Gillen Hosts Army Veteran and DHS Employee Recently Fired by DOGE for Joint Address to Congress; Announces Support for Protect Veteran Jobs Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) announced today that her guest for the 2025 Joint Address to Congress will be Ricky Sanchez, a U.S. Army veteran, and former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employee from New York’s Fourth Congressional District. Gillen also highlighted her support for H.R. 1637, the Protect Veteran Jobs Act, which would reinstate veterans removed or dismissed from federal employment without cause.

Mr. Sanchez, who dedicated years of service to the military and federal government, was recently let go from his position at DHS' Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) during the Administration’s DOGE-led firings. Mr. Sanchez’s story underscores concerns about the impact of these cuts on national security, government operations, and veterans who have bravely served our country and their families’ economic security. 

“Ricky Sanchez has dedicated his life to serving our country, first in the U.S. Army and then as an employee at the U.S. Customs and Immigration Services,” said Rep. Gillen. “Ricky was abruptly let go, despite the protections afforded to him as a veteran and stellar performance reviews, during DOGE’s chaotic round of firings earlier this month. The Administration abandoning veterans like Ricky is unacceptable. That’s why I joined the Protect Veteran Jobs Act to reinstate veterans indiscriminately fired by DOGE, and I’ll continue to stand up for Long Island’s veterans in Congress.”

 “I’m a proud Army veteran, husband, and patriot. I was proud to serve my community and my country, first in the Army and then as a DHS federal worker. I would never have imagined that veterans would be targeted and fired without cause,” said Ricky Sanchez. “I gain nothing from speaking out, all I want is to return to my job and be able to support my family, but I’m here today because veterans deserve better than this. I’m thankful for Congresswoman Gillen’s advocacy for Long Island’s veterans and I look forward to joining her for the Joint Address.”