With Honor Action Joins Allied Leaders at the 2026 London Defence Conference

Posted on by Abigail Trotter

With Honor Action joined heads of government, senior military leaders, policymakers, industry executives, and media at the 2026 London Defence Conference (LDC). This annual gathering of allied nations focuses on elevating the importance of defense and security in an increasingly complex global landscape.

Held at the historic Old War Office in Whitehall from April 10-11, LDC convenes allied leadership to confront the defining questions in defense and security. Our participation reflects the strong relationships that With Honor Action has cultivated across government and allied defense communities to advance our shared, bipartisan priorities with the veterans in the For Country Caucus.

This year’s conference centered on a single, urgent theme: warfighting readiness. Senior officials delivered frank assessments, warning that current capabilities may be insufficient for sustained large-scale conflict. They called for accelerated rearmament across the U.K. and NATO, reinforced by major procurement announcements. LDC 2026 marked a clear shift from strategic dialogue to coordinated action, as allied nations respond to a more volatile global environment.

On day two of LDC, With Honor Action sponsored a roundtable with the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB), placing American biotechnology policy at the center of an allied defense forum.

Conducted under the Chatham House Rule, the private session brought together senior representatives from allied governments, industry, and research institutions across three continents. Participants explored the growing role of biotechnology as a cornerstone of national security and economic strength.

This discussion builds on a landmark year for American biotechnology. In December 2025, Congress passed a significant package of biotechnology provisions informed by the NSCEB’s Final Report, including 17 With Honor Action-supported measures to strengthen biotechnology across the defense and intelligence communities. Those provisions addressed national security coordination, defense-focused development and manufacturing, supply chain resilience, and expanded allied collaboration.

The conference concluded with remarks from Al Carns, a Member of Parliament, Minister for the Armed Forces, Royal Marines veteran, and a partner within With Honor Action’s network. On the transatlantic alliance, he was unambiguous: the UK-US relationship “is not measured in commentary. It is measured in what we do and what we have done.”

Last October in Washington, Minister Carns joined us for the With Honor Action’s Strength in Democracy Forum and toasted the transatlantic alliance at our Gala, a relationship that reflects the kind of allied engagement LDC exists to deepen.

With Honor Action remains committed to advancing bipartisan veteran leadership and strengthening the alliances that underpin global security.

With Honor Action and Snake Island Institute Host Congressional Staff Briefing on Capitol Hill

Posted on by Abigail Trotter

With Honor Action and Snake Island Institute (SII) hosted a congressional staff briefing on Capitol Hill, bringing together policy leaders and members of a visiting Ukrainian military and defense innovation delegation to examine lessons from Ukraine’s battlefield-tested approach to modern warfare.

On the battlefields of Ukraine, the future of warfare is being written in real time. Yesterday on Capitol Hill, policymakers got a rare chance to hear about it directly from the people fighting it.

Ukrainian speakers shared what they’ve learned the hard way: how to neutralize mass drone and missile attacks through layered, integrated air defense; how a smaller naval force can outmaneuver a larger one through asymmetric maritime strategy in the Black Sea; and how Ukraine has built one of the world’s fastest-growing defense technology ecosystems, turning battlefield necessity into innovation that the United States’s military could benefit from.

Learn more about Snake Island Institute’s report on Ukraine’s air defense campaign, examining how Ukraine built, adapted, and sustained its air defense system since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, here.

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

Posted on by Abigail Trotter

For Immediate Release

Contact: Susan Forbes, forbes@withhonor.org

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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About With Honor

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

Four Years After Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion, Ukraine’s Sovereignty – and Its Children – Remain Under Threat

Posted on by Abigail Trotter

For Immediate Release

Contact: Susan Forbes, forbes@withhonor.org

Four Years After Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion, Ukraine’s Sovereignty – and Its Children – Remain Under Threat

With Honor Action Renews Cross-Partisan Commitment to Ukraine and the Defense of Democratic Nations

Washington, D.C. — February 24, 2026 — Four years ago, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, displacing an estimated 10 million people, resulting in the abduction and unlawful transfer of at least 35,000 Ukrainian children to areas under Russian control.

The fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion is both a moment of solemn remembrance and a renewed call to action. In addition to the widespread loss of life and displacement affecting millions of Ukrainians, the forced transfer and unlawful detention of children remains one of the most alarming and well-documented humanitarian consequences of the war.

“Four years into this war, the systemic abduction of Ukrainian children stands out as one of the most egregious documented human rights violations,” said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor. “This demands sustained, bipartisan leadership to ensure accountability, reinforce democratic sovereignty, and secure the safe return of every child taken.”

With Honor Action has endorsed bipartisan legislation led by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and co-sponsored by For Country Caucus member Rep. Don Bacon that would designate Russia as a State Sponsor of Terrorism until the Putin regime returns all abducted Ukrainian children, reinforcing congressional efforts to pair accountability with concrete consequences.

Last year, With Honor Action supported the bipartisan Abducted Ukrainian Children Recovery and Accountability Act, which was signed into law to strengthen U.S. efforts to identify, track, and secure the return of Ukrainian children unlawfully taken by the Russian government. The organization also supported authorization of $400 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, reinforcing Ukraine’s ability to defend its sovereignty, deter further aggression, and protect civilians in the face of continued Russian attacks.

As the conflict enters its fifth year, With Honor Action will continue working alongside bipartisan leaders to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty, uphold international law, and ensure that the unlawful abduction of children is met with sustained accountability and meaningful consequences.

 

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About With Honor

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

With Honor Becomes a Founding Sponsor of America250, Placing Service at the Center of the 250th

Posted on by Andy Smialowski

For Immediate Release

Contact: Susan Forbes, forbes@withhonor.org

With Honor Becomes a Founding Sponsor of America250, Placing Service at the Center of the 250th

Veteran-led organization joins national bipartisan effort to mark America’s 250th anniversary with a focus on service, citizenship, and shared responsibility.

Washington, D.C. — February 2, 2026 — With Honor, the cross-partisan organization dedicated to strengthening American democracy through principled veteran leadership, announced its role as a Founding Sponsor of America250, the national nonpartisan organization charged by Congress to lead celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

As a Founding Sponsor, With Honor will support America250’s efforts to bring Americans together around service, civic participation, and the enduring responsibilities of citizenship. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to elevating leadership values shaped by service—integrity, civility, and courage—and to encouraging meaningful engagement in communities across all 50 states and U.S. territories.

“America250 offers an opportunity not only to commemorate our nation’s founding, but to reflect on the ideals that continue to bind us together,” said Rosie Rios, Chair of America250. “With Honor’s sponsorship highlights the important role of veteran leadership in reinforcing civic responsibility and strengthening our democracy as we look toward the next chapter of our national story.” 

With Honor’s mission is to reduce polarization in the U.S. government by supporting principled veterans who bring a service-first ethos into public life. Veterans supported by With Honor take the With Honor Pledge, committing to place principles over partisanship and to lead with integrity, civility, and courage on behalf of all Americans.

“Veterans answer the call to serve in every stage of life,” said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor. “As a Founding Sponsor of America250, With Honor is helping ensure this milestone is not only a reflection on our past, but a bipartisan call forward—one that renews our shared commitment to civic service and the values veterans bring to public life across party lines.”

With Honor’s sponsorship aligns with its broader commitment to building a democracy that works for all Americans, one strengthened when leaders and citizens alike draw on a common ethic of service to meet the challenges of the present and the promise of the future. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, With Honor hosted the fifth annual reception for the U.S. Congressional Delegation at the USA House in partnership with America250 and Freedom 250.

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About With Honor

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

About America250

America250’s mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation. America250 will foster shared experiences that spark imagination, showcase the rich tapestry of our American stories, inspire service in our communities, honor the enduring strength, and celebrate the resilience of the United States of America.

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

Posted on by Brian Le

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.

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