Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, continued a packed schedule of public engagement and legislative advocacy last week, issuing a forceful condemnation of a major Pentagon security breach, honoring Illinois Vietnam War veterans, and pushing for economic relief, job training, and ethics reform in Congress.

Condemns Security Breach: “A Threat from Within”

In a strongly worded statement following reports of the removal of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Congressman Krishnamoorthi warned that “the real national security threat still in office is Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.”

The Congressman cited alarming reports that Secretary Hegseth deliberately bypassed Pentagon communication safeguards by installing an unsecured internet line in his office to access the Signal messaging app on a personal device. “This is not a lapse in judgment—it’s a willful violation of national security,” Krishnamoorthi declared.

“Until Secretary Hegseth is held accountable and removed from office, our national security remains at risk,” he added.

Vietnam Veterans Honored Ahead of 50th Anniversary

Last week, Krishnamoorthi joined Congresswoman Delia Ramirez and the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County in a moving tribute to Vietnam War veterans, presenting Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pins and congressional commendation letters in honor of their bravery, sacrifice, and service.

“More than 58,000 Americans—including over 3,000 from Illinois—gave their lives during the Vietnam War. Their sacrifices can never be fully repaid,” Krishnamoorthi said.
“It was a true privilege to express my gratitude to these heroes and reaffirm our promise: we will never forget their service, and we will never cease fighting for them.”

Saluting Senator Durbin’s Legacy

Krishnamoorthi also paid tribute to Senator Dick Durbin, applauding his decades-long record on healthcare, immigration, gun safety, and judicial reform.

“Senator Durbin is the standard for what public service should be,” Krishnamoorthi noted. “From one son of downstate to another: Thank you, Senator.”

Fighting Tariff Harm: “A Hidden Tax on Illinois Families”

On a multi-state “Trump Tariff Tour,” Krishnamoorthi met with small business owners in Chicago, Atlanta, and Urbana, amplifying the economic pain caused by tariffs imposed under the Trump administration.

“These tariffs are a hidden tax on working families,” he said, estimating a $4,400 annual cost per householdif such policies return. He pledged to fight for fair trade that supports American consumers and small businesses.

Championing Career and Technical Education

In Chicago, Krishnamoorthi led a Career and Technical Education (CTE) roundtable at Harry S Truman College with leaders from eight community colleges. As author of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, he has spearheaded $1.3 billion in federal funding to expand access to in-demand careers in healthcare and the skilled trades.

“We must create more pathways to prosperity—especially for students who don’t pursue four-year degrees.”

Earth Day with Little City

In honor of Earth Day, Krishnamoorthi visited Little City in Palatine to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Dorothy Rose Horticulture Center, planting a tree and praising the organization’s service to individuals with developmental disabilities and foster youth.

“Little City is a beacon of compassion and empowerment,” he said, affirming his commitment to Medicaid and social services funding.

Push for Ethics Reform: “Lawmakers Must Serve the Public, Not Their Portfolios”

Amid growing concern over congressional stock trading, Krishnamoorthi renewed his call to pass the Restoring Faith in Government Act, which would ban lawmakers and their families from trading individual stocks while in office.

Citing reports of insider-like behavior, including a Trump social media post that spiked stock purchases before a tariff announcement, Krishnamoorthi warned:

“We must restore public trust. Elected officials should never profit off privileged information.”

At a time when national security, economic fairness, and public trust are all under pressure, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi’s legislative and public actions reflect a broad-based commitment to reform, accountability, and serviceto the people of Illinois and the nation.