Accomplishments

The For Country Caucus (4CC) is a bipartisan group of veterans in the U.S. House of Representatives who focus on initiating, advancing, and passing into law priorities that matter for our nation and world. Just this past year, the 4CC lead efforts to:

Improve the Lives of Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families:

The For Country Caucus led the effort to pass the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act, legislation that authorizes the establishment of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall. The 4CC also lead initiatives to improve DoD mental health services, strengthen military hunger prevention efforts, and expand support efforts for Special Operations Gold Star Families.

Honor Our Commitments to Wartime Allies:

The For Country Caucus understands that supporting U.S. allies--including the those who served alongside U.S. troops during the Global War on Terror--is both a moral imperative and a national security priority. That's why the 4CC secured a number of legislative provisions to support Afghan allies in the lead up to, and aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal. This includes a provision to waive requirements that Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants receive a medical screening in Afghanistan. By waiving the screening until their arrival in the United States, the act helped cut red tape and expedite the SIV application process for vulnerable Afghan allies. The 4CC also successfully helped pass the total number of available special immigrant visas for Afghan nationals by 8,000 – thereby raising the total available visas by over 30%. 

The 4CC also helped lead efforts to pass the Afghan War Commission Act to create a non-partisan, independent commission that will conduct a comprehensive examination of the War in Afghanistan. Passed in the FY22 NDAA, the commission will be required to produce a public and unclassified report with actionable recommendations, so the United States learns from our experience in Afghanistan and is prepared for future conflicts.

Secure America's Technological Future in Artificial Intelligence and Cyber:

The For Country Caucus supports the efforts of the Cyber Solarium Commission (CSC) and the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (NSCAI). In the FY22 NDAA, the 4CC helped pass a number of provisions based off the CSC and NSCAI recommendations. This includes efforts to strengthen the cyber workforce and cyber education, requires DOD to develop a Digital Infrastructure Plan, and tasks DOD with developing a National Defense Science and Technology Strategy.

Modernize the Department of Defense for Future Challenges:

The For Country Caucus believes that the United States must be prepared to address future challenges with near peer adversaries. That's why the 4CC worked to establish the Arctic Security Initiative, which requires the DOD to conduct a security assessment of the Arctic region and establish an Arctic Security Initiative with a five-year plan to fully resource the DOD and provide individual service-specific strategies for the Arctic. The For Country Caucus also helped pass critical provisions of the Taiwan Partnership Act as part of the FY22 NDAA. The legislation requires the DOD conduct a yearly briefing on cooperation between the National Guard and Taiwan during the preceding year and an evaluation of how to improve future cooperation.

Advance Voluntary National Service:

For Country members supported the first major expansion of AmeriCorps in generations. The legislation appropriated $1 billion dollars for AmeriCorps, enabling it to increase its cost-of-living stipends for young Americans serving in diverse communities, and expand its COVID relief efforts including outreach to hungry families and support for struggling public schools.