Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL) joined several Republican veterans in Congress in a letter demanding that Senate Democrats who also served pass the continuing resolution (CR) and end the government shutdown.
"We are a group of military Veterans now serving in the House of Representatives who voted YES for the House's September 19th Continuing Resolution," the letter began. "We write to you, fellow Veterans now serving in the United States Senate, who have voted NO on that same resolution multiple times. We hope you receive this letter in the manner in which it is intended: as brothers and sisters in arms, not as partisans."
Rep. Buchanan and the other signatories reiterate that the continuing resolution merely allows federal employees, especially the military, to continue receiving pay during the ongoing shutdown.
"We understand that you oppose certain policies in the One Big Beautiful Bill and that you have strong preferences regarding the future of the Affordable Care Act credits," they acknowledged. "We respect that you have those priorities. But for the sake of our troops, we ask that you vote for the continuing resolution and assert those policy preferences during subsequent discussions and debates that do not interrupt troop pay."
The letter further emphasizes that the continuing resolution is not a political concession to Republicans, but "is an act of solidarity with those who continue to serve. It is a simple but profound statement that, even in divided times, we remain united behind the people who defend our Nation."
"We urge you, as fellow Veterans and patriots, to stand with us in putting country over politics," the letter concludes. "to protect those who protect us. Let's get this government reopened, pay our service members, and continue working out our differences the way Americans always have: through debate, compromise, and shared commitment to the mission."
As suggested, numerous Republican veterans signed the letter, including:
FLORIDA VETERANS:
Rep. Scott Franklin (R-FL)
Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL)
TEXAS VETERANS:
Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX)
Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX)
Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX)
Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX)
Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX)
GEORGIA VETERANS:
Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA)
Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA)
ARIZONA VETERANS:
Rep. Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ)
