Chairman Bost Releases Statement on VFW Inciting Political Violence

Chairman Bost Releases Statement on VFW Inciting Political Violence

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.) released the following statement in response to recent suggestions of political violence from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW):

"The recent inflammatory, fearmongering, and dangerous political rhetoric from the Veterans of Foreign Wars is inappropriate and must end immediately. As a congressionally chartered organization, the VFW has a responsibility to uphold the honorable prestige that has been granted to them by Congress. That distinction carries with it a responsibility to promote patriotism, civic responsibility, and respectful public discourse while advocating on behalf of veterans. While I respect the First Amendment rights of every American, including those who work at VFW and have served in uniform, suggestions that VA's dedicated workforce - or the media - or anyone else are actively shooting and punishing servicemembers and veterans is unacceptable and creates a dangerous, politically charged environment that can put lives at risk," said Chairman Bost. "I am also troubled by VFW allowing this image and their logo to be used by a third-party company to sell apparel. As both an elected government official and a veteran myself, I take these allegations seriously. In today's political climate, we all have a responsibility to stand up - not stand down - to suggestions of political violence by anyone - let alone the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. I strongly urge them and others in the veteran community to join me in doing the same. I call on the VFW to remove these images, discontinue the sale of associated merchandise, and reaffirm its commitment to fact-based advocacy that honors both our veterans and the democratic principles they served to protect."