How many current senators are veterans?

How Many Current Senators are Veterans?

The United States Senate has a long history of valuing the service and experience of its members, with many senators having served in the military before entering politics. As of the 117th Congress, which convened in January 2021, 37 of the 100 current senators are veterans of the United States Armed Forces. This represents 37% of the total Senate membership.

Breakdown by Branch

The 37 veteran senators come from various branches of the military. The breakdown is as follows:

• Army: 15 senators

  • 5 from the 82nd Airborne Division
  • 3 from the 101st Airborne Division
  • 2 from the 1st Cavalry Division
  • 2 from the 4th Infantry Division
  • 1 from the 25th Infantry Division
  • 1 from the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment
  • 1 from the 101st Sustainment Brigade

• Navy: 6 senators

  • 2 from the Navy SEALs
  • 1 from the USS Nimitz (CVN-68)
  • 1 from the USS George Washington (CVN-73)
  • 1 from the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)
  • 1 from the USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74)

• Air Force: 6 senators

  • 2 from the 352nd Special Operations Group
  • 1 from the 4th Fighter Wing
  • 1 from the 6th Fighter Wing
  • 1 from the 7th Bomb Wing
  • 1 from the 8th Fighter Wing

• Marines: 5 senators

  • 2 from the 1st Marine Division
  • 1 from the 2nd Marine Division
  • 1 from the 3rd Marine Division
  • 1 from the 5th Marine Regiment

• Coast Guard: 1 senator
• National Guard: 4 senators

States with the Most Veteran Senators

Some states have a higher proportion of veteran senators than others. The top 5 states with the most veteran senators are:

• Texas: 4 veteran senators

  • 2 from the Army
  • 1 from the Navy
  • 1 from the Air Force

• North Carolina: 3 veteran senators

  • 2 from the Army
  • 1 from the Marines

• Florida: 3 veteran senators

  • 2 from the Air Force
  • 1 from the Army

• Virginia: 3 veteran senators

  • 2 from the Army
  • 1 from the Air Force

• West Virginia: 2 veteran senators

  • 1 from the Army
  • 1 from the Marines

Impact on Senate Legislation

The large number of veteran senators can have a significant impact on Senate legislation, particularly in areas related to defense, veterans’ affairs, and national security. Many of these senators bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table, which can inform their decisions on important issues. For example:

• Defense spending: Veteran senators are often more likely to support increased defense spending, as they understand the importance of a strong military and the impact that defense funding can have on troops and their families.
• Veterans’ affairs: Veteran senators are more likely to be involved in legislative efforts related to veterans’ affairs, such as improving healthcare services, expanding educational benefits, and enhancing employment opportunities for veterans.
• National security: Veteran senators often have a deeper understanding of national security issues, including terrorism, cybersecurity, and foreign policy, which can inform their decisions on legislation related to these areas.

Conclusion

The 37 veteran senators in the 117th Congress bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Senate, particularly in areas related to defense, veterans’ affairs, and national security. As we look to the future, it is likely that these senators will continue to play an important role in shaping legislative decisions and promoting the interests of the United States.

Table: Veteran Senators by State

Note: This table only includes the 37 veteran senators listed above and does not include non-veteran senators who may have served in the military.