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Yes.
Republican U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, who represents western Wisconsin, served 26 years of active duty in the Navy.
That’s longer than any current or former member of the House or Senate, said Colgate University professor Danielle Lupton, who is doing ongoing research.
Official House and Senate historians said they don’t track military service.
On the House floor June 14, 2024, Van Orden called himself “the longest serving enlisted member of the military in the history of Congress.”
At least six current and former members of Congress, all Republicans, who enlisted served longer when reserve duty is included:
Rep. Steve Womack, 30 years, National Guard; Sen. Dan Sullivan, 30 years, Marines and Marine Reserve.
Former senators with longer total military service include: John Tower, 46 years, Navy-Naval Reserve; Scott Brown, 32 years, National Guard; Robert Stafford, 29 years, Navy-Navy Reserve; Slade Gorton, 28 years, Army, Air Force, Air Force Reserve.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
Biographical Director of the United States Congress: Derrick Van Orden
Google Docs: Danielle Lupton email 7/3/24
Rep. Derrick Van Orden: Rep. Derrick Van Orden Speaks in Support of FY25 National Defense Authorization Act on House Floor
U.S. Rep. Steve Womack: Times Record: Womack Honors Veterans At Golden Living Event
Biographical Director of the United States Congress: Steve Womack
Marines: U.S. Marine Corps Colonel, Senator Daniel Sullivan, Retires After 30 Years
Anchorage Daily News: Candidate profile: Dan Sullivan, Marine and ex-resources chief, aims for US Senate seat
Texas State Historical Association: Tower, John Goodwin (1925–1991)
MassLive.com: U.S. Sen. Scott Brown releases military record documenting 32 years of service in National Guard
Rutland Herald: Robert Stafford: Man of few words and many convictions
Bennington Banner: Rep. Stafford retires as captain in Navy Reserve
K&L Gates: Slade Gorton Memorial Program
Legistorm: Former Sen. Slade Gorton
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