Eli Crane Named Chairman of Veterans Justice Caucus

Rep. Eli Crane

Representative Eli Crane has been named Chairman of the Congressional Justice for Warriors Caucus. This position places him head of reviewing cases that involve service members and veterans within the military justice system.

The caucus was established in 2019 and examines cases where service members may have been wrongfully accused, convicted, or subjected to disciplinary action. Since it started, the caucus has successfully helped free military personnel from prison and clear their records.

The group also assists veterans with access to medical care, military record corrections, VA claims processing, and oversight of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"I'm honored to serve as Chairman of the Congressional Justice for Warriors Caucus, which does vital work on behalf of our military community," Crane expressed. "I encourage any veteran who believes they've been wrongfully persecuted to reach out. We're here to help."

The Caucus’s Work

The caucus reviews criminal convictions, accusations of misconduct, military investigations, and nonjudicial punishments affecting U.S. service members, veterans, and defense contractors. Their work cases involve alleged reprisal, agency noncompliance with Congressional directives, and broader systemic issues within the veteran community.

In addition to individual case advocacy, the caucus pursues legislative reforms to strengthen military justice frameworks. This includes proposed changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the Rules for Courts-Martial.

According to the caucus, these reforms are designed to address concerns about unlawful command influence, prosecutorial practices, and the application of military law.

The caucus currently consists of Rep. Daniel Webster, who serves as its Executive Member, alongside Reps. Eric Burlison and Cory Mills.

Crane, a former Navy SEAL, brings military experience to his role as chairman. The caucus operates on a bipartisan framework, though its current membership composition is exclusively Republican in the 119th Congress.

The caucus reviews submissions on a case-by-case basis to determine whether intervention or investigation is warranted.

Ericka Piñon

Ericka Pinon is a state and federal reporter for Cactus Politics. She was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and is fluent in both English and Spanish. She is currently studying Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University.