19May
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Common Defense, a grassroots organization of veterans and military families, announced the endorsement of a slate of dedicated leaders for the U.S. House of Representatives in Pennsylvania: Rep. Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12), Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06). Common Defense represents more than 500,000 veterans, military family members, and civilian allies who are committed to defending democracy and ensuring that our government works for everyone, not just the wealthy and well-connected.
Jose Vasquez, U.S. Army veteran and Executive Director of Common Defense, released the following statement:
“We are proud to stand with these champions in Pennsylvania because they understand that service doesn’t end when you take off the uniform – it’s a lifelong commitment to the community. In a time when our democratic institutions are under threat from extremist interests, we need leaders like Chris Deluzio, Summer Lee, Mary Gay Scanlon, and Chrissy Houlahan who will fight for the rights of working families and the integrity of our republic. Veterans in Pennsylvania and across the country are tired of being used as political props; we want representatives who deliver real results on the PACT Act, economic justice, and the protection of our core freedoms. These candidates have shown they are ready to hold the line for our democracy.”
Naveed Shah, U.S. Army veteran and Political Director at Common Defense, added:
“The path to protecting our future runs through the Keystone State. Common Defense members have been organizing on the ground in Pennsylvania for years, and we know that voters are looking for candidates who lead with integrity. Reps. Deluzio, Lee, Houlahan, and Scanlon bring the accountability and steadiness we expect from public servants. We are ready to mobilize our grassroots power to ensure these leaders continue their vital work in Congress.”
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Common Defense Civic Engagement (501c4) (CDCE) is a grassroots, veteran-led organization that was founded in 2016. We empower veterans to stand up for our communities against the rising tide of racism, hate, and violence, to organize against the entrenched powers that have rigged our economy, and to champion an equitable and representative democracy, where “liberty and justice” truly is for all. For too long, politicians from both political parties have attempted to use veterans as unwilling political props, and Common Defense serves as a home for veterans to organize and speak for themselves and support the candidates who truly share our values.