|
|
|
Friends, I’ve been thinking a lot about Basic Training this week. Mine was at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, over a very hot summer. I remember cleaning the bathroom floor with a toothbrush. Classic boot camp task. I also remember the time we were told to carry all of our bunks downstairs and to arrange them just as they were upstairs and then to bring them all back upstairs with no explanation as to why any of it had occurred. And I remember the day I graduated. I was a Private First Class. I was proud to wear the uniform, but had no idea that 20 years later I’d still be in the military - only now as a Major. But what would have totally blown my mind completely was if someone had told me that one day I’d be a member of the House Armed Services Committee - which just happened. I almost didn’t apply. As a freshman member of Congress, I thought my odds of being appointed to Armed Services were incredibly low. But another member encouraged me and said my military background might help. He was right. Wednesday night I was eating a taco when I got a text message letting me know that I had just been appointed. I stared at my phone for a minute, then more text messages from other members started popping up, all saying congratulations. I was a little stunned. After that, things started happening quickly. Military leadership started reaching out to schedule meetings. That was followed by all manner of staffers and related organizations getting in touch. Also - and I’m not sure how to say this in a way that doesn’t sound strange - but a King has reached out. As in, a King of an actual country. So that’s different. Then there’s the press. Because the appointment was made just as we announced that we were sending M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, I immediately started getting questions about my view on our involvement. I turned them down. My sense is that, at this moment, it’s not my job to have a bunch of opinions. It’s my job to take the time to develop a bunch of informed opinions. And it just so happens that I now have access to a vast amount of information. I’ve already started. Over the last several days, I’ve been reading congressional reports detailing the full scope of our military assets, long-term plans for their evolution, and models for different budgetary choices we can make. I’ve read hundreds of pages and to be honest I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface. Coming soon there will be classified briefings and the opportunity to speak to people who have very high clearance levels. (And, yes - since I know you’re thinking it - all the classified material will stay in the room.) Serving on this committee will mean having the opportunity to participate in long-term planning for our military. It is an enormous responsibility. It is also of particular importance to North Carolina, which is home to nearly 700,000 veterans and major military bases. I have one more committee assignment. It’s of a very different nature and I’m just as excited about it. I’ll cover it in the next update. Also, quick story: Last Tuesday, the White House invited all the new members of Congress to a bipartisan reception. Marisa joined me while her mom watched our three kids. The event started with a receiving line in which everyone could say hello to the President. When it was our turn, here’s what happened: Me: “Mr. President, good to see you. Our kids want to meet you but we tell them they have to eat all their vegetables first.” Prez: “Well, let’s call them.” Me: “Umm sir that’s very kind but-” Marisa holds out phone: “Here they are, sir!” Avery (4 y/o): “Hello Joe Biden!”
It was pretty remarkable. Honestly, I was just joking around with him. I never thought he’d take the time to FaceTime with our kids and say hello. A pretty big deal for Owen and Avery. Meanwhile Haden (14 y/o) was in his room and missed it! It was a beautiful evening for members of both parties who attended. A good bipartisan event to start the term.
Best, |
