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The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 8h

That’s this week’s rundown of key developments at the intersection of democracy, defense, and the rule of law. Chamberlain will keep tracking what matters for veterans, military families, and the republic.

The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 8h

Legal experts are raising red flags over the legal basis for recent U.S. strikes in the Caribbean—questioning claims of “armed conflict” and the use of FTO designations to justify military force.

www.cfr.org/expert-brief...

Armed Conflict? Trump’s Venezuela Boat Strikes Test U.S. Law

The White House may have reason to believe that international drug trafficking is a grave threat to Americans, but it hasn’t persuasively made the legal case that cartels are waging a war against the…

www.cfr.org

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The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 8h

Next up: On October 3rd Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced the U.S. military had conducted additional targeted strikes on suspected narcotics vessels in the Caribbean

www.cnn.com/2025/10/03/p...

US strikes another boat off Venezuela coast killing four, Defense Secretary announces | CNN Politics

The US military carried out another strike on a boat operating in the Caribbean officials deemed to be a “narco-trafficking vessel” on Friday morning, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced in a ...

www.cnn.com

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The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 8h

Advocates warn the impact will ripple through military households—missed rent, bills, childcare.

One military spouse told ABC News:

"If we see a lapse in pay come the 15th, my children do not get to get the medication that's needed for them to live their life..."
abcnews.go.com/Politics/kid...

'My kids could die': Military mom begs Johnson to pass bill to pay troops during shutdown

On C-SPAN, House Speaker Mike Johnson heard from one military mom who begged him to bring lawmakers back to pass a standalone bill to provide military troops pay.

abcnews.go.com

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The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 8h

In other news: The federal government remains shut down. No continuing resolution or standalone troop-pay bill has been passed.

If Congress fails to act, active-duty service members risk missing their next paycheck on October 15.

www.military.com/daily-news/2...

Troops Will Miss Paychecks Next Week Without Action on the Government Shutdown

The federal government shutdown is raising anxiety levels among service members and their families, because those in uniform are working without pay.

www.military.com

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The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 8h

Oklahoma’s Governor Kevin Stitt, a Republican and the current chair of the National Governors Association, publicly questioned the deployments.

apnews.com/article/nati...

Oklahoma’s GOP governor opposes sending out-of-state troops to states that don't welcome them

Oklahoma’s Republican governor is opposing part of President Donald Trump’s use of National Guard in cities.

apnews.com

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The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 8h

The legal debate centers on the Tenth Amendment and 10 U.S.C. §12406— a federal statute that authorizes Guard federalization under certain circumstances. Critics say the deployments stretch those powers.

www.brennancenter.org/our-work/ana...

The President’s Power to Call Out the National Guard Is Not a Blank Check

Domestic deployment under the law has its limits, and for good reason.

www.brennancenter.org

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The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 8h

In Chicago, a federal judge issued a temporary injunction blocking the deployment. The judge found that the administration's characterization of the facts on the ground in and around Chicago were, "simply unreliable."

www.npr.org/2025/10/10/n...

Judge temporarily blocks National Guard deployment to Illinois

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deploying the National Guard to Illinois, expressing skepticism about the government's depiction of protests in a Chicago-area suburb.

www.npr.org

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The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 8h

This week, the White House ordered additional National Guard units into cities including Chicago and Portland—over the objections of local officials.

www.pbs.org/newshour/nat...

What to know about Trump's National Guard deployments in Chicago and Portland

Some National Guard members ordered to Illinois by President Donald Trump now are protecting federal property near Chicago ahead of a court hearing on their deployment.

www.pbs.org

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The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 8h

At Chamberlain, we track developments at the intersection of democracy, defense, and the rule of law—especially where they impact military families, civil-military norms, or the integrity of our institutions. Here’s what stood out this week.

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The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 15h

A Republican governor just stood up for the constitutional principle of federalism—even when it meant pushing back on his own party.

Gov. Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma broke ranks to criticize Texas’s National Guard deployment to Illinois.

www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/u...

Oklahoma’s Republican Governor Criticizes National Guard Deployment in Chicago

www.nytimes.com

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The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 2d

“They are not federal law enforcement. If they wanted to do that, they would have.”

In new report on deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago, TCN CEO Chris Purdy raises serious concerns about federal overreach and misuse of the Guard.

blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/07/n...

National Guard Arrives In Chicago Area Despite Judge Urging Feds To Hold Off

President Donald Trump has sent National Guardsmen to Illinois despite local officials objecting. Gov. JB Pritzker previously said the deployment is part of "Trump's invasion."

blockclubchicago.org

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The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 2d

While Congress is on recess, military families continue to serve without pay.

We join Secure Families Initiative in urging Speaker Johnson to reconvene the House and ensure troops and their families are protected during this shutdown.

You can his office: (202) 225-4000
Or Write: bit.ly/3PylX9S

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The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 3d

TOMORROW: We mark one year of veterans stepping up to defend democracy.

Join us in D.C. for The Chamberlain Network’s first anniversary celebration.

Wednesday, Oct 8 | 6–8PM | Foggy Bottom
Last chance to register!
www.chamberlainnetwork.us/first-annive...

TCN: First Anniversary Celebration — The Chamberlain Network

www.chamberlainnetwork.us

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The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 4d

The Insurrection Act gives presidents sweeping power to deploy the military against Americans. It hasn’t been updated in 150+ years.

Joseph Nunn breaks down what you need to know about the dangerously broad, outdated, and largely unchecked power it grants.

www.brennancenter.org/our-work/res...

The Insurrection Act Explained

The law, which lets the president deploy the military domestically and use it for civilian law enforcement, is dangerously vague and in urgent need of reform.

www.brennancenter.org

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The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 4d

It’s almost here!

This Wednesday, veterans, volunteers, and civic leaders gather in D.C. to mark the first anniversary of The Chamberlain Network—and chart the road ahead.

You in?

Washington, D.C.
Wed Oct 8, 6–8pm

Register now: www.chamberlainnetwork.us/first-annive...

TCN: First Anniversary Celebration — The Chamberlain Network

www.chamberlainnetwork.us

The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 8d

President Trump has justified military strikes that killed 17 people at sea by claiming the US is at war with cartels.

@bcfinucane.bsky.social an expert on the laws of armed conflict, warns that the administration is stretching international law past its limits

www.nytimes.com/2025/10/02/u...

Trump ‘Determined’ the U.S. Is Now in a War With Drug Cartels, Congress Is Told

www.nytimes.com

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The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 8d

Next Wednesday, Oct 8th, we’re celebrating one year of The Chamberlain Network!

Join us in Foggy Bottom (DC) for an evening honoring veterans as trusted messengers and civic leaders in defense of democracy.

Oct 8 | 6–8pm

Register: www.chamberlainnetwork.us/first-annive...

TCN: First Anniversary Celebration — The Chamberlain Network

www.chamberlainnetwork.us

The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 10d

The repeated use of the military and top military leaders as props in partisan spectacle risks a future where citizens see the armed forces not as guardians of the nation, but as instruments of a single political party.

www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...

Trump, Hegseth lecture military leaders in rare, politically charged summit

The unusual, hastily organized event became a forum for the president and his defense secretary to tout their partisan agenda.

www.washingtonpost.com

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The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 13d

Are you a veteran in Oregon, or know one?

Feeling frustrated, angry, disappointed? Looking for a way to stand up and take action to defend the principles you fought for?

Join us in standing up for democracy and the rule of law. We’ll be in touch soon.
www.chamberlainnetwork.us/join-us

Join Us — The Chamberlain Network

www.chamberlainnetwork.us

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The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 14d

The Chamberlain Network strongly condemns the decision to deploy the National Guard to Memphis.

The Guard is not a policing force—and using them this way puts both communities and service members at risk.

Read our full statement here: www.chamberlainnetwork.us/the-report/t...

The Chamberlain Network Denounces the Use of the National Guard for Domestic Policing — The Chamberlain Network

Yet another American city – this time Memphis – is about to see the National Guard arrive ostensibly to address a crime issue. The Chamberlain Network strongly condemns this dangerous trend of using t...

www.chamberlainnetwork.us

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The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 14d

The Chamberlain Network will continue tracking this story.

Civilian control of the military is non-negotiable—but it also carries responsibility. That includes clear communication, lawful orders, and respect for process.

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The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 14d

SCOOP: Washington Post reporting new details about the hasty, secretive summit SecDef Hegseth has ordered—as hundreds of generals and senior enlisted leaders scramble to travel to Quantico to hear a short speech on “warrior ethos.”

www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...

New details emerge on Hegseth’s unusual mass gathering of top brass

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has summoned hundreds of generals for what is expected to be a short lecture on the “warrior ethos.” But top brass is bracing for possible firings or demotions.

www.washingtonpost.com

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The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 15d

We’re proud to share that Chamberlain Network CEO Chris Purdy has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 LBJ Rising Leader Award!

He is being recognized for his work mobilizing veterans to defend democracy.

Congrats Chris!
dc.lbj.utexas.edu/news/christo...

DC Concentration Alum Christopher Purdy Selected as 2025 LBJ Rising Leader Award Recipient

As the LBJ Washington Center begins our 10th anniversary celebration, we are excited to announce that Christopher Purdy (MPAff-DC ’19) has been chosen as the recipient of the 2025 LBJ Rising Leader Aw...

dc.lbj.utexas.edu

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The Chamberlain Network @chamberlainvets.bsky.social · 16d

Celebrate one year of The Chamberlain Network.

Join us in Washington, D.C., as we mark a year of civic-minded veterans standing up for democracy and the rule of law.

October 8 | 6–8 PM | Foggy Bottom, D.C.
Register here: www.chamberlainnetwork.us/first-annive...

TCN: First Anniversary Celebration — The Chamberlain Network

www.chamberlainnetwork.us

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