By — Domenico Montanaro Domenico Montanaro Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/fewer-veterans-are-serving-in-congress-than-ever-before Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Fewer veterans are serving in Congress than ever before Nation Nov 11, 2014 6:53 PM EDT Veterans used to make up a strong majority of Congress. In 1972, more than 70 percent of Congressional members had served in the military. But those numbers have fallen dramatically. In 2012, for the first time in American history, the presidential election featured no candidate with military experience. And now, even with lawmakers who are veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, there will be fewer of them than at any time in at least the last 50 years — just 18 percent. NewsHour political director Domenico Montanaro reports on the changing numbers. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Domenico Montanaro Domenico Montanaro
Veterans used to make up a strong majority of Congress. In 1972, more than 70 percent of Congressional members had served in the military. But those numbers have fallen dramatically. In 2012, for the first time in American history, the presidential election featured no candidate with military experience. And now, even with lawmakers who are veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, there will be fewer of them than at any time in at least the last 50 years — just 18 percent. NewsHour political director Domenico Montanaro reports on the changing numbers. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now