ILVetsforChange

Alex had our backs. We got his. And we’ll fight for his memory against a radical @gop that stands only for Donald Trump.

Terrifying, disgusting, and antithetical to who we are as Americans. What danger could a 5-year-old boy possibly pose to our country? Then to use this child as bait - it is sickening. Let us not forget that the Trump administration said it would go after “the worst of the worst.” Let us not forget the President’s secret police parading Dr. Phill around our city to spread that same propaganda. The reality - far from the fake news this administration spews - is that they are racial profiling, detaining hard-working people that keep our country running, and inducing terror in our communities. It is shameful. This administration boasts a pseudo-stance on Law and Order, but you cannot have either while bringing about chaos.

Stephanie Kifowit is a Marine Corps veteran and founder of @ILVetsforChange. She's running for Comptroller to tackle rising costs impacting families, small businesses, and retirees. We proudly endorse @kifowitforcomp. You can learn more at: kifowitforcomptroller.com

Sam Polan, an Army veteran, is dedicated to protecting our values, restoring trust, and rebuilding the middle class. We are proud to endorse Sam Polan for Congress. You can learn more about Sam at: sampolan.com

My statement on Trump conducting military actions in Venezuela: While I've warned for months about Trump starting a war with Venezuela, I'm shocked by the military's absolute disregard for both domestic and international law. There is simply no legal basis for abducting a foreign state leader.  Families are losing their healthcare, struggling in the face of rising costs, and scared about the prospects of a weakening economy. And now Trump is starting an illegal war in South America with no plan on what to do after regime change, just like George W. Bush did in Iraq. Having served as a military lawyer and civil servant who stood up to this administration, it's more important than ever that we elect leaders who can restore the rule of law in Washington. It's the only way we'll stop this out of control, imperial presidency.

It's an old and obvious pattern. An unpopular president - failing on the economy and losing his grip on power at home - decides to launch a war for regime change abroad. The American people don’t want to “run” a foreign country while our leaders fail to improve life in this one.

Donald Trump’s reckless and unconstitutional operations in Venezuela—including this morning’s arrest of a foreign leader—are not about enforcing law and order because if they were, he wouldn’t hide them from Congress. Maduro was unquestionably a bad actor, but no President has the authority to unilaterally decide to use force to topple a government, thrusting us and the region into uncertainty without justification, a defined end-state or a real plan for preventing the instability that could come next. His actions continue putting American troops, personnel and citizens at risk both in the region and around the globe. None of that serves our nation’s interests.

Austin May is a U.S. Army officer who has served in both the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps. We proudly endorse him to serve on the McHenry County Board in District 5. You can learn more about Austin at: abetterwaymc.com

Jesse Gutierrez is a Navy Veteran. We’re proud to endorse him to serve on the DuPage County Board in District 6. You can learn about Jesse at: jessegutierrezjr.com

Mickensy Ellis-White is a U.S. Army Reserve Veteran. We’re proud to endorse her to serve on the Vermilion County Board in District 7. #twill

Sabrina Kelley is an Army Veteran. We’re proud to endorse her to serve on the Vermilion County Board in District 6.

Jennifer Banek is a U.S. Army Reserve Veteran, a healthcare professional, and Lake County’s Coroner. We're proud to endorse her to serve on the Democratic Party of Illinois State Central Committee to represent District 10. You can learn about Jennifer at: banekforillinois.com

Miguel Valente (@votevalente) is an Army National Guard Veteran. We’re proud to endorse him to serve on the Sangamon County Board in District 18. You can learn about Miguel at: votevalente.com

From Navy veteran Thomas Gary and our chair, Jesse Rojo: chicago.suntimes.com/letters-to-the…

Kevin Lamm is a Navy veteran with nearly four decades of public service on his resume. We're proud to endorse him to serve on the Democratic Party of Illinois State Central Committee to represent District 16. You can find out more about Kevin here: kevinlammforillinois.com

When I was 22 years old, I commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy and swore an oath to the Constitution. I upheld that oath through flight school, multiple deployments on the USS Midway, 39 combat missions in Operation Desert Storm, test pilot school, four space shuttle flights at NASA, and every day since I retired – which I did after my wife Gabby was shot in the head while serving her constituents. In combat, I had a missile blow up next to my jet and flew through anti-aircraft fire to drop bombs on enemy targets. At NASA, I launched on a rocket, commanded the space shuttle, and was part of the recovery mission that brought home the bodies of my astronaut classmates who died on Columbia. I did all of this in service to this country that I love and has given me so much. Secretary Hegseth’s tweet is the first I heard of this. I also saw the President’s posts saying I should be arrested, hanged, and put to death. If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable, it won’t work. I’ve given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution.

This #VeteransDay, our gratitude is with all who served, and our hearts are with the families of the fallen. We honor their sacrifice not just with words, but with action. That means fighting to protect the benefits they were promised and committing to end #ForeverWars.

Ahead of Veterans Day, I was honored to welcome a flight of veterans and their families as they arrived in DC. To all those who bravely served our country, thank you to you and your family for your extraordinary service. The sacrifices that all of you have made to protect our country will be honored, today and every day.

It's an honor to call our veterans brothers and sisters. Happy #VeteransDay!

Honored to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the @USMC with a wreath laying this morning alongside @VFWHQ and Marine Corps vets @gilbert36ward and former Ald. Balcer. The Marine Corps is a very important part of the Department of the @USNavy 😉