Republicans and Democrats are vying to expand the number of veterans serving in Congress, as the rate of ex-servicemen holding federal office has hit its lowest level in decades.
Veterans, who make up just 17% of Congress, said getting people with military experience in office helps not only strengthen lawmakers’ understanding of complex national-security issues, but may heal some of the deep partisan divides.
“It’s good to encourage veterans to run because they bring leadership qualities, a sense of service before self generally,” said Rep. Jason Crow, Colorado Democrat and a former Army Ranger. “But also one of the biggest values is that veterans tend not to fight each other, tend not to throw stones at each other and say bad things about each other.