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Name: Edgar Villanueva (D-IL) Media/Outlet: Anderson Cooper 360 (CNN) Reason: Watford Nomination to SCOTUS "I am of the belief that Judge Watford is an esteemed jurist who deserves fair consideration devoid of the misleading labels and unfair representations that have been made of him. His nomination should not be reduced to identity politics. Any reference to the contrary is outright uncalled for and dismissive of his judicial experience and qualifications. Here are some real facts about Watford. He has served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for over a decade, and in that time he has authored thoughtful opinions that demonstrate his deep understanding of the law and a commitment to upholding constitutional principles. He's also demonstrated as much in his Senate confirmation hearing. Let me also bring up an interesting fact that Republicans have so interestingly left out of the conversation. In United States v. Aguila-Montes De Oca (2013), Watford authored a majority opinion that rendered the defendant removable from the United States as the crime they committed was one involving 'moral turpitude.' His track record on the bench exhibits that his judicial approach is balanced. Deliberate misconceptions spread by some Republican politicians calling Watford an 'activist' or 'extremist' are baseless and unfounded. There are many cases on which he has ruled that demonstrate that his decisions are rooted in legal precedent and an impartial application of the law. Period." "I think the attempt to vilify Mr. Watford's association with organizations like the ACLU as 'radicalism' is extremely misguided. In case Republicans have forgotten, the ACLU plays a critical role in actually safeguarding Americans' civil liberties and holding those institutions which violate them accountable. Watford's legal work shows that he is dedicated to defending the constitutional rights of Americans and ensure equal justice under the law. While Republicans are attempting to dogwhistle Mr. Watford by bringing up the 2007 case in which he filed an amicus brief in Kentucky, they fail to educate Americans on the entirety of that complex case. Mr. Watford never advocated for either defendant's sentence to be appealed; rather, he, and a group of Kentuckian doctors, opposed Kentucky's protocol for execution by lethal injection. When you add that lens to the context of the story, I believe it changes the audience's interpretation of what his intent and purpose was by filing that amicus brief. But it certainly wasn't for the reason those out there are falsely claiming it to be." "What sets Watford apart is not just his impressive resume but also his judicial temperament and commitment to the rule of law. He approaches each case with impartiality and integrity. He has demonstrated that he carefully weighs competing arguments to reach well-reasoned decisions that are grounded in legal principle. I believe that is what Americans want out of any potential Supreme Court justice. Anderson, simply stated, I believe he is more than eminently qualified to serve on the Supreme Court. Watford's nomination represents an opportunity to strengthen public trust in the judiciary and ensure the highest court in the land continues to uphold the ideals of justice and equality for ALL Americans."

Office of U.S. Senator Edgar Villanueva Cathy Federico, Communications Director Talia Root, Press Secretary Q4, 2016 Villanueva Introduces Bills to Promote Equality, Environmental Protection, and Food Security For Immediate Release PRESS RELEASE #001 | BLOOMINGTON, IL - Today, Illinois Senator Villanueva unveiled a comprehensive legislative package aimed at advancing equality for all Americans, protecting our nation's vital ecosystems, and ensuring food security for vulnerable populations. The package includes three key pieces of legislation: Equality Act: This landmark legislation seeks to ensure equal protection under the law for LGBTQ+ individuals by prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in areas such as employment, housing, education, public accommodations, and more. By amending existing civil rights laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics, the Equality Act aims to promote fairness, dignity, and equal opportunity for all Americans. Mississippi River Delta Restoration and Resilience Act: Recognizing the urgent environmental challenges facing the Mississippi River Delta, a vital ecosystem for our nation and a critical economic resource for Illinois and the surrounding region, this legislation provides critical funding and support for research, restoration, and resilience efforts in the delta region. By addressing issues such as erosion, land loss, and environmental degradation, the bill aims to protect the delta's ecological integrity and ensure its long-term sustainability for future generations. Protect SNAP Act of 2017: This bill aims to prevent changes to regulations governing waivers under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. It prohibits the issuance or enforcement of any rule, regulation, proposed rule, policy directive, or guideline that supersedes or modifies certain subsections of title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations as in effect on January 1, 2017. This legislation is crucial for protecting food security for vulnerable populations and ensuring access to nutrition assistance programs. "I am proud to introduce these important pieces of legislation that address pressing issues of equality, environmental protection, and food security," commented Villanueva when asked about these pieces of legislation. "These bills reflect our commitment to advancing justice and equality under the law, safeguarding our natural resources, and ensuring that no American goes hungry." Senator Villanueva urges his colleagues in the Senate to support these critical bills and take decisive action to advance equality, protect our planet, and ensure food security for all Americans.

NetRoots Nation!! Thank you so very much for that humble welcome. I am truly honored and empowered to be with you today as this fierce grassroots body deliberates what our next step should be in the year coming forward. I grew up in a neighborhood in San Juan, Puerto Rico called La Perla. If you Google my neighborhood and take one look at it, you can gather a good idea about what life was like in el barrio. Nevertheless, we followed that age-old, cheesy mantra: "when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade." My family often had to make lemonade out of things that were not lemons, but the matter of the fact is that we were grateful to at least have something to drink. As a young boy, I ventured out beyond my neighborhood and quickly gained perspective about what life could be like... if my family had the money to afford it. Some neighborhoods in San Juan are illustrious and exquisite, marked by marbled walls and rust-proof metal fences that gate certain houses, and sometimes even the entire neighborhood itself. Some of these houses had freshly-pressed concrete driveways and breathtaking views of the coastline. Some had una criada, or a maid, and you could see them scurry around cleaning the house through the window through the gaps of the fence. It is then, in those crucially formative years of my adolescence, that I learned the harsh reality of the life dichotomy: the have and the have-not. Even with all this being said, my parents gave me the best life I could ask for and I would not replace it for anything in the world. My friends, this is the power of hope. This is the power of love. This is the power of unity. Even in one's darkest day, the power of love is strong enough to pull anyone up by their bootstraps. As I grew older, I began to ask myself why the government had not changed the status quo. I could not understand or comprehend why our elected leaders would allow their own people to live in such impoverished conditions. Through my experience as social worker, activist, and a student in university, I quickly realized that it was not government that was the problem; it was the people who were running it. When I reflect upon what the role of government should be, I think about the bogeyman arguments that are often used to deter people from thinking about what government can do for the people. This isn't an outright declaration that the government should have control our lives, and I feel I need to make that distinction only because there will be people who attempt to twist the words I shall speak here today. Hell, I was even called out on Twitter the other week and someone used an old, antiquated Reagan quote to spin what I said. But history has shown us the power of the federal government when it comes to lifting people up from their impoverished conditions and providing them a lifeline to get a fresh start on life. Despite all the pundits and fallacious arguments being thrown about by members across the aisle, the past eight years have been positively life-changing for many Americans. 135 million Americans can sleep better at night knowing the Affordable Care Act protects them from losing coverage due to their pre-existing conditions. 20 million Americans who started off the first Obama term without health insurance can now sleep better at night knowing they are now INSURED under a Marketplace program or the Medicaid expansion. In some states, coverage provided through the Marketplace was LESS expensive than that offered through an employer-sponsored coverage plan. Under the American Recovery and Investment Act, the federal government was able to stabilize the economy and spur job growth by investing in infrastructure and green energy. We saw the Supreme Court issue a landmark ruling with Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015, legalizing same-sex marriage in each and every state - a ruling supported by a Democratic administration! We became a signatory of the groundbreaking Paris Agreement, assuming the responsibility that the federal government will do everything in its power to protect its people from the existential threat of climate change. Congress provided greater protections for consumers with Dodd-Frank and placed necessary restrictions on an unruly financial industry to prevent the fallout that precipitated the Great Recession from happening again. Simply stated, this government needs to begin to invest in its own people once more... because when it does, the results speak louder than words ever could! NetRoots Nation! In this session of Congress, WE THE PEOPLE have the power to push the envelope and, together, WE can radically change the status quo. We can pass the Equality Act and FINALLY make it a federal crime to discriminate against someone on the basis of their sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. For too long, the federal government has overlooked the LGBTQIA+ community, but this is OUR time to change the law so that it reflects the fact that WE ARE AMERICANS TOO! WE CAN pass legislation that increases that shamefully low minimum wage to $15 so that American workers do not have to take up TWO jobs just to keep the lights on and put food on the table! WE CAN take the intent and purpose of the Affordable Care Act to greater heights by implementing a single-payer healthcare system to that EVERY SINGLE CITIZENS has access to quality healthcare WITHOUT BARRIERS! WE CAN pursue the most aggressive action in our nation's history to combat the existential threat of climate change! We owe it to the future generations of this country to do our part and transition to renewable energy sources where possible, REDUCE our carbon emissions, INVEST in GREEN infrastructure, and HOLD TRUE to the international climate agreements of which we are a signatory! WE CAN radically transform the criminal justice system to address systemic and racism-rooted issues like mass incarceration, racial disparities in sentencing, police brutality and the school-to-prison pipeline! This Congress needs to take up legislation that will reform sentencing laws, improve the relationship between our communities and police forces, and REHABILITATE these individuals to drastically decrease the rate of recidivism! WE CAN transform our nation's immigration system to provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and DREAMers, protect the RIGHTS of immigrants and refugees, and reform our immigration enforcement policies. Despite what the other side wants you to believe, we CAN have a secure border and a socially just immigration system! WE CAN work to make higher education more affordable and accessible for MORE Americans by transitioning to FREE tuition for students who attend public four-year college and universities! And if we can't get that, we can at least begin by providing free tuition for two-year community colleges and vocational schools! WE CAN power the engine of the American economy by forgiving billions of dollars in student loan debt, freeing up that money for American consumers to reinvest back into their communities and states. WE CAN continue to advance women's rights, the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, and gender equality! WE CAN make modern investments in our infrastructure to create jobs! All of these great achievements are within our reach! NetRoots Nation! You have my word and my commitment that I will stand strong with you in our shared goal of accomplishing each and every single one of those goals. Nevertheless, know that nothing good in this life comes easy. The path to change is often plagued by obstacles and barriers that at times seem insurmountable. But know that your greatest strengths are only byproducts of what USED to be your greatest weaknesses. TOGETHER, podemos cambiar nuestra país para el mejor. WE CAN change our country for the better! Keep the faith and never stop fighting the good fight, even when the darkest clouds begin to roll in on the horizon. Each and every one of us is capable of conquering our biggest fear, our wildest dreams, and the most positive radical changes for our society. Imagine what power we yield as a collective unit! Imagine what power emanates from THIS ROOM in THIS VERY MOMENT! NEVER lose the fire within your souls as you will use that passion and motivation to create a more equitable and more just society for this generation and those yet to come! PEACE AND POWER BE WITH YOU ALL! Thank you so very much!

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and honored delegates: It is an honor to be with you here today at the Munich Security Conference. As a child growing up in beautiful Puerto Rico, I quickly learned that the world is meant to be explored and that it is up to us to explore it. It has been nothing less than a privilege to be able to take in the beauty of the European continent and especially that of Germany. As we gather here today, it is important to note that the United States will always have an unwavering commitment to the West and NATO. We recognize the pivotal role that this alliance plays in preserving peace and stability in an increasingly complex and tense world. In this era of unprecedented challenges, the United States stands shoulder to shoulder with our NATO allies. In addition to military cooperation, we must expand our focus to include issues such as economic equity, social justice, and human rights. A progressive NATO is one that advocates for the well-being of all peoples, both within our borders and beyond. With a likeminded Congress and Executive Branch at the helm, I believe that our country is firmly committed to upholding the principles of collective defense, democratic governance, and international cooperation that have been the bedrock of this alliance for decades. The United States's commitment to NATO is NOT just a matter of words; it is one backed by concrete actions. We are bolstering our military presence in Europe, enhancing our interoperability with vital allied forces, and investing in the modernization of our collective defense capabilities to ensure that NATO remains ready and able to meet the evolving security threats we all face in a constantly changing world. This, my friends, is the future of the West and of NATO. Under many presidential administrations, the United States has actively worked and will continue to work with our NATO partners to address emerging challenges, such as cyber threats, hybrid warfare, and terrorism; each issue has threatened the very fabric of our societies and the order that our citizens rely on their government to provide. We recognize that these threats do NOT respect borders and require a coordinated, multinational response. By deepening our cooperation and sharing vital intelligence and best practices within the alliance, we can better confront these shared challenges and safeguard our collective security. Make no mistake about it. The United States is committed to strengthening NATO's role as a force for stability and prosperity in Europe and beyond the Euro-Atlantic region. We are always working with our allies to support NATO's partnerships with other countries around the world. It is our priority to promote security and stability in regions facing conflict and instability. In our pursuit of global security and cooperation, we must also prioritize environmental sustainability and combatting climate change. Our exploration of the world must be done responsibly, with a keen eye towards preserving our planet for future generations. The Middle East stands at a crossroads, marred by conflicts and crises that have far-reaching consequences for the world order, global security, and global stability. It is crucial that the United States, along with our allies, engages in constructive dialogue. We must pursue diplomatic solutions to address the root causes of these conflicts. As history reflects, military interventions and unilateral actions have, more times than not, exacerbated tensions and led to further instability. For example, I strongly believe in the importance of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a negotiated two-state solution. This conflict poses a grave humanitarian challenge and fuels extremism and instability in the region. The U.S. and NATO must play a constructive role in facilitating dialogue and negotiations between the parties, while also addressing the legitimate security concerns of both Israelis and Palestinians. Additionally, we need a nuanced approach to address the ongoing civil war in Syria, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, and the threat posed by extremist groups like ISIS. In the Senate, I pledge to you all here today that, in each of these instances, I will advocate for a comprehensive approach that prioritizes diplomacy, humanitarian assistance, and support for an inclusive political process. With regard to Russia, it is essential that this alliance adopts a firm yet pragmatic approach to managing relations with Putin and Moscow. Russia's actions in recent years, in particular its illegal annexation of Crimea, its destabilization efforts in Eastern Ukraine, and its aggressive behavior in cyberspace, have raised serious and legitimate concerns among NATO allies. With this is mind, I still believe that a policy of constructive dialogue is essential to prevent further escalation. Despite the odds, we can find areas of common interest where cooperation is possible. If Kennedy and Khrushchev could come together to ease hostility and tension between the two great powers, so can we. Nevertheless, this alliance should maintain a credible deterrence posture to defend against any potential Russian aggression while pursuing challenges of communication and cooperation on issues of mutual interest and concern. These can be topic areas such as arms control, joint counterterrorism efforts, and regional stability strategies. It is essential that NATO remains united and resolute in the face of Russian provocation, yet equally important that we leave the door open for meaningful dialogue and diplomacy to address shared security challenges. As we look to the future, the United States remains fiercely determined and committed to our transatlantic partnership and the values that unite us as members of the Western community. We recognize that our collective security and prosperity depend on our ability to work together, uphold our shared principles, and adapt to the changing dynamics of the global security landscape. This includes combatting the existential threat that is climate change. Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, with far-reaching implications for global security and stability. This alliance must adapt to this new reality by integrating climate considerations into our defense strategies and operational planning. We must invest in renewable energy technologies, reduce our carbon footprint, and promote sustainable practices across our armed forces and civilian populations. Moreover, NATO's role extends beyond traditional security concerns; it encompasses a shared responsibility to protect our planet for future generations. By championing environmental stewardship and fostering innovation, we can strengthen our resilience against environmental risks and contribute to a more sustainable world. In this spirit, the United States stands ready to collaborate with our NATO allies on initiatives that promote climate resilience, advance clean energy solutions, and mitigate the impact of climate change on our shared security. Together, let us forge a path towards a greener, safer, and more prosperous future for all. Let me strongly reaffirm that the United States stands ready to work hand in hand with our NATO allies to address the challenges of our time and build a more prosperous, secure future for all. Together, we can and will uphold the enduring principles of freedom, democracy, and peace that have defined our alliance for generations, as we always have. Peace and power be with you all and your countries. Thank you!

UPDATE: Changing my avatar to Mauricio Vila Dosal, the current Governor of Yucatán. I forgot that Pena Nieto would be president at this time and Vila Dosal, I believe, matches Edgar's archetype a bit more.

Name: Edgar Villanueva (D-IL) Media/Outlet: Anderson Cooper 360 on CNN Reason: 2016 Election Results & 115th Congress "For the first time in our great nation's history, a Latina has been elected to the country's highest office. Not only has a woman finally been elected to the presidency, but she is a Latina. Even though we know that is fact, speaking those very words still feels truly unreal. As a little boy growing up in Puerto Rico, those ideas were considered mere dreams and goals on the proverbial bucket list. One day it will happen, but not today; however, that glass ceiling has finally been shattered into pieces. This is a pivotal moment and a turning point for our country. President-elect de la Cruz's victory in the general election represents more than partisan arguments and campaign talking points. For the first time in our nation's history, two historically underrepresented groups in our country can finally see themselves in the leader who will chart our nation's course for the next four years. NO LONGER will it be considered a dream, but an achievable and feasible reality for Latinx individuals and little girls all across this country. No longer shall the failed meritocratic argument of "if you work hard enough, you can achieve it" haunt the minds of Americans as they grow up to realize that, unfortunately, not every dream can be achieved because it has been intentionally designed that way. But with this victory, that path becomes just a bit more brighter; a bit more realistic for those who once considered it foolish to believe such a thing could happen in America. Xiomara's ascent to the presidency represents more than just the political win that many have mistakenly shaped it to be. Glass ceilings have been shattered and that needs to be celebrated. Today is a good day to be an American indeed, Anderson." "Thus, I am extremely excited and optimistic about the work that the 115th Congress can accomplish this upcoming session as there is still much that needs to be done. This Congress needs to undertake legislation that will raise the federal minimum wage, strengthen federal protections for organized labor, combat poverty at every level in American society, reform our broken immigration system, restructure our disproportionate and prejudicial criminal justice system, rebuild our nation's infrastructure and much more. Truly, the list of tasks that this Congress needs to accomplish is lengthy but I am convinced that these goals can be achieved through commonsense, bipartisan legislation that comes from both sides of the aisle. Now is not the time to hinge this Congress's progress upon partisan political wishes and poison pills that will do nothing but spoil the work that can be done. This is going to require compromise, patience, and determination from both parties, and I am pledging my commitment to those virtues in the conversations I will have with Senate Republicans in the upcoming session." "Over the past eight years, Democrats moved the federal government to make record-breaking investments in education, environmental protection, and healthcare reform. Unemployment dropped below the historic norm and our economy gained 11.6 million jobs. 15 million people were able to gain health insurance under Obamacare, illegal immigration to the country declined, and wages rose for all workers (FactCheck.org, 2017). With President-elect de la Cruz's victory in the general election, our popular mandate is clear. Socially just and equitable policies that address existing barriers and inequities in American society and level the playing field for all Americans DO work. They DO have an impact. We MUST continue these initiatives. We MUST remain steadfast in our commitment to champion policies that lift American individuals and families out of the throes of poverty and and restore their mobility in our society's socioeconomic ladder. We have been elected by our constituents to work hard on their behalf and there is plenty to do, Anderson. So, let us roll up our sleeves and get it done!"

Press Office of Edgar Villanueva Democratic Senator for Illinois Since 2014 A Practical Voice for the Prairie State ________________________________________________________________________________ The Internal Team Chief of Staff: Jesus Belmonte Communications Director: Cathy Federico Social Media Director: Ashley Harlow Press Secretary: Talia Root Legislative Director: Candelario Cruz Constituent Outreach Director: Penelope Jimenez ________________________________________________________________________________ OFFICE LOCATIONS SPRINGFIELD | BLOOMINGTON | CARBONDALE | EDWARDSVILLE | CHICAGO

Name: Edgar Villanueva Party: Democratic Seat: Illinois, Class II Avatar: Mauricio Vila Dosal Major Caucus: Progressive Democrats Gender: Male (0 points) Sexuality: Openly Homosexual, unmarried (25 points) Race/Ethnicity: Hispanic/Latino (5 points) Religious Affiliation: Atheist (15 points) Date of Birth: November 19th, 1969 [age = 47] (5 points) Place of Birth: San Juan, Puerto Rico Place of Residence: Bloomington, Illinois Family History: Child of Immigrants (15 points) Educational History B.A. in Sociology, Colegio Universitario de San Juan, 1987-1991 (0 points) M.A. in Public Administration, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2003-2005 (20 points) Occupational History Social Worker and Community Advocate, Esperanza Comunitaria, 1991-2002 (5 points) Social Worker, Illinois Department of Family and Child Services, 2002-2006 (5 points) Senator, Illinois State Senate, 2006-2014 (2 terms = 4 points) U.S. Senator from Illinois, 2014-present BIOGRAPHY Edgar Villanueva (born November 19th, 1969) is an American politician serving as the junior U.S. Senator from Illinois. Villanueva was first elected to the Senate in 2014. A member of the Democratic Party, Villanueva previously represented Illinois's 46th State Senate district from 2006 to 2014. Before entering politics, Villanueva was a social worker and community advocate in both Puerto Rico and Illinois. On November 4th, 2014, Villanueva defeated fellow state senator Jim Oberweis in the general election to become the next senator from Illinois. This triumph marked a turning point in Villanueva's political career as he succeeded long-time Senate Democrat Dick Durbin, who had earlier announced that he would not seek re-election in early 2013. Upon his inauguration, Villanueva became the first Latino to represent Illinois in the United States Senate. Early Life Villanueva was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico to Maria and Javier Villanueva. His mother worked as a domestic worker, cleaning homes and apartments in the richer "barrios," while his father was a construction worker who primarily focused on roofing and home improvement. Growing up in a small, cramped apartment in a working-class neighborhood with his five siblings, Villanueva experienced firsthand the intense and brutal challenges of poverty. "My mother and father would not come home until around 7 o'clock in the evening. As the oldest child, I was responsible for making sure that all my brothers and sisters made it home from school and that they had at least a little snack in their stomachs before my parents came home. Some nights, we would not sit down to eat dinner until 10." In a household where every penny mattered, Villanueva stated that he learned the importance of stretching resources and making do with what little they had. Nevertheless, he states that his parents' sacrifices created a strong foundation for himself and his siblings, teaching them the true meaning of resilience and solidarity. From a young age, Edgar often accompanied his parents as they volunteered at local soup kitchens or organized community clean-up efforts, providing him perspective on the inequality and injustice that marred Puerto Rican society. These experiences left an indelible mark on him, igniting his "passion for social justice and a desire to create societal change." Throughout his teenage years, Villanueva found himself deeply connected to his Puerto Rican heritage, embracing the traditions, language, and customs of Puerto Rico with pride. He found tranquility and inspiration in the beauty of the island's natural landscapes and spent many hours with his friends exploring its' lush rainforests, sparkling beaches, and historic landmarks. Villanueva is openly homosexual. He stated that he came out to his parents when he was 14 years old and the experience was "extremely daunting." Villanueva's parents were raised in the Roman Catholic faith, so he was "extremely worried" about what their response was going to be. While his parents did not immediately welcome the news, Villanueva recounts that his parents "soon realized that they were never going to love me less, no matter what happened." Educational Journey Villanueva enrolled at Colegio Universitario de San Juan in the fall of 1987. He juggled his studies with part-time work, taking on a serving job at a nearby restaurant to help support his family and pay for his tuition fees. At Colegio Universitario de San Juan, Villanueva claims the college "became a kind of sanctuary where [he] could nurture his intellect, explore [his] interests, and cultivate [his] passion for social change through his coursework in Sociology." During his undergraduate journey, Villanueva began to develop his leadership skills and hone his understanding of societal issues. He immersed himself in extracurricular activities when he had the time, joining student organizations dedicated to community service, activism, and advocacy. During his junior year of college, he was elected by the student body to serve on the university's Board of Directors as an advisory member. Additionally, he organized a 500-student strong community clean-up effort across impoverished neighborhoods in San Juan. In his senior year, Villanueva was elected as class president and was a part of a successful organized effort to pressure university administration into lowering student tuition for native Puerto Ricans. Through his service in these capacities, Villanueva gained hands-on experience working with marginalized communities and addressing pressing social issues, fueling his desire to make a larger impact. Villanueva graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology. He maintained a 3.96 GPA during his undergraduate program. Career Upon graduating, Villanueva was immediately hired as a social worker by Esperanza Comunitaria (Community Hope), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education, healthcare, and economic empowerment programs to underserved communities in Puerto Rico. Villanueva "dove headfirst" into the work of building relationships with community members, listening to the needs of residents, and helping to mobilize resources to address pressing issues. He quickly became a trusted leader within the organization, known for his empathy, determination, and ability to inspire others. Using his own background and life story as motivation, Villanueva found a community of like-minded individuals who shared his vision for a more just and equitable society. Under Esperanza Comunitaria, Villanueva launched the "Emprende Tu Futuro (Launch Your Future)" initiative in 1997. This initiative was designed to address the economic challenges faced by individuals within underserved communities across Puerto Rico by empowering participants with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to start their own small businesses and become entrepreneurs. Villanueva and his team organized a series of interactive workshops focused on entrepreneurship fundamentals that helped teach participants practical skills and provided guidance on how to turn their business ideas into reality. Emprende Tu Futuro paired participants with experienced mentors from local business communities and provided them with one-on-one guidance, advice, and support to help them navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. Additionally, Villanueva worked closely with local financial institutions to secure microloans and other financial resources for program participants. By providing this access to capital, Emprende Tu Futuro enabled participants to launch and expand their businesses. Through Villanueva's work with Esperanza Comunitaria, he states he "discovered [his] voice as an advocate, a leader, and a champion for the rights of the most vulnerable." Villanueva resigned from his position at Esperanza Comunitaria in 2002 to move to the mainland United States. Move to the Mainland Villanueva felt compelled to broaden his impact and explore new avenues for social change, making the bold decision to relocate to Illinois where he accepted a position with the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) as a social worker in fall 2002. His uncle, Chuy, moved to Bloomington, Illinois in 1995, so he stayed with him until he was able to make his own accommodations. The move to Illinois marked a significant turning point in Villanueva's journey as he transitioned from grassroots community organizing to direct service provision within the public sector. Inspired by his desire to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families, Villanueva embraced this new chapter with enthusiasm and determination. As a social worker with DCFS, Villanueva's work centered around advocating for the well-being and safety of children who were at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. He worked closely with families facing a myriad of challenges, providing support, resources, and interventions aimed at strengthening family functioning and promoting positive outcomes for children. However, Villanueva also encountered the complex and often heartbreaking realities faced by many families caught in the grip of poverty, substance abuse, domestic violence, and other systemic issues. He remained steadfast in his commitment to empowering families to overcome adversity and build brighter futures for themselves and their children. While working with the Department of Child and Family Services, Villanueva attained his Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2005. Villanueva worked with the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services for 4 years, resigning from his position in 2006 to seek an open seat in the Illinois State Senate. Political Career Villanueva's journey took a surprising turn when he decided to transition from social work to politics, setting his sights on the 46th District seat in the Illinois State Senate. Motivated by a deep-seated desire to effect systemic change and amplify the voices of marginalized communities, Villanueva launched his campaign with a clear vision and passion for advocacy. Villanueva crisscrossed the 46th District, connecting with voters, listening to their concerns, and articulating a platform grounded in the principles of equity, justice, and opportunity for all. His candidacy resonated deeply with voters who were hungry for authentic leadership and a fresh perspective in government. His grassroots campaign, fueled by the energy and enthusiasm of volunteers and supporters, gained momentum as he garnered endorsements from community leaders, activists, grassroots organizations, and then-Governor Rod Blagojevich. In November 2006, the people of the 46th District overwhelmingly elected Villanueva over his Republican opponent to represent them in the State Senate. Albeit by a closer margin, Villanueva was re-elected to his seat in 2010. As a State Senator, Villanueva championed legislation to address critical issues in Illinois such as affordable housing, healthcare access, education equity, criminal justice reform, and environmental protection. Villanueva was a tireless advocate to abolish the death penalty in Illinois in 2011. During his time in the Illinois State Senate, Villanueva described himself as a "staunch advocate" for workers' rights and sponsored legislation to strengthen labor protections, improve workplace safety, and raise the minimum wage in Illinois. He supported expanding paid sick leave, protecting against wage theft, and ensuring the fair treatment of immigrant workers. He supported improving healthcare coverage by reducing healthcare costs and addressing healthcare disparities by expanding Medicaid eligibility, regulating prescription drug prices, and investing in community health centers serving underserved populations. Villanueva has retained many of these positions during his tenure as a United States Senator. Time in the U.S. Senate In 2013, long-time U.S. Senator Dick Durbin announced his decision not to seek re-election in 2014, opening the door for Villanueva to make the leap to the national stage. Encouraged by supporters and inspired by the opportunity to widen the scope of his impact, Villanueva launched his campaign for the United States Senate with a bold vision and a steadfast commitment to representing the voices of everyday Illinoisans in the fall of 2013. Villanueva's campaign struck a chord with Illinoisans as they were drawn to his authenticity, integrity, track record, and dedication to social justice. Villanueva's campaign embraced a message of unity, compassion, and opportunity; it resounded with people from all walks of life, galvanizing a diverse coalition of supporters behind his candidacy. In November 2014, Villanueva's grassroots movement culminated in a historic victory as he was comfortably elected over Republican Jim Oberweis to represent the people of Illinois in the United States Senate. His election marked a milestone in Illinois history, making him the first Latino senator to represent the state in Congress. As a U.S. Senator, Villanueva has focused on a wide range of issues impacting the lives of Americans, from healthcare and education to immigration reform and environmental protection. He has advanced policies that have "promoted equity, opportunity, and dignity for all, never losing sight of the values that unite [all Americans]." Villanueva supports raising the federal minimum wage, strengthening federal gun safety laws, expanding funding to education, protecting the rights of LGBTQIA+ Americans, and has hinted potential support of economic reparations for African Americans with ancestral ties to the American chattel slavery system. KEY VOTES 114th Congress - Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015: AYE Points = 99

Name: Colt Buckley (R-WI) Media/Outlet: Hannity (FOX News) Reason: The New Immigration Reform Bill "Just recently I appeared on CNN to talk about how Senate Republicans were adamant to get an immigration reform bill to President Ross's desk, and soon that will be exactly what we have done. While Democrats and other media pundits want to talk about how the White House was excluded from these negotiations, I think it's outright foolish to think that Senator Ackerman, Senator Hunt, and I didn't know what the President wanted to accomplish with the conservative provisions in this bill. There's been a wild narrative out there that this administration has been 'fast and loose,' but the only thing I've seen to be fast and loose is Democrats with their misleading narratives and pandering to left-wing media." "Don't be fooled, Sean. This is a win for Republicans across the country. While Minority Leader Starnes is running around with his head held high portraying himself to be a champion, he fails to forget that AIFSA is the largest border security bill this country has seen in decades. Illegal aliens who come here and commit heinous crimes against our children, our communities, and our law enforcement agencies will be arrested and convicted to punishments that the government will now have the resources to see are actually carried out. Drug smugglers and human traffickers can finally be stopped and brought to justice before they leak poisonous fentanyl onto our streets. Under many Democratic administrations and cities across the countries, they've embraced a careless catch-and-release strategy, allowing illegal criminals to evade criminal prosecution and further terrorize our communities. No city in the United States will be allowed to break federal law any longer. Sanctuary cities and states are now a terrible nightmare that we can finally leave in the past. E-Verify will continue to ensure that our workforce consists of legal laborers, keeping American jobs for those who are actually here legally. There are so many victories for Republicans in this bill." "This is an example of Senate Republicans and the Ross administration's commitment to securing our border and protecting Americans from the dangers that Democrats allowed them to suffer from for so long. Unfortunately, Democrats have engaged in a campaign of spewing falsehoods and misleading narratives since the start of President Ross's administration. They are hellbent at doing whatever they can to point the blame at someone else and shield their own hypocrisy in the process. The matter of the fact here is that Democrats have had ample opportunities over the past 16 years to get this type of impactful, meaningful border reform accomplished. They chose to wait. They chose to put American lives in danger. I hope everyone remembers that it was Majority Leader Owen Ackerman who opened the line of negotiations that led to this bill, not John Starnes. The fact is that John Starnes would still be obstructing Republicans from getting anything done if he felt the media would have supported him in his efforts. Starnes got caught up obstructing the work of this body redhanded, so he came to Republican leadership with his tail tucked between his legs. While he bashes Republican leadership, he should thank them for taking the higher road, putting partisan politics aside, and delivering a major win for the American people."

Name: Colt Buckley (R-WI) Media/Outlet: The Source with Kaitlan Collins (CNN) Reason: Maduro's Socialist Aggression in Guyana / Venezuela-Guyana Territorial Conflict "I'm absolutely stunned by some Democrats' response to Mad Murderer Maduro's aggression against the Guyanese and innocent Americans in the region. Through grandstanding and theatrical tweets on X/Twitter, the most powerful Democrat in the Senate has virtue signaled that the United States is to blame for a socialist's regime's unwarranted and dictatorial aggression. It's concerned and shameful, to say the least. When I read those tweets in real time, I was speechless. Minority Leader Starnes often chides my Republican colleagues on social media for allegedly 'not knowing the facts' or 'not reading the bills we propose.' It seems to me as if he needs a history lesson on this territorial conflict between Guyana-Venezuela. But most importantly, he needs to clarify which side he truly supports. It is unbelievable to me that Senator Starnes would be so adamant to defend Ukraine and Israel's right to exist, but not extend that same belief to our allies in Guyana. Shameful." "The matter of the fact is that Venezuelan socialists have craved for the annexation of Essequibo for a very long time. The oil fields and rich deposits of natural resources lured the socialists because it represented a solution to their failing planned economy and dwindling public support. As you know, they held a sham referendum regarding whether annexation was supported by the Venezuelan people a couple years back and didn't even include residents of Essequibo in the voting process. In early 2021, Maduro signed an executive order declaring the government of Venezuela was 'reinforcing its claim' to the Essequibo and its corresponding maritime space. Right there, Kaitlan. Right there is the flagrant violation of international law. So simply put, I believe the Maduro regime is operating under false pretenses. They claim part of Guyana's maritime territory and that claim is not recognized by the United States. So, in response, Maduro launches this attack and demands we remove the carrier group from the region. There is NO justification whatsoever here." "It is my belief that the United States should do whatever possible and all that is necessary to defend our allies in South America. It isn't just the United States who supports Guyana in this conflict; many of our allies in Europe and Latin America have pledged to respond to this unwarranted and unjustifiable act of aggression. The barbaric political game these socialists are playing poses a threat not only to our own national security, but to the international world order. Sponsored by the authoritarian and repressive Chinese communist regime, Nicolas Maduro has already used two American patriots as bargaining chips to prevent an appropriate retaliatory response from the United States and its allies. With all that said, it is unthinkable to me that some politicians in Washington cannot clearly identify who the antagonist and villain is in this situation. For those who state they cherish democracy as much as they do, their meager response to this incident has been underwhelming to say the least."

Name: Colt Buckley (R-WI) Media/Outlet: All In with Chris Hayes (MSNBC) Reason: Immigration/Border Security, Foreign Affairs & Ross's Cabinet Nominations "61 percent of Americans trust Republicans more than they do Democrats to manage the border and immigration. Chris, this is quite the telling statistic. It should tell House and Senate Democrats alike that their open border policies have failed Americans of both parties and that it is time for a change. While I wholeheartedly support S.66, it has become apparent that Democratic leadership is going to filibuster cloture on the bill's vote. While Republican leadership could moan and pout about this, you can bet your bottom dollar that we are doing the exact opposite. Republicans campaigned on delivering a more secure southern border and curbing the epidemic that is illegal immigration in this country. We will not falter from these promises. Majority Leader Ackerman has been persistent in his attempts to pull Minority Leader Starnes and Minority Whip Kamaka to the table. Thankfully, they have brightened up a bit and have come to discuss this issue. I am hopeful that we can pull off a win for the American people here." "While war hawks in Congress whistle their warmongering tunes, I applaud the Ross administration's restrained and calculated approach to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Nonetheless, the despicable assassination of Palestinian Authority President Abbas is yet another example of the vitriol, animosity, and inhumanity we are up against with Hamas. It is crucial that the United States remains firm in our position of support to the state of Israel as she is our closest and most important ally in that region. Hamas thrives off of regional instability and other hostile and unfriendly foreign actors are foaming at the mouth for an opportunity to destabilize the situation even more. However, make no mistake. Congress's priority must be and always should be the American people." "Chris, I have listened to Senate Democrats' concerns about President Ross's three remaining Cabinet nominees, and let me tell you - they are countless in number. If Democrats could politically persecute any one of those nominees for the color of underwear they're wearing, they'd do it. When I look at Perdue, Fiorina, and Flores, I see three well-qualified nominees that will excel in their leadership positions within the executive. Pundits like Kamaka and other Democrats oppose these nominees because they are the living and breathing incarnate of everything antithetical to their radical progressive policies. Simply put Chris, they just didn't like the answers they received to their biased and leading questions during committee. The arguments being made about their ability to serve in the positions for which they have been nominated hold no true weight. This is a last ditch effort to usurp the power of the executive in the face of the decision American voters made last November. They do not want an incomplete executive. I urge my fellow senators across the aisle to do the right thing and give Americans the government they duly elected."

Press Office of Colton "Colt" Buckley Republican Senator for Wisconsin Since 2022 A Believer in the Badger State ________________________________________________________________________________ The Internal Team Chief of Staff: Brian Lepkert Communications Director: Troy Deshall Social Media Director: Erik Carnkamp Press Secretary: Elisabeth Devegne Legislative Director: John Humphries Constituent Outreach Director: Karlan O'Connell ________________________________________________________________________________ OFFICE LOCATIONS MILWAUKEE | WAUKESHA | EAU CLAIRE | OSHKOSH | GREEN BAY | WISCONSIN DELLS

Name: Rosalind Spencer (R-TN) Media/Outlet: The Ingraham Angle [FOX News] Reason: Commenting on the 2024 Foreign Elections "Right now, my eyes are on what's goin' on in Taiwan. I'm not likin' what I'm seein'. The pro-independence party in Taiwan lost its majority of seats in the Yuan and now the pro-unification, pro-China party is in control. The only good stopgap here is that Taiwan managed to elect a freedom-lovin' pro-independence president, but it's clear that this is gonna be an uphill battle. China remains to be one of our greatest competitors and adversaries today. The success of the Taiwanese people, essentially, is the success of the American people. Authoritarian Xi has no regard for human life or morality. He is a ruthless dictator that rules over the Chinese people with an iron fist, suppressing political opinion and killing dissenters if they stand in his way of ultimate control. I have no doubt in my mind that communist thug would roll the Chinese military into Taiwan if he was given a prime opportunity to do so. It is vital to national security that we remain alert and aware of everythin' that's goin' on in Southeast Asia and we need to continue to strengthen the partnerships we already have with important actors like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Nonetheless, this is something we should continue to MONITOR, Laura. Nothin' we need to press any button for now. Unfortunately, the brutal theocratic regime in Iran will remain in power after what I'm sure was a sham of an election. This should serve as a wake-up call to Congress! We need to do more than just talk about putting more harsh sanctions on the Iranian regime, we need to actually do it. A start to that would be completely redoin' the monstrosity that is the Iran Nuclear Deal. Democrats led by Joe Biden and Justin Casanova-Davis and other European countries don't seem to mind if a radical Islamic regime continues to enrich their uranium to make nuclear weapons of war. To me, it's absolutely apprehensible. President Trump was right when he said that the United States should ensure that Iran never sees the day they have nuclear capabilities. Under Joe Biden, Justin Casanova-Davis, John Starnes and other tone deaf Democrats, we're one step closer to that reality every day! It seems the common trend in Europe right now is that Europeans are sick n' tired of their government footin' the bill for other countries. They're all votin' for conservative governments and I don't blame 'em! There comes a time when a country needs to look out for its' own before it even thinks about lookin' out for others. It's evident that understandin' has to come light for many people in Europe. Even Europe is objecting to radical leftist policies! They know the danger they pose to their nation's economic stability, growth and progress. I believe the United States is gonna follow in these footsteps come November. Hell, even Democrats rejected the radical 'progressive' agenda by shutting down Cook, Ridgeway and Applegate. I can tell ya they certainly don't want a wolf in sheep's clothing like failed former governor Casanova-Davis. It's a sign of times to come here in the United States, Laura! A time where we can restore our great country back to her former greatness and get back to traditional American values like faith, family, and freedom!"

Office of U.S. Senator Rosalind A. Spencer Brittany Culvert, Communications Director Cameron Knopp, Press Secretary Q1, 2024 Spencer Shores Up Support for Ross in Tennessee Ahead of Super Tuesday For Immediate Release PRESS RELEASE #007 | NASHVILLE, TN - Tennessee Sen. Rosalind Spencer recently concluded her first campaign tour, named "A Talk with Tennessee," visiting and speaking with thousands of Tennessee voters throughout the state's 95 counties. "I have been truly blessed by God to have had the privilege to serve as one of Tennessee's senators since 2012," Spencer declared, "and I am even more blessed to know that this journey isn't over just yet." While campaigning for her own re-election bid, Spencer appealed to Tennessee Republicans to cast their primary vote for her fellow colleague Sen. Leah Ross with the Super Tuesday primary approaching. "Simply put, Leah is the best candidate in the Republican candidate pool because she is our best chance at reclaimin' the White House in November. We cannot allow our party to nominate a RINO who will abandon our party's values. We also cannot nominate someone we clearly know would not beat ANY Democrat in a general election, let alone the wolf in sheep's clothing they're gonna nominate. Tennessee, you know as well as I do that there is just way too much at stake to get this one wrong." Spencer also nodded to several key conservative figures announcing their endorsement of Ross for president over the last couple of months. "Well, for one, the state of Texas is rockin' it out! Senators Cruz AND Ewing have endorsed soon-to-be President Ross. One of America's greatest patriots, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, has endorsed Ross for president. Political pundits and analysts alike have remarked at how organized and effective Leah's campaign has been and how able she has proven herself to be when it comes to connecting with the needs and wants of everyday average Americans, especially Tennesseans!" In classic Spencer fashion, the Senator seemingly poked and prodded Republican Tennessee Governor Bill Lee to announce his support for Senator Ross. "Ain't it amazing? There are so many great conservative politicians putting their eggs in the right basket on this one. Wouldn't it be fitting if OUR GREAT GOVERNOR and my good friend, Bill Lee, threw his support out there for Leah as well?" Sen. Spencer has been a fierce surrogate for Leah Ross's campaign since she declared her candidacy and told Tennessee voters that she has only done so because she knows Leah will be the right choice for Tennessee. "Believe me, my friends. I would never lead y'all astray. I solemnly swear to y'all that Leah Ross is the only bonafide Republican candidate we know will not betray our traditional values. I know she will be a fierce advocate for a new generation of effective American conservatism as we defend America from radical Democratic socialist policies and once again put America First." ###

Office of U.S. Senator Rosalind A. Spencer Brittany Culvert, Communications Director Cameron Knopp, Press Secretary Q4, 2023 Spencer Appointed Senate Minority Whip by Minority Leader Allen For Immediate Release PRESS RELEASE #006 | WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senior Tennessee U.S. Senator Rosalind Spencer has been appointed as the newest Senate Minority Whip. Elected to the Senate in 2012, Senator Spencer has been applauded by many conservative groups and coalitions across the country for her fierce commitment to conservative values throughout her time as senator. A member of the Freedom Caucus, Spencer prides herself on being one of the most fervent protectors of conservative "America First" policies. "One important aspect of conservative leadership is that you don't just talk about it - you BE about it. I hope that I've proven my worth in that area and I look forward to capitalizing upon this opportunity to restore traditional conservative values to American government," Senator Spencer remarked. Spencer joins the ranks of Republican leadership alongside Senator Mitch McConnell (KY) as Minority Leader, Senator Michael Allen (SC) as Assistant Minority Leader, and Senator Alex Valdez (FL) as the Republican National Committee Chair. "I'm super duper excited about working with these gentlemen. They are skilled legislators who excel at their craft. I'm looking forward to the upcoming session. I know some Republicans - myself included - have great pieces of legislation lined that will alleviate the burden of inflationary pressure caused by failed Democrat Bidenomics policies. That aside, with our party's eyes set on next November, it is imperative that we have a strong Republican leadership team to help get our candidates' message out there and get them elected," asserted Spencer when asked about the leadership team's ability to lead the party to victory in November and beyond. Senator Spencer has viewed this as an opportunity to reflect on her experience in the world's oldest deliberative body. "I feel immensely blessed to have the faith and support of my family, friends, and Republican colleagues as I embark on this new journey to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution," she concluded. ###