Capitol News

Elissa Slotkin, who currently represents Michigan's 7th district in the U.S. Congress, voiced her opinions on matters of defense and national service through a series of tweets on April 5, 2025. Known for her tenure in Congress since replacing Mike Bishop in 2019, Slotkin has consistently engaged with issues of national security and defense.

On the morning of April 5, Slotkin directly addressed her Republican colleagues, questioning their political commitments. She wrote, "My Republican colleagues like to say they are pro-defense, pro-patriot, pro-America, and pro-flag. If that's true, then stand up for our uniformed military officers who served 30 years. Don't let them go down in flames because you are scared." This message urged for support for military officers, emphasizing the need for acknowledgment of their long-standing service.

Later that day, Slotkin paid tribute to Staff Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins, a resident of Battle Creek, Michigan. She shared the tragic news of his death in Lithuania. Her tweet read, "Staff Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins of Battle Creek served honorably in the Army for the last seven years, and this week we learned of his tragic death during a training accident in Lithuania." This acknowledgment highlighted Slotkin’s connection to her constituents and commitment to honoring military personnel.

Concluding her statements for the day, Slotkin also noted the return of Sgt. Knutson-Collins' remains to the United States. She shared, "Yesterday, his remains came home during a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force base. His service and sacrifice serve as an example to us all." By doing so, Slotkin reinforced the narrative of sacrifice and service, underlining the solemnity of the event.