Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance makes campaign stop in Lower Burrell

Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance will make a campaign stop at VFW Post 92 in Lower Burrell late Thursday morning.

Campaign officials said Vance, a U.S. senator from Ohio, will address the invitation-only crowd at the Wildlife Lodge Road post at 10 a.m.

Vance is expected to speak about veterans programs and the recruiting challenges faced by various branches of the military.

“The U.S. military is facing unprecedented recruiting difficulties due to the dangerously liberal Harris-Biden administration,” the announcement of Vance’s campaign stop said. “For the past three and a half years, (Democratic presidential candidate) Kamala Harris and Joe Biden have focused more on advancing their ‘woke’ agenda in the military than on ensuring success on the battlefield. In Kamala Harris’ America, our soldiers and veterans are routinely left behind.”

According to the campaign, Vance will be joined by Republican congressmen Jim Banks of Indiana, Brian Mast of Florida and Michael Waltz of Florida.

Traffic restricted

According to Lower Burrell police, there will be traffic restrictions between 6 a.m. and noon due to Vance’s visit.

Police said Wildlife Lodge Road will be closed between the Route 56 bypass and Milligantown Road, as will the lower section of New Hampshire Drive from Wildlife Lodge Road, including the access to the Route 56 mini-storage center. Residents of New Hampshire Drive and surrounding streets will have full access to and from their homes via Sylvan Drive, police said.

Police said there may be further temporary closures.

Along with Vance, former President Donald Trump leads the Republican list.

Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz are the Democratic candidates.

“Trump and Vance’s extreme ‘Project 2025′ agenda would drastically cut veterans’ hard-earned benefits and health care,” said a statement from the Harris-Walz campaign ahead of Vance’s campaign appearance. “Vice President Harris and Governor Walz believe we should thank those who have served our country, not disparage them – which is why they will always fight to ensure our veterans and military families receive the benefits and respect they have earned and deserve.”