{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"NY\" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/engel-statement-on-bangladesh-election/", "Engel Statement on Bangladesh Election", "2018-12-31", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Eliot Engel", "E000179", "engel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/engel-to-pompeo-push-to-secure-justice-for-victims-of-the-kosovo-war/", "Engel to Pompeo: Push to Secure Justice for Victims of the Kosovo War", "2018-12-28", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Eliot Engel", "E000179", "engel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/press-release/top-house-democrats-call-preservation-records-related-child-deaths-cbp-custody-and", "Top House Democrats Call for Preservation of Records Related to Child Deaths in CBP Custody and Announce Plans for Oversight Hearings in 116th Congress", "2018-12-28", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD), Ranking Member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, and Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Chairman-Elect of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, issued the following joint statement calling for the preservation of all evidence related to the two child deaths in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody, as well as announcing they will conduct hearings and oversight in the new Congress into those deaths and conditions in those facilities generally:\nWe are devastated by the news that yet another child has died in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). After the new Congress begins next week, our Committees in the House of Representatives will hold hearings and conduct oversight of the two deaths that occurred earlier this month, as well as the conditions under which thousands of children are being held in DHS custody. We take seriously our responsibility to conduct meaningful and fair oversight, and to ensure accountability where required.\"\n\t\t\t\t\tAs a result, we are calling on DHS to preserve any and all evidence related to these horrible incidents. This evidence includes, but is not limited to, medical records, logs of health and welfare checks, and surveillance videos at all relevant Customs and Border Protection holding facilities, forward operating bases, and processing centers. We as a country can and must do better. We look forward to working with DHS to improve the health and safety of those in its custody and to ensure that this never happens again.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/engel-statement-on-the-trump-shutdown/", "Engel Statement on the Trump Shutdown", "2018-12-22", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Eliot Engel", "E000179", "engel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-statement-on-president-trump-s-failure-to-fund-federal-government", "Meng Statement on President Trumps Failure to Fund Federal Government", "2018-12-22", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) issued the following statement today on President Trump's inability to fund the federal government and avert a partial government shutdown.\n\nThis government shutdown is an embarrassment. It is an irresponsible and reckless decision by President Trump and Congressional Republicans that is harmful to our economy, federal employees, and the American people. Millions of Americans will be impacted and important government services will stop. Furthermore, over 800,000 federal employees will be furloughed without pay or will be forced to work without pay over the holiday season. House Republicans must allow the House to vote on the Senate's clean short-term spending bill.The sooner we fund the government, the sooner Americans will again have access to the services they need and deserve.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=783", "Tonko Slams Trump for Failure to Govern over Wall Funding", "2018-12-22", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Paul D. Tonko issued sharp criticism of the President tonight for refusing to govern and failing to commit to a bipartisan agreement that includes border security funding, resulting in government shutdown that includes the Department of Homeland Security and other critical agencies: \r\nThis shutdown achieves nothing. It could have been avoided if the President had been honest about his priorities or willing to put the country ahead of his own ego. The American people overwhelmingly oppose funding for the President's misguided, costly and ineffective border wall, and there is no deal to be had anywhere in Congress that includes it. \r\nPresident Trump committed to an agreement earlier this week that would have prevented a government shutdown tonight. Sadly, the President walked away from that agreement and shut down critical security agencies to serve his political interests instead.\r\nYear after year, my Democratic colleagues and I have consistently supported funding for strong border security, and this year was no exception. If the President was honest in his claims about border security being his priority, this shutdown would never have happened.\r\nOnly the President knows how long he will ignore the will of the people and hold our critical security agencies closed. But starting today, his actions will lead hundreds of thousands of federal workers, and millions of Americans who depend on them, to pay the price for his arrogance. Creating chaos is not a pathway to responsible governing. \r\nThe agencies in the federal government that are entering shutdown tonight span more than 800,000 federal employees across the U.S. who will be forced to go without pay over the holidays  including 420,000 federal employees who still have to show up to work. These include:\r\n \r\n    Up to 88 Percent of Department of Homeland Security Employees, including:\r\n    \r\n        54,000 Customs and Border Protection agents and customs officers\r\n        42,000 Coast Guard employees\r\n        53,000 TSA employees\r\n        5,815 Secret Service employees, including Secret Service agents\r\n        \r\n            Includes President Trump's security detail and Uniformed Division Officers who protect the White House and the Vice President's residence.\r\n        \r\n        \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    More than 41,000 Federal Law Enforcement and Correctional Officers, including:\r\n    \r\n        3,709 FBI agents\r\n        3,600 deputy U.S. Marshals\r\n        4,399 DEA agents\r\n        2,614 ATF agents\r\n        16,742 Bureau of Prisons correctional officers\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    As many as 6,000 Forest Service Firefighters\r\n \r\nOther projected impacts include:\r\n \r\n    State and local law enforcement training programs will be stopped.The Department of Justice's civil litigation efforts against bad actors will halt. Payments to crime victims will stop.\r\n    The Department of State will be less able to protect diplomatic personnel and facilities or perform critical risk assessments that guide advisory warnings for American tourists traveling abroad. \r\n    Food Safety Inspections will be significantly curtailed.During a shutdown, the FDA is unable to support most of its food safety activities and must curtail inspections of domestic food facilities. For example, in the 16-day GOP shutdown in 2013, the FDA had to delay nearly 360 food safety inspections.\r\n    Consumer Protection and Identity Theft Victim Services will be stopped. Most staff at the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the Federal Communications Commission will be furloughed. Many services for identify theft victims will halt. Customer service at the IRS will be suspended.\r\n    Visitor services in National Parks will be suspended. Restrooms, visitors' centers, and interpretative programs will all be closed during the shutdown. The vast majority of National Park Service employees will be furloughed. Law enforcement staffing will be sharply curtailed, which may put visitors' safety at risk.\r\n    Critical services for farmers stop.The Department of Agriculture will be forced to close Farm Service county offices and stop providing aid to farmers. With the dramatic drop in commodity prices brought on by the trade war, many farmers have had to rely on USDA as their lender of last resort to help pay the bills and stay afloat.\r\n    Financial sanctions against Syria, Russia, and Iran will be curtailed due to nearly all staff at the Treasury Department Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) being furloughed. This office implements U.S. government financial sanctions including conducting investigations, imposing penalties for sanctions violations and issuing new prohibitions and guidelines.\r\n    Small business loans will be halted as the Small Business Administration stops approving applications for small businesses to obtain loans and loan guarantees. These typically amount to around $1 billion per month.During the 16-day GOP shutdown in 2013, SBA was unable to process about 700 applications for $140 million in small business loans.\r\n    U.S. Exports will be delayed in the middle of the holiday season.For example, the Treasury Department's Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau will no longer issue export certifications for beer, wine and distilled spirits because their staff is furloughed.During the 16-day GOP shutdown in 2013, the Bureau failed to respond to 100 requests from 65 businesses for these certifications. As a result, more than two million liters of U.S. products were left sitting in ports unable to ship.\r\n    Home mortgage applications will be slowed.The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will see significant delays in loan processing and approvals due to the required furloughs of most employees. Thousands of people trying to buy a new home or refinance a FHA-insured mortgage will be put on standby.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/engel-smith-effort-demanding-answers-on-syria-withdrawal/", "Engel & Smith Effort Demanding Answers on Syria Withdrawal", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Eliot Engel", "E000179", "engel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/engel-statement-on-afghanistan-drawdown/", "Engel Statement on Afghanistan Drawdown", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Eliot Engel", "E000179", "engel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/world-war-ii-veteran-whose-military-medals-were-stolen-gets-his-wish-for", "World War II Veteran, Whose Military Medals Were Stolen, Gets His Wish for A New Set of Medals Before Christmas", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Brian Higgins", "H001038", "higgins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "World War II veteran Andrew J. Dodges reached out to Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) in late November with a Christmas wish: to receive a new set of the military service medals he earned while serving in the United States Army. Corporal Dodges' medals, including a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, were stolen from his home.\nThe process for securing a second set of medals typically takes months. First a servicemember's history must be reviewed by the National Personnel Records Center, then a listing of eligible medals is forwarded to the appropriate department of the military, and finally the medals are shipped out.\nCongressman Higgins received confirmation of Corporal Dodges eligibility for medals on December 17, 2018 and his office immediately contacted personnel at the U.S. Department of the Army who worked to collect and put together an express shipment of the medals. And with a little Christmas magic and some help from the Army, the medals arrived on December 20, 74 years after Mr. Dodges earned his medals during service in World War II.\nOn December 21, 2018, Corporal Andrew J. Dodges received the following medals, presented by Buffalo Recruiting Company Commander Captain Randy D. Warren:\n Bronze Star: awarded to members of the military distinguishing themselves by heroic service while engaged in an action against an armed enemy.\n\tPurple Heart: presented to soldiers who have been injured or killed in action against the enemy while serving with the U.S. Armed Services. The original Purple Heart, first designated the Badge of Military Merit,' was established by General George Washington in 1782.\n\tGood Conduct Medal\n\tEuropean-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars\n\tWorld War II Victory Medal\n\tCombat Infantryman Badge 1st Award\n\tHonorable Service Lapel Button WWII\n \nCongressman Higgins said, Corporal Andrew Dodges and other brave men and women who serve this nation have given each of us the priceless gift of freedom. It is truly an honor for us to help make this happen. We thank the staff at the Pentagon and the leadership here at the Buffalo Recruiting Company for their assistance with this special delivery.\nAndrew Dodges was born in Buffalo on October 13, 1925. He was inducted into the United States Army on December 28, 1943 and served as a Squad Leader in the 411th Infantry Regiment, 103rd Infantry Division, Company E. Dodges served in the European Campaign, under General George S. Patton's Army.\nOne day, in a small French village, Corporal Dodges and men from his troop were sleeping in a fox hole, expecting an attack the next morning. Suddenly mortars began flying from a shed a short distance from the fox hole. Dodges braved the flying ammunition, crawled to the shed, threw in grenades, eliminating the threat. The courageous action saved his fellow soldiers and earned him the Bronze Star.\nCorporal Dodges recalls the December 10, 1944, the day he earned his Purple Heart. In Haguenau, France, mortars were raging when he was hit by shrapnel in his left arm, shoulder and neck. With gushing wounds he was transferred by ground to the nearby Army hospital. It was a long, three-month recovery, but he was lucky to be alive and save his arm. He credits the hospital staff; many of the doctors and nurses serving overseas were from Buffalo General Hospital. General Anthony McAuliffe took command and hearing he had wounded men, came to visit Corporal Dodges in the hospital. The Battle of the Bulge was underway and the bombs could be heard from inside the hospital.\nFollowing his discharge from the Army on April 16, 1946, Mr. Dodges used his G.I Bill benefits to earn a degree in engineering from the University of Alabama. He returned to Western New York and fell in love with Maryann McCarthy, a girl from South Buffalo's Old First Ward, whose brother owned Gene McCarthy's Tavern.\nMr. Dodges worked as an engineer, first with the Bureau of Reclamation and then over 40 years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District. He was involved in many of the region's transformative public works projects, including construction of the Mount Morris Dam near Letchworth State Park in the late 1940s, construction of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station in the 1950s and the 1969 project that turned off Niagara Falls. Today, the retired Corporal makes his home in the Town of West Seneca.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/politico-house-clears-trump-backed-criminal-justice-reform", "Politico: House Clears Trump-Backed Criminal Justice Reform", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Read\nThe House overwhelmingly passed a major overhaul of the nation's criminal justice laws on Thursday, marking a bipartisan achievement for lawmakers in both chambers and President Donald Trump in the waning days of the 115th Congress.\nThe bill cleared the House 358-36 after passing in the Senate earlier this week. Trump, who used his bully pulpit to prod reluctant Senate GOP leaders to take action on the legislation, is expected to sign the bill into law by Friday.\nThe final House vote follows an intense, yearlong lobbying effort from an unexpected group of allies including Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, Kim Kardashian, the American Civil Liberties Union, liberal Democrats, conservative Republicans and the Koch network.\nWe have an incredible coalition of the unusual suspects, said New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the lead Democratic sponsor in the House. Jeffries worked for months with Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), Kushner and others to keep the bill alive, even as former Attorney General Jeff Sessions and some Senate Republicans worked behind the scenes to tank it.\nIf you have a situation where Democrats and Republicans, progressives and conservatives, the left and the right, the ACLU and the Koch brothers, Doug Collins and Hakeem Jeffries along with Trump are all on the same page, this should happen now,\" Jeffries said.\nThe overhaul is a huge victory for a Congress that has struggled to pass major bipartisan bills in Trump's first two years.\nAnd the bill's passage comes as Congress is teetering on the brink of yet another government shutdown. House Republicanswere in disarrayThursday over whether to pass a simple funding bill or dig in and fight for Trump's $5 billion border wall with government funding set to expire Friday.\nThe criminal justice billpassed the Senateon an 87-12 vote Tuesday, just days after some senior senators were declaring the legislation dead until the next Congress.\nSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was reluctant to bring up the bill for a vote given thedeep divisions within his conference. McConnell, who ultimately relented after repeated pressure from Trump, supported the bill in the end.\nThe legislation increases funding for educational and vocational training for prisoners in a bid to reduce recidivism rates. The bill also equalizes sentencing for drug offenses involving crack cocaine and powder cocaine. The change is retroactive, meaning it would reduce the sentences for thousands of prisoners currently in jail on crack convictions.\nThe bill also makes some changes to mandatory minimum laws for drug offenses, including giving federal judges discretion to make exceptions on a case-by-case basis. And the legislation reduces the three-strike penalty from life in prison to 25 years.\nThis will keep our communities safer, and provide hope and a second chance, to those who earn it, Trumptweetedearlier this week. In addition to everything else, billions of dollars will be saved. I look forward to signing this into law!\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://jeffries.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/collins-jeffries-historic-criminal-justice-reform-bill-signed-into-law", "Collins-Jeffries Historic Criminal Justice Reform Bill Signed Into Law", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Hakeem Jeffries", "J000294", "jeffries.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today, historic, bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation, S.756, was signed into law. The First Step Act of 2018 is based on the Formerly Incarcerated Reenter Society Transformed, Safely Transitioning Every Person Act (FIRST STEP) co-authored by Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) and Republican Congressman Doug Collins (GA-09), that overwhelmingly passed the House in May.\nThe legislation will propel formerly-incarcerated individuals toward success when they return home, while enacting targeted reforms that would improve public safety and reduce recidivism. It authorizes $375 million over five years to develop new programs, including education, vocational training and mental health counseling. Consequently, newly-released individuals will be positioned to successfully re-enter society.\nWith respect to sentencing reform, the FIRST STEP Act will increase public safety and engineer much-needed changes to draconian sentencing laws connected to the failed war on drugs. It modifies the three strikes law to make it more humane, increases judicial discretion to reduce sentences for low-level nonviolent drug offenders and provides retroactive relief for thousands unjustly sentenced during the crack-cocaine era.\nThe FIRST STEP Act passed the House of Representatives 358-36 and the Senate 87-12 this week.\nRep. Jeffries said:The FIRST STEP Act is a victory for all Americans who believe in justice and the power of redemption. This bill will transform lives by providing access to the mental health counseling, education, job training and substance abuse treatment needed to help incarcerated individuals get back on their feet and become productive members of society. It also provides retroactive relief for the shameful crack cocaine sentencing disparity that unfairly destroyed lives, families and communities. The FIRST STEP Act is not the end. It's not even the beginning of the end. It's simply the end of the beginning of a bipartisan journey to eradicate the mass incarceration epidemic in America.\nHighlights of the bill include:\nAddress Crack Cocaine Sentencing Disparity:Before 2010, those convicted for crack cocaine-related issues received a sentence 100 times harsher than that of those convicted of cocaine-related offenses. The Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 reduced that disparity to 18-1. FIRST STEP makes that change retroactive, thereby reducing the sentences of thousands of individuals serving unduly heavy sentences.\nCurtails Juvenile Solitary Confinement: No young person should be kept in solitary confinement, which can cause substantial psychological damage. This provision severely limits the use of juvenile solitary confinement.\nFocus on Dignity for Women:Being pregnant while incarcerated can be a harrowing experience. There are far too few guarantees for the health and safety of both mother and baby. Egregiously, there is no federal ban on shackling pregnant and post-partum women. This bill implements such a ban starting from the moment that a woman is confirmed to be pregnant and extending three months beyond her pregnancy. In addition, the bill requires that BOP provide sanitary napkins and tampons to incarcerated women for free.\nRequirement to Move People Closer to Home:The journey to visit loved ones in prison can be extremely burdensome and cost-prohibitive for families. However, contact with family reduces recidivism. That's why the bill mandates that prisoners shall be placed within 500 driving miles of their families.\nReduce Mandatory Minimums:The bill reduces second strike mandatory minimums of 20 years to 15 years, and reduces the third strike mandatory minimum of life in prison to 25 years. It also solves the 924(c) stacking problem by prohibiting the application of recidivist mandatory minimum enhancements for repeat offenders who commit certain firearms offenses to conduct within the same indictment.\nGood Time Credit Fix:A provision which will ensure that incarcerated individuals can earn the 54 days of good time credit per year that Congress intended, and not just the 47 days that the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) currently allows. This retroactively applies to all prisoners who have earned credit for good behavior. It has been estimated by BOP and GAO that fixing this will lead to the release of roughly 4,000 prisoners and save $40 million in the first fiscal year.\nCompassionate Release:The current prison population is aging, causing significant challenges. This bill expands the compassionate release program from the Second Chance Act. It expedites BOP consideration of petitions, providing family members the opportunity to visit terminally ill offenders and ensures assistance with submissions of petitions for compassionate release.\nThe Establishment of a Risk-Reduction System:This system, which is already used at the state level to best match inmates to programs fitting their needs, must be based on dynamic factors to best lower someone's risk of recidivating over time. The bill mandates that the system must be statistically validated and must be evaluated to ensure that it does not result in unwanted racial disparities in order to address concerns about prisoners of color being disproportionately impacted.\nFocused Resources on High and Medium Risk Prisoners:Evidence shows that this kind of programming has the greatest impact on those prisoners who are at the greatest risk of recidivating. To make the bill as effective as possible, it gives priority to high and medium risk inmates. People will be able to participate in such programming throughout their sentence.\nAdd Safety Valve:Low-level drug offenders who cooperate with the government should not have to face the certainty of decades in prison. Under the bill, judges will have more discretion to sentence below the mandatory minimum for qualified nonviolent offenders.\nRequirement for Provisions of IDs:When transitioning back into society, many formerly incarcerated individuals find themselves without proper identification necessary to access essential services like housing, or to apply for employment. Assisting formerly incarcerated individuals with obtaining ID prior to release will reduce the collateral consequences of incarceration by allowing a quicker integration back into society, as well as create significant cost savings for BOP of approximately $19 million.\nThe FIRST STEP Act enjoys the support of more than 70 organizations, including the Equal Justice Initiative, National Urban League, Families Against Mandatory Minimums, Gathering for Justice/Justice League NYC, the Charles Koch Foundation, #cut50, Public Defender Association and the CAN-DO Foundation.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-officially-elected-house-appropriations-committee-chair", "Lowey Officially Elected House Appropriations Committee Chair", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Nita Lowey", "L000480", "lowey.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WHITE PLAINS, NY  Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after being elected by the Democratic Caucus to serve as Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee in the 116th Congress: \n\tI am honored that my Democratic colleagues have elected me to serve as Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee. We are ready and eager to lead the way in meeting the great responsibilities the American people have entrusted to Democratsto invest responsibly to grow the economy, create jobs, and secure our nation.\n\tI look forward to working with my colleagues on the committee and in Congress to pass federal spending bills that provide adequate funding for health, education, child care, infrastructure, and other investments that improve our communities and help New Yorkers and all Americans. I am also committed to using Congress's constitutional power of the purse to provide robust, effective oversight of the Trump Administration and to reject funding that runs counter to the values and interests of hardworking families.\n\tThe immense responsibility to fund the government, keeping it open and operational, and to spend tax dollars wisely is particularly clear given the looming Trump Shutdown, which will harm American families, businesses, and communities. While Republicans have governed from crisis to crisis of their own making and failed to meet the most basic responsibilities of governing, Democrats will make government work for the people.\nLowey will be the first woman in history to chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/dc-update-the-first-step-act-possible-government-shutdown", "DC Update: The First Step Act & Possible Government Shutdown", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As I write this, our country is on the verge of a government shutdown. As many of you saw, President Trump said last week that he would be proud to shut down the government for border security. Right now, it looks like he is going to make good on that threat even though here in the House and Senate, we had come to a bipartisan agreement. This is terrible news for working families across the country and for our economy and I and my Democratic colleagues have repeatedly offered ways to avoid it.\n\tHowever, there is also some good news to report. This week, Congress passed the First Step Act, a monumental criminal justice reform bill. As the name suggests, this bill is an important first step in our long journey to reform our criminal justice system. I was proud to have voted for this bill yesterday and hope it is just the first of many that we can pass to make our country's justice system fairer.\n\tThe legislation increases funding for educational and vocational training for prisoners in a bid to reduce recidivism rates. It equalizes sentencing for drug offenses involving crack cocaine and powder cocaine and makes this change retroactive, which will reduce the sentences for thousands of prisoners currently in jail on crack convictions. The First Step Act also makes some changes to mandatory minimum laws for drug offenses, including giving federal judges discretion to make exceptions on a case-by-case basis, while also reducing the three-strike penalty from life in prison to 25 years. While there is certainly more work to be done to reform our criminal justice system, this bill is a huge step forward.\n\tUnfortunately, this spirit of bipartisanship stopped with the First Step Act. Without an agreement to avoid this Trump shutdown, 380,000 government employees will be temporarily laid off and many others will be forced to work without pay, including 50,000 Customs and Border Protection Agents, 50,000 TSA agents, almost 14,000 FBIagents, and the Secret Service agents who will be protecting the President.\n\tFamilies will likely find National Parks facilities closed, travelers will be unable to get passports, home buyers will need to wait longer to get loans, and millions of Americans will find that services they rely on are now unavailable.\n\tIf this impending shutdown lasts more than a very short period, it could also have serious economic costs.\n\tThe effects of shutdowns don't end when we reopen the government. They create economic risks that hamper growth, may reduce business investment, and create uncertainties that slow economic growth, which in turn leads to fewer jobs and real pain for working families.\n\tFor millions of Americans, a Trump shutdown would be like coal in their stockings. Apparently, this is his way of saying Merry Christmas.\n\tOur country deserves better. We need to keep the government up and running. We need to do our jobs. And the President needs to give up on his vanity-project; a border wall that will do nothing to make us safer.\n\tI continue to support the deal passed unanimously in the Senate on Wednesday or either of the options that Speaker-designate Pelosi presented. There is a way to avoid this shutdown, but it's now up to the President.\n\tSincerely,\n\t\n\tCarolyn B. Maloney\n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-statement-on-trump-shutdown", "Maloney Statement on Trump Shutdown", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President Trump said last week that he would be proud to shut down the government for border security. Today, he made good on that threat and it is terrible news for working families across the country and for our economy.\nThanks to this Trump shutdown, 380,000 government employees will be temporarily furloughed and many others will be forced to work without pay, including more than 50,000 Customs and Border Protection Agents, more than 50,000 TSA agents, almost 14,000 FBIagents, and the Secret Service agents who will be protecting the President.\nFamilies will find National Parks facilities closed, travelers will be unable to get passports, home buyers will need to wait longer to get loans, and millions of Americans will find that services they rely on are now unavailable.\nIf this shutdown lasts more than a very short period, it could also have real economic costs.\nThe 2013 federal government shutdown:\n lowered real GDP growth by 0.3% on an annualized basis\n\tcost $24 billion (approximately $1.5 billion per day)\n\thurt consumer confidence and retail sales\n\tslowed mortgage and business lending\n\tcaused a spike in short-term interest rates\n\tdisrupted imports and exports\n The effects of shutdowns don't end when we reopen the government. They create economic risks that hamper growth, may reduce business investment, and create uncertainties that slow economic growth, which in turn leads to fewer jobs and real pain for working families.\nFor millions of Americans, thisTrump shutdown is like coal in their stockings. Apparently, this is his way of saying Merry Christmas.\nOur country and the American people deserve better. We need to keep the government up and running. We need to do our jobs. And the President needs to give up on his vanity-project: a border wall that will do nothing to make us safer.\nI continue to support the deal passed unanimously in the Senate on Wednesday or either of options that Speaker-designate Pelosi presented to the President.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-calls-on-head-of-federal-bureau-of-prisons-to-issue-needed-guidance", "Meng Calls on Head of Federal Bureau of Prisons to Issue Needed Guidance on Distribution of Feminine Hygiene Products to Female Inmates", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman, whose efforts led to the agency making these items available to incarcerated women, sends letter to Acting Director Hugh Hurwitz; letter comes as President Trump signs criminal justice reform bill that will provide tampons and sanitary napkins to female prisoners", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/e-newsletter-catastrophic-climate-report-demands-congressional-response", "E-Newsletter: Catastrophic Climate Report Demands Congressional Response", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The National Climate Assessment (NCA) released last month reaffirms what 97% of climate scientists have made abundantly clear: climate change poses a real danger to American's health and economic well-being. The report also explains that the catastrophic damage done by climate change will continue to intensify, and that inaction will be far costlier than confronting the problem now.\nIn my view, the President has double-downed on his anti-climate policies by publicly disputing the findings in the NCA. This is disappointing, but not surprising. This year alone, our nation witnessed deadly wildfires, disastrous hurricanes, and debilitating droughts and heat waves that have displaced thousands across the country. Instead of prioritizing solutions that could reverse the effects of climate change, I believe the Administration has pursued policies that expand offshore drilling, weaken clean air and water protections, and dismantle renewable energy programs, all of which I vehemently oppose. The effects of climate change are undeniable, and the American people deserve a Congress that will stand up to the oil industry and fight for real solutions that will preserve our planet for future generations.\nCombating Hate Crimes & Anti-Semitism in Our Communities\nAccording to the New York Police Department, anti-Semitic hate crimes are up 22% compared to last year, and anti-Semitic incidents have constituted half of all hate crimes in New York this year. A recent report by the Anti-Defamation League found a 57% rise in anti-Semitic incidents nationwide since 2016. I am deeply concerned and heartbroken by these crimes, which have cast an unsettling shadow on our community and our country as whole. As a Member of Congress, it is my duty to ensure that this disgusting, hate-fueled behavior does not go unaddressed. Earlier this month, I joined my fellow NYC Members of Congress in pressing the NYPD for answers on how they are combating what appears to be a recent wave of anti-Semitic acts, and I have made this a priority for the House Judiciary Committee next year in the new Congress. Hate crimes and anti-Semitism should have no place in our city or country.\nTo read our full letter to the NYPD, please click here.\n\nRep. Nadler standing with Democratic lawmakers discussing the importance of protecting the rights of victims of harassment and assault.\nImproving Protections for Victims of Workplace Harassment\nAcross workplaces, schools, and communities, our nation is beginning to come to terms with how our laws have failed victims of harassment. This month, Congress passed bipartisan MeToo legislation which helps foster a climate of respect and dignity by fundamentally changing the flawed process Congress had previously used to address sexual harassment claims. While this is an important first step, Congress must not stop it's work there.\nI am proud to be a lead sponsor of H.R. 6406, the EMPOWER Act, which would lift the veil of secrecy surrounding workplace harassment, and bolster transparency and accountability. Every man and woman deserves a safe, transparent, and fair work environment, and if the women and men who have been victimized, shamed, and abandoned by our laws and society can find the courage to stand up and tell their stories, then Congress must step-up and act in their names and the names of the millions who don't have the platform to speak out. Time is up for this misconduct to go unpunished.\nTo read more about the EMPOWER Act, please click here.\nEnding the Unconstitutional War in Yemen\nFor over three years, military forces led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates -with direct U.S. military participation-have been fighting the Houthis, a Yemeni rebel group that are not covered under any Authorization for Use of Military Force. As a Member of Congress, I have always opposed intervening in international conflicts with military force without congressional approval. That is why I am a cosponsor H.Con.Res. 138, which would stop the unauthorized U.S. military participation in Yemen and help bring an end to this humanitarian crisis. Unfortunately, the Majority prevented this resolution from being voted on, and instead passed legislation that would prevent any vote to limit our military involvement in Yemen for the rest of the year.\n\t\t\t\t\tIt is essential that the power to decide whether or not to commit the country to war rest with the people, through their representatives in Congress, and I will continue to work to ensure the Administration does not overstep their power.\nHonoring Shirley Chisholm in Prospect Park\n\nRep. Shirley Chisholm's portrait honoring her life and career inside of the U.S. Capitol Building.\n\t\t\t\t\tLast month, I joined She Built NYC to announce that a monument to Representative Shirley Chisholm, a political trailblazer from Brooklyn who was the first black Congresswoman in the U.S. House of Representatives, will be erected in Prospect Park. Rep. Shirley Chisholm was a model of courage and conviction who worked tirelessly on behalf of women and minorities at a critical time in our nation's history. For too long, we have not done enough to honor the significant contributions of women in our city and our nation, and this monument is an important step in correcting that omission.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://seanmaloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-statement-on-trump-shutdown", "Maloney Statement on Trump Shutdown", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Sean Maloney", "M001185", "seanmaloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Representative Sean Patrick Maloney released the following statement after President Donald Trump shut down roughly a quarter of federal agencies, including: the departments of Homeland Security, Commerce, State, Justice, and the Interior.\n \n\tRepublicans in the Senate and Democrats in the House were collaborating on bipartisan measures to avoid a shut down. Only the President  by his own admission  wanted this crisis. We can protect the border and keep the government open at the same time. The Trump Tantrum has to stop  we have a job to do for the people we represent. As I have in the past, I will instruct the House administration office to withhold my pay during any government shutdown. Congress should not get paid until it does its job.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-schumer-and-gillibrand-announce-passage-of-legislation-to-name-brooklyn-post-office-in-honor-of-major-owens/", "CLARKE, SCHUMER, AND GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO NAME BROOKLYN POST OFFICE IN HONOR OF MAJOR OWENS", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Yvette D. Clarke, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that legislation to rename a Brooklyn post office after former U.S. Representative Major Owens was signed into law last week. The post office is located at 1234 Saint Johns Place in Clarke\u2019s Congressional District.\n\nClarke introduced the legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives with the full support of the New York delegation in March of this year. Schumer and Gillibrand introduced the companion legislation in the Senate soon after.\n\n\u201cCongressman Owens, a dedicated and life-long public servant, helped to improve the lives of New Yorkers and Americans across the Nation by fiercely advocating for education, gun control, and equal rights,\u201d Congresswoman Clarke said. \u201cI\u2019m thrilled that my bill to designate the post office on Saint John Place in the Ninth Congressional District has passed into law. This is just one way we can pay tribute to Owens\u2019 life and living legacy.\u201d\n\n\u201cBrooklynites, like myself, will never forget Rep. Major Owens\u2019s tireless leadership, ability to deliver for his district, goodhearted nature and commitment to the all-American value of equality,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cAs a trained librarian, Rep. Owens was a leading advocate for the public library system as a whole and did everything in his power to make sure children and families had equal access to important educational resources. Rep. Owens also helped lead the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to passage. I am so pleased that the legislation to honor the legacy of my dear friend, Rep. Major Owens, with a Brooklyn post office designation, was signed into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cFrom the very beginning of his career at the Brooklyn Public Library, following him all the way to his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Major Owens was a fighter for the Brooklyn community,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cHe spent years advocating for issues that would help improve the lives of New Yorkers and people throughout this country, championing causes such as such as equal rights and education. I\u2019m pleased that my bill to designate the post office at Saint Johns Place after him has passed into law. This post office designation will help honor his memory in the community he fought for and represented.\u201d\n\nOwens served New Yorkers in public office for 32 years, first serving in the New York State Assembly from 1975 to 1982, and then succeeding Shirley Chisholm as the Representative for New York\u2019s 11th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. During his time in Congress, Owens was a fierce advocate for education, gun control, and equal rights until his retirement in 2007.\n\nPrior to his decades in public office, Owens was actively involved in serving the Brooklyn community. He was the community coordinator at the Brooklyn Public Library, chairman of the Brooklyn Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), vice president of the Metropolitan Council of Housing, executive director of the Brownsville Community Council, commissioner of the Community Development Agency in New York City, and director of the Community Media Library Program at Columbia University.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/engel-statement-on-house-passage-of-the-first-step-act/", "Engel Statement on House Passage of the \"First Step Act\"", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Eliot Engel", "E000179", "engel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/engel-statement-on-the-erosion-of-democracy-in-nicaragua/", "Engel Statement on the Erosion of Democracy in Nicaragua", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Eliot Engel", "E000179", "engel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-adriano-espaillat-statement-following-us-customs-and-border", "Representative Adriano Espaillat Statement Following U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Field Assessment and 7-Year Old Jakelin Caals Death", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement upon his return from a fact-finding mission to the Sally Port of Entry and Lordsburg Border Patrol Station in New Mexico following the death of 7-year old Jakelin Caal Maquin while in CBP custody. Rep. Espaillat joined his Democratic colleagues during the visit to the Antelope Wells Forward Operating Base, the place where Jakelin was initially processed, and the Lordsburg Border Patrol Station, where Jakelin was later transported to by bus before being airlifted to a hospital in El Paso, Texas.\nIt became very clear during our trip that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is neither properly trained nor prepared to provide any medical emergency response to anyone in its custody, and especially not to a child, said Rep. Espaillat (NY-13). The Sally Port of Entry had no running water, it was isolated and very cold. While 163 individuals showed up in the middle of the night, the CBP was ill-equipped to take even their vital signs. The CBP officers are simply unable to handle life or death situations while the asylum seekers arriving at the Port of Entry are in dire need of care.\nWhile visiting the holding facility where Jakelin was taken, my heart broke as I viewed the cold flat table, not even a bed, where she was treated. There were light supplies and bandages  but nothing that could have saved her life. The protocols in place at the facility were haphazard, at best, and it took too long to get Jakelin to the hospital. Women and children who I visited at the facility were sleeping on the floor in extremely crowded and inhumane conditions. No one deserves this, and our nation is better than what I witnessed today with my colleagues while visiting this facility. I already had many concerns about the issues throughout CBP, and today's visit only confirmed my worst fears: that its facilities are failing to meet basic human needs and standards.\nView images from Rep. Espaillat's field assessment.\n\n# # #\n\nFirst elected to Congress in 2016, Rep. Adriano Espaillat is serving his first term in Congress where he serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and the House Select Committee on Small Business. He is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and serves in a leadership role as CHC Freshman Representative to the Democratic Caucus. He is also chairman of the CHC Task Force for Transportation, Infrastructure and Housing. Rep. Espaillat's Congressional District includes Harlem, East Harlem, northern Manhattan and the north-west Bronx. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.\nMedia inquiries: Candace Randle Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-higgins-announces-house-passage-of-critical-alzheimer-s", "Congressman Higgins Announces House Passage of Critical Alzheimers Research Bill", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Brian Higgins", "H001038", "higgins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the passage of S.2076, the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act, in the House of Representatives on Wednesday by a vote of 361-3. Higgins is a Cosponsor of the House version of the bill. The BOLD Act had previously passed the Senate by voice vote on December 12th. It now awaits the President's signature.\n\nThe BOLD Act amends the 1944 Public Health Service Act to expand activities related to Alzheimer's treatments and research under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Alzheimer's Disease and Healthy Aging Program. The legislation directs the CDC to award grants and other assistance to organizations in support of Alzheimer's awareness and research.\n\nThe bill also directs the CDC to establish Alzheimer's Centers of Excellence, which will allow Centers to increase education for public health officials about the disease, provide technical assistance to public health departments, and more.\n\nAccording to the Alzheimer's Impact Movement, 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, 400,000 of whom live in New York.\n\nCongressman Higgins is a longtime advocate for increased support for Alzheimer's research and treatments. He is a member of the Congressional Alzheimer's Task Force, has often taken to the floor of the House in recognition of Alzheimer's Month and in support of action, and is a Cosponsor of the HOPE Act, the Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Act, and other legislation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-announces-house-approval-of-criminal-justice-reform-package", "Higgins Announces House Approval of Criminal Justice Reform Package", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Brian Higgins", "H001038", "higgins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced bipartisan adoption by the House of Representatives of the First Step Act (S. 756). The bill provides a comprehensive package of reforms to federal sentencing guidelines and the federal prison system.\nThis represents a necessary first step in addressing outdated and inequitable policies, reducing recidivism among inmates, and undoing a broken system that has led to mass incarceration, said Congressman Higgins.\nThe legislation provides:\n Greater flexibility in sentencing\n\tReforms to mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses\n\tCorrection officer training\n\tCreation of a committee to evaluate risk assessment and provide recommendations for improvement\n\tRestrictions on juvenile solitary confinement\n\tCorrection of the good-time credit to accurately reflect Congressional intent\n\tEvidence-based opioid treatment, employment assistance, mentoring and other programming that supports success upon returning to the community\n \nThe bill was approved in the House on December 20, 2018 by a vote of 358-36 and adopted by the Senate with a vote of 87-12 on December 18, 2018. The legislation will now move to the President's desk for his signature.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-granger-statement-acquittal-ngo-workers-egypt", "Lowey, Granger Statement on Acquittal of NGO Workers in Egypt", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Nita Lowey", "L000480", "lowey.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Representatives Nita M. Lowey (D-NY-17) and Kay Granger (R-TX-12), incoming Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the acquittal of 43 NGO workers who had been prosecuted by the Egyptian government:\n \n\tWhile the Egyptian government should not have targeted NGO workers in the first place, we are pleased that the rule of law eventually prevailed in the Egypt. With a number of challenges in the region, we welcome this step in the right direction, but we continue to be concerned with the state of human rights in Egypt.\n\tThe U.S.-Egypt relationship is a deep and historic one built on shared interests and honest communication, and one that we will continue to advance as incoming Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee. We look forward to working with the Egyptian government to grow our mutual understanding and to advance human rights for all Egyptians.\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-statement-resignation-defense-secretary-mattis", "Lowey Statement on Resignation of Defense Secretary Mattis", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Nita Lowey", "L000480", "lowey.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), incoming Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on the resignation of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis  a departure announced just a day after President Trump ordered a full U.S. military withdrawal from Syria: \n \n\tPresident Trump has forsaken expert opinions and seems intent on destroying American credibility on the global stage. Secretary Mattis' departure should serve as a wake-up call for the President to reevaluate his reckless national security policies. I deeply respect Secretary Mattis and thank him for his brave and tireless service to our nation.\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-meeks-issues-statement-first-step-act", "Rep. Meeks Issues Statement on the First Step Act", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Gregory Meeks", "M001137", "meeks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Rep. Gregory W. Meeks issued the following statement regarding the passage of the First Step Act, a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill that would reduce mandatory minimums of war on drugs era policies, increase good time credits that inmates could earn, allow inmates to receive earned time credits for participating in rehabilitative programs, allow prisoners to be incarcerated closer to home, among other changes.\nThere is no doubt that the war on drugs and the policies that disproportionately targeted minorities have greatly contributed towards making America the incarceration capital of the world. As a former prosecutor, I know that there is a great deal of people behind bars who've been subjected to extreme minimum sentences, who aren't violent, and who could contribute to their community if given the chance. The time is long over-due to effect meaningful change in our justice system, to right some of the wrongs, and focus on reducing recidivism and the scale of the prison-industrial complex in our nation.\nThe First Step Act is just that, a first step, and I was proud to be a co-sponsor of the original House version of this bill. By reducing some mandatory minimums and making some reforms retroactive, and by increasing the amount of earned time credits while allowing prisoners to earn credits through rehabilitation, the First Step Act will allow thousands of prisoners who've done their time a chance to re-enter life outside bars, many on the very day this law goes into effect.\nThis historic bill shows that bipartisanship is still possible in the often partisan halls of Congress. Great credit is owed to the restless work of advocates and this legislation's leaders in both the Senate and House, like Senators Cory Booker and Mike Lee and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries. I look forward to working after this bill's passage on additional common sense reforms to reduce prison overcrowding and make our justice system more just.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/press-release/bipartisan-group-lawmakers-laud-passage-first-step-act", "Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Laud Passage of First Step Act", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. House of Representatives today overwhelmingly passed the First Step Act by a vote of 358-36. The U.S. Senate approved the bill 87-12 this past Tuesday. The bipartisan justice reform bill represents one of the most significant improvements of the federal criminal justice system in a generation. The legislation now heads to President's desk to be signed into law.\nI'm proud to support to the First Step Act, an important bill that will advance criminal justice reform. I applaud my colleagues, Reps. Jeffries and Jackson Lee, for their steadfast efforts to make this a reality. This bill includes critical changes to our sentencing laws that will reduce the impact of some mandatory minimum sentences, notably with retroactive application of the reduced crack cocaine sentences under the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010. The bill's reauthorization of the Second Chance Act is also a measure that is long overdue. We will continue to work in Congress to oversee the implementation of these reforms as well as the new system to allow some federal prisoners to earn early entry into pre-release custody. There is still more work to be done to ensure our criminal justice system is fair and just for every American. However, this bill is a positive first step,said House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.).\n\t\t\t\t\t\"The First Step Act invests in what Americans value most fiercelypeople. We know that lives can be redirected and redeemed, and we're committing to doing that with tools that are proven to work. With the partnership of leaders like Chairman Grassley, Whip Cornyn, Whip Durbin and Senator Perdue across the Capitol and Chairman Goodlatte, Ranking Member Nadler, Congressman Sensenbrenner and Speaker Ryan in the House, we were able to look at the human faces woven into the lines of this bill and vote to help them rebuild their lives. Jared Kushner never lost sight of those faces. His courage to take the political path less traveled has been instrumental in delivering us here today. We have the opportunity to make communities safer and more whole through the First Step Act, and we wouldn't have that without the courage of my friend and valuable partner, Hakeem Jeffries. For 31 years, my father served his neighbors as a Georgia state trooper. Like him, this bill shows us that reverence for human life is fundamental to justice, and I'm thankful that so many of my colleagues stand here united in that same confidence today,\"Congressman Doug Collins said.\nPassage of the FIRST STEP Act is a victory for all Americans who believe in justice and the power of redemption. This bill will transform lives by providing access to the mental health counseling, education, vocational services and substance abuse treatment needed to help incarcerated individuals get back on their feet and become productive members of society. It also provides retroactive relief for the shameful crack cocaine sentencing disparity that unfairly destroyed lives, families and communities. The FIRST STEP Act is not the end. It's not even the beginning of the end. It's simply the end of the beginning of a bipartisan journey to eradicate the mass incarceration epidemic in America. Representatives Collins, Richmond, Bass and Nadler, along with those in the Senate and White House should be commended for their commitment and effort in this regard, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries said.\n\"We can all agree that America needs criminal justice reform. The First Step Act will help control corrections spending, manage the prison population, reduce recidivism, and ensure our system works more efficiently and justly, while also protecting our citizens from violent criminals. Passage of the First Step Act has truly been a bipartisan and bicameral process, of which I am proud to be a part. Thank you again to Doug Collins for introducing and shepherding this bill through Congress. I also want to thank our Senate counterparts; we are proud to deliver the First Step Act to the President's desk,\"said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.).\nRepublicans and Democrats coming together to pass criminal justice reform is a monumental victory for the American people, and I'm proud to have been a leader of this effort that has been years in the making. I'm also proud to note that this bill reauthorizes the Second Chance Act, which has been instrumental in healing communities by helping those who have paid their debts to society to rejoin their families and live a productive life. I thank Chairman Goodlatte, Congressman Collins, and the many others who carried this bill across the finish line, said Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), Chairman of the Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.\nI am pleased that our diligent efforts in the House allowed a fruitful yield in the inclusion of sentencing reform to the First Step Act. I am also pleased that my amendment to create an Independent Review Committee that will oversee the implementation of the risk assessment tools and the bill generally, was also included in the final version of this bill. I look forward, in the next Congress, to expanding upon this preliminary progress, saidRep. SheilaJackson Lee (D-Texas), Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/press-release/ranking-member-nadler-floor-statement-support-s-756-%E2%80%9Cfirst-step-act%E2%80%9D", "Ranking Member Nadler Floor Statement in Support of S. 756, the First Step Act", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, delivered the following remarks on the House floor in support of S. 756, the FIRST STEP Act:\nI rise today in support of S. 756, the FIRST STEP Act,' as passed by the Senate.\nThis legislation has traveled a long journey to get to this point. Along the way, various aspects of the bill changed. Although I do not agree with all of the changes, on balance the measure has improved, thanks to the hard work of many Members on both sides of the aisle, from the House and Senate.\nBefore I get to the substance of the bill, I want to recognize some of the people most responsible for getting us here today. There are a number of champions of criminal justice reform in the Senate, but I particularly want to recognize and thank Senators Dick Durbin and Chuck Grassley for their commitment to getting a bill that includes important sentencing reforms to the President's desk.\nIn the House, I thank my Judiciary Committee colleagues, Representatives Hakeem Jeffries and Doug Collins, who worked together, and with us, to achieve a bipartisan compromise that is the foundation of this bill. I also thank the Ranking Member of the Crime Subcommittee, Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, who has helped hold this legislation to a high standard, knowing that so many are counting on us to address longstanding injustices. And there are many others in the House who have fought for substantial reform for years, upon whose labors this bill was built, who deserve our praise and our thanks.\nFinally, let me recognize Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, who is retiring at the end of this term. He and I have not always seen eye-to-eye on a range of issues, including some aspects of this bill, but I appreciate his efforts as Chairman over the past six years to work with my Democratic colleagues on the Committee. Today, we join together in supporting an important, bipartisan bill. I thank him for his leadership in bringing us to the final stage of its consideration, and for his service to Congress, and to the country.\nAs for the bill itself, S. 756 makes a number of reforms to our federal sentencing laws. It also establishes a new system to provide incentives to some federal prisoners to participate in programs that will reduce the risk that they will commit crimes once they are released.\nThe prison reform provisions in this bill are similar to those in H.R. 5682, the House-passed measure with the same name as this new bill. The bill before us today includes provisions intended to address concerns that I, and many others, raised about the fairness of the new recidivism reduction system for federal prisons.\nFor instance, this revised bill establishes an Independent Review Committee of outside experts to assist the Justice Department in the development of the risk and needs assessment system that would determine the programming for inmates, their risk categories, and their eligibility for early entry into pre-release custody. Also, the bill expands the options for early pre-release custody to include supervised release.\nChanges such as these, in addition to authorizing more funding for the expansion of programming to reduce the risk of recidivism by inmates, help make this new system fairer. In the other direction, however, I am disappointed that the bill excludes additional categories of offenders from being able to earn early entry into pre-release custody, reducing the risk reduction incentives for those who need it the most.\nThe prison reform provisions of this bill also include a number of very positive changes, such as banning shackling of pregnant and postpartum inmates, fixing the calculation of time-off earned for good behavior, improving application of compassionate release, and providing other measures to improve the welfare of federal inmates.\nIn addition, the bill reauthorizes the Second Chance Act, a historically bipartisan effort to help ex-offenders successfully re-enter their communities after having served their time.\nCritically, S. 756 would not only implement these reforms to our prison system, but it also takes a crucial first step toward addressing grave concerns about our sentencing laws, which have for years fed a national crisis of mass incarceration.\nAmong the sentencing reforms contained in this bill are:\n Expanding the existing safety valve to allow judges greater authority to sentence low-level, non-violent offenders below the mandatory minimum;\n  Applying the crack cocaine sentence reductions from the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 retroactively;\n  Reducing certain mandatory minimum sentences for recidivist drug offenders; and\n  Stopping the unfair stacking of mandatory sentencing enhancements for certain repeat firearms offenders.\n Although we must do far more to address the injustice of mandatory minimum sentences, and other policies that lead to mass incarceration, these changes recognize the fundamental unfairness of a system that imposes lengthy imprisonment that is not based on the facts and circumstances of each offender and each case.\nThis legislation is not the end of the discussion.\nAs the bill's title suggests, it is a first step.' It will not solve longstanding problems with our criminal justice systemissues and injustices that will require more aggressive and comprehensive reformsbut it does demonstrate that we can work together to make the system fairer in ways that will also reduce crime and victimization.\nTherefore I support this bill and I ask my colleagues to do the same. I reserve the balance of my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/press-release/ranking-member-nadler-opening-statement-hearing-dhs-secretary-nielsen", "Ranking Member Nadler Opening Statement for Hearing with DHS Secretary Nielsen", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, delivered the following opening remarks during the Committee's oversight hearing with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, the first such hearing with DHS since 2015:\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Secretary Nielsen, I am glad to see you before our Committee. I am disappointed, however, that it has taken so long to schedule this oversight hearing. You have been in this job for just over a year, and yet this is the first time you are appearing before us. And your predecessor, General Kelly, never appeared at all during his tenure as Homeland Security Secretary before becoming White House Chief of Staff.\n\"Much of the Department of Homeland Security's operations fall squarely within this Committee's jurisdiction, and this Administration has engaged in a wide-range of dramatic policy changes, yet the Committee has failed to conduct any meaningful oversight until now. Moreover, Members of this Committee have written dozens of letters to you, many of which have received little or no substantive response.\n\"As we move into the next Congress, I want to put you and your department on notice: The time for accountability has arrived. The Members of this Committee have a responsibility to ask hard questions of any Administration, and to ensure that federal agencies are acting in accordance with the law, and in the best interest of the American people.\n\"That job begins today.\n\"Foremost on our minds is the tragic death of 7-year-old Jakelin Caal Maquin while in DHS custody. It is important that we understand exactly what led to Jakelin's death, and what steps DHS is taking to prevent a similar tragedy from occurring. The fact that CBP does not conduct a full medical examination of people it holds in its custody is outrageous and is a policy that should be changed today. But, more broadly, this heartbreaking case also highlights the failure of the Trump Administration's haphazard and chaotic immigration policies.\n\"For example, although the law expressly allows individuals to request asylum, regardless of the manner of entry, this Administration has repeatedly implored asylum seekers to come to ports of entry. At the same time, DHS turns away those who do come to those ports, forcing them to wait for weeks, or months, before actually being able to file an asylum application.\n\"These conflicting messages create mass confusion and actually drive migrants to use dangerous routes. In September, the Department's own Inspector General issued a report describing the impact of DHS's policies. The IG found evidence that the practice of turning away asylum seekers and limiting the volume of asylum-seekers entering at ports of entry may have increased illegal crossing attempts. One asylum seeker had been turned away three times by an officer on the bridge before deciding to take her chances on illegal entry.\n\"In other words, the Administration's dangerous and chaotic policies have caused desperate people to use desperate means to find protection for themselves and for their children. This has likely cost at least one life already, and it will likely cost many more unless we return to a more rational policy.\n\"We must also conduct much-needed and long-overdue oversight over your Department's disastrous family separation policy. At its most basic level, we have three simple questions: What made you think that seizing children from the arms of their parents was acceptable? Under what authority and under whose direction was this done? And now, what are you doing to repair the untold damage the Department has inflicted on these children and their families?\n\"Not only was the policy abhorrent and morally repugnant, it is clear that the Department was either incompetent, or grossly negligent, in its implementation, which only compounded the trauma inflicted on innocent children.\n\"For example, DHS failed to keep sufficient records that would enable the eventual reunification of separated children with their parents. Again, this is the conclusion of the Department's own Inspector General.\n\"Among other things, the IG found that DHS \"struggled to identify, track, and reunite families,\" that your agency caused confusion by providing inconsistent information to separated families, and that the Department \"was not fully prepared to implement the Administration's Zero Tolerance Policy or to deal with some of its after effects.\"\n\"The fact that this was handled so poorlyand that some separated children have yet to be reunited with their parentsis unacceptable. We recently learned that DHS piloted a family separation policy in El Paso months earlier. The fact that these issues were not identified at the timeor that they were willfully ignoreddemonstrates a callousness, and an indifference to human suffering, that is simply appalling. It is past time for a full accounting of this shameful policy.\n\"We must also look at the Administration's enforcement priorities, or lack thereof. Rather than prioritize for removal those who threaten public safety, as was done by past administrations, this Administration has effectively chosen to prioritize everyoneand thus, no one. Particularly egregious are the policy changes targeting women, children, and families. DHS has, for example, ended the presumption to release pregnant women from detention, and it seeks to indefinitely detain families by overturning the Flores Settlement Agreement through rulemaking.\n\"All of this is being done despite the fact that the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians have concluded that \"[t]he conditions in DHS facilities are not appropriate for pregnant women or children.\"\n\"Not content to attack and dehumanize those who seek asylum in our countrya right guaranteed by our lawsthis Administration is also attacking legal immigration. It is hell-bent on stripping DACA recipients of their work permits, ending TPS protections for thousands of immigrants who have been here legally for decades, and even rescinding work authorization for the spouses of H-1B workers who have been approved for immigrant visas.\n\"DHS also has proposed to dramatically reinterpret the public charge ground of inadmissibility, which would effectively penalize individuals for receiving supplemental public benefits to which they are legally entitled. As DHS's own analysis found, it may make America sicker and poorer, and it will have a profound negative impact on the health, safety, and economic well-being of communities across America. As I stated in a comment submitted on this rule with 110 of my colleagues, the rule is an unlawful and dangerous attempt by the Administration to circumvent Congress and to reduce legal immigration. \n\"The Administration has been clear in its desire to cut legal immigration, especially for the family members of U.S. citizens. The President, for example, has repeatedly pushed the RAISE Act, which would cut legal immigration in half. After failing to get that bill through Congress, the Administration is now seeking to accomplish its goals by creating obstacles for individuals legally seeking to come to this country.\n\"The Trump Administrationincluding DHS, under your watchhas launched a relentless attack against immigrants of all stripes. Although your Department has evaded meaningful oversight up until now, you can be sure that, beginning in January, this Committee intends to do its job, in a fair, but firm, manner. The time for zero accountability is over, and we are determined to ensure that the Department's policies and practices are aligned with the laws and values of the nation.\n\"Thank you again, Secretary Nielsen, for appearing before the Committee today. I look forward to a substantive dialogue with you on these critical matters, and I yield back the remainder of my time.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/press-release/ranking-member-nadler-statement-acting-ag-whitakers-refusal-recuse-special-counsel", "Ranking Member Nadler Statement on Acting AG Whitaker's Refusal to Recuse From Special Counsel Investigation", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, released the following statement on Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker's announcement that he will not be recused from overseeing the work of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, despite numerous objections from senior ethics officials:\n\t\t\t\t\t\"We have asked the Department of Justice, repeatedly and over the course of several weeks, for more information about Mr. Whitaker's ethics guidanceincluding for a copy of the guidance itself. I have even asked Mr. Whitaker for this information directly. To date, we have received no response from the Department. It is simply unacceptable that we are learning about this guidance through leaks to the press instead of from the Acting Attorney General himself, particularly when it seems that this decision is to satisfy President Trump and not to protect the integrity of the Department or its ongoing work.\n\t\t\t\t\t\"More concerning, at the moment, is the fact that career DOJ ethics officials appear to have had serious concerns about Mr. Whitaker's ability and fitness to oversee the Special Counsel's investigation. You can be sure I will be asking Mr. Whitaker about these concerns, and many others, when he appears before the House Judiciary Committee in January.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://seanmaloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-supports-passage-of-bipartisan-criminal-justice-reform-bill", "Maloney Supports Passage of Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Bill", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Sean Maloney", "M001185", "seanmaloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) supported today's passage of the Formerly Incarcerated Reenter Society Transformed Safely Transitioning Every Person Act or FIRST STEP Act. The bill is the most sweeping federal criminal justice legislation passed in the last two decades. The bill will improve reentry services to prevent recidivism, reduce mandatory minimum sentences, cut penalties under the three strikes law, and establish good time credits to allow more inmates to reenter society. \nThis isn't going to solve all of the problems in our criminal justice system, but it's a great start to tackling the problem of mass incarceration, said Rep. Maloney. For too long, our broken system has locked people up and thrown away the key  and it's disproportionately hurt communities of color. We need to get people ready for life after incarceration and address mandatory minimums that too often target low-income communities. This bill does just that.\nMoving forward, we should focus on the front-end of our criminal justice system. I'd like to get rid of cash bail, which really just punishes people for not having a lot of money. I think we also need to pass a few bills I introduced which will divert people with addictions to treatment rather than just locking them up and guarantee minors and people living in poverty get fair legal counsel.\nThe FIRST STEP Act makes a series of reforms to our criminal justice system to give offenders better opportunities to reenter society sooner. The bill would reduce mandatory minimum sentencing from life in prison to 25 years in some cases. The bill also makes significant investments in  and expands incentives for  reentry programs which help formerly incarcerated people readjust to life outside of prison. It would also retroactively apply 2010 sentencing reform which aligned penalties for crack cocaine with those for powder cocaine, which had long been regarded as an attack on low-income communities and communities of color. FIRST STEP also expands good time credits to give inmates who exhibit good behavior while in prison opportunities to leave prison earlier.\nRep. Maloney has been a leader on criminal justice reform issues, focusing specifically on preventing incarceration based on addiction, poverty, or inadequate legal counsel. In 2017, he reintroduced his Keeping Communities Safe Through Treatment Act, which would create a Department of Justice (DOJ) grant program to fund pre-booking drug diversion programs, which give law enforcement the option of diverting individuals directly to treatment instead of booking them. He also introduced the Equal Justice Under Law Act and Gideon Act alongside New Jersey Senator Cory Booker. The Equal Justice Under Law Act would empower indigent criminal defendants to take action against states and localities that systematically fail to provide effective assistance of counsel in felony cases. The Gideon Act would establish a federal corporation dedicated to delivering independent, uniform, and quality defense representation in criminal cases before the United States Supreme Court and, at times, in the highest courts in the states.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=781", "Tonko Alzheimer\u2019s Bill Passes House, Expected to Become Law", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This bill promises to improve the lives of those suffering from Alzheimer's and reduce the public health burden of this disease on our communities. - Rep. Paul Tonko\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON  Congressman Paul D. Tonko heralded passage of his bill S. 2076, the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act, through the House last night by a vote of 361-3. Following its recent approval by the Senate, the bill now heads to the White House for final ratification. If enacted, the bill will support creation of public health infrastructure to combat Alzheimer's disease and preserve brain health (details below). Tonko introduced the bill in 2017 with Congressman Brett Guthrie (R-KY).\r\nThis bill promises to improve the lives of those suffering from Alzheime Tonko Alzheimer's Bill Passes Houser's and reduce the public health burden of this disease on our communities, said Tonko. Building on our success in past Congresses with the Alzheimer's Accountability Act and the HOPE for Alzheimer's Act, this bill represents another giant step forward, driving investments in Alzheimer's infrastructure that will advance public health research and promote prevention, early detection and diagnosis all leading to lower costs and better care. I'm proud to celebrate this bill's passage alongside my fellow Alzheimer's champions and look forward to seeing this important legislation signed into law.\r\n\"The BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act is a critical step to improve our response to the Alzheimer's crisis, a devastating disease impacting millions of New Yorkers and other Americans, said Alzheimer's Association Chief Public Policy Officer, Robert Egge. We are thankful to Rep. Tonko for sponsoring the bill and for his continued work to implement policies to improve the lives of all those affected by the disease.\r\nThis legislation applies a public health approach to Alzheimer's disease by establishing a modern infrastructure for the prevention, treatment, and care of Alzheimer's and related dementias. Headed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), it establishes:\r\n \r\n    Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Public Health Centers of Excellence dedicated to promoting effective Alzheimer's disease and caregiving interventions as well as educating the public on Alzheimer's disease, cognitive decline, and brain health. The centers would implement the CDC's Healthy Aging Public Health Road Map and would take key steps to support health and social services professionals as well as families and communities. \r\n    State and Local Cooperative Agreements with HHS that would be awarded to state health departments, subdivisions of states, or tribal entities to develop and carry out Alzheimer's interventions. These awards would help states build a foundation, and also help those states that are already investing in a public health approach to Alzheimer's to amplify their initiatives through public-private partnerships. \r\n    Data Analysis and Reporting Cooperative Agreements with HHS that would ensure that data on Alzheimer's, cognitive decline, caregiving, and health disparities are analyzed and disseminated to the public in a timely manner. \r\n \r\nThe BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act was supported by numerous nationwide advocacy organizations, including the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Impact Movement, the American Academy of Neurology, National Association of Chronic Disease Directors, and the National Association of Counties. Click HERE and HERE to read their letters of support.\r\nU.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced the companion bill in the U.S. Senate.\r\nFor a one-pager on the bill, click HERE\r\nTo read the full text of the bill, click HERE\r\n  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/vel-zquez-seeks-crackdown-promesa-consultants-conflict-interest", "Vel\u00e1zquez Seeks Crackdown on PROMESA Consultants\u2019 Conflict of Interest", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez", "V000081", "velazquez.house.gov", "velazquez", "https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC- Rep. Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez (D-NY) has introduced the \"Puerto Rico Recovery Accuracy in Disclosures Act,\" legislation that extends to firms working on Puerto Rico's debt restructuring the same disclosure requirements that apply to companies involved in other bankruptcies. Recent news reports have documented how McKinsey & Company is advising Puerto Rico on the Island's debt restructuring at the same time that it holds bonds issued by Puerto Rico.\n\n\"The people of Puerto Rico can't have faith that this oversight board is putting their interests first if consultants helping implement the restructuring could profit from how much debt service is available under the very fiscal plans they design,\" Vel\u00e1zquez said. \"At bare minimum, the same disclosure requirements that apply to an ordinary bankruptcy on the mainland should hold true for Puerto Rico. Anything less than that impugns the integrity of the process.\"\n\nVel\u00e1zquez's bill requires attorneys, accountants, consultants, and other professional persons employed by the Oversight Board in a Title III case to submit verified disclosures of their connections with the debtor, creditors, or persons employed by the Oversight Board, prior to being compensated under PROMESA. The disclosures must comport to existing bankruptcy rules and include information on the identity of each entity or person with whom such professional person has a connection.\n\nUnder the bill, the U.S. Trustee would also review the disclosures submitted and potentially file comments with the Court should the disclosures not be properly submitted, potentially preventing compensation from a firm that is in violation. The new disclosure requirements would apply retroactively to individuals and companies already employed by the Oversight Board.\n\n\"Those who have been retained to help guide Puerto Rico through bankruptcy should be putting the Island, its people and its economy first,\" Vel\u00e1zquez continued. \"If companies are doing work on Puerto Rico's debt, while simultaneously holding bonds in secret, there are very real concerns that standard is not being met. This bill will simply mean greater transparency in the process and a full understanding of any potential conflicts.\"\n\nVel\u00e1zquez's bill has been cosponsored by Rep. Jenniffer Gonz\u00e1lez-Col\u00f3n (R-PR), House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Ra\u00fal Grijalva (D-AZ), Committee Chairman Bishop (R-UT) and Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ). The Natural Resources Committee has jurisdiction over PROMESA and Puerto Rico. Vel\u00e1zquez pledged to move the legislation toward enactment as quickly as possible.\n\nThe first Puerto Rican woman elected to Congress, Vel\u00e1zquez serves on the House Natural Resources Committee.\n\nA summary of the bill is online here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/gillibrand-announces-that-farm-bill-that-was-just-signed-into-law-includes-her-provisions-to-protect-new-yorks-farmers-and-producers-and-to-strengthen-rural-economies-", "Gillibrand Announces That Farm Bill That Was Just Signed Into Law Includes Her Provisions To Protect New York\u2019s Farmers And Producers And To Strengthen Rural Economies", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 20, 2018\n\t\t\t Gillibrand Announces That Farm Bill That Was Just Signed Into Law Includes Her Provisions To Protect New York's Farmers And Producers And To Strengthen Rural Economies  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, DC  U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that the just-signedFarm Bill includes several of her provisions that protect New York's farmers and producers and that strengthen rural economies. This includes her bill to put money back into the pockets of New York dairy farmers and new grant programs to invest in New York's rural economies. Gillibrand worked in the Senate Agriculture Committee to include these provisions in the Farm Bill and fought to ensure that they were passed as a part of the final bill, which was signed into law by the President today.\r\nNew York has one of the longest and most distinguished agriculture traditions in the country. This year's Farm Bill provided the best opportunity to strengthen rural economies and provide new opportunities for our farmers and producers, said Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. I'm pleased that the final Farm Bill includes my provisions to provide some relief for our dairy farmers, who have been struggling from historically low milk prices for years, to expand rural broadband, and to invest in our rural communities. I worked from the very beginning to make sure that this year's Farm Bill had New York's best interests at its core, and I applaud my colleagues for passing this bipartisan bill.\r\nBelow are the provisions that Senator Gillibrand fought for and successfully included in the just-signedFarm Bill:\r\nRefunds for Dairy Farmers\r\nGillibrand's secured a provision in the final Farm Bill to refund nearly $60 million in insurance premiums to farmers who paid millions of dollars into an insurance program, the Dairy Margin Protection Program, which did not help them when milk prices dropped. This provision in the Farm Bill was modeled after Senator Gillibrand's Dairy Premium Refund Act, which she introduced in February.\r\nAnother provision also directs the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to present dairy farm data in order to better describe the health of the dairy industry and help ensure that policy makers understand which types of dairy producers are most at risk of farm failure.\r\nRural Broadband\r\nThe final Farm Bill includes a provision to make grant funding available for rural broadband projects in high-need areas. This provision, based on Senator Gillibrand's bipartisan Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program Act (B-CROP Act) would help encourage more high-speed broadband deployment to high-need areas by awarding grants in combination with the current loan funding available through the USDA's Rural Utilities Service. Federal funds would target the highest-need rural and tribal areas, allowing for grants of up to 50 percent of a project's cost, and up to 75 percent for remote, high-need areas, to be awarded in combination with the current loan funding available through USDA. The Farm Bill also increases the annual funding level of the USDA broadband program to $350 million.\r\nRural Jobs and Investment \r\nThe final Farm Bill includes a bipartisan provision led by Senator Gillibrand to expand access to much-needed resources and investment for rural entrepreneurs in Upstate New York to start and expand local businesses. This provision is based on Gillibrand's Rural Jobs and Investment Act and would create a new grant program to invest in local efforts to launch new companies and create new jobs in New York's rural communities. It would also expand the use of the USDA Community Facilities Program to invest in business incubators, makerspaces, and job training centers to provide additional resources for communities to support their entrepreneurs.\r\nIn addition, Gillibrand's provision would also expand access to capital for rural entrepreneurs by encouraging investment in rural areas. Currently, the USDA's Rural Business Investment Program helps address these capital challenges, but this program is limited in the types of industries that it can invest in, as well as the amount of capital it can attract. Gillibrand's provision would improve the program to allow investments across all industries, encouraging more capital to be invested in rural entrepreneurs.\r\nNorthern Border Regional Commission\r\nThe final Farm Bill reauthorizes and expands the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) to include more counties in New York. The NBRC is a federal-state partnership that invests in economic and community development projects throughout Upstate New York, as well as in rural communities in other states in the Northeast. This provision reauthorizes the NBRC for an additional five years and increases funding to $33 million per year to continue to bring critical federal investment to economic development projects in these regions. It would also add several New York State counties to the list of current counties eligible for NBRC assistance. The newly added counties include Genesee, Greene, Livingston, Montgomery, Niagara, Orleans, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Sullivan, Washington, Warren, Wayne, and Yates Counties. Additionally, the provision would establish a state capacity-building grant program to help develop projects that support business retention and expansion, increase access to high-speed internet, invest in critical infrastructure development, and promote job creation.\r\nFrom 2010 to 2017, the NBRC has invested over $57.6 million throughout New York. The NBRC region in New York State currently includes St. Lawrence, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Cayuga, Oneida, Oswego, and Seneca counties. Gillibrand was an original cosponsor of the Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act, which was introduced by U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Angus King (I-ME), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH). Senator Gillibrand worked with Senator Leahy on an amendment to include the NBRC in the Farm Bill.\r\nREAP Zones\r\nThe final Farm Bill reauthorizes the Rural Economic Area Partnership (REAP) Zone designation for Sullivan County and the Town of Wawarsing in Ulster County. The REAP Zone program provides specialized technical assistance from USDA to assist in community development efforts, including rehabilitating rural housing, developing local and regional food systems, supporting rural entrepreneurs, small businesses, and infrastructure improvements to community facilities, water, and wastewater systems, and other similar projects that are critical to an area's economic development. Senator Gillibrand worked with Senator Leahy (D-VT) and the Agriculture Committee to include this provision in this year's Farm Bill.\r\nAquaculture\r\nGillibrand also included a provision to protect Long Island shellfish producers by expanding their insurance coverage options. Shellfish producers are at high risk of losing their crops and equipment because of weather, diseases, and changes in the marine environment. Gillibrand's provision would treat the different growth stages of shellfish and other aquaculture species as separate crops, which would allow the Whole Farm Revenue Insurance Program policies to be more comprehensive and fair for shellfish producers.\r\nShellfish production is a growing industry in New York. In 2017, the New York shellfish industry was valued at $16.2 million.\r\nBarley\r\nThe bill directs the National Agricultural Statistics Service of USDA to document barley production in New York State. This would ensure that producers have the information they need to decide on future plantings. The information would also be valuable for growers because it would provide sufficient data for crop insurance companies to expand insurance offerings and eventually offer a malting barley endorsement.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-statement-on-lack-of-ntsb-access-to-schoharie-limo", "Schumer, Gillibrand Statement On Lack Of NTSB Access To Schoharie Limo", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 20, 2018\n\t\t\t Schumer, Gillibrand Statement On Lack Of NTSB Access To Schoharie Limo \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today released the following statement after it was revealed that the NTSB has not yet been given access to the stretch limousine involved in the fatal Schoharie crash this October:\r\nWe have said a number of times that the criminal and safetyinvestigationscanand should paralleleach other, but the NTSB must gain full access to the limo. We understand the immensesignificance thiscriminalcase holds, which is why it'simperativeit continues in a thoroughand meticulous manner. However,it is vital that the safety investigation also proceedas immediately andefficientlyas possible so NTSB and other agencies can develop and implement safety recommendations to help save lives and prevent future tragedies like this from occurring again. The NTSB is independent and professional, and they need access to the vehicle to move forward with their critical work. We believe that the law enforcement officials and safety professionals can and must get on the same page so that both can have access to the vehicle, said Senators Schumer and Gillibrand.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/senators-schumer-gillibrand-and-congresswoman-clarke-announce-passage-of-legislation-to-name-brooklyn-post-office-in-honor-of-major-owens", "Senators Schumer, Gillibrand And Congresswoman Clarke Announce Passage Of Legislation To Name Brooklyn Post Office In Honor Of Major Owens", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 20, 2018\n\t\t\t Senators Schumer, Gillibrand And Congresswoman Clarke Announce Passage Of Legislation To Name Brooklyn Post Office In Honor Of Major Owens \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and U.S. Representative Yvette D. Clarke today announced that legislation to rename a Brooklyn post office after former U.S. Representative Major Owens was signed into law last week. The post office is located at 1234 Saint Johns Place in Brooklyn, New York. Schumer and Gillibrand introduced legislation in the Senate to rename this post office after Representative Owens back in March. Clarke introduced the legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives with the full support of the New York delegation.\r\nBrooklynites, like myself, will never forget Rep. Major Owens's tireless leadership, ability to deliver for his district, goodhearted nature and commitment to the all-American value of equality, said Senator Schumer. As a trained librarian, Rep. Owens was a leading advocate for the public library system as a whole and did everything in his power to make sure children and families had equal access to important educational resources. Rep. Owens also helped lead the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to passage. I am so pleased that the legislation to honor the legacy of my dear friend, Rep. Major Owens, with a Brooklyn post office designation, was signed into law.\r\nFrom the very beginning of his career at the Brooklyn Public Library, following him all the way to his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Major Owens was a fighter for the Brooklyn community, said Senator Gillibrand. He spent years advocating for issues that would help improve the lives of New Yorkers and people throughout this country, championing causes such as such as equal rights and education. I'm pleased that my bill to designate the post office at Saint Johns Place after him has passed into law. This post office designation will help honor his memory in the community he fought for and represented.\r\nCongressman Owens, a dedicated and life-long public servant, helped to improve the lives of New Yorkers and Americans across the Nation by fiercely advocating for education, gun control, and equal rights, Congresswoman Clarke said. I'm thrilled that my bill to designate the post office on Saint John Place in the Ninth Congressional District has passed into law. This is just one way we can pay tribute to Owens' life and living legacy.\r\nOwens served New Yorkers in public office for 32 years, first serving in the New York State Assembly from 1975 to 1982, and then succeeding Shirley Chisholm as the Representative for New York's 11th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. During his time in Congress, Owens was a fierce advocate for education, gun control, and equal rights until his retirement in 2007.\r\nPrior to his decades in public office, Owens was actively involved in serving the Brooklyn community. He was the community coordinator at the Brooklyn Public Library, chairman of the Brooklyn Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), vice president of the Metropolitan Council of Housing, executive director of the Brownsville Community Council, commissioner of the Community Development Agency in New York City, and director of the Community Media Library Program at Columbia University.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-schumer-gillibrand-and-congresswoman-clarke-announce-passage-of-legislation-to-name-brooklyn-post-office-in-honor-of-major-owens", "SENATORS SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND AND CONGRESSWOMAN CLARKE ANNOUNCE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO NAME BROOKLYN POST OFFICE IN HONOR OF MAJOR OWENS", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Charles Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.18\n\t\t\t SENATORS SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND AND CONGRESSWOMAN CLARKE ANNOUNCE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO NAME BROOKLYN POST OFFICE IN HONOR OF MAJOR OWENS \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and U.S. Representative Yvette D. Clarke today announced that legislation to rename a Brooklyn post office after former U.S. Representative Major Owens was signed into law last week. The post office is located at 1234 Saint Johns Place in Brooklyn, New York. Schumer and Gillibrand introduced legislation in the Senate to rename this post office after Representative Owens back in March. Clarke introduced the legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives with the full support of the New York delegation.\r\nBrooklynites, like myself, will never forget Rep. Major Owens's tireless leadership, ability to deliver for his district, goodhearted nature and commitment to the all-American value of equality, said Senator Schumer. As a trained librarian, Rep. Owens was a leading advocate for the public library system as a whole and did everything in his power to make sure children and families had equal access to important educational resources. Rep. Owens also helped lead the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to passage. I am so pleased that the legislation to honor the legacy of my dear friend, Rep. Major Owens, with a Brooklyn post office designation, was signed into law.\r\nFrom the very beginning of his career at the Brooklyn Public Library, following him all the way to his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Major Owens was a fighter for the Brooklyn community, said Senator Gillibrand. He spent years advocating for issues that would help improve the lives of New Yorkers and people throughout this country, championing causes such as such as equal rights and education. I'm pleased that my bill to designate the post office at Saint Johns Place after him has passed into law. This post office designation will help honor his memory in the community he fought for and represented.\r\nCongressman Owens, a dedicated and life-long public servant, helped to improve the lives of New Yorkers and Americans across the Nation by fiercely advocating for education, gun control, and equal rights, Congresswoman Clarke said. I'm thrilled that my bill to designate the post office on Saint John Place in the Ninth Congressional District has passed into law. This is just one way we can pay tribute to Owens' life and living legacy.\r\nOwens served New Yorkers in public office for 32 years, first serving in the New York State Assembly from 1975 to 1982, and then succeeding Shirley Chisholm as the Representative for New York's 11th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. During his time in Congress, Owens was a fierce advocate for education, gun control, and equal rights until his retirement in 2007.\r\nPrior to his decades in public office, Owens was actively involved in serving the Brooklyn community. He was the community coordinator at the Brooklyn Public Library, chairman of the Brooklyn Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), vice president of the Metropolitan Council of Housing, executive director of the Brownsville Community Council, commissioner of the Community Development Agency in New York City, and director of the Community Media Library Program at Columbia University.\r\n###\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n    \n    \n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/engel-statement-on-syria-troop-withdrawal/", "Engel Statement on Syria Troop Withdrawal", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Eliot Engel", "E000179", "engel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-statement-reports-full-us-withdrawal-syria", "Lowey Statement on Reports of Full U.S. Withdrawal from Syria", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Nita Lowey", "L000480", "lowey.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee and its Subcommitteeon State and Foreign Operations, today issued the following statement in response to reports that President Trump has ordered a full U.S. military withdrawal from Syria:\n \n\tI am deeply troubled by reports that President Trump has again instructed military leaders to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, despite indications from national security leaders that the fight against ISIS is not over. Mission complete' means the enduring defeat of ISIS and supporting successful reconstruction efforts. The void created by our absence will almost certainly be filled by countries like Russia and Iran that do not share our interests or those of our allies in the region. In the absence of a unified strategy on Syria, it is clear Congress must debate and pass a new Authorization of the Use of Military Force to clarify our mission to counter violent extremism in the region and fund stabilization efforts to ensure the country does not descend into chaos.\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-fire-unions-local-officials-and-community-leaders-call-for", "Maloney, Fire Unions, Local Officials and Community Leaders Call for Reinstatement of LICs Engine Company 261", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NEW YORKToday, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) joined Jake Lemonda of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, Gerard Fitzgerald of the Uniformed Firefighters Association, local elected officials and community leaders to call for the reinstatement of FDNY Engine Company 261. Rep. Maloney has written a letter to Mayor de Blasio to call for the reinstatement of FDNY Engine Company 261 at its former location (see below).\nThe current building boom and population increase in Long Island City, as well as the new Cornell Tech and building on Roosevelt Island, makes it abundantly clear that Engine Company 261 must be reopened for the safety of the community. As the fastest growing community in the nation, Long Island City must be given adequate infrastructure and safety precautions designed to match its substantial growth.\nAt present, Ladder Company 116 does not have the resources to adequately respond to fires, while increasing population growth and traffic threatens to place an even larger strain on this firehouse. Restoring Engine Company 261 is crucial to ensuring that Long Island City has the equipment and personnel necessary to respond to fires in this increasingly dense community.\n\nWe need to return Fire Engine 261 to what is already the fastest growing community in the nation said Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney I am proud to stand with Jake Lemonda of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association and Gerard Fitzgerald of the Uniformed Firefighters Association, as well as the wonderful elected officials that are committed to the safety and protection of Long Island City residents. Firefighters have been asked to do more and more with fewer resources, and as the disastrous 5 alarm fire in Sunnyside shows us, we cannot continue to put lives at risk. We must have an adequate number of personnel and equipment to serve this growing community- we need Fire Engine 261. \n\nThe unions warned then Mayor Bloomberg that closing firehouses was short sighted and a danger to our citizens. Today we stand in the fastest growing community in NYC, both residential and commercial populations are exploding! The danger is that there is not adequate fire protection for this community and its citizens. Every community deserves adequate fire protection, E 261 should be re-opened immediately, said Jake Lemonda of the Uniformed Firefighters Association.\n  \n\tSince Engine 261 closed, Long Island City has added thousands of new residents to Queens. Across the city, our firefighters are already doing more now with fewer resources than ever, and with Amazon coming into the neighborhood there is still no plan for a firehouse to serve this rapidly growing community, said Gerard Fitzgerald, President of the Uniformed Firefighters Association. We're proud to stand today with Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney to tell New York's elected officials: Don't overlook the public safety needs of Queens residents. Reopening Engine 261 is crucial to keeping Queens safe.\n\n\nThe Long Island City community needs more fire protection with the growing number of high rise apartments and the continued presence of industry side by side with hi-rise hotels and condos said Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan. Engine Company 261 must be reopened now to increase the safety and security of the growing population in our community.\n\nI join the community, the firefighters, my colleagues and fellow electeds, who are calling upon Mayor de Blasio to re-open FDNY Engine Company 261. At the same time that we are PAYING corporations like Amazon to come to Long Island City, it seems only reasonable that taxpayer supported resources that provide essential services, like the FDNY, be open and available to all citizens, said Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright.\n\nNew York City has a poor track record of planning for major developments over the last twenty years which has resulted in historically low ratios of FDNY and EMS resources per capita. We don't want to repeat the mistakes made during the Bloomberg years when hundreds of thousands of people were lured into formerly industrial communities which had inadequate public infrastructure. FDNY companies and EMS stations provide the resources and response times necessary to ensure the wellbeing of residents and visitors. With this new Amazon campus we will see an influx of tens of thousands of employees plus exponentially greater numbers of vendors and visitors, the volume of which will rival a city the size of Syracuse, NY. It's imperative that Engine 261 in Long Island City be reactivated in order to support the explosive growth in population and commercial activity in the community, said Council Member Joe Borelli, Chair of the NYC Council's Committee on Fire & Emergency Management.\n\nIt's long past time for Mayor de Blasio to reverse Mayor Bloomberg's ill-advised decision to close Engine Company 261 in Dutch Kills. Thousands of people have moved to Western Queens in the last decade and our brave firefighters are strained to capacity. Green-lighting the rapid development of our Long Island City community without providing the necessary infrastructure to sustain population growth is a threat to public safety. Engine Company 261 must be reinstated to protect our growing community and give it back the sense of comfort that comes with having our City's bravest right next door, said Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer.\n\n\"Over the last 5 to 7 years Long Island City and the communities around it have seen very rapid growth in population and an explosion in construction. New York City must respond to this reality and reinstate Engine Company 261 as soon as possible, said Council Member Ben Kallos. \"The safety of New Yorkers in Queens should not fall victim to an old cost-cutting measure we all knew was a bad idea when it was implemented. I fully support the men and women of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association and the Uniformed Firefighters Association demanding that Engine Company 261 is reinstated. Common sense and our City's obligation to put safety first must prevail here. Thank you to Congress Member Maloney for calling attention to this issue and working to get it solved.\n\nBackground: \n\n FDNY Engine Company 261 was housed with FDNY Ladder Company 116 until 2003, but was closed as Bloomberg era cost-cutting measure. The 22 members of Engine Company 261 were transferred to other units.\n \n Engine Company 261 served Roosevelt Island as well, which has seen a population explosion of its own with the construction of Cornell Tech and several new apartment buildings.\n \n Ladder Company 116 continues to use the station where Engine Company 261 had been co-located so it would take very little investment to return Engine Company 261 to its original location.\n \n Long Island City is the fastest growing community in the nation. The development of projects and sites along the waterfront will bring a large influx of workers and residents to the area, which requires upgrades to infrastructure and fire safety measures.\n \n Engine Companies provide water and hoses to fight fires. Ladder companies are responsible for search and rescue and ventilation (making holes in roofs and windows), but lack the equipment to put out a fire. Without an Engine Company, Ladder Company 116 lacks the equipment and personnel to fight fires adequately and relies on engine companies from a full half a mile away to put out fires. FDNY has broken its run record for five consecutive years and unit availability is at an all-time low.\n \n According to FDNY statistics, in 2017, Queens had the worst response times in the city  4 minutes and 36 seconds to respond to a structural fire  Brooklyn, with the best response time was nearly a minute faster at 3 minutes and 43 seconds. 2017 was a particularly deadly year, with fire deaths up 50% over the previous year.\n \n\nMaloney's letter to Mayor de Blasio is set forth below:\n\nDecember 14, 2018\n\nThe Honorable Bill de Blasio\nMayor of the City of New York\nCity Hall\nNew York, NY 10007\n\nDear Mayor de Blasio,\n\n I am writing to urge you to reinstate FDNY Engine Company 261, which was housed with FDNY Ladder Company 116 at 37-20 29th St. until 2003, when the Bloomberg Administration decided to close Engine Company. Since that time there has been a building boom in the community and a population explosion in Long Island City. What's more, with the expected arrival of Amazon and the development of many sites along the waterfront, there will be a huge influx of workers and residents to the community. For the safety of the community, Engine Company 261 must be reopened.\n\n Long Island City is the fastest growing community in the nation. Unfortunately, the growth has not been matched with infrastructure improvements. One of the key concerns raised by the community is that basic needs for fire, sewage, schools, transportation and parks are being neglected while residential and commercial development is being green-lighted. The result is infrastructure that is at risk of failing. When fire safety is an issue, lives are being put at risk.\n\n Since Ladder Company 116 continues to use the station house where Engine Company 261 had been co-located, it would take very little investment to return Engine Company 261 to its original home. At present, Ladder Company 116 lacks the equipment and personnel to fight fires adequately and has to rely on engine companies from elsewhere in the community to respond to fires. I am told that the nearest Engine Company is a full half mile away. This is inefficient and could potentially put lives in peril. In a community with increasing traffic and increasing numbers of residents and workers, this creates a growing risk to safety. Across the city, firefighters have been asked to do more with fewer resources. I understand that the FDNY has broken its run record for five consecutive years, and unit availability is at an all-time low.\n\n I urge you to restore Engine Company 261 to its station house. We cannot afford to put lives at risk in this increasingly dense community.\n\nVery truly yours,\n\nCAROLYN B. MALONEY\nMember of Congress\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/press-release/nadler-jackson-lee-statement-trump-administration%E2%80%99s-school-safety-commission-report", "Nadler & Jackson Lee Statement on Trump Administrations School Safety Commission Report", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations Ranking Member Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), issued the following joint statement after the release of the Trump Administration's Federal School Safety Commission report, which provides recommendations for arming teachers and rescinding the Obama Administration's 2014 guidance on school discipline, which includes important recommendations on ways to eliminate disparities in how black students, boys, and students with disabilities are disciplined as compared to their classmates:\nThe Trump Administration's Federal School Safety Commission report includes dangerous recommendations that would make our schools less safe, exacerbate discrimination in our educational system, and erode polices that promote an atmosphere of learning.\nUnbelievably, the report provides recommendations for the arming of teachers, a strategy borrowed from the wish-list of the NRA and the gun industry, which would create an environment for accidental shootings and an armed climate that is inappropriate for schools. Instead of aiding the proliferation of guns, we should instead enact measures to prevent guns from getting into the hands of those who are prohibited from possessing them and restrict the availability of military-style assault weapons and high capacity magazines that are the arms of choice for mass shooters.\nIt also appears that the Trump Administration is shamefully using the horrific incidents of school shootings to blame minority and disadvantaged students who bear no relationship to or responsibility for these tragedies, by rescinding the Obama Administration's 2014 guidance on school discipline. In doing so, the report undermines the appropriate interpretation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, a critical protection against policies that have discriminatory impacts on our citizens.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://seanmaloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/epa-actively-preparing-to-certify-ge-pcb-cleanup-of-hudson-river-maloney", "EPA Actively Preparing to Certify GE PCB Cleanup of Hudson River: Maloney Leads NY Delegation Members in Opposition", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Sean Maloney", "M001185", "seanmaloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Recent Testing Proves PCB Contamination Still Above Safe Levels, Shows Evidence of Re-Contamination of Dredged Sites \nWASHINGTON  Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) led a coalition of New York members of Congress in a letter demanding that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) withhold its final Certificate of Completion to General Electric for its cleanup of Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination in the Hudson River. The officials and relevant stakeholder groups are concerned that the EPA will soon grant GE a Certificate of Completion for the cleanup project, absolving the company of responsibility for future cleanup efforts, even though work to date fails to protect human health and the environment. A recent study found that areas that were previously dredged by GE were re-contaminated by upstream PCBs in un-dredged areas\nGE is not done cleaning up the mess they made and the EPA had better not let them off the hook for this, said Rep. Maloney. Issuing a Certificate of Completion at this stage would be bad for everyone except GE  taxpayers would be on the line for future cleanup costs, environmental quality would continue to suffer, and economic development opportunities along the river would be in jeopardy. GE polluted the river and they have to clean it up  it's that simple. We will not accept anything less than remediation to safe levels.\"\nThe Hudson River PCBs cleanup has been woefully less effective than we were promised, and General Electric's cleanup of the toxic PCBs it dumped in the river must continue. Those that fish on the river and the wildlife that live in it are still in danger. New Yorkers need real action from the EPA, not a free pass for an incomplete cleanup, said Riverkeeper President Paul Gallay. Meanwhile, we thank Congressman Maloney and members of the New York congressional delegation for their leadership in urging the EPA not to issue GE a certification of completion before the job is done.\"\nThanks to Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney and his colleagues in New York's Congressional delegation for demanding that the Environmental Protection Agency hold off on issuing General Electric a Certificate of Completion until it actually completes a PCB cleanup that makes the river safe for humans and wildlife. EPA not only has the authority to withhold the Certificate of Completion, but can order GE to take additional cleanup action. People should be able to enjoy the Hudson without fearing for their health. They should be able to eat the fish, swim, drink the water and find jobs along its banks. EPA can bring these back, if it does the right thingadmit that the cleanup has not achieved its goals and hold GE accountable. Scenic Hudson is grateful for Congressman Maloney's continuing leadership in Washington to ensure EPA works with the Cuomo Administration in achieving a healthy Hudson, said Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan.\nPCB contamination of the upper Hudson and its banks is a major obstacle to job creation - for marine transport and entrepreneurs trying to site 21st Century companies along the River and an endangerment to public health, safety and even drinking water supplies, said Pete Bardunias, President/CEO of the Chamber Southern Saratoga County. We are working to clean the historic Old Champlain Canal as well as the River itself. As Congressman Maloney has pointed out, issuance of a Certificate of Completion and application of a contrived will be protective standard by the EPA would likely set these goals back for generations, and ensure economic limbo persists in numerous Riverfront communities.\nRecent conversations with the EPA indicate that Region 2 Administrator, Peter Lopez, has discussed issuing a Certificate of Completion imminently. New York lawmakers and other local groups are concerned that the EPA is preparing to issue this certificate even though recent testing has found GE's efforts to remove PCB contamination are not protective of human health and the environment. The original Consent Decree between GE and the EPA requires remediation that meets those primary goals. Hudson Valley environmental group Scenic Hudson recently commissioned the testing of sediment samples taken by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in 2017 and found that areas which GE had already dredged had been re-contaminated by PCBs in sediment from un-dredged areas.\nRep. Maloney is joined by five fellow members of Congress representing districts adjacent to the Hudson River, including: Rep. Nita Lowey (NY-17), Rep. Jerry Nadler (NY-10), Rep. Eliot Engel (NY-16), Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY-12), and Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-21).\nRep. Maloney has been a leader in the fight to rid the Hudson River of PCB contamination. In 2016, he joined NYS DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos and environmental groups to encourage the EPA to ensure a remedy that results in the long-term cleanup of the Hudson River. This announcement came after a meeting Rep. Maloney helped to convene in July between Scenic Hudson and DEC Commissioner Seggos. Rep. Maloney also joined former Assemblyman Frank Skartados, Mayor Rob Rolison, and local stakeholders in Poughkeepsie to outline concerns about the effectiveness of the current cleanup strategy. Just last year, Rep. Maloney joined Senator Gillibrand and Reps. Tonko, Lowey and Engel to send a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calling on Administrator Scott Pruitt to incorporate data provided to the EPA as part of its Second Five-Year Review showing the continued presence of PCB contaminants in the Hudson River.The members cited the Second Five-Year Review as an opportunity to provide for additional cleanup of the Hudson River.\n\nThe text of the letter is below and a copy of the original is available here.\nDear Acting Administrator Wheeler,\nAs your office completes its analysis of the current phase of the Hudson River PCB dredging project, we urge you to find that the project is not protective of human health and the environment, and that a Certificate of Completion for the General Electric Company's work at the site is not warranted at this time. Furthermore, we ask that the EPA work closely with New York State and other stakeholders to achieve the goals of the project's remedial program.\nCommunities have endured the long-term effects of contamination for generations and as a result experienced the loss of many water-dependent economic and community activities. It had been expected that completing dredging operations would allow communities along the river to jump-start long delayed economic development opportunities as well as eventually resume unfettered commercial shipping and the Hudson's once-profitable fishing industry.\nRecent data from sediment and fish samples taken by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) clearly demonstrate that PCB levels in Hudson River fish are above the benchmarks your own agency established for the cleanup. Furthermore, the DEC data builds a convincing argument that contaminated sediments in the upper Hudson are re-contaminating areas of the river that were previously dredged. The loss of economic potential for commercial revitalization has hurt local governments for nearly 50 years, and the Hudson River remaining a Superfund Site will mean these industries will not recover for many more decades.\nContinuing to live with this legacy of pollution and its impact on achieving waterfront community and economic development is not an acceptable path forward. Leaving such a large amount of polluted sediment behind will delay the river's full recovery by decades, limit future restoration opportunities, restrict deep-draft shipping in the river and Champlain Canal, and prevent communities from making long-term economic redevelopment plans.\nWe are deeply concerned that your agency may soon issue General Electric a Certificate of Completion for the dredging project. Issuance of a Certificate of Completion could release General Electric from liability for its contamination of the Upper Hudson, and make it unlikely we will ever get a complete cleanup of the river.\nWe urge you to exercise your discretion to compel General Electric to conduct additional cleanup now, prior to issuing the Certificate. EPA is currently in possession of previously unknown information, including DEC's 2017 sediment sampling data, annual fish sampling data, NOAA's fish recovery modeling projections and fish consumption surveys that indicate the remedy is not protective of human health and the environment. Therefore, pursuant to the Consent Decree between EPA and General Electric, you may compel the company to perform additional cleanup.\nThere is no benefit to issuing a Certificate of Completion at this time. Issuing the Certificate comes with great risk, since General Electric could escape liability for any future cleanup on the Upper Hudson. On the other hand, if EPA does not issue a Certificate until it can find the cleanup fully protective of human health and the environment, nothing is lost. General Electric is very unlikely to take any action to try to force EPA to issue the certificate. In fact, the company has been awaiting the Certificate of Completion for OU1 of the Hudson River remedy (the Remnant Deposit sites) since construction of that remedy was completed in 1992. General Electric annually requests that EPA issue it a Certificate of Completion for this remedy, but EPA has continued to deny its request for 26 years.\nIt would be unconscionable for EPA to surrender its ability to order additional cleanup action in the face of mounting information indicating that the goals of the cleanup have not been reached and more cleanup is needed. The communities and businesses in our districts situated along the Hudson River that have endured decades of toxic pollution and suffered from the loss of water-based industries deserve better.\nFor all of these reasons, it is critical that your agency not issue a Certificate of Completion for the Hudson River Superfund Cleanup, and state unequivocally in its Second Five Year Review that the Superfund cleanup is not protective of human health and the environment. Persistent PCB contamination in the Hudson River is a threat to public health and a significant obstacle to the economic development goals that we are working so hard to achieve. This situation must be addressed, and your decision must clearly indicate a path forward for the EPA and DEC to collaborate and address these needs.\nWe recognize and appreciate that the decision you are preparing to make will leave a lasting impact on hundreds of municipalities and millions of people along its banks. It is of the utmost importance that your decisions recognize the recent data and analysis of New York State, and create a path forward for the communities and citizens that live and work along the river to achieve their goals.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lawmakers-seek-end-predatory-small-business-loans", "Lawmakers Seek to End Predatory Small Business Loans", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez", "V000081", "velazquez.house.gov", "velazquez", "https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, two members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced legislation aimed at ending a predatory commercial lending practice that, according to media reports, has ballooned in recent years. Reps. Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez (D-NY) and Dr. Roger Marshall (R-KS) introduced the \"Small Business Lending Fairness Act.\" Their legislation would put an end to the practice of small business borrowers signing an obscure legal document known as a \"confession of judgement,\" which essentially requires the borrower to waive their legal rights. Confessions of judgement have been linked to unfair lending terms, onerous interest rates and unjust seizure of assets.\n\n\"This legal loophole has fueled an entire cottage industry of con artists and scammers who profit by exploiting hardworking entrepreneurs and ruining the lives of cash-strapped small business owners,\" said Vel\u00e1zquez who is the incoming Chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee. \"I call on my colleagues to join me in swiftly enacting this bipartisan measure, which will put an end to these abusive practices.\"\n\n\"We must put a stop to this abuse of power that hurts small businesses across the country,\" Rep. Marshall said. \"Shady lenders are using confessions of judgment as a weapon to take advantage of entrepreneurs and small business owners, and I am proud to work with Rep. Vel\u00e1zquez to end this scam.\"\n\nSince 1985, confessions of judgement have been prohibited under the \"Truth in Lending Act\" for consumer loans, but the protections do not extend to certain types of commercial loans. By billing business loans as \"merchant cash advances\", unscrupulous lenders began using confessions of judgement during the financial crisis to lure small firms into taking on unsustainable and costly debt, sometimes with interest rates of as much as 350 percent. In some cases, lenders have been allowed to freeze and drain borrowers' bank accounts, even when the small business borrowers have met their loan obligations.\n\n\"By ending \u2018confessions of judgement' in commercial lending, we can stop abusive practices that are crippling honest small business owners,\" Vel\u00e1zquez added. \"I found it appalling that New York State law has made our state a magnet for dishonest lenders, which is why I'm working to see this loophole closed federally.\"\n\n\"Access to capital remains a significant hurdle for many entrepreneurs looking to start and grow a business,\" Rep Marshall said. \"Closing this loophole ensures that predatory lenders are unable to seize the assets of small firms without due process and extends protections to small business owners looking to obtain a loan.\"\n\nBoth Reps. Vel\u00e1zquez and Marshall sit on the House Small Business Committee and Vel\u00e1zquez is the third most senior Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee. Their bill mirrors legislation previously introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Marco Rubio (R-FL).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-more-than-32-million-in-federal-head-start-funds-for-schenectady-community-actions-head-start-program", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $3.2 MILLION IN FEDERAL HEAD START FUNDS FOR SCHENECTADY COMMUNITY ACTION\u2019S HEAD START PROGRAM", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Charles Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.18\n\t\t\t SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $3.2 MILLION IN FEDERAL HEAD START FUNDS FOR SCHENECTADY COMMUNITY ACTION'S HEAD START PROGRAM \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFunding Will Be Used To Support Early Education For Low-Income Children In The Capital Region\r\nU.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $3,219,574.00 for the Head Start Program at Schenectady Community Action Program. The federal funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and will be used to support child care services for low-income families in Schenectady County.\r\nStudy after study shows that the better we prepare our young children, through programs like Head Start, the better they perform in school later in life, saidSenator Schumer. This federal funding for Schenectady Community Action Program's Head Start Program will bring real results to Schenectady's students, by providing them with the resources they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom. I am proud to support this essential funding and I will continue to fight to see that early child education remains a priority.\r\nAll children deserve to get a strong start in life, and Head Start programs are indispensable for low-income families who want to make sure that their children have access to high-quality early childhood education, said Senator Gillibrand. With this funding, Schenectady Community Action Program will be able to support a robust program that prepares students to succeed in school, and I will always work in the Senate to make sure our families have the resources they need to thrive.\r\nThe Head Start grant provides crucial support for low-income families in Schenectady County. The funding enables SCAP to provide quality early childhood education for the area's most vulnerable children in a safe and nurturing environment. Research has consistently shown a high return on investment for early learning programs, with an approximate ROI of $7 for every $1 invested. Our outcomes show that low-income children that participate in early learning programs are better prepared for success in kindergarten and beyond, said Debra Schimpf, Chief Executive Officer of Schenectady Community Action Program, Inc.\r\nAccess to quality, affordable child care is critical to supporting working families and the economic development of a community. The Schenectady Community Action Program provides vital, comprehensive child care services to hundreds of children in Schenectady each year that could not be possible without this important funding. On behalf of the City of Schenectady, I would like to thank Senators Gillibrand and Schumer for their tireless efforts to support working families and strengthen our community, said Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy.\r\nHead Start provides comprehensive child development programs for low-income children, as well as supports and services for their families. Head Start programs primarily serve children ages three and four. The comprehensive services these programs offer include early education, health screenings, social and emotional health, nutrition, social services, and services for children with disabilities.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n    \n    \n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-more-than-37-million-in-head-start-funding-for-wayne-county-action-program-inc", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $3.7 MILLION IN HEAD START FUNDING FOR WAYNE COUNTY ACTION PROGRAM, INC.", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Charles Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.18\n\t\t\t SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $3.7 MILLION IN HEAD START FUNDING FOR WAYNE COUNTY ACTION PROGRAM, INC. \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFunding Will Be Used To Support Early Education For Low-Income Children In Wayne County\r\nU.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $3,737,495 in federal funding for the Head Start program at Wayne County Action Program (CAP), Inc. The federal funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and will be used to support child care services for low-income families in Wayne County.\r\nStudy after study shows that the better we prepare our young children, through programs like Head Start, the better they perform in school later in life, said Senator Schumer. This federal funding for Wayne County Action Program, Inc. will bring real results to hundreds of young students and their families across Wayne County by providing them with the resources they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom. I am proud to support this essential funding and I will continue to fight to see that early childhood education remains a priority.\r\nAll children deserve to get a strong start in life, and Head Start programs help ensure young students in our communities have access to the high-quality early childhood education they need, said Senator Gillibrand. With this funding, Wayne County Action Program, Inc. will be able to support a robust program that helps children succeed in school, and I will always work in the Senate to make sure our families have the resources they need to thrive.\r\nHead Start provides comprehensive child development programs for low-income children, as well as supports and services for their families. Head Start programs primarily serve children ages three to four. The comprehensive services these programs offer include early education, health screenings, social and emotional health, nutrition, social services, and services for children with disabilities. WCAP Inc. Head Start serves hundreds of Wayne County children and families at their six sites in, Sodus, Huron, Clyde, Lyons, Newark and Palmyra. The comprehensive services these programs offer include early education, health screenings, social and emotional health, nutrition, social services, and services for children with disabilities.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n    \n    \n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-more-than-39-million-in-federal-head-start-funds-for-cattaraugus-and-wyoming-project-head-start-programs", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $3.9 MILLION IN FEDERAL HEAD START FUNDS FOR CATTARAUGUS & WYOMING PROJECT HEAD START PROGRAMS", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Charles Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.18\n\t\t\t SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $3.9 MILLION IN FEDERAL HEAD START FUNDS FOR CATTARAUGUS & WYOMING PROJECT HEAD START PROGRAMS \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFunding Will Be Used To Support Early Education For Low-Income Children In Western New York\r\nU.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $3,937,715 for Cattaraugus & Wyoming Project Head Start, Inc. The federal funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and will be used to support child care services for low-income families in Cattaraugus and Wyoming Counties.\r\nStudy after study shows that the better we prepare our young children, through programs like Head Start, the better they perform in school later in life, saidSenator Schumer. This federal funding for Cattaraugus and Wyoming counties' Head Start Program will bring real results to Western New York's students, by providing them with the resources they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom. I am proud to support this essential funding and I will continue to fight to see that early child education remains a priority.\r\nAll children deserve to get a strong start in life, and Head Start programs are indispensable for low-income families who want to make sure that their children have access to high-quality early childhood education, said Senator Gillibrand. With this funding, Cattaraugus and Wyoming Counties Project Head Start will be able to support a robust program that helps children succeed in school, and I will always work in the Senate to make sure our families have the resources they need to thrive.\r\nThese dollars support the provision of Early Head Start home based services to 50 low income children birth to age 3 and their families in our two county area as well as Head Start center based programming for 282 low income children ages 3-5. Cattaraugus and Wyoming Counties Project Head Start maintains seven centers all of which are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.With a focus on school readiness, Cattaraugus and Wyoming Counties Project Head Start must also generate a total of $984,429 as Non-Federal Share through donated goods and services, said Ira Katzensten, Executive Director of Cattaraugus & Wyoming Project Head Start.\r\nHead Start provides comprehensive child development programs for low-income children, as well as supports and services for their families. Head Start programs primarily serve children ages three and four. The comprehensive services these programs offer include early education, health screenings, social and emotional health, nutrition, social services, and services for children with disabilities.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n    \n    \n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/engel-on-trump-administration-announcement-of-assistance-to-central-american-and-mexico/", "Engel on Trump Administration Announcement of Assistance to Central American and Mexico", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Eliot Engel", "E000179", "engel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-encourages-departments-to-apply-for-federal-fire-prevention", "Higgins Encourages Departments to Apply for Federal Fire Prevention & Safety Grants", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Brian Higgins", "H001038", "higgins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency is now accepting applications for grants for its Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Program. The window for applications closes on Friday, December 21st at 5:00pm.\n\nMore information about FP&S Program Grants can be found at FEMA's website, https://www.fema.gov/fire-prevention-safety-grants. Features include key programmatic updates and application requirements as well as an application checklist and answers to frequently asked questions.\n\nApplicants eligible to apply for the FP&S activity grant are fire departments; and national, state, regional, local, tribal, territorial, or nonprofit organizations that are recognized for their experience with fire prevention, safety programs and activities.\n\nFunding for the FP&S Program is through the Assistance Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. In 2018, $350 million is allocated for the AFG initiative. Of that, $35 million dollars is appropriated for the FP&S Grant Program, which targets projects and programs that mitigate incidences of death and injuries caused by fire among high-risk populations including children, seniors and firefighters.\n\nApplicants with questions or in need technical assistance can contact the FP&S grant help desk at 1-866-274-0960 or via e-mail at firegrants@fema.dhs.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-maloney-s-statement-regarding-the-re-opening-of-sgt", "Congresswoman Maloneys Statement Regarding the Re-Opening of Sgt William Dougherty Park", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New York, NY  Congresswoman Maloney released the following statement at the ribbon-cutting for the newly renovated Sgt William Dougherty Park:\n\nToday is the realization of a long-promised transformation of Sgt William Dougherty Park  this area has been a park for generations. In fact  Sgt Dougherty himself played here. When he was killed during the Battle of Saipan, on July 7, 1944, along with nearly 17,000 other Americans and more than 25,000 Japanese, the community honored his memory in 1948 by naming the playground where he had played as a child in his memory. And while I know there have been improvements in the last 60 years, it was time to help this park realize its full potential.\n\nThis is the first of the promised parks the state is funding as part of mitigation for the impact of the Kosciuszko Bridge replacement project. For years, the community has lived through street closures, construction noise and disruption while the bridge is being replaced. I am thrilled to have secured $670 million in federal funds for the construction of the new bridge, roughly 85% of the projected cost of replacement. The community is already reaping the benefits of the first span, which has eliminated the steep grade and helped traffic flow more smoothly. When done, we'll have 9 lanes of traffic, shoulders and a pedestrian/bikeway. And new and improved parks are promised on both the Brooklyn and Queens side.\n\nThanks to the K-bridge project, Sgt Dougherty Park has gotten a major upgrade. It's a little bigger and a lot better, with new playground equipment on a rubberized surface, an incredible skateboard park for the more daring among us, sprinklers to help kids cool off, revamped handball and basketball courts, seating areas, a brand new comfort station and a lot more green.\n\nThis park needed attention. Like many of us, it was showing its age.\n\nParks really are the heart and soul of any community. They are a major part of our childhood memories, the places adults can retreat for quiet contemplation or a nice afternoon with friends, a green haven where seniors can go to socialize and enjoy the view.\n\nThe newly revitalized, beautiful Sgt Dougherty Park will be an oasis in a densely urban community  a place for new memories to be formed and neighbors to share a sense of community. Thank you to the wonderful parks designers who helped make this possible, and to DOT and the Cuomo Administration for making some dreams a reality.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-statement-on-911-health-bill-anniversary", "Maloney Statement on 9/11 Health Bill Anniversary", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NEW YORK, NY  Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney, sponsor of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act released the following statement marking the third anniversary of the bill's signing. The Congresswoman is also the sponsor of the Never Forget the Heroes Act.\nThree years ago today, we came together to make sure that the World Trade Center Health Program would always be available to 9/11 first responders and survivors. Now, we need pass the Never Forget the Heroes Act to fully fund the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. Not a single one of these heroes should ever worry about getting the care and support they need and deserve.\nI will continue to work with my colleagues Reps. Jerrold Nadler and Peter King and Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand, Cory Gardner, and Charles Schumer to make sure we pass the Never Forget the Heroes Act. We are continuing to build bipartisan support in both chambers and I am confident that we can make this bill law in the next congress.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-over-13-million-in-federal-funding-to-help-remove-lead-hazards-from-homes-in-rensselaer-county-", "Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $1.3 Million In Federal Funding To Help Remove Lead Hazards From Homes In Rensselaer County", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 18, 2018\n\t\t\t Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $1.3 Million In Federal Funding To Help Remove Lead Hazards From Homes In Rensselaer County  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Funding Will Be Provided to the Rensselaer County Department of Health to Address and Remove Lead Hazards from Homes and to Protect Health and Safety of Low-Income Families\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, DC  U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $ 1,301,366 million in Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction (LBHRD) grant program funding for the Rensselaer County Department of Health. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and will be used to address lead hazards in housing units for low- and very low-income families with children.\r\nLead poisoning is an irreversible, preventable tragedy that robs many families and children of their future, said Senator Schumer. We must do everything we can to eliminate lead from our homes and this major federal grant will do just that by injecting much-needed funds into lead remediation and prevention here in Rensselaer County.\r\nNo New Yorker should have to live in a home where they could be poisoned by lead. This federal funding will support Rensselaer County's work to remove lead from the homes of some of our most vulnerable families, said Senator Gillibrand. Lead causes severe health problems and it needs to be removed from our homes. I will always fight in the Senate to make sure that our communities have the resources they need to keep our families healthy and safe.\r\nSenators Schumer and Gillibrand have long advocated for protecting New York's children and families in the past by securing millions of dollars in federal funding to eradicate the toxic element from homes in order to reduce lead-poisoning cases. Lead poisoning can cause developmental difficulties, physical pain, and neurological damage. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), lead is much more harmful to children than adults because it can affect children's developing nerves and brains. Lead-based paint, still encasing the walls of many homes, often erodes and settles on children's toys on the floor, eventually falling into the hands and mouths of children.\r\nThe purpose of the LBHRD program is to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately owned housing for rental or owner-occupants. These grants are used to assist municipalities in carrying out lead hazard control activities. More information can be found here.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-over-13-million-in-federal-funding-to-help-remove-lead-hazards-from-homes-in-rensselaer-county-", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $1.3 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO HELP REMOVE LEAD HAZARDS FROM HOMES IN RENSSELAER COUNTY", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Charles Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.18\n\t\t\t SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $1.3 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO HELP REMOVE LEAD HAZARDS FROM HOMES IN RENSSELAER COUNTY  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFunding Will Be Provided to the Rensselaer County Department of Health to Address and Remove Lead Hazards from Homes and to Protect Health and Safety of Low-Income Families\r\nU.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $ 1,301,366 million in Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction (LBHRD) grant program funding for the Rensselaer County Department of Health. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and will be used to address lead hazards in housing units for low- and very low-income families with children.\r\nLead poisoning is an irreversible, preventable tragedy that robs many families and children of their future, said Senator Schumer. We must do everything we can to eliminate lead from our homes and this major federal grant will do just that by injecting much-needed funds into lead remediation and prevention here in Rensselaer County.\r\nNo New Yorker should have to live in a home where they could be poisoned by lead. This federal funding will support Rensselaer County's work to remove lead from the homes of some of our most vulnerable families, said Senator Gillibrand. Lead causes severe health problems and it needs to be removed from our homes. I will always fight in the Senate to make sure that our communities have the resources they need to keep our families healthy and safe.\r\nSenators Schumer and Gillibrand have long advocated for protecting New York's children and families in the past by securing millions of dollars in federal funding to eradicate the toxic element from homes in order to reduce lead-poisoning cases. Lead poisoning can cause developmental difficulties, physical pain, and neurological damage. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), lead is much more harmful to children than adults because it can affect children's developing nerves and brains. Lead-based paint, still encasing the walls of many homes, often erodes and settles on children's toys on the floor, eventually falling into the hands and mouths of children.\r\nThe purpose of the LBHRD program is to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately owned housing for rental or owner-occupants. These grants are used to assist municipalities in carrying out lead hazard control activities. More information can be found here.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n    \n    \n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://seanmaloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-announces-nearly-2-million-federal-investment-for-mental-health", "Maloney Announces Nearly $2 Million Federal Investment for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment in Orange County", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Sean Maloney", "M001185", "seanmaloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newburgh, NY  Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) announced a $1,999,614 investment from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Access: Supports for Living, Inc. (ASFL) in Orange County. The investment, funded through HHS' Center for Mental Health Services and Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, will help promote the treatment of mental and behavioral health for 12,000 people in the Hudson Valley. Access: Supports for Living is in the process of being certified as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), an organization designed to streamline and improve the way that states deliver behavioral health services for Medicaid beneficiaries.\n \n\tOrange County has the highest opioid overdose death rate in the State of New York  we need all the help we can get to fight addiction and other mental health issues that are hurting our communities, said Rep. Maloney. This investment will ensure literally thousands of people get the help they need to get healthy again.\n\tThe team at Access: Supports for Living is thrilled to receive this award that will substantially increase access to mental health and substance abuse services for community members when they need it, close to home, said Amy Anderson-Winchell, LCSW, President and CEO of Access: Supports for Living. The integrated model, which includes the collaborative work of providers across Orange County, will eliminate existing gaps in behavioral health care, helping fight the opioid crisis, and promote recovery and wellness for more than 12,000 people in the Hudson Valley. We thank Congressman Maloney for his steadfast support of behavioral health treatment providers and the people we serve in the Hudson Valley.\n \nAccess: Supports For Living will, collaboratively with other providers in the community, use the funding to directly support adults and children seeking behavioral health services in Orange County. Originally founded in 1963, Access has grown to a more than $90 million non-profit serving over 10,000 people each year across the Hudson Valley.Services include behavioral health care, support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and support for families and children with a range of needs, including interaction with the child welfare system.\nCCBHCs have shown tremendous results in improving access to mental and behavioral health treatment and addiction treatment. By providing a comprehensive range of mental health services to vulnerable individuals regardless of their ability to pay or location of residence, CCBHCs significantly improve the quality of community mental health and addiction services.\nRep. Maloney has been a leader on protecting public health and promoting mental health awareness and treatment in the Hudson Valley. Since taking office, he has brought home more than $1 million in funding to support local treatment and health centers. He's also authored several pieces of legislation to this end, including the Opioid Review Modernization Act, and introduced bills that would revamp our criminal justice system for low-level offenders and help get critical antidotes to community members of the frontlines of the opioid epidemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-over-46-million-in-federal-funding-for-towns-across-the-rochester-finger-lakes-region-to-address-water-infrastructure", "Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $4.6 Million In Federal Funding For Towns Across The Rochester-Finger Lakes Region To Address Water Infrastructure", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 17, 2018\n\t\t\t Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $4.6 Million In Federal Funding For Towns Across The Rochester-Finger Lakes Region To Address Water Infrastructure \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Funding Will Be Used For Six Projects To Construct And Make Improvements To Municipal Water Systems In Rochester-Finger Lakes Towns\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $4,639,000 in federal funding for 6 water infrastructure improvement projects across the Rochester-Finger Lakes Region. The funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development's Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants Program.\r\nSpecifically, Schumer and Gillibrand explained, the Town of Alabama in Genesee County will receive $1,653,000 to create Water District #2, the Town of Bethany in Genesee County will receive $722,000 to create Water District #4, the Town of Clarendon in Orleans County will receive $790,000 to create Water District #13 and an additional $790,000 to improve the water improvement benefit area #12, and the Town of Torrey in Yates County will receive $684,000 to create Water District 1, the first municipal water system to serve this area.\r\nThese federal investments in job-creating and economy-boosting water infrastructure projects are great news for the Rochester-Finger Lakes region, said Senator Schumer. This federal funding will allow five towns across the region to construct and make critical improvements to municipal water systems needed to provide clean, safe drinking water to their communities. I am proud to announce these federal investments and will continue fighting to ensure rural communities across Upstate New York have the resources they need to build, protect and maintain their water infrastructure.\r\nAll New Yorkers should have access to a reliable source of clean water, and with these grants, communities throughout the Rochester-Finger Lakes region will be able to expand and improve their water systems, said Senator Gillibrand. These investments will help provide safe and clean water for residents in the Towns of Alabama, Bethany, Clarendon, and Torrey, and I will always fight in the Senate for the resources to protect the health and quality of life for residents.\r\nA breakdown of funding for USDA grant awards provided for the Rochester-Finger Lakes region is included below:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTown\r\n\r\n\r\nCounty\r\n\r\n\r\nAmount\r\n\r\n\r\nProject\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTown of Alabama\r\n\r\n\r\nGenesee County\r\n\r\n\r\n$1,653,000\r\n\r\n\r\nCreate Water District #2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTown of Bethany\r\n\r\n\r\nGenesee County\r\n\r\n\r\n$722,000\r\n\r\n\r\nCreate Water District #4\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTown of Clarendon\r\n\r\n\r\nOrleans County\r\n\r\n\r\n$790,000\r\n\r\n\r\nCreate Water District #13\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTown of Clarendon\r\n\r\n\r\nOrleans County\r\n\r\n\r\n$790,000\r\n\r\n\r\nMake improvements to the water improvement benefit area #12\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTown of Torrey\r\n\r\n\r\nYates County\r\n\r\n\r\n$684,000\r\n\r\n\r\nCreate Water District #1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe USDA Rural Development Program provided this funding through the Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants Program, which provides loans and grants to ensure that the necessary investments are made in water and wastewater infrastructure to deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment in rural areas. More information can be found here.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-over-46-million-in-federal-funding-for-towns-across-the-rochester-finger-lakes-region-to-address-water-infrastructure", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $4.6 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR TOWNS ACROSS THE ROCHESTER-FINGER LAKES REGION TO ADDRESS WATER INFRASTRUCTURE", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Charles Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.17.18\n\t\t\t SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $4.6 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR TOWNS ACROSS THE ROCHESTER-FINGER LAKES REGION TO ADDRESS WATER INFRASTRUCTURE \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFunding Will Be Used For Six Projects To Construct And Make Improvements To Municipal Water Systems In Rochester-Finger Lakes Towns\r\nU.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $4,639,000 in federal funding for 6 water infrastructure improvement projects across the Rochester-Finger Lakes Region. The funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development's Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants Program.\r\nSpecifically, Schumer and Gillibrand explained, the Town of Alabama in Genesee County will receive $1,653,000 to create Water District #2, the Town of Bethany in Genesee County will receive $722,000 to create Water District #4, the Town of Clarendon in Orleans County will receive $790,000 to create Water District #13 and an additional $790,000 to improve the water improvement benefit area #12, and the Town of Torrey in Yates County will receive $684,000 to create Water District 1, the first municipal water system to serve this area.\r\nThese federal investments in job-creating and economy-boosting water infrastructure projects are great news for the Rochester-Finger Lakes region, said Senator Schumer. This federal funding will allow five towns across the region to construct and make critical improvements to municipal water systems needed to provide clean, safe drinking water to their communities. I am proud to announce these federal investments and will continue fighting to ensure rural communities across Upstate New York have the resources they need to build, protect and maintain their water infrastructure.\r\nAll New Yorkers should have access to a reliable source of clean water, and with these grants, communities throughout the Rochester-Finger Lakes region will be able to expand and improve their water systems, said Senator Gillibrand. These investments will help provide safe and clean water for residents in the Towns of Alabama, Bethany, Clarendon, and Torrey, and I will always fight in the Senate for the resources to protect the health and quality of life for residents.\r\nA breakdown of funding for USDA grant awards provided for the Rochester-Finger Lakes region is included below:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTown\r\n\r\n\r\nCounty\r\n\r\n\r\nAmount\r\n\r\n\r\nProject\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTown of Alabama\r\n\r\n\r\nGenesee County\r\n\r\n\r\n$1,653,000\r\n\r\n\r\nCreate Water District #2\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTown of Bethany\r\n\r\n\r\nGenesee County\r\n\r\n\r\n$722,000\r\n\r\n\r\nCreate Water District #4\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTown of Clarendon\r\n\r\n\r\nOrleans County\r\n\r\n\r\n$790,000\r\n\r\n\r\nCreate Water District #13\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTown of Clarendon\r\n\r\n\r\nOrleans County\r\n\r\n\r\n$790,000\r\n\r\n\r\nMake improvements to the water improvement benefit area #12\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTown of Torrey\r\n\r\n\r\nYates County\r\n\r\n\r\n$684,000\r\n\r\n\r\nCreate Water District #1\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe USDA Rural Development Program provided this funding through the Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants Program, which provides loans and grants to ensure that the necessary investments are made in water and wastewater infrastructure to deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment in rural areas. More information can be found here.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n    \n    \n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-300k-in-federal-funds-for-excell-partners-inc-in-rochester", "Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $300k In Federal Funds For Excell Partners, Inc. In Rochester", "2018-12-16", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 16, 2018\n\t\t\t Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $300k In Federal Funds For Excell Partners, Inc. In Rochester \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t EDA Funding Will Enable Excell Partners To Provide Funding For Startup Ventures Upstate\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $300,000 in federal funding for Excell Partners, Inc. in Rochester to fund the Excell Upstate New York Seed Fund. This funding was allocated through the Economic Development Administration's (EDA) Seed Fund Support Grant Program. Specifically, Excell Partners will use these federal funds to assist innovative local startups to establish a presence throughout Upstate New York. Schumer previously wrote to the EDA to support Excell Partners, Inc.'s application for federal funding.\r\nThis federal investment is great news for Rochester and all of Upstate New York. With this federal funding, Excell Partners will be able to invest in both local Rochester and Upstate entrepreneurs, providing a shot in the arm to the Upstate economy, said Senator Schumer. I am proud of the role I played in securing this federal funding and will continue to fight tooth and nail to ensure that Rochester receives the federal investment it needs to bring meaningful economic development to the region.\r\n There are so many hardworking New Yorkers all over our state who have great ideas to start and grow businesses. With this funding, Excell Partners will be able to support entrepreneurs throughout Upstate New York by giving them the investment and technical assistance they need to be successful, said Senator Gillibrand. Local businesses are an essential part of our economy, and I will always fight in the Senate to ensure that they have the support they need.\r\nExcell Partners CEO Theresa B. Mazzullo said, This grant will allow Excell to continue strengthening the due-diligence and deal-structuring capabilities in Upstate NY, building up the next generation of investor leadership and increasing access to capital in the region. Government support has been instrumental in helping local entrepreneurs raise capital and build a high-caliber entrepreneurial ecosystem.\r\nThe EDA's Seed Fund Support program provides funding for technical assistance and operational costs that support the feasibility, planning, formation, launch, or scale of cluster-based seed funds that will invest their capital in innovation-based startups with a potential for high growth. EDA grants are awarded through a competitive process based upon the application's merit, the applicant's eligibility, and the availability of funds. More information on EDA's grant process and investment process can be found at www.eda.gov.\r\nA copy of Senator Schumer's original letter to the EDA appears below:\r\nDear Secretary Ross:\r\nI am pleased to write in support of the application submitted by Excell Partners (EP) for funding through the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration's Seed Fund Support Grant Competition. Such funding will enable Excell Partners to provide funding seed-stage ventures in Upstate New York.\r\nExcell has over a 12-year track record for providing seed stage funding to early stage companies. Excell has served as one of the primary and often only source of venture capital available to pre-revenue ventures. To date, Excell has invested $11.9M in 52 companies that have attracted over $348 million in follow-on funding leveraging Excell's investment by more than 29 times.\r\nWith funding, EP will provide funding seed-stage ventures in Upstate New York. This will provide the critical technical resources to advance the very early (pre-seed and seed) stage companies, thereby leveraging the academic research emerging from the universities across Upstate New York. I applaud Excell Partners for its commitment to academic research and economic growth, and sincerely hope the application meets with your approval.\r\nThank you for your consideration.\r\nSincerely,\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-300k-in-federal-funds-for-excell-partners-inc-in-rochester", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $300K IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR EXCELL PARTNERS, INC. IN ROCHESTER", "2018-12-16", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Charles Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.16.18\n\t\t\t SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $300K IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR EXCELL PARTNERS, INC. IN ROCHESTER \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEDA Funding Will Enable Excell Partners To Provide Funding For Startup Ventures Upstate\r\nU.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $300,000 in federal funding for Excell Partners, Inc. in Rochester to fund the Excell Upstate New York Seed Fund. This funding was allocated through the Economic Development Administration's (EDA) Seed Fund Support Grant Program. Specifically, Excell Partners will use these federal funds to assist innovative local startups to establish a presence throughout Upstate New York. Schumer previously wrote to the EDA to support Excell Partners, Inc.'s application for federal funding.\r\nThis federal investment is great news for Rochester and all of Upstate New York. With this federal funding, Excell Partners will be able to invest in both local Rochester and Upstate entrepreneurs, providing a shot in the arm to the Upstate economy, said Senator Schumer. I am proud of the role I played in securing this federal funding and will continue to fight tooth and nail to ensure that Rochester receives the federal investment it needs to bring meaningful economic development to the region.\r\n There are so many hardworking New Yorkers all over our state who have great ideas to start and grow businesses. With this funding, Excell Partners will be able to support entrepreneurs throughout Upstate New York by giving them the investment and technical assistance they need to be successful, said Senator Gillibrand. Local businesses are an essential part of our economy, and I will always fight in the Senate to ensure that they have the support they need.\r\nExcell Partners CEO Theresa B. Mazzullo said, This grant will allow Excell to continue strengthening the due-diligence and deal-structuring capabilities in Upstate NY, building up the next generation of investor leadership and increasing access to capital in the region. Government support has been instrumental in helping local entrepreneurs raise capital and build a high-caliber entrepreneurial ecosystem.\r\nThe EDA's Seed Fund Support program provides funding for technical assistance and operational costs that support the feasibility, planning, formation, launch, or scale of cluster-based seed funds that will invest their capital in innovation-based startups with a potential for high growth. EDA grants are awarded through a competitive process based upon the application's merit, the applicant's eligibility, and the availability of funds. More information on EDA's grant process and investment process can be found at www.eda.gov.\r\nA copy of Senator Schumer's original letter to the EDA appears below:\r\nDear Secretary Ross:\r\nI am pleased to write in support of the application submitted by Excell Partners (EP) for funding through the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration's Seed Fund Support Grant Competition. Such funding will enable Excell Partners to provide funding seed-stage ventures in Upstate New York.\r\nExcell has over a 12-year track record for providing seed stage funding to early stage companies. Excell has served as one of the primary and often only source of venture capital available to pre-revenue ventures. To date, Excell has invested $11.9M in 52 companies that have attracted over $348 million in follow-on funding leveraging Excell's investment by more than 29 times.\r\nWith funding, EP will provide funding seed-stage ventures in Upstate New York. This will provide the critical technical resources to advance the very early (pre-seed and seed) stage companies, thereby leveraging the academic research emerging from the universities across Upstate New York. I applaud Excell Partners for its commitment to academic research and economic growth, and sincerely hope the application meets with your approval.\r\nThank you for your consideration.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n    \n    \n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/press-release/senior-house-democrats-send-letter-dhs-inspector-general-demanding-answers-tragedy-7", "Senior House Democrats Send Letter to DHS Inspector General Demanding Answers In Tragedy of 7-Year-Old Girl Who Died in Customs and Border Protection Custody", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, led a letter signed by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security, Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Chairman Elect of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acting Inspector General John Kelly following news of a 7-year-old girl who died last week while in the custody of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials. The death, first revealed by the Washington Post, raises significant questions about the conditions in CBP's short-term holding facilities, and the general suitability of such facilities for families given that Border Patrol stations were never designed to hold children. In their letter, the Members requested the IG's office begin an immediate formal investigation with the expectation that DHS would quickly provide answers to Congress on why this tragedy happened, what policies may have been contributing factors in a young girl's death, and how it was never reported by CBP as directed by Congress in the statement accompanying the FY18 DHS Funding bill.\nDue to the seriousness of this tragedy and the many questions that remain, we request you initiate an investigation into this incident, as well as CBP policies or practices that may have contributed to the child's death, the Members wrote. The investigation should focus on policies and practices designed to protect health and safety, as well as policies and practices that may result in increased migration through particularly harsh terrain.\nA copy of the letter to DHS Acting IG Kelly can be found below and here:\nDecember 14, 2018\nMr. John Kelly  \n\tActing Inspector General  \n\tOffice of Inspector General/MAIL STOP 0305  \n\t245 Murray Lane SW  \n\tWashington, D.C. 20528-0305\nDear Mr. Kelly:\nWe write to express our profound concern and sadness over the death of a 7-year-old girl in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody last week. This death raises significant questions about the conditions in CBP's short-term holding facilities, and the general suitability of such facilities for families and children. We are also troubled by the fact that we learned of this incident from the Washington Post, rather than through congressional notification as required under Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations laws. To address these and other concerns, we request that you open an investigation immediately.\nAccording to information provided to Congress after the Washington Post report was already public, U.S. Border Patrol apprehended the 7-year-old girl around 10:00 pm on the evening of December 6, 2018. She was apprehended with a large group of migrants who turned themselves into Border Patrol custody. At 6:25 am the following morning, the 7-year-old girl began experiencing seizures and later died, according to an initial medical diagnosis obtained by CBP, of septic shock, fever, and dehydration. It is so far unclear whether the girl and accompanying migrants were provided any food or water during the 8.5 hour period in which she remained in Border Patrol custody.\nDue to the seriousness of this tragedy and the many questions that remain, we request you initiate an investigation into this incident, as well as CBP policies or practices that may have contributed to the child's death. The investigation should focus on policies and practices designed to protect health and safety, as well as policies and practices that may result in increased migration through particularly harsh terrain. For example, your office issued a report in September describing the impact of CBP's policy of turning away asylum seekers.[1] That report concluded that the practice of turning away asylum seekers at international bridges and limiting the volume of asylum-seekers entering at ports of entry may have caused an increase in unauthorized crossing attempts.[2] One asylum seeker interviewed by the OIG stated that she had been turned away three times by an officer on the bridge before deciding to take her chances on illegal entry.[3] These facts are particularly troubling considering clear instructions from DHS Secretary Nielsen that asylum seekers should present themselves at ports of entry, instead of crossing between the ports.[4]\nThe investigation should also examine the appropriateness of holding children in Border Patrol stations, which were never designed to hold children. On Tuesday, CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee, testifying that the agency's short-term holding cells are incompatible with increased migration of family units and unaccompanied children. The Commissioner added that [o]ur Border Patrol stations were built decades ago to handle mostly male single adults in custody, not families and children.[5]\nFinally, you should investigate CBP's failure to timely notify Congress of this incident. It is hard to overstate our frustration with the fact that we learned of this incident through media reports one week after the incident occurred. It is clear that CBP failed to follow the reporting requirements laid out in last year's omnibus appropriations bill until after the news of this death was already public. It is imperative that CBP, and DHS more generally, provide prompt notification to Congress when these types of incidents occur. DHS can and must do better.\nThank you for your prompt attention to this matter. We look forward to your timely response and notification that an investigation has been opened.\nSincerely,\n_______________________________\nJerrold Nadler  \n\tRanking Member  \n\tHouse Committee on the Judiciary\n_____________________________\nZoe Lofgren  \n\tRanking Member  \n\tSubcommittee on Immigration and Border Security\n________________________________\nPramila Jayapal  \n\tMember of Congress\n________________________________\nJoaquin Castro  \n\tChairman Elect  \n\tCongressional Hispanic Caucus\n________________________________\nLucille Roybal-Allard  \n\tRanking Member  \n\tSubcommittee on Homeland Security\n\nCC: The Honorable Bob Goodlatte, Chairman, House Judiciary Committee  \n\t   The Honorable Kirstjen M. Nielsen. Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security  \n\t   The Honorable Kevin K. McAleenan, Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection\n\n[1] DHS Office of Inspector General, Special Review  Initial Observations Regarding Family Separation Issues Under the Zero Tolerance Policy (Sep. 27, 2018), https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2018-10/OIG-18-84-Sep18.pdf.  \n\t[2] Id, at 7.  \n\t[3] Id.  \n\t[4] Neena Satija, The Trump administration is not keeping its promises to asylum seekers who come to ports of entry, Texas Tribune (July 5, 2018), available at https://www.texastribune.org/2018/07/05/migrants-seeking-asylum-legally-ports-entry-turned-away-separated-fami/.  \n\t[5] Id.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://seanmaloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-highlights-new-best-ever-farm-bill-for-hudson-valley", "Maloney Highlights New Best-Ever Farm Bill for Hudson Valley", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Sean Maloney", "M001185", "seanmaloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New Hampton, NY  Representative Sean Patrick Maloney joined local agriculture and hunger experts to discuss victories in the 2018 Farm Bill for the Hudson Valley. Rep. Maloney, a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, successfully fought attempts by a small group of Republicans to make deep cuts to important programs that support Hudson Valley farmers and residents who rely on federal nutrition assistance. The bill includes provisions from three bills Rep. Maloney authored, fixes broken programs which support our dairy farmers, makes critical improvements to crop insurance, and invests in farmland conservation and agricultural research.\n \n\tThis bill is a huge win for the Hudson Valley  it tailors crop insurance to better fit Hudson Valley farms, improves investments and programming for young and beginning farmers, and makes key investments in farmland conservation and research, said Rep. Maloney, a member of the House Committee on Agriculture. It also avoids cutting the critical SNAP program and actually fixes an issue I identified which would have prevented folks on SNAP from using their benefits at farmers markets  we got just about everything we wanted and I consider this a total victory.\n\tI am grateful to have in Congressman Maloney such a strong advocate for our rural communities and I look forward to partnering with him to strengthen and protect New York agriculture, said Jen Metzger, New York State Senator-Elect and incoming Chair of the State Senate Agriculture Committee. Included in the Farm Bill are better coverage for our dairy farmers, funds for rural broadband, and new agricultural growth opportunities like industrial hemp, all of which will bring meaningful benefits to New York farmers and help protect our rural culture, our pristine water and environment, and the wellbeing of our communities.\n\tI'd like to thank Congressman Maloney for his work on this vital bill, which invests in Hudson Valley farmers and provides assistance to those in need, said State Senator-Elect James Skoufis.Hudson Valley farmers are essential to our local economy and this legislation will provide necessary resources to help them grow, while supporting our community.\n\t\"We are celebrating the remarkable progress that this historically bipartisan farm bill represents, said Lindsey Lusher Shute, Co-Founder and Executive Director, National Young Farmers Coalition. \"Though there is still much work to be done, this bill will enable more young farmers across the country to secure their first farm loan, buy their first parcel of land, and start their first business. The bill will make permanent investments in programs critical to young farmers, improve land access for the next generation of stewards, and create on-ramps for new growers into existing USDA programs. We thank Congressman Maloney, leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, and every legislator who gave young farmers a seat at the table and fought for this progress.\n\tThe farm bill passed by Congress this week is the right step forward for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), our nation's most effective anti-hunger program, said Sherry Tomasky, Director of Communications and Public Affairs for Hunger Solutions New York. Protecting and strengthening SNAP is key to the future of New York communities, because SNAP helps struggling families afford food and helps keep households out of poverty. We are pleased to see lawmakers rejected proposals to take away food assistance from those in need, and instead passed a bill that protected and improved SNAP.The final farm bill agreement ensures that SNAP will continue to help feed children and their parents, seniors, people with disabilities, and working people with low pay and inconsistent hours who struggle to make ends meet. That includes 1 in 8 people right here in New York.\n \nThe Farm Bill is the most comprehensive legislation Congress passes to support our farmers and nutrition assistance programs. Rep. Maloney secured a litany of key priorities for the Hudson Valley in the 2014 version of the Farm Bill, which received broad bipartisan support. The 2014 Farm Bill expired at the end of September because of partisan fighting over a variety of issues. Before the 2018 Farm Bill was passed this week, 39 programs which did not have permanent authorization expired, leaving these programs orphaned after the September deadline. Rep. Maloney joined local farmers and agriculture experts in New Hampton in October to highlight the damaging effects of this lapse on the Hudson Valley.\nProvisions from three bills Rep. Maloney introduced were included in the final conference report.\nBeginning Farmers \nRep. Maloney introduced the Young and Beginning Farmers Act in October of 2017. The bill was designed to help new farmers overcome the common barrier of access to land as well as improve access to critical programs that educate, train and assist young and beginning farmers in starting their career. Four provisions from the bill were included in the final 2018 Farm Bill. These include:\n Reauthorizing the Beginning Farm Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) which provides grants for education, mentoring, and technical assistance initiatives for beginning farmers or ranchers. The Farm Bill also combines the BFRDP program with the Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program to encourage more people to enter the agriculture field.\n\tAuthorizing Buy-Protect-Sell transactions within the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), in which a land trust purchases vulnerable farmland, protects it with a conservation easement, and then transfers it to a farmer. This is an innovative and critical tool in getting young farmers on the land because, by enabling land trusts to add a conservation easement at the point of sale, it can significantly reduce the total price of the farm and make it accessible to younger producers.\n\tDoubling the Direct Loan Limit to make it easier for Beginning Farmers to acquire farmland. The legislation raised the loan limit to $600,000 from the current limit of $300,000, which more accurately reflects farmland prices, especially in states like New York. \n\tEstablishing State Coordinators to provide local support to future farmers. These coordinators will work with beginning farmers to identify key priority areas and help new farmers connect with apprenticeships and land-link programs.\n Local FARMS Act \nRep. Maloney also introduced the Local Food and Regional Market Supply (FARMS) Act last year to support local farmers and consumers by streamlining key USDA programs and enhancing assistance for farmers and farm organizations as well as helping farmers meet food safety and certification requirements, improving distribution, and expanding farm-to-school programs.\n The Farm Bill included a critical section of the Local FARMS Act which will establish a new comprehensive and streamlined local and regional food economies development program that merges the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program and Value-Added Producer Grants Program and includes support for farmers markets, farm-to-retail marketing, local food enterprise development, value-chain coordination, food hubs, planning and feasibility studies, producer-owned value-added enterprises, and regional planning through public-private partnerships.\n Whole Farm Crop Insurance Improvement Act\nRep. Maloney introduced legislation to make whole farm crop insurance more accessible and effective for diversified, organic, beginning, and other farmers not adequately served by other risk management options. Hudson Valley farms often grow a variety of different crops, unlike many farms nationally, which grow only a single crop over thousands of acres. This bill was designed to tailor the program to the needs of local farmers in New York.\n The Farm Bill requires the development of a plan to cover more specialty and value-added crops. It also expands the definition of beginning farmer and rancher from a five to ten year qualification window for Whole Farm Revenue Protection. This will allow beginning farmers to qualify for better coverage rates for an extra five years. The bill also directs the Risk Management Agency to research and develop new crop insurance tools that reflect emerging trends in agriculture, including direct-to-consumer marketing.\n Rep. Maloney also fought to make key improvements to other important program areas: \nResearch  The final Farm Bill will transfer $185 million in funding to the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), a public-private partnership which invests in agriculture research. In the Hudson Valley, an FFAR-funded research project to combat the Allium leafminer is currently underway. The House version would not have added a penny to the program's funding.\nConservation  The conference report does not eliminate the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), the largest farmland conservation program in America. The House version of the bill would have eliminated the program and rolled its mandates into another program, effectively cutting conservation funding by $5 billion. The bill also increases funding for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) to $450 million per year for all five years of the farm bill and beyond. ACEP funds wetland restoration and farmland protection.\nSNAP  The House version of the 2018 Farm Bill would have included billions of dollars in cuts to the program when compared with the 2014 version of the bill. The conference report omits those cuts, but does include expanded job-training and employment opportunities for SNAP recipients. The bill also resolves an issue with a payment vendor which processes SNAP transactions at farmers markets. Rep. Maloney wrote to Agriculture Secretary Perdue in July asking for the issue to be resolved. The 2018 Farm Bill will require Perdue to take appropriate action to ensure SNAP recipients can continue to use their benefits at farmers markets. This will allow SNAP recipients to acquire healthy locally-grown food while supporting local farmers.\nIn October 2017, Rep. Maloney met with his Agriculture Advisory Board to plan his priorities for the 2018 Farm Bill. He also met with local hunger experts in February, 2018, as much of the Farm Bill focuses on the provision of nutrition assistance. Although Rep. Maloney opposed the initial House version of the bill in May, he led a final effort on the floor of the House of Representatives to make popular improvements. In June, he opposed a re-vote attempt on an identical version of the bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/for-the-20th-consecutive-year-schumer-completes-tour-of-all-62-new-york-counties-annual-tour-of-state-finishes-in-washington-county-2018-ends-with-135-total-visits-to-upstate-ny-and-long-island", "FOR THE 20th CONSECUTIVE YEAR, SCHUMER COMPLETES TOUR OF ALL 62 NEW YORK COUNTIES; ANNUAL TOUR OF STATE FINISHES IN WASHINGTON COUNTY; 2018 ENDS WITH 135 TOTAL VISITS TO UPSTATE NY & LONG ISLAND", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Charles Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.14.18\n\t\t\t FOR THE 20th CONSECUTIVE YEAR, SCHUMER COMPLETES TOUR OF ALL 62 NEW YORK COUNTIES; ANNUAL TOUR OF STATE FINISHES IN WASHINGTON COUNTY; 2018 ENDS WITH 135 TOTAL VISITS TO UPSTATE NY & LONG ISLAND \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDuring Schumer's 1998 Senate Election, He Vowed To Visit Every Single New York County Each Year  At The Close of Two Decades, The Tradition Continues\r\nEven As Senate Democratic Leader, Schumer Staunchly Believes That Visiting Every Single New York County Is Imperative To His Daily Work In U.S. Capitol; Vows To Continue This Tradition In 2019\r\nAfter Two Decades, Schumer Continues To Honor His Pledge & Listen To And Deliver For Constituents In All 62 Counties\r\nAfter two decades, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, Senate Democratic Leader, today completed his 20th consecutive tour of all 62 New York State counties  an accomplishment that continues his track record as the first New York State public official to visit every single county in New York each year he has been in office.\r\nOver the course of the year, Schumer made 135 trips to Upstate New York and Long Island. He visited counties in the Capital Region 19 times; Western New York 13 times; Central New York 21 times; the Rochester-Finger Lakes 19 times; the Southern Tier 13 times; the Hudson Valley 16 times; the North Country 7 times; and Long Island 27 times.\r\nTwo decades ago, upon my election to the United States Senate in 1998, I promised that each and every year I served I would visit all 62 of New York State's diverse counties. Not only has this ritual remained a steadfast passion of mine because I get to see the absolute best that New York has to offer, but because of all I learn from my constituents and bring to Washington, D.C., said Senator Schumer. Although I've gained the title of Minority Leader, my proudest and most principal titles have been, and will always remain, New York's Senator and New Yorker.' At the close of twenty years, my beliefs are as clear as ever: Senators who stay in Washington and never return home are simply not doing their job.' That's why I go to all of the street fairs, parades, graduations, and public events that I can. Whether I'm in Buffalo eating beef-on-weck at the fair or slapping hands at the Boilermaker finish line, I'm always mixing, mingling and learning more about New York directly from my constituents.\r\nSome of the highlights include:\r\nCapital Region:\r\nKept Promise to Deliver Funding for Critical Troy Seawall Reconstruction Project: In 2014, Sen. Schumer committed to securing funding for the reconstruction of the Troy seawall, which was last repaired 40 years ago. After years of flooding, erosion, ice flows, and tropical storms, the seawall was crumbling and threatening downtown Troy's economic revitalization. This May, after the Federal Emergency Management Agency delivered $14 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding, Schumer stood with local leaders and officially kicked off the reconstruction.\r\nHelped Reverse Canadian Paper Tariffs Threatening Quad Graphics and Other Printing Companies: After the U.S. Department of Commerce imposed preliminary duties on uncoated groundwood paper from Canada, Sen. Schumer threw himself into a months-long effort to reverse the tariffs that were jeopardizing the very existence of newspapers and printing companies in the Capital Region and across the state. One of those companies, Quad Graphics, hosted Schumer for a tour in July, when he learned they could lose as much as $90 million annually since there is no alternative groundwood paper producer in the northeastern U.S. Schumer reached across the aisle to work with the Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan and made personal pleas to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and the International Trade Commission. In August, the International Trade Commission voted to strike down the duties completely.\r\nRelentlessly Pursued to Completion a Decade-Long Effort to Provide Safe and Reliable Rail Service to Schenectady and the Capital Region: Over the course of a decade, Sen. Schumer secured more than $10 million in federal funding to build a new Schenectady train station, which finally opened to passengers in October. This funding was the capstone to more than $155 million in federal resources, provided through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and Federal Transit Administration, that Sen. Schumer has fought for and delivered to the Capital Region. This funding supported the construction of a second track from Schenectady to Albany and a fourth track at the Albany-Rensselaer Station, signals and switch enhancements along the route, and the installation of life-saving Positive Train Control technology. Taken together, these federally-funded improvements add up to the safest and most reliable train service that Capital Region passengers have enjoyed in more than half a century.\r\nCentral New York:\r\nDelivered $700 Million in DOD Funding to Ensure Lockheed Martin Could Begin Full Production in Salina on the Largest Contract in Plant History: For years, Sen. Schumer has helped Lockheed Martin advance its Q-53 radar system, which can detect, track, and determine the location of enemy fire, with the U.S. Department of Defense and in Congress. In 2017, Schumer helped Lockheed's plant in Salina secure the single-largest U.S. government contract in its history, a deal worth up to $1.6 billion to provide the U.S. Army with Q-53 technology. After the contract was awarded, Schumer got to work in Congress to ensure the Army had the funding needed to begin purchasing the radar by delivering more than $700 million over FY2018 and FY2019 to allow Lockheed to begin full production in Salina.\r\nPlayed Critical Role in Reviving Syracuse's Lead Abatement Program After Five-Year Absence:In 2013, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) pulled annual funding for Syracuse's lead abatement program because the city was not following proper testing guidelines for homes renovated with federal money. Sen. Schumer has pleaded with federal officials in subsequent years to resume funding for the city's lead prevention programs, but a lack of federal appropriations for HUD remained a barrier. Years later, and still without federal funding for lead removal, at least 600 Syracuse children per year were testing positive for lead poisoning. A turning point came this year when Schumer helped secure an $85-million increase for HUD's lead programming office in the FY2018 omnibus spending package. In a personal phone call with HUD Secretary Ben Carson, Schumer pleaded for a portion of that funding increase to be sent to Syracuse. Ultimately, HUD heeded Schumer's call and delivered more than $4.1 million, allowing the city to finally restart its lead abatement program after it lay dormant for five years.\r\nHelped Remove Legislative Language from NDAA that Threatened DFAS Jobs in Rome:For years, Sen.Schumer has fought to protect Defense Finance & Accounting Services (DFAS), which employs more than 900 workers at its headquarters in Rome, from threats to siphon off jobs. When the U.S. House of Representatives included a provision in the FY 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would have threatened cuts to DFAS, Schumer worked to remove the language in the Senate, ensuring DFAS can continue its work unimpeded.\r\nWestern New York:\r\nFulfilled Promise to Rebuild Crumbling Athol Springs Barrier on Route 5 in Erie County: In July 2017, Sen. Schumer stood at Hoak's Restaurant on Route 5 in Hamburg to call attention to the deteriorating Athol Springs wall's decreasing ability to protect this vital roadway from Lake Erie's waves. Following his push, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) allocated more than $4 million to fully fund the construction of a safer, more durable barrier along Route 5 consisting of a 1,325-foot revetment and 15-foot wide splash apron. The new barrier will also include a concrete pedestrian walkway along the Lake Erie shoreline.\r\nFought to Reverse Harmful DOE Policy Jeopardizing Millions of Dollars of Say Yes to Education Funding in Buffalo: In January 2017, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) issued a regulatory change that prohibited the release of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) data to non-state and private scholarship providers. This new policy resulted in delays for tuition and grant payments for hundreds of Buffalo college students receiving Say Yes to Education scholarships. Sen. Schumer wrote to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and urged her to expand access to FAFSA so that students could continue to receive timely tuition payments through last dollar scholarships such as Say Yes Buffalo. In 2018, Schumer successfully included an amendment in the FY2018 omnibus spending package that reversed the harmful DOE policy, ensuring that these scholarships will continue to help students in Western New York afford college.\r\nSecured Critical Funding for Chautauqua Lake Water Quality Feasibility Study: In response to community concerns about Chautauqua Lake, an important regional recreation destination that has been suffering from algal blooms and increasing erosion, Sen. Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand secured funding in the Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) to support a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) study of the full causes and impacts of these issues. USACE plans to also examine flood risk management measures and assess ecosystem restoration efforts.\r\nFinger Lakes Region:\r\nConvinced JetBlue to Clear Rochester-to-Boston Flights for Takeoff: For years, Sen. Schumer has led the charge to bring affordable and frequent air service to the Rochester-Finger Lakes region. In October, JetBlue heeded Schumer's persistent advocacy by agreeing to establish a daily flight between Rochester and Boston. This new route, which will open in January 2019, will boost competition and increase the availability and connectivity of low-cost flights from the Rochester-Finger Lakes region to the rest of the U.S. and beyond.\r\nSuccessfully Reversed Proposal to Slash Fundingand Close the University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energeticsby Securing Record $80 Million to Keep Lab Open,Saving Over 300 Rochester Jobs:When the White House proposeda disastrous plan to slash funding and close the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) at the University of Rochester, Sen. Schumer stepped up and relentlessly advocated for this cutting-edge facility that sustains hundreds of high-tech jobs in the region. Schumer's efforts culminated in Septemberby securing $80 milliona $5 million increase over last yearand the highest funding level the LLE has ever received that will help the LLE continue pushing the frontiers of energy research. This effort built upon an earlier push to boost LLE's funding by $7 million in the FY2018 Omnibus spending package in March.\r\n\r\nDelivered Final $190 Million Needed to Complete Modernization of the Canandaigua VA Medical Center Campus: Between 2003 and 2004, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Capital Asset Realignment for Enhancement Services (CARES) Commission recommended shutting down the Canandaigua VA Medical Center. Sen. Schumer immediately launched a campaign to not only reverse this decision but also initiate a major reconstruction project to modernize the facility. After securing $161 million for the first phase of the project, which broke ground this year, Schumer delivered again in September by securing $190 million in Military Construction funding for Phase II. These critical resources will enable the Canandaigua VA Medical Center to provide state-of-the-art care to the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting the country.\r\nSecured $3.9-Billion Army Procurement Order for Harris Corporation to Manufacture Thousands of Leader Radios: Sen. Schumer has long been a fierce advocate for Harris Corporation, which supports hundreds of good-paying jobs in the Rochester area. In September, the U.S. Army selected Harris Corporation to manufacture 1,540 AN/PRC-163 (Leader Radio) two-channel handheld radios, as well as additional equipment to mount the radios on military vehicles. As one of two winners of this contract, Harris will provide up to $3.9 billion worth of new two-channel radios to fulfill the Army's tactical needs. This major work order ensures that Harris will continue to sustain employment in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region and boost the local economy for years to come.\r\nSouthern Tier:\r\nSecured $8 Million in NDAA Funding for the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) Lab: In September, Sen. Schumer secured $8 million in the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to further a critical partnership between the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) Lab, an economically- and scientifically-significant facility in the Southern Tier, and the U.S. Air Force (USAF). The lab, which is the only high-energy synchrotron light source in the country located at a research university, has played a pivotal role in a multitude of medical discoveries and scientific breakthroughs, including the 2003 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and supports more than 200 jobs. This NDAA funding will ensure that USAF's partnership with CHESS will continue to help the U.S. military maintain the highest performance and safety standards for its aircraft.\r\nSuccessfully Pushed for Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Accreditation for Elmira Campus: Starting in 2015, Sen. Schumer worked with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) to support a proposal to create a medical campus in the heart of downtown Elmira that would help address the poor health outcomes and shortage of physicians plaguing the Southern Tier. After Schumer logged multiple personal phone calls, letters, and visits to the Arnot Medical Center, COCA approved LECOM's application in September, clearing the way for a new four-year medical school in Elmira that will boost public health and create jobs in the region.\r\nSecured $2 Billion in Federal Funding for Key Lockheed Martin Helicopter Construction Projects: The FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) included $2 billion in new funding to support key armed services aviation projects carried out largely at Lockheed Martin's facility in Owego. The Combat Rescue Helicopter program was allocated $1.1 billion and the VH-92 Presidential Helicopter Replacement program received $894 million in continued funding. These funds are part of an ongoing commitment by Sen. Schumer to Lockheed's New York workforce to fight for necessary funds to protect their jobs and keep these programs well-funded so that the U.S. military has access to some of the most advanced helicopters in the world to ably perform their important missions.\r\nHudson Valley:\r\nSecured Commitment from Air Force to Immediately Install Interim Remedial Measures Surrounding Stewart ANG Base, Finally Halting Years-Long Flow of PFOS Contamination: More than two years since the discovery of extensive perfluorooctanesulfonic (PFOS) acid contamination in Washington Lake, the City of Newburgh's primary drinking water source, Sen. Schumer successfully pushed top U.S. Air Force officials to install Interim Remedial Measures surrounding Stewart Air National Guard (ANG) base, including Recreation Pond, a main tributary of Washington Lake, to prevent more PFOS from further impacting Newburgh's water supply. As a result of Schumer's unrelenting advocacy, the Air Force is finally stepping up, accepting responsibility, and taking concrete steps to halt the flow and spread of PFOS contamination that has been plaguing Newburgh and the surrounding communities for years as a result of the use of firefighting foam containing PFOS at Stewart Air National Guard (ANG) base.\r\nSecured Nearly $1.5 Million For the City of Newburgh Fire Department to Rehire Critical Firefighters: As the City of Newburgh Fire Department's previous Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grant funding expired, they were forced to lay off multiple firefighters. As an avid supporter of first responders, and from his extensive personal history working with the Newburgh Fire Department, Sen. Schumer immediately called Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Long and urged him to award Newburgh a SAFER grant for an unprecedented third consecutive time. On the call, Schumer urged Administrator Long to give serious consideration to Newburgh's application by recognizing the substantial impact the local firefighters have had on the city over the last few years, citing their heroic work at the Verla factory explosion just last year. Thanks to Schumer's staunch advocacy, the Newburgh Fire Department was successful in securing $1.5 million in SAFER funding, allowing the department to rehire all 9 of the laid-off firefighters.\r\nSecured Vital WRDA Authorization to Move Forward With the Mamaroneck-Sheldrake River Project: In 2007, a fatal flood ravaged the Village of Mamaroneck, causing catastrophic damage to both homes and businesses and taking a life. In the wake of the disaster, Sen. Schumer persuaded the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to quickly complete a comprehensive federal study of the Mamaroneck and Sheldrake River basins. After the eventual report was endorsed and signed in 2017, USACE began work on proposing and designing critical improvements to the basins to make the surrounding areas more resilient. This year, as a result of Schumer's ongoing persistence over the past decade, the Mamaroneck-Sheldrake River project was finally authorized in the 2018 Water Resource Development Act (WRDA). The project will include the construction of retaining walls and a diversion culvert, the deepening and widening of river channels, structure elevation, and the removal and replacement of multiple vehicular bridges that constrict flood flow. Once completed, the project will ensure the community's infrastructure will better weather the storms of the future.\r\nConvinced OSHA to Establish a Notification System to Alert Local Officials and First Responders of Violations: In January, after a deadly factory fire in New Windsor, Sen. Schumer called on the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) to establish a system to notify local officials and fire departments when it cites factories for serious health and safety violations. In March, following Schumer's push, OSHA, EPA and DHS announced they would work in lockstep with one another to establish protocols to coordinate communication between state and local governments whenever a serious violation is cited at a local facility.\r\nBrought NASA Astronaut to Walkway Over the Hudson STARWALK Event: Sen. Schumer played an integral role in bringing National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Astronaut Shane Kimbrough to the Walkway Over the Hudson. This past September, following Schumer's urging, Kimbrough greeted attendees and participants at one of the Walkway Over the Hudson's STARWALK events. Kimbrough's attendance helped launch the STARWALK program into a new galaxy and created an out-of-this-world experience for all those who participated by inspiring them to learn more about the limitless potential of scientific research and the environment.\r\nNorth Country:\r\nSecured Funding to Complete Final Phase of Renovations at the Alexandria Bay Port of Entry After More Than a Decade of Waiting: In 2016, Sen. Schumer answered the pleas of local officials in Jefferson County by securing $105 million for Phase I of the Alexandria Bay border crossing renovations, which broke ground last year. This year, when Congress initially failed to include funding for Phase II, Schumer stepped in and successfully secured $132 million in FY2018 Omnibus spending bill for the project. These upgrades will reduce congestion and greatly increase regional economic activity by stimulating bi-national trade and attracting additional tourists to the region.\r\nSuccessfully Inserted Critical Fix in FAA Reauthorization Bill to Restore Grant Funding Eligibility for Piseco Airport: A small rule change buried in the last Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization bill put the perpetual rights granted decades ago by the Town of Arietta to properties neighboring Piseco Airport in conflict with the FAA's Residential Through-the-Fence Access (RTTF) policy. As a result, Piseco Airport was rendered ineligible for roughly $150,000 in FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding for necessary infrastructure repairs, threatening the survival of this critical regional airport. During a recent visit to Hamilton County, local officials raised the issue with Sen. Schumer, who went to bat for the town and secured language in this year's FAA Reauthorization to grandfather Piseco into the new regulations, thereby bringing the airport back into compliance and making it re-eligible to receive the necessary AIP funding to keep the airport operating.\r\nDelivered Cutting-Edge Military Training Equipment To Fort Drum: The Adirondack Range, managed by the U.S. Air National Guard (ANG) and located at the Fort Drum military base, is a critical facility used by U.S. Air Force personnel to train for combat. This year, Sen. Schumer worked across the aisle to support upgrades to help the Adirondack Range meet new electronic warfare training demand by delivering a Joint Threat Emitter (JTE), a simulator that helps train military personnel to identify and effectively counter enemy missile or artillery threats. The Adirondack Range will be the first ANG range in the country to receive a JTE, thereby enhancing Fort Drum's military value to the U.S. Department of Defense as the largest and best-equipped overland training range east of the Mississippi River.\r\nSecured $15 Million Extension of Critical Funding Stream for North Country's Rural Hospitals: With congressional inaction jeopardizing vital Medicare payment programs, Sen. Schumer stepped up and fought for the Medicare Dependent Hospital and Low-Volume Hospital programs to be included in the February budget deal. Due to these efforts, both programs were extended for 5 years, restoring $15 million in much-needed funds to several hospitals throughout the North Country, including Adirondack Medical and Health Centers in Franklin and Essex counties, Massena Memorial Hospital in St. Lawrence County, and Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in St. Lawrence County.\r\nSuccessfully Protected Essential Air Service Funding for North Country Airports: The Essential Air Service (EAS) program was put into place to guarantee commuter air service for underserved, rural communities, including five airports in the North Country: Watertown, Massena, Ogdensburg, Plattsburgh, and Saranac Lake/Lake Placid. Sen. Schumer has long advocated for the program since its elimination would result in no scheduled air service to and from many of these airports, forcing residents to travel long distances to access flights and delivering a devastating blow to the local economy. When the White House sought to eliminate the program, Schumer launched an effort to protect it and was able to secure an agreement as part of the FY2018 omnibus spending deal to preserve full funding for the EAS program.\r\nLong Island\r\nUnlocked $730 Million in Superstorm Sandy Funding for Long-Delayed Army Corps of Engineers Storm Protection Projects: In February, Sen. Schumer successfully reprogrammed $730 million in funding that was trapped in bureaucratic limbo, unable to support critical mitigation work throughout New York City and Long Island like the Fire Island to Montauk Point Plan (FIMP). The resiliency funding was transferred into the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers construction account so that these resources can be actively used to support coastal resiliency projects vital to Long Island's future FIMP.\r\nSuccessfully DemandedDOD Reimburse Suffolk County Water Authority$5 Millionfor Response Costs to PFAS Contamination at Gabreski ANG Base:In September 2016, private household drinking wells in Westhampton tested positive for elevated levels of perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate, which are collectively known as polyfuoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation determined the contamination was caused by the U.S. Air National Guard's (ANG) past use of a firefighting foam containing PFAS at the nearby Francis S. Gabreski ANG base and identified the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) as the responsible party. The Suffolk County Water Authority responded by immediately connectedingthe affected drinking wells to public water, but their negotiations with the federal government over reimbursements ground to a bureaucratic halt when DOD determined they lacked the authority to repay local municipalities for response costs under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. In response, Sen. Schumer sponsored and passed an amendment within the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act directing the Air Force and the National Guard to reimburse local communities for the cleanup of PFAS.\r\nDelivered for Long Island Veterans by Relentlessly Pushing the VA to Provide Safe and Reliable Healthcare: In January, the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system for the emergency homeless shelter at Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) failed, forcing the sudden relocation of dozens of veterans living at the facility. The shelter's maintenance issues were the latest in a string of HVAC-related failures on the Northport campus, the most egregious of which resulted in the 2016 closure of operating rooms for four months and the postponement of surgeries. In April, after negotiating a $4-billion increase for construction and maintenance of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospital facilities in the FY2018 omnibus spending package, Sen. Schumer demanded Northport VAMC be placed at the top of the list and immediately receive $15 million for repairs to the homeless shelter's HVAC system and other energy needs. In August, Northport VA installed a new HVAC system for the homeless shelter, and Schumer has continued to push for the quick completion of remaining repairs and maintenance. Meanwhile, in July, Schumer stood with North Hempstead veterans and local officials to push the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in North Hempstead as soon as possible  with a mobile unit in the meantime  to provide improved service and care to veterans in northwestern Long Island. Soon afterward, the Northport VAMC announced the deployment of a CBOC to North Hempstead while discussions for a new permanent clinic are ongoing.\r\nCompleted Successful Campaign to Name Naval War Ship for Vietnam War Hero and Irish-American Immigrant Lance Cpl. Patrick Bob Gallagher: In 2017, Sen. Schumer joined Long Island veterans and Irish-Americans in a call to name a U.S. Naval Warship after Marine Lance Corporal Patrick Bob Gallagher, an Irish-American war hero from Long Island who was awarded the Navy Cross for saving the lives of three fellow soldiers in Vietnam. Schumer convened a meeting between Gallagher's family from Long Island and Navy Secretary Richard Spencer to make the case for naming a warship after their uncle. Just before St. Patrick's Day, the Navy announced they would name one of their next Arleigh Burke-class destroyers after Lance Cpl. Gallagher.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/standing-with-mayor-kathy-sheehan-and-albany-firefighters-schumer-unveils-new-state-of-the-art-fire-training-simulator-trailer-acquired-with-federal-funding-he-fought-relentlessly-for", "STANDING WITH MAYOR KATHY SHEEHAN AND ALBANY FIREFIGHTERS, SCHUMER UNVEILS NEW, STATE-OF-THE-ART FIRE TRAINING SIMULATOR TRAILER, ACQUIRED WITH FEDERAL FUNDING HE FOUGHT RELENTLESSLY FOR", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Charles Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.14.18\n\t\t\t STANDING WITH MAYOR KATHY SHEEHAN AND ALBANY FIREFIGHTERS, SCHUMER UNVEILS NEW, STATE-OF-THE-ART FIRE TRAINING SIMULATOR TRAILER, ACQUIRED WITH FEDERAL FUNDING HE FOUGHT RELENTLESSLY FOR \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNew Mobile Fire Simulator-Trailer Will Enable The Albany Fire Department And Mutual Aid Partners To Hone Skills Needed To Safely And Efficiently Respond To The Most Daunting Emergencies\r\nSchumer Previously Traveled To Albany In July 2017, On His Annual 62 County Tour Of New York State, To Support The City's Application For The Grant Funding Needed To Acquire The Simulator; Says Tour Helps Teach Him The Needs And Issues Of Upstate Communities, So He Can Go Down To Washington And Get Them Solved\r\nSchumer: New Training Simulator Boosts The Safety Of Both Albany Residents And Courageous Firefighters\r\nStanding at the Port of Albany, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today joined Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, LION Fire Training Equipment Marketing Director Ray Perez-Pearson, Albany Fire Chief Joe Gregory, and Albany firefighters to unveil the City's new state-of-the-art mobile fire simulator trailer. Schumer said that the City of Albany was able to construct the trailer thanks to a $426,444 federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that he worked tirelessly to help the City secure. Schumer detailed that the simulator was designed by Albany's very own LION Fire Training Equipment, formerly BullEx, a local business success story and global leader in high-tech training. Schumer explained that this accomplishment shows exactly why his yearly 62 county tour of New York State, which he concluded today in Washington County, is such an important tradition. Because he visited the Brevator Street Firehouse back in 2017, he was able to learn of Albany's need for a firefighter training center and help the City secure the grant funding they needed to create one.\r\nThis state-of-the-art new firefighting trailer proves, beyond a shadow of a doubt, why my annual 62 county tour of New York State is such a valuable tradition, both for myself and the residents of Upstate New York. It helps me learn about the needs of all of our communities  for example, Albany's lack of a training facility for its courageous firefighters  so that I can come back to Washington D.C. and fight with everything I've got to accomplish them, said Senator Schumer. Today, I couldn't be prouder to stand with Mayor Sheehan, Chief Gregory and Albany firefighters to unveil the City's new fire simulator trailer, which was purchased with federal AFG grant that I worked relentlessly to secure. The new trailer ensures that when Albany firefighters  our local heroes  put their lives on the line to protect ours, they will be as prepared as possible to handle any and all emergencies.\r\nSchumer explained that previously, the Albany Fire Department did not have a training center of its own, as it instead rented the use of training towers in neighboring communities. So, when they needed to train a new class of recruits or when veteran firefighters needed to hone their skills, Albany was forced to shell out much-needed funding to rent the training tower in either Colonie or Bethlehem. However, both of these are heavily used by fire departments throughout Albany County, meaning that they are often crowded, and are starting to become outdated. Moreover, only one of the two allows the firefighters to do live fire training. But with the federal AFG support that Schumer fought to secure, the department was able to purchase its own high-tech training center, which will enable the department, as well as their mutual aid partners in the Capital Region, to do hands-on training, address fire behavior, forcible entry, ventilation, search and rescue, firefighter bailout and fire suppression.\r\nSchumer visited the Brevator Street Firehouse in Albany in July of 2017 to launch a major push to support the City of Albany's application for AFG funding. Additionally, Schumer bolstered the City's application in a letter to FEMA in 2017. Schumer added that without this federal funding, which he fought tirelessly for, the Albany Fire Department would not have been able to afford the more than $460,000 cost of the fire simulator.\r\nThe Albany Fire Department partnered with the Capital Region's very own BullEx, now part of LION Fire Equipment, to design a state-of-the-art mobile fire simulator that can be used to train recruits on virtually all aspects of firefighting. The simulator will allow the Albany Fire Department and its neighbors to do live fire training with propane-fed flames, which will give firefighters the real heat and fire behavior experience. It can fill a room with safe synthetic smoke so that trainees can practice search and rescue in zero visibility. This allows firefighters to practice the forcible entry needed to get into burning structures, and roof ventilation needed to relieve the heat and gases that build up in a building fire. Albany firefighters can even practice firefighter bailout techniques in the training facility, in case they are ever trapped in a burning building. All of these exercises will be housed in a mobile trailer that is safe for both Albany first responders and the environment.\r\nBullEx was created by three Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) students in the early 2000's, and was founded to produce a safe, reusable unit for Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandated fire extinguisher training. BullEx proved to be an exceedingly successful venture, to the extent that the company was able to expand across the globe. Now, part of LION, they are an international leader in the design and manufacture of fire training simulators that employs 77 people in Albany and many more around the world.\r\nSchumer was joined by Mayor of the City of Albany Kathy Sheehan, Albany Fire Chief Joe Gregory, LION Fire Training Equipment Marketing Director Ray Perez-Pearson, and City of Albany firefighters.\r\nThe acquisition of this mobile training trailer will continue to ensure the Albany Fire Department has the most state-of-the-art training apparatus available to best prepare our members for a wide array of emergencies, said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan.Thank you to Senator Schumer for advocating on the City's behalf and securing the funding that made the purchase of this vital resource possible. Thank you as well to State Farm for helping provide a portion of the funding for the City of Albany's grant match.\r\nWith the purchase of this new mobile training trailer, the Albany Fire Department will now have access to its own training facility for the first time in decades, said Chief Joseph Gregory. The advanced technology of this fire training unit will allow our members to develop and enhance their situational awareness in multiple skill areas and better prepare them in a more realistic environment.\r\nSchumer has long advocated for both Capital Region and New York State first responders. In fact, he was an original sponsor of the legislation that created the Assistance to Firefighters Grant back in 1999. Since the grant stream was created in 2000, it has helped municipalities fund firefighter equipment and training, Capital Region fire departments specifically have received millions of dollars for firefighting gear, breathing apparatus, fire trucks and thermal imaging cameras that can help locate a victim in zero visibility and even find a small electrical fire hidden in a wall. The Assistance to Firefighters Grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in cooperation with the Department's United States Fire Administration. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program's priorities and demonstrate financial need. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.\r\nA copy of Schumer's original letter to FEMA appears below.\r\nDear Secretary Johnson:\r\nI am pleased to write in support of the Albany Fire Department's request for funding under FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. Such funding will enable the Albany Fire Department to purchase a mobile firefighter training simulator.\r\nThe Albany Fire Department has a long history of successful emergency response, and much of their success comes from the significant amount of time their members spend training for various emergency situations. Unfortunately, the Department does not currently have a dedicated training facility within Albany, and as such is forced to rent a training facility outside of town. The acquisition of a mobile firefighter training simulator will not only provide an opportunity for advanced hands-on training for the Department's firefighters, but will eliminate the need to pay rental fees for an outside training facility.\r\nWith funding, a mobile firefighter training simulator will greatly improve the hands-on training for department members by providing live fire training within city limits. Such training allows firefighters to better address fire behavior, ventilation practices, bail-out safety procedures, search and rescue, and fire suppression. It is essential for firefighters to be able to practice the skills they need to respond to and resolve emergencies, and a mobile firefighter training simulator will provide an ideal avenue for the Department to do just that. I applaud the Albany Fire Department for their foresight and sincerely hope the application meets with your approval.\r\nThank you for your consideration. For additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me or my Grants Director, Marissa Emanuel, in my Washington Office at 202-224-6542.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/as-the-nation-marks-the-6th-anniversary-of-the-sandy-hook-elementary", "As the Nation Marks the 6th Anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary Shooting, Higgins Calls for Congress to Act on Gun Safety", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Brian Higgins", "H001038", "higgins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 14, 2018 marks the sixth anniversary of the school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. As the nation remembers the tragedy, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is calling for Congress to save lives and act on common sense gun safety legislation.\nTo access video click above or go to: https://youtu.be/1JDaS4o0BIc\nHiggins, a member of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, spoke on the House Floor about the need for rational dialogue on legislative solutions through Congressional hearings:\nMr. Speaker: This Friday marks the 6th anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. On December 14, 2012 from 9:35 to 9:40am, a lone gunman armed with an assault weapon killed 27 people including 20 kids between the ages of 6 and 7 years old. Five minutes, one shooter, 27 people dead. Many of the kids had several bullet wounds in their bodies when they were recovered.\nIn the years since that tragedy, we have seen high-powered assault weapon attacks in schools, synagogues, night clubs, churches, concerts, and in our neighborhoods.\nWith each horrific attack Congress responds with a moment of silence. We've had 50 moments of silence since Sandy Hook.\nSilence is not a response. We need rational voices, congressional hearings and meaningful gun safety laws now.\nData collected annually by the Naval Postgraduate School's Center for Homeland Defense and Security, found 2018 to be the worst year on record, with 94 school shootings, more than double last year's numbers, and a nearly 60% increase from the previous record of 59 school shootings set in 2006.\nSource: https://www.chds.us/ssdb/incidents-by-year/\nIn the 115th Congress, Congressman Higgins cosponsored gun safety measures including H.R. 5087, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2018, H. Res 367, Establishing the Select Committee on Gun Violence Prevention, and cosigned letters supporting improved background checks and public health research on gun violence.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kathleenrice.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=452", "Reps. Rice, Gallagher & Kilmer Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Accountability and Transparency of Political Spending", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kathleen Rice", "R000602", "kathleenrice.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Representatives Kathleen Rice (D-NY), Mike Gallagher (R-WI), and Derek Kilmer (D-WA), three of the co-chairs of the Congressional Reformers Caucus, today introduced a bipartisan bill to increase disclosure and accountability of political spending. The Political Accountability and Transparency Act, H.R. 7267, would strengthen coordination rules between super PACs and individual campaigns to ensure that super PACs truly operate independently from candidates, require political advertisements to disclose the top donors to the organization paying for the advertisements, and would apply the personal use restriction on campaign funds to all political committees, including leadership PACs.\r\nFor too long, we've allowed outside money to play an outsized and arcane role in our politics, blurring the lines between special interest groups and the candidates they support, said Representative Kathleen Rice. The Political Accountability and Transparency Act will close some of the most gaping loopholes in our campaign finance laws by increasing restrictions and reporting requirements for outside groups. This bipartisan bill will help restore integrity and trust in our nation's political process.\r\nThe American people deserve to know who is spending hundreds of millions of dollars every election cycle to influence their vote and muddy our politics, said Representative Gallagher. This bipartisan bill is critical to injecting more transparency into our campaign finance system and helping reduce the corrosive influence of dark money in our elections. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this important piece of legislation. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, Rep. Derek Kilmer said. Americans deserve to know who is paying for the political ads they see regardless of how those ads are purchased. The Political Accountability and Transparency Act slams shut campaign finance loopholes and shines a light on the murky world of dark money.\r\nThe Political Accountability and Transparency Act addresses some of the most obvious flaws in federal campaign law that repeatedly frustrate members of Congress on both sides of the aisle. We are pleased to see these leaders of the bipartisan Congressional Reformers Caucus put forward solutions to help fix America's broken political system, said Issue One Executive Director Meredith McGehee.\r\nThe Political Accountability and Transparency Act will address some of the worst loopholes in our campaign finance system while giving Americans much-needed transparency about who's trying to influence the policy-making process in Washington. We're proud to support this bill to increase integrity and accountability in our elections, said Tiffany Muller, president of End Citizens United Action Fund.\r\nStrengthening the law requiring independence of candidates from outside groups is critical to loosening the influence that megadonors who fund super PACs holdover candidates and officeholders, said Trevor Potter, President of the Campaign Legal Center, and a former Republican Chairman of the Federal Election Commission. Similarly, increasing political spending transparency and stopping politicians from using leadership PACs as slush funds are broadly popular bipartisan reforms. Voters have a right to know who is bankrolling campaign ads. And it would seem obvious that lawmakers shouldn't be using donors' PAC money to fund golf memberships, trips to five-star resorts, and Disney World vacations.\r\nThe Political Accountability and Transparency Act represents a much-needed step toward strengthening a culture of transparency and accountability in our politics. Stand Up Republic is proud to support this bipartisan initiative, said Greg Spenchian, Director of Policy and Partnerships for Stand Up Republic.\r\nH.R. 7267 tightens coordination rules between Super PACs and individual campaigns in several ways. For one, the bill would apply to the coordination that happens before a candidate is officially running for office if the spending occurs after the candidate is running for office. The bill would also apply broadly to any ads paid for by super PACs that promote, attack, support or oppose a candidate. Further, H.R. 7267 would apply to any communications that mention a candidate starting 120 days before a primary and going through the general election, and it explicitly covers all types of activity in addition to mass-broadcast communications, including mail and canvassing literature. Lastly, this bill strengthens the restriction on staff moving from a campaign or official office to an outside spender and, in the case that it does happen, requires a robust firewall.\r\nAnother goal of H.R. 7267 is to provide voters with additional information on who pays for political advertisements. The bill would require television, radio, and internet advertisements to display, within the advertisement itself, the three largest donors to the organization paying for the advertisement. This would apply to super PACs, 501(c) nonprofits, and other corporate entities.\r\nFinally, H.R. 7267 aims to limit the widespread abuse of leadership PAC funds. Issue One and the Campaign Legal Center revealed widespread abuse of leadership PACs by Members of Congress, who are increasingly using these funds for five-star dinners, high-end vacations, and country club memberships, all under the guise of fundraising expenses.\r\nH.R. 7267 has been endorsed by Issue One, the Campaign Legal Center, Stand Up Republic, and End Citizens United Action Fund.\r\nThe full text of the bill is available here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/an-update-from-dc", "An Update from DC", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nI know it may be hard to believe, but I actually have some good news to report from Washington.\nThis week, we passed the Farm Bill, which is a bill Congress is supposed to pass every five years to guide our nation's agriculture and nutrition policy. One of its most important parts is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which literally puts food on the table for our nation's neediest and is one of our most effective anti-hunger programs. Originally, House Republicans tried to make deep cuts to SNAP that would have kicked millions of low-income families off the program with no other way to put food on their table. I, and every other Democrat, refused to go along, and I am proud to say that bill we passed this week rejected all of these cuts and even found ways to invest nearly $1 billion in additional support for food banks nationwide, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, the SNAP Employment and Training program, and in incentives for healthier eating for SNAP beneficiaries.\nI'm also proud to report that the House and Senate have finally agreed on a final bill to contend with Congress's own #MeToo problem. With this legislation, we are creating a fair process for Capitol Hill staffers to come forward with allegations of sexual harassment and assault and enacting tougher punishments for perpetrators. This means that House of Representatives staff will now have access to House counsel, have a dedicated advocate to guide them through the process before making a formal complaint, and be able to work remotely or request paid leave without fear of retribution. It also requires public reporting of any settlements and identifying if a Member of Congress was personally liable. It also importantly requires that Representatives and Senators use their own money for harassment and retaliation settlements, instead of misusing taxpayer money.\nI will return to Washington, DC next week in the hopes of voting on bills to keep the government open and funded. Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi made it clear in the Oval Office this week that there are several reasonable options on the table to prevent a shutdown. Republicans in Congress would be wise to ignore the President's desire for a shutdown and work with us to keep the government open and serving the people. \nAs always, your concerns remain my top priority. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office via my website to share your thoughts.\nSincerely,\nCarolyn B. Maloney\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/following-her-push-gillibrand-announces-that-final-farm-bill_which-just-passed-senate-and-house--includes-her-amendment-to-protect-long-island-shellfish-producers-and-expand-insurance-coverage", "Following Her Push, Gillibrand Announces That Final Farm Bill \u2013 Which Just Passed Senate And House \u2013 Includes Her Amendment To Protect Long Island Shellfish Producers And Expand Insurance Coverage", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 13, 2018\n\t\t\t Following Her Push, Gillibrand Announces That Final Farm Bill  Which Just Passed Senate And House  Includes Her Amendment To Protect Long Island Shellfish Producers And Expand Insurance Coverage \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Shellfish and Other Aquaculture Producers Are Highly Susceptible to Losing their Products Because of Weather, Disease, and Changes in the Marine Environment - But They Currently Do Not Have the Same Insurance Protections That Are Available to Other Producers; Farm Bill Now Heads to the President's Desk for Final Signature, One Step Closer to Becoming Law\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, DC  U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today announced that a provision she introduced and fought to pass to protect Long Island shellfish and aquaculture producers was included in the final Farm Bill, which just passed the Senate and House of Representatives. Shellfish producers are at high risk of losing their crops and equipment because of weather, diseases, and changes in the marine environment. This provision would allow shellfish producers to obtain insurance coverage under the Whole Farm Revenue Protection insurance program. The Farm Bill now heads to the President's desk and is expected to be signed into law.\r\nOur shellfish producers have never had an effective insurance program, and that puts their work and livelihoods at risk, said Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Agriculture Committee. I'm pleased the final Farm Bill includes the provision I wrote to make it easier for our shellfish producers to protect their crops and equipment against loss, expand their businesses, and produce high-quality seafood. I will always fight to protect New York's aquaculture producers and make sure they are getting the support that they deserve.\r\nThe current insurance program, the Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) program, provides a safety net for diversified farmers and producers who want to insure all of their crops under one insurance policy. However, these policies have not provided sufficient coverage for shellfish producers. Shellfish producers typically grow many varieties or hybrids of a particular clam or oyster to improve their odds of a successful harvest. The current WFRP program treats the different types of shellfish as the same, ignoring the unique risks of each hybrid and stage of growth. Gillibrand's provision would treat the different growth stages of shellfish and other aquaculture species as separate crops, which would allow the insurance program to recognize those different levels of risk and write more comprehensive and fair policies for producers.\r\nEarlier this year, Gillibrand also joined U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) in urging the Agriculture Committee to amend the Whole Farm Revenue Protection current program to better support shellfish producers. Shellfish production is a growing industry in New York. Clam production in the state increased by more than 70 percent between 2012 and 2013, and in 2017, the New York shellfish industry was valued at $16.2 million.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-300k-in-federal-funding-for-launch-ny-in-buffalo_", "Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $300k In Federal Funding For Launch Ny In Buffalo", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 13, 2018\n\t\t\t Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $300k In Federal Funding For Launch Ny In Buffalo   \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Federal Investment Will Support Entrepreneurs, Promote New Businesses, and Encourage Job Creation Throughout Upstate New York\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, DC  U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $300,000 in federal funding for Launch NY in Buffalo. The funding was provided by the federal Economic Development Administration's Regional Innovation Strategies Program. In August, Gillibrand wrote to the Department of Commerce to support Launch NY's application for this funding.\r\nLaunch NY provides entrepreneurs throughout Upstate New York with the resources they need  such as mentoring and financial investments  to start up and grow their businesses. Launch NY serves 27 counties throughout Western New York, the Finger Lakes, Central New York, and the Southern Tier. Currently, less than eight percent of venture capital invested in New York annually reaches companies that have high-growth potential in these regions. Through this funding, Launch NY will be able to leverage their success as a seed fund in Upstate New York and develop a new Investor Network that can provide more capital for entrepreneurs in these regions.\r\nThis federal investment is great news for Buffalo and Western New York. With this federal funding, Launch NY will be able to invest in innovative Western New York entrepreneurs, sending a shot of new energy into the regional economy, said Senator Schumer. I am proud of the role I played in securing this federal funding and will continue to fight tooth and nail to ensure that Western New York receives the federal investment it needs to bring meaningful economic development to the region.\r\nThere are so many hardworking New Yorkers all over our state who have great ideas to start and grow businesses. Launch NY supports many of these entrepreneurs by giving them the resources they need to be successful, said Senator Gillibrand. I was proud to advocate for this funding for Launch NY, which will help them reach even more entrepreneurs throughout Upstate New York, promote the economic growth, and create new jobs.\r\nAs the go to resource in Upstate New York for high-growth potential startups, we have already attracted over 120 co-investors whose funding is working alongside our seed funds in 33 companies. Now this grant will help us leverage our well-established investment pipeline and processes to build an even more robust investor network to support our innovative local startups,said Marnie LaVigne, President and CEO, Launch NY. We truly appreciate the continued support from Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand on behalf of helping Launch NY build a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem.\r\nThe Economic Development Administration provided this funding through the Regional Innovation Strategies Program's Seed Fund Support grant program. This program provides funding for technical assistance and operational costs that support the feasibility, planning, formation, launch, or scale of cluster-based seed funds that will invest their capital in innovation-based startups with a potential for high growth. More information can be found here.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-35-million-in-federal-funding-to-help-remove-lead-hazards-from-homes-in-the-city-of-utica-", "Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $3.5 Million In Federal Funding To Help Remove Lead Hazards From Homes In The City Of Utica", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 13, 2018\n\t\t\t Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $3.5 Million In Federal Funding To Help Remove Lead Hazards From Homes In The City Of Utica  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Schumer and Gillibrand Fought for this Funding to Help Protect Low-Income Families from Lead Throughout Utica\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, DC  U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $3,532,078 in federal funding for the City of Utica. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and will be used to help remove or address lead hazards in 180 housing units for low and very low-income families throughout Utica. Specifically, Utica will receive $2,932,078 from the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program and $600,000 in Healthy Homes Supplemental funding. The city will also use the funding to perform healthy homes assessments. Earlier this year, both Schumer and Gillibrand wrote to HUD to advocate for this funding for Utica.\r\nLead poisoning is an irreversible, preventable tragedy that robs many families and children of their future, said Senator Schumer. We must do everything we can to eliminate lead from our homes and this major federal grant will do just that by injecting much-needed funds into lead remediation and prevention here in Utica.\r\nNo New Yorker should have to live in a home where they could be poisoned by lead, and that's why I fought on behalf of Utica so that it could get funding it needs to protect some of our most vulnerable families from this toxic chemical, said Senator Gillibrand, who wrote a letter of support for this funding. This federal funding will support the city's continued efforts to identify and eliminate lead in homes throughout the Mohawk Valley, and I will continue to do everything in my power to make sure that it can have the resources necessary to keep our families healthy and safe.\r\nReducing the health hazards associated with lead-based paint in older housing in Utica has long been a priority of mine. This funding from HUD will go a long way to addressing this significant problem through a community partnership. This is exciting news, because it will improve the quality of life of area children and their families. I will continue working with Senators Gillibrand and Schumer, and community leaders and agencies in further addressing the issue, said Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi of Utica.\r\nSecuring over $3 million through the Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program and Healthy Homes Supplemental funding will provide much needed resources to assist our community in enhancing lead prevention and combating lead poisoning. The City of Utica is a proud member of the Lead-Free MV Coalition and this initiative could not be achieved without strong partnerships. I commend Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their continued advocacy and support for Utica, said Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri.\r\nThis is tremendous news for our community and an affirmation of the work The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties has done with the City of Utica, Oneida County and our many Lead-Free MV Coalition partners, said Community Foundation President & CEO Alicia Dicks. We're grateful for the support of Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, and this announcement is especially meaningful since it comes on the heels of the Lead-Safe Utica's pilot program in West Utica. Our community's success in attracting HUD's Lead Hazard Reduction program funding will advance this critical work, as we continue to address childhood lead poisoning now and in the future.\r\nHUD's Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program works to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible housing units. These grants are used to assist municipalities in carrying out lead hazard control activities. The Healthy Homes Supplemental funding is used to identify and remediate housing related health and safety hazards that contribute to disease and injury. More information can be found here.\r\nA copy of Gillibrand's and Schumer's letters to HUD can be found here and below.\r\nAugust 9, 2018\r\nThe Honorable Ben Carson\r\nSecretary\r\nU.S Department of Housing and Urban Development\r\n451 7th Street SW\r\nWashington, DC 20410\r\nDear Secretary Carson,\r\nI write in support of the application submitted by the City of Utica for funding from the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The requested funding will be used to continue and expand the Lead-Free Mohawk Valley Coalition's efforts to reduce lead-based paint hazards in high-risk areas of the City of Utica.\r\nHome to over 60,000 residents, the City of Utica has consistently had one of the highest rates of childhood lead poisoning in New York State. One of the main sources of exposure to lead hazards is found right in the home, as an abundance of the city's housing stock was built before lead-based paint was banned in 1978. Given the serious physical and developmental consequences of even short-term exposure, the City of Utica has become a leading partner in the Lead-Free Mohawk Valley Coalition, a collaborative organization committed to reducing lead poisoning across Oneida County.\r\nThe requested funding will be used to support the Lead-Free Mohawk Valley Coalition's continued efforts to identify and eliminate lead-based paint hazards in pre-1978 housing, with a focus on high-risk units owned or rented by the City's most vulnerable residents. These target areas include the West Utica, Downtown, Cornhill, and Bleecker Street neighborhoods. By helping support additional efforts to increase testing and community awareness, this funding will help protect children in the City of Utica from lifelong illness and allow all members of the Mohawk Valley community to thrive.\r\nI ask that you please give this application your full consideration. If you have any questions, or desire further information, please do not hesitate to contact my staff member Laura Driscoll at (202) 224-4451.\r\nSincerely,\r\nKirsten Gillibrand\r\n---\r\nDear Secretary Carson:\r\nI am pleased to write in support of the application submitted by the City of Utica for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction (LHR) Program and Healthy Homes Supplemental Funding (FR-6200-N-12). The health hazards associated with lead contamination continue to plague Oneida County, where the incidence rate of elevated blood lead levels in children is one of the highest in New York State, especially in the city of Utica. As a member of the Lead-Free Mohawk Valley Coalition, Utica has been engaged in a strategic effort to protect hundreds of children from the devastating health effects of lead poisoning.\r\nLead Safe Utica program partners have been working diligently to address this threat by focusing on neighborhoods where the problem is most prevalent. LHR program resources will enable these partners to increase lead hazard control measures and expand healthy homes activities city-wide.\r\nThe Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties' renewed commitment to support the Lead-Free MV Coalition with an additional $5 million over the next 10 years will help expedite the reduction of lead poisoning in Utica's aging housing stock. I stand ready to do what I can to help protect at-risk children in Utica neighborhoods, to secure a safe and healthy future for the City's most vulnerable residents. I applaud the City of Utica for its foresight and sincerely hope the application meets with your approval.\r\nThank you for your consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my Grants Coordinator in my Washington, DC, office at 202-224-6542.\r\nSincerely,\r\nCharles E. Schumer", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-300k-in-federal-funding-for-launch-ny-in-buffalo_", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $300K IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR LAUNCH NY IN BUFFALO", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Charles Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.18\n\t\t\t SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $300K IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR LAUNCH NY IN BUFFALO   \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFederal Investment Will Support Entrepreneurs, Promote New Businesses, and Encourage Job Creation Throughout Upstate New York\r\nU.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $300,000 in federal funding for Launch NY in Buffalo. The funding was provided by the federal Economic Development Administration's Regional Innovation Strategies Program. In August, Gillibrand wrote to the Department of Commerce to support Launch NY's application for this funding.\r\nLaunch NY provides entrepreneurs throughout Upstate New York with the resources they need  such as mentoring and financial investments  to start up and grow their businesses. Launch NY serves 27 counties throughout Western New York, the Finger Lakes, Central New York, and the Southern Tier. Currently, less than eight percent of venture capital invested in New York annually reaches companies that have high-growth potential in these regions. Through this funding, Launch NY will be able to leverage their success as a seed fund in Upstate New York and develop a new Investor Network that can provide more capital for entrepreneurs in these regions.\r\nThis federal investment is great news for Buffalo and Western New York. With this federal funding, Launch NY will be able to invest in innovative Western New York entrepreneurs, sending a shot of new energy into the regional economy, said Senator Schumer. I am proud of the role I played in securing this federal funding and will continue to fight tooth and nail to ensure that Western New York receives the federal investment it needs to bring meaningful economic development to the region.\r\nThere are so many hardworking New Yorkers all over our state who have great ideas to start and grow businesses. Launch NY supports many of these entrepreneurs by giving them the resources they need to be successful, said Senator Gillibrand. I was proud to advocate for this funding for Launch NY, which will help them reach even more entrepreneurs throughout Upstate New York, promote the economic growth, and create new jobs.\r\nAs the go to resource in Upstate New York for high-growth potential startups, we have already attracted over 120 co-investors whose funding is working alongside our seed funds in 33 companies. Now this grant will help us leverage our well-established investment pipeline and processes to build an even more robust investor network to support our innovative local startups,said Marnie LaVigne, President and CEO, Launch NY. We truly appreciate the continued support from Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand on behalf of helping Launch NY build a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem.\r\nThe Economic Development Administration provided this funding through the Regional Innovation Strategies Program's Seed Fund Support grant program. This program provides funding for technical assistance and operational costs that support the feasibility, planning, formation, launch, or scale of cluster-based seed funds that will invest their capital in innovation-based startups with a potential for high growth. More information can be found here.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n    \n    \n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-35-million-in-federal-funding-to-help-remove-lead-hazards-from-homes-in-the-city-of-utica-", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $3.5 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO HELP REMOVE LEAD HAZARDS FROM HOMES IN THE CITY OF UTICA", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Charles Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.18\n\t\t\t SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $3.5 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO HELP REMOVE LEAD HAZARDS FROM HOMES IN THE CITY OF UTICA  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSchumer and Gillibrand Fought for this Funding to Help Protect Low-Income Families from Lead Throughout Utica\r\nU.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $3,532,078 in federal funding for the City of Utica. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and will be used to help remove or address lead hazards in 180 housing units for low and very low-income families throughout Utica. Specifically, Utica will receive $2,932,078 from the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program and $600,000 in Healthy Homes Supplemental funding. The city will also use the funding to perform healthy homes assessments. Earlier this year, both Schumer and Gillibrand wrote to HUD to advocate for this funding for Utica.\r\nLead poisoning is an irreversible, preventable tragedy that robs many families and children of their future, said Senator Schumer. We must do everything we can to eliminate lead from our homes and this major federal grant will do just that by injecting much-needed funds into lead remediation and prevention here in Utica.\r\nNo New Yorker should have to live in a home where they could be poisoned by lead, and that's why I fought on behalf of Utica so that it could get funding it needs to protect some of our most vulnerable families from this toxic chemical, said Senator Gillibrand, who wrote a letter of support for this funding. This federal funding will support the city's continued efforts to identify and eliminate lead in homes throughout the Mohawk Valley, and I will continue to do everything in my power to make sure that it can have the resources necessary to keep our families healthy and safe.\r\nReducing the health hazards associated with lead-based paint in older housing in Utica has long been a priority of mine. This funding from HUD will go a long way to addressing this significant problem through a community partnership. This is exciting news, because it will improve the quality of life of area children and their families. I will continue working with Senators Gillibrand and Schumer, and community leaders and agencies in further addressing the issue, said Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi of Utica.\r\nSecuring over $3 million through the Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program and Healthy Homes Supplemental funding will provide much needed resources to assist our community in enhancing lead prevention and combating lead poisoning. The City of Utica is a proud member of the Lead-Free MV Coalition and this initiative could not be achieved without strong partnerships. I commend Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their continued advocacy and support for Utica, said Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri.\r\nThis is tremendous news for our community and an affirmation of the work The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties has done with the City of Utica, Oneida County and our many Lead-Free MV Coalition partners, said Community Foundation President & CEO Alicia Dicks. We're grateful for the support of Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, and this announcement is especially meaningful since it comes on the heels of the Lead-Safe Utica's pilot program in West Utica. Our community's success in attracting HUD's Lead Hazard Reduction program funding will advance this critical work, as we continue to address childhood lead poisoning now and in the future.\r\nHUD's Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program works to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible housing units. These grants are used to assist municipalities in carrying out lead hazard control activities. The Healthy Homes Supplemental funding is used to identify and remediate housing related health and safety hazards that contribute to disease and injury. More information can be found here.\r\nA copy of Gillibrand's and Schumer's letters to HUD can be found here and below.\r\nAugust 9, 2018\r\nThe Honorable Ben Carson\r\nSecretary\r\nU.S Department of Housing and Urban Development\r\n451 7th Street SW\r\nWashington, DC 20410\r\nDear Secretary Carson,\r\nI write in support of the application submitted by the City of Utica for funding from the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The requested funding will be used to continue and expand the Lead-Free Mohawk Valley Coalition's efforts to reduce lead-based paint hazards in high-risk areas of the City of Utica.\r\nHome to over 60,000 residents, the City of Utica has consistently had one of the highest rates of childhood lead poisoning in New York State. One of the main sources of exposure to lead hazards is found right in the home, as an abundance of the city's housing stock was built before lead-based paint was banned in 1978. Given the serious physical and developmental consequences of even short-term exposure, the City of Utica has become a leading partner in the Lead-Free Mohawk Valley Coalition, a collaborative organization committed to reducing lead poisoning across Oneida County.\r\nThe requested funding will be used to support the Lead-Free Mohawk Valley Coalition's continued efforts to identify and eliminate lead-based paint hazards in pre-1978 housing, with a focus on high-risk units owned or rented by the City's most vulnerable residents. These target areas include the West Utica, Downtown, Cornhill, and Bleecker Street neighborhoods. By helping support additional efforts to increase testing and community awareness, this funding will help protect children in the City of Utica from lifelong illness and allow all members of the Mohawk Valley community to thrive.\r\nI ask that you please give this application your full consideration. If you have any questions, or desire further information, please do not hesitate to contact my staff member Laura Driscoll at (202) 224-4451.\r\nSincerely,\r\nKirsten Gillibrand\r\n---\r\nDear Secretary Carson:\r\nI am pleased to write in support of the application submitted by the City of Utica for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction (LHR) Program and Healthy Homes Supplemental Funding (FR-6200-N-12). The health hazards associated with lead contamination continue to plague Oneida County, where the incidence rate of elevated blood lead levels in children is one of the highest in New York State, especially in the city of Utica. As a member of the Lead-Free Mohawk Valley Coalition, Utica has been engaged in a strategic effort to protect hundreds of children from the devastating health effects of lead poisoning.\r\nLead Safe Utica program partners have been working diligently to address this threat by focusing on neighborhoods where the problem is most prevalent. LHR program resources will enable these partners to increase lead hazard control measures and expand healthy homes activities city-wide.\r\nThe Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties' renewed commitment to support the Lead-Free MV Coalition with an additional $5 million over the next 10 years will help expedite the reduction of lead poisoning in Utica's aging housing stock. I stand ready to do what I can to help protect at-risk children in Utica neighborhoods, to secure a safe and healthy future for the City's most vulnerable residents. I applaud the City of Utica for its foresight and sincerely hope the application meets with your approval.\r\nThank you for your consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my Grants Coordinator in my Washington, DC, office at 202-224-6542.\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\nCharles E. Schumer\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/engel-roslehtinen-statement-on-guatemala/", "Engel, Ros-Lehtinen Statement on Guatemala", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Eliot Engel", "E000179", "engel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/engel-slams-republicans-rule-blocking-debate-on-yemen/", "Engel Slams Republicans Rule Blocking Debate on Yemen", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Eliot Engel", "E000179", "engel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-urges-state-department-to-reverse-plan-to-cut-refugee", "Higgins Urges State Department to Reverse Plan to Cut Refugee Resettlement Agencies", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Brian Higgins", "H001038", "higgins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(To access video click above or go to: https://youtu.be/pPs8iLJsGrY)\nCongressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is calling on the U.S. Department of State to reverse plans to cut agencies that assist with the resettlement of refugees. The State Department has given notice that it intends to close some resettlement agencies and Buffalo and several other regions are cited as target areas for cuts. Higgins spoke out against the move in a letter sent to Secretary of State Michael Pompeo earlier this week and in remarks on the Floor of the House of Representatives:\nMr. Speaker, this good and generous nation has a long tradition of welcoming those seeking refuge and a better life in America. America is, in fact, a nation of immigrants.\nFor generations immigrants and refugees, my ancestors included, have contributed to a diverse and strong nation, built on the foundation that through hard work anything is possible.\nThe State Department recently announced plans to cut the very programs to provide refugees with the tools toward economic independence, self-sufficiency, and success.\nIt is a counterproductive move by the administration that cites the economy as a priority.\nRefugees are helping revive older communities like the Buffalo Niagara region, increasing our population, contributing to a dedicated work force, and bringing new life quality and economic life back to neighborhoods like Buffalo's west side.\nWe're calling on Secretary Pompeo to immediately reverse any plans to cut resettlement agencies and affirm this nation's commitment to the American dream.\nIn his letter to Secretary Pompeo Higgins writes, Refugee resettlement agencies are critical to supporting the United States' highest ideals of freedom and independence. They uphold our values of compassion, leadership and self-sufficiency. I strongly urge you to keep all of the resettlement agencies in my district open because closing them would be detrimental to the broader Western New York community and those seeking stability and safety here in the United States.\nHiggins also points out that each of the local resettlement sites  Jewish Family Service of Buffalo and Erie County, Journey's End, Catholic Charites of Buffalo, and the International Institute of Buffalo - has its own area of expertise.\nAccording to federal data, in Fiscal Year 2017, 1,171 refugees with lawful permanent resident status, call the Wester New York region, categorized as the Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls core based statistical area of residence, home.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/press-release/ranking-member-nadler-statement-subcommittee-regulatory-reform-commercial-and", "Ranking Member Nadler Statement for the Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law Hearing on Oversight of the Antitrust Agencies", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, delivered the following opening remarks during a Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law hearing on Oversight of the Antitrust Agencies:\nThank you, Mr. Chairman, for convening today's oversight hearing of the antitrust agencies and our competition system. This hearing occurs at a critical moment. Over the past several decades, waves of anticompetitive consolidation in industry after industrywhich has largely been the result of lax merger enforcementhave threatened the economic well-being and financial security of American families. Whether through job losses and artificially low wages, or higher prices and lower quality for essential goods and services, this massive concentration of economic power has arguably even frayed our Nation's social fabric.\nUnfortunately, this trend towards greater consolidation shows little sign of abating. There has been $10 trillion in merger activity in recent years, with a record $2.5 trillion in mergers announced in the first half of 2018 alone.\nAs Bill Baer, then-Assistant Attorney General of the Antitrust Division, testified in 2016, there has been an upswing in extremely large, complex, and blatantly anticompetitive transactions that never should have made it out of the boardroom. Some recent Administrations have seemingly welcomed this development, but even those with a genuine desire to restrain such threats to competition have been forced expend significant resources to challenge mega-mergers that have clear anticompetitive effects. For too long, however, funding for enforcement has been flat, severely limiting the ability of regulators to bring enforcement proceedings. At the same time, courts are requiring immensely demanding evidentiary showings to prove the obvious, further opening the floodgates to anticompetitive mergers.\nAs a result of this increasing concentration of economic power, American consumers pay more for essential goods and servicessuch as food, clothing, healthcare, and prescription drugswhile corporations earn persistently high profits that pay for astronomical executive salaries, rather than higher wages or better jobs for hardworking Americans.\nThe decline in enforcement over the past several decades has also been an economic catastrophe for millions of workers. Some have lost their jobs due to the supposed efficiencies of anticompetitive mergers, and many face lower wages and less opportunity due to wage fixing or other anticompetitive conduct by employers, all of which has been enabled by regulators.\nWhile ultimately it is the responsibility of the antitrust enforcement agencies to enforce the law fully and properly, the House Judiciary Committee has an obligation to conduct meaningful oversight to ensure such proper enforcement, to provide additional enforcement resources, and, when necessary, to consider changes to the antitrust laws.\nDating back to Chairman Emanuel Celler's establishment of the Subcommittee on the Study of Monopoly Power in 1949which, I would add, was staffed by a young antitrust attorney from Chicago named John Paul Stevens, who would later serve with distinction as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Courtthis Committee has conducted investigations into anticompetitive conduct by dominant firms, amended the antitrust laws to address the rising tide of economic concentration, and explored policies to promote competition in markets that are highly concentrated.\nBut in recent decades, Congress has acquiesced to the erosion of the antitrust laws by pro-big-business Administrations and by federal court decisions that have made the antitrust laws more technical, and more narrowly focused on economic efficiencies for businesses, than on the broader economic and social policy goals that had previously animated antitrust law.\nCompounding Congress's negligence have been its deliberate decisions to paralyze enforcers and regulators through meager appropriations and structural limitations on rulemaking. I strongly believe that it is time to turn the page on this history of neglect, and I look forward to working with the agencies to ensure that competition is vibrant, and that working Americans enjoy the full benefits of open and fully competitive markets.\nBefore closing, I also want to touch on a particular issue that is of bipartisan importance to the Committee and to Congress. This year, I worked with Chairman Goodlatte and my other colleagues on this Committee to enact the Music Modernization Act, a historic effort to address longstanding inequities in the music marketplace, and to ensure that songwriters and other music creators receive fair market value for their work.\nIt is very important to me that this lawwhich was strongly supported by virtually all stakeholdersis not undermined by abrupt changes in enforcement policy with respect to the ASCAP and BMI consent decrees that may disrupt benefits to songwriters, copyright owners, music licensees, and consumers, particularly without an alternative framework in place.\nWith that, I look forward to hearing from our esteemed witnesses today, and working together on these important matters going forward.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/press-release/top-democrats-demand-briefing-secretary-pompeo%E2%80%99s-meeting-ecuadorian-foreign-minister", "Top Democrats Demand Briefing On Secretary Pompeos Meeting With Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Jose ValenciaSpecifically Regarding Julian Assanges Presence In Ecuadorian Embassy In London", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Top Senate and House DemocratsSenate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-NY), and House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler (D-NY)sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo demanding an immediate briefing on his meeting with Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Jose Valencia, specifically regarding whether the future of WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange's presence in the Ecuadorian embassy in London was discussed. The Democrats assert that Congress and the American people deserve answers about foreign interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and the State Department's efforts to hold accountable those responsible, including WikiLeaks.\nTo this end, the Democrats requested that the State Department brief Congress on a series of questionsoutlined in the letterconcerning the details surrounding the activities of both Paul Manafort and Julian Assange in London. Additionally, the Democrats expressed the urgency behind swiftly resolving the challenges posed by Julian Assange's presence at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London and urged Secretary Pompeo to remain in close contact with Foreign Minister Valencia.\nSenate and House Democrats' letter to Secretary Pompeo can be found here and below:\nDear Secretary Pompeo:\nWe write to request that the State Department immediately brief Congress on your November 26 meeting with Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Jose Valencia.\nWhile the State Department has been unwilling to confirm the details publicly,we remaindeeplyinterested in knowing whetheryou discussed thefutureof Julian Assange's presence in the Ecuadorian Embassy in Londonin your meeting with Foreign Minister Valencia.\nAs you are aware, in January 2017, the unclassified reportby the U.S.IntelligenceCommunity assessed with high confidence that Russian military intelligence used proxies to transfer hacked data obtained in cyber operations to WikiLeaks. These activitieswere explicitly intendedto interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.\nCongress and the American people deserve answers about foreign interference in our elections andyour effortsto hold accountable those responsible.To that end,we ask that the State Department brief Congress on the following questions:\n1.Did you ask Foreign Minister Valencia to confirm whether PaulManafortvisited Julian Assange in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, including as recently as March 2016, as has been described in media reports?\n2.Didyou request thatthe complete, unedited log of Julian Assange's visitors at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London be made available to all ongoing U.S. investigations?\n3. Did youask Foreign Minister Valencia to provide you withany security camera footage or other electronic media thatwas maintainedby the Ecuadorian Government to supplement the visitor logs?\n4.Did yourequest that Foreign Minister Valencia confirm whether PaulManafortspoke to Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno about Julian Assange in Quito, Ecuador in May 2017?\n5.In the event that you received affirmative confirmation, did you ask Foreign Minister Valencia to provide you with all relevant notes and information from Paul Manafort's meeting with Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno?\n6.Did you ask Foreign Minister Valencia about thestatusof the Ecuadorian Government's discussions with the British Government regarding the status of Julian Assange?\nWhile we understandthat Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno inherited from his predecessor the challenges posed by Julian Assange's presence at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, it is imperative thatthis situation beresolved swiftly.We trust that you will remain in close contact with Foreign Minister Valencia on this matter.\nThank you for your attention to this letter and we look forward to the State Department briefing Congress next week.\nSincerely,\nCharles E. Schumer  \n\t\t\t\t\tDemocratic Leader  \n\t\t\t\t\tU.S. Senate\nRichard J. Durbin  \n\t\t\t\t\tDemocratic Whip  \n\t\t\t\t\tU.S. Senate\nRobert Menendez  \n\t\t\t\t\tRanking Member  \n\t\t\t\t\tCommittee on Foreign Relations  \n\t\t\t\t\tU.S. Senate\nDianne Feinstein  \n\t\t\t\t\tRanking Member  \n\t\t\t\t\tCommittee on the Judiciary  \n\t\t\t\t\tU.S. Senate\nEliot L. Engel  \n\t\t\t\t\tRanking Member  \n\t\t\t\t\tCommittee on Foreign Affairs  \n\t\t\t\t\tU.S. House of Representatives\nJerrold Nadler  \n\t\t\t\t\tRanking Member  \n\t\t\t\t\tCommittee on the Judiciary  \n\t\t\t\t\tU.S. House of Representatives", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=780", "Tonko Champions New York Priorities in Final Farm Bill", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tonko Champions New York Priorities in Final Farm Bill \r\n   \r\n    \r\n      Capital Region Congressman represented powerful Energy & Commerce Committee in conference negotiations with Senate \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 12, 2018\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        This farm bill strikes the right balance, giving certainty to our farmers while protecting our most vulnerable by rejecting harsh food assistance cuts in the original House Republican bill, said Rep. Tonko. I am particularly pleased with provisions we were able to secure that will benefit New York's dairy farmers and producers of specialty crops, and others that expand broadband access particularly to those that don't have access to a high-speed connection. The final bill is far from perfect, but it is a major bipartisan step forward in areas of urgent need. I look forward to building on the progress we achieved here in the next Congress.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON  Congressman Paul D. Tonko heralded final passage of the 2018 Farm Bill in the House this evening after spending the past several weeks representing the powerful Energy & Commerce Committee in conference negotiations with the Senate. Tonko emphasized his work removing harsh cuts to food assistance programs and including important provisions for New York farmers and rural communities that lack meaningful access to broadband Internet. \r\nThis farm bill strikes the right balance, giving certainty to our farmers while protecting our most vulnerable by rejecting harsh food assistance cuts in the original House Republican bill, said Rep. Tonko. I am particularly pleased with provisions we were able to secure that will benefit New York's dairy farmers and producers of specialty crops, and others that expand broadband access particularly to those that don't have access to a high-speed connection. The final bill is far from perfect, but it is a major bipartisan step forward in areas of urgent need. I look forward to building on the progress we achieved here in the next Congress.\r\n The final House vote was 369 - 47. The Senate voted 83-17 yesterday to adopt the reconciled Farm Bill. As a result, today's passage in the House will send the final bill to the President's desk for his signature or veto. \r\n ###  \r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/following-her-push-gillibrand-announces-that-senate-passed-final-version-of-the-farm-bill-includes-her-bill-to-provide-refund-for-dairy-farmers-who-paid-into-failed-insurance-program", "Following Her Push, Gillibrand Announces That Senate-Passed Final Version Of The Farm Bill Includes Her Bill To Provide Refund For Dairy Farmers Who Paid Into Failed Insurance Program", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 12, 2018\n\t\t\t Following Her Push, Gillibrand Announces That Senate-Passed Final Version Of The Farm Bill Includes Her Bill To Provide Refund For Dairy Farmers Who Paid Into Failed Insurance Program \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Gillibrand Successfully Secured Funding to Put Money Back into the Pockets of New York Dairy Farmers; Farm Bill Now Heads to the House, One Step Closer to Becoming Law\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, DC  U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today announced that the Senate-passed final version of the Farm Bill includes a proposal she fought for that would put money back into the pockets of New York dairy farmers who paid into a failed system that did not help them when milk prices dropped. Gillibrand has been fighting for this funding since earlier this year when she introduced the Dairy Premium Refund Act.\r\nI am thrilled to announce our dairy farmers are finally getting some of the relief they need and deserve as part of the Farm Bill, said Senator Gillibrand. Our dairy farmers have been suffering from abysmally low milk prices, unfair trade policies, and a failed insurance system for too long. The final version of the Farm Bill that passed the Senate yesterday afternoon was our last chance this year to finally fix some of these problems, and I applaud my colleagues for including my provision to issue a refund to farmers who were hurt after buying into the failed Dairy Margin Protection Program. I will always do everything I can to fight for our dairy farmers, and I urge my House colleagues and the President to do the same and pass this bill immediately.\r\nThe final version of the Senate passed Farm Bill Conference Report would return premiums paid by famers for the Dairy Margin Protection Program (MPP) program between 2014-2017 as either a 50 percent refund or a 75 percent credit toward purchase of new Dairy Risk Coverage (DRC) program.\r\nThe Senate-passed final version of the Farm Bill is expected to be voted on in the U.S. House of Representatives this week and sent to the President to be signed into law.\r\nThe Dairy Margin Protection Program is the main insurance option for dairy farmers to protect their revenue when the price they receive for their milk falls or feed costs rise. Since 2014, thousands of New York dairy farmers paid millions of dollars to the USDA for this coverage, but when milk prices and feed prices fell at the same time, most farmers lost money on every pound of milk they sold and never received a payment. This flawed program left producers vulnerable as milk prices fell below the cost of production causing many farmers to lose money on every pound of milk they produced. The provision in the Farm Bill would allow dairy producers would have two options to get their money back  either a 50 percent refund, or a 75 percent credit toward the purchase of a new dairy insurance program.\r\nThe new dairy insurance program features lower premiums at all levels of coverage and farmers can insure up to $9.50 per hundredweight with significant discounts available for multi-year policies. The Farm Bill also gives dairy farmers the option to use different types of insurance tools to help cover the milk they produce, and includes a Milk Donation Program that will help cooperatives better balance milk supply while nutrition assistance to families in need.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/following-her-push-gillibrand-successfully-includes-bipartisan-rural-broadband-legislation-in-the-final-senate-passed-version-of-the-farm-bill", "Following Her Push, Gillibrand Successfully Includes Bipartisan Rural Broadband Legislation In The Final Senate-Passed Version Of The Farm Bill", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 12, 2018\n\t\t\t Following Her Push, Gillibrand Successfully Includes Bipartisan Rural Broadband Legislation In The Final Senate-Passed Version Of The Farm Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Gillibrand Provision Would Help Expand Access to High-Speed Broadband Internet to Rural and Tribal Areas in New York and Around the Country; Final Version of the Farm Bill, which Includes Gillibrand's Broadband Legislation, Passed Senate 87-13 and Now Heads to House of Representatives for a Final Vote\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, DC  U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today announced that after her consistent push, her bipartisan Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program Act (B-CROP Act), was included as a provision in the final Senate-passed version of the Farm Bill. This bipartisan legislation, introduced by Senator Gillibrand and Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), would expand the current USDA Rural Utilities Service Broadband Program to allow for new grant funding for rural broadband projects in high-need areas. Nationally, nearly a quarter of rural Americans and nearly a third of tribal residents lack access to broadband internet service.\r\nI'm very pleased that my bipartisan legislation to bring high-speed internet to our rural communities was included in the final Senate-passed version of the Farm Bill, said Senator Gillibrand. Reliable, high-speed internet access isn't a luxury anymore  it is a necessity and one of the most important tools that communities need in order to thrive. Our schools, hospitals, and businesses rely on the internet in order to conduct their daily work, and it's unacceptable that some of our rural communities still don't have access to this essential technology. My bipartisan legislation would help bring much-needed federal funding to rural communities that want to install broadband internet but don't have the resources to do it on their own. I am so proud that my provision was included in the final Farm Bill that has passed on the Senate floor, and I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to quickly pass it into law.\r\nGillibrand worked with her colleagues on the Senate Agriculture Committee to include provisions from her B-CROP Act in the final Farm Bill that target federal funds to rural and tribal areas in the highest of need, allowing for grants of up to 50 percent of a project's cost, and up to 75 percent for remote, high-need areas, to be awarded in combination with the current loan funding available through USDA. The added grant funding would help encourage more high-speed broadband deployment to high-need areas by enhancing the feasibility of these projects.\r\nThe Senate-passed Farm Bill also increases the annual funding level of the USDA broadband program to $350 million. Without access to high-quality, affordable broadband service, workers have fewer opportunities for good-paying jobs, farmers and business owners are isolated from new markets, children are limited in their educational opportunities, and health care providers do not have reliable access to the most advanced technology available to help patients. The Senate-passed final version of the Farm Bill will now head to the U.S. House of Representatives for a vote.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-2-million-in-federal-funding-to-help-remove-lead-hazards-from-homes-in-niagara-county", "Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $2 Million In Federal Funding To Help Remove Lead Hazards From Homes In Niagara County", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 12, 2018\n\t\t\t Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $2 Million In Federal Funding To Help Remove Lead Hazards From Homes In Niagara County \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Niagara County Will Use Funds To Address Lead Hazards In Housing Units To Help Protect The Health & Safety Of Families & Children\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $2,000,000 in Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration (LHRD) grant program funding for Niagara County. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) toaddress lead hazards in 100 housing units in Niagara County,providing safer homes for low and very low-income families with children.\r\n\r\nLead poisoning is an irreversible, preventable tragedy that robs many families and children of their future, saidSenatorSchumer. We must do everything we can to eliminate lead from our homes and this major federal grant will do just that by injecting much-needed funds into lead remediation and prevention here in Niagara County.\r\n\r\nNo New Yorker should have to live in a home where they could be poisoned by lead. This federal funding will support Niagara County's work to remove lead from the homes of some of our most vulnerable families, said Senator Gillibrand. Lead causes severe health problems and it needs to be removed from our homes. I will always fight in the Senate to make sure that our communities have the resources they need to keep our families healthy and safe.\r\nThis lead grant will provide the necessary training and resources to help protect families, especially children, from the hazards associated with lead paint exposure. These hazards can impact a child's life into adulthood and having this funding is truly life-changing for those we serve. This is another tool for our public health professionals, and those we partner with, to protect the communities that we serve, said Legislator Richard Andres, Chairman of the Niagara County Legislature's Community Services committee.\r\nThe County of Niagara will be partnering with medical and social service providers to ensure safer homes by addressing lead hazards in 100 housing units for low-income families with children. Schumer and Gillibrand explained that after years of decreased funding for HUD's Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, which administers the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program, they have successfully pushed their colleagues in Congress to increase funding in recent years. The office received $110 million per year from Fiscal Year 2014 to Fiscal Year 2016, which was significantly lower than what the program had received a decade earlier. Schumer and Gillibrand were successful in securing a $35 million dollar increase for Fiscal Year 2017 and another $85 million increase in Fiscal Year 2018, bringing total funding to $230 million this year.\r\nAccording to the National Institutes of Health (NIH),lead is much more harmful to children than adults because it can affect children's developing nerves and brains. Lead-based paint, still encasing the walls of many homes, often erodes and settles on children's toys on the floor, eventually falling into the hands and mouths of children. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand have long advocated for protecting New York's children and families in the past by securing millions of dollars in federal funding to eradicate the toxic element from homes in order to reduce lead-poisoning cases. Lead poisoning can cause developmental difficulties, physical pain, and neurological damage.\r\nThe purpose of the LHRD program is to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately owned housing for rental or owner-occupants. These grants are used to assist municipalities in carrying out lead hazard control activities.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-more-than-4-million-in-federal-funding-to-help-remove-lead-hazards-from-homes-in-broome-county", "Schumer, Gillibrand Announce More Than $4 Million In Federal Funding To Help Remove Lead Hazards From Homes In Broome County", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 12, 2018\n\t\t\t Schumer, Gillibrand Announce More Than $4 Million In Federal Funding To Help Remove Lead Hazards From Homes In Broome County \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Broome County Will Use Funds To Address Lead Hazards In Housing Units To Help Protect The Health & Safety Of Families & Children\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $3,500,000 in Lead Hazard Reduction (LHRD) grant program funding and $600,000 in Health Homes Supplemental funding for Broome County. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to address lead hazards in 160 housing units, providing safer homes for low and very low-income families with children.\r\nLead poisoning is an irreversible, preventable tragedy that robs many families and children of their future, said Senator Schumer. We must do everything we can to eliminate lead from our homes and this major federal grant will do just that by injecting much-needed funds into lead remediation and prevention here in Broome County.\r\nNo New Yorker should have to live in a home where they could be poisoned by lead. This federal funding will support Broome County's work to remove lead from the homes of some of our most vulnerable families, said Senator Gillibrand. Lead causes severe health problems and it needs to be removed from our homes. I will always fight in the Senate to make sure that our communities have the resources they need to keep our families healthy and safe.\r\nBroome County is proud to receive this funding of $4.1 million to continue our work on low-income housing to mitigate or reduce lead-based paint hazards. The health and safety of our families and children in Broome County is a top priority. I want to congratulate our Health Department Director Rebecca Kaufman, Environmental Health Director Josh Phelps and their staff for their hard work and dedication in working to secure this grant, said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar.\r\nBroome County will partner with Catholic, Charities, Mothers & Babies Perinatal Network, Southern Tier Independence Center, Broome County Council for Churches, Progressive Leaders of Tomorrow, GROW JC, Binghamton-Broome Anti-Poverty Initiative, and United Way Healthy Lifestyles Coalition to address lead hazards in close to 160 housing units. Schumer and Gillibrand explained that after years of decreased funding for HUD's Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, which administers the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program, they have successfully pushed their colleagues in Congress to increase funding in recent years. The office received $110 million per year from Fiscal Year 2014 to Fiscal Year 2016, which was significantly lower than what the program had received a decade earlier. Schumer and Gillibrand were successful in securing a $35 million dollar increase for Fiscal Year 2017 and another $85 million increase in Fiscal Year 2018, bringing total funding to $230 million this year.\r\nAccording to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), lead is much more harmful to children than adults because it can affect children's developing nerves and brains. Lead-based paint, still encasing the walls of many homes, often erodes and settles on children's toys on the floor, eventually falling into the hands and mouths of children. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand have long advocated for protecting New York's children and families in the past by securing millions of dollars in federal funding to eradicate the toxic element from homes in order to reduce lead-poisoning cases. Lead poisoning can cause developmental difficulties, physical pain, and neurological damage.\r\nThe purpose of the LHRD program is to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately owned housing for rental or owner-occupants. These grants are used to assist municipalities in carrying out lead hazard control activities.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-1-million-in-federal-funding-to-help-remove-lead-hazards-from-homes-in-st-lawrence-county", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $1 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO HELP REMOVE LEAD HAZARDS FROM HOMES IN ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Charles Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.18\n\t\t\t SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $1 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO HELP REMOVE LEAD HAZARDS FROM HOMES IN ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFunding Will Be Used to Help Protect Low-Income Families from Lead Hazards in Their Homes\r\nU.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $1 million in Lead Hazard Reduction (LHRD) grant program funding for St. Lawrence County. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and will be used to help remove or address lead hazards in 52 housing units for low and very low-income families with children.\r\nLead poisoning is an irreversible, preventable tragedy that robs many families and children of their future, said Senator Schumer. We must do everything we can to eliminate lead from our homes and this major federal grant will do just that by injecting much-needed funds into lead remediation and prevention here in St. Lawrence County.\r\nNo New Yorker should have to live in a home where they could be poisoned by lead. This federal funding will support St. Lawrence County's work to remove lead from the homes of some of our most vulnerable families, said Senator Gillibrand. Lead causes severe health problems and it needs to be removed from our homes. I will always fight in the Senate to make sure that our communities have the resources they need to keep our families healthy and safe.\r\nSenators Schumer and Gillibrand have long advocated for protecting New York's children and families in the past by securing millions of dollars in federal funding to eradicate the toxic element from homes in order to reduce lead-poisoning cases. Lead poisoning can cause developmental difficulties, physical pain, and neurological damage. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), lead is much more harmful to children than adults because it can affect children's developing nerves and brains. Lead-based paint, still encasing the walls of many homes, often erodes and settles on children's toys on the floor, eventually falling into the hands and mouths of children.\r\nThe purpose of the LHRD program is to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately owned housing for rental or owner-occupants. These grants are used to assist municipalities in carrying out lead hazard control activities. More information can be found here.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n    \n    \n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-2-million-in-federal-funding-to-help-remove-lead-hazards-from-homes-in-niagara-county", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $2 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO HELP REMOVE LEAD HAZARDS FROM HOMES IN NIAGARA COUNTY", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Charles Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.18\n\t\t\t SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $2 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO HELP REMOVE LEAD HAZARDS FROM HOMES IN NIAGARA COUNTY \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNiagara County Will Use Funds To Address Lead Hazards In Housing Units To Help Protect The Health & Safety Of Families & Children\r\nU.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $2,000,000 in Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration (LHRD) grant program funding for Niagara County. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) toaddress lead hazards in 100 housing units in Niagara County,providing safer homes for low and very low-income families with children.\r\nLead poisoning is an irreversible, preventable tragedy that robs many families and children of their future, saidSenatorSchumer. We must do everything we can to eliminate lead from our homes and this major federal grant will do just that by injecting much-needed funds into lead remediation and prevention here in Niagara County.\r\nNo New Yorker should have to live in a home where they could be poisoned by lead. This federal funding will support Niagara County's work to remove lead from the homes of some of our most vulnerable families, said Senator Gillibrand. Lead causes severe health problems and it needs to be removed from our homes. I will always fight in the Senate to make sure that our communities have the resources they need to keep our families healthy and safe.\r\nThis lead grant will provide the necessary training and resources to help protect families, especially children, from the hazards associated with lead paint exposure. These hazards can impact a child's life into adulthood and having this funding is truly life-changing for those we serve. This is another tool for our public health professionals, and those we partner with, to protect the communities that we serve, said Legislator Richard Andres, Chairman of the Niagara County Legislature's Community Services committee.\r\n\r\nThe County of Niagara will be partnering with medical and social service providers to ensure safer homes by addressing lead hazards in 100 housing units for low-income families with children. Schumer and Gillibrand explained that after years of decreased funding for HUD's Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, which administers the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program, they have successfully pushed their colleagues in Congress to increase funding in recent years. The office received $110 million per year from Fiscal Year 2014 to Fiscal Year 2016, which was significantly lower than what the program had received a decade earlier. Schumer and Gillibrand were successful in securing a $35 million dollar increase for Fiscal Year 2017 and another $85 million increase in Fiscal Year 2018, bringing total funding to $230 million this year.\r\nAccording to the National Institutes of Health (NIH),lead is much more harmful to children than adults because it can affect children's developing nerves and brains. Lead-based paint, still encasing the walls of many homes, often erodes and settles on children's toys on the floor, eventually falling into the hands and mouths of children. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand have long advocated for protecting New York's children and families in the past by securing millions of dollars in federal funding to eradicate the toxic element from homes in order to reduce lead-poisoning cases. Lead poisoning can cause developmental difficulties, physical pain, and neurological damage.\r\nThe purpose of the LHRD program is to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately owned housing for rental or owner-occupants. These grants are used to assist municipalities in carrying out lead hazard control activities.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n    \n    \n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-more-than-4-million-in-federal-funding-to-help-remove-lead-hazards-from-homes-in-broome-county", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $4 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO HELP REMOVE LEAD HAZARDS FROM HOMES IN BROOME COUNTY", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Charles Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.18\n\t\t\t SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $4 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO HELP REMOVE LEAD HAZARDS FROM HOMES IN BROOME COUNTY \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBroome County Will Use Funds To Address Lead Hazards In Housing Units To Help Protect The Health & Safety Of Families & Children\r\nU.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $3,500,000 in Lead Hazard Reduction (LHRD) grant program funding and $600,000 in Health Homes Supplemental funding for Broome County. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to address lead hazards in 160 housing units, providing safer homes for low and very low-income families with children.\r\nLead poisoning is an irreversible, preventable tragedy that robs many families and children of their future, said Senator Schumer. We must do everything we can to eliminate lead from our homes and this major federal grant will do just that by injecting much-needed funds into lead remediation and prevention here in Broome County.\r\nNo New Yorker should have to live in a home where they could be poisoned by lead. This federal funding will support Broome County's work to remove lead from the homes of some of our most vulnerable families, said Senator Gillibrand. Lead causes severe health problems and it needs to be removed from our homes. I will always fight in the Senate to make sure that our communities have the resources they need to keep our families healthy and safe.\r\nBroome County is proud to receive this funding of $4.1 million to continue our work on low-income housing to mitigate or reduce lead-based paint hazards. The health and safety of our families and children in Broome County is a top priority. I want to congratulate our Health Department Director Rebecca Kaufman, Environmental Health Director Josh Phelps and their staff for their hard work and dedication in working to secure this grant, said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar.\r\nBroome County will partner with Catholic, Charities, Mothers & Babies Perinatal Network, Southern Tier Independence Center, Broome County Council for Churches, Progressive Leaders of Tomorrow, GROW JC, Binghamton-Broome Anti-Poverty Initiative, and United Way Healthy Lifestyles Coalition to address lead hazards in close to 160 housing units. Schumer and Gillibrand explained that after years of decreased funding for HUD's Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, which administers the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program, they have successfully pushed their colleagues in Congress to increase funding in recent years. The office received $110 million per year from Fiscal Year 2014 to Fiscal Year 2016, which was significantly lower than what the program had received a decade earlier. Schumer and Gillibrand were successful in securing a $35 million dollar increase for Fiscal Year 2017 and another $85 million increase in Fiscal Year 2018, bringing total funding to $230 million this year.\r\nAccording to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), lead is much more harmful to children than adults because it can affect children's developing nerves and brains. Lead-based paint, still encasing the walls of many homes, often erodes and settles on children's toys on the floor, eventually falling into the hands and mouths of children. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand have long advocated for protecting New York's children and families in the past by securing millions of dollars in federal funding to eradicate the toxic element from homes in order to reduce lead-poisoning cases. Lead poisoning can cause developmental difficulties, physical pain, and neurological damage.\r\nThe purpose of the LHRD program is to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately owned housing for rental or owner-occupants. These grants are used to assist municipalities in carrying out lead hazard control activities.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n    \n    \n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-announces-over-69-million-for-wny-health-care-centers", "Higgins Announces Over $6.9 Million for WNY Health Care Centers", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Brian Higgins", "H001038", "higgins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced federal funding totaling $6,939,646 for Federally Qualified Health Centers in Western New York. The Community Health Center of Buffalo and Neighborhood Health Center will each receive over $3 million through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services toward services provided at eight local clinics.\nThe top notch, comprehensive care provided through these Health Centers is keeping families healthier and reducing health costs through comprehensive primary care that prioritizes prevention and wellness, said Congressman Higgins, a member of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee.\nCommunity Health Center of Buffalo, Inc,.(CHCB) will receive $3,431,192 in federal funding. CHCB began serving Buffalo's Eastside in 1999 and have expanded to service communities in both Erie and Niagara counties at locations in Buffalo,Cheektowaga, Niagara Falls and Lockport.\nCHCB CEO Dr. LaVonne Ansari said, These grant dollars are awardedbased on meeting requirements set by the Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA)of the federal government and arespecifically relevantto proficient operation and servicedelivery.In light of proposed legislation and possiblefunding cuts, ourcontinued presence in low income and underserved areasis necessary to the overall health and well-beingof communities.\nThe Department of Health and Human Services is awarding Neighborhood Health Center $3,508,454. Neighborhood Health Center began as the Northwest Buffalo Community Health Care Center in 1987 and has since expanded to include locations in Blasdell, in Buffalo's West Side at the Mattina Center, and a Southtowns office in Hamburg.\nFederally designated health centers like Community Health Center of Buffalo and Neighborhood Health Center are the backbone for a strong community-based and innovative system of care where people have easy access to doctors and preventive resources that save lives and reduce healthcare costs, said Joanne Haefner, Chief Executive Officer for Neighborhood Health Center. These important investments help bring us closer to keeping our families and communities strong by providing essential primary care to those who might otherwise not have access. This funding also helps to boost our local economy by providing career development and attainment opportunities for community members with interests in the medical-related job market.\nFederally Qualified Health Centers provide comprehensive, quality health care to underserved communities, saving $24 billion annually by helping patients avoid costly Emergency Room visits and hospitalizations through preventative care. In 2018, Health Centers will serve over 28 million patients nationwide.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-announces-30k-federal-grant-historic-hudson-valley", "Lowey Announces $30K Federal Grant for Historic Hudson Valley", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Nita Lowey", "L000480", "lowey.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "POCANTICO HILLS, NY  Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, today announced that the non-profit cultural organization Historic Hudson Valley (HHV) has been awarded a $30,000 National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grant to share the history of slavery in the north through digital storytelling.\nI am pleased the NEH has invested in this important project, said Congresswoman Lowey. The legacy of slavery is still felt today, and accurately teaching its history is critically important to improving understanding of issues of race and racism in hopes of creating a more civil and equitable society.\nWe are thrilled by Congresswoman Lowey's advocacy for Historic Hudson Valley, said Waddell W. Stillman, the organization's president. This vital project will help expose the legacy of slavery in the colonial north, bringing this content to new audiences through the modern medium of a digital graphic novel. We are excited to begin this journey and grateful for the head start these funds provide.\nSpecifically, Historic Hudson Valley will use this $30,000 federal grant to fund the preliminary stages of the creation of a digital graphic novel tentatively titled Cuffee's Trial. The novel will depict the trial, and the historical circumstances surrounding the trial, of Cuffee, an enslaved man accused of conspiracy to commit insurrection in colonial New York. Cuffee, who was among the first of 37 men and women to be tried, convicted, and sentenced to death for what would come to be known as the New York Conspiracy, had a direct connection to Philipsburg Manor, HHV's National Historic Landmark in Sleepy Hollow. The completed novel will become part of HHV's larger Slavery in the Colonial North initiative.\nAs the highest-ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, Lowey secured nearly $153 million for the NEH in the Fiscal Year 2018 omnibus spending bill, an increase of $3 million over the previous year's funding level, despite President Trump's efforts to end the Endowment.\nIn October 2018, Lowey participated in a conversation with NEH Chairman Jon Parrish Peede at Historic Hudson Valley in Pocantico Hills regarding the importance of the humanities in cultivating local community and broad recognition of the region's historical heritage, and of robust federal investment in the NEH.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-announces-41-million-federal-grant-address-lead-hazards", "Lowey Announces $4.1 Million Federal Grant to Address Lead Hazards in Westchester Housing", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Nita Lowey", "L000480", "lowey.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WHITE PLAINS, NY  Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, today announced the awarding of $4,100,000 in federal funding to the County of Westchester to address lead hazards in 240 housing units for low and very low-income families with children, and to perform healthy homes assessments.\nEvery person, regardless of their economic circumstance, deserves to live in a safe and healthy environment, said Congresswoman Lowey. With this federal funding, Westchester can improve the quality of life for families with children by tackling dangerous, potentially life-threatening lead hazards and conducting healthy homes assessments in hundreds of local housing units. As Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue working in Congress to secure vital resources for Westchester and the larger Lower Hudson Valley.\nOur most important task in government is to ensure the safety of our residents, said Westchester County Executive George Latimer. Thanks to this grant from Congresswoman Lowey, Westchester can address lead hazards and perform healthy home assessments in housing around the County. These funds can save lives by providing safer homes for hard-working Westchester families with children.\nWestchester has been awarded $3,500,000 in Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program funding and $600,000 in Healthy Homes Supplemental funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The purpose of the Lead Hazard Reduction (LHRD) grant program is to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately-owned housing for rental or owner-occupants.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/healthcare-update-open-enrollment-116th-congress-flu-shots", "Healthcare Update: Open Enrollment, 116th Congress & Flu Shots", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nI hope you're having a wonderful holiday season. While there is much happening right now in Washington, DC as we prepare for a new Congress come January, I wanted to remind you that open enrollment for healthcare coverage is happening now for those who get their healthcare through the individual marketplace. You can compare plans and find out if you are eligible for financial assistance atnystateofhealth.ny.gov. Open enrollment in New York closes on January 31, 2019. To ensure that your coverage starts by January 1, you should sign up by December 15. If you need any additional help, please call my Manhattan office at 212-860-0606. We want to make sure you are getting the best coverage for you and your families.\nFrom the first days of the Trump Administration, the President and Congressional Republicans have consistently tried to dismantle, sabotage and outright repeal the Affordable Care Act and I have stood strong against them each and every time. As we look forward to the 116thCongress, rest assured that my commitment to protecting the ACA's critical protections and programs and expanding affordable coverage to every American remains firm.\nSpecifically, I will work to make sure we never return to the days when Americans with pre-existing conditions were denied coverage, to expand affordable health care coverage and to boost funding for the Prevention and Public Health fund. This fund helps keep down long term health care costs and saves lives by investing in public health efforts to prevent avoidable illnesses. It invests millions of dollars in state and local immunization programs to expand and increase vaccination coverage, which is absolutely essential in combatting preventable diseases, in new screening and prevention programs for diabetes, heart disease, and more, and in many other critical public health programs. It's time for a Congress that once again fights to improve health care, instead of one that rips it away from millions of Americans and I can't wait to get to work on that. \nIf there is anything else that I can do to assist you or your family with a federal matter, please don't hesitate to contact me at one of the phone numbers below or send me a message here.\nSincerely,\nCarolyn B. Maloney\nMember of Congress\n\nP.S. Have you gotten your flu shot yet? If not, visitNYC Health Mapto find a provider near you. Click flu vaccine, then click apply and zoom in to see the list.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-maloney-urges-waiving-of-diplomatic-immunity-for-accused-domestic", "Rep. Maloney Urges Waiving of Diplomatic Immunity for Accused Domestic Abuser", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) today asked that Secretary of State Pompeo appeal to his counterparts in Britain to waive the diplomatic immunity in a case regarding reports that a British diplomat's husband is evading charges of domestic violence in New York City.\nIn her letter to the Secretary, the Congresswoman states, Diplomatic immunity cannot be a license to commit domestic abuse and it is incumbent upon the United States to make it clear that we will do everything possible to make sure that anyone who commits this heinous crime on our shores is held accountable for their actions.\nFull text of the letter below and a PDF can be found here.\nDear Secretary Pompeo,\nI write with great concern regarding reports that a British diplomat's husband has evaded charges of domestic violence in New York because of diplomatic immunity. I strongly urge you to request that Britain waive diplomatic immunity in this case so that a thorough investigation can be conducted and charges be filed if warranted.\nAccording to media reports, on the morning of December 8th, NYPD officers responded to a call in my Congressional district from an unnamed British diplomat who reported that her husband, Youssef Amrouche had assaulted her. When police arrived, the woman displayed redness and swelling on her face, clear signs of assault and battery. After a short confrontation in which an officer's hand was injured from a door slammed by Mr. Amrouche, he was arrested but subsequently released because his wife's diplomatic immunity extended to him.\nWhile I respect the importance of diplomatic immunity and the protection it provides our diplomats abroad, there are avenues available to ensure it is not abused, which includes the ability of a country to waive immunity in certain circumstances. With this in mind, I strongly urge you to request that Britain waive diplomatic immunity for Mr. Amrouche and ensure that he remains in the United States until his case is fully investigated and adjudicated, according to the laws of our country. Diplomatic immunity cannot be a license to commit domestic abuse and it is incumbent upon the United States to make it clear that we will do everything possible to make sure that anyone who commits this heinous crime on our shores is held accountable for their actions.\nThank you for your timely attention to this matter.\nSincerely,\nCarolyn B. Maloney\nMember of Congress\nCc: Sir Nigel Kim Darroch, British Ambassador to the United States\nDame Karen Piece, permanent representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/press-release/nadler-statement-nomination-chairman-house-judiciary-committee-democratic-steering-and", "Nadler Statement on Nomination as Chairman of House Judiciary Committee by Democratic Steering and Policy Committee", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. --Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) released the following statement after being nominated by the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee to serve as the Chairman of the House Committee on the Judiciary in the nextCongress:\n\t\t\t\t\t\"I am proud to receive the support of the Steering and Policy Committee today to lead the House Committee on the Judiciary as Chairman in the 116th Congress. This is a critical time in our nation's history, and for the House Judiciary Committee as we head into the new Congress, and I look forward to working with my colleagues as we fight to protect the rule of law, strengthen our safety and security from enemies foreign and domestic, shield Americans' rights and liberties from encroachment, and guarantee that all people, no matter their age, race, gender, religion, ability, finances, nationality, or sexual orientation, are treated fairly and equally.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/press-release/ranking-member-nadler-statement-hearing-google-ceo-sundar-pichai", "Ranking Member Nadler Statement for a Hearing with Google CEO Sundar Pichai", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, delivered the following opening remarks during a Judiciary Committee hearing on Transparency & Accountability: Examining Google and its Data Collection, Use, and Filtering Practices with Google's CEO Sundar Pichai:\nMr. Chairman, our society has become increasingly reliant on social media and other online platforms to obtain, create, share, and sort information. This information helps us make decisions ranging in importance from where to make dinner reservations to which candidate to vote for in a presidential election. The public's increasing use of these platforms has generated many positive benefits for society, but it has also given rise to some troubling trends.\nGoogle is among the dominant firms in this field. As such, given the public's widespread use and reliance on its products and services, there are legitimate questions regarding the company's policies and practices, including with respect to content moderation and the protection of user data privacy.\nBut before we delve into these questions, I must first dispense with a completely illegitimate issue, which is the fantasy, dreamed up by some conservatives, that Google and other online platforms have an anti-conservative bias.\nAs I have said repeatedly, no credible evidence supports this right-wing conspiracy theory. I have little doubt that my Republican colleagues will spend much of their time presenting a laundry list of anecdotes and out-of-context statements made by Google employees as supposed evidence of anti-conservative bias. But none of that will actually make it true. And even if Google were deliberately discriminating against conservative viewpointsjust as Fox News and Sinclair Broadcasting discriminate against progressive onesthat would be its right, as a private company, to do so.\nBut we should not let the delusions of the far right distract us from the real issues that should be the focus of today's hearing. For example, we should examine what Google is doing to stop hostile foreign powers from using its platform to spread false information, in order to harm our political discourse.\nIt has been more than two years since the 2016 election, yet this Committee has not held a single hearing focused on Russia's campaign to manipulate online platforms to undermine American democracyeven though it is the consensus view of our Intelligence Community that Russia engaged in a massive disinformation campaign to influence the 2016 election.\nI hope that Mr. Pichai can tell us what actions Google has taken to counter this unprecedented attack, and what gaps remain in its defenses. This will help Congress determine what more can be done to further insulate our democratic processes from foreign interference.\nWe should also examine how Google enforces community standards that prohibit racist or bigoted threats, and other inappropriate conduct. While Internet platforms have produced many societal benefits, they have also provided a new tool for those seeking to stoke racial and ethnic hatred. The presence of hateful conduct and content on these platforms has been made all the more alarming by the recent rise in hate-motivated violence. According to statistics recently released by the FBI, reported incidents of hate crimes rose by 17 percent in 2017, compared to 2016, marking the third consecutive year that such reports have increased.\nThe horrific massacre at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, the recent murder of an African-American couple in a Kentucky grocery store, and the killing of an Indian engineer last year in Kansas are, sadly, not isolated outbursts of violence, but are the most salient examples of a troubling trend. We should consider to what extent Google, and other online platforms, have been used to foment and to disseminate such hatred, and how these platforms can play a constructive role in combatting its spread.\nAs the dominant player in its field, Google possesses significant market power. It is also useful to examine its policies and practices to ensure that other companies are able to compete in an open and fair marketplace.\nThere are also concerns about the prevalence of pirated material available on Google and other Internet platforms at the expense of legitimate content.\nFinally, it is important to know what Google is doing to protect its users' data privacy and data security. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Google discovered last March that a bug in its social media platform Google+ (Google Plus) had exposed the private profile data of up to 500,000 users to third party developers, but it opted not to disclose the issue publicly, or even to those who may have been affected. And just yesterday, the company announced that it had discovered another Google Plus bug that may have exposed the private profile data of 52 million users. \nWhile Google has so far found no evidence that developers were abusing these bugs, or that any user profile data had been misused, incidents like this still raise legitimate questions about what types of data exposures a company is obligated to publicly disclose. It also raises questions about how much control users should have over their data, and how such control should be regulated. \nI am also disturbed by recent reports that Google is developing a search engine for the Chinese mainland market. According to these reports, this search engine would not only accommodate Chinese government censors, it would allow the Chinese government to track individuals by linking search terms to the user's mobile phone number.    \nUnfortunately, in this, our 4th, hearing devoted to fictitious allegations of conservative bias by Internet companieswe will waste more time and more taxpayer money on elevating well-worn right-wing conspiracy theories instead of the substantive issues that should be the focus of today's hearing. Our Committee canand mustdo better.\nI yield back the balance of my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://seanmaloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-to-support-final-2018-farm-bill", "Maloney to Support Final 2018 Farm Bill", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Sean Maloney", "M001185", "seanmaloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) announced that he would support the Conference Report to the 2018 Farm Bill, which represents a bipartisan compromise on the crucial agriculture legislation rather than the partisan House version he opposed earlier this year. The final legislation includes provisions of bills Rep. Maloney authored and refrains from making massive changes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. Rep. Maloney will hold a press conference on Friday to discuss the bill in greater detail with local agriculture leaders and members of the press.\n \n\tI'm proud to say that the difference between this bill and the partisan House bill I opposed earlier this year is night and day. I will support the final version of the bill because it maintains the progress we made for the Hudson Valley in the 2014 Farm Bill and even makes improvements in key areas.\n\tI worked to include provisions of my Local FARMS Act, Young and Beginning Farmers Act and the Whole Farm Crop Insurance Improvement Act in the final version of the bill, which will help new farmers get their start in a career in agriculture and support our local food systems. We made important progress on research and conservation funding. And we fixed the broken dairy program, creating a program that will not only provide accessible coverage for dairy farmers but will also refund farmers for premiums paid into the broken old program.\n\tWe also kept all the garbage out of the bill. The House-passed bill would have thrown millions of Americans off of the SNAP program including people who currently qualify through LIHEAP  a system that helps low income families heat their homes in the winter and afford food.\n\tUltimately, the bill keeps the good stuff from 2014 and improves the programs that weren't working. It's a good bill and it should become law by the end of the week.\n \nDetails on Friday's press conference are forthcoming.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=779", "Tonko, Faso, Stefanik Introduce Legislation to Close Loophole on NHTSA Limousine Regulations", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "We have a duty to the victims of the Schoharie limousine crash to help ensure this deadly outcome cannot be repeated, said Congressman Tonko. Holding every vehicle of this kind to the same basic safety standards is not just common sense, it could save lives and restore public confidence in an industry shaken by this painful tragedy.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON  New York Representatives Paul Tonko, John Faso, and Elise Stefanik introduced legislation today to close a loophole that allows retrofitted limousines to skirt requirements as re-sold vehicles and avoid compliance with certain National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety standards, such as seatbelt and egress requirements. In October, a limousine crash in Schoharie County killed twenty people. The crash is currently under federal and state investigation.\r\nWe have a duty to the victims of the Schoharie limousine crash to help ensure this deadly outcome cannot be repeated, said Congressman Tonko. Holding every vehicle of this kind to the same basic safety standards is not just common sense, it could save lives and restore public confidence in an industry shaken by this painful tragedy.\r\nNHTSA regulations are in place for a reason, said Congressman Faso. Each time a new vehicle is sold, it must undergo a thorough safety examination. However, if the vehicle is substantively modified to add more seating, it is not subject to the same safety checks. It's vital that vehicles which are significantly modified undergo a strict amount of scrutiny. The recent tragedy in Schoharie County which took the lives of 20 people must move the Congress to close this loophole and enact stricter rules on modified vehicles. While there were certainly other factors surrounding this crash which are the subject to federal and state investigation, as well as a criminal prosecution, making sure modified vehicles are safer is a critical step. \r\n\"This commonsense legislation will enhance limo safety and work to prevent tragic accidents like the crash in Schoharie from ever happening again,\" said Congresswoman Stefanik. \"Our community was devastated by the loss of our friends and neighbors in the accident, and it's critical that lawmakers work to strengthen public safety in the wake of tragedy. I urge all of my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill and thank Reps. Faso and Tonko for their leadership on this crucial issue.\"\r\nLegislative text is available here.  \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmembers-introduce-reproductive-rights-are-human-rights-act-human", "Congressmembers Introduce Reproductive Rights Are Human Rights Act on Human Rights Day", "2018-12-10", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Nita Lowey", "L000480", "lowey.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Today, on International Human Rights Day and the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Ranking Member Nita Lowey, Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Rep. Katherine Clark, Ranking Member Eliot Engel, Rep. Barbara Lee, and Rep. Lois Frankel introduced the Reproductive Rights are Human Rights Act. The bill would require the U.S. State Department to include reproductive rights in its annual human rights report after the State Department deleted all subsections without warning or justification in 2017.\nThe U.S. cannot turn its back on the countless women around the world who are deprived of basic reproductive rights, said Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. I'm proud to support legislation that would restore reproductive rights to the State Department's annual human rights report, maintaining U.S. leadership on behalf of the world's women across administrations.\nDocumenting and reporting human rights violations is a major part of eradicating their existence, said Congresswoman Katherine Clark. This bill would ensure that our State Department maintains its vital role as an international watchdog and protector of women's rights no matter the ideology of our White House.\nThe Trump Administration's censorship of key elements of the State Department's annual human rights report is outrageous, said Ranking Member Eliot L. Engel. The deletion of reproductive rights was a clear step back from the United States' obligation to address the full range of human rights violations around the globe. This bill will ensure Congress has a clear and complete picture of the challenges women and girls face. Without this information, we cannot hope to overcome those challenges.\nRegardless of who sits in the Oval Office, the US government should serve as an advocate for women's fundamental reproductive rights. Protecting and advancing women's rights should remain front and center in our diplomacy, including documenting and reporting on violations against their human rights, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. If Secretary Pompeo won't stand up for women around the world, then Congress must. I am proud to support the Reproductive Rights are Human Rights Act, on behalf of women and girls across the globe.\nWomen's rights are human rights, said Rep. Lois Frankel. There is no greater right for women than to be in charge of their own bodies.\nAs required by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Trade Act of 1974, the Secretary of State reports annually to Congress on the status of human rights in each country receiving U.S. foreign aid, as well as in each United Nations member state. Since 2011, these reports have included detailed information on deprivation of women's access to reproductive rights. Congress and the private sector rely upon them when considering appropriations requests and making advocacy, planning, and policy decisions.\nRemoving women's right from the annual report in 2017 was a dramatic and dangerous shift in U.S. efforts to protect the international rights of women and sent a message to abusive governments that the U.S. would no longer hold them account for violations. In October, Congressmembers Lowey, Clark, Lee, Engel, Frankel and 124 of their colleagues sent a letter to Secretary Pompeo calling on him to reverse this policy.\nI applaud Representatives Katherine Clark, Eliot Engel, Nita Lowey, Barbara Lee, and Lois Frankel for introducing the Reproductive Rights Are Human Rights Act of 2018 today. This bill will ensure that the U.S. State Department includes comprehensive reporting on reproductive rights in its annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. Access to reproductive healthcare has been recognized as a protected human right impacting women's right to life, health, equality, non-discrimination and freedom from cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment and governments do not get to pick and choose whose rights will be respected, said Nancy Northup, President and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights. When women's rights are limited and they are unable to access basic health care like contraception, safe abortion, and maternal health care, their ability to achieve economic, social, and political empowerment is fundamentally hindered. By requiring annual reporting on these critical issues, the House of Representatives is ensuring that the rights of women and girls will no longer be political spoils that can be erased from global discourse.\nThis erasure puts real lives in danger, said NARAL Pro-Choice America President Ilyse Hogue. Using backdoor tactics to erase all mention of reproductive rightsincluding abortion, contraception, and maternal mortalityfrom vital reports and resources in order to push an extreme, ideological agenda is a true testament to just how dangerous and corrupt this administration is. The Trump administration will stop at nothing to systematically dismantle and deny the fundamental freedoms of women in the U.S. and abroad, and this bill is an important step in fighting back against their attempts to deny that reproductive rights are a human right.\nReproductive health care is health care, and health care is a basic human right. The Trump-Pence administration's erasure of reproductive rights from the State Department's human rights report is an attack on women around the world, and the communities that depend on them. We applaud Rep. Clark and other champions of reproductive rights for recognizing that women around the world deserve access to comprehensive health care, which includes reproductive health care, and rely on it to lead healthy, successful lives. We are grateful to have leaders in Congress who stand up for the basic notion that reproductive rights are human rights, said Dr. Leana Wen, President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America.\nHuman Rights Day is observed every year on December 10th in recognition of the anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a milestone document that proclaimed the inalienable rights of every human being, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.\nForty-five organizations have endorsed the Reproductive Rights are Human Rights Act including:\n1. Center for Reproductive Rights\n2. Advocates for Youth\n3. American Psychological Association\n4. Athlete Ally\n5. Bangladesh Model Youth Parliament\n6. CARE USA\n7. Center for Biological Diversity\n8. Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE)\n9. Clearinghouse on Women's Issues\n10. Global Justice Institute, Metropolitan Community Churches\n11. Guttmacher Institute\n12. Human Rights Campaign\n13. Human Rights Project at the Urban Justice Center\n14. Ibis Reproductive Health\n15. International Action Network for Gender Equity & Law\n16. International Center for Research on Women (ICRW)\n17. International Federation of Business and Professional Women\n18. International Women's Health Coalition\n19. Ipas\n20. MADRE\n21. Milaan Foundation\n22. NARAL Pro-Choice America\n23. National Council of Jewish Women\n24. National Institute for Reproductive Health\n25. National Organization for Women\n26. National Women's Health Network\n27. Oxfam America\n28. PAI\n29. People For the American Way\n30. Planned Parenthood Federation of America\n31. Population Connection Action Fund\n32. Population Institute\n33. Promundo-US\n34. Reconstructionist Rabbinical Assembly\n35. Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights\n36. Sex Workers Project at the Urban Justice Center\n37. Too Young To Wed\n38. UPIC Health\n39. US National Committee for UN Women\n40. Women Graduates - USA\n41. Women for Afghan Women\n42. Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security and Conflict Transformation\n43. Woodhull Freedom Foundation\n44. ZanaAfrica Foundation\n45. Jewish Labor Committee\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-statement-neo-nazi-posters-found-suny-purchase", "Lowey Statement on Neo-Nazi Posters Found at SUNY Purchase", "2018-12-10", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Nita Lowey", "L000480", "lowey.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "HARRISON, NY  Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee and Co-Chair of the House of Representatives Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism, today issued the following statement after neo-Nazi posters were discovered on the SUNY Purchase College campus:\n \n\tI was deeply troubled to learn about the discovery of neo-Nazi posters at SUNY Purchase, especially as Jews across the world came together for the Festival of Lights, a celebration of the triumph of the Jewish people over persecution.\n\tIt is with that same resolve and courage in which the Jews prevailed that we today must confront the disturbing rise of anti-Semitism at home and abroad. Only by working together will we root out hatred and bigotry in all its forms.\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://serrano.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/serrano-resolution-honor-roberto-clemente-approved-house-representatives", "Serrano Resolution To Honor Roberto Clemente Approved in the House of Representatives", "2018-12-10", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jos\u00e9 Serrano", "S000248", "serrano.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congressman Jos E. Serrano today applauded the approval of his resolution to honor Puerto Rican baseball player Roberto Clemente (H.Res. 792), the resolution passed the House with 385 Members in favor, one against, two voting present, and 44 Members not voting . First introduced in April 2018, the resolution urges the Secretary of the Interior to recognize the historical significance of Roberto Clemente's place of death in Loiza, Puerto Rico, by adding it to the National Register of Historic Places. This site is the place where Roberto Clemente's family gathers every year to throw flowers into the sea in commemoration of his death. Roberto Clemente was a trailblazer in baseball and in his life of service outside of baseball. Tragically, he unexpectedly lost his life at the age of 38 in a plane crash while flying to deliver and monitor relief supplies to Nicaraguan earthquake victims. Through his dedication, success, and service, Roberto Clemente served as a role model for millions of youngsters in the United States and Puerto Rico.Adding the site of his untimely death to the National Register of Historic Places will create a place for our nation to honor the life of a legend for generations to come, said Congressman Serrano.\nClick here to view Congressman Serrano's remarks on his Resolution on the House Floor.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/fall-update-2018-new-congress-new-direction", "Fall Update 2018: New Congress, New Direction", "2018-12-10", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez", "V000081", "velazquez.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In this issue: A Note from Rep. VelzquezStanding with Immigrant CommunitiesTaking Steps to Combat Sexual MisconductMaking Puerto Rico WholeHonoring New York City's Diverse CommunitiesHolding the Trump Administration AccountableAnnouncing Community Grants\n\nA Note from Rep. Velzquez\nDear Friends,\nCome January, the 116thCongress will be made up of the most diverse representatives in history. I could not be prouder to stand alongside this new generation of leaders as we work to address the most pressing issues facing New York's working families.\nAlthough the 116thCongress doesn't start until January, I am wasting no time getting to work on reforms important to our communities. From protecting Dreamers and recipients of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to ensuring families can afford health care and receive a dignified wage, these are all issues that I am working to address in Washington, D.C.\nOn the topic of health care, if you or your someone you love has been meaning to sign up for affordable health insurance, now is your chance. From November 1st, 2018 until January 31st, 2019, the New York State health exchange, NY State of Health, is accepting new enrollees. To find the plan that works best for you and your family, clickhere.\nI can assure you that in Washington, D.C., I will not stop advocating for our shared priorities.\nAs always, you may reach out to my district offices for additional information.I also post frequent updates on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.\nThanks again for reading.\n  \n\tNydia M. Velzquez  \n\tMember of Congress\n\nStanding with Immigrant Communities A longtime supporter of helping immigrant New Yorkers secure a path to citizenship, the Congresswoman believes that immigration reform must be a top priority in the 116thCongress. To ensure New York's immigrant communities have the tools they need, CongresswomanVelzquez has frequently held Know Your Rights forums across her district.\nIn the wake of this Administration's termination ofTemporary Protected Status (TPS) for citizens of multiple countries, Congresswoman Velzquez has authored and introduced, The American Promise Act, a bill to afford recipients of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) with Legal Permanent Residence while creating an opportunity for citizenship. While the Congresswoman is glad to see afederal judge interveneto block the Administration from ending TPS, she also strongly believes that passing her bill to codify protections for TPS recipients is the best path for protecting these communities. You can read more about The American Promise Act in theMiami Herald,El Diario,La OpinionandVox.\nAdditionally, the Congresswoman represents an estimated 2,400 DACA recipients who are among the City's best and brightest young leaders. In the 116thCongress, she will continue advocating for the DREAM Act, legislation that will provide Dreamers with the assurance that they can remain in the U.S., the only country that most of them have ever called home.\nLike many Americans, she was outraged by the Administration'szero-tolerance policythat led to the separation of families at the border. She previously visited the border and she's continuing to press for humane treatment of those seeking refuge and asylum in the U.S.\nTaking Steps to Combat Sexual Misconduct The Congresswoman strongly believes that theMe TooandTimes Upmovements are bringing much needed momentum towards improving the treatment of women and all victims of assault in our society. To honor the messages of these movements, Rep.Velzquez is taking legislative action to combat sexual misconduct wherever it may be found. Recently, the Congresswomanintroduced the Sexual Harassment Awareness and Prevention Act, which would ensure the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) proactively works with other agencies to collect information on sexual harassment and abuse claims related to housing. The Congresswoman's bill came on the heels of what she believes is a devastatingnews reportexposing the tragic reality that many women seeking housing assistance are coerced into sexual favors.\nAs more and more women serve in the military and return to civilian life, the Congresswoman is focused on making sure they are greeted with the resources they deserve. To help guarantee that the Department of Veterans Affairs is proactively addressing domestic abuse among the veterans and servicemember communities, the Congresswoman has introduced the Violence Against Women Veterans Act. Byestablishing local domestic and sexual violence outreach coordinators under the VA and creating a comprehensive national program to prevent and treat intimate partner violence, Rep. Velzquez's bill would take important strides towards increasing resources for veterans affected by domestic violenceboth female and male.You can read more about her bill inStars and Stripes.\nMaking Puerto Rico Whole More than a year since Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico as one of the most destructive storms on record and causing the deaths ofnearly 3,000 American citizens, the Congresswoman is continuing to take important steps to help the Island recover and rebuild.\nRep. Velzquez believes that when a disaster hits, having an accurate death toll is crucial to ensuring an adequate federal response. For this reason, she joined Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) in authoring a bill to establish federal standards for counting fatalities after a natural disaster. This fall, their legislation, the Counting Our Unexpected Natural Tragedies' (COUNT) VictimsAct passed the House, Senate and was signed into law. Rep. Velzquez believes the passing of the COUNT Act is a critical step towards making sure the botched federal response to Hurricane Maria is never repeated in future natural disasters. Read more about the COUNT Act in theQueens Times Ledger,The Huffington Post,VoxandPasquines.\nFurthermore, recognizing that many communities in Puerto Rico still rely on generators for electricity after Maria, the Congresswoman was dismayed to learn fromnews reportsthat FEMA had decided to de-install a number of generators on the Island. In response, the Congresswoman spearheaded a letter to FEMA demanding an explanation of why the agency would remove generators from areas struggling to secure reliable power. You can read more about her letter in theNew York Daily News.\nThe Congresswoman has previously authoredlegislation that would establish a 9/11-styleCommission to examine the federal response to Puerto Rico. She believes the American people deserve a full accounting of how the response played out.\nThe Congresswoman also wants to see Puerto Rico put back on a path to economic prosperity. The Island was already suffering tremendously before Maria and the hurricane further ravaged the local economy. In order to see Puerto Rico succeed economically, the Congresswoman has joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in authoring legislation that would provide a mechanism to discharge much of the Island's debt.\nFinally, the Congresswoman believes the federal government must continue helping Puerto Rico to rebuild. After President Trumpsuggested Puerto Rico should stop receiving federal aid, the Congresswoman joined with several colleagues inwriting to the President, saying pulling federal aid would be catastrophic to the Island and arguing that, instead, future legislation should preclude disaster relief funds from being used to pay for Puerto Rico's debt.\nHonoring New York City's Diverse Communities Representing a district where dozens of languages are spoken and people hail from every corner of the globe, the Congresswoman is always working to honor New York's diversity.\nThis summer,Congress passed and the President signed into lawH.R.4463, Rep.Velzquez's bill to rename a post office at 6 Doyers Street in Manhattan's Chinatown, the Mabel Lee Memorial Post Office.Arriving in New York City during the early twentieth century, Mabel Lee was a Chinese-American luminary who dedicated her life to serving Manhattan's Chinatown community and fighting for women to secure the right to vote. When Lee was just 22 years old and a recent graduate of Barnard College, she led a contingent of Chinese and Chinese-American women in a May 1917 pro-suffrage parade in New York City.Additionally, Lee was the first Chinese woman to receive a PhD from Columbia University. After gaining widespread support from 296 bipartisan Members of Congress, Congresswoman Velzquez's bill, The Rabbi Michoel Ber Weissmandl Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2017, passed in the House. A hero of Jewish resistance to Hitler's unconscionable regime, Rabbi Weissmandl helped to lead multiple efforts to prevent the deaths of the Jewish people of Slovakia facing the Nazi regime.As a key member of an underground Working Group, Rabbi Weissmandl led an effort to negotiate ransom with German and Slovakian officials in order to delay mass deportations. Weissmandl also wrote the first known appeal for the use of aerial bombs to destroy the rail lines and tunnels leading to Auschwitz.\nYou can watch a video of the Congresswoman honoring Rabbi Weissmandl on the House floorhere. You can read more about the Congresswoman's efforts to honor Rabbi Weissmandl inThe Algemeiner.\nHolding the Trump Administration Accountable As the first member of Congress to call for a Special Counsel appointment to investigate Russian interference in2016 elections, CongresswomanVelzquez firmly believes that all ongoing investigations must be allowed to proceed without interference and follow the facts wherever they may lead.\nThe Congresswoman is highly concerned over the President's appointment of Matthew Whitaker as the Acting U.S. Attorney General. The Congresswoman hascalled upon Whitaker to recuse himself from overseeing the Special Counsel investigation. The Congresswoman has also co-sponsored legislation, the Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act, that would codify protections for the Special Counsel investigation into law. She strongly believes that Congress ought to serve as a check on this Administration by passing legislation to protect Special Counsel Robert Mueller.\n115thCongress Wrap Up The 115thCongress has been busy for Rep. Velzquez, as she's authored the 5thmost number of bills, compared to all her House colleagues. Ten of the Congresswoman's bills were enacted aseither standalone measures or as part of larger legislative packages. She'll continue working in the next Congress to introduce and push for the enactment of legislation that makes a meaningful difference in New Yorkers' lives.\n\nAnnouncing Community Grants\nRecently, the Congresswoman announced a series of federal grants that will help fund local Head Start early learning, health care and other vital public programs for New Yorkers. This fall, the following institutions within New York's 7thDistrict have received federal grants.\n A grant has been awarded toUniversity Settlement Society of New Yorkto help fund Early Head Start childhood education. The Society has been awarded $1,231,870 in federal funding.\n  The Chinese Community Concerns Corporation, Inc.has been awarded $526,769 to fund their Head Start program to help children on the Lower East Side receive early childhood education.\n  The Educational Alliance, Inc.located on the Lower East Side, has received $718,820 in federal grant funding to support early education through their Head Start program.\n  New York City Health & Hospitals/ Woodhull($108,049) andWyckoff Heights Medical Center($33,044) both located in Brooklyn have been awarded federal grants to expand dental services to at-risk populations.\n\t\t\n\tBetances Health Centerlocated on the Lower East Side of Manhattan has received $285,000 in a federal Health Center Cluster grant to continue their work providing accessible health services to all those in need.\n\t\t\n\tThree health care providers located in the Congresswoman's district have been awarded federal Mental Health & Substance Abuse Service Grants to help expand mental health services to local patients in need. The recipients areNYU Lutheran Family Health Centers ($282,231 & $524,322),Flatbush Certified Community Behavioral Health Center ($1,778,233) andAfter Hour Project, Inc.($524,670).\n\t\t\n\tSunset Park Health Council, Inchas been awarded a series of grants ($15,133,121, $1,266,924, $320,250) to continue their work to provide accessible community health care to patients in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.\n\t\t\n\tTwo local small businesses have received federal Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) to further their innovation. The first,Phoenix Nest, Inc.located in Brooklyn has been awarded a National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke SBIR grant for $3,176,406. Additionally,Coldsteel Laser, Inc. in Brooklyn has been awarded a SBIR grant from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering for the amount of $150,000.\n Sincerely, Nydia M. Velzquez  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-3-million-in-federal-head-start-and-early-head-start-funding-for-ulster-county-community-action-committee-inc-", "Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $3 Million In Federal Head Start And Early Head Start Funding For Ulster County Community Action Committee, Inc.", "2018-12-10", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 10, 2018\n\t\t\t Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $3 Million In Federal Head Start And Early Head Start Funding For Ulster County Community Action Committee, Inc.  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Funding Will Be Used to Support Early Childhood Education and Care Services for Low-Income Children in Kingston, Ellenville, Plattekill, and Saugerties\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, DC  U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $3,026,912 in federal funding for Ulster County Community Action Committee, Inc. The funding was provided by the Department of Health and Human Services Head Start and Early Head Program. It will be used to provide early childhood development programs for 223 Head Start-eligible children and 32 Early Head Start-eligible children. The programs would benefit families in Kingston, Ellenville, Plattekill and Saugerties.\r\nStudy after study shows that the better we prepare our young children through programs like Head Start and Early Head Start, the better they perform in school later in life, said Senator Schumer. This federal funding for Ulster County Community Action Committee, Inc. will bring real results to young students in Ulster County by providing them with the resources they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom. I am proud to support this essential funding and I will continue to fight to see that early childhood education remains a priority.\r\nAll children deserve to get a strong start in life, and programs such as Head Start and Early Head Start are indispensable for low-income families who want to make sure that their children have access to high-quality early education and child care, said Senator Gillibrand. With this funding, Ulster County Community Action Committee will be able to support a robust program that will help families throughout the county, and I will always work in the Senate to make sure our children have the resources they need to succeed.\r\nWe are pleased that Ulster County Community Action has been the provider of quality Head Start/Early Head Start Services, meeting this critical need for comprehensive early childhood services for Ulster County children, birth to five, since 1967. We are appreciative of Senator Gillibrand's support of the Head Start/Early Head Start program, said Pamela S. Wenner, Head Start/Early Head Start Program Director.\r\nHead Start and Early Head Start Head Start provide comprehensive child development programs for low-income children from birth to age five, as well as support and services for their families. Head Start programs primarily serve children aged three to five, while Early Head Start serves pregnant women, infants, and toddlers. The comprehensive services these programs offer include early education, health screenings, social and emotional health, nutrition, social services, and services for children with disabilities.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-3-million-in-federal-head-start-and-early-head-start-funding-for-ulster-county-community-action-committee-inc-", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $3 MILLION IN FEDERAL HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START FUNDING FOR ULSTER COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE, INC.", "2018-12-10", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Charles Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.10.18\n\t\t\t SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $3 MILLION IN FEDERAL HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START FUNDING FOR ULSTER COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE, INC.  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFunding Will Be Used to Support Early Childhood Education and Care Services for Low-Income Children in Kingston, Ellenville, Plattekill, and Saugerties\r\nU.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $3,026,912 in federal funding for Ulster County Community Action Committee, Inc. The funding was provided by the Department of Health and Human Services Head Start and Early Head Program. It will be used to provide early childhood development programs for 223 Head Start-eligible children and 32 Early Head Start-eligible children. The programs would benefit families in Kingston, Ellenville, Plattekill and Saugerties.\r\nStudy after study shows that the better we prepare our young children through programs like Head Start and Early Head Start, the better they perform in school later in life, said Senator Schumer. This federal funding for Ulster County Community Action Committee, Inc. will bring real results to young students in Ulster County by providing them with the resources they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom. I am proud to support this essential funding and I will continue to fight to see that early childhood education remains a priority.\r\nAll children deserve to get a strong start in life, and programs such as Head Start and Early Head Start are indispensable for low-income families who want to make sure that their children have access to high-quality early education and child care, said Senator Gillibrand. With this funding, Ulster County Community Action Committee will be able to support a robust program that will help families throughout the county, and I will always work in the Senate to make sure our children have the resources they need to succeed.\r\nWe are pleased that Ulster County Community Action has been the provider of quality Head Start/Early Head Start Services, meeting this critical need for comprehensive early childhood services for Ulster County children, birth to five, since 1967. We are appreciative of Senator Gillibrand's support of the Head Start/Early Head Start program, said Pamela S. Wenner, Head Start/Early Head Start Program Director.\r\nHead Start and Early Head Start Head Start provide comprehensive child development programs for low-income children from birth to age five, as well as support and services for their families. Head Start programs primarily serve children aged three to five, while Early Head Start serves pregnant women, infants, and toddlers. The comprehensive services these programs offer include early education, health screenings, social and emotional health, nutrition, social services, and services for children with disabilities.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n    \n    \n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/press-release/nadler-cummings-release-statement-comey-interview", "Nadler & Cummings Release Statement on Comey Interview", "2018-12-08", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Nadler & Cummings Release Statement on Comey Interview                                           \n              Dec 7, 2018      \t\t  Issues: Russia Investigation      \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n            \n    \n  \n    \n    \n    \nWASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), the Ranking Member of the Committee on the Judiciary, and Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD), the Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, released a joint statement after today's closed-door interview with former FBI Director James Comey:\nDirector Comey's testimony today offered us nothing new from his previous testimony on these same matters. We see no reason why our Republican counterparts turned what could have been a one-day public hearing into a two-day closed-door interview. As the Special Counsel's investigation appears to be closing in on the President and his associates, our Republican colleagues seem intent on spending their final days in power attempting to provide cover to President Trump and attempting to re-litigate the Department of Justice's decision not to prosecute Secretary Clinton.\nKey takeaways from the Comey interview:\nDirector Comey's statements today about Hillary Clinton were consistent with his previous public comments and Congressional testimony. There were no new material facts produced.\nDirector Comey stated that President Trump's attacks on the Department of Justice and the Special Counsel are corrosive and damaging, make the FBI'sjob harder, make Americans less safe, and undermine national security.\nDirector Comey said that he had no concerns then, and has no concerns now, about the lawfulness of Carter Page's FISA application.\nDirector Comey said that he would bet his life on the integrity of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigationbut that he and Mueller are not best friends as President Trump has stated.\nDirector Comey confirmed that in July 2016, the FBI opened a counterintelligence investigation into four Americans who were associated with President Trump or his campaign, to determine whether there was a connection between them and the Russian efforts to undermine the 2016 elections.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/press-release/nadler-statement-nomination-william-barr-attorney-general", "Nadler Statement on the Nomination of William Barr for Attorney General", "2018-12-08", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after President Donald Trump nominated William Barr to serve as Attorney General:\nI have a number of very serious concerns regarding William Barr's nomination as Attorney General, including, but not limited to, his criticism of Special Counsel Mueller's team, his defense of the firing of former FBI Director Comey, and his support for launching yet another investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails. Against the context of the firing of Attorney General Sessions because of his failure to recuse himself from the Russia investigation, Mr. Barr must lay out a series of steps he will take to ensure the independence of Special Counsel Mueller's investigation, including pledging that he will not terminate Mr. Mueller absent extraordinary improprieties and promising to release any and all of the Special Counsel's reports to Congress.\nBeyond that, I need to be clear that this nomination does absolutely nothing to alleviate the concerns I have with Mr. Whitaker's designation as Acting Attorney General, absent any Senate review of his qualifications. I continue to have a number of additional concerns regarding his appointment, including whether it is lawful, his public statements questioning Mr. Mueller's investigation, and a myriad of ongoing and unresolved ethics-related issues relating to Mr. Whitaker. These concerns and questions are noted in the many letters we have sent to Mr. Whitaker and the Department of Justice, which remain unanswered.\nOn November 7, 2018, Ranking Member Nadler issued a statement condemning the firing of Attorney General Sessions as consistent with a clear pattern of interference from President Donald Trump.\nOn Nov 8, 2018, Ranking Member Nadler led House Judiciary Committee Democrats in sending letters to Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) regarding the firing of Attorney General Jeff Sessions by President Donald Trump in what appears to be a clear effort to change the supervisory structure for Special Counsel Robert Mueller's ongoing criminal investigation.\nOn November 8, 2018, Reps. Nadler, Schiff, and Cummings and Sen. Feinstein sent letters to top Administration officials demanding the preservation of all documents and materials relevant to the work of the Office of the Special Counsel or the firing of Attorney General Jeff Sessions.\nOn November 12, 2018, Ranking Member Nadler and other top House Democrats joined Senate Democrats on a letter to the Department of Justice's Chief Ethics Official, Assistant Attorney General Lee J. Lofthus. In the letter, they outline the number of serious ethical considerations that should preclude any involvement by President Trump's handpicked Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker with the Special Counsel Mueller's investigation, and that require Mr. Whitaker's immediate recusal. In the letter, the Democrats also request that the Department of Justice's chief ethics officer immediately notify them whether he has advised Mr. Whitaker to recuse himself from supervision of the special counsel's investigation.\nOn November 13, 2018, Ranking Member Nadler sent a letter to acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and FBI Director Christopher Wray notifying them of his expectation, when Democrats take the Majority in the new year, that the Department of Justice and the FBI will have already addressed the backlog of unanswered requests that have been made concerning legitimate oversight matters under the Committee's jurisdiction. Over the last two years, House Judiciary Committee Democrats have written over one hundred letters to the Administration.\nOn November 14, 2018, Reps. Nadler, Cummings, Frank Pallone, Jr., and Schiff sent seven letters requesting information relating to Acting Attorney General Matthew G. Whitaker's involvement with World Patent Marketing, a company that allegedly bilked millions from consumers and suppressed criticism of their activities.\nOn November 15, 2018, Ranking Member Nadler, Ranking Member Feinstein, and Ranking Member Schiff released a statement criticizing the Office of Legal Counsel opinion that attempts to justify the appointment of Matthew Whitaker.\nOn November 20, 2018, Ranking Members Nadler and Cummings had a joint call with Acting Attorney General Whitaker. In the course of the call, the Acting Attorney General committed to appearing before the House Judiciary Committee in January and affirmed that he was and will continue to follow all of the regulations, policies and procedures of the Department of Justice, including with regards to the Special Counsel investigation.\nOn December 6, 2018, Ranking Member Nadler and other top House Democrats joined Senate Democrats on another letter demanding an in-person briefing from the Department of Justice's Chief Ethics Official, Assistant Attorney General Lee J. 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