Dear [firstname],
A constant priority throughout my work at home and in Washington, D.C. are our current and former military servicemembers: how best to support them, fix broken systems, and prepare for the changing needs of our military and their families. Let me update you on some recent progress, and on some of the hurdles we face. |
In my last newsletter, I wrote to you about the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): what it is and how the process works. After debating and amending (aka “marking up”) the NDAA last week, the House Armed Services Committee voted to pass it, which means it now goes to the full House of Representatives for a vote. A lot can still change before the entire House votes, but I want to break down three of the important policies I was able to get included.
First, I made sure that the NDAA includes funding for space industry jobs in our district, improving our nation’s space defenses and keeping work opportunities at home in PA. Additionally, I got provisions included |
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to support manufacturing industries that are central to workforces in Exton, Newtown, and Boyertown, PA. The work I do in Congress is always with Chester and Berks Counties in mind, and I’m proud to uplift local businesses that support us at home and abroad.
This year’s NDAA also builds on my work to expand paid leave options for our military families. Specifically, I got an amendment included ensuring that servicemembers can take bereavement leave after a stillbirth or loss of a pregnancy, just as they would after losing any other loved one. Providing military families with support like this is how we make sure they can sustain a career in uniform, and I’m hopeful that this amendment offers our servicemembers some relief as they navigate loss.
Finally, I want to highlight my amendment to protect funding for a biotechnology program that helps address supply chain loss in the Department of Defense. Changing global, political, and economic conditions impact how we get the supplies, food, medicine, and other essential imports we need (maybe you have noticed this on a personal level, as tariffs drive up the costs of your groceries). My amendment helps make sure that we have the tools here at home to support our national security and defense needs, even when supply chain issues make these goods difficult to access. |
This past weekend, I also had the opportunity to honor the service of an incredible veteran from our community, Mr. Frederick “Pete” Jordan. Pete was an Army helicopter pilot in Vietnam, where he earned a Bronze Star, an Army Commendation Medal, a Distinguished Flying Cross, and a Purple Heart, though he never officially received these honors. |
When Pete and so many others came home from Vietnam, they didn’t get the welcome or recognition all of our veterans deserve. But in 2012, President Obama launched the Vietnam War Commemoration project to help right that wrong, making sure Vietnam veterans hear the words of gratitude they should have heard decades ago. It was such a privilege to join Pete and his friends and family at his pinning ceremony and finally present him with the honors he earned decades ago.
Pete’s time in uniform was, at its core, an act of optimism – a belief that, even in a moment of political turmoil, his community and his country were full of people worth fighting for. I was proud to thank him for that belief, for his sacrifices, and for his service. |
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Just as I gratefully honored Pete’s service, I look forward each year to honoring National Women Veterans Day – an observation that exists because the service of our women in uniform is too often unseen, unappreciated, and even erased. Unfortunately, this year was a harsh reminder of exactly why National Women Veterans Day is necessary.
For the last 27 years, the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus has held an annual wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery for women servicemembers and veterans. We do this together, Republicans and Democrats, to acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of these women. But this year, President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth’s Department of Defense barred the military from attending an event that honors women, forcing several branches to cancel.
I keep coming back to a simple question: when did saying "thank you" to those who served their country become controversial? |
Women have answered every call this nation has asked of them. They have earned our respect, and recognizing their service should never be viewed as a political statement. But this has become a pattern under Secretary Hegseth: questioning and erasing women’s contributions, demoting or firing women leaders, gutting programs to support women servicemembers, and doing all he can to keep women out of combat roles.
This Administration’s treatment of women servicemembers is unbelievably disrespectful – a level of disrespect that we should never tolerate towards any servicemember, from anyone. That is why I am continuing to fight for legislation like my bill, the WARRIOR Act, and why I still found a way to observe National Women Veterans Day this year, alongside many of my colleagues in the Democratic Women’s Caucus. |
As we look ahead to the 250th anniversary of American independence, I hope this occasion reminds and inspires us to celebrate the best of our country’s values. In that spirit, I am excited about all of the opportunities to come together across Chester and Berks Counties. Over the next month, I'll highlight ways that we can celebrate this milestone in our district, starting with some of the events happening this week: Wednesday, June 17th: "Forged In Freedom: The Land, The People, and the Promise That Shaped a Nation," a Chester County Archives traveling exhibit at Nottingham County Park from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
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Finally, another way you can celebrate America250 with our community is by participating in my office’s PA in Pictures project, a district-wide collection of your favorite memories and meaningful places in Pennsylvania. Drop off or mail photos to my West Chester and Reading office (please share 3x5 or 4x6 photos, include your name, and tell us when and where the photo was taken) by Friday, June 26th.
Thank you, as always, for the honor of representing you. |
Chrissy Houlahan U.S. Member of Congress
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