Latest news with #VoteVets
The Hill
31-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Democratic veterans group backs Colorado Dems running in GOP House districts
Progressive veterans organization VoteVets backed two House candidates challenging Reps. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) and Jeff Crank (R-Colo.) on Thursday. The group, which aims to elect Democratic veterans to public office, endorsed Eileen Laubacher, who is challenging Boebert in the state's 4th Congressional District, and Jessica Killin in the 5th Congressional District. Both districts have large military veteran populations. 'Jessica and Eileen have committed their careers to service, and their campaigns offer the type of authentic, selfless, problem solving determination voters are hungry for,' said the group's senior adviser, former Rep. Max Rose (D-N.Y.). 'Jessica and Eileen represent the future of leadership and embody the type of winning formula VoteVets has seen successful time and again. They are prepared to put service over self and have already proven they can take on the toughest of battles. We are proud to be by their side as they help bring fresh perspectives and true leadership to DC,' he continued. The group has rolled out a number of high profile endorsements ahead of November's off-year elections and next year's midterms. On Wednesday, the group endorsed Marine veteran Ryan Crosswell, who is one of three Democrats seeking to challenge Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Pa.) in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District. Earlier this year, the group announced it was contributing $500,000 to the Virginia gubernatorial campaign of former Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.). Both candidates will face uphill climbs in the Republican-leaning districts. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates Crank's district as R+9 and Boebert's district as R+5. Laudbacher is one of four Democrats seeking to challenge Boebert. The Democratic candidate is a retired rear admiral in the Navy and a former top National Security Council staffer. Her campaign announced earlier this month it raised $1.9 million in the first quarter of the race. Killin, who launched her bid for Crank's seat earlier this month, is also running in a crowded Democratic primary. Four other Democrats are seeking to challenge Crank. 'The demographics of the district are trending and changing,' Killin said in an interview with The Hill. 'People are tired of both sides of the aisle, honestly, putting politics over people and they want someone who's going to represent them, and I believe that my brand of leadership which is pragmatic but also focused on putting people over party, is going to be refreshing.' She most recently served as chief of staff to former second gentleman Doug Emhoff. Prior to that she served as chief of staff for Rep. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez (D-Wash), along with then-Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) and Donna Shalala (D-Fla.).
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
No Kings protesters vow it's only the ‘end of the beginning, we're going to be out here for months, years' until Donald Trump's policies end
SPRINGFIELD — John Paradis, retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and VoteVets member, opened Saturday's Western Mass 'No Kings' Day of Defiance Rally Saturday reminding folks that the old Springfield Armory, with its roots in the American Revolution, is just up the street. Then he gestured to the throng gathered on the steps of the federal courthouse. 'Today,' Paradis said. 'This crowd is the arsenal of democracy.' It was people carrying signs, wearing costumes and identifying themselves as members of everything from the Sisters of Saint Joseph to the American Legion, Mass Senior Action Council and the Young Feminist Party. There were more than 100 'No Kings' rallies across Massachusetts Saturday and the Pioneer Valley including Easthampton, Northampton, Haydenville, Granby, Ashfield, Orange, Amherst, Greenfield, Westfield and Belchertown. The crowd in Springfield exceeded its organizers' expectations with thousands gathered, lining State Street for two or three blocks on either side. 'This is the end of the beginning,' said Ron Bucchino, of Agawam, who attended Northampton's event. 'We are going to be out here for a longtime. We are going to be out here for months. We are going to be out here for years.' At the Northampton rally, Janet Testori, of Westhampton, said she hopes these demonstrations tells people not to sink into indifference or to lose hope. And the midterms are coming up. 'Vote,' she said. She held a sign chiding the president: 'Donnie? Is it raining on your parade today.' For June 14 — Trump's birthday — was also the 250th anniversary of the Army and Trump presided over a parade in Washington. Saturday was also Flag Day. 'I'm here to celebrate Flag Day,' said Steven Kramer, of Amherst, who handed out small American flags at the Springfield event. 'And to take Flag Day back.' He said he's tired of national symbols being co-opted by what he sees as right-wing forces antithetical to American values. 'I'm here for democracy. I'm here for the democracy I grew up with and the democracy I support,' said Brian Kennedy, of East Longmeadow. A Marine veteran who served in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969, Kennedy was quick to point out that he'd run the Marine Corps Marathon one year while he had bone spurs in his ankles. Messages were read Saturday in Springfield from U.S. Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren as well as U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield. U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern, D-Worcester, shook hands with the crowd as he arrived at the Northampton rally. 'The people who are gathered here today are patriots,' McGovern, ranking Democrat on the Rules Committee, said. 'They love this country. And they're horrified by the direction that Trump and his thugs are taking this country.' Alice Jenkins, 19 of Westhampton, and one of the organizers of the Northampton rally, said one should also be lulled into a false sense of security, thinking they live in a liberal bubble here in Massachusetts. There is fear close to home. State Sen. Adam Gomez, D-Springfield, spoke in his home city. 'It's a moment that we're standing up for justice and we're standing up for what we feel is right,' Gomez said. He said people have to pay attention to national issues, to political parties and elections. 'But then hopefully this message matriculates down to individuals that want to make a change within their communities, in their streets, with their neighbors and also on their city councils or school committees or within their municipalities to make sure that they're staying engaged not only on the federal level, but also here where they're from,' Gomez said. In Gomez's neighborhood — the Brightwood section of Springfield, immigration enforcement officers were spotted on Fisk Avenue. Many in the neighborhood are from Guatemala and the sight of ICE agents make them fearful of going to work or sending their children to school, he said. That fear transcends immigration status. Neighbors are volunteering to escort children to school and help breadwinners get to work, he said. 'And honestly, it's been a little, a little uncomfortable, but these are the things that we're facing here,' Gomez said. John Bonifaz — constitutional attorney and free speech advocate from Amherst — closed out the Springfield rally Saturday with a call-and-response. Trump sent the National Guard and Marines into Los Angeles over the objects of local officials. 'This is an abuse of power. An impeachable offense,' said Bonifaz, a backer behind Donald Trump ignoring court orders meant to curb his power? 'This is an abuse of power. An impeachable offense.' Ignoring the will of Congress by canceling spending. 'This is an abuse of power. An impeachable offense.' At HardTech, Holyoke wants to sell itself as a place 'for companies from Boston to land' in a new manufacturing economy Baystate Health readies for hospital demolition at Mary Lane site Westfield apartment fire claims life Read the original article on MassLive.
Newsweek
04-06-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Pete Hegseth Renaming Harvey Milk Navy Ship Sparks Fury From Veterans Group
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. VoteVets accused Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of a "deliberate insult to LGBTQ" troops by renaming a U.S. Navy ship that had carried Harvey Milk's name. Milk served for four years in the Navy, during the Korean War, before he was forced out for being gay. He later became one of the first openly gay candidates elected to public office and a famed civil rights activist. He was murdered in 1978. "At the start of Pride Month, Pete Hegseth ordered the Navy to strip Harvey Milk's name from a ship," VoteVotes, a progressive veterans activist group, posted to X, formerly Twitter. "A man who served with honor—erased to send a message. This is a deliberate insult to LGBTQ Troops and Americans that weakens our force and shreds the values we fight for." The renaming marks the latest move by Hegseth and the wider Trump administration to purge all programs, policies, books, and social media mentions of references to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Hegseth says he is reestablishing the "warrior culture" in America's military. This is a developing article. Updates to follow. This article includes reporting by The Associated Press.
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Veterans Group Attacks Trump Cuts in Memorial Day Message
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A veterans group has taken aim at President Donald Trump's cuts at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in a Memorial Day message posted online. Why It Matters Like other departments, the VA has not been immune to staffing cuts ordered by the Trump administration as part of a broad effort to reduce the size and cost of the federal government. What To Know In a post on X, formerly Twitter, progressive political action committee VoteVets criticized the Trump administration for the cutbacks, as well as the president's senior advisor and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) frontman Elon Musk. "Gutting VA will result in delayed appointments and substandard care, leading directly to more veteran deaths. In fact, as reports and internal documents now prove, Elon Musk's wrecking ball is causing systems to fail, putting veterans at risk," Kayla Williams, Iraq Veteran and senior policy advisor at VoteVets, said. "It's a slap in the face to all who have worn the uniform in defense of our nation." This #MemorialDay, recognize that cuts to the VA mean delayed care and more deaths, which is a slap in the face to those who served. — VoteVets (@votevets) May 25, 2025 The VA plans to reduce its workforce by more than 17 percent, about 82,000 staffers, and numerous contracts held by the agency have been cut. Earlier this month, Federal News Network reported that over 14,000 VA employees in health-care positions applied to leave their jobs through separation incentives offered by the federal government. In an effort to reduce waiting times for VA health care services, the department announced last week that veterans will no longer need a second VA physician to review and approve their eligibility to receive non-VA administered health care. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on May 12, 2025, in Washington, DC. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on May 12, 2025, in Washington, DC. Andrew Harnik/GETTY What People Are Saying President Donald Trump in a proclamation on Memorial Day, issued by the White House on May 24: "America's Gold Star Families—whose sons, daughters, wives, and husbands are among the honored—endure unfathomable heartache. Their loved ones selflessly gave everything to protect our sovereignty. They have our unwavering support, deepest gratitude, and highest respect. The lives lost in war serve as a solemn reminder of why we must pursue peace through strength." VA Secretary Doug Collins in a statement regarding Memorial Day: "This Memorial Day and throughout the year, we at the Department of Veterans Affairs honor and remember the brave heroes who gave their lives in defense of our nation. I encourage Americans to join us at VA cemeteries around the country this weekend to reflect on the tremendous debt we owe these fallen warriors. Their sacrifices have helped make America the greatest place on Earth, and their legacies of courage and commitment inspire us to reach new heights." Everett Kelley, the national president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), said in a statement shared with Newsweek in March regarding VA staffing cuts: "The VA has been severely understaffed for many years, resulting in longer wait times for veterans in need. The DOGE plunder of career VA employees, adding to the illegal mass firings of thousands of probationary employees, can only make matters worse. Veterans and their families will suffer unnecessarily, and the will of Congress will be ignored." What Happens Next Whether further staffing cutbacks will take place at the VA has not been confirmed.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Who is Pete Buttigieg? Former transport secretary positioning himself for 2028 presidential run
Pete Buttigieg is making his way back to Iowa, the state where his national political career took flight during the 2020 Democratic primary. Now 43, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and transport secretary under President Joe Biden, is headlining a veterans' town hall in Cedar Rapids. The event, hosted by the progressive veterans' group VoteVets, comes amid growing speculation that Buttigieg is laying the groundwork for a 2028 presidential run . While Buttigieg has not formally declared his candidacy, he has avoided committing to other high-profile races, most recently declining to run for either Senate or governor in Michigan, where he and his husband Chasten have relocated. In public remarks and online posts, Buttigieg has focused on the need for a clearer Democratic message in response to what he calls the 'authoritarian tendencies' of President Donald Trump's administration. 'I am more motivated than ever to contribute to the future of this country,' he wrote in a recent Substack post, after confirming he would not run for office in 2026. Though aides say his current travel is about connecting with Americans, Buttigieg joins a list of Democrats quietly testing the waters for a post-Biden era, including JB Pritzker, Wes Moore, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. For Buttigieg, who once topped the Iowa caucus results alongside Bernie Sanders in 2020, the return to Iowa may serve as an unofficial soft launch. Who is Pete Buttigieg? Born January 19, 1982, in South Bend, Indiana Former Mayor of South Bend (elected at age 29) Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation under President Joe Biden Served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Reserves (2009–2017), including a deployment to Afghanistan Graduated from Harvard University in 2004 with a degree in History and Literature Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, 2007 Worked as a consultant at McKinsey & Company (2007–2010) Ran for president in the 2020 Democratic primaries Openly gay and married to Chasten Glezman since 2018 Adopted twins, Penelope Rose and Joseph August, with his husband
