduation rates, higher rates of attendance, and lower suspension rates.”
2. Preserving JROTC Programs Act [H.R. 5009, Sec. 543: Minimum number of participating students required to establish or maintain a unit of JROTC] – Led by Representatives Mike Waltz and Chrissy Houlahan, this provision reduces the minimum number of participating students required to establish or maintain a JROTC unit from 100 to 50. Decreasing this threshold will ensure that smaller schools are able to maintain their JROTC programs.
3. Provision of information regarding Federal service to certain persons determined not qualified to enlist in certain Armed Forces [H.R. 5009, Sec. 536] – This provision requires the Secretary of Defense to create regulations directing the military services to provide information on federal or other public service opportunities to individuals who are ineligible to enlist in one of the covered Armed Forces. This provision helps those who may be disqualified from military service to explore alternative pathways to contribute to our national service through the public sector.
4. Extension of Troops-to-Teachers Program [H.R. 5009, Sec. 572] – This provision extends the Troops-to-Teachers Program to 2029 and reduces the participant cap from 5,000 veterans to 3,000, preserving the stipend amount. These minor corrections ensure that veterans will continue to receive financial assistance and counseling if they’re interested in teaching.
5. Extension of JROTC programs to the Job Corps [H.R. 5009, Sec. 542] – The Job Corps is a national program that provides education and job training to young people aged 16-24, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds. This provision adds Job Corps centers to the list of institutions eligible to host JROTC units, which will broaden the number of high school students aware of JROTC programs in their area.
6. Promoting military, national, and public service [H.R. 5009, Sec. 532] – This provision updates the type of information the Selective Service System can share with the DoD, which now includes full names, email addresses, dates of birth, phone numbers, and mailing addresses. This provision will enable the Selective Service to communicate more effectively with and reach registrants regarding military, national, or public service opportunities.

With Honor Action is proud to announce the passage of 56 of our priorities in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This NDAA is one of the only major bipartisan bills that Congress has passed this year, and we are proud to work alongside the bipartisan members of the For Country Caucus in advocating for these critical provisions. We celebrate these provisions which fight military food insecurity and improve the quality of life for our service members and their families, strengthen our national security by modernizing our defense technology and infrastructure, and support our democratic allies.

“Thank you to For Country Caucus members, Rep. Don Bacon and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan for leading the Military Quality of Life Panel that was the cornerstone of this year’s NDAA named to reflect their impact: Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. These 56 laws will strengthen our national security, fight the unconscionable existence of military food insecurity, and advance other important bipartisan work that too often doesn’t happen because of our polarization,” said With Honor Action Co-Founder and CEO, Rye Barcott.

Key With Honor Action FY2025 NDAA Priorities:

• A major pay increase of 10% for junior-enlisted service members and an additional 4.5% across the board to combat military food insecurity, which the Department of Agriculture estimated impacts an astonishing 325,000 active duty servicemen and women.

• The establishment of a United States Foundation for International Conservation to leverage a potential $3 billion over the next ten years to protect our world’s endangered ecosystems from adversarial parties, including Russia and the Chinese Communist Party, through an innovative public-private partnership designed to support ongoing conservation efforts.

• The inclusion of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) Authorization Act of 2024, which codifies an office in the State Department that has facilitated the issuance of over 45,000 Special Immigrant Visas to our Afghan allies and coordinated relocation efforts across the federal government.

• The establishment of the “Multilateral Artificial Intelligence Working Group” in the Department of Defense, formerly known as the Five AIs Act, to develop and coordinate AI initiatives, including comparative testing, evaluation, and procurement of AI systems, among U.S. allies and partners.

You can find a more extensive list of FY2025 NDAA priorities here.

Modernizing the Department of Defense & Emerging Technology 

1. Establishment of Department of Defense working group on multilateral artificial intelligence coordination [Sec. 1807] 
Formerly the Five AIs Act when led by former Representative Mike Gallagher, this provision was spearheaded in the NDAA by Representative Nick LaLota. It establishes a working group in the Department of Defense to coordinate artificial intelligence initiatives amongst allies and partners, including comparative testing, evaluation, and procurement of AI systems. It will also accelerate interoperability of systems used for intelligence sharing and battlespace awareness.

2. Independent assessment of cyber organizational models [Sec. 1544]
Led by Representative Morgan Luttrell, this provision aims to procure an independent assessment of the military’s current cyber organizational structure and capabilities that advises on further refinements or evolutions of the current model and the feasibility and advisability of the creation of establishing a separate Cyber Force.

3. Pilot program on development of near-term use cases and demonstration of artificial intelligence toward biotechnology applications for national security [Sec. 236]
This provision establishes a five-year public-private partnership pilot program for the Department of Defense to study and develop near-term applications of artificial intelligence to biotechnology for national security purposes, such as AI-driven drug discovery, synthetic biology, and regenerative medicine.

4. Modification of public reporting of Chinese military companies operating in the United States [Sec. 1346]
This provision requires a printed justification in the Federal Register for decisions on listing or delisting companies from the Department of Defense’s list of entities identified as “Chinese military companies” operating in the United States. The provision additionally clarifies the conditions under which companies may be listed in recognition of the complex web of ownership and affiliations such companies may operate under.

5. Biotech Futures Act [Sec. 242: Biotechnology roadmap]
This provision directs the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan that includes goals and metrics to guide the Department’s biotechnology work. The plan will encompass funding sources, technology maturity, opportunities for rapid acquisition and fielding, risk analyses, and biotechnology workforce development.

6. Establishment of national security capital forum [Sec. 1092]
This provision, led by Representative Pat Ryan, establishes a convening organization for the Department of Defense to bring together domestic and international finance experts, capital providers, investors, entrepreneurs, and others to exchange relevant information to support the national security of the United States and to institute rigorous vetting procedures and selection criteria, including disallowing fund participants with significant investments in or from certain countries of concern.

7. Defense Quantum Acceleration Act of 2024 [Sec. 244: Strategic plan for quantum information science technologies within the Department of Defense]
This provision incorporates part of the Defense Quantum Acceleration Act of 2024 and directs the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy plan for the research, development, testing, evaluation, procurement, and implementation of quantum information science (QIS) technologies at the Department of Defense over the next five years, and to submit to Congress an assessment which includes the appropriateness of current budget proposals for QIS-related activities.

8. Defense Quantum Acceleration Act of 2024 [Sec. 244: Strategic plan for quantum information science technologies within the Department of Defense]
This provision incorporates part of the Defense Quantum Acceleration Act of 2024 and directs the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy plan for the research, development, testing, evaluation, procurement, and implementation of quantum information science (QIS) technologies at the Department of Defense over the next five years, and to submit to Congress an assessment which includes the appropriateness of current budget proposals for QIS-related activities.

9. Restoring the National Defense Stockpile [Sec. 1411]
This provision tasks the Secretary of Defense with developing a plan that identifies strategic and critical minerals for both military and civilian needs for which there is a shortfall in the National Defense Stockpile alongside a strategy to resolve those shortfalls with the associated costs.

10. Modification of certain requirements relating to the Joint Energetics Transition Office [Sec. 211]
This provision requires the Secretary of Defense to formally establish a budget line for the Joint Energetics Transition Office. Last year, With Honor Action supported the establishment of this office, led in Congress by former Representative Mike Gallagher. The office is tasked with developing a comprehensive approach to supporting and coordinating research, development, testing, and evaluation efforts in the Department of Defense, industry, and academia. Energetic materials are substances which are used as propellants and explosives.

11. Authority to modernize recruitment for the Army [Sec. 538]
This section reflects a broad push to modernize Army recruitment by introducing new technologies, specialized roles, and data-driven strategies. Specifically, this provision provides the authority for the Secretary of the Army to establish a new MOS for enlisted members who specialize in talent acquisition, create a force of warrant officers specializing in talent acquisition, and identify regions in the U.S. that yield the highest number of recruits.

12. Plan to improve access by members of the Armed Forces to safe, high-quality pharmaceuticals [Sec. 739]
This provision requires the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Military Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Vulnerability Working Group, to develop a plan to improve access to safe, high-quality pharmaceuticals for Armed Forces members. This report will include specifics on corrections to the supply chain, reputable suppliers, and the feasibility of carrying out this plan.

13. To require the Secretary of Defense to designate the Joint Force Headquarters-Department of Defense Information Network as a subordinate unified command under the United States Cyber Command [Sec. 1502: Department of Defense Information Network subordinate unified command]
This provision, led by Representative Don Bacon, elevates the Department of Defense’s primary organization for cyber defense, the Joint Force Headquarters-DOD Information Network, to a subordinate unified command under U.S. Cyber Command. This move reflects the elevation of the Department’s offensive cyber office, the Cyber National Mission Force, to subordinate unified command in 2022.

14. BioTech Innovation and National Security Continuation Act [Sec. 1084: Modification of National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology]
In 2021, With Honor Action helped establish the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology with Representative Seth Moulton and former Representative Mike Gallagher. The commission studies and will make recommendations on how the federal government can better approach and support biotechnology research and development for national security purposes. This provision extends the Commission’s authority to appoint members, the due date for its final report by six months, and its termination date to December 31, 2026.

15. Supply chain illumination incentives [Sec. 849]
This provision directs the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement incentives for defense contractors to assess and monitor their supply chains for goods provided to the Department for potential vulnerabilities and noncompliance risks.

16. Report and updated guidance on continued risk management for pharmaceutical supply chains of the Department of Defense [Sec. 850]
This provision, led by Representative Mikie Sherrill, requires the Department of Defense to include temperature monitoring as a factor in the pharmaceutical supply chain and provide a report on the key starting material for pharmaceuticals that the Department may be relying on high-risk foreign suppliers to source from to assess potential vulnerabilities and any obstacles to obtaining that information.

17. Bolstering America’s Defenses Against Potentially Perilous Software (BAD APPS) Act [Sec. 1546]
This provision, led by Representatives Mikie Sherrill and Jack Bergman, tasks the Department of Defense with providing a report on the feasibility and advisability of creating a framework to assess the risk of mobile applications originating from countries of concern. This framework would help the Department decide whether the regular usage of specific apps on service members’ and the civilian DoD workforce’s phones poses an unacceptable national security risk.

18. Updated acquisition and sustainment training [Sec. 832]
This provision tasks the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment with developing field teams to train acquisition and sustainment personnel on rapid acquisition procedures.

19. Enhancing requirements for information relating to supply chain risk [Sec. 841]
This provision cuts red tape by authorizing the Secretary of Defense to delegate supply chain risk management authority to defense agency directors and removes (1) the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and Chief Information Officer joint recommendation requirement, (2) the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security risk assessment, and (3) the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment concurrence requirement for supply chain risk management acquisition.

Providing for Our Servicemembers, Veterans, and their Families

1. Blast Overpressure Safety Act [Subtitle C, Secs. 721-725: Matters Relating to Brain Health]
Led by With Honor Action ally Senator Joni Ernst, these provisions seek to better mitigate and protect service members from blast overpressure and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) they may be exposed to in the line of duty. These specific provisions will create a Defense Intrepid Network for Traumatic Brain Injury and Brain Health, establish an intensive brain health and trauma program, development of a traumatic brain injury oversight strategy and action plan, and the establishment of performance parameters for new weapon systems in order to minimize blast overpressure exposure.

2. Maintaining our Obligations to Moms who Serve (MOMS) Act [Sec. 705: Program to prevent perinatal mental health conditions in pregnant and postpartum members of the Armed Force]
This provision, led by Representatives Chrissy Houlahan and Don Bacon, would implement evidence-based programs across the military to reduce the incidence of mental health conditions in pregnant and postpartum members of the Armed Forces and their spouses. A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that one in three female servicemembers experience maternal mental health conditions, almost double the national average for civilian women.

3. Authority to accept gifts of services for professional military education institutions [Sec. 556]
This provision, led by Representative Seth Moulton, standardizes the law governing acceptable gifts to military museums and schools by clarifying that professional military education institutions, like Marine Corps University, may accept “gifts of service” from associations created to support the institution, such as the Marine Corps University Foundation. Such gifts may include adjunct faculty salaries paid for through the associated foundation.

4. Reform to basic pay rates [Sec. 601]
This major provision, led by Representatives Don Bacon and Chrissy Houlahan, includes a 10% pay increase for service members in pay grades E-1 to E-4, in addition to a 4.5% across-the-board raise. This total 14.5% pay increase for junior enlisted personnel will significantly help those struggling to afford basic necessities. The raise will add approximately $3,000 to $6,000 annually, depending on rank. For example, E-1s will see their annual pay increase to $27,828 from $24,206, while E-4s with at least six years of experience will earn $44,107, up from $38,368.

5. Military Housing Transparency & Accountability Act [Sec. 2825: Additional requirements for database of complaints made regarding housing units of Department of Defense]
This provision, led by Representative Salud Carbajal, requires the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Housing to submit an annual report on housing complaints across privatized military housing, unaccompanied housing, and barracks for three years, categorizing complaints into physiological, psychological, safety hazards, and maintenance issues, and detailing the actions taken to address them.

6. Ensuring Military Access to Higher Education Benefits Act [Sec. 559B: Ensuring access to certain higher education benefits]
This provision, led by Representative Don Davis, requires the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Education to complete a data-matching process within one year to identify Department of Defense employees, both military and civilian, who made qualifying student loan payments through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. This process will make it easier for qualified current and former military service members to have their federal student loans forgiven.

7. Reserve and National Guard Military Leave Enhancement Act [Sec. 1109: Increase in military leave accrual and accumulation for Federal employees]
This provision increases the amount of leave federal employees who are a part of the National Guard or Reserve components may take for military service from fifteen days to twenty days, bringing their benefits more in line with those of active duty personnel.

8. Coast Guard Reserve Parental Leave Parity Act [Sec. 603: Extension of parental leave to members of the Coast Guard Reserve]
Building upon With Honor Action’s work last year to expand parental leave parity to members of the National Guard and Reserves, this provision, led by Representatives Jeff Jackson and Zach Nunn, expands leave eligibility and parity to members of the Coast Guard Reserve of both genders who choose to adopt or foster a new child.

9. MilTax Awareness Act of 2023 [Sec. 653: Promotion of tax preparation assistance program]
This provision, led by Representative Jimmy Panetta, requires the Secretary of Defense to ensure that each member of the Armed Forces receives a notice by March 1 each year about the MilTax program and other tax preparation assistance programs. Additionally, within six months of the Act’s enactment, the Secretary must submit a report to Congress on the participation rates of military members in these programs.

10. ROTC and DEP Benefits Improvement Act [Sec. 631: Expansion of eligibility for certain benefits that arise from the death of a member of the Armed Forces]
This provision, led by Representatives Salud Carbajal and Mike Waltz, authorizes the payment of a death gratuity and casualty assistance for ROTC cadets who pass away as a result of a sanctioned training event.

11. Analysis of housing availability for critical civil and contractor personnel near rural military installations [Sec. 2828]
This provision requires the Secretary of Defense to revise the DoD manual responsible with Housing Management to include an analysis of housing availability for civilian personnel and defense contractors who provide critical services near rural military installations.

12. Evaluation of the rates of the basic allowance for subsistence [Sec. 627]
This provision directs the Department of Defense to include geographic location and number of dependents in its calculation of the Basic Allowance for Subsistence.

13. Report regarding the calculation of cost-of-living allowances [Sec. 628]
This provision directs the Department of Defense to evaluate the current threshold for the payment of cost-of-living allowance (COLA) percentage for sufficiency that includes the appropriate average spendable income of service members and location-specific costs.

14. Basic needs allowance for members on active service in the Armed Forces: expansion of eligibility; increase of amount [Sec. 621]
This provision expands the eligibility threshold and the amount of the Basic Needs Allowance to 200% of the federal poverty guideline.

15. Authority to pay basic allowance for housing to junior enlisted members on sea duty [Sec. 622]
This provision expands the statutory authority for a service secretary to authorize a Basic Allowance for Housing for service members in pay grades E-6 and below assigned to initial field or sea duty.

16. Parent fees at military child development centers for child care employees [Sec. 633]
This provision requires the military services to cover 100% of childcare fees for the first child of staff enrolled in the Department of Defense Child Development Program and authorizes the military services to cover up to 100% of childcare fees for any additional child of said staff.

17. Competitive pay for Department of Defense child care personnel [Sec. 583]
This provision requires that employees directly involved in military installation child development programs are paid at rates competitive with their localities while not falling below Department minimum compensation rates.

18. Expansion of annual briefing regarding waiting lists for military child development centers [Sec. 586]
This provision directs the Secretary of Defense to provide briefings regarding childcare services at military child development centers, including personnel and facility needs, at the twenty military installations with the longest waiting lists.

19. Budget justification for certain Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization projects [Sec. 2821]
This provision requires each military department to include information on prior expenditures and facility sustainment, restoration, and modernization (FSRM) requirements at unaccompanied housing facilities in the annual budget request.

20. Independent assessment of estimated costs of certain strategies to address shortages of covered military unaccompanied housing [Sec. 2831]
This provision requires an independent assessment of the lifecycle costs for building and sustaining covered military unaccompanied housing compared to the cost of alternative options, including Basic Allowance for Housing payments.

21. Strategy for use of existing leasing authorities to address shortages of covered military unaccompanied housing required [Sec. 2830]
This provision requires the Department to develop a strategy for using existing property leasing authorities to address the needs of military housing and authorize appropriations for potential leasing actions.

22. Access to broadband internet access service for certain members of the Armed Forces [Sec. 651]
This provision authorizes the Secretaries of the military departments to provide high-speed internet access and wireless network connections to members of the Armed Forces who reside in unaccompanied housing within the United States, without charge.

23. TRICARE program: waiver of referral requirement under TRICARE Prime for certain care in a military medical treatment facility [Sec. 703]
This provision requires the Secretary of Defense to expand direct access, without referrals, to medical appointments in military medical treatment facilities for active duty service members seeking certain health care services, including for physical therapy, nutrition, audiology, optometry, and podiatry.

24. Retention of health care providers: surveys; briefing; reports [Sec. 718]
This provision directs each of the service secretaries to conduct a survey of military health care providers to determine the reasons why military providers remain in service or separate.

25. Military Spouse Career Accelerator Program [Sec. 582]
This provision authorizes the Military Spouse Career Accelerator program until January 1, 2031.

26. Interstate compacts for portability of occupational licenses of military spouses: permanent authority [Sec. 581]
This provision authorizes the Secretary of Defense to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Council of State Governments to develop interstate licensure compacts for military spouses.

27. Child care services and youth program services for dependents: period of services for a member with a spouse seeking employment [Sec. 589]
This provision expands eligibility for unemployed military spouses seeking employment to receive childcare in Department of Defense Child Development Programs, both on and off installation, to 180 days.

Supporting Our Allies Abroad

1. United States Foundation for International Conservation Act of 2024 [Title LI, Subtitle A]
Endorsed by the For Country Caucus and cosponsored by twenty-five of its thirty members, the U.S. Foundation for International Conservation Act, which was included in the NDAA, establishes a novel public-private partnership that has the potential to leverage $3 billion over the next ten years for global conservation efforts and protection of biodiversity, wildlife, and lands from exploitation by adversarial powers.

2. Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts Authorization Act of 2024 [Sec. 7810: Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts]
Since the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts has coordinated the federal government’s vetting efforts and issued over 45,000 Special Immigrant Visas to Afghan translators and interpreters. This provision codifies this office in the State Department for three years, as it previously operated under executive authority.

3. To provide authority to contribute to the NATO Innovation Fund [Sec. 1051: Authority to contribute to innovation fund]
This provision, led by former Representative and now Senator Andy Kim, authorizes the Department of Defense to contribute no more than $200 million over the next five years to the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF), which invests in cutting-edge startups across various sectors, including artificial intelligence and biotechnology. This authorization also allows U.S. startup companies to access the NIF’s venture capital funds, which is supported by 24 of the 32 NATO allies as of November 2024.

4. Building Options for the Lasting Security of Taiwan through European Resolve (BOLSTER) Act [Sec. 5121: Improving multilateral cooperation to improve the security of Taiwan]
This provision, which incorporates part of the BOLSTER Act, strengthens America’s sanctions coordination mechanisms with members of the European Union and the United Kingdom in the case of an invasion of Taiwan by the People’s Republic of China (PRC). It additionally seeks a report from the President on the economic effects of a 30-day and 180-day blockade or quarantine of Taiwan by the PRC.

National Service and the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC)

1. Number of Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps units [Sec. 545]
This provision increases the minimum number of nationally authorized Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) units by 100. This increase will expand the JROTC program to more schools, providing additional opportunities for students to participate in a high school program which has been shown to produce “higher graduation rates, higher rates of attendance, and lower suspension rates.”

2. Preserving JROTC Programs Act [Sec. 543: Minimum number of participating students required to establish or maintain a unit of JROTC]
Led by Representatives Mike Waltz and Chrissy Houlahan, this provision reduces the minimum number of participating students required to establish or maintain a JROTC unit from 100 to 50. Decreasing this threshold will ensure that smaller schools are able to maintain their JROTC programs.

3. Provision of information regarding Federal service to certain persons determined not qualified to enlist in certain Armed Forces [Sec. 536]
This provision requires the Secretary of Defense to create regulations directing the military services to provide information on federal or other public service opportunities to individuals who are ineligible to enlist in one of the covered Armed Forces. This provision helps those who may be disqualified from military service to explore alternative pathways to contribute to our national service through the public sector.

4. Extension of Troops-to-Teachers Program [Sec. 572]
This provision extends the Troops-to-Teachers Program to 2029 and reduces the participant cap from 5,000 veterans to 3,000, preserving the stipend amount. These minor corrections ensure that veterans will continue to receive financial assistance and counseling if they’re interested in teaching.

5. Extension of JROTC programs to the Job Corps [Sec. 542]
The Job Corps is a national program that provides education and job training to young people aged 16-24, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds. This provision adds Job Corps centers to the list of institutions eligible to host JROTC units, which will broaden the number of high school students aware of JROTC programs in their area.

6. Promoting military, national, and public service [Sec. 532]
This provision updates the type of information the Selective Service System can share with the Department of Defense, which now includes full names, email addresses, dates of birth, phone numbers, and mailing addresses. This provision will enable the Selective Service to communicate more effectively with and reach registrants regarding military, national, or public service opportunities.

With Honor Action is excited to see several priorities included in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act. Working alongside the 30 bipartisan veterans in the For Country Caucus throughout the year, we pushed forward legislation to strengthen our national security, modernize the Department of Defense and our warfighting capabilities, and improve the quality of life for our service members and their families.

“Passing the NDAA every year is crucial for our country and it continues to be the last true bipartisan piece of legislation in Congress which has passed every year for the last 64 years. Working alongside the For Country Caucus, we have pushed for numerous measures to strengthen our national security and improve the quality of life for our service members and their families. We hope to see these priorities passed in the House swiftly and moved to the Senate,” said With Honor Action Co-Founder and CEO, Rye Barcott.

With Honor Action FY 2025 NDAA Key Priorities:

• A major pay increase of 10% for junior enlisted service members and an additional 4.5% across the board to address military food insecurity, which the Department of Agriculture estimated impacts an astonishing 325,000 active duty servicemen and women.

• The inclusion of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) Authorization Act of 2024, which codifies an office in the State Department that has facilitated the issuance of over 45,000 Special Immigrant Visas to our Afghan allies.

• The establishment of the “Multilateral Artificial Intelligence Working Group” in the Department of Defense, formerly known as the Five AIs Act, to develop and coordinate an AI intelligence effort among U.S. allies and partners.

• The establishment of a United States Foundation for International Conservation to leverage a potential $3B to secure our world’s endangered ecosystems from adversarial parties, including Russia and the Chinese Communist Party, through an innovative public-private partnership designed to support ongoing conservation efforts.

With Honor Action applauds the U.S. House for the passage of H.R. 8371, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. This legislation, which passed with a 389-9 vote, includes a number of bipartisan and bicameral proposals to reform and improve the delivery of healthcare, benefits, and services at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans, their families, and their survivors.

“After years of work on this bipartisan legislation, we’re thrilled to see veteran lawmakers are leading the way in Congress to make changes to the VA and provide life-saving support to veterans, caregivers, and survivors across the country. We’re especially thankful for the work of Denise Formolo, a veterans service officer who authored the Gerald’s Law Act, a piece led by her representative, Marine Corps veteran and For Country Caucus member Rep. Jack Bergman and supported by fellow caucus member and Air Force veteran, Chrissy Houlahan. The bill closes a loophole to stop veterans from losing their burial benefits if they choose to pass in hospice care rather than a VA facility. But this is just one piece among so many others in this legislation that are critical for helping our veterans. We’re hoping to see the Senate move quickly to pass the bill by year’s end.”

This bipartisan legislation would encompass a wide range of issues including healthcare, long term care and family caregivers, medical treatment, economic opportunity, employment training, disability and memorial affairs, homeless matters, and technology modernization.

For Country Caucus member led pieces of the legislation include:

• Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act, led by For Country Caucus member, Rep. Jack Bergman

• Gerald’s Law Act, led by For Country Caucus member, Rep. Jack Bergman

• VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023, led by For Country Caucus members, Rep. Jim Baird and Rep. Salud Carbajal

• Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023, led by For Country Caucus members, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks

• Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement (COPE) Act, led by For Country Caucus member, Rep. Chrissy Houlahan

• Veteran Caregiver Application and Appeals Reform (CARE) Act of 2023, led by For Country Caucus member, Rep. Don Davis

• VA medical Center Absence and Notification Timeline (VACANT) Act, led by For Country Caucus member, Rep. Steve Womack

• Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Training Act of 2023, led by For Country Caucus member, Rep. Steve Womack

• Modernizing Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Benefit Questionnaires Act, led by For Country Caucus member, Rep. Morgan Luttrell

• Servicemember Employment Protection Act of 2023, led by For Country Caucus member, Rep. Scott Franklin

Dear Senators Reed and Wicker and Representatives Rogers and Smith, 

With Honor Action appreciates your leadership as we work to fight polarization by supporting principled veterans in Congress who have taken our pledge to serve with integrity, civility, and courage. You all are role models for how to work together to get hard things done for our country. Thank you! 

Working alongside the 30 bipartisan veterans in the For Country Caucus in the House over the last six years, we have helped pass over 100 laws focused on national security and national service. As you know, each year, we flag our top bipartisan priorities for your consideration as you negotiate the final version of the NDAA. We are aware that each of these four items are challenging, and we are here to support you with our substantial communications, convening, and advocacy resources on any of them if you wish. 

• The Fulfilling Promises to Afghan Allies amendment offered to the Senate’s NDAA. This will strengthen vetting for ~30,000 Afghan refugees and create a path to conditional permanent residency.  It is an evolution of the Afghan Adjustment Act we helped initiate and have worked aggressively for two and a half years. (S.A. 2682 to S. 4638)
• A major pay increase of 15% for junior enlisted service members to eliminate military food insecurity, which the Department of Agriculture estimated impacts an astonishing 325,000 active duty servicemen and women. This is also an important item for recruitment and retention. The pay increase is currently marked at 15% in the House, 1% in the Senate, and 5.5% in Senate Appropriations. (H.R. 8070, Sec. 1801)
• The Stand with Ukraine Act to establish a better framework for transfers of defense equipment to Ukraine to combat Russian aggression, and six other provisions, including one that reauthorizes the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Program that is currently in the Senate Manager’s Package. (S.A. 3290 to S. 4638, Sec. 6231)
• The United States Foundation for International Conservation Act to secure our world’s endangered ecosystems from adversarial parties including Russia and the Chinese Communist Party, through an innovative public-private partnership. Led in the Senate by Senators Chris Coons and Lindsay Graham and Representatives Michael McCaul and Gregory Meeks, this legislation has more than 100 bipartisan co-sponsors from both chambers and is backed by an initial $100 M private commitment. (S.A. 3290 to S. 4638, Subtitle I)

Present in both the House and Senate NDAAs

• Certain provisions of the Blast Overpressure Safety Act, which was endorsed by the For Country Caucus, including provisions to clarify the roles and responsibilities of DOD officials relating to brain injuries from concussive and sub-concussive blasts (H.R. 8070, Sec. 1643; S.  4638, Sec. 1081) and the implementation of recommendations made by the Inspector General on the DOD’s management of traumatic brain injuries (H.R. 8070, Sec. 731(d))
• An independent evaluation regarding the potential establishment of a United States Cyber Force (H.R. 8070, Sec. 1536; S.  4638, Sec. 1606)
• The establishment of a Multilateral Artificial Intelligence Working Group in the Department of Defense. The For Country Caucus endorsed a previous version of this legislation, called the Five AIs Act (H.R. 8070, Sec. 1090; S.  4638, Sec. 1283)
• A provision to automatically register all eligible males for the Selective Service, lessening the administrative burden on individuals to register and eliminating the penalties for failing to register (H.R. 8070, Sec. 531; S. 4638, Sec. 598A)

Present only in the House-passed NDAA

• The recommendations of the House Armed Services Committee’s Military Quality of Life Panel written into the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, especially the 15% targeted pay raise for junior enlisted service members and the 4.5% across-the-board pay raise for all service members.
• The Military Food Security Act, which expands service member eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance by excluding the housing allowance from calculations of gross income (H.R. 8070, Sec. 621)
• The Maintaining our Obligation to Moms who Serve (MOMS) Act, which was endorsed by the For Country Caucus, establishes a pilot program to prevent perinatal mental health conditions in pregnant and postpartum members of the Armed Forces (H.R. 8070, Sec. 709)
• The Resilient Employment and Authorization Determination to Increase National Employment of Serving Spouses (READINESS) Act, which grants more job flexibility to federally employed military spouses (H.R. 8070, Sec. 1113)
• The Creating Legal Accountability for Rogue Innovators and Technology (CLARITY) Act, which prohibits the Department of Defense from acquiring blockchain technology developed by the People’s Republic of China and other foreign adversaries (H.R. 8070, Sec. 883)
• A provision clarifying military education institutions’ ability to accept certain gifts, standardizing practice across all service branches to accept “gifts of service” from non-profit entities established for the purposes of supporting military schools (H.R. 8070, Sec. 546)

Only in the Senate Armed Services Committee’s NDAA or Manager’s Amendment

• The U.S. Foundation for International Conservation Act, which establishes a public-private partnership to address gaps in international conservation efforts and counteract Chinese and Russian exploitation of natural resources in Africa (S.A. 3290 to S. 4638, Sec. 6231)
• The establishment of the National Commission on Quality of Life for the All-Volunteer Armed Force (S. 4638, Sec. 596)
• The establishment of a pilot program to develop near-term use cases of artificial intelligence toward biotechnology applications for national security (S. 4638, Sec. 236)
• The establishment of a preservation process of the service records of recognized “Afghan allies” in the Department of Defense (S.A. 3290 to S. 4638, Sec. 6073)
• An extension to the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act (S.A. 3290 to S. 4638, Sec. 6231)
• An increase in the minimum number of authorized Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) units (S. 4638, Sec. 584)

Offered to the Senate’s NDAA

• The Fulfilling Promises to Afghan Allies amendment offered to the Senate’s NDAA, which would strengthen vetting for Afghans seeking conditional permanent residency and expand opportunities for allies still abroad to apply for Special Immigrant Visas  (S.A. 2682 to S. 4638)

Standalone legislation

• H.R. 9501 / S. 4992 – Stand with Ukraine Act of 2024 which would codify the U.S.-Ukraine Bilateral Security Agreement signed in June 2024, reducing barriers to sending defense articles to Ukraine and restating our commitment to Ukrainian rebuilding efforts

Washington, D.C. – Early Tuesday morning, With Honor Action and members of the bipartisan For Country Caucus gathered on the National Mall to organize a flag demonstration, and raise awareness for nearly 325,000 active duty military service members who currently struggle with food insecurity. During the event, participants placed 325 American flags in the grass across from the Washington Monument, each one representing 1,000 troops. 

“There are a lot of contributing factors for the military recruiting crisis, but one of them is we’re not paying junior enlisted well enough so that they can live without food stamps, especially those with young families,” said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor Action. “To have a strong military, we need to treat our people the right way.”

“It is unfortunate, a tragedy – and something we can correct – that our servicemen and women are food insecure, which means that they don’t know where their next meal will come from and many of them don’t have enough money to be able to purchase food,” said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan. “That’s a huge problem in our all all-volunteer service. We need to make sure we are treating our men and women who serve us with dignity and respect.”

“It’s very critical that we make sure our warriors, those who are defending our great nation, who have put their lives on the line, have adequate nutrition for themselves and their families. They can’t be mission capable and mission focused if they’re hungry,” said Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks. “We need to make sure that we’re paying our military enough that they can afford to put food on their table.”

Attendees included For Country Caucus Members Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, Rep. Jack Bergman, Rep. Don Davis, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Rep. Seth Moulton, Rep. Nick LaLota, and Rep. Jimmy Panetta. We thank each of these members for their participation, as well as their support of and work on addressing issues such as this in Congress. 

Pictures from the event available for broadcast and distribution HERE.

Background
According to a study published by RAND in 2023, nearly 26% of active duty servicemembers are considered food insecure, and nearly 15% rely on food stamps or food banks. In 2021, With Honor Action worked to pass the Military Hunger Prevention Act, which established the Basic Needs Allowance to support low-income servicemembers and their families who are not eligible for SNAP benefits. We continue to work on legislation that expands the eligibility and effectiveness of the program. 

In June of 2023, recognizing an opportunity to address the many quality of life issues our servicemembers and their families face, the House Armed Services Committee announced the creation of the Military Quality of Life Panel. Led by For Country Caucus founding Co-Chair Representative Don Bacon and founding Vice Chair Representative Chrissy Houlahan, the panel also includes For Country Caucus members Representative Morgan Luttrell and Representative Don Davis. The panel focused on several core areas of military quality of life, including food insecurity, and served as the base legislation for the House FY25 National Defense Authorization Act. With Honor Action previously endorsed the entire list of recommendations.

Earlier this year, House lawmakers proposed pay raises of up to 19.5% for troops ranked E-4 and below to go into effect next year. With Honor Action strongly urges the passage of this pay raise through this year’s NDAA to help fix the issue of food insecurity.

The statistics don’t lie: far too many of our service members are struggling to put food on the table, and that’s simply unacceptable. With Honor Action strongly urges Congress to support our nation’s heroes and pass legislation to end military hunger.

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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. Learn more about our work at WithHonor.org 

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 II.

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House passed the Dustoff Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act to award a Congressional Gold Medal, one of our nation’s highest honors, to members of the Dustoff crews of the Vietnam War. This bipartisan legislation was led in the House by Rep. Derek Kilmer and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, and passed in the Senate earlier this year after being led by Sen. John Cornyn and Sen. Elizabeth Warren. With Honor Action celebrates the passage of this legislation in both chambers with the support of Members from the For Country Caucus. 

“Awarding the brave men and women who heroically served in the Dustoff crews during the Vietnam War with a Congressional Gold Medal is long overdue, and the least we can do to honor their service and sacrifice to our nation. I am thrilled to see that Congress took the necessary steps to make this recognition a reality,” said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor Action. “With Honor Action applauds House lawmakers for passing this critical legislation in an overwhelmingly bipartisan fashion, and urges the president to swiftly sign it into law.”

The Dustoff Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act was originally introduced in 2023, passed through the Senate in May of 2024, and, as a result of its passage in the House today, will now be sent to the President’s desk to be signed into law. With Honor Action has played an active and key role in the advocacy of this bill and looks forward to seeing these brave servicemembers finally recognized for their heroic service. Although it’s been 49 years since the end of the war, it’s never too late to honor these brave men for their service. 

Background

Due to the logistical complications posed by Vietnam’s terrain, the U.S. Army reconsidered a dangerous tactic used sparingly during the Korean War to evacuate wounded servicemembers: aeromedical evacuations. The U.S. Army Air-Ambulance units, referred to as the Dustoff crews, were in charge of these evacuations and consisted of four men: two pilots, a medic, and a crew chief. The skillful flying of these pilots, combined with the increased capacity of the Huey helicopters they flew in, led to the successful transportation of roughly 900,000 United States, Vietnamese, and allied troops. 

Unfortunately, this incredible feat came at a great price to the crewmembers. Due to the space required to transport and operate on patients, the Hueys were unable to carry weapons. Their only safety was red crosses on the nose and doors of the aircraft, a signal of peace that was often used instead as a target. As a result, one-third of the 1,400 Dustoff pilots were killed or wounded. Their motto, “So Others May Live” underscores the sacrifice of these heroic pilots who flew directly into combat unarmed to save their fellow soldiers.

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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. Learn more about our work at WithHonor.org 

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 II.

Washington, D.C. – This week, Congress returned to session after the annual August recess, and kicked off what is expected to be a busy month with “China Week,” where the House voted on a series of bills aimed at countering the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its influence in America. During the week, House lawmakers voted on and passed 25 different pieces of legislation pertaining to this issue that will ultimately strengthen our national security. With Honor Action has played a key role in advocating for several pieces of legislation that made it to the House floor this week, and celebrates the passage of the following with overwhelming bipartisan support: 

• H.R. 8333 – The BIOSECURE Act, led by For Country Caucus Member Rep. Brad Wenstrup, would protect sensitive American information from the CCP by prohibiting federally funded medical providers and executive agencies from obtaining materials produced or provided by foreign biotechnology companies of concern.
  
• H.R. 8152 – The Remote Access Security Act, led by For Country Caucus Member Rep. Jeff Jackson, would take necessary steps to protect advanced American semiconductor chip information from the CCP. Despite current restrictions on the export of these chips, Chinese companies have been able to exploit a loophole in U.S. export control laws to access this technology remotely and use it to develop AI capabilities. This legislation would close that loophole and protect sensitive information.
• H.R. 7159 – The Pacific Partnership Act, supported by For Country Caucus Members Rep. Steve Womack and Rep. Don Bacon, would strengthen U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific, and ensure the U.S. has an enduring presence in this critical region. Specifically, it would augment our cooperation with the Indo-Pacific by codifying the 2022 Pacific Partnership Strategy with four-year updates, designates the Pacific Islands Forum with diplomatic status, and requires presidential reporting on implementation of these strategies. 
• H.R. 8361 – The Economic Espionage Prevention Act, led by For Country Caucus Member Rep. Rich McCormick, would bolster our national security by authorizing the Administration to impose sanctions on foreign persons or entities that knowingly engage in economic or industrial espionage. 
• H.R. 9456 – The Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act would take necessary steps to prevent adversarial nations, such as the CCP, from buying and owning U.S. agricultural land in sensitive areas. This is critical as the CCP continues to buy U.S. land close to military bases as a measure to obtain surveillance and intelligence on our armed forces. Specifically, this legislation would add the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investments in the U.S. (CFIUS), allowing the Department of Agriculture to better monitor transactions related to land, biotechnology, transportation, storage, and processing. 

With Honor Action also applauds the passage of the following legislation that passed with bipartisan support:

• H.R. 2864 – Countering CCP Drones Act
• H.R. 1103 – Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) Certification Act
• H.R. 7589 – Removing Our Unsecure Technologies to Ensure Reliability and Security (ROUTERS) Act
• H.R. 554 – Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act
• H.R. 4741 – Securing Global Telecommunications Act
• H.Res. 1056 – Recognizing the importance of trilateral cooperation among the United States, Japan, and South Korea

“As China week comes to a close, With Honor Action celebrates the passage of several key pieces of legislation to curb the CCP’s influence in the United States,” said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor Action. “The U.S. has a responsibility to lead the free world in standing up to authoritarian governments, and we applaud the House lawmakers who came together this week to do just that.” 

As the Chinese Communist Party grows increasingly aggressive, pushing back against their authoritarian influence is critical to our national security as well as our allies’ national security. With Honor Action applauds House lawmakers for advancing these bills and strongly urges the Senate to pass them swiftly in a bipartisan manner.

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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. Learn more about our work at WithHonor.org 

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 II.