Congressman García to Spotlight Attacks on Veterans and Workers' Rights at Presidential Joint Address

CHICAGO — Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04) announced today that his guest for the upcoming Presidential Joint Address to Congress will be Eric Rodriguez, a constituent of the district, resident of West Lawn, disabled Army veteran, frontline VA worker, and union steward in the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare Illinois. Rodriguez works at Hines VA Hospital, one of the primary institutions serving veterans in the 4th District. He has been an outspoken advocate against attacks on veterans’ services and the rights of unionized federal employees.

"Eric represents the very best of our community—someone who has served his country, continues to serve his fellow veterans and fights every day to protect the dignity of working people," said Congressman García. "His presence at the Joint Address is a powerful statement: we will not sit back while veterans and workers are treated as political pawns."

Veterans Under Attack: Cuts, Union-Busting, and Neglect

Despite promises to protect those who served, the Trump administration has started an all-out assault on veterans by underfunding critical VA services, gutting workers' rights, and pushing privatization schemes that benefit corporate interests over those who sacrificed for their country.

·         Union-Busting Executive Orders – Efforts to weaken the collective bargaining rights of VA employees, many of whom are veterans themselves, have made it harder to fight for better working conditions and patient care.
·         Staffing Cuts & Budget Slashes – Elon Musk has fast-tracked layoffs and hiring freezes at the VA, exacerbating wait times and reducing care quality for those who need it most.
·         Privatization Push – The shift toward outsourcing veteran care to private providers risks lower standards, disrupting treatment, and pumping taxpayer dollars into corporate hands.

Rodriguez has been on the front lines of this fight, rallying with fellow SEIU members, speaking out against harmful policies, and organizing to protect both veterans and workers.

"These attacks on VA workers are attacks on veterans," said Rodriguez. "We are the ones providing specialized care, advocating for better resources, and ensuring that those who served this country aren’t left behind. We’re fighting back, and we’re not backing down."

Fighting Back with Worker Power

Congressman García and SEIU members are mobilizing to defend workers’ rights and safeguard veterans' care. The fight is clear:

·         Protect and expand VA services instead of outsourcing care to corporations
·         Ensure fair wages and safe working conditions for the frontline workers caring for veterans
·         Stop union-busting efforts that silence workers and weaken their ability to advocate for better care

"We’ve seen this playbook before—divide and weaken workers, then hand over public services to private interests," said Congressman García. "But this time, we’re ready. With leaders like Eric and the power of our unions, we’re fighting back stronger than ever."

Eric Rodriguez’s presence at the Joint Address is a reminder that the labor movement is about dignity, justice, and standing up for those who serve.

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