US Reps. Deutch & Gabbard Take US VegWeek Pledge to Next Level!

Earlier this year, more than 70 elected officials along with thousands of people across the country took Compassion Over Killing’s 7-Day VegPledge for US VegWeek. Many have shared their stories about how taking this pledge changed their lives.

This week, two Congressmembers who participated in US VegWeek — Rep. Ted Deutch (Florida) and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii) — publicly embraced the benefits of veg-friendly eating in two different ways, inspiring constituents in their districts as well as throughout the nation.

First, Florida’s Sun Sentinel featured an article “Going vegan was winning move for South Florida congressman,” in which Rep. Deutch explained why he is now choosing plant-based foods:

“I realized quickly when I got here that the way that we live here going from 7 in the morning until 11 at night that there were always places where there’s food, and if you don’t think about what you eat, the risks are obvious. And so I started thinking a lot more about what I eat and read some books and decided to try it….my health has definitely improved as a result.” Deutch lost 25 pounds since adopting the diet.

Deutch goes on to say that at the capital’s National Democratic Club restaurant, there’s a dish called “Rep. Ted Deutch’s Vegan Chicken Piccata,” a delicious combination of shiitake mushrooms, capers, parsley, lemon and olive oil over linguine.

In another story, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard released a short video in which she lends her support to Compassion Over Killing’s DC VegFest! As she happily explains in the video (embedded below): “As a lifelong vegetarian, I’m proud to add my support to the DC VegFest and join over 10,000 Americans…to celebrate healthier eating, a healthier society, and a healthier planet.”

Watch now, share this story, and join us for DC VegFest on Saturday, September 20 at Yards Park!