{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"NY\" and year = 2022 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-votes-to-pass-fy23-omnibus-appropriations-bill-secures-17-8-million-in-funding-for-fifteen-community-projects/", "CLARKE VOTES TO PASS FY23 OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS BILL, SECURES $17.8 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR FIFTEEN COMMUNITY PROJECTS", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nDecember 23, 2022\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: clarke.comms@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 347.387.5123\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) voted in favor of the bipartisan $1.7 trillion fiscal year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The legislative package provides significant funding to numerous Clarke priorities, as well as contains $17,816,141 in funding for Community Projects championed by Congresswoman Clarke for New York\u2019s 9th Congressional District. The crucial funding for local projects included in the FY23 appropriations government funding responds directly to some of the most pressing needs throughout New York\u2019s 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn.\n\n\u201cTime and time again, the good people of Brooklyn have proven that, when they are provided the tools for success and the resources to reach it, they always will. I am proud to announce that fifteen community projects dear to me and invaluable to our community will receive significant funding for their continued growth and development with the passage of our FY23 appropriations bill. Brooklyn is a special family, and it is on an inexorable trajectory towards something bigger. I consider it the blessing and privilege of my career to fight to get it there,\u201d said Congresswoman Clarke.\n\nRep. Clarke championed funding for 15 projects that will directly benefit Brooklyn residents in New York\u2019s 9th Congressional District. These include:\n\n$1,250,000 for the Brooklyn Children\u2019s Museum \u2013 Upgrades to Interior Exhibit Spaces\u2019 HVAC System\n\n$2,200,000 for the Brownsville Community Development Corporation, Brooklyn, NY for facilities and equipment\n\n$3,000,000 for the Capital Improvements for CAMBA Headquarters\n\n$250,000 for the COJO Adult Education Classes\n\n$445,000 for the Construction of Community Food Pantry\n\n$750,000 for the Council of Peoples Organization \u2013 Community Service Center\n\n$450,000 for the EmblemHealth, Inc., New York, NY for mental health services, education, and other related activities\n\n$795,000 for the ENF Community Development and Housing Initiative Program\n\n$2,200,000 for the Kings County Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY for facilities and equipment\n\n$2,200,000 for the New York Community Hospital, Brooklyn, NY for facilities and equipment\n\n$800,000 for the New York Sun Works, New York, NY for hydroponic STEM classrooms, including equipment\n\n$2,000,000 for the Ohel Children\u2019s Home and Family Services \u2013 Headquarters Expansion and Upgrade\n\n$750,000 for the Renovation of Cultural Center\n\n$191,160 for the Research Foundation of the City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY for a literacy program\n\n$534,981 for the Research Foundation of the City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY for a pre-law program\n\nThe government funding package that passed the House tonight will help Brooklyn families with the cost of living, create good-paying local jobs, support our most vulnerable communities, and provide crucial assistance to small businesses and restaurants that are key to our District\u2019s economic future. Taken together, the funding for New York\u2019s 9th District and the funding increases for critical government programs will reverse decades of disinvestment in our communities and strengthen our nation as a whole.\n\nThis legislation is expected to be signed into law by President Biden in the coming days.\n\n###\n\nYvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York\u2019s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is a Senior Member of both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Committee on Homeland Security, where she serves as Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases/garbarino-votes-against-democrats-massive-end-year-wish-list-bill", "Garbarino Votes Against Democrats' Massive End of Year Wish List Bill", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Andrew R. Garbarino", "G000597", "garbarino.house.gov", "garbarino", "https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) voted NO on the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2617, Democrats' $1.7 Trillion end of year Omnibus package. Following the vote, Rep. Garbarino released the below statement:\n\n\u201cOnce again Democrats dropped a 4,000 page bill in the middle of the night which allocates more than a trillion dollars to a litany of partisan policies that the American people don\u2019t support while ignoring critical issues facing our nation. The Omnibus not only fails to address the border crisis at a time when border patrol is being completely overrun by an avalanche of migrants, but instead includes billions for policies that will further encourage illegal immigration and cuts funding for ICE detention facilities needed to process the incoming migrants. This bill not only fails to address our economic crisis at a time when a majority of Americans report living paycheck to paycheck in Joe Biden\u2019s economy, but in fact is sure to increase already record inflation and worsen conditions for families struggling to make ends meet. This bill not only fails to promote American energy production at a time when our reliance of foreign fuel has created serious national security and economic concerns, but actually takes over $2 billion meant to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve with crude oil and allocates it to unrelated Democrat priorities.\n\n\u201cMost egregious to me personally was the exclusion of legislation to fully close the funding gap in the World Trade Center Health Program which, if not corrected will soon lead to 9/11 first responders and survivors losing access to health care for 9/11 related illnesses. This is an issue I have worked diligently on over the last two years with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and I am especially grateful to Senator Gillibrand for her efforts to ensure some funds for the program were included in this bill. However, the amount of money allocated is a band aid that will only temporarily delay the inevitable program cuts and prolong the painful uncertainty our 9/11 heroes are experiencing. I cannot support half measures when the stakes are this high. I look forward to leading the fight in the House next Congress to secure the full amount needed to safeguard this program and give 9/11 first responders and survivors the peace of mind they deserve.\n\n\u201cAll of this considered, I simply could not, in good conscious, vote for this Democrat wish list bill when Republicans are just days away from taking control of the House and would, if given the chance in the new Congress, be able to negotiate a full year funding bill more in line with the wishes of the American people.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-secures-millions-beneficial-to-the-aanhpi-community", "Meng Secures Millions Beneficial To The AANHPI Community", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), New York's senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced today that she helped secure millions for several projects and programs that are crucial to the AANHPI community.\n\n\"I am delighted to have directed millions of dollars in the Fiscal Year 2023 federal budget to strengthen and advance the interests of the AANHPI community across our country,\" said Congresswoman Meng, First Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. \"Our priorities are reflected in what programs we are willing to spend our budget on. As the only Asian American member of the House Appropriations Committee, I consider it the highest honor to advocate for our AANHPI community throughout the appropriations process. The federal directives in this bill will go a long way to empowering and uplifting our community toward a brighter tomorrow. I extend my deepest gratitude to my colleagues for their support of these programs and I look forward to continuing the fight for AANHPI priorities in the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations cycle.\"\n\nThese critical projects and programs were included in the new government spending package for fiscal year 2023, which passed the House today after being approved by the Senate on Thursday. The legislation is now expected to be signed into law by President Biden. The items that Meng helped obtain include:\n\n$10 million for DOJ's Community-Based Approaches to Advancing Justice program, a $5 million increase from Fiscal Year 2022. Funds will be granted to community-based organizations engaging in conflict resolution, combatting hate crimes, and community empowerment. These groups can facilitate culturally educational classes and community services aimed at supporting communities of color and other vulnerable and historically disadvantaged communities.\n\nOver $2.5 million for the Smithsonian Institution's Asian Pacific Center and Asian Pacific Pool, a $40,000 increase from Fiscal Year 2022. Funds will be used to strengthen the Smithsonian's programming to commemorate Asian Pacific history and to continue the center's efforts to acquire new materials for its collection.\n\nOver $18.5 million to strengthen Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions, a $7,653,000 increase from Fiscal Year 2022. Funds may be used to support and expand services to Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander and low-come students that such institutions offer. The Department of Education administers this program.\n\n$1 million for the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Minority Health to research, develop, and test methods of informing limited English proficient individuals about the availability of language services. Funding would help researchers develop methods to ensure health services are available in non-English languages.\n\nA report on the creation of an Office of Translation Services in the U.S. Congress to assist Members of Congress in translating official materials, including necessary resource requirements to create such an office. Currently, Members of Congress rely on bilingual staff\u2014or even unpaid interns\u2014to translate government documents and resources into additional languages constituents may need. Creation of such an office would ensure all people\u2014regardless of English language proficiency\u2014would be able to access government information and resources.\n\nImprove language access at the Small Business Administration (SBA) by urging the agency to make online grant application forms available in at least the top 20 most commonly spoken languages based on the latest Census data. This is in response to the difficulty limited English proficient communities have had with accessing SBA relief programs, especially during COVID-19. Translating government documents into additional languages would minimize barriers to relief.\n\nStrategic planning for Hepatitis B vaccination and screening for all adults, and additional research on treatments and cures by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This comes in response to the 2021 Advisory Committee Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation that all adults between 19 and 59 be vaccinated for hepatitis B.\n\nA report by NIH on research projects focused on the health and wellbeing of AANHPI communities, including specific racial and ethnic subgroups; the report will also document barriers to participation and language access issues. In the last decade, less than one percent of the NIH's total budget went to research centered on AANHPI health outcomes. This would help combat misleading narratives and conclusions drawn from the lack of available research.\n\nPrioritization of funding for disaggregation of AANHPI data at the Department of Education's Office of English Language Acquisition to support additional racial and ethnic subgroup data collection and reporting. This will help policymakers understand which subgroups may be struggling academically and may provide targeted opportunities for assistance.\n\nLanguage addressing bias in research security, specifically directing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to coordinate and collaborate with the National Science Foundation (NSF) on its disclosure requirements to set a high bar for when cases should be referred from science agencies to the FBI. With NSF leading the way on disclosure requirements and helping researchers understand their responsibilities, coordination between NSF and the FBI will help combat bias against those of Asian American ancestry when it comes to research security.\n\nNSF research on addressing bias and xenophobia against AANHPI communities and an update on how the NSF plans to disseminate its studies and what additional funds it may need. In March of 2021, President Biden announced additional actions to combat anti-Asian hate which included NSF projects to understand the scope and severity of the issue. Meng's language requests an urgent update to understand what policymakers can do.\n\nSupport for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, an initiative led by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to advance health, equity, and economic justice for AANHPI communities.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-secures-over-213-million-for-local-projects-in-queens", "Meng Secures Over $21.3 Million For Local Projects In Queens", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), New York's senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced today that she secured over $21.3 million for 15 critical projects throughout Queens.\n\nThis Community Project Funding is money that was included in the new government spending package which passed the House this afternoon after being approved by the Senate on Thursday. The legislation now heads to President Biden's desk and is expected to be signed into law.\n\n\"Queens deserves its fair share, and I'm thrilled to bring back more money for critical projects here in our borough,\" said Congresswoman Meng. \"I am especially pleased that I was able to secure more than double the amount of what I obtained last year. I am always honored and proud to fight for Queens and I'll never stop working to ensure that our communities have the resources they need. I look forward to this more than the $21.3 million benefiting Queens for many decades to come.\"\n\nMeng obtained a total of $21,317,066 for 15 projects, which meet many urgent needs in Queens. They include:\n\n$7 Million: Long Island Railroad (LIRR) Forest Hills station for the installation of new elevators, extending the platform length to accommodate more train cars (12 train cars), and several other station improvements.\n\n$2 Million: The City of New York's District 6 Open Restaurants Dining Kits for helping under-resourced restaurants acquire safe, compliant, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor dining setups. These include restaurants hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic in low-to-moderate-income neighborhoods in Queens.\n\n$2 Million: Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty (Met Council) to provide essential baby products as part of its food programs to Queens residents.\n\nOver $1.4 Million: Queens College for its Small Business Development Initiative to strengthen partnerships between local small businesses and the newly established Queens College School of Business.\n\n$1 Million: New York City Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst for the renovation of its Infectious Diseases Clinic.\n\n$1 Million: Queens Chamber of Commerce for its Small Business Legal Desk support program to support immigrant and small businesses in Queens.\n\n$1 Million: Long Island Jewish Forest Hills for the establishment of Robotic Assisted Orthopedic Surgery for hip and knee replacement procedures.\n\n$1 Million: Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty (Met Council) for ensuring its emergency food programs meets needs of food-insecure Queens residents.\n\n$1 Million: Commonpoint Queens for investing in unemployed and underemployed individuals to help them to gain skills and credentials to succeed in high-quality careers.\n\n$800,000: LIFE Camp, Inc. for Therapeutic Wellness services in Queens to help increase community safety, life expectancy, quality of life, and allowing for trauma informed care and practices.\n\n$750,000: 100 Suits for 100 Men for ensuring Queens neighborhoods receive resources and ongoing services as they recover from the coronavirus pandemic and allowing for a needs assessment post COVID-19.\n\n$750,000: Churches United for Fair Housing for supporting its housing related services that help tenants and those experiencing homelessness in Queens access safe and affordable housing.\n\n$750,000: Queens College Colden Auditorium for this largest indoor venue in Queens to be accessible, affordable, and a facility that meets the technical and production needs of performers.\n\n$551,210: DOROT (which serves older adults) for expanding its remote program in Queens.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-votes-pass-bipartisan-funding-package-invests-our", "CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE VOTES TO PASS BIPARTISAN FUNDING PACKAGE THAT INVESTS IN OUR COMMUNITY", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joseph D. Morelle", "M001206", "morelle.house.gov", "morelle", "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Image\n\nDecember 23, 2022\n\nLegislation includes key investments in Monroe County programs and organizations while taking steps to improve community safety, uplift families, strengthen our economy, and bolster our national security\n\n(Washington, DC) \u2013 Today, Congressman Joe Morelle voted to enact a comprehensive appropriations package for Fiscal Year 2023 that takes steps to invest in the future of our community.\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan funding package makes transformative investments designed to uplift families, keep our neighborhoods safe, support our military, strengthen our economy, and more,\u201d said Congressman Joe Morelle. \u201cI\u2019m particularly proud that I was successful in securing funding for more than a dozen local organizations who are doing extraordinary work in our community. I\u2019m working every day to create a brighter future for our families, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside my colleagues to ensure everyone has the resources necessary to thrive.\u201d\n\nCongressman Morelle secured over $12 million in funding for local organizationswho submitted requests through the Fiscal Year 2023 Community Project Funding process, including:\n\nAction for a Better Community: $517,000\n\nBivona Child Advocacy Center: $306,000\n\nCameron Community Ministries: $200,000\n\nCharles Settlement House: $619,784\n\nCity of Rochester Youth Employment Services: $1,000,000\n\nCity of Rochester Surveillance Equipment: $300,000\n\nConnected Communities: $500,000\n\nCounty of Monroe/Monroe Community College: $3,500,000\n\nEnCompass Resources for Learning: $700,000\n\nHis Branches: $819,312\n\nRochester Area Community Foundation: $300,000\n\nRochester Institute of Technology: $2,000,000\n\nSusan B. Anthony House: $750,000\n\nUniversity of Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital: $1,000,000 W\n\nWillow Domestic Violence Center: $325,000\n\nAdditional highlights of the appropriations package include investments in:\n\nUplifting Families\n\n$8 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, which helps low-income families access childcare;\n\n$12 billion for Head Start to strengthen early childhood education;\n\n$315 million for Preschool Development Grants\n\n$154 billion for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and $6 billion for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to reduce food insecurity;\n\n$28.5 billion for child nutrition programs supporting school lunches as well as summer meals;\n\n$5 billion for Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help families afford home heating costs.\n\n$455 billion to expand broadband internet service, particularly in rural areas\n\nSupporting Servicemembers and Veterans\n\n$118.7 billion for Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care to provide essential health services for more than 7.3 million veterans;\n\n$5 billion to assist with implementation of the Honoring Our PACT Act, which strengthens healthcare for veterans exposed to toxins;\n\n$44.9 billion in emergency assistance to Ukraine including resources for training, equipment, weapons, supplies and services, salaries and stipends, and intelligence support;\n\n$2.6 billion to support housing assistance for veterans and their families.\n\nStrengthening our Economy\n\n$1.8 billion to implement the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act which bolsters advanced manufacturing, creates jobs, and enhances American competitiveness with China;\n\n$500 million for the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program, to provide planning grants to create geographically-distributed \u201cregional technology hubs,\u201d focusing on technology development, job creation, and expanding U.S. innovation capacity;\n\n$121 million for the Economic Development Administration\u2019s Public Works program;\n\n$140 million to support Small Business Development Centers;\n\n$27 million for Women\u2019s Business Centers.\n\nEnhancing Education\n\n$7,395 for the maximum Pell Grant. This is the largest increase in the maximum award since the 2009-2010 school year and helps millions of students pursue higher education;\n\n$15 billion for Special Education State Grant programs that support services for an estimated 9 million students and children with disabilities.\n\nInvesting in Law Enforcement\n\n$324 million for Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring to place over 1,800 more police officers on the streets of our communities;\n\n$231 million for State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance and COPS Office grant programs to strengthen police community relations;\n\n$700 million, the highest funding level ever, for grants provided by the Office on Violence Against Women.\n\nAddressing the Opioid Crisis\n\n$1.6 billion to states through the State Opioid Response Grant;\n\n$80 million to address the needs of children affected by the opioid crisis.\n\nProtecting Our Environment\n\n$10 billion for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to fund clean air and water programs;\n\n$3.46 billion for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE);\n\n$260 million to support clean energy programs.\n\nFor more details on this appropriations package, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3778", "Tonko Heralds Major Legislative Wins in Omnibus Legislation", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Legislation Tonko championed on addiction, rare disease, manufacturing & more included in spending package\n\nWASHINGTON, DC\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) celebrated the passage of key provisions he championed in the year-end federal spending bill.\n\n\u201cThe historic investments advanced in our bipartisan omnibus package are a reflection of America\u2019s deepest values,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cI\u2019m proud to vote for this legislation that works to drive innovation, support our most vulnerable communities, create good jobs, address the disease of addiction and so much more. I look forward to seeing these key provisions and programs enacted at once to give much-needed support and improve the lives of so many in our community.\u201d\n\nProvisions Tonko authored that are included in the 2023 omnibus bill:\n\nAll 15 Community Project Funding requests that Tonko championed, which will bring $12,849,613 in direct federal investments to the Capital Region for projects that will support underserved communities, strengthen mental health services, invest in water infrastructure, drive economic development, and much more.\n\nThe Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act that eliminates the redundant requirement that practitioners apply for a separate waiver through the Drug Enforcement Administration to prescribe buprenorphine for substance use disorder treatment. After France took similar action to make buprenorphine available without a specialized waiver, opioid overdose deaths declined by 79 percent over a four-year period.\n\nThe Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant Act, which reauthorizes the crucial Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant Act for an additional five years, thereby providing sustained investment in evidence-based programs that support individuals, families, and municipalities struggling with addiction.\n\nThe Helping Experts Accelerate Rare Treatments (HEART) Act that strengthens the U.S. Food and Drug Administration review process for drugs that treat rare and ultra-rare diseases by involving scientists and doctors with expertise along with patients and families . This legislation was inspired by a constituent whose daughter is living with Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome.\n\nThe Manufacturing.gov Act that would establish a one-stop hub to connect manufacturers with federal manufacturing programs.\n\nA provision to amend the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act that would strengthen the role of the Federal Trade Commission and address recent constitutional challenges to the law to secure a brighter future for the horseracing industry.\n\nThe Medicaid Directory of Caregivers Act (Medicaid DOC Act) to improve access to doctors for Medicaid participants by requiring states and Medicaid managed care companies to publish and regularly update searchable provider directories.\n\n$29.2 million in funding delivered to National Heritage Areas (a $2 million increase in funding from last year), with funding deadlines extended through 2024 for 5 National Heritage Areas.\n\nThe EV Grid Act to have the Department of Energy study how electricity demands from electric vehicle charging infrastructure will affect the electric grid in the future.\n\nText of the 2023 federal funding package can be found HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/velazquez-secures-federal-funding-local-projects-final-government", "Velazquez Secures Federal Funding for Local Projects in Final Government Funding Package", "2022-12-23", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez", "V000081", "velazquez.house.gov", "velazquez", "https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "December 23, 2022\n\nWashington D.C.- Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez (D-NY) announced that she has secured $16,025,453 in Community Project Funding for New York's 7th District in the 2023 government funding bill. This funding responds directly to some of the most pressing needs across her District.\n\n\"The funding we passed today is critical to the success of our community \u2013 from educating our youth, and providing after-school care, to improving the local environment and meeting the healthcare needs of our residents,\" said Congresswoman Vel\u00e1zquez. \"I am proud to have secured over 16 million in federal funding in this bill that I know will meet long overdue community needs in New York's 7th District. I look forward to seeing these funds being put to use to help grow and strengthen our neighborhoods.\"\n\nCongresswoman Vel\u00e1zquez secured funding for 15 projects that will directly benefit New York's 7th District residents. These include:\n\n$750,000 for the Acquisition of a building in the Bushwick, Brooklyn neighborhood to create the Brooklyn Center for Social Justice, Entrepreneurship and the Arts (BCSEA),\n\n$1,800,453 for the Arab-American Family Support Center in collaboration with the Academy of Medical & Public Health Services, Brooklyn, NY for immigrant mental health initiative services, including equipment,\n\n$1,025,000 for the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy in collaboration with NYC H20 (Ridgewood/Highland Park), Greater Ridgewood Youth Council, and St. Ann's Warehouse youth education and stewardship initiative programs,\n\n$750,000 for the Fifth Avenue Committee (FAC) Barrio Affordable Solar,\n\n$1,100,000 for the Grand Street Settlement 80 Pitt Street Community Center Renovation to make capital improvements within the Community Center,\n\n$300,000 for the Loisaida, New York, NY for an environmental and community science program to promote a climate workforce development & entrepreneurship,\n\n$800,000 for the Make the Road New York, Brooklyn, NY in collaboration with Bangladeshi American Community Development & Youth Services for adult literacy programs and services, including the purchase of equipment, to improve economic outcomes,\n\n$2,000,000 for the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, New York, NY to renovate an existing kitchen and office spaces, bathrooms, patient room doors, and replacement of surveillance cameras at Woodhull Mental and Medical Center in North Brooklyn,\n\n$1,000,000 for the North Brooklyn Anti-Violence Initiative in collaboration with St. Nicks Alliance, Riseboro and The Wick/Los Sures which will help to prevent violence and improve the quality-of-life in North Brooklyn with innovative strategies,\n\n$750,000 for the NYCHA ADA Accessibility and Security Lighting Project at Borinquen Plaza and Red Hook East and West,\n\n$300,000 for the Good Old Lower East Side (Goles) Public Housing Leadership Academy to train emerging leaders in Lower East Side public housing,\n\n$750,000 for Evergreen Exchange in coordination with Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation for a business assistance program Resilient Recovery: Brooklyn's Industrial Waterfront,\n\n$1,500,000 for the St. Francis College, Brooklyn, NY nursing simulation lab for the education of future nurses in coordination with The Brooklyn Hospital Center,\n\n$1,200,000 for the United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg Inc., Brooklyn, NY in collaboration with Henry Street Settlement will provide social services initiative connecting families to assistance to reduce poverty and improve economic independence,\n\n$2,000,000 for the Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY for facilities and equipment to increase access to colorectal cancer screenings.\n\nThe twelve-bill government funding package will create good-paying American jobs, grow opportunity for the middle class and small businesses, and provide a lifeline for working families. Taken together, the funding for New York's 7th District and the funding increases for critical government programs that will continue to reverse decades of disinvestment.\n\nThis bill now goes to President Biden's desk for his signature. A detailed summary of the bill is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3776", "Tonko Introduces Sweeping Offshore Wind Legislation", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) introduced the Offshore Energy Modernization Act, legislation that provides a comprehensive blueprint to ensure the long-term viability and success of U.S. offshore wind development. In 2021, President Biden announced the nation\u2019s goal to deploy 30 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2030. Tonko\u2019s legislation implements critical measures and reforms to help responsibly develop offshore wind and enable the industry to meet those goals.\n\n\u201cWe know the importance of offshore wind in meeting our clean energy goals, and the opportunities it presents to create good jobs, strengthen our economy, and tackle climate change,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cWhile we\u2019ve taken key steps to drive investment in wind, our work is far from over. In order to meet our national goals and take full advantage of the economic boon offshore wind presents, we need strong federal action from Congress\u2014my Offshore Energy Modernization Act is the solution. This legislation ensures we will unlock the full potential of American offshore wind energy production and deployment. As Congress continues to discuss permitting reform, I sincerely hope we can give far greater consideration to updating outdated energy laws to allow our emerging clean energy economy to thrive.\u201d\n\nThe Offshore Energy Modernization Act of 2022:\n\nMakes targeted reforms to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to better reflect the realities of offshore wind development and provide long-term certainty for this emerging industry.\n\nProvides funding for agencies to facilitate timely and efficient permitting of offshore renewable energy projects, including through early and robust community engagement.\n\nEnsures that offshore renewable energy projects support good-paying, union jobs and a reliable, domestic supply chain.\n\nInvests in marine and coastal habitat protection and compensates fishing interests that have been impacted by offshore wind development.\n\nEstablishes the Offshore Power Administration to provide Federal assistance to advance shared offshore transmission infrastructure.\n\nCreates new Department of Energy grant and loan guarantee opportunities to support U.S. shipbuilding needed to construct offshore wind projects.\n\nLonnie Stephenson, President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), issued the following statement in support of the Offshore Energy Modernization Act: \u201cThe IBEW\u2019s 775,000 active and retired members strongly support this groundbreaking legislation, which will help the federal government create family-sustaining union jobs on offshore renewable energy projects. Significantly, the Offshore Energy Modernization Act would require developers, contractors and subcontractors to enter project labor agreements, which will encourage hiring local, highly skilled construction workers like IBEW electricians to work on these important projects.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Offshore Energy Modernization Act helps lay the foundation for a responsible clean ocean energy future,\u201d said Amy Trice, Director of Ocean Planning at Ocean Conservancy. \u201cOcean Conservancy thanks Congressman Tonko for championing the critical pieces\u2014regional needs, research, monitoring, and investment\u2014that will take offshore wind energy from policy to power. We look forward to working on this bill as it moves through Congress.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe commend Congressman Tonko for recognizing that the fishing industry needs support for mitigation and compensation strategies from offshore wind development and for his leadership in beginning to address these concerns,\u201d said Lane Johnston, Programs Manager at the Responsible Offshore Development Alliance (RODA). \u201cIn particular we are encouraged to see recognition of the need for a Compensation Fund that includes support for the mitigation and compensation of impacts to our marine environment and the sustainable seafood harvesters that support many U.S. coastal communities. RODA and our members look forward to continuing to work on the bill with Rep. Tonko and our ocean champions to protect fishing jobs and businesses and ensure that future ocean development strives to be compatible with existing ocean users.\u201d\n\n\u201cRepresentative Tonko is a longtime champion of a clean energy economy, and with the offshore wind industry on the cusp of massive growth, he understands that now is the time to ensure the supply chains are primed for this success in the coming years. We commend Rep. Tonko for his work on the Offshore Energy Modernization Act, which is a positive step in ensuring the mechanisms are in place to achieve the nation\u2019s clean energy goals,\u201d said Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters.\n\n\"Offshore wind development presents both an opportunity to increase the Nation's renewable energy portfolio but also potential challenges for fisheries and marine ecosystems,\" said Tony Friedrich, Policy Director and Vice President of the American Saltwater Guides Association. \"This legislation will address many of those challenges. The American Saltwater Guides Association thanks Congressman Tonko for bringing much-needed clarity to offshore wind development in the United States, namely by ensuring recreational fishing and boating access in offshore wind arrays, looking at habitat enhancement opportunities in the decommissioning process, and finally establishing a revenue-sharing framework for offshore wind that will fund coastal conservation efforts.\"\n\n\u201cWe are grateful to Representative Tonko for his continued leadership supporting the burgeoning offshore wind energy economy, including today\u2019s introduction of the Offshore Energy Modernization Act, which helps lay the groundwork for this industry\u2019s long-term certainty,\u201d said David Shadburn, Government Affairs Advocate at the League of Conservation Voters. \u201cWe look forward to working with Congressman Tonko on this bill into the 118th Congress and other ways to ensure we equitably achieve President Biden\u2019s goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2030.\u201d\n\nRep. Tonko has long led efforts to support the growing offshore wind industry. Last year, he championed the Restoring Offshore Wind Opportunities Act, a bill to overturn the Trump-era offshore wind leasing ban in North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida to jumpstart clean energy deployment and create high quality jobs across the nation. That legislation was signed into law this year as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.\n\nA fact-sheet of the Offshore Energy Modernization Act can be found HERE.\n\nText of the bill can be found HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3779", "Tonko Heralds Passage of National Heritage Area Act", "2022-12-22", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko today cheered the passage of his bipartisan National Heritage Area Act in the House of Representatives. Tonko\u2019s bipartisan legislation, which he introduced alongside Rep. David McKinley (R-WV), tackles the current patchwork system for maintaining National Heritage Areas by reauthorizing all Areas for the next 15 years and establishing clear, transparent standards that make it easier for communities and local partnerships to develop and maintain the Heritage Areas they cherish.\n\nThe bill passed the Senate earlier this week and will be sent to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cOur heritage areas help preserve and protect sites of cultural, historical, and natural significance, shining a light on local communities across the country,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cThese sites also serve as key economic drivers for their regions, attracting tourism and economic activity that pays dividends. But despite their importance to the fabric of our communities, there is no standardized process for administering National Heritage Areas, which has resulted in inconsistent oversight and hindered many areas from flourishing. My National Heritage Area Act secures a stable foundation of federal support for these partnerships, streamlines bureaucracy, and puts the sites themselves on the strongest possible footing for the future. After years partnering with my friend Congressman David McKinley to deliver for these cherished sites, I\u2019m humbled to lead my colleagues in sending this bill to President Biden\u2019s desk. I am grateful to the stakeholders and dedicated advocates who have been with us every step of the way to ensure Americans across our nation can enjoy these treasured sites for many years to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cNational Heritage Areas help preserve our history, increase tourism, and spur economic development and job growth. We\u2019ve seen this firsthand in West Virginia with the creation of the Wheeling and Appalachian Forest Heritage Areas. The National Heritage Area Act will create standard criteria and rules for the creation and management of these public-private partnerships. I\u2019m proud to lead this bill and have worked to support the mission of National Heritage Areas during my time in Congress,\u201d said Rep. David McKinley (R-WV).\n\n\u201cCongressman Tonko is an enduring champion of heritage-based revitalization strategies in communities across New York State and the nation. Through his steadfast leadership, national heritage areas will be assured of consistent federal support while they simultaneously leverage investments from their respective states, local municipalities and the private sector, resulting in an improved quality of life for residents and increased economic benefits from recreational and cultural tourism,\u201d said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.\n\n\u201cNational Heritage Areas, like ours in the Hudson Valley, are not only vital to this nation\u2019s economy but are critical to the true telling of America\u2019s story through the preservation of its historic and cultural sites. We are grateful to all of those in Congress who supported this act, especially our Hudson Valley delegation led by Congressman Tonko,\u201d said Meg Downey, co-chair, Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.\n\n\u201cThe National Heritage Area Act is a testament to the tremendous work National Heritage Areas do within communities across America. It is a direct reflection of the determination and resilience that is not only the bedrock of National Heritage Areas, but also the history of the places and people National Heritage Areas represent. The Alliance of National Heritage Areas is profoundly grateful for the tireless leadership and support we have received on a bipartisan basis within Congress today and look forward to serving our communities for an additional 15 years,\u201d said Sara Capen, Chairwoman, Alliance of National Heritage Areas.\n\n\u201cAcross the country, communities are working to protect patches of America\u2019s diverse history from being altered or lost forever. In the nick of time, Congress came together in a bipartisan fashion to give these communities the leg up they deserve. Establishing a new system for National Heritage Areas will help breathe new life into the historic preservation movement in America. Our history, complicated as it may be, serves as a rallying point for Americans of different backgrounds and ideologies. This piece of legislation exemplifies what our country can do when we stand together to protect our shared legacy,\u201d said Alan Spears, Senior Director for Cultural Resources for National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA).\n\nHeritage areas are a major contributor to American cultural tourism, which the U.S. Department of Commerce estimates contributes more than $192 billion to the U.S. economy every year. There are currently 55 National Heritage Areas nationwide, including the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Corridor in our Capital Region. Without congressional action, 45 Heritage Areas would sunset in the next two years.\n\nH.R. 1316/S. 1942 the National Heritage Area Act:\n\n\u00b7 Provides our nation\u2019s 55 Areas with certainty and predictability by extending their authorization for 15 years\n\n\u00b7 Establishes a streamlined process for the foundation, designation, and management of new National Heritage Areas\n\n\u00b7 Designates several new Heritage Areas and authorizes new Heritage Area studies\n\nCongressman Tonko has long been a champion for National Heritage Areas. He co-chairs the National Heritage Area Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives along with Rep. David McKinley (R-WV) and serves on the Committee on Natural Resources and its Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/espaillat-garc%C3%ADa-norton-pressley-keating-applaud-inclusion-800-million-asylum", "ESPAILLAT, GARC\u00cdA, NORTON, PRESSLEY, KEATING, APPLAUD INCLUSION OF $800 MILLION IN ASYLUM SEEKER AID IN 2023 GOVERNMENT FUNDING BILL", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", "espaillat", "https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), along with Congressman Jes\u00fas G. \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (IL-04), Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Congressman Bill Keating (MA-09), and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) applaud House and Senate Appropriations leadership for including $800 million to provide shelter, food and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing hunger or homelessness, and allowing humanitarian assistance to migrant families and individuals encountered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The funds will aid in expanding shelter capacity, and provide mental health services, adequate food, and appropriate legal services that are critical in supporting asylum seekers with legal counsel and other necessary services to facilitate a smooth process. The new grant program is to be administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as grants or cooperative agreements with state and local governments and NGOs, including up to $50 million for construction and expansion of shelter facilities. The majority of the funds are to be made available through the existing FEMA Emergency Food and Shelter Program until transition to the new Shelter and Services grant program is complete.\n\nSince March of this year, safe haven cities such as Philadelphia, New York City, the District of Columbia, Chicago, and Boston have experienced increased demand for safe and secure shelter. These locations have experienced an influx of asylum seekers from Latin America, predominately from Venezuela, who are fleeing a government that has engaged in \"crimes against humanity,\" including the use of torture and sexual violence to repress dissent.\n\n\"The inclusion of $800 million in the omnibus federal funding package will help bolster our efforts to support local shelter cities and ensure municipalities have the capacity and bandwidth to support vulnerable individuals and families when they need our help the most,\" said Congressman Espaillat. \"Migration from Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Colombia is a longstanding issue, and there is no question that Republicans have weaponized this issue. However, we have a moral obligation to answer this call to action, and this funding is part of our whole of government approach, from federal, city and state efforts to ensure asylum seekers have the support and resources needed during this critical time in their lives and for our nation.\"\n\n\u201cI am pleased to see increased funding for the FEMA Emergency Food and Shelter Program included in the government funding package,\u201d said Congressman Garc\u00eda. \u201cMy colleagues and I heavily advocated for these funds to urgently provide aid to families in need. Robust funding for this program will alleviate the pressures that community organizations have been facing for months. However, it is incumbent upon us as legislators, to address the root causes of migration and work on meaningful immigration reform. As we move into the 118th Congress, I strongly urge Republicans to stop playing political games with people\u2019s lives and come to the table next year with humane immigration proposals that honor our values as a nation of immigrants.\u201d\n\n\"I am pleased that the omnibus appropriations bill released last night includes $800 million for FEMA's Emergency Food and Shelter Program for humanitarian assistance for vulnerable migrants,\" Congresswoman Norton said. \"After this year's series of cynical political stunts in which governors from across the country bused migrants to large cities, including D.C., this humanitarian assistance was badly needed.\"\n\n\"Our communities have risen to the challenge by welcoming and supporting migrants, but this has come at a cost to state and local governments and local non-profits,\" said Congressman Bill Keating. \"This $800 million in funding for the Department of Homeland Security will ensure that migrants have access to the necessities and humanitarian assistance they need directly through DHS.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3772", "Tonko Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act to be Made Law", "2022-12-21", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) cheered the inclusion of his bipartisan Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act in the federal funding package expected to be made law this week. The MAT Act eliminates the redundant requirement that practitioners apply for a separate waiver through the DEA to prescribe buprenorphine for substance use disorder treatment.\n\n\u201cThe overdose crisis has touched so many of us and left countless communities across our nation irreparably damaged,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cFor years, I\u2019ve worked to address this disease of addiction and secure access to lifesaving treatments for the millions of Americans currently struggling. A lynchpin of my efforts has long been my MAT Act that would eliminate and outdated, bureaucratic barrier preventing practitioners from prescribing the proven treatment, buprenorphine, to their patients. After years working to pave a path forward for this lifesaving bill, it will finally be made law. My deepest gratitude to Congressman Turner for championing this bill alongside me, and thanks to my colleagues and the many dedicated advocates who have worked to get this legislation done.\u201d\n\n\"The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act is a beacon of hope to families and loved ones struggling with substance use disorder. This legislation will open the doors of recovery to millions of Americans by ensuring that those in need have access to life-saving treatment that prevents overdoses. The MAT Act represents a fundamental shift in how our country approaches substance use disorder. It will reduce stigma and integrate treatment into the health care system, where it belongs. We would not have the MAT Act without Rep. Tonko's tireless commitment to expand access to affordable, high-quality treatment. Thanks to Rep. Tonko, countless lives will be saved,\u201d said Erin Schanning, president of End Substance Use Disorder and a big sister who lost her little brother, Ethan, to an overdose.\n\n\u201cThe MAT Act has garnered broad support on Capitol Hill because it is commonsense and due to the efforts of tireless champions like Congressman Tonko. This bill will save lives, so we\u2019re excited to see it included in the omnibus legislation. To end the overdose crisis, we need to ensure that effective, evidence-based treatment is available to all who want it,\u201d said Libby Jones, Project Director of the Overdose Prevention Initiative at the Global Health Advocacy Incubator.\n\n\"Buprenorphine is a highly effective medication that can help people with opioid use disorder live normal, productive lives. Outdated restrictions have long made it difficult for health care providers to prescribe the medication and for patients to access it. The MAT Act will expand availability of evidence-based treatment during a critical time in the opioid crisis, and we applaud Congress for taking this much-needed step forward,\u201d said Sheri Doyle, senior manager, Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Initiative, The Pew Charitable Trusts.\n\n\u201cWe at People\u2019s Action thank Rep. Paul Tonko for his steadfast leadership to see the MAT Act over the finish line. Rep. Tonko has been along with us every step of the way - from speaking at our events, to meeting with our cohort leaders, to fighting tooth and nail in the halls of congress. This victory proves the power of organizing people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities. Together we can end the overdose crisis,\u201d said Ellen Glover Drug Policy, Harm Reduction & Criminal Justice campaign director at People\u2019s Action.\n\n\"We are pleased to see the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act included in the FY 2023 omnibus spending bill. We applaud Representative Tonko for his steadfast leadership and urge Congress to pass this legislation that will expand access to lifesaving treatment and reduce stigma,\" said Maeghan Gilmore, Vice President, Government Affairs, Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness.\n\n\"Eliminating the 'X-waiver' is another critical step in combating our nation's opioid crisis, giving emergency physicians on the frontlines of this epidemic more opportunities to care for and treat those suffering from substance use disorders and, most importantly, help them on their path to recovery. This action by Congress was a welcome and needed next step to reducing stigma and breaking down some longstanding barriers for safer, effective, and commonsense opioid use disorder treatment. We are deeply grateful to Reps. Tonko and Turner for their outstanding and tireless bipartisan advocacy on this issue, and sincerely appreciate the opportunity to partner in this important effort, \u201d said Christopher S. Kang, MD, FACEP, president of ACEP.\n\n\u201cOn behalf of our nation\u2019s pharmacists, we applaud Representative Tonko for his leadership in passing this important legislation, which is a common-sense solution that removes restrictions on prescribers of buprenorphine to allow health care providers, including many pharmacists, to have greater involvement in treating patients with opioid use disorder. This is a huge win for pharmacists and the patients we serve,\u201d stated Ilisa Bernstein, PharmD, JD, FAPhA, interim executive vice president and CEO of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA).\n\nAfter France took similar action to make buprenorphine available without a specialized waiver, overdose deaths declined by 79 percent over a four-year period.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-authors-legislation-bolster-right-online-privacy", "CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE AUTHORS LEGISLATION TO BOLSTER THE RIGHT TO ONLINE PRIVACY", "2022-12-20", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joseph D. Morelle", "M001206", "morelle.house.gov", "morelle", "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2014 Today, Congressman Joe Morelle introduced new legislation to protect the right to privacy online. The Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act, authored by Congressman Morelle, would make illegal the non-consensual sharing of altered or \u201cdeepfake\u201d intimate images online and create additional legal courses of action for those impacted.\n\n\u201cAs technology and artificial intelligence continue to evolve, it\u2019s critical that we take proactive steps to combat disinformation and protect individuals from harm or compromising situations online,\u201d said Congressman Joe Morelle. \u201cThe spread of altered images can cause irrevocable emotional, financial, and reputational harm\u2014and unfortunately, women are disproportionately impacted. I\u2019m proud to have introduced this legislation that takes common-sense steps to protect their privacy, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass it into law.\u201d\n\nSAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher, a staunch advocate of protections for women and other vulnerable groups, has personally been a victim of this technology and is revolted to have had her image exploited in this way. Drescher today praised the proposed legislation saying:\n\n\"With great technology comes great responsibility. As we cheer on new advancements in the creative arts, we must never lose sight of the dark side of tech and the people it can harm. I have personally been a victim of this technology and applaud Congressman Morelle for proposing federal protection against sexualized non-consensual digital replicas and \u2018deepfakes'. This bill will help curb an incredibly destructive practice that strikes at the very heart of personal privacy, safety and autonomy. Sexual abuse, whether occurring physically or digitally, should never be excused or permitted as \u2018personal expression\u2019, and it should never be tolerated. Make no mistake, deepfakes is a violation, objectification and exploitation, but it\u2019s also counterfeit and must be made illegal and punishable by law. This bill is a powerful step to ensure that new and exciting technology is not used to cause obvious and irreparable harm.\u201d\n\nDr. Mary Anne Franks, President and Legislative & Tech Policy Director, Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, said: \u201cThe vast majority of so-called \u201cdeepfakes\u201d are pornographic images and videos featuring women and girls without their consent. Like other forms of nonconsensual pornography, the creation and distribution of digitally manipulated intimate images can inflict severe psychological, reputational, and professional harm. The Cyber Civil Rights Initiative is pleased to support the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act, which will help deter this egregious form of sexual exploitation.\u201d\n\nWith technological advancement has come the emergence of \u201cdeepfakes\u201d\u2014digitally altered images that use an individual\u2019s likeness mapped onto a photo or video of someone else. A 2019 report found that 96 percent of deepfake videos online were pornographic in content and exclusively targeted women. While the videos are fake, their impacts are very real\u2014and until now, little has been done to provide women with protection or recourse from this disturbing phenomenon.\n\nIn March 2022, President Biden signed the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization Act, a bipartisan law taking significant steps to address domestic violence. The VAWA Reauthorization included provisions to empower individuals victimized by the non-consensual disclosure of their intimate visual images to seek civil penalties in federal court. However, these provisions did not include the same protections for those impacted by the disclosure of deepfakes, leaving individuals vulnerable to exploitation by these images.\n\nTo address this issue, Congressman Morelle introduced the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act, which would:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3771", "All 15 Tonko Community Projects Included in Year End Funding", "2022-12-20", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "ALBANY, NY\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) announced a slate of 15 community development and improvement projects across New York\u2019s 20th Congressional District totaling $12,849,613 that he secured as part of the final 2023 appropriations government funding package.\n\n\u201cThe community projects in our Capital Region bring incredible promise for our communities with key investments that will drive economic growth, create good jobs and propel our Capital Region forward,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cFor months, my team and I have been pushing to ensure these worthy projects are included in a federal spending package, and I\u2019m delighted to announce that determined push has been successful. My heartfelt thanks to the dedicated local leaders who proposed and developed these deserving projects. I look forward to seeing how these federal dollars will unleash the untapped potential of our region and ignite our economy.\u201d\n\nTonko championed funding for 15 projects that will directly benefit Capital Region residents. In alphabetical order these include:\n\n$469,333 for the Business Incubator, Amsterdam, New York\n\n$540,000 for the Charlton Community Center, Charlton, New York\n\n$800,000 for the Employment Services Facility Improvement Project, Troy, New York\n\n$650,000 for the Esperanza Verde Park, Amsterdam, New York\n\n$400,000 for the Hoffman Park Community Center Improvements, Albany, New York\n\n$2,358,292 for the HOMEBASE - Combatting Social Isolation Stigma in the Mental Health Community, Saratoga Springs, New York\n\n$2,065,000 for the Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY for STEM and healthcare workforce development\n\n$500,000 for the Little Italy's Neighborhood Placemaking for Economic Development, Troy, New York\n\n$770,088 for the Maria College, Albany, NY for nursing programs, including technology and equipment\n\n$505,359 for the Matton Shipyard Preservation and Adaptive Reuse Initiative, Waterford, New York\n\n$1,500,000 for the Schenectady Community Action Program Campus Project, Schenectady, New York\n\n$1,000,000 for the Schenectady Community Virtual Power Plant\n\n$496,541 for the Siena College, Loudonville, NY for facilities and equipment\n\n$750,000 for the Transitional Housing and Services for LGBT and Gender Non-Conforming, Albany, New York\n\n$45,000 for the Village of Fultonville for Drinking Water Upgrades Project\n\nAdditional project descriptions can be found on Tonko\u2019s website HERE.\n\nThe twelve-bill government funding package will create good-paying American jobs, grow opportunity for the middle class and small businesses, and provide a lifeline for working families. Taken together, the funding for New York\u2019s 20th District and the funding increases for critical government programs will continue to reverse decades of disinvestment in communities.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-leads-bipartisan-group-calling-potus-designate-kenya-combat-zone", "Malliotakis Leads Bipartisan Group in Calling on POTUS to Designate Kenya A Combat Zone, Lift Taxes on New York National Guardsmen", "2022-12-19", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Nicole Malliotakis", "M000317", "malliotakis.house.gov", "malliotakis", "https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(WASHINGTON, DC) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (NY-21) and Congresswoman Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06) led a bipartisan letter to President Biden and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin calling on the Administration to formally designate Kenya a combat zone to allow a group of New York National Guardsmen stationed in the region as part of Task Force Wolfhound to receive Combat Zone Tax Exclusions (CZTE).\n\nTask Force Wolfhound is operating in the countries of Djibouti, Somalia, and Kenya. While both Djibouti and Somalia carry the Department of Defense designation as a combat zone which qualifies military personnel assigned to these countries to CZTE, Kenya does not have this designation. This means Soldiers facing the same regional threats as their peers are not eligible to receive the federal, state, or local income tax-exempt status as other members of the task force.\n\n\"For Djibouti and Somalia to be designated as combat zones, while Kenya, a nation plagued by terror attacks on behalf of the Al-Shabaab militant group is not, is placing New York\u2019s National Guard Soldiers in harm\u2019s way and allowing them to be taxed on the income that they receive while defending American freedom and values,\" the members wrote. \"The U.S. Department of State fully prohibits U.S. government employees from traveling to sections of Kenya due to the level of concern for terrorist attacks. If the United States can prohibit our government employees from traveling to these regions due to the dangers associated with the area, how is this same area not recognized as a combat zone for our military personnel?\"\n\nA prime example of the terrorist threat in the region is the January 5th, 2020, attack at the Cooperative Security Location in Manda Bay, Kenya. According to the Department of Defense, Al-Shabaab militants conducted an attack in which \u201ckilled one U.S. Army Soldier, Specialist Henry J. Mayfield, and two U.S. contract personnel, Bruce Triplett and Dustin Harrison. The attack also wounded three additional U.S. personnel, one Kenyan soldier, and destroyed $71.5 million of U.S. government resources.\u201d\n\nThe members concluded: \"After having given so much to the United States, American service members should not have to pay the United States government for being placed in harm\u2019s way. We urge your Administration to formally designate Kenya a combat zone to ensure our service members are eligible for the CZTE and the benefits they deserve.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-and-markey-urge-additional-money-for-7-billion-fund-they-created", "Meng and Markey Urge Additional Money for $7 Billion Fund They Created Last Year that Helps More Students Access the Internet; Program Has Provided Millions to Schools and Libraries in Queens and NYC", "2022-12-16", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) and Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) today called on House and Senate leaders to provide another $1 billion for the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF), the $7.1 billion dollar program the two lawmakers helped create last year that connects more students to the internet. The money, which pays for devices and broadband services, helps students who have had no internet access get online, and schools and libraries in Queens and New York City have received millions from the program.\n\n\"I am proud to have helped create the Emergency Connectivity Fund which has greatly benefited schools and libraries here in Queens and New York City including funds for the Queens Public Library,\" said Meng. \"The money has helped local students connect to the internet after many lacked an internet connection, and it has done so as our borough and city have recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, during which we saw how crucial internet access is for our kids' schoolwork. But we need more funding to keep the program going, and I urge congressional leaders to ensure that additional funds are allocated.\"\n\nMeng and Markey made their request for the increased funding in a letter they sent to the House Speaker, House Minority Leader and the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders, asking that the money be included in an upcoming spending bill that funds the federal government.\n\nThis additional funding would be sufficient for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to fund every valid application it received in the most recent application window. In May, the FCC announced that it had received more than $2.8 billion in requests for ECF funds in the most recent application window \u2013 far more than the estimated $1.5 billion in remaining funds.\n\n\"Without congressional action, we may stumble over this digital cliff with devastating consequences,\" Meng and Markey wrote in their letter. \"Kids who relied on ECF-provided laptops and hotspots to complete their homework could suddenly find themselves in the dark, returned to pre-ECF years when they struggled to keep up with their connected classmates. Teachers who counted on the ECF program to allow them to draft lesson plans and connect to students and their parents at home will lose these crucial resources.\"\n\n\"This impact will fall hardest on the low-income, disadvantaged, and rural communities that relied most heavily on the ECF,\" the lawmakers also wrote. \"The end of the Emergency Connectivity Fund will effectively turn an important investment in our students into stranded assets and a wasted opportunity. [\u2026] To avoid this damaging outcome, we urge you to support an additional $1 billion in funding for the Emergency Connectivity Fund as part of the disaster supplemental division in the fiscal 2023 omnibus. We cannot let millions of students fall back into the digital divide.\"\n\nThe spending bill that Meng and Markey are seeking to include the $1 billion in is the disaster supplemental division of the year-end omnibus legislation. The two helped create the Emergency Connectivity Fund by securing the program in the American Rescue Plan, the COVID-19 relief bill that was enacted in 2021.\n\nTheir full letter can be viewed here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-named-ranking-member-committee-house-administration", "CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE NAMED RANKING MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON HOUSE ADMINISTRATION", "2022-12-16", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joseph D. Morelle", "M001206", "morelle.house.gov", "morelle", "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) \u2013 Congressman Joe Morelle has been nominated by incoming Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to serve as Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration for the 118th Congress. A Ranking Member is the most senior member of a Congressional committee from the minority party.\n\n\u201cCongressman Joe Morelle is a leader in our Caucus who is deeply respected by Members on both sides of the aisle for his ability to bring people together to get things done,\u201d said incoming Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. \u201cHis reputation as a problem solver and fighter for our Democratic values dates back to his service as Majority Leader in the New York State Assembly. In Congress, Joe has been a champion for Upstate New York and has worked relentlessly to lower costs for working families. He brings a depth of experience to this critical role as a result of his dedicated service on the Rules, Budget and Appropriations Committees.\n\n\u201cI am humbled and honored by the confidence Leader Jeffries has placed in me,\u201d said Congressman Morelle. \u201cI want to recognize and thank outgoing House Administration Chairperson Zoe Lofgren for her longstanding service, leadership, and passionate advocacy. I look forward to the work ahead and the opportunity to partner with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to protect our democracy and build a stronger future for every American.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-adriano-espaillat-introduces-earth-bill", "Representative Adriano Espaillat Introduces The Earth Bill", "2022-12-15", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", "espaillat", "https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) introduced The Earth Bill, legislation that aims to bolster America\u2019s transition to renewable energy practices and address the inequitable impact that extreme weather events linked to climate change have on vulnerable communities around our nation.\n\nRecent studies show that people of color, women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, low-income persons, and individuals with underlying health conditions, face even greater health risks due to climate change. In addition, the National Centers for Environmental Information found that in 2021, there were 20 climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion each to affect the United States. If inaction continues, the United States and the world will begin to see even more devastating effects such as food insecurity, drought, poverty, and displacement.\n\n\u201cGreenhouse gas concentrations are at their highest levels in two million years and the decade from 2010-2019 was the warmest decade on record, according to the United Nations,\u201d said Rep. Espaillat. \u201cCommunities of color are disproportionately impacted at much higher rates by this warming although they are the least responsible for contributing factors. We stand to lose the most if we fail to address climate change in ways that present real comprehensive solutions. My bill addresses these impacts and works to avoid mounting loss of life, biodiversity, and infrastructure. We must take ambitious, accelerated action to adapt to climate change, while also making rapid, deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. Congress must step in to enact bold legislation that effectively addresses the climate crisis we face, because the changes we make today will have resounding benefits here at home and around the world.\u201d\n\nEspaillat\u2019s Earth Bill:\n\n1. Mandates 100 percent renewable electricity production by 2030;\n\n2. Amends the Clean Air Act to mandate 100 percent zero emission motor vehicle production;\n\n3. Establishes 100 percent regenerative agricultural practices in the United States; and\n\n4. Creates grant programs to assist in the transition to renewable electricity, zero emission vehicles, and regenerative agriculture.\n\nEspaillat\u2019s Earth Bill is endorsed by Climate Crisis Policy, The Earth Bill Network, Eco-Justice Collaborative, New York Progressive Action Network, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Jefferson County Farmers & Neighbors, Santa Cruz Climate Action Network, Green Team Academy, GreenLatinos, and Oceanic Global.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-and-casten-introduce-bill-to-expand-access-to-menstrual-products", "Meng and Casten Introduce Bill to Expand Access to Menstrual Products", "2022-12-15", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY) and Congressman Sean Casten (D-IL) introduced the Period PROUD (Providing Resources to Our Underserved and Disadvantaged) Act of 2022 to expand accessibility to menstrual products for those with limited access.\n\nMenstrual products are often considered a luxury, with the cost averaging $13.25 a month, forcing many women to make difficult decisions such as choosing between sanitary pads or food. The Period PROUD Act would provide funding through the Social Services Block Grant program to remove cost barriers to menstrual products and educate school officials on how to best communicate with students in need of these products.\n\n\"Menstrual products are a health care right and a human right and no one should have to choose between buying food or buying basic needs like menstrual products. That is why I have led the fight in Congress to combat period poverty and ensure women and girls have safe and affordable access to menstrual products through my Menstrual Equity for All Act,\" said Congresswoman Grace Meng. \"Period products are often classified as luxury products making them more expensive and often inaccessible to low-income individuals. The Period PROUD Act would provide funding to help remove cost barriers to menstrual products and I am proud to partner with Congressman Casten in the fight to end period poverty.\"\n\n\"No one should be forced to choose between paying their bills or buying menstrual products,\" said Rep. Casten. \"The Period PROUD Act removes that cost-barrier for the 22 million women living in poverty and ensures that a period will never have to prevent someone from going to school or showing up to work. Menstruation is a natural process and the products it requires should be freely accessible.\"\n\n\"Menstruation products should be free for everyone regardless of status, income, or religion. The Period PROUD Act of 2022 is essential to making this a reality in the United States,\" said Christian Nunes, President of the National Organization for Women. \"Removing the cost barriers around menstruation products and increasing accessibility affects us all, especially low-income communities. Menstruation products should not be a luxury for some because they are a necessity for all. It's time to enact a policy like the Period PROUD Act of 2022 to guarantee it.\"\n\n\"I Support the Girls (ISTG) is thrilled to see the Period P.R.O.U.D. (Providing Resources to Our Underserved and Disadvantaged) Act being introduced, sponsored by Representatives Casten and Meng. Menstrual equity is so often ignored, but it crosses racial, social, and regional divides,\" said Dana Marlowe, Executive Director of ISTG. \"I am so pleased to see that this Act will combat period poverty and promote equity for menstruating individuals, will ensure equal opportunity to attend school or not miss work due to one's period. Ample access to period products also reduces the potential for health complications. We support this legislation and are excited to see it move forward.\"\n\n\"Menstrual equity does not only impact those who menstruate, but has an impact on the overall health and strength of entire communities,\" said Meghan Freebeck, Chief Executive Officer of Simply the Basics. \"When basic needs are more accessible, we create greater opportunities for people in their education, employability, and overall wellness. Simply the Basics is built on the foundation that all of our basic hygiene needs should be equitable and accessible, and for that reason we are proud to endorse Period PROUD.\"\n\n\"Girls should never miss school because they can't afford period products. This initiative will be an important step in improving health, education, and opportunities,\" said Dr Stephanie Hull, President and CEO of Girls Inc.\n\nCurrent endorsing organizations: The Period Collective, #HappyPeriod, I Support the Girls, National Organization for Women, American Association of University Women Naperville IL Chapter, Girls Inc., Simply the Basics.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-introduces-legislation-support-dairy-farmers-lower", "CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT DAIRY FARMERS, LOWER MILK PRICES FOR FAMILIES", "2022-12-15", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joseph D. Morelle", "M001206", "morelle.house.gov", "morelle", "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) - Today, Congressman Joe Morelle introduced legislation to restore stability to the dairy sector and lower the cost of milk for everyday families. The Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act will allow the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and dairy producers to consider proposals to adjust the federal milk pricing system, in turn reducing costs at the grocery store for consumers.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re all feeling the effects of high prices, and volatility in the dairy market means uncertainty at the supermarket,\u201d said Congressman Joe Morelle. \u201cI\u2019m proud to introduce this legislation that will result in lower milk prices at the grocery store, easing the financial burden on families at a time when they need it most. New York State has a proud history of dairy production, and my bill will help continue that legacy for farmers struggling under the current pricing system while supporting everyday consumers.\"\n\nNew York is the fourth largest dairy producing state, and the complicated structure of their pricing system along with increased competition from plant-based products is leaving our dairy farmers without adequate pay. This has resulted in the loss of almost 40,000 dairy herds since 2003 and increased costs for consumers. The Dairy Pricing Opportunity act corrects this by requiring the USDA to hold public hearings and receive input from dairy producers on how best to repair the faulty pre-pandemic federal pricing policies and lower the price of milk.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/vel-zquez-remarks-puerto-rico-status-act", "Vel\u00e1zquez Remarks on the Puerto Rico Status Act", "2022-12-15", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez", "V000081", "velazquez.house.gov", "velazquez", "https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "\"Madame Speaker I rise today in support of H.R. 8393 \u2018The Puerto Rico Status Act.'\n\n\"For 124 years Puerto Rico, the nation where I was born and raised, has been a colony of the United States.\n\n\"Invaded by the United States during the 1898 Spanish American War, Puerto Rico has remained in a state of colonial limbo that flies in the face of the anticolonial values upon which the American Republic was founded.\n\n\"Congress's unlimited plenary powers over Puerto Rico are reminiscent of the monarchical powers enjoyed by King George III against which the founders of the American Republic so bravely fought.\n\n\"If Hamilton and Madison were alive today, they would be shocked to see how the anticolonial Constitution they drafted in 1787 is currently used to legitimize colonialism in Puerto Rico over three hundred year later. Advocating now for the continuation of the status quo on the island is the height of hypocrisy. Colonialism has destroyed the Puerto Rican economy. Colonialism has divided the Puerto Rican people. Colonialism has eaten away our people's sense of dignity and self-worth.\n\n\"Colonialism has made the people of Puerto Rico both psychologically and economically dependent on the United States. Colonialism is not only humiliating for Puerto Rico, but it is an embarrassment to the United States. The United States that holds itself out as a leader of the free world that stands up to imperialist tyrants abroad while keeping colonies in the Caribbean and the Pacific.\n\n\"Puerto Rico's colonial crisis is not a simple domestic issue, as some erroneously believe. Make no mistake- this is an international issue that directly affects America's standing and image around the world, which is why this double talk must come to end.\n\n\"The time has come to fully decolonize Puerto Rico.100 years after the US Supreme Court's decision in Balzac \u2013the last \"Insular Case\" \u2013 and 70 years after the ratification of the territorial constitution of 1952. History calls upon us to put politics aside and do right by the people of Puerto Rico.\n\n\"For the last two years I have been tirelessly fighting to craft a bill for Puerto Rico that is anticolonial, fair, and transparent. And that will first and foremost, put the people of Puerto Rico---who since the days of the 1898 invasion have remained on the sideline--- front and center.\n\n\"From Puerto Rico to Florida and yes to the barrios of New York---the ones I am proud to represent, the voices of boricuas are now finally being heard. Let's not forget that it is thanks to the vibrant Puerto Rican diaspora from Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx that my colleague Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and myself are able to walk these halls of Congress today.\n\n\"Today I stand on the shoulders of millions of Puerto Ricans who had to flee Puerto Rico because its colonial condition has not allowed them to live on the island where they were born. But Puerto Ricans are strong. They have been kicked out of their home and yet have managed to succeed and flourish in cold and foreign places and have graced us with the likes of Lola Rodr\u00edguez de Ti\u00f3, Mar\u00eda Libertad G\u00f3mez, Nilita Vient\u00f3s Gast\u00f3n, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Rita Moreno, Julia de Burgos, and Mari Carmen Aponte, among many others. I feel so honored to be here standing today on the shoulders of all these women and many others who have paved the way.\n\n\"But more importantly, we are here today for the people on the island. Those who suffer everyday because the prices they pay for necessities like electricity and food is sky high thanks to the Jones Act.\n\n\"For those who have lost all their appliances time and time again because we have failed in helping the island to keep the lights on. And for those who have lost loved ones after Maria, the earthquakes, COVID-19 and, most recently, Fiona.\n\n\"We are here today because we must move towards decolonization. The current status is unsustainable and fundamentally unfair and un-American.\n\n\"The process that has led us up to here has been contentious, complex, and full of debate. It is no secret that the members advocating for this bill, including myself, hold differing opinions on what non-colonial option is best for the people of Puerto Rico.\n\nThe consensus bill before us today, clearly defines Puerto Rico's non-territorial status options, namely Free-Association, Independence, and Statehood. It is the first time Congress recognizes free association as a separate decolonizing formula.\n\n\"More importantly, this bill includes dual citizenship rights under both the independence and free association options. I fought hard for the incorporation of these provisions because Congress has the moral obligation to offer Puerto Rico the necessary tools to transition to a new postcolonial order. And yes\u2026 that includes financial resources to make Puerto Rico whole after 124 years of exploitation of natural resources and environmental degradation.\n\n\"The Puerto Rico Status Act provides for an objective, nonpartisan, federally funded voter education campaign leading up to the vote, while authorizing the necessary funds to carry out a nonpartisan voter education campaign, an initial plebiscite and, if necessary, a runoff plebiscite. H.R. 8393 ensures the implementation of the option that is chosen by a majority of eligible voters in Puerto Rico.\n\n\"In closing, I would like to thank Leader Hoyer for being an honest broker in this process and to Chairman Grijalva, Representatives Ocasio Cortez, Soto, and the delegate from Puerto Rico Gonzalez Col\u00f3n. We are making history together. Thank you for everything.\n\n\"And finally, a thank you to all the staff who worked night and day for months on end to get us to this point. No matter their committee or office, they should be applauded for their dedication to this effort.\n\n\"I ask the members of this House to support this bill. The people of Puerto Rico deserve it. I yield back.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-condemns-purdue-university-northwest-chancellor-s-racism-toward", "Meng Condemns Purdue University Northwest Chancellor\u2019s Racism Toward Asians", "2022-12-14", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, issued the following statement condemning the racist, insensitive, and offensive imitation made by Purdue University Northwest Chancellor, Thomas L. Keon.\n\n\"Honestly, I don't know what is more hurtful. The fact that Chancellor Keon thought his joke was funny, or that many in the audience laughed. Over the past few years, we have seen the evidence of harm that these stereotypical tropes and racist caricatures, even in so-called jest, can perpetuate among our communities. The comments made by Keon were offensive and dangerous,\" said Congresswoman Meng. \"His racist imitation no doubt caused pain to the student body and faculty at Purdue University Northwest and so many more. We have to continue to call out instances like these so that they never become the norm in our schools, neighborhoods and nation.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/espaillat-jayapal-schakowsky-panetta-introduce-working-immigrant-safety-and", "Espaillat, Jayapal, Schakowsky, Panetta Introduce the Working for Immigrant Safety and Empowerment (WISE) Act", "2022-12-13", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", "espaillat", "https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC --U.S. Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) introduced the Working for Immigrant Safety and Empowerment (WISE) Act to protect immigrant survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and gender-based violence. The bill would ensure that immigrants have access to protections intended by the bipartisan Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Trafficking Victim Protection Act (TVPA), and other federal and state laws. The bill would also move to ensure survivors pursuing relief are not detained or deported before their applications are fully adjudicated.\n\n\"Immigrant victims of domestic violence, trafficking, and gender-based assaults deserve protections regardless of their immigration status,\u201d said Congressman Adriano Espaillat. \u201cImmigrant survivors are less likely to report a crime in fear of detention and deportation, which makes them even more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. These crimes are dehumanizing and reprehensible. We must do what it takes to ensure protections are in place and victims feel empowered to seek assistance. I am proud to join my colleagues in this effort to reaffirm our commitment to victims of violence when they need our help the most.\u201d\n\n\u201cProtections for survivors of crime goes beyond immigration\u2014this is about the safety and well-being of communities and families across the country. Survivors of gender-based violence, child abuse, human trafficking, and crime must be able to come forward without fear to seek safety and we must provide them with the necessary support to leave abusive situations. With this bill, we are reiterating our commitment to protect immigrant survivors, to empower them to seek help, and to ensure their safety is not tied up with their ability to stay in this country,\u201d said Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal.\n\n\u201cImmigrant women faced with domestic violence make up one of the most vulnerable populations in this country. These women should not feel forced to stay in violent, life-threatening intimate partner relationships because of their tenuous immigration status,\u201d said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. \"I am proud to co-lead the WISE Act to help ensure that all victims of domestic violence, regardless of immigration status, have access to the public resources and support they need to escape abuse.\u201d\n\nImmigrant women and children are particularly vulnerable to domestic violence, and immigrant women face intimate partner violence at three times the national average. And while domestic violence remains a widely underreported issue, immigrant survivors of crime are less likely to report a crime committed against them due to fear of detention and deportation.\n\nThe WISE Act would strengthen protections for immigrant survivors by:\n\n* Eliminating arbitrary caps on the U Visa and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS).\n\n* Expanding qualifying crimes for the U Visa to include hate crimes, child abuse, and elder abuse as well as grant protections for abused children, stepchildren, spouses, and parents of immigrant survivors.\n\n* Granting work authorization to survivors while their applications are pending.\n\nProhibiting detention and deportation of immigrant survivors while their cases are pending.\n\n* Limiting the use or disclosure of information pertaining to a pending immigrant survivor\u2019s VAWA, T, U, or SIJ applications.\n\n* Limiting immigration enforcement at certain protected locations including any domestic violence shelter, rape crisis center, supervised visitation center, family justice center, or victim services providers, among other locations.\n\n* Ensuring survivors have the support necessary to thrive and reduce reliance on abusers by providing access to certain assistance, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), and Medicaid.\n\nNon-profit and advocacy organizations issued the following statements of support following the introduction of the WISE Act:\n\n\u201cAPI-GBV applauds Representative Jayapal, Schakowsky, and Espaillat for their leadership in making sure that the needs of immigrant survivors of domestic violence are lifted up during this Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The WISE bill takes important steps in ensuring that survivors in our communities can access vital protections in the Violence Against Women Act and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act as intended by Congress, making our communities safer,\u201d said Grace Huang, Policy Director at the Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence and Co-chair of the Alliance for Immigrant Survivors.\n\n\u201cImmigrant child survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other harms urgently need the WISE Act\u2019s protections. Among its key reforms, this legislation would eliminate the needless Special Immigrant Juvenile visa cap, delivering safety and stability to abused, abandoned, and neglected children in the United States who would otherwise languish in legal limbo. KIND commends Representatives Jayapal, Schakowsky, and Espaillat for standing up for these vulnerable youth,\u201d said Wendy Young, President of KIND.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-urges-postal-service-to-do-more-to-combat-mail-theft-in-queens", "Meng Urges Postal Service To Do More To Combat Mail Theft in Queens", "2022-12-13", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) urged the United States Postal Service (USPS) to do more to combat the theft of mail from green relay boxes in Queens.\n\nIn July, Meng wroteto the district manager who oversees postal operations in Queens calling for the Postal Service to address the problem. Although some changes were recently made, the Congresswoman wants to see them expanded, and in a follow-up letter to District Manager Frank Calabrese, called for additional steps be taken. They include:\n\nReducing the amount of time that mail is left in relay boxes to lower the chances of thieves stealing the envelopes inside;\n\nInstalling more locks on relay boxes including all that are located in Meng's congressional district; and\n\nNotifying the public \u2013 specifically those impacted \u2013 when mail in relay boxes has been stolen.\n\n\"Unfortunately, mail theft has been a growing problem in my district over the past year,\" said Congresswoman Meng. \"Constituents need to know that their mail, property and information is safe, and that is why the security of these relay boxes is so important. I'm glad that improvements were made for Queens residents following the letter I sent earlier this year. However, these upgrades must be expanded to help stop this continued theft of mail. I look forward to working with USPS to help make sure that borough residents no longer worry about their mail's security.\"\n\nMeng's letter also highlights that mail theft has drastic consequences for letter carriers who deliver our mail. Letter carriers are frequently targeted, sometimes violently, by mail thieves, and this wave of thefts from relay boxes threatens their physical safety as well as the crucial service they provide to the public.\n\n\"Combatting this crime not only protects the public's interests but protects the brave letter carriers who are on the frontline of this crisis, and I thank Congresswoman Meng for taking the lead on tackling this issue,\" said Tony Paolillo, President of the National Association of Letter Carriers Flushing Branch 294 which represents postal workers throughout Queens. \"For these men and women to have targets on their backs simply because of the mail they are trying to deliver is unacceptable. These letter carriers risked their lives in service to our communities through the COVID-19 pandemic, and they deserve to be protected. Every effort should be made to fully protect the letter carriers and the mail they deliver.\"\n\nThe dark green relay boxes are used to store mail and are located next to many of the blue collection boxes throughout the borough.\n\nMeng's efforts to protect mail in relay boxes comes after the Postal Service retrofitted blue collection boxes in Queens with mail slots after she urged the agency to do so. The Congresswoman made the request in 2018 to combat the problem of \u2018mail fishing' in the borough which is when criminals place string connected to a sticky material into the collection boxes, and \u2018fish' out the envelopes. The narrower slots make it more difficult for thieves to steal the mail that is inside.\n\nA copy of Meng's letter can be viewed here, and the text is below.\n\n---------------------------\n\nMr. Frank Calabrese\n\nDistrict Manager\n\nUnited States Postal Service\n\n160 Duryea Road\n\nMelville, NY 11747\n\nDear Mr. Calabrese,\n\nI write to respectfully request that you consider expanding procedures meant to protect mail from relay box theft in my 6th Congressional District located in Queens, New York.\n\nAs you know, my constituents continue to experience the consequences of a surge in mail theft from dark green relay mailboxes. The safety of my constituents' mail would be greatly benefited by the expansion of procedures that require letter carriers to notify their post office when they have arrived at a relay box to have the mail deposited. Currently, mail is deposited into relay boxes independent of the letter carrier. These new procedures, which the United States Postal Service (USPS) has implemented on a limited basis, reduce the time mail spends in a relay box thus, reducing the risk of theft.\n\nI also encourage the USPS to continue improving the physical security of relay boxes. I applaud the recent implementation of additional locks to prevent theft and urge you to consider expanding these upgrades to all relay boxes in my district. Without these additional locks, relay boxes remain an easy target for theft. I respectfully ask the USPS to provide my office with a briefing on the extent of these retrofitting efforts in my district.\n\nFinally, I encourage the USPS to continue in its obligation to notify the affected public when it is evident that a mailbox or relay box has been breached. When mail is stolen, time is of the essence, and a notification from the USPS can give victims the edge to combat fraud. Especially during the holiday season, I encourage the USPS to make this practice a priority.\n\nMail theft is a serious crime with dire consequences for its victims. Criminals can steal identities, remove money from bank accounts, and more. And mail theft has increasingly put postal employees at risk. Letter carriers have been the victims of violent robberies in New York City and across the country. In some instances, carriers have been targeted specifically for their arrow keys, which can open several relay boxes in a given area. We ask a great deal of letter carriers. After years of risking their lives through multiple waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, continuing to persist no matter what, it is unacceptable that letter carriers now fear being attacked on the job. It is paramount for the USPS to protect letter carriers and the mail they deliver. USPS's failure to do so jeopardizes the trust the American people have put in them.\n\nI appreciate your immediate attention to this matter. I look forward to your response detailing a course of action to prevent mail theft in my district.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/caucus-on-black-women-and-girls-statement-on-brittney-griners-release/", "CAUCUS ON BLACK WOMEN AND GIRLS STATEMENT ON BRITTNEY GRINER\u2019S RELEASE", "2022-12-09", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "The co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls issued the following statement on the release of Brittney Griner:\n\n\u201cAfter months of continued efforts, we are pleased to hear about the release of wrongfully detained Brittney Griner. We are relieved that Brittney Griner will finally return home and reunite with her family and those who love her.\n\n\u201cThroughout Griner\u2019s wrongful detainment, the Caucus on Black Women and Girls has advocated in support of her release and spoken out against the unjust treatment Griner faced.\n\n\u201cWe are grateful to those who kept fighting for her release and advocating on her behalf. We applaud the Biden administration for the tireless effort to secure Brittney Griner\u2019s safe release. Brittney Griner is a picture of strength and grace in the face of immense cruelty.\n\n\u201cAs this difficult chapter in Brittney\u2019s life ends and her horizons hold nothing but brighter tomorrows, let us continue our fight to secure the safety and dignity of Black women and girls at home and abroad.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-and-schumer-hail-house-passage-of-meng-measure-to-spend-nearly-0", "Meng And Schumer Hail House Passage Of Meng Measure To Spend Nearly $120 Million To Address Flooding In Queens", "2022-12-09", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) applauded the House passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 7776) which includes Meng's legislation that seeks to address flooding in Queens.\n\nMeng's measure, which is part of the Water Resources and Development Act reauthorization, would authorize the Army Corps of Engineers to spend nearly $120 million to work with the City of New York in upgrading environmental infrastructure in the borough. These include projects to help improve water and wastewater infrastructure, storm water management and combined sewer overflows.\n\n\"As we have recently seen, storms and heavy rain have caused serious flooding and sewer overflows throughout Queens, resulting in damage to homes and other property,\" said Congresswoman Meng. \"That is why fighting for federal resources to help combat the problem has been a top priority of mine. Queens felt the brunt of Hurricane Ida last year and had to deal with more flooding caused by storms this year. Constituents shouldn't have to worry if their homes, cars and streets will flood every time rain is forecasted, and the House's passage of my legislation gets us one step closer to remedying the problem.\"\n\n\"Hurricane Ida devastated communities across New York, and Queens in particular suffered immense damage to its roads, businesses and homes, and lives were tragically lost,\" said Senator Schumer. \"I visited Queens after the storm with Representative Meng and we worked together to deliver this valuable federal support to improve flood protection and upgrade our water and sewer systems.\"\n\n\"As climate change advances and we combat one of our greatest threats, New Yorkers are facing dangerous flooding and extreme rainfall events with more and more frequency,\" said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. \"Representative Meng has fought tirelessly on behalf of Queens, and the passage of this legislation brings us one step closer to ensuring the Queens communities hit hardest by flooding have the resources to protect their homes, their streets, and their neighborhoods.\"\n\n\"I could not be more grateful for the leadership of Representative Grace Meng and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to bring us one step closer to securing $120 million in critically important infrastructure improvements for Queens,\" said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. \"Queens has experienced far more than its fair share of devastating extreme weather in recent years, from Superstorm Sandy to Hurricane Ida and beyond, overwhelming our inadequate infrastructure. But this vital pot of federal funding is nothing short of a game changer for The World's Borough as we continue to combat climate change with all our might.\"\n\nThe NDAA is the annual defense spending legislation, and the measure now heads to the Senate.\n\nThe Water Resources Development Act gives the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers authority to carry out water development projects and studies, among other things. Allowing the Army Corps of Engineers to spend the money is the first step in the process. If signed into law, Congress would still need to provide funding for the Corps to carry out the environmental infrastructure projects in Queens.\n\nCongresswoman Meng is New York's senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, which provides funding for federal agencies and programs including the Army Corps.\n\nThis is the second time that the House approved Meng's legislation. It previously passed in June.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-hails-house-passage-of-her-bill-to-ensure-women-and-girls-in", "Meng Hails House Passage Of Her Bill To Ensure Women And Girls In Refugee Camps Have Access To Bathrooms Without Fear Of Violence", "2022-12-09", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, applauded the House passage of her bipartisan Refugee Sanitation Facility Safety Act as part of the fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is Congress' annual defense spending bill.\n\nMeng's legislation would ensure that women and girls in refugee camps are able to access bathrooms without fear of violence. While many hope to find safety in temporary refugee camps, violence and insecurity often follow. Women and girls are at higher risk of experiencing sexual assault and violence if they do not have separate and properly lit bathrooms. Meng's bill would remedy this problem by ensuring recipients of U.S. aid provide safe and secure access to sanitation facilities.\n\n\"I am thrilled to see this legislation pass the House as part of our annual defense spending bill. It addresses a critical issue: the safety of women and girls in refugee camps,\" said Congresswoman Meng. \"Women, girls, and other vulnerable populations must feel safe accessing the most basic of amenities while experiencing displacement in refugee camps. I am proud that this bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the House of Representatives, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law after it clears the Senate.\"\n\n\"Refugees are among the most vulnerable populations in the world, especially women and girls. I'm thrilled that this commonsense measure to ensure women and girls have safe accommodations while using sanitation facilities at refugee camps will become law as part of the NDAA, said Congressman Lee Zeldin, who joined Meng in introducing the bill. \"I'm grateful to Congresswoman Meng for her tireless efforts to pass this important bipartisan initiative.\"\n\n\"Refugees International applauds the inclusion of the Refugee Sanitation Facility Safety Act into the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023,\" said Ann Hollingsworth, the Senior Director of Government Relations and Senior Policy Advisor for Refugees International. \"The Refugee Sanitation Facility Safety Act will require organizations that receive U.S. funding to ensure that women do not have to travel long distances to use the restroom, that there are separate bathroom facilities for men and women, and that adequate lighting is available. Refugee women and girls are at heightened risk for violence, and steps like these are important to reduce the risks that they will face harm. Refugees International thanks the legislation's sponsor, Representative Meng, and the bipartisan supporters of the Refugee Sanitation Facility Safety Act.\"\n\nThe Refugee Sanitation Facility Safety Act was originally introduced in 2019, and previously passed the House unanimously.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/congresswoman-clarke-issues-statement-on-the-passage-of-the-respect-for-marriage-act/", "CONGRESSWOMAN CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE PASSAGE OF THE RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE ACT", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nDecember 8, 2022\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: clarke.comms@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 347.387.5123\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement regarding the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act:\n\n\u201cThe Respect for Marriage Act has passed, and history is made! This pivotal legislation preserves more than the right for gay and interracial couples to marry, but sends a powerful and resounding message that discrimination is unwelcome in our modern society. Today is a step forward for justice and a reminder that we must and will always stand up for what is right and stand against what is wrong \u2013 no matter any bulwarks or bigots blocking the way.\n\nAllow me to send my heartfelt congratulations to the LGBTQ+ community, and to all those whose love is protected by today\u2019s progress. I understand how many of you have fought tirelessly and fearlessly for this moment. The passage of the Respect for Marriage Act is a testament to the power of your determination and will, and it is a victory that you should relish.\n\nAs we celebrate this momentous occasion and take pride in what it represents, let us also acknowledge the work that lies ahead. Our pursuit of a world where love and equality are the norm, and where no one has to fear discrimination, persecution, or bigotry must persist. Because let me be clear: this bill was necessitated only by the threat of partisan agitators and a hostile, activist Supreme Court working in unison to regress our nation and our communities. Today, they have failed. Today, marriage equality is the law of the land. And I will always rise to ensure it stays that way,\u201d said Congresswoman Clarke.\n\n###\n\nYvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York\u2019s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is a Senior Member of both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Committee on Homeland Security, where she serves as Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/espaillat-garc%C3%ADa-correa-statement-sinema-tillis-compromise", "Espaillat, Garc\u00eda, Correa Statement on the Sinema-Tillis Compromise", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", "espaillat", "https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Jes\u00fas G. \"Chuy\" Garc\u00eda (IL-04), and Jose Luis Correa (CA-46) released the following statement regarding the Sinema-Tillis framework.\n\n\u201cWe appreciate the ongoing Senate negotiations and recognition to act on the behalf of the nearly 2 million who are DACA recipients or migrants eligible for the program counting on us to ensure protections for Dreamers,\u201d said the members. \u201cIt\u2019s time for Congress to stop playing political games and move forward with meaningful and common sense immigration reform. We are deeply troubled by the Sinema-Tillis framework\u2019s continued assault on asylum seekers.\n\n\u201cOur nation has the moral and legal obligation to guarantee the right to seek asylum to individuals who arrive at our borders. The proposed plan would reinstate the Title 42 expulsion policy while significantly increasing funding for border security. It bolsters a deal to further militarize the border and lacks necessary accountability measures that comprehensive immigration reform would have delivered. In addition to border security funding, the Sinema-Tillis framework would also further expand the use of detention centers, which remain rife with abuse. It would lead to longer jail periods and extended time with limited access to legal counsel or due process. This inhumane proposal would also bar TPS recipients from receiving green cards. Finally, the current proposal creates a lifetime bar for individuals and their families to receive any immigration benefit, including asylum, and harsh sanctions for individuals who fail to appear in court regardless of their fear of persecution.\n\n\u201cWe cannot at this time, in good conscience, support the current framework.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases/garbarino-votes-yes-ndaa-strengthen-us-national-security", "Garbarino Votes YES on NDAA To Strengthen U.S. National Security", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Andrew R. Garbarino", "G000597", "garbarino.house.gov", "garbarino", "https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) voted in favor of the House of Representatives\u2019 annual defense authorization bill which would authorize $857 billion for national defense. The Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes a 4.6% pay increase for servicemembers, strengthens the national security posture of the United States, and puts an end to the Biden administration\u2019s COVID-19 vaccinate mandate for military personnel. The FY23 NDAA also includes the text of two pieces of legislation introduced by Rep. Garbarino.\n\nThe Cybersecurity Grants for Schools Act: Sponsored by Rep. Garbarino, this bill would allow CISA to award grants or other financial assistance for cybersecurity and infrastructure security education and training programs at the elementary and secondary education levels in order to close the cybersecurity workforce gap.\n\nThe Securing America\u2019s Borders Against Fentanyl Act: Co-led by Rep. Garbarino, this bill would require DHS to focus on developing new technological solutions to target and detect illicit fentanyl at U.S. borders and ports of entry in order to address the national fentanyl crisis.\n\n\u201cIt has never been more imperative that we strengthen our national defense and ensure that our military is strong and prepared in the face of rising threats,\u201d said Rep. Garbarino. I was proud to vote in favor of this critical bill and am pleased to have had several of my priorities incorporated in the final text, including those to improve our cyber preparedness and take on drug trafficking at the border.\u201d\n\nAdditional Key Provisions in the NDAA:\n\nAuthorizes a 4.6% pay increase for servicemembers\n\nRepeals DOD\u2019s COVID-19 vaccine mandate on servicemembers\n\nEstablishes the DOD Cyber and Digital Service Academy as a scholarship-for-service program partnered with U.S. universities and colleges\n\nRejects Biden\u2019s misguided plan to shrink the size of the Navy and slash critical weapons systems needed to deter China and Russia\n\nRestricts the purchase of goods and military equipment from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) by the U.S. military", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-and-carter-celebrate-inclusion-of-end-wildlife-trafficking-act-in", "Meng and Carter Celebrate Inclusion of End Wildlife Trafficking Act in NDAA", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY) and Buddy Carter (R-GA) applauded the inclusion of their bipartisan legislation to combat international wildlife trafficking and to strengthen interagency efforts to tackle the issue in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which passed the House of Representatives today. U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Rob Portman (R-OH) led the companion bill in the Senate.\n\nWildlife poaching and trafficking remains a serious transnational crime that threatens the conservation of vulnerable wildlife, security, and economic opportunity. It has also been linked to other organized criminal activities, including trafficking in narcotics, weapons, and people. The Eliminate, Neutralize, and Disrupt (END) Wildlife Trafficking Reauthorization and Improvements Act (H.R. 5996) would reauthorize legislation that was signed into law in 2016 and expand the responsibilities of the Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking.\n\n\"I am thrilled that our END Wildlife Trafficking Reauthorization Act has passed the House as part of the annual defense funding bill,\" said Rep. Meng, Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. \"The trafficking of wildlife is a cruel and dangerous practice that has the potential to cause catastrophic economic damage and can lead to the spread of disease. This interagency solution will help combat the issue on a global scale, and I am proud to help champion this effort.\"\n\n\"From drug deals to human trafficking, the internet is a new front to fight some of the worst crimes we know,\" said Rep. Carter. \"By reauthorizing the END Wildlife Trafficking Act, we will be better positioned to stop these bad actors and combat wildlife trafficking not just in the US, but globally. I'm proud to cosponsor this bill and take a firm step towards ending this heinous crime for good.\"\n\n\"The Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking has done outstanding work, but the threats posed by wildlife poaching and trafficking are constantly evolving,\" said Senator Coons. \"Reauthorizing the END Wildlife Trafficking Act will empower the task force with improved tools to help combat this crime. I am proud to see this bipartisan bill move forward with inclusion in the NDAA.\"\n\n\"I am pleased that this critical legislation to help combat wildlife trafficking is included in the FY 2023 NDAA,\" said Senator Portman. \"Wildlife trafficking is not only a matter of conservation but also one of national security and international stability, as billions in profits from the illegal wildlife trade are used to finance other illicit and terrorist activity. My legislation with Senator Coons to reauthorize and strengthen the Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking will enhance the tools the U.S. government has to help combat wildlife trafficking around the globe.\"\n\nSince it was enacted in 2016, the END Wildlife Trafficking Act has aided in the arrest of members of wildlife trafficking networks and supported interagency efforts to tackle the issue globally through country-specific and regional initiatives. The END Wildlife Reauthorization and Improvements Act reauthorizes the duties of the Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking and related reports on major wildlife trafficking countries and expands the role of technology in anti-trafficking efforts.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-legislation-to-help-korean-american-families-reunite-with-loved", "Meng Legislation to Help Korean American Families Reunite With Loved Ones in North Korea Passed by House", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, that seeks to help Korean American families reunite with loved ones in North Korea.\n\nThe Divided Families Reunification Act (H.R. 826) would require the U.S. Secretary of State\u2014or a designee of the Secretary\u2014to consult with South Korean officials on potential family reunion opportunities for American families and their relatives in North Korea. It would also require the State Department to consult bi-annually with representatives of Americans with family members in North Korea about its efforts to support family reunions, and to report to Congress on opportunities to utilize video conference technology to encourage virtual reunions.\n\nMeng's bill passed the House as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which is the annual defense spending legislation, and includes numerous foreign policy priorities. The measure now heads to the Senate.\n\nThousands of Korean Americans have been separated from their relatives in North Korea since the Korean War. Since 2000, South Korea and North Korea have held over 20 family reunions; however, there has not been an official channel for Korean Americans to be included.\n\nMeng noted that time is not on the side of many Korean Americans with relatives in North Korea as many are currently in their 70s, 80s, and 90s.\n\n\"My heart continues to ache for the thousands of Korean Americans who continue to be separated from their loved ones,\" said Congresswoman Meng. \"For decades, they have been desperately hoping to be reunified with family members, and continue to do so. Helping to end this long and painful ordeal so that they can see their loved ones again has been a top priority of mine. I thank all who have supported this critical legislation, and look forward to it passing into law soon.\"\n\n\"Although the hostilities of the Korean War ended nearly seventy years ago, many Korean American families in Hawaii and across our country continue to suffer its consequence and are unable to see or connect with family members still in North Korea,\" said Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI). \"Family separation is wrong, and these families deserve the opportunity to reconnect with their loved ones. I'm glad we were able to take this meaningful step in this year's NDAA.\"\n\n\"As a Korean American who grew up in South Korea in the aftermath of the Korean War, I understand and have great empathy for Korean Americans' continued separation from their families in North Korea,\" said Rep. Young Kim (R-CA). \"That is why I have been pushing for family reunifications since before my time in Congress. I am thrilled we can finally get this done as time is running out to make these reunifications a reality.\"\n\n\"One of the great tragedies of the prolonged Korean War are the numerous divided families,\" said Abraham Kim, Executive Director of the Council of Korean Americans. \"Koreans who have immigrated to the U.S. have no means to find and reconnect with their loved ones in North Korea. Although time is running out, Representative Meng's legislation opens a pathway and hope for these aging separated families. We applaud this ongoing effort to unify families.\"\n\n\"Millions of Korean families throughout the world, including those of Korean Americans, remain divided from their relatives in North Korea, with no contact or news, seventy years after the Korean War,\" said Ambassador (ret) Kathleen Stephens, President and CEO of the Korea Economic Institute of America. \"Congresswoman Grace Meng's bill spurs attention to the U.S. and South Korea working together to reunite families. I applaud her leadership.\"\n\n\"Passing Congresswoman Meng's Divided Families Reunification Act is more relevant and timely than ever especially since North Korea's borders are still closed due to COVID-19, and diplomatic negotiations remain at a standstill,\" said Jason Ahn, Board Chair of Divided Families USA. \"I thank Congresswoman Meng for her continued leadership on this crucial issue.\"\n\n\"We at KAGC are deeply grateful for the indelible leadership of Rep. Meng, Rep. Taylor, Rep. Bass, and Rep. Young Kim in their bipartisan efforts towards commonsense issues like family reunification,\" said Wonseok Song, Executive Director of the Korean American Grassroots Conference. \"Including this amendment will bring hope to thousands of families who have suffered long from overdue legislation, and who are now one day closer to embracing their aged loved ones. We look forward to the horizons of healing that this development brings forth for mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, grandparents and grandchildren. We celebrate this momentous milestone for the hope and peace it brings to the Korean Peninsula.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-acts-protect-marriage-equality", "CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE ACTS TO PROTECT MARRIAGE EQUALITY", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joseph D. Morelle", "M001206", "morelle.house.gov", "morelle", "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) - Today, Congressman Joe Morelle voted to safeguard the future of marriage equality across America. The Respect for Marriage Act ensures the right of all couples to marry whomever they love, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, is enshrined in federal law and protected against any future attacks by the United States Supreme Court.\n\n\u201cAs a country, we have made extraordinary strides in the fight to support and empower our LGBTQ+ community\u2014and we won\u2019t be forced backwards by those who seek to dismantle our progress,\u201d said Congressman Joe Morelle. \u201cIt\u2019s shameful that the Supreme Court continues to attack the fundamental rights we hold dear. I\u2019m proud that today, we took decisive action to protect marriage equality and make clear that love is love. I look forward to seeing the President swiftly sign this bill into law.\u201d\n\nWhile marriage equality currently remains a constitutional right, the Supreme Court has demonstrated in their reprehensible decision to overturn Roe v Wade their willingness to reverse years of historical precedent. Justice Thomas's concurrence went so far as to specifically call out other fundamental rights, including the right to marriage equality, as targets for future reversals. By passing the Respect for Marriage Act, Congress has taken preventative steps to protect marriage equality, regardless of any future decisions by the Supreme Court.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-acts-support-our-armed-forces-and-military-families", "CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE ACTS TO SUPPORT OUR ARMED FORCES AND MILITARY FAMILIES", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joseph D. Morelle", "M001206", "morelle.house.gov", "morelle", "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2014 Today, Congressman Joe Morelle voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 and deliver critical investments in our Armed Forces and their families. Congressman Morelle helped craft this legislation during his service on the House Armed Services Committee.\n\n\u201cThis year's NDAA fulfills our nation's responsibility to provide the tools our military needs to address national security threats while modernizing policies to better support the men and women of our Armed Forces,\u201d said Congressman Joe Morelle. \u201cI\u2019m proud to have helped create this important legislation to bolster our ability to compete with countries like China, ensure we are prepared to protect global security and peace, and make critical investments in our servicemembers and their families.\u201d\n\nThe bipartisan NDAA takes steps to support our military and ensure they have the tools and resources necessary to protect American families. Highlights of this year\u2019s legislation include:\n\nInvesting in Servicemembers:\n\nStrengthens military justice reforms for survivors of sexual assault by placing investigations outside of the immediate chain of command;\n\nFunds a 4.6 percent increase in military basic pay for servicemembers;\n\nAdds funds to allow the Department of Defense (DoD) to increase servicemember housing allowance by 2 percent;\n\nCombats food insecurity among military families by increasing the eligibility threshold for the Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) to 150 percent of the federal poverty line;\n\nBolsters funding to help address the childcare challenges faced by military families.\n\nStrengthening America\u2019s global competitiveness with China:\n\nIncreases basic research funding by 22.8 percent, strengthening the pipeline of future innovation for the DoD.\n\nSupporting our Allies:\n\nProvides $800 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative to give support and assistance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces;\n\nAllocates more than $11 billion to support the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and over $6 billion to support the European Deterrence Initiative.\n\nCombatting the Climate Crisis:\n\nRequires the transition of non-tactical DoD vehicle fleets to electric or zero-emission vehicles by 2035;\n\nIncludes a package of bipartisan provisions to bolster ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes conservation and research;\n\nDecreases America\u2019s reliance on Russian energy sources by requiring bases to adopt new energy plans that increase energy resiliency and sustainability.\n\n\u201cEnsuring servicemembers and their families receive the protections and benefits they deserve while enhancing and strengthening our national defense is one of my top priorities in Congress\u2014and I\u2019m proud to have helped deliver on our promise with this year\u2019s NDAA,\u201d said Congressman Joe Morelle.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3766", "Tonko Votes to Enshrine Marriage Equality", "2022-12-08", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko voted with the House today to send the Respect for Marriage Act to President Biden\u2019s desk. This landmark legislation takes several key steps to defend marriage equality, including upholding couples\u2019 right to equal protection under federal law and requiring states to recognize valid out-of-state marriages.\n\n\u201cToday is a victory for human rights and for American couples and families everywhere,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cWith extremists increasingly threatening civil liberties, we took action to honor the dignity and equality of every American. The Respect for Marriage Act is a momentous step forward\u2014sending a clear signal that hate and bigotry have no place in America. There is more work ahead to uphold our fundamental freedoms, but I am proud to have voted to enshrine one critical freedom and ensure that the federal government never stands in the way of marrying the person you love.\u201d\n\nTonko voted earlier this year to pass this legislation, which has since been amended and advanced by the Senate last week.\n\nThe Respect for Marriage Act will take several steps to protect the inviolability of same-sex and interracial marriages:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-adriano-espaillat-introduces-responsibility-and-integrity", "Representative Adriano Espaillat Introduces the Responsibility and Integrity in Security Clearance (RISC) Act", "2022-12-07", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", "espaillat", "https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) introduced the Responsibility and Integrity in Security Clearance (RISC) Act to further measures to counter Presidential abuse of power by preventing family members and financial associates of the President of the United States from receiving a security clearance without going through appropriate protocols or channels.\n\n\u201cCongress has a responsibility to conduct oversight over the executive branch, and the previous administration proved that we can never take for granted this responsibility or the implications it may have when overlooked,\u201d said Rep. Espaillat. \u201cWe have witnessed how fragile democracy is around the world, including here at home during the January 6th insurrection. During the previous administration, several of the former President\u2019s family members and associates were given unprecedented access to our nation\u2019s secrets by bypassing appropriate security clearance channels and protocols. My bill advances our national security by closing this loophole and avoiding the associated risks that come with unqualified, unvetted, and unscrupulous persons gaining such access simply due to their proximity or relation with the President.\u201d\n\nThe RISC Act prevents abuse of power in providing security clearances to family members and other financial associates of the President of the United States. The bill includes the following:\n\n\u00b7 The White House Chief of Staff must notify Congress if the President grants security access to a family member or financial associate against or before the recommendation of agencies like the FBI.\n\n\u00b7 Notification must be given in writing by Chief of Staff within five days of the individual or group receiving security clearance.\n\n\u00b7 Revokes security clearances given to family members or financial associates of the President against or before the recommendation of federal agencies like the FBI.\n\nRead Espaillat\u2019s RISC Act in its entirety here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-gillibrand-push-hochul-include-staten-island-hov-lane-extension", "Malliotakis, Gillibrand Push Hochul to Include Staten Island HOV Lane Extension in State Infrastructure Plan", "2022-12-07", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Nicole Malliotakis", "M000317", "malliotakis.house.gov", "malliotakis", "https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) and New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand pushed New York Governor Kathy Hochul to include the Staten Island Expressway HOV lane extension in the upcoming five-year State Transportation Infrastructure Plan (STIP).\n\n\"For years, the completion of the HOV lane has been a long-awaited project and has shared overwhelming bipartisan support by federal and local officials, the residents of Staten Island, and the thousands of motorists who frequent the Expressway each day,\" the lawmakers wrote. \"The extension would bring much-needed relief by alleviating congestion brought on by an abrupt end to the unfinished HOV lane.\"\n\nThe project initially broke ground during the Obama Administration through its shovel-ready jobs initiative, however, in 2015, a lack of funding halted construction of the HOV lane two miles short of its intended finish line creating a bottleneck of traffic and higher air pollution in underserved communities. The lawmakers are urging Hochul to make the completion of this project a top priority and utilize federal funds from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to cover some of the cost. The IIJA is currently providing federal funding for several projects in Staten Island and Southern Brooklyn, including the rehabilitation of overpasses on the Staten Island and Gowanus Expressways.\n\nThe lawmakers added: \"Recent estimates by NYSDOT have placed the cost to complete the HOV lane in both directions from $500 million to $800 million. We strongly believe that this estimate is high, and the project could be completed for much less...With new federal revenue sources through BIF and encouraging discussions with the New York State Department of Transportation under your Administration, we believe that there is a path forward to completing the extension to the Goethals Bridge. We respectfully ask that the long overdue completion of this project, which is so vital to the quality of life of Staten Islanders, be strongly considered in the upcoming STIP.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3764", "Tonko Floating Solar & Water Priorities Advance in Must-Pass Legislation", "2022-12-07", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko cheered the inclusion of several provisions he championed to protect and enhance water resources throughout the Capital Region and across the country.\n\n\u201cBy harnessing the power of our waterways, we can strengthen our local communities, address drought and flood risks, support environmental justice, bolster the economy, and so much more,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cI\u2019m lucky to represent a region that is home to several historic waterways, and I have long been working to protect them. After years of pushing, I am proud that the provisions I authored will be taken up to strongly invest and support these cherished waters and the communities surrounding them.\u201d\n\nThe Tonko-championed provisions include:\n\n$10 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assess the potential for installing floating solar projects on Corps\u2019 assets. This provision was also recently introduced in Congress as part of Tonko\u2019s POWER our Reservoirs Act.\n\nA designation of the New York-New Jersey Watershed as a \u201cpriority river basin and watershed\u201d, which will enable greater ability for the Army Corps to assess ecosystem protection and restoration, flood risk, and other watershed needs for the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers.\n\nAn authorization to assess flood risk management, navigation, and environmental restoration in the Mohawk River Basin.\n\nTonko has long led on legislation that would support and protect key waterways in New York and across the nation. Last week, he introduced the POWER our Reservoirs Act (Protect our Waters and Expand Renewables on our Reservoirs Act) to advance clean energy production and drought protection at our nation\u2019s federal water reservoirs, by calling on federal agencies to study opportunities to deploy floating solar panels on their reservoirs and launch innovative pilot projects.\n\nThese Tonko-led provisions were included in the Water Resources Development Act of 2022, a title of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, which is expected to be voted upon in the House later this week.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-issues-joint-statement-with-co-chairs-of-the-house-bipartisan", "Meng And Fellow Co-Chairs Of House Antisemitism Task Force Condem Recent Antisemitic Rhetoric By Public Figures", "2022-12-06", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY), Kathy Manning (D-NC), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Marc Veasey (D-TX), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Kay Granger (R-TX), and Randy Weber (R-TX), co-Chairs of the House Bipartisan Taskforce for Combatting Antisemitism, released the following statement condemning recent antisemitic rhetoric by public figures.\n\n\"We unequivocally condemn despicable antisemitic rhetoric praising Hitler and spreading Holocaust denial. The dangerous elevation of hate and antisemitism by public figures emboldens extremists and threatens to incite violence against Jewish people. As co-chairs of the House Bipartisan Taskforce for Combatting Antisemitism, we reject this hatred and condemn antisemitism in all of its forms.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ocasio-cortez-recognizes-congressional-app-challenge-winner-0", "Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Recognizes Congressional App Challenge Winner", "2022-12-06", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez", "O000172", "ocasio-cortez.house.gov", "ocasio-cortez", "https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "The Bronx, NY - Today, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez unveiled the winner of the Congressional App Challenge from New York\u2019s 14th Congressional District: CalendAir by Melissa Chowdhury. CalendAir is a mobile app that allows teachers and students to communicate directly with each other regarding assignments, upcoming deadlines, overall feedback, and more.\n\nChowdhury noticed that her school has \u201ca vast number of resources addressing everything content-wise, but there is a great lack of resources addressing the roots of a student's education, including elements such as organization, procrastination, and mental health.\u201d She hopes to work with her team to \u201cstart working with school & district leaders to implement CalendAir into middle & high schools to help maximize efficiency and productivity in the classroom while tackling these root issues that are typically overlooked, creating a stronger, more effective, education for students across the nation and beyond.\" A video demonstration of the app is available here.\n\n\"We were impressed with the ingenuity, timeliness and utility of Melissa\u2019s application. She thoughtfully created a method for teachers to easily communicate with students, facilitating time management and organizational skills,\" said Naureen Akhter, District Director. \u201cWe congratulate her and commend our other applicants for participating in the Congressional App Challenge, and look forward to following the work of this next generation of young leaders.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3757", "Tonko Announces $70K Local Award to Improve Transportation for Seniors and People with Disabilities", "2022-12-06", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "ALBANY, NY \u2013 Congressman Paul D. Tonko announced today that Colonie Senior Service Centers (CSSC) has been awarded a $70,000 grant through the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center\u2019s (NADTC) cooperative agreement with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). These funds will allow CSSC to expand critical transportation services for a diverse population of older adults and individuals with disabilities in the City of Watervliet and the Village of Menands.\n\n\u201cFor too long, older Americans and Americans with disabilities have often lacked access to the safe, affordable transportation options they need to access employment, healthcare, and other needed community services,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cThis award represents an important step toward the expansion of these critical services here in our Capital Region. With this infusion of federal funding, Colonie Senior Service Centers will be able to expand its own transportation services to diverse communities where they have identified the greatest need, specifically in the City of Watervliet and the Village of Menands. I\u2019m proud to have helped secure this crucial funding, and I\u2019ll continue my work to support seniors and individuals with disabilities here in our Capital Region and beyond.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs the largest nonprofit provider of senior programs and services in New York\u2019s Capital Region, Colonie Senior Service Centers, Inc. is thrilled to have been chosen as one of seven recipients from around the country to receive NADTC funding,\u201d said Diane Conroy LaCivita, Executive Director of Colonie Senior Service Centers. \u201cThe funding is subsidizing the expansion of our transportation services to both the City of Watervliet and the Village of Menands. We recognize that having safe, reliable, door-to-door transportation for our seniors is key to getting them out of their homes and keeping them active and engaged in the community. Additionally, enabling seniors to once again be mobile contributes to our region\u2019s economic vitality.\u201d\n\nIn April, CSSC was one of 9 grantees selected to receive a competitive planning grant from NADTC to engage with diverse older adults, people with disabilities, and community partners to identify current transportation needs and to develop a written plan of action to address those needs. After finalizing the planning process in September, CSSC was selected as one of 7 grantees to move on to the implementation phase. NADTC\u2019s Equity and Accessibility Mobility Implementation grants help engage diverse local populations and target areas with high need in order to strengthen connections between transportation and human services programs, and create practical, accessible solutions other communities can adopt.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3762", "Tonko, Bice Introduce Bill to Strengthen Clean Hydrogen Development", "2022-12-06", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) and Stephanie Bice (R-OK) today introduced the Department of Energy Clean Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2022, bipartisan legislation that would empower the Department of Energy (DOE) to strengthen its efforts to support R&D of clean hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.\n\n\u201cThroughout my time in Congress, I\u2019ve worked to advance forward-thinking legislation that will support innovation and development of U.S. industries while tackling the threat of climate change,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cClean hydrogen offers us an opportunity to secure a clean energy future. But these opportunities will not be realized without strong federal investment. I\u2019m proud to join Congresswoman Bice to introduce this bill that invests in clean hydrogen research and development. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this bill and driving American innovation.\u201d\n\n\u201cOklahoma is striving to become a leader in hydrogen production, transportation, and storage,\u201d Rep. Bice said. \u201cThis legislation instructs the Secretary of Energy to implement a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of hydrogen for its implementation as an energy source. I am grateful for the leadership of Congressman Tonko on this important issue.\u201d\n\nThe Clean Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research, Development, and Demonstration Act:\n\nAuthorizes a series of programs and activities at DOE to conduct research, development, and demonstration programs relevant to hydrogen and fuel cell technologies\n\nCurrently, the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) leads hydrogen and fuel cell R&D activities within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and coordinates related activities with DOE\u2019s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), Office of Nuclear Energy (NE), and the Office of Science. This bill codifies many of the existing activities led and coordinated by the HFTO that were not included in the Energy Act of 2020 or the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act\n\nAuthorizes emerging activities, including:\n\nImproving stationary fuel cells to achieve greater than 80,000 hours of durability;\n\nThe development of advanced computer modeling to optimize energy system operation for clean hydrogen production in different electricity markets; and\n\nR&D to improve the use of hydrogen and hydrogen blends in the production of iron, steel, cement, fertilizer, chemicals, and energy-dense fuels.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/vel-zquez-sends-letter-leadership-avoid-looming-medicaid-cliff-puerto", "Vel\u00e1zquez Sends Letter to Leadership to Avoid Looming Medicaid Cliff in Puerto Rico", "2022-12-06", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez", "V000081", "velazquez.house.gov", "velazquez", "https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington D.C.\u2014 Today, Rep. Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez (D-NY) led four Members of Congress in sending a letter that urges Leadership to avoid a looming Medicaid cliff in Puerto Rico by temporarily increasing Puerto Rico's FMAP to 100 percent and upholding the CMS' determination to extend the Medicaid annual funding cap for Puerto Rico at FY 2020 levels, or $2.9 billion, in any end of the year government funding package.\n\nAlthough Puerto Rico deserves additional legislative action to receive an equal, permanent, and stable funding stream to operate its Medicaid program, Congress should at least adopt temporary actions to prevent yet another disastrous Medicaid cliff in the island.\n\nIf Congress fails to act now, Puerto Rico will lose more than $2 billion in federal funding to serve half of its population over the next fiscal year. \"This scenario would trigger immediate and detrimental cuts to the program's eligibility, benefits, and provider payments. The cliff would also deal a further blow to Puerto Rico's balance sheet, as the territorial government would be forced to pull funding away from other critical investments, such as the newly made pension trust for public sector workers, long-term capital investments, and emergency reserves,\" wrote Congresswoman Vel\u00e1zquez.\n\nThe letter also highlights that \"For a territory that is still grappling with economic decline, bankruptcy, a pandemic, and the aftermaths of multiple natural disasters, additional financial burdens could prove to be catastrophic.\"\n\nIn addition to Vel\u00e1zquez, this letter was signed by Representatives Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (NY-14), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), and Darren Soto (FL-09).\n\nA PDF of the letter is online here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-tannousis-blast-mta-plan-raise-tolls-fares-when-will-it-end", "Malliotakis, Tannousis Blast MTA Plan to Raise Tolls & Fares: \"When Will it End?\"", "2022-12-05", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Nicole Malliotakis", "M000317", "malliotakis.house.gov", "malliotakis", "https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(BROOKLYN, NY) - Today Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), and Assemblyman Michael Tannousis slammed the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) plan to raise fares and tolls by 5.5% after New York Governor Kathy Hochul said all fare hikes and service cuts in 2023 and 2024 were \"off the table.\"\n\nOn November 15, 2021, Hochul proclaimed MTA fare hikes and service cuts in 2023 and 2024 were \"off the table\" due to the anticipated influx of money from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). On January 12, 2022, New York Senator Chuck Schumer also announced a $6.19 billion lump sum grant to help the MTA recover from pandemic ridership losses - he too said the money would \"stave off any fare hike for the next few years.\" Despite receiving over $15 billion in pandemic-relief aid from the federal government and additional funds that are available through the IIJA, the MTA is still reporting a $600 million budget shortfall next year, with a deficit of $1.2 billion in 2024 and $1.6 billion in 2026.\n\nInstead of increasing tolls and fares on commuters, Malliotakis and Tannousis are calling on the state to reign in the MTA by stopping its wasteful spending and also look to the state budget which is riddled with wasteful spending and unnecessary line items, including $600 million for the Buffalo Bills football stadium and millions in healthcare, stimulus and tuition assistance incentives for illegal immigrants. Malliotakis is also calling on the federal government to audit every penny of federal funding that has been provided to the MTA thus far.\n\n\"It's unconscionable that just weeks after the election we have our Governor saying there is a need for toll and fare hikes as if the MTA has not gotten enough money from the federal government,\" Malliotakis said. \"The MTA is a black hole - they're constantly asking for more and more money. My question to the Governor and the MTA is: At what point is it enough? At what point will the MTA be able to run its services without hitting our constituents over the head time and time again? If the Governor thinks the MTA needs more money, I urge her to look at the mismanagement of the MTA and its capital projects, our state's bloated spending, and the fare and toll evasion that's going on. I've introduced legislation on the federal level to audit every penny the MTA has received because it's unconscionable that they've received all this money and still need more. When does it end? We know the more money we pour into this system, the more it's misspent with mismanaged projects and utter incompetence and bureaucracy.\"\n\nA 2019 report by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli detailed the egregious mismanagement inside the MTA that has led to project delays and millions in wasted spending. Recently, the MTA removed 300 R179 cars from service after a $600 million contract with Bombardier Transit Corporation produced a sub-par fleet of trains three years behind schedule. The contract cost the city $35 million in repairs and contributed to subway delays that add up to roughly $300 million a year. Additionally, the MTA has yet to complete the East Side Access Project which is more than a decade behind schedule and four times over its original budget.\n\n\"The priorities of our state are not where they should be - the priorities are not the New York State taxpayer,\" Tannousis said. \"To quote the movie, when it comes to New York State, 'the working man is a sucker.' If you look at all the bills they've passed and everything in the budget - $2.1 billion for undocumented workers, millions of dollars for healthcare for undocumented workers - what have they passed for the taxpayer? If the MTA took only a fraction of the money New York wasted in the budget, we wouldn't be in this situation. The taxpayer should be their number one priority.\"\n\nWATCH MALLIOTAKIS & TANNOUSIS' PRESS CONFERENCE HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-issues-statement-on-senate-s-failure-to-pass-the-house-resolution", "Meng Issues Statement On Senate\u2019s Failure To Pass The House Resolution To Provide Rail Workers With Paid Sick Leave", "2022-12-02", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) today issued the following statement condemning the Senate's failure to pass a resolution, H. Con. Res. 119, to provide rail workers with seven paid sick days. The resolution passed the House with a 221-207 bipartisan vote on Wednesday, November 30.\n\n\"I am extremely disappointed by the Senate's failure to adopt the House-passed resolution that put essential rail workers ahead of corporate profits. Rail workers are responsible for transporting essential goods like fuel, water, and food across our nation. They, like all workers, deserve paid sick leave and it is appalling that some lawmakers disagree.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3756", "Tonko Announces $274K Local Award for Alzheimer\u2019s Detection Project", "2022-12-02", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "ALBANY, NY\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko announced today that Early Alzheimer\u2019s Diagnostics LLC of Glenmont has been awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant totaling $274,713 for a project to develop saliva screening tests that can detect Alzheimer\u2019s disease before the onset of devastating symptoms such as memory loss.\n\n\u201cFar too many Americans have experienced the devastating impact of Alzheimer\u2019s,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cEarly diagnosis can have a major impact on ensuring access to treatments and vastly improving quality of life for patients and their families. I have long been at the forefront of efforts to increase access to early diagnostics for Alzheimer\u2019s disease, and I\u2019m proud to see this innovative research taking place here in the Capital Region. I\u2019m thankful to Early Alzheimer's Diagnostics for their innovative project, and I will continue working to deliver a compassionate federal response that supports all those living with Alzheimer\u2019s and their loved ones.\u201d\n\nCongressman Tonko has long been a strong supporter of Alzheimer\u2019s research in our Capital Region, announcing a $306,974 award for Early Alzheimer\u2019s Diagnostics earlier this year to support research on new screenings based on blood spectroscopy. In this session of Congress, Tonko has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at prioritizing research on Alzheimer\u2019s and supporting scientists in the development of treatments and potential cures, and has led bipartisan calls to increase access to existing diagnostic tests.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/congresswoman-clarke-issues-statement-on-her-election-to-first-vice-chair-of-the-congressional-black-caucus/", "CONGRESSWOMAN CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON HER ELECTION TO FIRST VICE-CHAIR OF THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS", "2022-12-01", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nDecember 1, 2022\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: clarke.comms@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 347.387.5123\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement regarding her election to First Vice-Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus:\n\n\u201cI\u2019d like to thank my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), my Sisters and Brothers, each of whom I am blessed to serve with in the 118th Session of Congress for their support in my elevation to First Vice-Chair of our beloved CBC. Serving on the Executive Committee of the Congressional Black Caucus in the 118th Congress is more than a privilege, but an obligation that I do not take lightly. Each new Congress presents an opportunity for our 60 member strong Caucus to advance legislation and policy to address the myriad of persistent inequities that continue to impact Black communities across our country. Before us, today, countless new dimensions to these historic challenges continue to confront Congress, and we as a Caucus must remain vigilant if we are to overcome them. I have no doubt the dynamic talent and capabilities of our new Executive Committee will drive this truly extraordinary and remarkable caucus towards unseen heights and untold possibilities, from within the U.S. Congress and beyond, into the many beloved communities that are integral to the strengthening and growth of our nation. I have no doubt that our members will continue to build upon the success of our predecessors, support and uplift the causes so vital to the advancement of people of African-decent,\u201d said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.\n\n\u201cMuch in our nation and our Congress has changed since the days of bold and audacious actions from the likes of Shirley Chisholm and Charlie Rangel when they, alongside 11 of their Congressional colleagues, established the Congressional Black Caucus. What has not changed and will forever endure is the mission of this Caucus. For decades, we have provided a voice to the voiceless and a platform for the marginalized. Though the vast majority of our members will find ourselves in the Minority in this upcoming Congress, and though we are certain to face relentless obstruction, the mission will endure. And ultimately, as long as we stay the course, we will prevail. I firmly believe that before us stands nothing but opportunity: the opportunity to lift up and advance policy that provides new opportunities for never-before-seen economic growth. The opportunity to liberate the disenfranchised from the shackles of their marginalization, voter disenfranchisement and a broken immigration system. The opportunity to create pathways and corridors towards their prosperity. Despite any political roadblocks, barricades and obstacles to our progress, those facts remain absolute. In the months to come, I look forward to supporting the leadership and the work of Chairman Steven Horsford as First Vice-Chair during the 118th Congress. Today, as I prepare to once again take on the mantle of leadership within the CBC, I remain ever mindful that our Caucus is the Conscious of the Congress. My commitment to Black People, and the communities from which they hail is unwavering and rooted in the ethos established by my predecessor and founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, the late Honorable Shirley Chisholm. It\u2019s a pledge that has long guided my career and my own life: to remain unbought, and unbossed.\u201d\n\n###\n\nYvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York\u2019s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is a Senior Member of both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Committee on Homeland Security, where she serves as Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/congresswoman-clarke-issues-statement-on-the-election-of-hakeem-jeffries-as-the-new-democratic-leader-in-the-house-of-representatives/", "CONGRESSWOMAN CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE ELECTION OF HAKEEM JEFFRIES AS THE NEW DEMOCRATIC LEADER IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES\ufffc", "2022-12-01", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nDecember 1, 2022\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: clarke.comms@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 347.387.5123\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement regarding her vote for Congressman Hakeem Jeffries to be Leader of Congressional Democrats:\n\n\u201cIt was with a huge sense of pride that yesterday, I cast my vote to elevate my brother and dear colleague, the Honorable Hakeem Jeffries, from Chairman of the Democratic Caucus to the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. I consider it one of my greatest honors and a privilege of my career in Congress to be both a first hand witness and participant in the elevation of Congressman Jeffries, who is now the youngest and first person of color or Black legislator ever elected to lead a Congressional Party. And what a leader Hakeem Jeffries is. As a fellow Brooklynite, I have had countless occasions to work closely alongside Mr. Jeffries. His dedication, commitment and diligence to delivering on the progress and policy that transforms the lives of the people in the communities so dear to us has been a hallmark of his service to the people of the 8th District of New York. I have been fortunate to witness up-close both the breadth and depth of Rep. Jeffries\u2019s compassion for his constituents, the fervor with which he legislates, the eloquence of his advocacy and the courageous, dogged determination with which he has led in Washington DC. I have no doubt that he will draw upon that same passion, tenacity, talent, skill and ability in his new role leading Democrats in Congress. Inspired by the fight against injustice, the lived experiences of the \u201cleast, the last and the lost\u201d of our civil society, as well as an abiding love for the American people, the Constitution and a healthy respect for the rule of law, I am certain that Congressman Hakeem Jeffries will continue making history now and in the years to come. I look forward to supporting him as he does,\u201d said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.\n\n###\n\nYvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York\u2019s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is a Senior Member of both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Committee on Homeland Security, where she serves as Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases/garbarino-joins-bipartisan-members-sound-alarm-potential-northeast-energy", "Garbarino Joins Bipartisan Members To Sound Alarm on Potential Northeast Energy Blackouts Due To Diesel Shortages", "2022-12-01", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Andrew R. Garbarino", "G000597", "garbarino.house.gov", "garbarino", "https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) joins a group of bipartisan Members of Congress in sending a letter to President Biden warning of potential heating issues in the Northeast this winter due to a shortage in heating oil supplies. The letter, led by Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11) and signed by Rep. Garbarino, along with Reps. Jared Golden (D-ME-02) and Chris Pappas (D-NH-01), called on President Biden and the U.S. Department of Energy to work with Congress to proactively address natural gas and diesel supply shortages in the Northeast, rising energy costs and develop a plan to prevent rolling blackouts should the region experience frigid temperatures this winter.\n\n\"Widespread reporting indicates that the Northeast may not have sufficient fuel supply in the event of severe cold weather this winter, and if last week\u2019s frigid temperatures and major snowstorms are any indication, it will be a long, cold winter resulting in rolling blackouts across the region, leaving millions of families in the dark and cold,\" the Members wrote. \"It is imperative that your Administration is working proactively with Congress to ensure that winter electricity reliability in the most densely populated area of the United States is available to meet the power demand necessary to avoid devastating consequences for the people and businesses across the region.\"\n\nCurrently, heating oil delivery prices to New York are at an all-time high while stockpiles of diesel in the region are at their lowest levels since 1951. Every one in five homes in the Northeast is heated by diesel, and on average, families who use natural gas and diesel oil will see more than a 20 percent increase in costs compared to last year. Additionally, the lack of pipeline infrastructure in the Northeast region, limited shipments of foreign sourced LNG resulting from the war in Ukraine, the closure of coal, oil, and natural gas refineries, and the looming rail strike could lead to dire circumstances in the event of extreme weather.\n\nThe Members continued,\"We are requesting that your Administration, led by the Secretary of Energy, present Congress with a comprehensive plan so we may ensure our constituents that concrete solutions are in place, and they will not be left in the dark this winter...To be effective, these actions will require complex planning and far-reaching communication efforts involving all relevant federal agencies and state and local parties should they be put into place...At a minimum, we ask that you and the Secretary of Energy ensure any Northeast fuel reserves released remain in the region and not be shipped overseas to the highest bidder. We understand the importance of assisting our allies in Europe; however, we must prioritize the well-being of our constituents given the realities we face at home.\"\n\nView the full letter here and below.\n\nDear President Biden:\n\nThe undersigned Members of Congress write to express our deep concerns regarding shortages of natural gas and diesel supply in the Northeast region as we head into the winter months. Widespread reporting indicates that the Northeast may not have sufficient fuel supply in the event of severe cold weather this winter, and if last week\u2019s frigid temperatures and major snowstorms are any indication, it will be a long, cold winter resulting in rolling blackouts across the region, leaving millions of families in the dark and cold. It is imperative that your Administration is working proactively with Congress to ensure that winter electricity reliability in the most densely populated area of the United States is available to meet the power demand necessary to avoid devastating consequences for the people and businesses across the region.\n\nAs of this month, heating oil delivery prices to New York are at an all-time high, and stockpiles of diesel in the region are at their lowest levels since 1951. Refineries in the Northeast are operating at capacity and inventory is half of what it was last year. Calls to release inventory from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve began as early as August, as 1 in 5 homes in the region are heated by diesel. On average, families who use natural gas to heat their homes will pay $1,094 this winter, up 20 percent from last year. Families who heat their homes with diesel oil will pay even more, a 27 percent increase over last year.\n\nLack of pipeline infrastructure and deliveries to the Northeast region, limited shipments of foreign sourced LNG resulting from the war in Ukraine, and the closure of coal, oil, and natural gas refineries, leave little reprieve for families already struggling with record high inflation and could lead to dire circumstances in the event of extreme weather.\n\nTo make matters worse, the European Union (EU) will ban Russian crude imports beginning December 5 and all Russian oil products beginning February 5, a move that will reduce supply and increase competition in an already strained market. Complicating matters further, a potential rail strike that could begin as early as December 9 coupled with record low water levels in the Mississippi River, could cripple the distribution of diesel fuel throughout the country and further exacerbate an already critically low diesel supply in the Northeast.\n\nWe are requesting that your Administration, led by the Secretary of Energy, present Congress with a comprehensive plan so we may ensure our constituents that concrete solutions are in place, and they will not be left in the dark this winter. We ask that your Administration utilize all the tools at your disposal to prevent the increasingly likely loss of power to the Northeast this winter. To be effective, these actions will require complex planning and far-reaching communication efforts involving all relevant federal agencies and state and local parties should they be put into place. We also call on your Administration to work closely with Congress in order to prevent a freight rail workers strike that would undoubtedly intensify the situation at the worst possible time.\n\nAt a minimum, we ask that you and the Secretary of Energy ensure any Northeast fuel reserves released remain in the region and not be shipped overseas to the highest bidder. We understand the importance of assisting our allies in Europe; however, we must prioritize the well-being of our constituents given the realities we face at home.\n\nWe stand ready to work with your Administration to combat the rising costs of energy and prevent widespread blackouts across the region. Thank you for your attention on this important matter, and we look froward to your response.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-sounds-bipartisan-alarm-potential-northeast-energy-blackouts-due", "Malliotakis Sounds Bipartisan Alarm on Potential Northeast Energy Blackouts due to Diesel Shortages", "2022-12-01", "2022", "2022-12", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Nicole Malliotakis", "M000317", "malliotakis.house.gov", "malliotakis", "https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), along with Democrat Reps. Jared Golden (ME-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) warned of potential heating issues in the Northeast this winter due to a shortage in heating oil supplies and called on President Biden and the U.S. Department of Energy to work with Congress to proactively address natural gas and diesel supply shortages in the Northeast, rising energy costs and develop a plan to prevent rolling blackouts should the region experience frigid temperatures this winter.\n\n\"Widespread reporting indicates that the Northeast may not have sufficient fuel supply in the event of severe cold weather this winter, and if last week\u2019s frigid temperatures and major snowstorms are any indication, it will be a long, cold winter resulting in rolling blackouts across the region, leaving millions of families in the dark and cold,\" the Members wrote. \"It is imperative that your Administration is working proactively with Congress to ensure that winter electricity reliability in the most densely populated area of the United States is available to meet the power demand necessary to avoid devastating consequences for the people and businesses across the region.\"\n\nCurrently, heating oil delivery prices to New York are at an all-time high while stockpiles of diesel in the region are at their lowest levels since 1951. Every one in five homes in the Northeast is heated by diesel, and on average, families who use natural gas and diesel oil will see more than a 20 percent increase in costs compared to last year. Additionally, the lack of pipeline infrastructure in the Northeast region, limited shipments of foreign sourced LNG resulting from the war in Ukraine, the closure of coal, oil, and natural gas refineries, and the looming rail strike could lead to dire circumstances in the event of extreme weather.\n\nThe Members continued: \"We are requesting that your Administration, led by the Secretary of Energy, present Congress with a comprehensive plan so we may ensure our constituents that concrete solutions are in place, and they will not be left in the dark this winter...To be effective, these actions will require complex planning and far-reaching communication efforts involving all relevant federal agencies and state and local parties should they be put into place...At a minimum, we ask that you and the Secretary of Energy ensure any Northeast fuel reserves released remain in the region and not be shipped overseas to the highest bidder. We understand the importance of assisting our allies in Europe; however, we must prioritize the well-being of our constituents given the realities we face at home.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3753", "Tonko, Huffman Introduce Bill to Advance Floating Solar Energy", "2022-12-01", "2022", "2022-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) and Jared Huffman (D-CA) today introduced the POWER our Reservoirs Act (Protect our Waters and Expand Renewables on our Reservoirs Act) to advance clean energy production and drought protection at our nation\u2019s federal water reservoirs. This legislation will call on key federal agencies to study opportunities to deploy floating solar panels on their reservoirs and launch innovative pilot projects.\n\n\u201cThroughout my time in Congress, I have fought for innovative solutions that advance cleaner and safer communities for all,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cFloating solar offers tremendous opportunities to expand domestic renewable energy and protect our threatened water systems, including by reducing evaporation and preventing harmful algal blooms. According to a 2018 study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, deploying floating solar on the country\u2019s more than 24,000 human-made reservoirs could save 2.1 million hectares of land and meet 10 percent of the country\u2019s electricity needs. I am proud that this legislation will help tackle the dual crises of climate change and historic drought, driving our nation towards a more sustainable future.\u201d\n\n\u201cMy region is grappling with the compounding crisis of extreme drought driven by climate change, and we need innovative solutions to mitigate the worst of its impacts,\u201d said Rep. Huffman. \u201cOur legislation to promote floating solar panels is a creative, sustainable answer to meet this moment. Not only will it protect our depleting water systems \u2013 but it will expand renewable energy right here at home; a win-win for the climate and consumers.\u201d\n\nTonko has championed local projects that are already illustrating the promise of this technology, including securing $3 million for the City of Cohoes to install floating solar panels on the Cohoes reservoir. This effort will serve as a model for communities across the nation striving to implement smart, clean energy systems that drive down consumer costs.\n\nThe POWER our Reservoirs Act of 2022:\n\nRequires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) to study the feasibility of deploying floating solar panels on their reservoirs and make the results of the studies publicly available.\n\nEnsures that renewable energy from floating solar panels is considered as part of the USACE\u2019s annual Sustainability Report and Implementation Plan.\n\nFunds pilot programs at USACE and BOR to build floating solar panels on appropriate reservoirs.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:32:05Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/congresswoman-clarke-issues-statement-on-passing-of-congressman-a-donald-mceachin/", "CONGRESSWOMAN CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN A. DONALD MCEACHIN", "2022-11-30", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nNovember 29, 2022\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: clarke.comms@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 347.387.5123\n\nWashington, DC \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released the following statement regarding the passing of Congressman A. Donald McEachin:\n\n\u201cI was devastated to hear of the loss of my dear friend and colleague, the great and kind Congressman A. Donald McEachin. Representing the best of both this nation and our Congress, Congressman McEachin fought for the people of Virginia proudly through his many years of public service. It was the privilege of my career to stand alongside Congressman McEachin on the Committee on Energy and Commerce, where, through difficult days and good ones, he persisted as a dedicated ally in our many shared pursuits of equity and prosperity for underserved communities. His passing has opened a pained rift that will never fully heal. Yet, despite that truth, I am certain Congressman McEachin\u2019s profound legacy will guide the House of Representatives for untold decades to come. And I am certain his great name will echo these great halls long after my time within them ends. On behalf of the Clarke family and myself, our heartfelt condolences go to Donald\u2019s loved ones and the good people of Virginia\u2019s 4th District, whom he treasured so deeply. I pray the eternal love and grace of God greets Donald warmly, and I pray he knows his everlasting peace,\u201d said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.\n\n###\n\nYvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York\u2019s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is a Senior Member of both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Committee on Homeland Security, where she serves as Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-espaillat-congressional-hispanic-caucus-nominate-33-latino-songs-inclusion", "REP. ESPAILLAT, CONGRESSIONAL HISPANIC CAUCUS NOMINATE 33 LATINO SONGS FOR INCLUSION IN NATIONAL RECORDING REGISTRY", "2022-11-30", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", "espaillat", "https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- This week, CHC Vice Chair Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20), and Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Raul Ruiz (CA-36) led the CHC in nominating 33 works by Latino artists for inclusion in the Library of Congress\u2019s National Recording Registry.\n\n\u201cThe National Recording Registry\u2019s very existence speaks to the importance of music and broadcast in American culture and society. Music brings people from all different backgrounds together, and Latino music has had an indelible influence across the American music spectrum on every genre from jazz, rhythm and blues, country, pop, and hip-hop. Yet, Latino contributions in music have been insufficiently recognized,\u201d the members wrote in their nomination letter. \u201cAs an art, the diversity of the Latino sound can be heard in every measure and resonates with every beat\u2026These songs were selected with feedback from the public, and they reflect the diversity of Latino identities, histories, and geographies. We hope you will give each of these songs listed below careful consideration and that we will see many of them included in the National Recording Registry.\u201d\n\nThe National Recording Registry is the nation\u2019s preeminent archive of recorded sound. Established by the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000, the Registry is intended to maintain and preserve sound recordings and collections of sound recordings that have cultural, historic, or aesthetic significance to life in the United States. On an annual basis, the National Recording Preservation Board selects 25 recordings to add to the registry and preserve in the Library of Congress. The Registry currently contains 600 works, of which just 23 (3.8%) were recorded by Latino artists.\n\nThe works nominated by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus were drawn from hundreds of public suggestions submitted through social media. The list was crafted to highlight artists with no prior songs on the Registry and works were intentionally chosen to represent the diversity of the Latino experience \u2014 including Spanish-language and bilingual tracks, tracks from Afro-Latino/a and LGBTQ+ Latino/a artists, and artists from across the Latino diaspora.\n\nThe full CHC list of nominations to the National Recording Registry is as follows:\n\n\u00b7 Wasted Days and Wasted Nights (canci\u00f3n) por Freddy Fender (1974)\n\n\u00b7 Flashdance\u2026 What a Feeling (canci\u00f3n) por Irene Cara (1983)\n\n\u00b7 Corridos Prohibidos (\u00e1lbum) por Los Tigres Del Norte (2009)\n\n\u00b7 Amor Eterno (canci\u00f3n) por Juan Gabriel (1990)\n\n\u00b7 Hips Don\u2019t Lie (canci\u00f3n) por Shakira (2005)\n\n\u00b7 El Rey (canci\u00f3n) por Vicente Fernandez (1972)\n\n\u00b7 Romance (\u00e1lbum) por Luis Miguel (1991)\n\n\u00b7 The Power of the Moon (\u00e1lbum) por Lumbre Del Sol (1999)\n\n\u00b7 The Candy Man (canci\u00f3n) por Sammy Davis Jr. (1972)\n\n\u00b7 Paloma Negra (canci\u00f3n) por Chavela Vargas (1961)\n\n\u00b7 El Cantante (canci\u00f3n) por H\u00e9ctor Lavoe (1978)\n\n\u00b7 Luna Llena (canci\u00f3n) por Elida Reyna y Avante (1994)\n\n\u00b7 \u00bfD\u00f3nde Jugar\u00e1n los Ni\u00f1os? (\u00e1lbum) por Man\u00e1 (1992)\n\n\u00b7 Suavemente (canci\u00f3n) por Elvis Crespo (1999)\n\n\u00b7 Genie in a Bottle (canci\u00f3n) por Christina Aguilera (1999)\n\n\u00b7 I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) (canci\u00f3n) por Pitbull (2009)\n\n\u00b7 Lost in Emotion (canci\u00f3n) por Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam (Lisa Velez) (1987)\n\n\u00b7 Fuiste T\u00fa (canci\u00f3n) por Ricardo Arjona featuring Gaby Moreno (2011)\n\n\u00b7 Black Sunday (\u00e1lbum) por Cypress Hill (1993)\n\n\u00b7 J. Lo (\u00e1lbum) por Jennifer Lopez (2001)\n\n\u00b7 Gasolina (canci\u00f3n) por Daddy Yankee (2004)\n\n\u00b7 Sure Thing (canci\u00f3n) por Miguel (2010)\n\n\u00b7 (Hey Baby) Que Paso (canci\u00f3n) por Texas Tornadoes (1990)\n\n\u00b7 It Must Be Him (canci\u00f3n) by Vikki Carr (1967)\n\n\u00b7 Feliz Navidad (song) por Jos\u00e9 Feliciano (1970)\n\n\u00b7 Dicen Que Soy (\u00e1lbum) por La India (1994)\n\n\u00b7 Rinconcito en el Cielo (canci\u00f3n) por Ram\u00f3n Ayala (1985)\n\n\u00b7 Lean Back (canci\u00f3n) por Terror Squad, Fat Joe, y Remy Ma (2004)\n\n\u00b7 Rage Against the Machine (\u00e1lbum) por Rage Against the Machine (1992)\n\n\u00b7 I Need to Know (canci\u00f3n) por Marc Anthony (1999)\n\n\u00b7 Hoy Ya Me Voy (canci\u00f3n) por Kany Garc\u00eda (2007)\n\n\u00b7 In the Heights (Original Broadway Cast Recording) (album) (2008)\n\n\u00b7 El Costo de la Vida (canci\u00f3n) por Juan Luis Guerra (1992)\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-adriano-espaillat-statement-championing-paid-sick-leave-and", "REPRESENTATIVE ADRIANO ESPAILLAT STATEMENT CHAMPIONING PAID SICK LEAVE AND DEAL FOR RAILWAY WORKERS", "2022-11-30", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", "espaillat", "https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement regarding a deal to provide contract legislation for railway workers that includes paid sick leave:\n\n\"Rail workers have worked tirelessly to provide services to American commuters, and we simply cannot turn our back on them and their families now when they need us the most,\" said Espaillat. \"I am proud that my Congressional Progressive Caucus colleagues and I, along with leadership, announced a deal that allows our chamber to pass contract legislation for railway workers that includes paid sick leave.\n\n\"President Biden has called on Congress to take action to protect the economic security of America\u2019s working families, and I stand ready to assist by taking critical legislative action today to avert a devastating nationwide rail strike, further disruptions to the national supply train, and catastrophe travel delays for families amid the busy holiday travel season.\n\n\"Today, my congressional House colleagues and I will take up urgent legislation to adopt the Tentative Agreement reached after months of hard-fought negotiations, with a critical amendment to provide paid sick leave. We stand by rail workers and will find solutions to keep rail services and transportation running around the country.\"\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-house-steps-fix-bidens-mess-one-step-closer-averting-rail-strike", "Malliotakis: House Steps in to Fix Biden's Mess, One Step Closer to Averting Rail Strike", "2022-11-30", "2022", "2022-11", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Nicole Malliotakis", "M000317", "malliotakis.house.gov", "malliotakis", "https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) applauded the passage of H. J. Res. 100, legislation to adopt the terms of the September 2022 Tentative Agreement and resolve the dispute between freight railroads and rail workers to avert a labor strike that could devastate the U.S. economy. The resolution is supported by the freight railroads, shippers, and eight of the twelve labor unions.\n\n\"As I've been advocating for over the past week, the House stepped in and brought us one step closer to averting a disastrous rail strike that would further drive up energy and food prices, impact the availability of goods, and cost the U.S. economy $2 billion a day,\" Malliotakis said. \"President Biden failed to help strike a deal between the railroad industry and labor unions and instead dumped the responsibility on Congress' lap. Without Republican support, Democrats in Congress would not have been able to pass this resolution to avert a strike. At a time when American families are struggling to put food on the table, fill up their gas tanks, and keep the lights on in their homes, keeping our economy moving is critical to ensuring the stability of our nation. President Biden couldn't get the job done, and I urge the Senate to follow the House in passing this resolution to fix the mess he created.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-issues-statement-on-the-election-of-hakeem-jeffries-as-the-new", "Meng Issues Statement On The Election Of Hakeem Jeffries As The New Democratic Leader In The House Of Representatives", "2022-11-30", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), New York's senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, today issued the following statement hailing the election of Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn) as the new Democratic Leader in the United States House of Representatives.\n\n\"I have known Hakeem since I entered the New York State Legislature in 2009. Early on, I came to view him as a friend and big brother. From the Assembly to Congress, I have always valued his advice \u2013 whether on moving legislation, or how to best support constituents.\n\nHakeem is an outstanding public servant and wonderful human being. He is a natural and steady leader on whom Brooklyn families have come to rely on in both high and low moments. I am so proud of Hakeem, and I was honored to help second his historic nomination as our Caucus unanimously elected him to become the new Democratic Leader in the House.\n\nHe is studious, smart, and does not seek headlines for himself. Instead, he selflessly goes out of his way to make sure that colleagues are recognized for their work, and shine in the spotlight. He is a collaborative leader who will seek out and include as many voices as possible. He sees the strengths in each of our colleagues, and will work to ensure that these talents are fully recognized and utilized.\n\nI am confident in the direction of House Democrats with Hakeem at the helm. I know he will keep us unified as one team as we retake the House Majority in 2024, and I am excited to partner with him in his new role. Congratulations to my friend and fellow New Yorker!\"\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3752", "Tonko Votes to Secure Paid Leave for Railroad Workers", "2022-11-30", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) today voted in the House to pass H.J. Res. 100 and H. Con. Res. 119, which would avoid a railroad shutdown and add seven days of paid sick leave to the Tentative Agreement for railroad workers.\n\n\u201cRailroad workers are the backbone of our nation\u2019s economy,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cLike all Americans, they deserve more than just one day of paid sick leave, and today, I voted with my colleagues in the House to grant them that basic, dignified request. To be clear, Congress was moved to act because of the remorseless greed of railroad companies. These multi-billion dollar companies thwarted good faith negotiations with union rail workers to hold our economy hostage under the threat of a rail shutdown all to deny their employees the ability to take off of work when they are sick. Today we stood with hard-working railroaders to ensure they have sick leave, fairer wages, and improved benefits and working conditions. I hope the Senate moves this critical legislation forward and sends it to the President\u2019s desk at once.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/espaillat-and-ocasio-cortez-lead-effort-provide-shelter-unhoused-and-asylum", "ESPAILLAT AND OCASIO-CORTEZ LEAD EFFORT TO PROVIDE SHELTER FOR THE UNHOUSED AND ASYLUM SEEKERS", "2022-11-29", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", "espaillat", "https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) have introduced critical legislation to protect housing insecure migrants and individuals.\n\nH.R.9210 aims to waive certain requirements for Community Development Block Grant amounts used for public services activities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to homelessness and emergency rental assistance needs.\n\n\u201cOur bill will eliminate the 15% cap on housing public services, as stipulated in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and extend CDBG emergency grant payments from three to six months. These changes will alleviate pressure on municipalities dealing with the homelessness crisis and provide tens of thousands of underprivileged people with the benefits they deserve to live a healthy and safe existence, all while encouraging self-sufficiency,\u201d said the Members.\n\nNotably, the cap on public services allows only a small fraction of money to be spent on vital resources such as shelter. In addition, emergency grant payments are currently able to be disbursed to individuals and families for up to three consecutive months. These payments cover rent, utility, and mortgage bills, providing those in need with a lifeline in times of crisis. Three months is often not enough, as residents in danger of eviction need timely support to get on their feet and cover food, education, transportation, and other life-sustaining costs. For asylum seekers awaiting their work permits, extending this time period will afford immigrant families access to shelter in the interim\u2014a human right as recognized by the United Nations International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/save-date-representative-adriano-espaillat-host-fifth-annual-dominicans-hill", "SAVE the DATE:  Representative Adriano Espaillat to Host the Fifth Annual Dominicans on the Hill", "2022-11-29", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", "espaillat", "https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Wednesday, February 8, 2023\n\nEventbrite\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Save the date for Representative Adriano Espaillat's (NY-13) fifth annual Dominicans on the Hill event that will be held live and in-person on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at the United States Capitol in Washington, DC.\n\nHeld annually during Dominican Heritage Month, Dominicans on the Hill was created by Rep. Espaillat to recognize the growing civic engagement of the Dominican-American community and throughout the diaspora.\n\nSince its inception, Dominicans on the Hill has become a signature event held at the United States Capitol that is attended by hundreds of community leaders, professionals, students, and elected officials of Dominican descent and groups from around the nation.\n\nVisit online for updates about the 2023 event and check Twitter and Facebook: @RepEspaillat and @DominicansHill and on Instagram at @RepAdrianoEspaillat.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3744", "Tonko Calls for Agency to Protect Consumers from Cyber Grinch Bots During the Holiday Season", "2022-11-28", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) sent a letter to Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan calling for the FTC to take steps to protect consumers and businesses from predatory cyber bots (commonly called Grinch bots) that buy up popular toys only to resell them exorbitantly marked-up prices.\n\nTonko authored legislation called the Stopping Grinch Bots Act that cracks down on cyber Grinches using \u201cbot\u201d technology to quickly buy up whole inventories of popular holiday toys and resell them to parents at higher prices. These third-party sellers use bots to bypass security measures and manipulate online sales systems to buy toys, leading to some toys being almost impossible to buy online or in stores at retail prices, exacerbating shortages caused by stressed supply chains.\n\n\u201cAs millions of Americans turn to the online marketplace to find the perfect gift during the holiday season, so do scammers deploying cyber bots,\u201d the letter states. \u201cAutomated Grinch bots use software to submit hundreds of orders a minute for trending products in an attempt to corner the market and then resell them at extreme, even abusive, prices. In Congress, I am hard at work to prevent these scammers from taking advantage of Americans through my Stopping Grinch Bots Act. This legislation would prohibit manipulative practices that allow the use of bots to circumvent control measures designed to protect real consumers. I urge [the Federal Trade Commission] to do all that [it] can to ensure that this market manipulation does not go unchecked and to prevent these Grinch bots from stealing the cheer away this holiday season.\u201d\n\nBots are software programs that can automatically spot and snap up inventory on sale online. In a matter of seconds, third-party vendors can purchase hundreds of items, squeezing out parents and children. In 2016, Tonko authored the Better Online Ticket Sales Act (BOTS Act) that was signed into law to ban \u201cticket bots\u201d that intentionally bypass security measures on online ticketing websites to unfairly outprice individual fans. This new legislation would apply the mechanism of the BOTS Act to e-commerce sites to ban bots bypassing security measures on online retail sites.\n\nFull text of the letter can be read HERE and below:\n\nThe Honorable Lina M. Khan\n\nChair\n\nFederal Trade Commission\n\n600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\n\nWashington, DC 20580\n\nDear Chairwoman Khan,\n\nI write to you ahead of this holiday season with concerns about the practices of \u201cGrinch\u201d bots.\n\nSince the days of Tickle Me Elmo, the holiday season has enchanted Americans with trending toys and the hopes of parents securing the one gift their child wants most. As millions of Americans turn to the online marketplace to find the perfect gift during the holiday season, so do scammers deploying cyber bots. Automated Grinch bots use software to submit hundreds of orders a minute for trending products in an attempt to corner the market and then resell them at extreme, even abusive, prices. We have seen this disturbing measure used with sneakers, Nintendos, Fingerlings, and other popular toys or gifts, dashing the hopes of parents to fulfill their child\u2019s holiday wish list.\n\nIn the last two years, the COVID-19 crisis has significantly accelerated e-commerce expansion and led to new targets for automated abuse. Industries such as gaming are increasingly subjected to product shortages and price increases created by Grinch bots, making millions of dollars for scammers and in-demand products inaccessible to the average consumer. Holiday toys and video games are one timely example, but there are many other consumer products that are subjected to this nefarious and dispiriting practice. The pandemic showed that bots can be quickly adapted to exploit any market inefficiency with products including N95 masks and hand sanitizer being popular targets of bot attacks when supplies were low.\n\nIn addition to hurting American consumers, this practice is damaging to small businesses. Many retailers have tried instituting control measures, but bad actors continue to find ways to game the system. In Congress, I am hard at work to prevent these scammers from taking advantage of Americans through my Stopping Grinch Bots Act. This legislation would prohibit manipulative practices that allow the use of bots to circumvent control measures designed to protect real consumers. I hope to have the Federal Trade Commission\u2019s continued support in this effort so that we can work together to combat these Grinch bots.\n\nI commend the Federal Trade Commission\u2019s continued commitment to protect consumers on the internet, including through enforcement of the 2016 BOTs Act, the release of the Combatting Online Harms through Innovation Report, and the resolution Directing Use of Compulsory Process Regarding Deceptive and Manipulative Conduct on the Internet. However, I respectfully request you bolster your efforts to reduce harm, manipulation, and deception online.\n\nI recommend you do this by working with retailers and state attorney generals to determine actionable steps and best practices to protect consumers from predatory high-speed bot purchases on e-commerce platforms. I urge you to act expediently to prevent Grinch bots from ruining the holiday season this year and take steps to prevent broader scams in the future.\n\nIn addition, to help further inform our efforts in Congress, I request that you respond to the following:\n\nHow has the scope of this problem changed over the last few years?\n\nWhat is the FTC doing in the lead up to the holidays to discourage or stop this behavior?\n\nAre there any consequences for those who employ bots to do this?\n\nWhat are some of the prominent examples this year where you anticipate or see Grinch bots at work?\n\nWithin your current authorities, what else can you do to curb these abusive practices? In what ways are you limited?\n\nIn what ways are you limited by statute to act in this space?\n\nThank you for your consideration and work in tackling the negative actions of predatory Grinch bots.\n\nAllowing bots to rig prices and squeeze consumers hurts American families, small business owners, product makers, and entrepreneurs. I urge you to do all that you can to ensure that this market manipulation does not go unchecked and to prevent these Grinch bots from stealing the cheer away this holiday season.\n\nSincerely,\n\nCongressman Paul D. Tonko\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3750", "Tonko Honors 2022 NY-20 Congressional App Challenge Winner at Emma Willard School", "2022-11-28", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "TROY, NY \u2013 Congressman Paul D. Tonko visited Emma Willard School in Troy today to recognize Robyn Wu (they/them), the winner of the 2022 Congressional App Challenge for New York\u2019s 20th Congressional District. During the visit, Tonko delivered congratulatory remarks and presented Robyn with a Congressional Certificate of Achievement and a letter of recognition for this exciting honor.\n\n\u201cI am always amazed by the talent and creativity of our Capital Region\u2019s students, and this year\u2019s submissions for the Congressional App Challenge put that ingenuity on full display,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cWith their Vultures of Emma app, Robyn demonstrated both their impressive coding skills and an admirable motivation to learn more and to educate others about the history of Emma Willard\u2019s campus and its surrounding natural environment, and I\u2019m proud to acknowledge Robyn\u2019s contribution to the Capital Region\u2019s long history of technological innovation. I\u2019m grateful to Robyn for their hard work, and I congratulate all the students who participated in this year\u2019s App Challenge.\u201d\n\nRobyn\u2019s app, Vultures of Emma, is a one-stop hub for students, faculty, and members of the community to learn more about the 50+ vultures who can often be seen perched atop buildings on Emma Willard\u2019s campus. Eager to learn more about these mysterious birds, Robyn worked alongside fellow student Lidia \"Dia\" Krylova to gather information, then personally coded the entire website from scratch using a combination of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript coding languages.\n\nYou can learn more about the app by visiting its webpage, vulturesofemma.org, or by viewing Robyn\u2019s submission video on YouTube.\n\nThis year\u2019s NY-20 Congressional App Challenge winner was chosen by a distinguished panel of local judges, including Dr. Mohammed J. Zaki, Professor and Department Head of Computer Science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Annmarie Lanesey, CEO and Founder of CanCode Communities, and Tobi Saulnier, CEO of 1st Playable Productions.\n\nThe Congressional App Challenge was created by Congress in 2013 to encourage innovation and engagement in coding, computer science, and STEM education. The App Challenge is open to all eligible middle and high school-aged students in New York\u2019s 20th Congressional District, regardless of coding experience.\n\nTo view photos of Congressman Tonko\u2019s meeting with Robyn, click HERE, HERE, and HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-issues-statement-on-terror-attacks-in-jerusalem", "Meng Issues Statement on Terror Attacks in Jerusalem", "2022-11-23", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "QUEENS, NY \u2013 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, today issued the following statement on the two deadly terror attacks in Jerusalem.\n\n\"I condemn in the strongest terms the despicable terror attacks in Jerusalem, and I am heartbroken to learn that one took the life of a young teenage student. The international community must denounce these cowardly and heinous acts, and those responsible must be brought to justice.\n\nMy deepest condolences go out to the victim's loved ones, and I wish a speedy recovery to all who have been injured.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3745", "Tonko Visits Saratoga Shops Ahead of Small Business Saturday", "2022-11-23", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) celebrated Small Business Saturday early this week by visiting locally owned businesses and meeting with the workers who keep these shops going. During his visits, Tonko highlighted the economic potential of Capital Region shops, and encouraged residents to shop local this holiday season.\n\n\u201cSmall businesses are the engine of our economy, and the ingenuity and diversity of our local entrepreneurs is a great source of pride for our Capital Region,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cWe can express our thanks to these shops that add so much vibrancy and economic potential to our communities by buying local. What\u2019s more, shopping at small businesses directly benefits all in our region, as each dollar spent has three times the economic impact on the community as buying from national chains. I thank our incredible small business owners for their hard work and dedication that continues to make our region a better place, and I encourage everyone to truly celebrate the holiday spirit of giving and shop small!\n\nTonko\u2019s discussions with Capital Region businesses and stakeholders included:\n\nA meeting with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce along with stakeholders from Discover Saratoga, the City Center, the Downtown Business Association, the Preservation Foundation and other local organizations to learn more about their efforts to support small businesses and the greater community.\n\nA tour of Lyrical Ballad, a locally owned independent bookstore in downtown Saratoga Springs that has captivated locals and visitors alike since 1971 with its unique labyrinth of more than 200,000 new, used, and rare books.\n\nA tour of Willow Marsh Farm, a fifth-generation diversified family farm, uses this location to sell their own meat and dairy products as well as a wide variety of local produce, baked goods, candles, soaps, and much more.\n\nA visit to Burnt Hills Caf\u00e9, a multigenerational, Greek-American, family-owned diner that received federal support through the Paycheck Protection Program, Restaurant Revitalization Fund and other federal programs Tonko helped pass under the COVID rescue plan.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/congresswoman-clarke-issues-statement-on-speaker-pelosis-decision-to-withdraw-from-democratic-house-leadership/", "CONGRESSWOMAN CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON SPEAKER PELOSI\u2019S DECISION TO WITHDRAW FROM DEMOCRATIC HOUSE LEADERSHIP", "2022-11-21", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nNovember 18, 2022\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: clarke.comms@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 347.387.5123\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement regarding Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi\u2019s decision to step down from Democratic House leadership in the 118th Congress:\n\n\u201cWhat is there to say of the immaculate record, character, and spirit of our great Speaker of the House, the honorable and incomparable Nancy Pelosi, that has yet to be said? Throughout her 35 years of service in the House of Representatives and seven years as America\u2019s first and only female Speaker of the House, Speaker Pelosi persisted as a proud advocate for change and a compassionate champion of the most underserved and neglected peoples of our nation and world. From the revolutionary healthcare reform within the Affordable Care Act, to the vital provisions of the American Rescue Plan, to her impossibly courageous stance as democracy\u2019s last line of defense against brutal seditionists, Speaker Pelosi never failed to fight for the nation she holds so dearly to her heart. Indeed, Speaker Pelosi\u2019s name is indelibly entwined with her many profound achievements and triumphs. Make no mistake: history will never forget that when men sat and waited, Nancy Pelosi stood and led,\u201d said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. \u201cToday, our republic is forever colder without the guiding light of her leadership. And though the moment is soon upon us where our country will once again know her as Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, know she will always be my Speaker,\u201d\n\n###\n\nYvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York\u2019s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is a Senior Member of both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Committee on Homeland Security, where she serves as Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/espaillat-gillibrand-introduce-resilient-transit-act", "Espaillat, Gillibrand Introduce the Resilient Transit Act", "2022-11-21", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", "espaillat", "https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced legislation that would provide the first-ever dedicated stream of resiliency funding for our nation\u2019s public transportation systems.\n\nThe Resilient Transit Act of 2022 would authorize $300 million for each fiscal year from 2023 through 2026 for resilience improvement grants to mitigate the impact of severe weather events on public transportation systems. The apportionment of funds would be in accordance with the existing State of Good Repair formula and recipients would be able to utilize these critical resources to finance both stand-alone resilience projects and resilience components of larger system improvement projects as needed.\n\n\u201cAs we see extreme weather events and climate change heavily impact the lifecycle of public transportation, we must act to ensure the integrity of these systems, the protection of vulnerable communities, and the investments of taxpayer dollars,\u201d said Rep. Espaillat. \u201cMany Americans rely on public transit as their primary means of transportation, and when these systems are disrupted by extreme weather events, their ability to commute is hampered or even removed. In 2012, Hurricane Sandy flooded much of New York City, including the subway system, rendering tracks unusable. Whereas, measures have been taken to reduce this risk, more can still be done. Our legislation aims to bolster federal funding to increase resiliency of transit systems so communities will be ready when these unforeseen disasters occur.\u201d\n\n\"Ten years ago, Superstorm Sandy crippled the New York City subway, leaving millions without a reliable way to get around,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cWe\u2019ve all seen videos of water cascading down subway stairs and commuters wading through stations with water up to their waist; we can't wait until the next devastating storm to fix the weaknesses in our transit system that these storms have exposed. The Resilient Transit Act will help the MTA and transit agencies across the country make proactive upgrades to subways, trains, buses, and ferries so that they can prepare for future severe weather events and natural disasters and continue to provide the services millions rely on each day. Americans deserve transit systems that can weather any storm, and this bill will take us one step closer to making that a reality.\u201d\n\nThe Resilient Transit Act of 2022 would provide direct resiliency funding for public transportation systems to help reduce the vulnerability of transit systems before emergencies, natural disasters, and climate-related events occur.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-adriano-espaillat-seeks-public-suggestions-songs-latino-artists", "REPRESENTATIVE ADRIANO ESPAILLAT SEEKS PUBLIC SUGGESTIONS FOR SONGS FROM LATINO ARTISTS TO NOMINATE FOR NATIONAL RECORDING REGISTRY", "2022-11-21", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", "espaillat", "https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Members of the public can submit songs directly to the Library of Congress. Visit here to submit your nomination today.\n\nNEW YORK, NY --Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) are requesting public submissions for songs from Latino artists that should be inducted in the National Recording Registry. The National Recording Registry is a federal archive managed by the Library of Congress that works to preserve sounds with cultural and historical significance to the United States.\n\n\u201cFor generations, songs from Latino artists have formed the soundtrack to American life. As the Library of Congress works to enshrine the great sounds of the United States in our nation\u2019s historical record, public nominations to the National Recording Registry will shine a spotlight on the Latino artists who have left an indelible mark on our nation. I strongly encourage all members of the public to submit their nominations by November 26, 2022, by visiting the Congressional Hispanic Caucus's National Recording Registry Nominations page,\u201d said Rep. Espaillat.\n\nTo qualify for nomination, songs must be at least ten years old. Songs must be submitted to online by November 26, 2022. Please check the National Recording Registry to avoid submitting duplicates.\n\nMembers of the public can also submit songs directly to the Library of Congress here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3740", "Tonko Heralds House Passage of Manufacturing.gov Act", "2022-11-18", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko cheered the advance of his bipartisan bill H.R. 6290, the Manufacturing.gov Act out of the House yesterday. The legislation would establish a one-stop hub to connect manufacturers with federal manufacturing programs.\n\n\u201cThis year has been historic for American manufacturers, with promising growth in this vital industry spurred by strong federal investments that will continue to deliver positive results for our region and nation,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cI\u2019m thrilled by the advance of the Manufacturing.gov Act that will build off of our CHIPS and Science Act by making federal programs and resources more accessible to manufacturers, giving them the tools they need to drive economic growth. I\u2019ll continue pushing for key investments that strengthen American manufacturing and support our middle-class workers who power our nation\u2019s industry.\u201d\n\nTonko introduced the Manufacturing.gov Act last year alongside Representatives Fred Upton (MI-6), and Cindy Axne (IA-03). U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Todd Young (R-IN) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the Senate bill, which was passed in October 2021. The bill addresses a Government Accountability Office report that found the federal government maintains 58 different manufacturing programs across 11 federal agencies\u2014creating unnecessary hurdles and making it more difficult for manufacturers to access these programs.\n\nIn July 2022, Tonko cheered the advance of the CHIPS and Science Act, legislation that invests $52 billion in semiconductor chip manufacturing to strengthen domestic supply chains and lower costs for Americans, and also includes the Congressman\u2019s bipartisan Microelectronics Research for Energy Innovation Act that empowers the Department of Energy to drive up research and development of microelectronics.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-garbarino-bill-strengthen-va-cybersecurity", "House Passes Garbarino Bill To Strengthen VA Cybersecurity", "2022-11-17", "2022", "2022-11", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Andrew R. Garbarino", "G000597", "garbarino.house.gov", "garbarino", "https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass the Strengthening VA Cybersecurity (SVAC) Act of 2022, a bill co-led by Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02), with overwhelming bipartisan support.\n\n\"The recent cyber attack against Suffolk County underlined the urgent need to address aging and insufficient cybersecurity systems and practices in the face of rising cyber threats,\u201d said Rep. Garbarino, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee\u2019s Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Subcommittee. \u201cI am proud to see the timely passage of this bill, which will go a long way to strengthen VA cybersecurity and safeguard the private information of our veterans.\u201d\n\nThe purpose of the SVAC Act of 2022 is to strengthen cybersecurity at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and protect information technology systems and devices used at VA. Specifically, the SVAC Act will:\n\nProtect against advanced cybersecurity threats, ransomware, denial of service attacks, insider threats, threats from foreign actors, phishing, credential theft and other cyber threats;\n\nEnsure that the entire Department\u2019s IT is covered\u2014including on-premises, remote, cloud-based, and mobile information systems and devices used by, or in support of, Department activities;\n\nRequire the Secretary to submit a detailed report and plan of implementation to Congress within 120 days of the independent assessment; and\n\nRequire the GAO to review VA\u2019s plan and evaluate if the cost estimates and timelines are realistic.\n\nThe full text of the SVAC Act of 2022 can be viewed here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3739", "Tonko Statement on Speaker Pelosi", "2022-11-17", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko today released a statement following Speaker Pelosi\u2019s decision to step down from leadership in the House of Representatives:\n\n\u201cSpeaker Pelosi has long led our party with immeasurable dignity, compassion, intelligence, and strength of spirit. She stands as a trailblazer in so many ways. From her election three and a half decades ago, to becoming the first woman to serve as Speaker in the House, to spearheading the passage of unprecedented legislation this session, I believe that history will mark her as one of the most effective, consequential speakers in American history.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/espaillat-congressional-hispanic-caucus-chc-send-letter-requesting-department", "Espaillat, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Send Letter Requesting that the Department of the Air Force (DAF) Conduct an Internal Review Regarding Latino Diversity", "2022-11-16", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", "espaillat", "https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) sent a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall requesting an internal review to identify barriers holding Latino officers from rising to the senior ranks of general officer. The CHC also requested that the Department of the Air Force (DAF) provide recommendations and action steps to address identified Latino disparities in the DAF.\n\nThe letter can be found here. Members issued the following statements:\n\n\u201cWe must tackle the systemic challenges that impact Latino Representation in the Air Force. By studying the factors that contribute to low numbers of Hispanics in leadership ranks, we will pave a path toward a more diverse and inclusive military that can confront the unprecedented challenges facing our nation at home and abroad,\u201d said Chair Dr. Raul Ruiz.\n\n\u201cLatinos represent 17% of active-duty service members in the U.S. military, and as we recently recognized Veterans Day, we honor the service of those who have worn our nation\u2019s uniform with honor, patriotism, and bravery to defend Democracy here at home and around the world,\u201d said Rep. Adriano Espaillat, CHC Vice Chair of Diversity and Inclusion. \u201cThere are currently more than eight million Latino veterans, yet the numbers are dismal when considering the level of representation in leadership roles, particularly within the U.S. Air Force. We are calling for in-depth internal review to identify and dismantle barriers preventing Latino service members from rising to leadership positions. We owe it to the next generation of Latino service members to ensure they have a fair and equal opportunity to represent the nation at all levels of the U.S. military, including senior leadership roles within the Armed Forces.\u201d\n\n\u201cLatinos, like many minorities, face overwhelming systemic barriers on their way to leadership positions in the workforce,\u201d said CHC Whip Rep. Sylvia Garcia. \u201cAs a Member who sits on the House Armed Services Committee, I\u2019m deeply saddened Latinos are also underrepresented in senior ranks across the Air Force and Armed Forces. The U.S. Military must reflect our nation\u2019s increasing diversity \u2013 especially in key leadership positions. I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in urging Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall to conduct a study to identify existing barriers. This will help Congress develop and pass appropriate legislation to address underrepresentation in our nation\u2019s military.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a veteran of the Marine Corps, I know firsthand the value of diversity in our ranks and in the leadership of our military. Our Armed Forces bring together people from all backgrounds to make cohesive and effective units to guard our nation and its interests. But that cohesion is threatened if our ranks and hierarches do not reflect the nation that they defend,\u201d said Rep. Salud Carbajal. \u201cEliminating inequities of opportunity and representation in our Air Force and other branches will help ensure that every servicemember knows that their unit, their branch, and their country has their back when embarking on missions to protect our nation and its citizens.\u201d\n\n\"Hispanic servicemembers are invaluable to our armed forces,\u201d said Rep. Veronica Escobar. \u201cYet the fact that they only make up 2.6% of leadership in the U.S. Air Force is extremely disappointing. As we wait to review the data from the military\u2019s FY22 NDAA study on Hispanic servicemembers and how each branch promotes Hispanic officers, we must evaluate why our efforts to increase diversity have not demonstrated results so far. I'm proud to join my CHC colleagues in calling for recommendations and actionable steps to implement to address these disparities.\"\n\n\"America deserves an Air Force that reflects the rich diversity of the country it serves,\" said Rep. Ruben Gallego. \"The Department of Defense has made progress in the last several years, but there is still a lot of work to do. I'm proud to join my colleagues today to call for greater Hispanic representation in the senior officer ranks of the Air Force, and I am looking forward to hearing back from Secretary Kendall on his plan to address the barriers preventing Latino servicemembers from rising in the ranks.\u201d\n\n###\n\nThe Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), founded in December 1976, is organized as a Congressional Member organization, governed under the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives. The CHC is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-adriano-espaillat-honors-life-and-legacy-reverend-dr-calvin-o", "Representative Adriano Espaillat Honors the Life and Legacy of Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, Pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church", "2022-11-16", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", "espaillat", "https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Watch Espaillat Deliver Remarks on Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives today at 2:00PM (ET)\n\nWASHINGTON, DC -- Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) will speak on the floor of the United States House of Representatives to honor the life and impact of Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church of Harlem.\n\nWatch live on CSPAN.org. The following are remarks by Rep. Espaillat as prepared for delivery.\n\n\"Madame Speaker,\n\nToday I rise to honor the life and legacy of the indelible Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III.\n\nThe pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church for 50 years, Reverend Butts understood that his role as a leader went beyond the faith community.\n\nWitnessing the racial strife of the late 1960s, Reverend Butts became an ardent protector of the Harlem community, particularly the Black community, and often pushed for projects and policies that would increase access to necessities like housing and education.\n\nReverend Butts led projects that included raising and investing one billion dollars in housing and commercial development in Harlem through the Abyssinian Development Corporation and creating the Thurgood Marshall Academy for Learning and Social Change.\n\nReverend Butts preached a message of faith and education, and he motivated each of us through his teachings to be an active and exemplary member of Harlem, uplifting communities while giving back through service, engagement, and social reform.\n\nA dear friend and icon of Harlem, may he rest in peace and may his legacy be cherished and never forgotten.\n\nThank you and I yield back.\"\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/vel-zquez-introduces-bill-create-government-wide-task-force-fight-child", "Vel\u00e1zquez Introduces Bill to Create Government-Wide Task Force to Fight Child Poverty", "2022-11-16", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez", "V000081", "velazquez.house.gov", "velazquez", "https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Today, Rep. Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez (D-NY) introduced the Lifting American Children from Poverty Act of 2022, legislation to address the crisis that has left one in every seven children in the United States living in poverty. The bill recognizes the need for the full scale of the federal government to collaborate across agencies to find solutions to end child poverty and creates an interagency task force on child and family economic security.\n\n\"The reality that millions of children wake up each day without enough food to eat or a safe place to sleep is completely at odds with the promise and ideals of America,\" said Vel\u00e1zquez. \"During the pandemic, Democrats passed an extended Child Tax Credit which made some of the largest gains in recent history to fight child poverty, until it expired last year. In addition to bringing back the child tax credit, more must be done to ensure children can access opportunity and reach their full potential. This legislation creates an approach that matches the scope of the problem by calling on federal agencies to prioritize ending child poverty once-and-for-all.\"\n\n\"That any child lives in poverty in the richest country in the world is deeply shameful,\" said Jennifer Vallone, Associate Executive Director, University Settlement. \"Every day, our programs partner with families across Lower Manhattan and in Brooklyn who are raising children while navigating the pressures of poverty. In 2021, the Child Tax Credit reduced child poverty by half, demonstrating that the federal government can succeed when it does more to support families. University Settlement calls on Congress to pass the Lifting American Children from Poverty Act of 2022 - a first step toward doing better for our community's children and families.\"\n\nA copy of the bill is online here.\n\nThe bill's cosponsors include Representatives: Dwight Evans (D-PA), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Judy Chu (D-CA), Jes\u00fas \"Chuy\" Garc\u00eda (D-IL), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ). It has also been endorsed by Oxfam America.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3738", "1 Year After Signing of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Tonko Highlights Major Wins for NY-20", "2022-11-15", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014On the one year anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), Congressman Paul D. Tonko cheered the transformational investments the legislation has delivered to the Capital Region.\n\n\u201cOne year ago today, I stood alongside my colleagues at the White House as President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cThis meaningful legislation tackled some of our nation\u2019s most pressing infrastructure needs\u2014devoting significant funding to fix our roads and bridges, upgrade transit systems and pedestrian infrastructure, expand broadband access, build out electric vehicle charging stations, and finally remove lead pipes that poison our children. Today, that investment is making a positive difference in the daily lives of those I serve in the Capital Region and across the nation.\u201d\n\nTonko continued, \u201cI was also deeply moved to finally see our limo safety package signed into law as part of this monumental legislation. For years, I pushed for these national safety measures alongside the families of those lost in the devastating Schoharie limo crash. Thanks to the relentless dedication and courage of those families, our lifesaving package was made law.\u201d\n\nAlong with implementing lifesaving limo provisions, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has invested boldly in EV infrastructure and fostering a clean energy transition, ensuring clean drinking water for every child, delivering affordable, reliable internet to underserved communities, and so much more.\n\nBIL investments have already arrived in the Capital Region, including:\n\n$25.4 million to the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) to expand its fleet of electric buses and develop its charging infrastructure\n\n$69.6 million to New York from EPA\u2019s Clean School Bus Program, including $305,000 to purchase an electric school bus for Duanesburg Central School District\n\n$2,925,000 to the City of Mechanicville in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects and $616,492 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund grant to connect the city to the Saratoga County Water Authority system\n\n$5,568,2445 for Albany International Airport\n\n$427 million to repair and replace New York\u2019s water infrastructure\n\nNearly $409 million to repair New York bridges\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-adriano-espaillat-announces-congressional-applications-us-1", "REPRESENTATIVE ADRIANO ESPAILLAT ANNOUNCES CONGRESSIONAL APPLICATIONS TO U.S. MILITARY SERVICE ACADEMIES FOR DISTRICT STUDENTS", "2022-11-09", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", "espaillat", "https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "NEW YORK, NY \u2013 Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) announces congressional applications for district high school seniors to attend the U.S. Service Academies.\n\n\u201cI was proud to have nominated several students from my district last year who received appointments to attend our U.S. Service Academies and join their families, friends, and teachers on congratulating them on their leadership, achievement, and commitment to the service of our nation,\u201d said Rep. Espaillat. \u201cThey are the next generation of military leaders, and I am proud to have played a role in helping these young talented individuals attend our nation\u2019s prestigious service academies. I encourage all eligible high school seniors in my district to submit applications this new cycle to be considered for placement to attend any of the U.S. Service Academies to have an opportunity to serve in our nation's Armed Forces.\"\n\nMembers of Congress can nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.\n\nThe honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. To request a Military Academy Nomination, please complete the form at Espaillat.house.gov for consideration.\n\nThe deadline for 2022-2023 applications is Friday, November 18th.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases/garbarino-calls-president-biden-develop-emergency-plan-safeguard-us-economy", "Garbarino Calls on President Biden To Develop Emergency Plan To Safeguard U.S. Economy In The Event of Disaster Ahead of Deadline", "2022-11-04", "2022", "2022-11", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Andrew R. Garbarino", "G000597", "garbarino.house.gov", "garbarino", "https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 This week, Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security's Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Subcommittee, and Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-WI-08) sent a letter to President Joe Biden to express concern with the Administration's lack of progress in developing a Continuity of the Economy (COTE) plan, as is required by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 \u201cnot later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act\u201d which was January 1, 2021. This letter is a follow up to one sent by Rep. Garbarino in December of last year, which has thus far gone unanswered.\n\n\"As the January 2023 deadline looms, I once again urge President Biden to work with Congress to ensure that a COTE Plan can be successfully developed, implemented, and exercised,\" said Rep. Garbarino. \"With threats against the United States from our foreign adversaries on the rise, we cannot afford to be caught unprepared. The development of the COTE plan is a national security imperative, and it is therefore essential that the Administration address this matter with all urgency for the safety, security, and prosperity of the United States economy and American way of life. I thank Rep. Gallagher for lending his voice to mine as we seek to ensure the U.S. economy can withstand any disasters, natural or manmade, that threaten our prosperity.\"\n\n\"Congress has required the President to create a plan to restore the American economy in case of a cyberattack. While the deadline for this plan is quickly approaching, the President has yet to make any meaningful attempt to create, much less execute, it,\" said Rep. Gallagher. \"The President needs to take these cyber threats seriously and immediately work to get the American economy back on its feet in case of a crippling cyber attack.\"\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear Mr. President,\n\nWe write to reiterate our immense concern with your administration\u2019s lack of progress on the development of a Continuity of the Economy (COTE) plan. As the Great Power Competition with Russia and China continues to unfold on the world stage, the United States faces cyber threats across all sectors of our economy from adversarial nations who seek to sow discord within the Homeland and reduce our ability to flow forces and project power. Given this reality, it is unfathomable that since you received the requirement to develop a COTE plan in January 2021, there appears to be little to no progress on the implementation of this authority.\n\nThe concept of a COTE plan was authorized by Congress in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21 NDAA). Section 9603 of the FY21 NDAA requires the President to \u201cdevelop a plan to maintain and restore the economy of the United States in response to a significant event\u201d [such as] \u201can event that causes severe degradation to economic activity in the United States due to a cyberattack or another significant event that is natural or human caused.\u201d The law states the President must submit a plan in coordination with several cabinet officials \u201cnot later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act.\u201d\n\nSince the enactment of the FY21 NDAA, Congress has appropriated $200,000 more than the president\u2019s FY22 budget request for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to develop a COTE plan. We are also aware that in the spring of 2022, the White House officially tasked CISA with leading the development of the COTE plan, almost 15 months after the law was passed by Congress.\n\nAs we approach the deadline for the submission of the COTE plan on January 1, 2023, I am concerned that there appears to be limited action taken by CISA to develop or implement this plan. The execution of this law requires a whole-of-government effort led by the Commander-in-chief. It is unfortunate that by waiting more than a year to task CISA with completing the plan, you have ultimately set them up to fail to meet the deadline set by Congress.\n\nThe development of the COTE plan is a national security imperative for the safety, security, and prosperity of the United States economy and American way of life. The interdependent nature of many of our Nation\u2019s lifeline sectors creates an opportunity for threat actors to exploit vulnerabilities with the potential for cascading impacts across all sectors of our economy. As the Nation\u2019s risk advisor, CISA is uniquely positioned to analyze threats across all sectors and develop a plan of action in the event of a black sky day. While the private sector owns and operates the vast majority of our Nation\u2019s critical infrastructure, CISA plays a key role in maintaining strong partnerships with those owners and operators who will be crucial to implementing the COTE plan. The COTE plan should be developed expeditiously, implemented with industry, and exercised across sectors to ensure all stakeholders, both public and private, understand their unique role.\n\nWe understand effective execution of Section 9603 will require significant personnel and resources to fully analyze all aspects of risk across the U.S. economy. We also understand the legislation requires the creation of an updated plan every three years. We encourage your administration to work closely with us and our colleagues in Congress to help us understand the challenges to effectively completing the COTE plan.\n\nWe cannot afford to wait any longer to develop, implement, and exercise the COTE plan. We request a briefing from your administration on the progress you\u2019ve made on the plan since the enactment of the FY21 NDAA.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3735", "Tonko Heralds $412.5 Million for New York to Help Families with Heating Costs this Winter", "2022-11-03", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "ALBANY, NY\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko today announced the award of $412.5 million in funding from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for New York State. This funding will help low-income individuals and families in the Capital Region and across New York pay for home heating costs this winter as well as cover unpaid utility bills. These funds will also help families make cost-effective home energy retrofits to lower their heating and cooling bills in future years.\n\n\u201cAs we enter into the winter months, more Americans are facing the burden of rising home energy costs, a burden that will be felt most poignantly by low-income families,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cI pushed hard to include additional funding for LIHEAP, and I\u2019m thankful to have secured these critical federal dollars for individuals and families in our Capital Region and beyond. I will continue to do everything in my power to provide the relief New Yorkers need and ensure that every family can afford their home energy bills.\u201d\n\nToday\u2019s announcement includes an additional $1 billion appropriated nationwide by Congress to address rising energy costs. Individuals and families interested in applying for home energy assistance can visit energyhelp.us or call the National Energy Assistance Referral hotline toll-free at 1-866-674-6327.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/early-voting-update", "EARLY VOTING UPDATE", "2022-11-02", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", "espaillat", "https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Dear Friend,\n\nEarly voting in New York has started and runs through Sunday, November 6, 2022. Early voting centers will be open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM every single day during the early voting period.\n\nVisit here to find your early voting location.\n\nIf you have additional questions about how to vote early in New York City or the state, please visit the New York State Board of Elections early voting webpage.\n\nFor more information on how to cast your ballot in the upcoming election on Tuesday, November 8th, please visit the New York State Board of Elections website, which includes answers to many frequently asked questions.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-calls-on-nydec-to-give-queens-communities-fair-consideration", "Meng Calls On NYSDEC To Give Queens Communities Fair Consideration Regarding Rail Waste Services", "2022-11-02", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she spearheaded an effort to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) urging it to give full and fair consideration to communities in Queens that may have their quality of life impacted by Peconic Environmental Services' proposal for a new solid waste facility, a plan that would export waste through parts of Queens on trains.\n\nThe Congresswoman has been fighting to strengthen the rules governing the waste-by-rail industry since she was elected to Congress.\n\n\"Constituents must be a part of the decision-making process when proposals that may affect their lives are considered,\" said Congresswoman Meng. \"I encourage the NYSDEC to carefully review this application and consider the needs of the neighborhoods that may be impacted. My constituents' health and safety must be prioritized.\"\n\nPreviously, the Congresswoman introduced similar pieces of legislation that aim to protect communities from debris and waste from passing trains.\n\nA copy of the letter that Meng sent to the NYSDEC can be viewed here, and the text is below.\n\n---------------------------------------\n\nSusan Ackerman,\n\nRegional Permit Administrator\n\nNYDSEC Region One\n\nSUNY Stony Brook\n\n50 Circle Road\n\nStony Brook, New York 11790\n\nDear Ms. Ackerman,\n\nI write to express my concerns regarding Peconic Environmental Service's application to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) to operate a new solid waste facility in Medford, New York. The new facility would export roughly half a million tons of solid waste annually through parts of my Sixth Congressional District via rail. For years, pollution from inadequately containerized rail waste cars has threatened the quality of life and health of the communities it passes through. Without taking these concerns into account, this project threatens overburdened communities.\n\nSince joining Congress in 2012, I have been fighting to strengthen the rules governing the rail-by-waste industry that has been a detriment to communities in Queens. Rail cars carrying construction and demolition waste, the same waste the Medford facility would export, have leaked contaminants and spilled debris into residential neighborhoods in Queens. Aligning with the NYSDEC's mission statement to \"conserve, improve and protect New York's natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution,\" I ask that the concerns of these communities be given full and fair consideration when reviewing Peconic Environmental Service's application.\n\nI encourage all involved parties, including NYSDEC, elected officials, and members of the affected communities, to ensure the best outcome for New Yorkers' health, environment, and quality of life . I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your response.\n\nSincerely,\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3734", "Tonko, LaHood, Barrag\u00e1n & Upton Press for Increased Access, Health Equity for Alzheimer's Patients", "2022-11-02", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Nanette Diaz Barrag\u00e1n (D-CA), and Fred Upton (R-MI) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure calling for improved access to diagnostic tests able to detect Alzheimer\u2019s disease.\n\nDespite their ability to detect Alzheimer\u2019s years and even decades before the onset of symptoms, a diagnostic test, known commonly as PET beta amyloid imaging, is limited in coverage under Medicare to one scan per patient per lifetime. Further, patients must be enrolled in a clinical trial for the scan to be covered, creating bureaucratic barriers that most significantly impact communities of color, rural, and disadvantaged groups.\n\nThe members wrote: \u201cThere is robust literature demonstrating the importance of early and accurate diagnosis both to Alzheimer\u2019s patients and their caregivers. Consistent and credible evidence accumulated over the past decade demonstrates that PET beta amyloid imaging is a critical step forward in improving the lives of those impacted by this devastating illness. Continuing to force disadvantaged, rural, and minority communities to participate in clinical trials to access important diagnostic tools will only compound existing health disparities in Alzheimer\u2019s disease, continue to limit access for patients, and raise healthcare costs. Millions of Americans and their families are relying on you to improve the quality of their lives in the face of this devastating illness.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the Alzheimer\u2019s community, thank you to Representatives Tonko, LaHood, Barrag\u00e1n and Upton for your ongoing bipartisan commitment to the reconsideration process for the current national coverage determination (NCD) for Beta Amyloid Positron Emission Tomography in Dementia and Neurodegenerative Disease. This NCD has significant implications for individuals living with Alzheimer\u2019s. As we enter a time of great progress in Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia research and treatment, we look forward to working with CMS to ensure these individuals are not prohibited from accessing FDA-approved treatments because of outdated restrictions. We remain committed to working with you on this and other critical issues impacting people living with dementia and their families,\u201d said Robert Egge, Alzheimer\u2019s Association chief public policy officer and Alzheimer\u2019s Impact Movement (AIM) executive director.\n\nThere is significant evidence showing that access to PET beta amyloid imaging helps patients with Alzheimer\u2019s and their care givers develop effective care plans. One study involving more than 11,000 patients showed that 90 days after PET beta amyloid imaging, patient care plans changed in 60.2% of patients initially characterized as having mild cognitive impairment and 63.5% of patients initially characterized as having dementia.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be read below and HERE.\n\nThe Honorable Xavier Becerra\n\nSecretary\n\nU.S. Department of Health and Human Services\n\n200 Independence Avenue, S.W.\n\nWashington, D.C. 20201\n\nThe Honorable Chiquita Brooks-LaSure\n\nAdministrator\n\nCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services\n\n7500 Security Boulevard\n\nBaltimore, MD 21244\n\nDear Secretary Becerra and Administrator Brooks-LaSure,\n\nWe write to express our strong support of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)\u2019s reconsideration process for the national coverage determination (NCD) for Beta Amyloid Positron Emission Tomography in Dementia and Neurodegenerative Disease (hereafter referred to as \u201cPET beta amyloid imaging\u201d) issued on June 16, 2022. We urge you to not only swiftly reconsider the one scan per patient per lifetime restriction but to also reconsider the coverage with evidence development (CED) for PET beta amyloid imaging (NCD 220.6.20) all together. Further, we request that when CMS re-proposes or revises the NCD, it does not reinforce current barriers in accessing this critical diagnostic tool.\n\nCurrently, the coverage with evidence development (CED) framework for this NCD has significantly limited access to this diagnostic tool for Medicare beneficiaries for nearly a decade. There is robust literature demonstrating the importance of early and accurate diagnosis both to Alzheimer\u2019s patients and their caregivers. Consistent and credible evidence accumulated over the past decade demonstrates that PET beta amyloid imaging is a critical step forward in improving the lives of those impacted by this devastating illness.\n\nSince 2013, CMS has worked with a range of stakeholders to generate evidence to demonstrate that these tests should be covered by Medicare. The data generated by the CMS-approved CED trials, as well as outside of those trials, across the Medicare patient population, in clinical settings, and in non-clinical settings is overwhelming. For example, one study involving more than 11,000 patients showed that 90 days after PET beta amyloid imaging, patient care plans changed in 60.2% of patients initially characterized as having mild cognitive impairment and 63.5% of patients initially characterized as having dementia. Hence, imaging was associated with significant alterations in how a patient\u2019s disease was managed. That is in addition to the significant comfort to individuals who learn they do not have Alzheimer\u2019s as a result of diagnostic tools. In that same study, the diagnosis changed from Alzheimer disease to non\u2013 Alzheimer disease in 25.1% of patients.\n\nBy CMS\u2019 own definition, the intention of CED is to support evidence development for technologies that are \u201clikely to show benefit for the Medicare population, where the available evidence base does not provide a sufficiently persuasive basis for coverage outside the context of a clinical study.\u201d If over the past ten years, CMS has not found a way to generate the evidence necessary to determine that PET beta amyloid imaging should be covered, it calls into question the premise of CED. It also robs individuals with Alzheimer\u2019s, and their loved ones, of the hope for timely access to forthcoming disease-modifying treatments.\n\nRequiring patients to enroll in clinical trials to access PET beta amyloid imaging also contradicts CMS\u2019 stated goal of improving health equity, particularly for patients in rural and urban underserved areas. For example, as CMS is aware, Latino Americans are 1.5 times as likely and Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer\u2019s. Despite this, Black participants in Alzheimer\u2019s disease research studies were 35% less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer\u2019s and related dementias than white participants.\n\nAdditionally, patients in rural communities are more likely to face access challenges to academic medical centers, and other providers offering clinical trials. Continuing to force disadvantaged, rural, and minority communities to participate in clinical trials to access important diagnostic tools will only compound existing health disparities in Alzheimer\u2019s disease, continue to limit access for patients, and raise healthcare costs.\n\nFurthermore, the restriction to one PET scan per patient per lifetime will likely negatively impact participation in trials under CMS\u2019 NCD for monoclonal antibodies (mAB) directed against amyloid for the treatment of Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Due to this restriction, any additional PET scans during the trials will not be covered and those costs will likely fall on the beneficiaries. This unnecessarily raises barriers for low-income beneficiaries and will limit trial participation. It is critical that beneficiaries have access to PET scans so that shared decisions between physicians, patients, and caregivers about whether to initiate this treatment are fully informed. Beneficiaries should not be denied access to innovative therapies because of outdated restrictions on the number of PET scans covered.\n\nSince CMS\u2019 NCD regarding PET beta amyloid imaging was first issued in 2013, evidence demonstrating its clinical utility has grown substantially. Millions of Americans and their families are relying on you to improve the quality of their lives in the face of this devastating illness. With that in mind, and within all relevant rules and regulations, we urge you to swiftly reconsider the NCD for this important diagnostic tool.\n\nSincerely,\n\nPaul D. Tonko\n\nDarin LaHood\n\nNanette Diaz Barrag\u00e1n\n\nFred Upton\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/congresswoman-clarke-issues-statement-praising-president-bidens-blueprint-for-an-ai-bill-of-rights/", "CONGRESSWOMAN CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT PRAISING PRESIDENT BIDEN\u2019S BLUEPRINT FOR AN AI BILL OF RIGHTS", "2022-11-01", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nNovember 1, 2022\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: dan.kalmowitz@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 347.387.5123\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement in support of the Biden Administration\u2019s recently announced Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights:\n\n\u201cThe ever-increasing influence algorithms hold over American lives is no secret. From home mortgage applications to uses in law enforcement and beyond, AI systems have rapidly supplanted themselves into many of the most impactful moments of our lives. And, tragically, they have too often caused needless pain. Though the calculations these systems make can\u2019t be biased, their programmers and the data sets they\u2019re built upon unfortunately are. Time and time again, minority populations and People of Color have faced discriminatory and unjust practices in online spaces due to nothing but the built-in biases of machines and the inability of meaningful civil rights protections to keep pace with an exponentially growing technology. As a long-time leader of Congress\u2019s fight to deliver algorithmic justice and an author of the Algorithmic Accountability Act, I am beyond pleased to see our nation take its first firm stance on this issue through the Biden Administration\u2019s Blueprint for an AI Bill of RIghts,\u201d said Congresswoman Clarke.\n\n\u201cPeople do not lose their civil liberties when they go online. But too many have. By building upon the groundwork laid by my legislation, the Blueprint represents a significant federal step towards ensuring no American ever does again. More than just protecting our communities from the mindless and negligent use of algorithms, however, the five guiding principles of the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights will serve as a vital outline for all our future efforts to protect Americans online. I thank President Biden for prioritizing an issue of such serious concern, and I look forward to furthering this conversation at his side until our digital communities are safe from any inequity and discrimination.\u201d\n\n###\n\nYvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York\u2019s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is a Senior Member of both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Committee on Homeland Security, where she serves as Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-adriano-espaillat-highlights-government-jobs-and-civil-service", "Representative Adriano Espaillat Highlights Government Jobs and Civil Service Opportunities", "2022-11-01", "2022", "2022-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", "espaillat", "https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "NEW YORK, NY -- Today, in collaboration with the DCAS Office of Citywide Recruitment (OCR), Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) encourages constituents throughout New York's 13th congressional district to apply for NYC government jobs and civil service exams.\n\nNYC civil service exams for October 2022 are now open for filing. This month, we are highlighting exams for the following titles:\n\nElectrician\n\nElectrician (NYC H & H)\n\nElevator Mechanic\n\nEnvironmental Police Officer\n\nHeating Plant Technician (Housing Authority)\n\nLandscape Architect\n\nOccupational Therapist (DOE)\n\nPhysical Therapist (DOE)\n\nPlasterer\n\nProbation Officer\n\nTraffic Enforcement Agent\n\nTo view the full list of exams open for filing this month, as well as our yearly exam schedule, visit our exam schedules page.\n\nTo learn more about the exam process and our fee waivers, including for U.S. Armed Forces Veterans, visit our exam process page.\n\nAs of August 2, 2021, all newly hired City employees must be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, unless they have applied for and been granted a reasonable accommodation for religion or disability. If you are offered City employment, this requirement must be met by your date of hire, unless a reasonable accommodation for exemption is received and approved by your hiring agency.\n\nFor exam related customer service or to check the status of an exam or list you can:\n\n1. Call (212) 669-1357.\n\n2. Log into your account online in the Online Application System (OASys).\n\n3. E-mail DCAS at: LMACustomerService@dcas.nyc.gov.\n\n4. Find a testing center near you. DCAS has a testing center located in every borough. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, walk-ins are no longer accepted. Appointments must be scheduled online through OASys.\n\nJobs, Jobs, Jobs!", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:24:37Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-issues-statement-on-passing-of-reverend-dr-calvin-o-butts-iii/", "CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON PASSING OF REVEREND DR. CALVIN O. BUTTS III", "2022-10-31", "2022", "2022-10", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nOctober 31, 2022\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: clarke.comms@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 347.387.5123\n\nBrooklyn, NY \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released the following statement regarding the passing of the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church\u2019s longtime leader and Pastor, Dr. Calvin O. Butts III:\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the people of the 9th District of New York, the Clarke family and myself, I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the late Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, as well as to the entire congregation of Abyssinian Baptist Church, each member of which he cherished so deeply and for so long. A lifelong educator, social advocate, and devoted disciple of our Lord, Dr. Butts faithfully and selflessly served New York communities for decades as a foundational pillar of the Harlem we know today,\u201d said Congresswoman Clarke. \u201dAdvocate, Cultivate, Demonstrate, Educate, Mediate: these are only a handful of words that come to mind when I reflect upon his remarkable legacy \u2013 one that was not one easily attained. It demanded decades of love for the underserved and a great passion for the people who followed him to achieve. From sponsoring housing developments to elevate Harlem communities through his beloved church, to providing enriching opportunities to untold students throughout his Presidency of SUNY Old Westbury, to his willingness to work behind the scenes as a mediator when a calm, intelligent voice was needed in vital discussions, Dr. Butts never failed or feared to confront the powerful to deliver progress. And though his legacy is impossible to replicate, and though our city is a colder place today, I believe Dr. Butts provided each of us the blueprint to build upon the path he started. And we must, so that generations to come may know the profound teachings of the good Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts III. My thoughts today are with Dr. Butts\u2019s loved ones and all those who knew him best. And I pray he finds his endless peace, and may he know his eternal glory.\u201d\n\n###\n\nYvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York\u2019s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is a Senior Member of both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Committee on Homeland Security, where she serves as Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:20:33Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-adriano-espaillat-announces-congressional-applications-us-0", "Representative Adriano Espaillat Announces Congressional Applications to U.S. Military Service Academies for District Students", "2022-10-31", "2022", "2022-10", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", "espaillat", "https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "NEW YORK, NY \u2013 Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) announces congressional applications for district high school seniors to attend the U.S. Service Academies.\n\n\u201cI was proud to have nominated several students from my district last year who received appointments to attend our U.S. Service Academies and join their families, friends, and teachers on congratulating them on their leadership, achievement, and commitment to the service of our nation,\u201d said Rep. Espaillat. \u201cThey are the next generation of military leaders, and I am proud to have played a role in helping these young talented individuals attend our nation\u2019s prestigious service academies. I encourage all eligible high school seniors in my district to submit applications this new cycle to be considered for placement to attend any of the U.S. Service Academies to have an opportunity to serve in our nation's Armed Forces.\"\n\nMembers of Congress can nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.\n\nThe honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. To request a Military Academy Nomination, please complete the form at Espaillat.house.gov for consideration.\n\nThe deadline for 2022-2023 applications is Friday, November 18th.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:20:33Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-commemorates-233000-she-secured-for-ohel-children-s-home-and-family", "Meng Commemorates $233,000 She Secured for Ohel Children\u2019s Home and Family Services in Kew Gardens Hills", "2022-10-31", "2022", "2022-10", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "QUEENS, NY \u2013 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), New York's senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced today that she recently visited Ohel Children's Home and Family Services' residence for the developmentally disabled in Kew Gardens Hills, Queens to commemorate the $233,000 she secured for upgrading the site.\n\nThe building, which opened in 1978 and is located on Kissena Boulevard, is a residence for ten adult men with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The money will be used to overhaul its kitchen and bathroom facilities, and make them more accessible, particularly for older individuals and those with mobility issues including residents who use wheelchairs.\n\nOhel was founded in 1969 to provide foster care placement for Jewish families, and since then, it has grown into a full-service agency that meets the social and emotional needs of more than 23,000 individuals from all communities.\n\n\"The updates to our kitchen and bathroom facilities will go a long way toward improving the lives of our residents,\" said Ohel Chief Executive Officer David Mandel. \"We are deeply grateful to Congresswoman Meng for obtaining these needed funds, and look forward to continuing to work with her.\"\n\n\"As New York's senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I'm proud to have secured this important funding that will go toward upgrading key parts of Ohel's Kew Gardens Hills location,\" said Congresswoman Meng. \"It is critical for these rooms to meet the current needs of its residents, providing them with the necessities they require, and that includes modernizing and improving the mobility of the kitchen and bathroom facilities. These much-needed renovations will make it easier for those residing here \u2013 now and in the future \u2013 to use these areas, which in-turn will enhance their quality of life. I look forward to the project beginning soon.\"\n\nDuring her visit, Meng met with Ohel officials, the residents of the site, and several of their family members. The residents also presented Meng with an oversized thank you card they made to express their gratitude for the funding.\n\nThe Congresswoman secured the money in a recent federal spending bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:20:33Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-issues-statement-on-bridge-collapse-in-india", "Meng Issues Statement on Bridge Collapse in India", "2022-10-31", "2022", "2022-10", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "QUEENS, NY \u2013 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations and a member of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, today issued the following statement on the tragic bridge collapse in the western Indian State of Gujarat.\n\n\"I am devastated over the high number of deaths caused by this bridge collapsing, and I'm heartbroken to learn that many of those killed are children, women and the elderly. India is a dear friend and ally of the United States, and we stand with its people during this terrible time of tragedy and sorrow. I thank the first responders who have worked to save lives, and I'm keeping all who are impacted in my thoughts and prayers, especially those who have lost family members. My office stands ready to assist constituents who may have loved ones affected by this horrible tragedy.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:20:33Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3731", "Tonko Cheers $4 Million in Federal Funds for Hometown Health", "2022-10-31", "2022", "2022-10", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "SCHENECTADY, NY\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko celebrated alongside local leaders and Hometown Health Centers staff $4 million in federal funding for Hometown Health, allocated through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The funding, approved by the Schenectady County Legislature, will support the creation of a new dental clinic.\n\nTonko visited the site designated for this new facility in March this year to herald $750,000 he secured for Hometown Health through the Community Project Funding process. The new dental clinic is critical in maintaining Hometown Health\u2019s stellar service to the region, especially following last year\u2019s closing of Ellis Hospital\u2019s dental clinic, which has led Hometown Health to nearly double the number of Capital Region patients they serve.\n\n\u201cLast year, when families throughout our Capital Region were struggling to weather the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic, I took action alongside my colleagues to deliver for the American people,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cI\u2019m delighted to see these federal funds making a difference right here in our community, and to see how they will support Hometown Health\u2019s incredible work to deliver care and improve the lives of residents. I look forward to continuing to partner with our local advocates and leaders in my ongoing effort to deliver federal resources that build healthier communities and make our Capital Region a better place.\u201d\n\n\u201cHometown is so fortunate to have partners like Congressman Paul Tonko and our distinguished leaders in the county legislature,\u201d said Joe Gambino, CEO at Hometown Health Centers. \u201cChildren and families will benefit from this project for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe County Legislature is proud to partner with Hometown Health and Congressman Tonko to help fill the critical need for dental services in our community,\u201d said Anthony Jasenski, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. \u201cWe thank Hometown for stepping in to provide services to 9,000 additional patients when Ellis closed their dental program last year. This $4 million investment will allow Hometown to consolidate their 2 dental clinics into one modern facility where they can continue to provide these vital services to our community.\u201d\n\nPhotos of the Congressman\u2019s visit can be found HERE, HERE, and HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:20:33Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresista-adriano-espaillat-y-l%C3%ADderes-encabezan-serie-de-eventos", "Congresista Adriano Espaillat y l\u00edderes encabezan serie de eventos comunitarios de Halloween para las familias del distrito", "2022-10-28", "2022", "2022-10", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", "espaillat", "https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "NEW YORK, NY \u2013 A partir de hoy y hasta el lunes 31 de octubre, el congresista Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), en colaboraci\u00f3n con el asamble\u00edsta del estado de Nueva York Manny De Los Santos, los concejales de la ciudad de Nueva York Carmen De La Rosa, Oswald Feliz y Shaun Abreu y grupos comunitarios llevar\u00e1n a cabo una serie de festividades de Halloween para las familias en todo el distrito.\n\nTodos los eventos son p\u00fablicos y los residentes pueden confirmar su asistencia enviando un correo electr\u00f3nico a RSVP.Espaillat@mail.house.gov o llamando al 212-497-5959.\n\nLugar y Fecha\n\nFecha: Viernes, 28 de octubre\n\nHora: 2:00 PM- 5:00 PM\n\nEvento: Pumpkins on Post: Una Celebraci\u00f3n del Oto\u00f1o\n\nLugar: 210 de la ave. Sherman, New York, NY 10034\n\nFecha: S\u00e1bado, 29 de octubre, 2022\n\nHora: 12:00 PM \u2013 5:30 PM\n\nEvento: \u201cBoo\u201d-riffic Halloween!\n\nLugar: Centro de Visitantes del Parque Poe, 2640 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10458\n\nFecha: Domingo, 30 de octubre, 2022\n\nHora: 10:00am \u2013 3:00pm\n\nEvento: Celebraci\u00f3n de Halloween con Juegos en el Alto Manhattan\n\nLugar: The Armory, 216 Fort Washington Ave., New York, NY 100328\n\nHora: 2:00pm - 6:00pm\n\nEvento: Concierto de Halloween y Fiesta Comunitaria\n\nLugar: Calle Abierta en Amsterdam, entre las calles 106 -110, New York, NY 10034\n\nFecha: Lunes, 31 de octubre, 2022\n\nHora: 3:00pm - 6:00pm\n\nEvento: Halloween Spooktacular\n\nLugar: Quisqueya Plaza, 238-224 de la calle Dyckman, New York, NY 10034", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:20:33Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-adriano-espaillat-leaders-host-series-halloween-community", "Representative Adriano Espaillat, Leaders Host Series of Halloween Community Events for District Families", "2022-10-28", "2022", "2022-10", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", "espaillat", "https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "NEW YORK, NY \u2013 Starting today through Monday, October 31, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), in collaboration with New York State Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos, New York City Councilmembers Carmen De La Rosa, Oswald Feliz, Shaun Abreu, and community groups will hold a series of Halloween festivities for families across the district.\n\nAll events are public and residents are required to RSVP prior to attendance by emailing RSVP.Espaillat@mail.house.gov or calling 212-497-5959.\n\nLocations and Times\n\nDate: Friday, October 28th\n\nTime: 2:00 PM- 5:00 PM\n\nEvent: Pumpkins on Post: A Celebration of Autumn\n\nLocation: 210 Sherman Ave., New York, NY 10034\n\nDate: Saturday, October 29, 2022\n\nTime: 12:00 PM \u2013 5:30 PM\n\nEvent: \u201cBoo\u201d-riffic Halloween!\n\nLocation: Poe Park Visitor Center, 2640 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10458\n\nDate: Sunday, October 30, 2022\n\nTime: 10:00am \u2013 3:00pm\n\nEvent: Uptown Games Halloween Celebration\n\nLocation: The Armory, 216 Fort Washington Ave., New York, NY 100328\n\nTime: 2:00pm - 6:00pm\n\nEvent: Halloween Concert and Block Party\n\nLocation: Amsterdam Open Street, 106th -110th St., New York, NY 10034", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:20:33Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-representative-adriano-espaillat-passing-reverend-dr-calvin-o-butts", "Statement from Representative Adriano Espaillat on the Passing of Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, Pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church", "2022-10-28", "2022", "2022-10", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", "espaillat", "https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "NEW YORK, NY -- Earlier today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement on news of the passing of Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church of Harlem.\n\n\"Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, was a beloved mentor, friend and pillar of our community, and the news of his passing is truly heartbreaking,\" said Rep. Espaillat.\n\n\"I extend my deepest condolences to the entire Butts family, the Abyssinian Baptist Church congregation, and everyone whose lives Rev. Butts touched through the ministry and in faith.\n\n\"May God comfort all who knew and loved him during this time of bereavement, and may his legacy continue to inspire each of us through our actions and deeds throughout our community. Rest in peace, dear friend.\"\n\nReverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, served as pastor of the globally renowned Abyssinian Baptist Church in the City of New York for 50 years and his belief in community revitalization led to investing in housing and commercial development in Harlem. His vision inspired the establishment of the Thurgood Marshall Academy for Learning and Social Change public intermediate and high school in Harlem, as well as the Thurgood Marshall Academy Lower School.\n\nReverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, served with honor and distinction as pastor of the oldest African American Baptist church in New York State.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:20:33Z"], ["https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-tannousis-call-city-crack-down-illegally-operating-marijuana", "Malliotakis, Tannousis Call on City to Crack Down on Illegally Operating Marijuana Dispensaries", "2022-10-28", "2022", "2022-10", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Nicole Malliotakis", "M000317", "malliotakis.house.gov", "malliotakis", "https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(BROOKLYN, NY) - Today Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) and State Assemblyman Mike Tannousis called on New York City to crack down on illegally operating unlicensed marijuana dispensaries popping up next to residential homes, schools, and community centers in the Bay Ridge neighborhood.\n\n\"Unlicensed pot shops are beginning to show up next to our homes, schools, churches and community centers and it's critically important for the city and the NYPD to enforce the law and shut these illegal operations down,\" Congresswoman Malliotakis said. \"With crime skyrocketing and drugs pouring across our porous southern border and into communities across America, the last thing we need is illegal dispensaries popping up on our street corners - especially when the products they are selling are not being regulated. The failure of our city to crack down on these illegal operations is putting the public's health and quality of life at risk and they must be shut down immediately.\"\n\nIn March 2021, the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) was signed into law, however, New York has not administered any licenses, meaning all of the recreational marijuana dispensaries currently operating in the state are doing so illegally. Many shops are engaging in \"gifting-schemes,\" and in some cases, shop workers are unsure of the drugs they are selling.\n\n\"When this bill was introduced in the State Assembly, the Republican Conference - including myself - was adamantly against this bill,\" Assemblyman Michael Tannousis said. \"We're stuck in a situation where the message is sent to the general public that you're allowed to smoke weed and you're allowed to sell it. Now we have a store a few feet away from a school that has put up Halloween decorations. They're next to a pizzeria where kids after school go and grab something to eat. Marijuana is now easily accessible to the general public illegally as well as to our children. What type of message are we sending to our kids?\"\n\n\"Marijuana is an entrance drug - an entrance to something much more dangerous to our kids,\" said former Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny. \"This entrance drug, and the smell of it on every corner of our city, is a sign of degradation of the Democratic Party. Pay very serious attention to this process of legalization of marijuana because it's very dangerous for our kids. All the state cares about when it legalizes marijuana is more money for the state. Why? Because they want to spend more. We cannot allow this to happen anymore.\"\n\n\"I'm standing here as an angry parent, as a constituent, a born and raised Brooklynite, New Yorker, and American,\" said Brooklyn resident Ted Ghorra. \"When I walked down the street with my kids and their friends after school, right around the corner I'm looking at a store called New York City Stoners. When you see a store that's decorated for Halloween and has very colorful packages in the window, it is not okay - legal or illegal. They pass all kinds of laws that have consequences and are harmful to us as citizens, for the sake of money or some ideology that just doesn't work.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:20:33Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/op-ed-cybersecurity-awareness-month-highlights-the-importance-of-improving-us-cybersecurity/", "Op-Ed: Cybersecurity Awareness Month highlights the importance of improving US cybersecurity", "2022-10-27", "2022", "2022-10", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "A series of high-profile cyber incidents at the beginning of 2021 catapulted the 117th Congress into action. Across chambers and party lines, and with steadfast leadership from the Biden-Harris administration, we came together to enact enormously consequential cybersecurity policy. This Congress also ushered in a new era of collaboration with the private sector, which has come to the table to work with the federal government to develop sound policies to advance improved cybersecurity and resilience. In the remaining days of this Congress, and as we look ahead to the next one, we must chart a new course forward that builds on our successes.\n\nThe SolarWinds attack revealed significant blind spots in the government\u2019s understanding of malicious cyber activity on domestic networks. In response, I introduced the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2021 (CIRCIA). The successful bipartisan, bicameral push to get this mandatory cyber incident reporting legislation enacted into law this Congress would not have been possible without unprecedented cooperation from the private sector. Thanks to our efforts, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) will soon receive cyber incident information that will enable the government and its partners to detect and disrupt malicious cyber campaigns earlier, and invest more strategically in cyber defenses. I am encouraged that the rulemaking process is underway with robust stakeholder input, and am hopeful that with the right resources, CISA will issue a final rule well ahead of schedule. As the process progresses, I have two priorities. First, I am committed to doing everything in my power to ensure CISA is positioned to operationalize and enhance the value of information collected from incident reports for the stakeholder community. Second, I will continue working to make federal cyber incident reporting requirements as streamlined as possible to ensure CIRCIA is a low-cost, high-value program for the private sector. If implemented quickly and effectively, CIRCIA will be a game changer for security.\n\nThe Colonial Pipeline Ransomware attack served as a call to action across the government to accelerate efforts to secure operational technology (OT), particularly industrial control systems. Although the ransomware targeted Colonial\u2019s information technology (IT) networks, the company shut down 5,500 miles of pipeline along the East Coast. The incident and subsequent remedial measures exposed long-standing visibility gaps on OT networks and the need for segmentation between OT and IT networks, among other things. For my part, I worked with my partners across the aisle to authorize CISA\u2019s CyberSentry program, whereby OT asset owners voluntarily deploy sensors on their networks to detect malicious activity and raise CISA\u2019s visibility around threats. Activity detected through these tools can inform the security decisions of asset owners and improve the timeliness and quality of CISA alerts and advisories. Moving forward, I will work with CISA to grow its capacity to help improve the security of federal and private sector OT assets, incentivize adoption of CISA Cross Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals, and continue to build the OT security workforce.\n\nA surge of ransomware attacks against state and local governments, small businesses, and hospitals revealed the high cost of underinvesting in cybersecurity. For too long, many high-value targets were on their own to develop and invest in cybersecurity plans, and too many lost productivity and money after falling victim to relatively unsophisticated attacks. To help defend state and local networks and build resilience, I introduced a bipartisan bill to make a $1 billion federal investment in cybersecurity for state and local networks \u2014 the State and Local Government Cybersecurity Improvement Act. I was pleased that the bipartisan infrastructure package included language to provide such critical funding and that grants will soon be available to state and local governments. Though this investment is significant, we must recognize that it is merely a down payment on what will be required to secure state and local networks. I will continue to fight for funding in the future and work with my colleagues in Congress and across the administration to identify new ways to improve the cybersecurity posture of other under-resourced sectors.\n\nDespite the progress we have made, much work remains. For example, various efforts to address vulnerabilities in open source software and software supply chains have stalled this Congress, and will need to be reevaluated in the next Congress. The Cyber Safety Review Board has the potential to harness important lessons learned from cyber incidents; we will need to decide whether to formally authorize it and what authorities it should have. I am excited by the possibilities that emerging technologies, such as quantum computing, offer, but we must consider the security implications of these advancements. Already, CISA is working to prepare critical infrastructure owners to transition to post-quantum cryptography. I am eager to help CISA advance those efforts. As the election approaches, it is clear the threats to our democracy have not gone away \u2014 they have intensified. For the sake of our democracy, we will have to come together to help the public identify mis and dis-information, put an end to threats to election officials and voter intimidation, and continue to secure election infrastructure. I have been proud of my role in helping CISA\u2019s budget and authorities grow over the past two years and am committed to its success. Toward that end, I will continue to support efforts to strengthen CISA\u2019s mission-enabling capabilities.\n\nFor as long as I have served in this chamber, cybersecurity has benefited from its status as a largely bipartisan issue. This Congress, under the leadership of Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) and Ranking Member John Katko (R-N.Y.), cybersecurity has been one of the Committee on Homeland Security\u2019s top priorities. Given its criticality to our economy and national security, I am confident that it will remain that way moving forward.\n\nYvette Clarke is Chair of the Homeland Security Committee Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:34:28Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/espaillat-kaine-emphasize-economic-democratic-partnerships-during", "ESPAILLAT, KAINE EMPHASIZE ECONOMIC, DEMOCRATIC PARTNERSHIPS DURING CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO COSTA RICA, PANAMA, AND DOMINICAN REPUBLIC", "2022-10-27", "2022", "2022-10", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", "espaillat", "https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13) \u2013 the first Dominican American elected to Congress, a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, and Vice Chair of Diversity and Inclusion for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), and U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) \u2014 a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issues\u2014concluded a week of travel through Costa Rica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, which are all founding members of the Alliance for Development in Democracy (ADD). Throughout their visits, the lawmakers expressed their support and appreciation for the countries\u2019 formation of the ADD last year, which is focused on strengthening democracy and promoting economic growth between their nations. They discussed the United States\u2019 strong partnerships with the countries and the most effective ways to bolster economic development and combat democratic backsliding throughout the region. They are also stopping in Miami, Florida today to visit with U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) service members from Virginia and New York to thank them for their service and sacrifices for the nation.\n\n\u201cI was honored to join U.S. Senator Tim Kaine during our visit to Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and Panama\u2014three countries that initiated the Alliance for Development in Democracy. During our trip, we assessed the implementation of U.S. policies advancing international security, protections for asylum seekers, and economic opportunity,\u201d said Espaillat. \u201cI remain encouraged through our discussions with each of the dignitaries we met and am looking forward to working with Senator Kaine and other members of Congress to ensure that the United States maintain support for a resilient and equitable Western Hemisphere.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur relationships in the Western Hemisphere have a significant impact on Virginians and Americans across the country. In order to advance our economic growth, address the causes and impact of migration, and stand up for democratic ideals, we\u2019ve got to link arms with our partners throughout the region,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cThat\u2019s why Congressman Espaillat and I visited Costa Rica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic to reinforce the importance of these relationships and learn from our counterparts there about efforts underway to cultivate stronger economic ties with the U.S. and to continue building on regional approaches to our shared challenges. Shining a spotlight on what\u2019s working is critical to charting a course toward more economic and democratic prosperity in the Western Hemisphere. As a bloc, ADD countries represent one of our largest trading partners in the region. As such, I\u2019m eager to take what I learned back with me to Washington and explore ways to help both the U.S. and the ADD alliance succeed in our shared economic goals.\u201d\n\nIn Costa Rica, the lawmakers met with U.S. Ambassador Cynthia A. Telles to discuss the longstanding partnership between Costa Rica and the United States, and discuss how that relationship can be leveraged to address transnational crime, drug-trafficking, and migration issues. The lawmakers also met with NGO leaders to discuss causes of migration and the migration situation for Nicaraguans in Costa Rica. The lawmakers also met with President Chaves and National Assembly President Rodrigo Arias to discuss our strong bilateral relationship, which benefits Americans and Costa Ricans alike. Then, the lawmakers visited Intel\u2019s only assembly and test operations plant in Latin America\u2014a critical hub that is helping the United States strengthen the resilience of its supply chains.\n\nThey then went to Panama City, Panama where they met with Minister of Security Juan Pino and his team to discuss Panama\u2019s response to the Venezuelan migrant crisis. They participated in a flyover tour of the Panama Canal. During the visit, they also discussed China\u2019s efforts to exert influence in the region, as well as Panama\u2019s economic development and the impacts of climate change on the region. They participated in a discussion on economic issues with the Panama American Chamber of Commerce, and a roundtable with UN-affiliated field workers and program implementers supporting migrant communities in Panama. The lawmakers concluded their travels in Panama with a bilateral meeting with President Laurento Cortizo Cohen to discuss joint efforts to address bilateral and regional issues.\n\nLastly, the lawmakers traveled to the Dominican Republic, where they met with President Luis Abinader to voice their appreciation for the strong bilateral relationship between the Dominican Republic and the United States. They also participated in briefings with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to discuss economic development and with the Ministry of Defense regarding migration and regional security initiatives. Then Kaine and Espaillat met with various Dominican lawmakers to discuss anti-corruption efforts in the country.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:34:28Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/federal-student-loan-forgiveness-update", "FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS UPDATE", "2022-10-27", "2022", "2022-10", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", "espaillat", "https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Dear Constituent,\n\nThe Biden Administration\u2019s visionary action of student debt relief is a vital step forward in our fight to ensure that individuals across America can get a quality education without taking on crushing amounts of debt. More than 2 million borrowers across New York are now eligible for life-changing help. This historic relief will give working individuals more flexibility whether they\u2019re getting ready to start a family or make a down payment on a house. Democrats will continue working to strengthen education at every level, from investing in our public schools to providing high-quality job training and affordable community college.\n\nThe Biden Administration is providing up to $10,000 in federal student debt relief and up to $20,000 in relief if you received a Pell Grant. The debt relief applies only to loan balances taken before June 30, 2022. Any new loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2022, are not eligible for this debt relief. You have until December 31, 2022, to apply. This one-time student loan debt relief provided by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) will not be taxed at the federal level. It is important to note that despite recent legal challenges, individuals are still able and encouraged to complete the application.\n\nUse this link to apply now! It\u2019s quick and easy.\n\nFind Out Whether You Are Eligible\n\nYou may be eligible if:\n\n- Did not file taxes and made less than the required income to file federal taxes\n\n- Single and made under $125,000 per year\n\n- Married, filed your taxes separately and made less than $125,000 per year\n\n- Married, filed your taxes jointly and made less than $250,000 per year\n\n- Head of household and made less than $250,000 per year\n\n- Qualified widow or widower and made less than $250,000 per year\n\nRecently enrolled Undergraduate Students that were enrolled as an undergraduate student between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, born after January 1, 1998 and are not married are eligible for the same amount of debt relief as everyone else, however, your eligibility is based on one or both of your parents\u2019 income, not your own.\n\nPrivate non-federal loans are not eligible for debt relief. See what loans are eligible:\n\n- William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program loans\n\n- Federal Family Education Loan (FEEL) Program loans held by ED or in default at a guaranty agency\n\n- Federal Perkins Loan Program held by ED\n\n- Defaulted loans (including ED held or commercially serviced Subsidized Stafford, Unsubsidized Stafford, parent PLUS, graduate PLUS; and Perkins loans held by Education Department.\n\n- Consolidation loans as long as all the loans were taken out before June 30, 2022.\n\n- Consolidation loans of FEEL or Perkins loans not held by ED are eligible if the borrower applied for consolidation before September 29, 2022.\n\nMy Fight Continues to Give Constituents the Relief You Deserve\n\nThe fight for student debt relief and to lower costs for Americans is not over. I encourage you to continue to use the student debt application as this tool is still available. It takes less than 5 minutes; you don\u2019t need to log in with an ID or to upload any documents.\n\nIt\u2019s available on mobile and desktop, in English and Spanish.\n\nStay tuned to other important updates about the Federal Student Loan Debt Forgiveness and event I will be hosting soon!\n\nWe are in this fight together!\n\nRep. Adriano Espaillat\n\nMember of Congress\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:34:28Z"], ["https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-highlights-federal-solutions-address-rising-food-costs", "Malliotakis Highlights Federal Solutions to Address Rising Food Costs", "2022-10-27", "2022", "2022-10", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Nicole Malliotakis", "M000317", "malliotakis.house.gov", "malliotakis", "https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(STATEN ISLAND, NY) - Today Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) joined David Shehadeh, owner of Olive Tree Marketplace on Staten Island, and concerned consumers to show how skyrocketing inflation and rising energy costs are impacting New York City food markets and consumers, explain how the backward policies of the Biden Administration got us here and lay out Republican solutions to restore our energy independence and provide relief for American families.\n\n\"As a result of the lack of domestic energy production we're seeing from the Biden Administration, we're seeing the impact of inflation soar on goods and food being transported,\" Congresswoman Malliotakis said. \"Energy impacts every aspect of our life and we take it for granted. Manufacturers who are producing these goods require energy. The transportation of the goods requires energy and our stores do as well. When we see this type of rise in energy cost due to policies put in place by the Biden Administration, the cost is ultimately passed down to the consumer. Stores don't want to raise prices on their consumers, and many are eating the rising costs themselves to hold the line. We're going to end up losing mom-and-pop shops if this continues - there's only so much cost they can eat before passing it on to the consumer.\"\n\nFood costs have jumped 13% compared to the previous year, with goods such as flour, cookies, turkey, and canned fruits and vegetables all hitting record highs. In New York, the inflation rate is 11.7%, costing families an additional $713 per month and $8,560 annually. Food prices in New York City have also increased 9.1% from August 2021 to August 2022, with the number of children visiting food pantries 55% higher than before the pandemic.\n\n\"The rates for deliveries have increased and now there's now a surcharge for gas which is making my profit margin very low to the point where it's hard to do business,\" said David Shehadeh, Owner of Olive Tree Marketplace. \"It's hard to get inventory in the store and to keep the prices low. Right now, a head of lettuce is $5.00 and eggs are through the roof. We're getting charged multiple fees just to get products through the door and on our shelves. It's like double jeopardy and it's very difficult to operate a business like this.\"\n\n\"The world revolves around petroleum, and Biden came in on day one and said 'I'm going to shut down the energy industry,' and in 19 months he has,\" said Kathy Romanelli, President of the Mariners Harbor Civic Association. \"Now we're seeing how it's affecting the families in our community that go out to shop. When they see $7.99 for 18 eggs or milk at $5.00 per gallon, it's horrendous. All of this can be stopped by our President who just refuses to address it. People have to keep going to food pantries to support their families and it's really horrendous.\"\n\n\"This petroleum-based economy works from the bottom up,\" said Mark Romanelli, a local gardener and concerned consumer. \"The fertilizer that you buy at Lowe's or Home Depot to plant your tomatoes is way up in price. It's because everything from the rubber in the soles of your shoes to the zipper on your sweatshirt is petroleum-based. The petroleum industry is one of the best things god gave America and Biden has made it the enemy of the people.\"\n\nIn the first days of his presidency, the Biden Administration halted new leases, stopped pipeline construction, and discouraged the production of American energy resources. In his first 19 months of office, Biden's Administration had only leased out 126,228 acres for drilling, while both Presidents Trump and Obama had approved ten times as many leases by the same point. No other president since Nixon has leased out fewer than 4.4 million acres at this stage in their terms.\n\nHouse Republicans have introduced several pieces of legislation as part of their Commitment to America to address this issue, ramp up energy production, and lower food costs for American families including the Transparency and Productions of American Energy Act and the Reducing Farm Input Costs and Barriers to Domestic Production Act to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and regulatory barriers to domestic agriculture production, empower the energy sector to innovate and expand access to federal lands and waters for responsible energy development.\n\nMalliotakis added: \"Instead of ramping up domestic production, we're seeing the Biden Administration raid our strategic petroleum reserves to the point where we're at a four-decade low. The reserves are meant for emergencies and natural disasters, not to manufacture low prices. This all could be avoided by ramping up all forms of domestic energy production, lifting bans on permitting, making sure we invest in pipeline infrastructure and incentivizing energy companies to expand their operations.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:34:28Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/press-release-meng-hails-justice-department-s-distribution-of-nearly-140", "Meng Hails Justice Department\u2019s Distribution Of Nearly $140 Million She Helped Secure For Law Enforcement; NYC To Receive Over $8 Million", "2022-10-27", "2022", "2022-10", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), New York's senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, applauded the Department of Justice's announcement of nearly $140 million for law enforcement hirings to help advance community policing. The grant, which the Congresswoman helped secure, will provide funding for police departments across the nation, and will provide the New York City Police Department (NYPD) with over $8 million.\n\n\"As New York's senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am responsible for helping fund and helping conduct oversight of federal agencies that assist with policing cities across the nation,\" said Congresswoman Meng. \"These include agencies like the Department of Justice, helping to provide the resources our communities need to keep people safe. That is why I'm pleased about the Justice Department's announcement of a $140 million grant for police departments including $8 million specifically to the NYPD. Protecting Queens residents and all New Yorkers has to be a top priority. I thank the Department of Justice for helping provide the resources to help address crime, and look forward to continuing to help funnel federal dollars to our borough and city.\"\n\nIn addition, Meng helped secure the following funding earlier this year in the fiscal year 2023 Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bill:\n\n$716.9 million for Byrne Justice Assistance grants which would be the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to states and local government.\n\n$543.9 million for COPS program grants, helping provide community policing policies and experts.\n\n$175 million for STOP school Violence Act grants which seek to help institute safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools, and supports school violence prevention efforts.\n\n$150 million for community-based violence intervention and prevention initiatives.\n\n$110 million to strengthen the National Instant Criminal Background Check system.\n\nPromoting justice and racial equality by providing $25 million for a new public defender improvement program and $125 million in grants for the Second Chance Act.\n\nThe Congresswoman also helped secure an additional $300 million in a bipartisan effort to help further bolster the National Night Out program across the country which includes many events in Queens each year. National Night Out aims to build and strengthen relationships with community members and police departments, with the goal of increasing crime and drug prevention awareness. Additionally, last year the Congresswoman voted for the House-passed George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which aims to address police brutality and racial injustice by banning all chokeholds, banning no-knock warrants in drug cases, and strengthening data collection efforts on body cameras and dashboard cameras.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T03:20:33Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/espaillat-garc%C3%ADa-lead-congressional-letter-urging-administration-extend", "Espaillat, Garc\u00eda Lead Congressional Letter Urging Administration to Extend Humanitarian Parole to Venezuelan Asylum Seekers", "2022-10-26", "2022", "2022-10", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", "espaillat", "https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC --This week, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Representative Jes\u00fas G. \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (IL-04) led congressional colleagues in a letter urging the Biden administration to implement an executive order to extend humanitarian parole to Venezuelan asylum seekers and redesignate Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).\n\n\u201cFamilies from Venezuela are fleeing violence, insecurity, malnutrition, as well as the lack of medicine and essential services, and the United Nations has called the situation in Venezuela one of the largest external displacement crises in the world,\u201d said Congressman Espaillat. \u201cWe are urging DHS to redesignate Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and review on a case-by-case basis the requests of vulnerable individuals and families seeking asylum here in America. We cannot turn our backs on the humanitarian crisis at our border, when these individuals need our help the most now.\u201d\n\n\u201cVenezuelans fleeing oppressive conditions caused by the economic and political collapse in their country, need and deserve immediate relief. Many lack access to basic human needs like food, medicine, and shelter. Children are suffering from hunger, malnutrition, and trauma,\u201d said Congressman Garc\u00eda. \u201cWe cannot fail them. That\u2019s why we are calling on the Biden Administration to swiftly extend humanitarian parole and redesignate Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status to allow these migrants to stay in the United States.\u201d\n\nOn September 8, 2022, a Notice issued on the Federal Register extended the designation of Venezuela for TPS but did not redesignate Venezuela for TPS. By not redesignating, Venezuelans who entered the United States after March 8, 2021, and meet the TPS eligibility criteria remain ineligible. As a result, relief is denied for thousands of migrants currently residing in the United States that have recently fled unsafe conditions in Venezuela.\n\nThe ongoing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela warrants a favorable exercise of discretion for parole as well as the redesignation of Venezuela for TPS.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:34:28Z"], ["https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-announces-48-million-staten-island-dredging-project", "Malliotakis Announces $48 Million for Staten Island Dredging Project", "2022-10-26", "2022", "2022-10", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Nicole Malliotakis", "M000317", "malliotakis.house.gov", "malliotakis", "https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(STATEN ISLAND, NY) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) today announced that the Empire State Development Corporation will be awarded a $48,008,231 federal grant to fund a dredging project in Staten Island's Arthur Kill Terminal to make way for an offshore wind staging and assembly facility. The funds were secured through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, both of which Malliotakis voted for.\n\nMalliotakis has previously written letters of support requesting that federal dollars be used for Arthur Kill Terminal and introduced the OWNER Act, legislation that would establish an offshore wind revenue-sharing model between the federal government and states adjacent to offshore wind farms.\n\n\"Arthur Kill Terminal is the only offshore wind port in our state capable of supporting an operation of this scale, and I'm proud to have played a role in pushing for and securing federal dollars for this project,\" Malliotakis said. \"As someone who supports clean energy and our abundant traditional resources, it's critically important that we ramp up all types of domestic energy production to protect our nation's national security and provide affordable energy to American families. Not only will this project pave the way for wind farms that will generate power for almost two million homes in New York and New Jersey, but it will also create hundreds of good-paying union jobs, and inject an estimated $410 million into our local economy during construction, and upon completion will create thousands more jobs and generate $750 million for our economy.\"\n\nThis grant is being awarded under the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) which provides funding for projects that improve the safety, efficiency, or reliability of the movement of goods into, out of, around, or within a port. Specifically, these funds will be used to dredge approximately 740,000 cubic yards to create a thirty-five-foot-deep ship basin to support further development of an offshore wind staging and assembly facility. The staging and assembly facility will contain 32 acres of upland area, a 1,365-foot-long wharf with an adjacent laydown area that has enhanced load-bearing capacity, and two \u201cprogram\u201d areas (a tenant area consisting of a 15,266-square-foot combined warehouse and office building and a project owner\u2019s area consisting of a 4,200-square-foot office building).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:34:28Z"], ["https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-statement-student-shot-outside-tottenville-high-school", "Malliotakis Statement on Student Shot Outside Tottenville High School", "2022-10-25", "2022", "2022-10", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Nicole Malliotakis", "M000317", "malliotakis.house.gov", "malliotakis", "https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(STATEN ISLAND, NY) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) released the following statement regarding the shooting of a student outside Tottenville High School on Staten Island this afternoon.\n\n\"My office is in touch with the NYPD regarding the student shot outside of Tottenville High School on Staten Island this afternoon. It appears to have been an isolated incident and thankfully the student involved is in stable condition. We will comment further once we have more information, however, one thing is for sure: all types of crime have gotten out of control and it\u2019s not just \u201cperception.\u201d Whether it\u2019s people being stabbed, robbed, shoved in front of a train, or shot, our city has turned into the \u2018Wild Wild West\u2019 with one out of every 88 New Yorkers becoming a victim of a major felony crime.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:34:28Z"], ["https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-statement-student-shot-outside-tottenville-high-school-0", "Malliotakis Statement on Student Shot Outside Tottenville High School", "2022-10-25", "2022", "2022-10", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Nicole Malliotakis", "M000317", "malliotakis.house.gov", "malliotakis", "https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(STATEN ISLAND, NY) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) released the following statement regarding the shooting of a student outside Tottenville High School on Staten Island this afternoon.\n\n\"My office is in touch with the NYPD regarding the student shot outside of Tottenville High School on Staten Island this afternoon. It appears to have been an isolated incident and thankfully the student involved is in stable condition. We will comment further once we have more information, however, one thing is for sure: all types of crime have gotten out of control and it\u2019s not just \u201cperception.\u201d Whether it\u2019s people being stabbed, robbed, shoved in front of a train, or shot, our city has turned into the \u2018Wild Wild West\u2019 with one out of every 88 New Yorkers becoming a victim of a major felony crime.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:34:28Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-and-transportation-secretary-pete-buttigieg-partner-for-roundtable", "Meng and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg Partner for Roundtable to Address Crime on NYC\u2019s Public Transit System", "2022-10-25", "2022", "2022-10", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "QUEENS, NY \u2013 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she partnered with United States Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in holding a roundtable conversation in New York City about combating crime on New York's public transit system. Also taking part in the discussion was Federal Transit Administrator Nuria Fernandez, MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber and several local organizations.\n\n\"Reports of attacks on New York City's trains and buses, and high-profile incidents such as the tragic death of Michelle Go and the mass shooting at a Brooklyn subway station, have rattled New Yorkers \u2013 including many Queens residents \u2013 and continues to leave them fearful as they navigate our transit system,\" said Meng. \"This violence is completely unacceptable, and it is particularly damaging in our public transit spaces. All New Yorkers deserve to have peace of mind when using public transportation to go to work, school, or when traveling to see family and friends. Combating these crimes must continue to be a top priority at all levels of government. We will not tolerate or accept these threats to public safety. As I have said, we must never take a backseat to safety, and do all we can to keep people out of harm's way. I thank Secretary Buttigieg and Administrator Fernandez for coming to New York City to address this urgent concern, and I thank MTA Chairman and CEO Lieber for taking part in this crucial discussion.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:34:28Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-honors-local-vietnam-veterans", "CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE HONORS LOCAL VIETNAM VETERANS", "2022-10-25", "2022", "2022-10", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joseph D. Morelle", "M001206", "morelle.house.gov", "morelle", "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Rochester, NY) \u2013 Today, Congressman Joe Morelle recognized local Vietnam Veterans by presenting them with the Vietnam War Commemoration Lapel Pin in honor of their service.\n\n\u201cToday, I have the extraordinary privilege of presenting ten local veterans of the Vietnam War with lapel pins as a lasting memento of our country\u2019s enduring gratitude,\u201d said Congressman Joe Morelle. \u201cAs President Calvin Coolidge once said: \u2018the nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.\u2019 It is my hope that these pins serve as a constant reminder to our courageous veterans that we will never forget their service, sacrifice, and heroism.\n\nCongressman Morelle is a member of The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration\u2014a national 50th anniversary commemoration, authorized by Congress. The Vietnam War Commemoration lapel pins are awarded to veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975.\n\nToday\u2019s Honorees:\n\nEmil Anderson, US Marines\n\nStuart Blume, US Navy\n\nDavid Cochran, US Navy\n\nJohn Connelly, US Airforce\n\nRichard Gatto, US Navy\n\nGary Ginsburg, US Army\n\nDaniel Gottler, US Army\n\nMichael O\u2019Connell, US Navy\n\nSaulbert Rasnick, US Air Force\n\nRene VanMulem, US Army", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:34:28Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 747, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "NY", "p2": "2022"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NY&year=2022", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 590, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NY&year=2022&party=Democrat", "selected": false}, {"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 157, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NY&year=2022&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NY&year=2022", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 747, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NY&year=2022", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NY&year=2022", "results": [{"value": "NY", "label": "NY", "count": 747, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2022", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NY&year=2022", "results": [{"value": "2022", "label": "2022", "count": 747, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NY", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2022-10-25,https~3A~2F~2Fmorelle~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fcongressman-joe-morelle-honors-local-vietnam-veterans", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NY&year=2022&_next=2022-10-25%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fmorelle~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fcongressman-joe-morelle-honors-local-vietnam-veterans&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 547.8928135707974, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}