State representative Stephanie Kifowit, a United States Marine Corps veteran, filed resolution HR 0575 this week in the Illinois House of Representatives condemning recent statements, attributed to the President of the United States, that have been widely interpreted as threats of political violence or retaliation against elected officials who have publicly affirmed the legal obligation of U.S. service members to refuse unlawful orders.

Rep. Kifowit said her military service guides her response. “As a U.S. Marine, I took an oath to support and defend the Constitution. That oath does not expire. Every service member swears the same. No president, no political figure, has the authority to threaten elected representatives or undermine the rule of law.”

The resolution reasserts that the Constitution, not any individual officeholder, establishes the limits of power in the United States. It emphasizes that elected officials must be able to perform their duties free from coercion, intimidation, or threats of retaliation, noting that rhetoric suggesting punishment or violence against representatives for upholding the law poses a direct danger to constitutional governance.

“Threatening elected officials for affirming established military law is not leadership. It is an assault on the foundations of our Republic,” Rep. Kifowit said. “As someone who wore the uniform, I take this personally. Undermining constitutional order and the integrity of our military is unacceptable.”

HR 0575 cites core elements of military law, including Articles 90, 91, and 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), which require obedience only to lawful orders. It references longstanding U.S. military doctrine, the Nuremberg Principles, and the rulings of American military tribunals affirming that “just following orders” is never a defense for illegal actions.

“In the U.S. Marine Corps, we are taught that integrity and accountability are non-negotiable. Service members have a legal and moral duty to refuse unlawful orders. That principle is not optional. It is a principle fundamental to the rule of law.”

The resolution formally condemns any statements, regardless of speaker or political party, that could reasonably be construed as encouraging political violence or retaliation against members of the legislative branch for fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities. It reaffirms the duty of all uniformed personnel to protect the Constitution, safeguard the rights of the American people, and reject any directive that violates the law.

Upon adoption, copies of the resolution will be delivered to the President of the United States, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, leadership of both chambers of Congress, and every member of the Illinois Congressional Delegation.

For more information, please contact representative Kifowit at 630-585-1308 or email stephanie.kifowit@att.net.

—Office of State representative Stephanie Kifowit