{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"NY\" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/56th-inauguration-ceremony-information", "56th Inauguration Ceremony Information", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Brian Higgins", "H001038", "higgins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Every four years, as has been for the past two-hundred and thirty-two years, the President and Vice President of the United States are sworn in before the American people. This remarkable ceremony  in which the President swears an oath to protect and defend the Constitution, to bear true faith and allegiance to the nation, and to faithfully discharge the duties of the office  is the foundation of our republic's commitment to the rule of law and the peaceful transition of power.\nOn January 20th, 2021 President-elect Joseph R. Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will take this very oath before the American public, as have so many before them. While this momentous and historic event is cause for celebration, the government has a mandate to act responsibly and protect the public from the present health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.\nOn December 16th, 2020 the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) announced guidelines for attendance at 59th Inaugural Ceremony. Unlike in previous years, Congressional offices will not receive any tickets to distribute to the public. The decision was reached by the JCCIC in consultation with the Presidential Inaugural Committee and public health officials in response to the global pandemic. As such, my office will be unable to provide in-person tickets to 59th Inaugural Ceremony.\nWhile I share your disappointment, this decision should not diminish the ceremony nor its importance. The United States of America, in its times of existence, has managed one of the most impressive, continuous, and peaceful democratic transitions of power in civilized history. The pandemic cannot take that from us. This inauguration will proceed like all before it, and the United States will begin the hard work of tackling the challenges facing our great nation and building a better future.\nPlease continue to monitor the JCCIC's official website and social media for updates on where to view the 59th Inaugural Ceremony. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this decision, please do not hesitate to contact my office.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/long-awaited-moynihan-train-hall-opens-within-historic-post-office-building", "Long-awaited Moynihan Train Hall opens within historic post office building", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday announced the grand opening of Moynihan Train Hall, a 255,000-square-foot train hall withing the historic James A. Farley Building that will be a new gateway into Penn Station.\n\t\t\tThe new train hall is expected to increase the existing Penn Station rail complex's concourse space by 50 percent. Thestation serves Amtrak, New Jersey Transit and Long Island Rail Road trains and connects to several subway lines.\n\t\t\tThe facility is slated to go into service on New Year's Day. Carlo Scissura, president and CEO of the New York BuildingCongress and former head of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, commented, Friday is a transformative day in NewYork City. The highly anticipated opening of the Moynihan Train Hall demonstrates the power of successful public private partnerships to accomplish great infrastructure projects. The Moynihan Train Hall has safely supported workers throughout the pandemic and stimulated the economy, and its opening will increase public transit capacity and accessibility in the city.\n\t\t\tThe idea of converting the post office into a train hall was first proposed by the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan.Cuomo said, Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan was a man of true vision. He saw the potential in an underutilized post office and knew that if done correctly, this facility could not only give New York the transit hub it has long deserved, but serveas a monument to the public itself.\n\t\t\tThe train hall's design is a unique blend of classical and contemporary, and featuresa one-acre sky-lit atrium, a signature clock, cutting-edge technology, clear wayfinding, full accessibility and museum-caliber public art.\n\t\t\tIt also provides immediate benefits at this critical time while profoundly enhancing the convenience, health, and dailyexperience of hundreds of thousands of passengers, neighbors, and visitors, according to the Governor's Office.\n\t\t\tLed by Empire State Development (ESD), the $1.6 billion project was accomplished through a public-private partnership between ESD, Vornado Realty Trust, The Related Companies, Skanska, the MTA, the Long Island Rail Road, Amtrak, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. It utilized a design-build approach to streamline construction and expedite completion.\n\t\t\tConstruction of Moynihan Train Hall has generated an estimated economic impact of $5 billion, supporting more than5,000 construction jobs and 11,000 indirect jobs, the Governor's Office added.\n\t\t\tMoynihan Train Hall reshapes the travel experience of Penn Station, the busiest passenger transportation facility in theUnited States, used by more than 700,000 passengers per day, according to the Governor's Office.\n\t\t\tIn partnership with the Public Art Fund, Moynihan Train Hall also features a program of ambitious permanent art installations from three leading artistsStan Douglas, Kehinde Wiley, and artistic duo Elmgreen & Dragset. In addition, a suspended 6-foot by 12-foot clock designed by Pennoyer Architects evokes nostalgia for the golden age of rail travel.\n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, After decades of work, today we pop the New Year's cork early to celebrate theopening of the gorgeous Moynihan Train Halla grand, skylit, modern transit portal for LIRR and Amtrak riders that will leave the Penn Station of the past in the dust. Senator Moynihan recognized [the establishment of such a train hall] as a unique opportunity to both correct a historic mistakethe tragic demolition, a half century ago, of McKim, Mead andWhite's original Pennsylvania Station and to create a beautiful, new, user-friendly public space that New Yorkers andall Americans can once again enjoy and be proud of.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/maloney-mail-2020-in-review", "Maloney Mail: 2020 in Review", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t2020 has certainly been a challenging year for our country, our city, and our families and my thoughts are with all those who lost loved ones to COVID-19.\n\t\t\t\tAs we close out the year, and look forward to the start of the 117th Congress and Biden presidency, I am also taking a look back at all that we accomplished together in 2020. Even in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic and economic hardship, we accomplished important wins for the American people  some of which are highlighted below.\n\t\t\t\tIt has been an honor and privilege to serve our city and represent you in Congress this year and I look forward to our continued work together in 2021. Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy and Healthy New Year.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tProtecting the United States Postal Service (USPS)\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWatch Congresswoman Maloney's floor speech on the Delivering for America Act here.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tIn 2020, as Americans across the country became more reliant on the USPS for essential mail delivery, the Oversight Committee worked to ensure that the Postal Service received the support and funding it needed and continues to need to serve the American people and our democracy.\n\t\t\t\tI believe that the Postal Service should not become an instrument of partisan politics, but instead must be protected as a neutral, independent entity that focuses on one thing and one thing only  delivering the mail.Millions of people rely on the Postal Service every day to communicate, access critical medications, and vote. A once-in-a-century pandemic is no time to enact changes that threaten service reliability and transparency.\n\t\t\t\tIn August, following unprecedented changes proposed by the new Postmaster General to the operations and organizational structure of the Postal Service, I introduced the Delivering for America Act. It passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 257-150.\n\t\t\t\tFollowing this vote, I chaired an Oversight Committee hearing during which Postmaster General DeJoy testified, for the first time, that massive delays in mail and delivery of medication and other critical supplies caused by his sweeping changes are far worse than he anticipated or previously disclosed to Congress and the American people. Protecting the Postal Service remains a priority for the Oversight Committee in the new year.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tEnsuring a Fair & Accurate 2020 Census Count\n\t\t\t\tThroughout 2020, the Trump Administration announced last minute changes to the 2020 Census that census professionals and experts warned could threaten the accuracy of the data. As Chairwoman of the Oversight Committee, I held emergency hearings and released documents to counter the risk of serious errors in the data if the Census Bureau is forced to complete its count without proper funding and the time needed to ensure a fair and accurate count.\n\t\t\t\tTo make sure that all New Yorkers were counted, and that our city and state will receive the federal funding and representation we need and are owed, I teamed up with community organizations and government officials to get out the count and make sure that every single New Yorker was counted in the 2020 Census. A report authored by the Oversight Committee showed that just a 1% undercount could cost our city $7.3 million per year in federal funding for public education and $3.7 million per year for critical jobs programs. We simply cannot afford an undercount.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tHolding Big Pharma Accountable\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWatch Chairwoman Maloney's opening statement from the December 17 hearing with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler familyhere.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe ongoing fight to hold Big Pharma accountable for their role in unsustainable drug prices is far from over. This fall, I held two days of hearings with top executives of major drug companies to examine their pricing practices for some of the costliest drugs in the United States. These companies sell medications that are critical to our health and well-being, but their skyrocketing prices are simply unsustainable. For nearly two years, the Oversight Committee has aggressively investigated why drug companies continuously increase prices, how they use their massive profits, and what steps can be taken to make prescriptions more affordable for the American people.\n\t\t\t\tAnd on December 17, I chaired an Oversight Committee hearing to examine the role of Purdue Pharma and members of the Sackler family in fueling the nationwide opioid epidemic for decades by pushing Purdue executives to flood the market with the highly addictive painkiller OxyContin.\n\t\t\t\tAs I said at the end of the hearing, the Sacklers have played a critical, active role in sparking and fueling the opioid epidemic. They approved and monitored dangerous marketing plans, directed sales representatives to focus on the highest-volume prescribers and the strongest versions of OxyContin, and targeted vulnerable populations with misleading messages.\n\t\t\t\tNow, they have the ability to mitigate at least some of the damage they caused. They must stop hiding and offshoring their assets, stop nickel and diming the negotiators, make a massive financial contribution that leaves no doubt about their commitment, and finally acknowledge their wrongdoing. The families whose lives they and this drug have ruined deserve at least that much.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tCracking Down on Anonymous Shell Companies\n\t\t\t\tJust this month, my bipartisan Corporate Transparency Act passed the House and Senate after more than a decade of coalition building. This bill will make our country safer and will also lower housing costs for New Yorkers.\n\t\t\t\tThis legislation would require companies to disclose their true, beneficial owners at the time the company is formed, and will prevent bad actors from using anonymous shell companies to thwart law enforcement and hide their illicit activities. The U.S. is one of the easiest places in the world to set up anonymous shell companies, because no state in the U.S. currently requires companies to disclose their true, beneficial owners. Anonymous shell companies have become the vehicle of choice for terrorist financing, money laundering, and organized crime. When a terrorist cell wants to move their money, or a criminal syndicate wants to launder money, they usually do it right here in the U.S., with a shell company.\n\t\t\t\tBeyond cracking down on criminal activity, this bill will directly affect us here at home by lowering housing costs in New York City. Kleptocrats and criminals routinely park their ill-gotten funds in luxury real estate in New York City, limiting the availability of housing and driving up housing costs for ordinary New Yorkers. There are too many buildings with no lights on at night, because no one actually lives in these apartments; they were purchased purely to hide money, and to act as a bank account. But this law will put an end to this practice, once and for all.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFashion for the Frontlines and Preparing for Future Pandemics\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWatch the press conference introducing the Made in America Act here.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tIn the midst of a global pandemic, having strong domestic production of personal protective equipment (PPE) is absolutely essential to keeping Americans safe. I'm so proud that New York City's fashion industry answered the call of duty by working quickly to get PPE to our frontline healthcare workers.Fashion for the Frontlines grew out of a coalition I formed of New York City designers, manufacturers, and industry leaders to support the city's garment industry and understand the nexus between technology and fashion. In March and April, when New York City needed PPE, this group quickly transformed their manufacturing capabilities to aid our city at that critical moment. Fashion for the Frontlines mobilized Garment District factories - that would have otherwise been forced to close - to manufacture and distribute masks and gowns to frontline medical professionals throughout New York City.\n\t\t\t\tThis coalition is a testament to the strength, resiliency, and compassion of New York City's fashion industry, whose members have shown our entire nation what it means to be New York Strong. I admire the grassroots effort to produce and distribute vital PPE during the COVID-19 crisis, but in preparation for future pandemics we must ensure that the United States has a sufficient national stockpile and a strong operation to produce our own PPE. That is why I introduced the Made in America: Preparation for a Pandemic Act.\n\t\t\t\tThis bill will secure our nation's critical stock of PPE and promote a stronger manufacturing base for medical equipment. Having strong domestic production of PPE is absolutely essential to keeping Americans safe in the midst of a global pandemic. Too many lives have been lost unnecessarily because broken global supply chains left our essential workers without the equipment they needed.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Healthcare Workers Act\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWatch the press conference introducing the Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Healthcare Workers Act here.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tIn May, I introduced the Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Healthcare Workers Act to alleviate the burden of student loan debt for frontline healthcare workers and help attract medical professionals in various specialties to lend their expertise to the response to COVID-19. Frontline healthcare workers are delivering care to the sickest patients and putting their own safety at great risk in order to keep doing their jobs. In return, I believe that we have an obligation to ensure that they are relieved of the debt they incurred to train for this critical work  in graduate degree programs or other professional certification. Healthcare workers are worrying about their own health and how it will affect their families  they should not have to worry about their financial security after the crisis has passed. That is a burden that we can lift right now. I am continuing to work to build support for this bill in Congress and will be reintroducing it in the 117th Congress.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tPandemic Heroes Compensation Act\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWatch the press conference introducing the Pandemic Heroes Compensation Act here.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tIn May, I introduced the bipartisan Pandemic Heroes Compensation Act. Modeled after theSeptember 11thVictim Compensation Fund (VCF), this new fund would provide compensation for injuries to any individual deemed an essential worker and required to leave their home to perform their duties and who have become ill or died as a result of COVID-19. Family members of essential workers would also be eligible for compensation.\n\t\t\t\tOn September 11th, it was the firefighters and officers who ran into the burning buildings to save lives. Today, it is hospital workers  nurses, doctors, EMS, janitorial staff, pharmacists, technicians  and all essential workers. In this fight against the coronavirus, it is the first responders, retail workers, transit workers, grocery store clerks, delivery workers, janitorial staff, sanitation workers, mail carriers, hospitality workers, and federal, state, and local employees who are on the frontlines, walking into the fire every day as they risk their health to make sure we are safe, fed, and healthy. They need to know that if they or their loved ones get sick because of this work, we will be there for them.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tProtecting Small Businesses: The Pandemic Risk Insurance Act\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWatch the press conference introducing the Pandemic Risk Insurance Act here.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAs our city and nation contend with the economic fallout from the COVID-19 crisis, I've been fighting in DC for federal support for New York City's small businesses. I was a proud supporter of the CARES Act and Heroes Act and have called for extensions and expansions of the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Following conversations with NY-12 constituents, small business owners, and leaders in our city, I recognized the vital need for business interruption insurance that covers pandemics and introduced the Pandemic Risk Insurance Act (PRIA). The legislation is based on my successful post-9/11 Terrorism Risk Insurance Act. PRIA provides a Federal backstop for the pandemic insurance market and creates a framework in which the public and private sectors split the losses in the event of a pandemic or other public health emergency.\n\t\t\t\tMy view has always been that we need a two-pronged approach to this crisis for small businesses. First, we need additional short-term relief to help keep our great small businesses alive  which Congress has now done by approving an additional $284 billion in forgivable PPP loans to small businesses. Second, we need a framework to provide relief in the future when a pandemic like COVID-19 hits. My Pandemic Risk Insurance Act provides that long-term framework by ensuring that small businesses can quickly get the relief they need, without having to wait for Congress to pass another emergency bill. Our city and nation depend on it.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tStanding up for NYC's Arts & Cultural Nonprofit Community\n\t\t\t\tIn September, I introduced the Culture, Arts, Libraries, and Museums Emergency Relief (CALMER) Act, to provide emergency relief funding to the arts and culture nonprofit community, encourage charitable giving, and expand CARES programs to include nonprofit organizations.\n\t\t\t\tNew York's vibrant arts and culture community cannot get back on its feet without immediate and comprehensive assistance from Congress. Our nation's museums, libraries, concert halls, and arts and cultural nonprofit organizations were among the first businesses to close because of COVID-19, and they will be the last to reopen. While arts and cultural nonprofits across the country have worked tirelessly to create digital content and support their communities through online programming, there is no way they can account for the loss in revenue resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, which is upwards of $6 billion and continues to grow. This bill will give libraries, museums, and arts groups the assistance they need to pull through and continue enriching our communities nationwide.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tProtecting Immigrants' Health\n\t\t\t\tIn September, I requested that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari launch an emergency investigation into troubling allegations of medical neglect, unsanitary conditions, and abuse raised by a nurse at the Irwin County Detention Center (ICDC) and by ICDC detainees in a whistleblower complaint.\n\t\t\t\tAmong other allegations, the ICDC nurse alleged that women who were detained at the ICDC were sent to an outside medical provider to undergo gynecological proceduresincluding but not limited to hysterectomieswithout providing informed consent. She has also alleged that there was repeated disregard for the safety of employees and detainees in violation of protocols recommended by federal authorities to control the spread of coronavirus.\n\t\t\t\tThe Oversight Committee launched our own investigation in partnership with the Homeland Security Committee.\n\t\t\t\tIn October, the House passed H. Res 1153  Condemning unwanted, unnecessary medical procedures on individuals without their full, informed consent. This resolution, sponsored by Congresswoman Jayapal, lays out the terrible history of unwanted, forced medical procedures amid recent allegations of such horrendous actions in ICE detention.\n\t\t\t\tAlso in September, the Oversight Committee released astaff reportwith the findings of a 14-month investigation into the Administration's for-profit contractor-run ICE detention facilities. This reportbased on the review of thousands of pages of internal documents from the Department of Homeland Security and contractors GEO Group and CoreCivicfound that multiple ICE detainees died in recent years after receiving inadequate medical care. The report also found that, for years, there have been numerous documented instances of poor sanitation and mismanagement of infectious diseases in immigration detention facilities, potentially contributing to the spread of coronavirus cases in ICE detention.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tInvestigation into Customs and Border Patrol Secret Facebook Groups\n\t\t\t\tIn October, I issued a subpoena to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for documents it is withholding about dozens of CBP employees who engaged in misconduct in secret Facebook groups that I believe were racist, sexually violent, dehumanizing, and abhorrent.\n\t\t\t\tThe Oversight Committee first requested these documents in July 2019, under the leadership of then-Chairman Cummings.\n\t\t\t\tThe Trump Administration has not set forth any valid legal basis to withhold this information. One of the most recent reasons the Administration has given for its overt obstruction is a fear that the identities and abuses of these employees could become public. In communications with the Committee, the Trump Administration has expressed more concern about protecting the reputations of employees who made these posts than the wellbeing of the children and families they interact with on a daily basis.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tD.C. Statehood\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWatch Chairwoman Maloney's opening remarks from the markup of the Washington, D.C Admission Act here.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tOn February 11, 2020, I presided over Oversight Committee passage of the Washington, D.C. Admission Act. This was the first time that a Congressional committee voted to pass a D.C. statehood bill since 1993.\n\t\t\t\tThe bill was then passed by the full House on June 26, 2020  the first time that the House or Senate has passed such a bill. This was an extraordinary, once-in-a-generation step towards granting basic democratic rights to more than 700,000 Americans who live in Washington, D.C.\n\t\t\t\tThe bill would create a new state known as the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth represented by two Senators and one House Member. The federal district would continue to include the White House, U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court, National Mall, and other federal properties adjacent to the National Mall.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFighting Antisemitism Through Education\n\t\t\t\tThis May, the Never Again Education Act (H.R.943), my legislation to support Holocaust education across the country, was signed into law. This bill bolsters the already expansive educational resources at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) to make sure that all educators have the tools they need to teach their students about the Holocaust and the dangers of antisemitism and hate.\n\t\t\t\tI'm proud that Congress came together to make clear that antisemitism cannot and will not be tolerated. Our children are not born with hate in their hearts, and by providing educators with the tools they need to teach about the Holocaust, we can ensure they never learn it. Teaching our children about the dangers of antisemitism and hate is a proactive way to stop antisemitism before it even starts. This bill passed in the House of Representatives by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 393-5 on January 27, International Holocaust Remembrance Day. It passed the Senate by unanimous consent on May 13.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSecuring Paid Parental Leave for All Federal Workers\n\t\t\t\tThis year, the House and Senate voted for a provision I authored to provide paid leave for the birth, fostering, or adoption of a child for FAA and TSA employees, medical professionals working in VA facilities, and DC courts and public defender employees. This correction honors the original intent of Congress when we passed paid parental leave for federal employees in 2019.\n\t\t\t\tNo one should be made to choose between being home with a new child and a paycheck. Paid family leave improves productivity, reduces turnover, boosts morale, and attracts and retains more talent, which is exactly what our federal workforce deserves right now.\n\t\t\t\tI first introduced paid leave legislation for federal employees in the 106th Congress, then titled H.R. 4567, the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2000, and continued to garner support for this transformative law over the years. I introduced H.R. 1534, The Federal Employee Paid Leave Act (FEPLA), on March 5, 2019. The paid parental leave program created by this bill went into effect on October 1, 2020.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tGetting NYCHA Communities the Repairs They Need\n\t\t\t\tDuring my time on the City Council, NYCHA repairs were handled by on-site teams at each community. This system was then replaced by the current centralized system which has resulted in an immense backlog of work orders and residents living without the repairs their homes need.\n\t\t\t\tFor several years, I have advocated for returning to that original model and decentralizing the work order process. After making a formal request of NYCHA Chairman Russ this summer, that project came to fruition as a pilot program at Queensbridge, Astoria Houses, and Ravenswood.\n\t\t\t\tThis program has assigned dedicated skilled trade workers to each of these three communities with the goal of making repairs more timely and efficient. Each of these developments now have dedicated, full-time carpenters, painters, and plasterers Monday through Friday, with plumbers and electricians assigned to work specific days at each development. The pilot runs through January 2021, at which point NYCHA plans to roll out a version of the skilled trades decentralization plan throughout the five boroughs. This plan will result in skilled trade workers spending more time completing much needed repairs by eliminating the need for them to constantly travel between distant NYCHA campuses.\n\t\t\t\tWe have heard some good feedback from residents, and also some areas where there is still room for improvement. I am in contact with Chairman Russ to convey these concerns and working to make this program more effective and efficient.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTurning the Gas Back on At Astoria Houses\n\t\t\t\tWhile we had hopedAstoriaHousesresidents would have their gas restored before Thanksgiving, I'm glad that it was restored in early December, in the midst of the holiday season. In the middle of a pandemic, this gas outage was an undue burden especially on working families and seniors. Thanks to the residents' advocacy, resiliency, and patience, we were able to get NYCHA and Con Edison to complete this project before the end of the year and I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to restore this critical service and provide food and resources, like slow cookers, to these residents during the repairs.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSecuring a Stable Presidential Transition Process\n\t\t\t\tA recent NPR report noted that the President's actions may have jeopardized the preservation of official documents and records. A similar story from Politico in 2018 reported that career records officers were using scotch tape to put important documents back together. Given this track record, I'm deeply concerned that President Trump and his aides may attempt to conceal or destroy important White House materials during their last remaining days in office and so I led other House Committee Chairs in directing the White House and more than 50 federal agencies within their jurisdictions to comply with federal record-keeping laws and preserve information responsive to congressional subpoenas and investigations.\n\t\t\t\tI am also concerned that the Administration may implement last-minute rules and regulations, circumventing the review process. To prevent this, I joined with my colleagues to introduce the Midnight Regulations Review Act. This bill would require the Government Accountability Office to create a list of the regulations that the outgoing administration promulgates during the lame duck session, which will allow Congress and the incoming Biden Administration to review whether they are based on evidence and research or whether they should be considered for amending or elimination.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Fair Access to Co-Ops for Veterans Act\n\t\t\t\tIn February, I introduced the Fair Access to Co-Ops for Veterans Act to permanently expand the Veterans Affairs' Home Loan Guaranty Program to include cooperative housing (co-ops). In New York City, co-ops are ubiquitous, and our veterans shouldn't be priced out of these housing options because they're excluded from the VA's loan program. Wherever veterans want to buy a home  whether in rural or urban areas  they should have equal loan support from the VA. This legislation also directs the VA to advertise the program to eligible veterans, participating lenders, and interested realtors.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tServing Mothers: PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act\n\t\t\t\tIn January, I introduced PUMP (Providing Urgent Maternal Protections) for Nursing Mothers Act. This bill will close unintentional gaps in the Break Time for Nursing Mothers Act to ensure that millions of working mothers have the access and protections they need to breastfeed should they choose to do so.\n\t\t\t\tAs the first woman to give birth while serving on the New York City Council, I know firsthand the difficulties new mothers face in the workplace. Those difficulties should not include breastfeeding and yet, millions of nursing mothers are still without a clear right to pump at work. Without these protections, nursing mothers face serious health consequences, including the risk of painful illness and infection, diminished milk supply, or inability to continue breastfeeding. This bill would strengthen the 2010 Break Time law by making sure more working moms are guaranteed the right to pump at work. I am working to make this a reality in the next Congress.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tCreating a Smithsonian Women's History Museum\n\t\t\t\tA Smithsonian Women's History Museum is finally going to be a reality. My bill, H.R. 1980, to create this museum was included in the year-end omnibus spending package, a must-pass bill. Building a Smithsonian Women's History Museum, a testament to the women who helped build and shape this nation, has been years in the making and I am thrilled that we are finally set to enact this historic legislation. For too long, women's stories have been left out of the telling of our nation's history, and we can now begin to rectify that. Americans of all ages deserve to see and be inspired by the remarkable women who helped shape this nation  seeing role models doing the thing to which we aspire can change the course of someone's life. How fitting that we passed this bill as we mark the centennial of the 19th Amendment and in the year in which we elected our first woman vice president.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tRenaming Manhattan VA\n\t\t\t\tThis month, both the House of Representatives and the Senate passed my bill to rename the Manhattan VA the \"Margaret Cochran Corbin Campus of the New York Harbor Health Care System. Once signed into law, this would make the Manhattan VA the first in the country to be named after a woman veteran. This will ensure that American Revolutionary War hero Margaret Corbin's legacy of service endures in the tradition of empowering all veterans, regardless of gender. Although women have fought for our nation since its founding, women service members rarely receive the same recognition as their male counterparts. New Yorkers will be able to take great pride in leading the nation by having the first VA hospital named for a woman veteran right here in Manhattan.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAs always, your concerns still and always will remain my top priority. Please do not hesitate to email me through my website.\n\t\t\t\tIf you would like to continue to receive shorter, weekly updates in 2020, make sure you're signed up for my newsletter here.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThis year has been challenging in many ways, but there is still so much to celebrate. It is because of you that I have had a meaningful and fulfilling 2020. I wish you, your family, and friends a safe and Happy Holidays and all the best in the New Year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congress-passes-maloneygillibrand-legislation-to-rename-manhattan-va", "Congress Passes Maloney/Gillibrand Legislation to Rename Manhattan VA After Revolutionary War Hero Margaret Corbin", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC Both the House of Representatives and Senate have passed H.R.1925/S.898 to rename the Manhattan VA the \"Margaret Cochran Corbin Campus of the New York Harbor Health Care System. The bill was introduced in the House by Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) and in the Senate by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). Once signed into law, this would make the Manhattan VA the first in the country to be named after a woman veteran.\n\nI cannot wait until New York becomes the home of the first VA named after a woman veteran,said Congresswoman Maloney. This will ensure that American Revolutionary War hero Margaret Corbin's legacy of service endures in the tradition of empowering all veterans, regardless of gender. Although women have fought for our nation since its founding, women service members rarely receive the same recognition as their male counterparts. New Yorkers will be able to take great pride in leading the nation by having the first VA hospital named for a woman veteran right here in Manhattan.\n\nMargaret Corbin's legacy is a testament to all that women veterans have given to our country since its founding, said Senator Gillibrand. Corbin is an iconic New Yorker, who until now, has received little recognition for her sacrifices as a soldier on the battlefield. While we have a long way to go to ensure that women veterans get the same treatment and benefits that their male counterparts receive, I am proud to say that New York will soon be home to the first VA named after a woman veteran in the United States.\n\nMargaret Corbin was born in Pennsylvania on November 12, 1751. She accompanied her husband when he joined the Revolutionary Army and supported the Army's efforts by caring for injured and sick soldiers, cooking, cleaning, and helping her husband load his cannon. On November 16, 1776, Corbin took her husband's place at the Battle of Fort Washington in Manhattan after he was fatally wounded, where she was then shot by enemy fire and severely wounded. In recognition of her service and injuries, Corbin was awarded a lifelong pension, making her the first woman to receive a pension from the United States through military service. Corbin passed away in 1789 in Highland Falls, New York, and she is honored nearby at West Point as a hero of the Revolutionary War.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-closes-out-2020-with-legislative-wins", "Maloney Closes Out 2020 with Legislative Wins", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This week, with the FY21 pandemic relief omnibus bill and H.R. 6395, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021, becoming law, and with the passage of H.R. 1925, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) closed out 2020 with four legislative wins.\n\nIncluded in the FY21 pandemic relief omnibus bill is the Congresswoman's H.R. 1980, the Smithsonian Women's History Museum Act, and included in the FY21 NDAA are the Congresswoman's Corporate Transparency Act and a provision she authored securing paid leave for the birth, fostering, or adoption of a child for FAA and TSA employees, medical professionals working in VA facilities, and DC courts and public defender employees. H.R. 1925, now passed by both the House and Senate, would rename the Manhattan VA the \"Margaret Cochran Corbin Campus of the New York Harbor Health Care System.\n\nThe Congresswoman issued the following statement on these accomplishments.\n\nBuilding a Smithsonian Women's History Museum, a testament to the women who helped build and shape this nation has been years in the making, and I am thrilled that we finally passed this legislation. It is so fitting that we passed this bill as we mark the centennial of the 19th Amendment and in the year in which we elected our first woman vice president.\n\nWhile I did not vote for the underlying bill, I am proud that the FY21 NDAA includes my Corporate Transparency Act, which is a critically important bill that will strengthen our national security by cracking down on anonymous shell companies that are used by terrorists and money launderers around the world. Also importantly, this package includes a correction to my paid parental leave bill that will give FAA and TSA employees, medical professionals working in VA facilities, and DC courts and public defender employees up to 12 weeks of paid leave in the event of the birth, adoption, or fostering of a child. Congress intended to guarantee paid parental leave for all Federal employees, and this bill honors that commitment.\n\nAnd finally, we rounded out the last week of 2020 with the passage of my bill to rename the Manhattan VA the Margaret Cochran Corbin Campus of the New York Harbor Health Care System.' This will be the first VA in the country to be named after a woman veteran.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-maloney-gives-end-of-year-update-on-nycha-skilled-trades-pilot", "Rep. Maloney Gives End of Year Update on NYCHA Skilled Trades Pilot Program", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NEW YORK, NY  Today, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) joined Tenants' Association Presidents of Queensbridge and Astoria Houses; and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to give an end of year update on the NYCHA Skilled Trades Pilot Program. NYCHA's Skilled Trades Pilot Program, launched on October 26, 2020 and set to run through mid-January, decentralizes the work order process with the goal of making repairs more timely and efficient.\n\nAfter two months of this three month pilot program, I am happy to report that 5,588 individual tasks have been completed across the pilot locations, with an 18% increase in overall productivity performance for Maintenance and Skilled Trades, said Congresswoman Maloney. I am proud to have worked with NYCHA to improve the repair process and thank them for agreeing to launch the NYCHA Skilled Trades Pilot Program at three developments in my district. The NYCHA Skilled Trades Program aims to make sure residents get the repairs they need  effectively and efficiently. Throughout the pilot program, I've spoken with residents through telephone town halls and in-person socially distanced meetings about their experiences with this program and how we can work to make things even better as NYCHA rolls out this new decentralized process across all five boroughs. I look forward to continuing my work with residents, the Residents' Associations, and NYCHA to make this program successful and ensure that NYCHA residents are given the safe and well-maintained homes they deserve.\n\n\"NYCHA's Skilled Trades Pilot Program is central to our Blueprint for Change Transformation Plan and is already demonstrating improved staff performance and repair response time, resulting in better service for residents, said Greg Russ, Chair and CEO, NYCHA. NYCHA developed the pilot after rigorous engagement with residents, elected officials and other stakeholders, who provided their ideas and feedback to ensure the program's success. By assigning painters, plasterers, carpenters, plumbers, and electricians at each development, and reforming our work order system, NYCHA is working to transform its operations model and how we do business. There is more work to be done, but we are grateful to NYCHA residents, our staff, Congresswoman Maloney, and all of our partners, for their continued support.\n\nThe NYCHA Skilled Trades Pilot Program has been effective for Astoria Houses residents, said Claudia Coger, Residents' Association President, Astoria Houses. Residents are getting old plumbing issues fixed and painting and plastering jobs are being completed. The NYCHA Skilled Trades Pilot Program is a plus in our community.\n\nThe NYCHA Skilled Trades Pilot Program is a step in the right direction to get residents the repairs they need, said April Simpson, Residents' Association President Emeritus, Queensbridge Houses. In the New Year, I look forward to working with Congresswoman Maloney and NYCHA to build upon the new repair structure to ensure that residents are served in the most effective and efficient way possible. This is a partnership I look forward to, and as residents are spending more time indoors due to the pandemic, the NYCHA Skilled Trades Pilot Program will ensure that every apartment gets needed repairs.\n\n\nBACKGROUND: \nThe Congresswoman had been advocating for this change for several years and formally proposed the idea of a decentralized maintenance system in June in a letter to Chairman Russ. She followed up in July in another letter to Chairman Russ.\n\nThe NYCHA Skilled Trades Pilot Program began on October 26, 2020. It assigns dedicated skilled trades workers to three developments in Congresswoman Maloney's district; Queensbridge, Astoria Houses, and Ravenswood. This comes on the heels of much needed repairs at developments in Congresswoman Maloney's district and across the city. The NYCHA Skilled Trades Pilot Program has placed dedicated, full-time carpenters, painters, and plasterers at each of these communities Monday through Friday, with plumbers and electricians assigned to work specific days at each development. In 2021, NYCHA plans to roll out a version of the decentralization plan throughout the five boroughs. This plan will result in skilled trades workers spending more time completing much needed repairs by eliminating the need for them to constantly travel between distant NYCHA campuses.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/icymi-gillibrand-in-buffalo-news-stock-act-20-will-require-new-transparency-in-congress", "ICYMI: Gillibrand In Buffalo News: Stock Act 2.0 Will Require New Transparency In Congress", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 31, 2020\n\t\t\t ICYMI: Gillibrand In Buffalo News: Stock Act 2.0 Will Require New Transparency In Congress \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIn case you missed it, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand penned an op-ed in theBuffalo Newstoday, calling for passage of her new legislation, theSTOCK Act 2.0.\r\nThe legislation will require that whenever a member of Congress, a high-ranking staff member in a position to make policy, the president, the vice president, or other executive branch officials apply for or receive a benefit of value from the government, they must report it in the same way they would report the sale of a stock. The legislation was prompted in part by the fact that several wealthy members of Congress have received millions in PPP loans, while small businesses have continued to struggle.\r\nTheSTOCK Act 2.0is the latest push for transparency for Senator Gillibrand, who had made government accountability a top priority throughout her career. Gillibrand led Senate passage of the STOCK Act in 2012, and was the first member of Congress to post her official meetings, personal financial disclosures, earmark requests, and taxes online.\r\nGillibrandalso supports banning members from buying or selling individual stocks, particularly in light of several recent scandals.\r\nClickhereor see below for the op-ed\r\n\r\nAnother Voice: STOCK Act 2.0 will require new transparency in Congress | Buffalo News\r\nSenator Kirsten Gillibrand\r\nDecember 31, 2020\r\nOver the past year, Congress has allocated trillions of dollars of relief money to respond to the pandemic and economic crisis. While more remains to be done, the American people must be able to trust their government to make responsible, unbiased decisions about their tax dollars.\r\nUnfortunately, as is too often the case, their faith in government has not been rewarded. The fact is that millions of relief dollars have gone right back into the hands of members of Congress who wrote and voted for the relief packages.\r\nWhen the Paycheck Protection Program was rolled out, many small businesses were denied relief. Meanwhile, auto dealerships, franchises and family businesses with ties to some of the wealthiest members of Congress received millions of dollars in PPP loans. Nearly all of them were able to get relief before the first round of funding ran out.\r\nThis isn't a new phenomenon. For decades, the same members of Congress who write and pass bills, and oversee their implementation, have collected millions in federal farming subsidies without requirements for these payments to be reported to taxpayers.\r\nThe worst part is, the only way Congress or the public can learn about these insider dealings is from news reports. It's unacceptable. We need transparency. We need the STOCK Act 2.0.\r\nI passed the original STOCK Act in the Senate in 2012, following investigative reports revealing that members of Congress were making investments using nonpublic information. In one instance, lawmakers who received closed-door briefings on the 2008 financial crisis from the Treasury secretary and chair of the Federal Reserve traded using that information. In another egregious example, during the debate over the Affordable Care Act, then-House Minority Leader John Boehner bought health insurance stock, while leading the opposition to the public option.\r\nThe STOCK Act makes it illegal for members of Congress and government officials to buy or sell stocks based on information learned in committee hearings or other non-public briefings and requires high-ranking officials to quickly disclose financial transactions. In short, it says that no one in government should be able to profit from inside information.\r\nMy bill, the STOCK Act 2.0, will do the same for federal loans, grants, contracts, subsidies and other types of items of value. The STOCK Act 2.0 will require that whenever a member of Congress, a high-ranking staff member in a position to make policy, the president, the vice president, or other executive branch officials apply for or receive a benefit of value from the government, they must report it in the same way they would report the sale of a stock. Those reports would be added to a public website where the information is easily accessible, searchable and downloadable.\r\nI believe public officials should be accountable to you for their actions. But not everyone shares my view. I can only assume that's why several of the members of Congress who cashed in on PPP loans voted against legislation that would have required public disclosure of the program's recipients.\r\nThese transactions shouldn't happen in the dark. Sunlight is an extremely effective antiseptic and the STOCK Act 2.0 will provide it.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-leads-effort-calling-on-fda-to-end-discriminative-blood-donor", "Higgins Leads Effort Calling on FDA to End Discriminative Blood Donor Guidelines", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Brian Higgins", "H001038", "higgins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) and fellow colleagues on the Congressional LGBTQ Equality Caucus, Congressmembers Judy Chu and Jose Serrano, are calling on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to remove guidelines barring men who have sex with men (MSM) from donating plasma and other blood products.\nIn a letter to the FDA Commissioner, Reps. Higgins, Chu and Serrano write, Outdated and arbitrary guidelines that discriminate against people attempting to donate plasma unnecessarily constrains its supply during a time when it is more important than ever to increase the donor pool. Plasma donation is an act of generosity that helps save lives, and FDA's policies should be informed by the best science available to ensure that the maximum number of people who can donate safely can do so.\nDuring the COVID-19 pandemic doctors are using convalescent plasma  plasma from patients who have recovered from COVID  to treat people currently fighting COVID. Plasma is also regularly used as an effective tool to treat trauma, burns, hemophilia, and other clotting factor deficiencies.\nAs a comprehensive cancer center where patients rely on donated blood products to help them endure their cancer treatments and rebuild strength, Roswell Park knows firsthand that the need for plasma is higher than ever. Thank you to Congressman Higgins for calling on the FDA to end this discriminatory rule, says Candace S. Johnson, PhD, President and CEO of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, which operates an onsite Donor Center. \nBlood product donations have decreased due to the ongoing pandemic and recent winter storms which have forced the cancellation of blood drives and outreach events.The demand for plasma far exceeds donations. On December 10, 2020 the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), American Red Cross and America's Blood Centers issued a joint statement warning: the country's supply of COVID-19 convalescent plasma is depleting and indicating the demand for plasma has exceeded collections by between 1,000 and 1,500 units per day over the past month.\nIn 1983, during the initial wave of the AIDS epidemic, the FDA implemented a policy which banned blood and plasma donations from gay and bisexual men. Since then, the FDA has revised the guideline twice, first changing the lifetime ban to a 12-month deferral from last same-sex sexual contact, and more recently changing it to a 3-month deferral. All donated blood and plasma is tested for HIV, hepatitis, COVID-19 and other infectious diseases before it is deemed acceptable and released to hospitals.\n\"While a three month ban is progress compared to the longstanding lifetime ban, it still remains discriminatoryto gay and bisexual men and to many people of trans experience, said Matthew Crehan Higgins, Associate Vice President, Specialty Care at Evergreen Health. We know a great deal more now than was known in 1983 about HIV transmission, testing, treatment, and prevention and it is long past the time to move past these discriminatory practices.\"\nFounder of Blood is Blood, Jordan Moll-Vigrass said, \"The FDA continues to ignore the best science available resulting in discrimination which prevents many from receiving healthy life saving blood/plasma donations. This is a problem as it leaves many gay and bi-sexual men unwilling to ever donate as they face a double standard. No other one group of individuals have to remain celibate from sex for 3 months before they could donate. I call on theFDA to update its policies to reflectthe best science available to ensure that the maximum number of people who can donate safely do so and finallyend the years of stigma and discrimination.\nCongressman Higgins has long sought to end blood and plasma donor discrimination within the FDA's guidelines. In December 2014 Higgins joined other Members of Congress in sending a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services urging action on changing the blood donation criteria. In 2015, Congressman Higgins joined Blood is Blood founder Jordan Moll Vigrass and Matthew Crehan Higgins, who previously served as Senior Director for the Pride Center of Western New York for a rally against the FDA's ban. The following week the FDA issued a final guidance changing its previous lifetime ban to a new policy of a 12-month deferral. On World Blood Donor Day in 2016 Higgins joined Members on Capitol Hill to again argue the importance of moving away from a reliance on harmful stereotypes, and allow all healthy adults who wish to donate to do so.\nOn December 14th, the United Kingdom lifted its blanket restrictions on blood donations from MSM donors, implementing the same standards as those that exist for heterosexual donors.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/12-times-celebrities-fought-for-equal-pay-in-their-starring-roles", "12 times celebrities fought for equal pay in their starring roles", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On January 1, 2018, spurred by the revelation of Harvey Weinstein's widespread sexual misconduct and the #MeToomovement, celebrities came together to protest sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination in Hollywood and beyond. They founded a movement of their own calledTime's Upto fight for safer workplaces and equal pay in the entertainment industry.\n\t\t\tEven before the Time's Up movement, women in Hollywood have spoken out about being paid less thantheir male co-stars. Sometimes, they have been able to negotiate fair compensation. Other times, they didn't even know they werebeing paid less until after the fact.\n\t\t\tHere are 12 times actors fought for the equal pay they deserved.\n\t\t\tEven after Patricia Arquette's viral Oscars acceptance speech, in which she called out America's gender pay gap, she told The Daily Beast that she's still offered less for her work than men.\n\t\t\tArquette's2015 Oscars acceptance speechgalvanised women everywhere to demand equal pay.\n\t\t\tTo every woman who gave birth, to every taxpayer and citizen of this nation, we have fought for everybody else's equal rights, it's our time to have wage equality once and for all, and equal rights for women in the United States of America,she said to thunderous applause.\n\t\t\tShe took her activism to Capitol Hill, as well. In 2016, Arquettemarked Equal Pay Day with Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D- NY)by highlighting the results of a Congressional report that found women make $US10,800 less per year than men. She also testified in front of the House Judiciary Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Subcommittee about the Equal Rights Amendment in 2019.\n\t\t\tStill, Arquette finds herself fighting for equal pay in her acting work.\n\t\t\tI've walked away from several jobs because they were giving me really bullsh** deals that were really sh**** anddifferent from men in a really f***** up way, she told The Daily Beast in 2018.\n\t\t\t[...]", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-applauds-housing-and-rent-relief-provisions-in-covid-relief-and", "Maloney Applauds Housing and Rent Relief Provisions in COVID Relief and Omnibus Spending Bill", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, today highlighted the importance of provisions in the COVID-19 relief and omnibus spending package to provide direct assistance to renters and extend the CDC's eviction moratorium.\n\nHousing is a human right and no New Yorker  no American  should be worried about keeping a roof over their head in the midst of a pandemic. In a city filled with renters, I am relieved that House Democrats were able to establish a $25 billion emergency rental assistance program to help renters pay their rent and utility bills. By providing this relief directly to renters, we are also making sure that small property owners can continue to cover their costs, including those necessary to ensure residents' health and safety.\n\nImportantly, on the federal level, we have extended the CDC's eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021  helping to ensure that millions of renters across America are not evicted while waiting to receive the additional assistance we are fighting for. I'm grateful that New York State also acted this week to extend our eviction mortarium for at least another 60 days.\n\nHouse Democrats were also able to secure $43.4 million in new, targeted vouchers to reduce homelessness among families with children, individuals, the unsheltered, veterans, and survivors of domestic violence. I am hopeful that we can build on these programs under the Biden-Harris Administration and ensure that housing is not a cause for concern during this unprecedented crisis.\n\nBackground\nCongresswoman Maloney secured a moratorium on all foreclosures and evictions from properties owned, insured, or overseen by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) in March after making a request to these agencies, in which she was joined by 106 of her House colleagues.\n\nEmergency Rental Assistance Program\nEligible renters would be able to receive assistance with rent and utility payments, unpaid rent or utility bills that have accumulated since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, and other housing expenses that were incurred due, directly or indirectly, to the pandemic.\n\nEligible renters would also have access to services, such as case management and tenant-landlord mediation, to help them remain stably housed. A household may receive up to 12 months of assistance but may receive an additional three months of assistance only if it is necessary to ensure the household remain stably housed and funds are available.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-helps-make-co-ops-and-condos-eligible-for-coronavirus-relief-funds", "Meng Helps Make Co-ops Eligible for Coronavirus Relief Funds", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "QUEENS, NY  U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she helped make housing co-ops and condominiums eligible to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which is the Small Business Administration's (SBA) signature coronavirus relief initiative to assist struggling small businesses during the national health crisis. This change was included in the $900 billion coronavirus relief package that was signed into law on December 27.\nIn March, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act created PPP which provides forgivable loans provided certain conditions are met, but SBA subsequently rendered housing co-ops and condominiums ineligible to participate in the program. Since then, Meng worked with her congressional colleagues and the President's Co-op & Condo Councilto reverse this omission.\nFinancial relief is finally available to housing co-ops and condominiums in Queens who have faced declining revenues and increasing costs during COVID-19. I am relieved that they will soon be able to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program and get the assistance they need, said Meng. COVID-19 has placed an unprecedented strain on the over 100,000 affordable cooperative and condominium housing units in New York City alone. Leaving out co-ops and condominiums from PPP was a disservice to them despite their economic hardship. I was proud to press the Administration on this issue, and to help secure language in the Heroes Act and Heroes Act 2.0, which passed the House in May and October, respectively. While the Senate Republicans needlessly held up for months any relief for working families, I am glad that we finally secured eligibility for co-ops and condos in the recent coronavirus relief package. Cooperatives remain a critical source of affordable housing for Queens and New York families and they must be made whole in the midst of this unprecedented public health and economic crises. Opening up the PPP to these entities will give them this lifeline. I want to thank my congressional colleagues and the President's Co-op & Condo Council for their partnership on this issue. I encourage all to apply once the program resumes, and I will continue to push for more assistance to help families and workers in Queens in the coming months.\nThe inclusion of Coops eligibility for forgivable PPP loans in the Stimulus Package will have a profound impact on the Coop community. The many Coop groups partnering with Congresswoman Meng on this important issue was a model of how good government is supposed to work, said Geoffrey Mazel, Esq., Legal Advisor, President's Coop & Condo Council (PCCC).\nIn April, Meng and Suozzi led Members of the New York congressional delegation in a letter to Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and SBA Administrator Carranza urging them to make co-ops and condominiums eligible to participate in PPP.\nIn May, Meng along with Senator Schumer, Reps. Velzquez and Engel, and other New York lawmakers called on SBA to clarify guidance on PPP eligibility for co-ops and condominiums.\nThe House passed the Heroes Act in May and the updated Heroes Act 2.0 in October that expanded PPP eligibility to include co-ops and condominiums.\nPPP provides forgivable loans if 60 percent is used for payroll and 40 percent is used for non-payroll expenses like rent, mortgage interest payments, or utilities. The program closed on August 8 despite over $130 billion remaining.\nThe $900 billion coronavirus relief measure reopens PPP and expands eligible expenses to also include personal protective equipment, supplier costs, and business operations software and human resources needs.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-helps-make-housing-co-ops-eligible-for-coronavirus-relief-funds", "Meng Helps Make Housing Co-ops Eligible for Coronavirus Relief Funds", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "QUEENS, NY \u2013 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she helped make housing cooperatives eligible to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which is the Small Business Administration's (SBA) signature coronavirus relief initiative to assist struggling small businesses during the national health crisis. This change was included in the $900 billion coronavirus relief package that was signed into law on December 27.\n\nIn March, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act created PPP which provides forgivable loans provided certain conditions are met, but SBA subsequently rendered housing co-ops ineligible to participate in the program. Since then, Meng worked with her congressional colleagues and the President's Co-op & Condo Council to reverse this omission.\n\n\"Financial relief is finally available to housing cooperatives in Queens that have faced declining revenues and increasing costs during COVID-19. I am relieved that they will soon be able to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program and get the assistance they need,\" said Meng. \"COVID-19 has placed an unprecedented strain on the affordable cooperative housing units in New York City alone. Leaving out co-ops from PPP was a disservice to them despite their economic hardship. I was proud to press the Administration on this issue, and to help secure language in the Heroes Act and Heroes Act 2.0, which passed the House in May and October, respectively. While the Senate Republicans needlessly held up for months any relief for working families, I am glad that we finally secured eligibility for co-ops in the recent coronavirus relief package. Cooperatives remain a critical source of affordable housing for Queens and New York families and they must be made whole in the midst of this unprecedented public health and economic crises. Opening up the PPP to these entities will give them this lifeline. I want to thank my congressional colleagues and the President's Co-op & Condo Council for their partnership on this issue. I encourage all to apply once the program resumes, and I will continue to push for more assistance to help families and workers in Queens in the coming months.\"\n\n\"NCBA CLUSA greatly appreciates the leadership of Congresswoman Meng to provide much needed certainty for housing cooperatives to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program,\" said Doug O'Brien, President and CEO of the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International. \"Housing co-ops, like all cooperatives, are businesses owned and controlled by their member owners. Like other small businesses weathering the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, these co-ops keep employees on payroll for critical ongoing operations such as maintenance, safety, and other essential needs vital to the member-owners. The co-op community is grateful for leaders in Congress like Congresswoman Meng, who understands the important role that housing co-ops play in their communities and the local economy. We applaud the efforts of Congresswoman Meng who, alongside members of the NY delegation including Chairwoman Vel\u00e1zquez and Leader Schumer, have tirelessly worked on this issues since the Paycheck Protection Program launched in April.\"\n\n\"The inclusion of co-ops eligibility for forgivable PPP loans in the stimulus package will have a profound impact on the co-op community. The many co-op groups partnering with Congresswoman Meng on this important issue was a model of how good government is supposed to work,\" said Geoffrey Mazel, Esq., Legal Advisor, President's Co-op & Condo Council (PCCC).\n\nIn April, Meng and Rep. Suozzi led members of the New York congressional delegation in a letter to Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and SBA Administrator Carranza urging them to make co-ops and condominiums eligible to participate in PPP.\n\nIn May, Meng along with Senator Schumer, Reps. Vel\u00e1zquez and Engel, and other New York lawmakers called on SBA to clarify guidance on PPP eligibility for co-ops.\n\nThe House passed the Heroes Act in May and the updated Heroes Act 2.0 in October that expanded PPP eligibility to include co-ops.\n\nPPP provides forgivable loans if 60 percent is used for payroll and 40 percent is used for non-payroll expenses like rent, mortgage interest payments, or utilities. The program closed on August 8 despite over $130 billion remaining.\n\nThe $900 billion coronavirus relief measure reopens PPP and expands eligible expenses to also include personal protective equipment, supplier costs, and business operations software and human resources needs.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-over-22-million-in-federal-funding-for-northwell-health-incs-covid-19-response-and-emergency-management", "Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $22 Million In Federal Funding For Northwell Health Inc.\u2019s COVID-19 Response And Emergency Management", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 30, 2020\n\t\t\t Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $22 Million In Federal Funding For Northwell Health Inc.'s COVID-19 Response And Emergency Management \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $22,207,274.93 in federal funding forNorthwellHealth Inc. in New York City. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and will be used to coverprevious COVID-19 response and operational costs. Specifically, the funding will be used tocover the costs of cleaning suppliesfor facility sanitization,medical supplies and PPE includingmasks, gloves, gowns, coveralls, face shields, shoe covers and testing supplies.\r\n\r\nI'm proud to deliver these vital federal funds to help cover the massive costs of increased protective measures needed to safely care for COVID-19 patients throughout the pandemic,saidSenator Schumer. We must continue to support our local hospitals and health centers as we work to mitigate the spread of coronavirus and recover from this health and economic crisis. I will continue to prioritize the safety of our healthcare workers and facilities when fighting for federal funding.\r\n\r\nNew York City's frontline workers, hospitals, and health centers continue to be stretched thin by the surge of COVID-19 cases and need immediate federal aid,saidSenator Gillibrand.This federal funding will provideNorthwellHealth Inc. with the PPE and equipment needed to increase the safety of both patients and providers, and help mitigate further spread of COVID-19. I'm proud to fight for funding that will help New York's health care professionals keep our communities safe during this unprecedented health crisis. \r\nNorthwellHealth, Inc. is New York's largest healthcare provider, employing over 74,000 employees in over 800 hospitals and healthcare centers.NorthwellHealth Inc. played a critical role in executing New York State's COVID-19 testing plan early in the pandemic and has provided resources and support including medical supply distribution, medical care for management control, and reduction of immediate threats to public health and safety. This Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.\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-announces-150-million-in-breast-cancer-research-funding-included-in-fy-2021-bipartisan-appropriations-package", "Following Her Push, Gillibrand Announces $150 Million In Breast Cancer Research Funding Included In FY 2021 Bipartisan Appropriations Package", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 29, 2020\n\t\t\t Following Her Push, Gillibrand Announces $150 Million In Breast Cancer Research Funding Included In FY 2021 Bipartisan Appropriations Package \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Armed Services Committee, today announced that the recently-passed government funding package authorized $150 million for the Department of Defense peer-reviewed Breast Cancer Research Program (DoD BCRP), enabling the program to continuemakingscientific breakthroughs inbreast cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. Earlier this year, Senator Gillibrand, a leader in the fight against breast cancer and for women's health care, led a bipartisan letter to the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee to maintain the level of funding for this vital program.\r\nSupport for the Breast Cancer Research Program can help change the lives of millions of people fighting this devastating disease,saidSenator Gillibrand.This program has been at the forefront of breast cancer research and care since its inception at the DoD and the continued funding is essential to life saving scientific advancements. I'm proud to have secured this funding to provide support and care for those fighting breast cancer.\r\nBreast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, with nearly 1 in 8 women estimated to be diagnosed in their lifetime. Research has shown that breast cancer rates among female service members are significantly higher than in the general civilian population. The DoD BCRP provides transformative breast cancer research, support to individuals and their families through and after breast cancer treatment, and primary prevention. Over 90% of the funds go directly to grants that perform breakthrough research. The flexibility and efficiency of the DoD BCRP allows the program to support scientific advances and fill knowledge gaps by focusing on research that is traditionally under-funded.\r\nFull text of Senator Gillibrand's letter to appropriators can be foundhereand below.\r\nDear Chairman Shelby and Ranking Member Durbin:\r\nThe Department of Defense peer-reviewed Breast Cancer Research Program (DOD BCRP) has established itself as a model medical research program. The DOD BCRP's progress in the fight against breast cancer has been made possible by this Committee's investment in breast cancer research.We thank you for your past support, and ask that you provide funding $150 million for fiscal year (FY) 2021 for the DOD BCRP in the Department of Defense Appropriations bill. The critical work of this program must be continued at this level of funding because:\r\n \r\nIt is a demonstrated success: Ground-breaking discoveries that offer insights into the biology of breast cancer have come as a result of the program, including revolutionary work that led to the development of the innovative drug Herceptin. From new methods of extracting breast cancer cells at their earliest stages, to unprecedented research into gene/environment interaction and quality of life issues, the DOD BCRP leads the way in generating new approaches to breast cancer prevention, treatment, and detection. The Institute of Medicine, in two analyses of the program, overwhelmingly supports continued investment in the DOD BCRP, stating the program fills a unique niche among public and private funding sources for cancer research. It is not duplicative of other programs and is a promising vehicle for forging new ideas and scientific breakthroughs in the nation's fight against breast cancer.\r\n \r\n \r\nIt is innovative and unique:The DOD BCRP has a unique grants structure that allows it to be more flexible and to fund innovative, high-risk, high-return research, enabling it to quickly respond to current scientific advances and to fill gaps by focusing on areas of research that are promising but otherwise underfunded.\r\n \r\n \r\nIt is efficient:Approximately 90 percent of the appropriated funds go directly to competitive, peer-reviewed research grants awarded only on the basis of scientific merit.\r\n \r\n \r\nIt is transparent and accountable to the public:This is evidenced by the inclusion of consumer advocates at both the peer and programmatic review levels. The consumer perspective helps the scientists understand how the research will affect the breast cancer community and allows for funding decisions based on the concerns and needs of patients and the medical community. Each researcher who receives funds from the program must present their results to the American people online and at public meetings called Era of Hope. The transparency of the DOD BCRP allows scientists, consumers, and the American public to see the exceptional progress made in breast cancer research.\r\n \r\nWhile the prevention and cure of breast cancer is not yet within our grasp, with the proper investments, we can win the fight against breast cancer. In 2020, it is estimated that 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among U.S. women and approximately 2,620 new cases among U.S. men and more than 42,000 will die of the disease this year. In addition to invasive cancers, 62,930 new cases of in situ breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the U.S. in 2018. Notably, research has also shown that breast cancer rates among female service members are significantly higher than in the general civilian population. Despite tremendous efforts to combat this terrible disease, we still have work to do to learn how to prevent, treat, and cure breast cancer. The DOD BCRP is a critical tool in this effort.\r\nThe Appropriations Committee has shown great determination and leadership in the search for answers in continuing to fund the DOD BCRP and by continuing to maintain the integrity of this model program of research.We thank you for your longstanding leadership with respect to the DOD BCRP and ask that you provide funding of $150 million for fiscal year (FY) 2021 for the DOD BCRP in the Department of Defense Appropriations bill.\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.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/gillibrand-calls-on-leader-mcconnell-to-allow-the-senate-to-vote-on-2000-emergency-checks", "Gillibrand Calls On Leader McConnell To Allow The Senate To Vote On $2,000 Emergency Checks", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 29, 2020\n\t\t\t Gillibrand Calls On Leader McConnell To Allow The Senate To Vote On $2,000 Emergency Checks \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tToday, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement calling on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to allow the Senate to vote on House-passed legislation to deliver $2,000 direct payment checks to Americans facing economic hardship due to the Covid-19 pandemic:\r\nYesterday, the House passed bipartisan legislation to send $2,000 direct payment checks to Americans weathering an unprecedented public health and financial crisis. Now, the Senate must do the same. Along with every Senate Democrat, several Republicans senators support these emergency checks, which will provide a crucial lifeline to millions of American families, who are struggling to keep food on the table and make ends meet. Leader McConnell must end the obstruction and let the Senate vote to deliver this much-needed relief to American families.\r\nBackground:\r\nThroughout relief package negotiations, Senator Gillibrand has pressed for the inclusion of robust direct payments. As noted in a December 29Washington Postcolumn, If not for progressives such as independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and both Democratic senators of Massachusetts and Oregon (who wanted $1,200 checks), there would not be any direct payments in the bill at all.\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/gillibrand-hace-llamado-al-lder-mcconnell-para-que-permita-un-voto-en-el-senado-sobre-los-cheques-de-emergencia-de-2000", "Gillibrand Hace Llamado Al L\u00edder Mcconnell Para Que Permita Un Voto En El Senado Sobre Los Cheques De Emergencia De $2,000", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 29, 2020\n\t\t\t Gillibrand Hace Llamado Al Lder Mcconnell Para Que Permita Un Voto En El Senado Sobre Los Cheques De Emergencia De $2,000 \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHoy la Senadora Kirsten Gillibrand emiti las siguientes declaraciones en las que insta al Lder de la Mayora del Senado Mitch McConnell permitir que el Senado vote sobre un proyecto de ley aprobado en la Cmara de Representantes que le proporcionara a los estadounidenses pagos directos por cheque de $2,000 por las dificultades econmicas que enfrentan debido a la pandemia de la Covid-19:\r\nAyer la Cmara de Representantes aprob un proyecto de ley bipartidista que le dara a los estadounidenses pasando por una crisis de salud pblica y financiera sin precedentes pagos directos por cheque de $2,000. Ahora el Senado debe hacer lo mismo. Hay varios senadores republicanos que junto a cada demcrata en el Senado respaldan la aprobacin de estos cheques de emergencia, los cuales sern una ayuda vital para millones de familias estadounidenses que luchan por alimentarse y cubrir sus gastos mensuales. El Lder McConnell debe dejar la obstruccin y dejar que el Senado vote para dar alivio financiero necesario a las familias estadounidenses.\r\nAntecedentes:\r\nA lo largo de las negociaciones para el paquete de alivio, la Senadora Gillibrand ha presionado para incluir pagos directos robustos. Como se seal en unartculo de opinin publicadoel 29 de diciembre en el diario Washington Post, Si no fuera por progresistas como el senador independiente por Vermont, Bernie Sanders; la senadora demcrata por Nueva York,Kirsten Gillibrand, y ambos senadores demcratas por Massachusetts y Oregon (quienes queran cheques por $1,200), no se hubiera incluido ningn pago directo en el proyecto de ley.\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-82-million-in-funding-for-rochester-laser-lab-in-the-fy-2021-bipartisan-appropriations-package_", "Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $82 Million In Funding For Rochester Laser Lab In The FY 2021 Bipartisan Appropriations Package", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 29, 2020\n\t\t\t Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $82 Million In Funding For Rochester Laser Lab In The FY 2021 Bipartisan Appropriations Package   \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 Following Their Push, Senators Secured $575 Million for National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) program; Bipartisan Funding Will Help Support Nearly 900 Jobs In New York State\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced their successful push to secure $82 million in funding for the OMEGA Laser Facility at University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE). The funding comes as part of $575 million that the senators fought to deliver to the National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) program in the bipartisan FY 2021 appropriations package. The funding will help achieve scientific milestones laid out in the current five-year Cooperative Agreement between LLE and the NNSA and will provide resources to help support the science-based stewardship of the nation's nuclear weapon stockpile. This funding will support nearly 900 jobs for scientists, engineers, technicians, and support staff, helping to drive economic growth throughout New York State.\r\nThe inclusion of $82 million in funding for the U of R'S OMEGA Laser Facility will ensure that the nearly 900 workers employed thanks to the Rochester Laser Lab can stay on the job keeping our nuclear weapon stockpile safe and reliable while pushing the frontiers of energy research at a time when countries like China and Russia are working to beat the U.S. to new technological advances,said Senator Schumer. I'm such a staunch supporter of the University of Rochester Laser Lab because it plays a paramount role in our national security and is vital to our regional economy, employing hundreds of scientists and bringing millions into the Rochester area. The United States of America has always taken pride in our scientific achievements, and with the U of R Laser Lab responsible for so many of them, I'll always fight relentlessly to ensure it has the resources necessary to keep innovating on behalf of the American people.\r\nThe partnership between OMEGA Laser Facility atUniversity of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is key to our national security and will keep the United States at the cutting edge of nuclear fusion research,saidSenator Gillibrand.This world-renowned research is also an important part of New York State's work force and community, bringing scientists from around the world to the Rochester-Finger Lakes region and creating nearly 900 jobs statewide. The funding is great news for New York and the entire nation, and I am pleased that it has been included in this year's government funding bill.\r\nWe are deeply grateful to Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for their longstanding leadership in support of the LLE and the integral role it plays in enhancing our national security, maintaining global competitiveness, driving economic growth and innovation across New York, and training the next generation of scientists. With this federal support, LLE will continue to make critical contributions to the science-based Stockpile Stewardship Program and build on its 50 year history of transformational leadership in laser innovation,said Sarah C. Mangelsdorf, President, University of Rochester.\r\nEstablished in 1970, the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) of the University of Rochester is a unique and cost effective national resource for research and education in science and technology. LLE is the largest U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) university-based research program in the entire nation and is home to the OMEGA lasers (Omega and Omega EP)  two of the largest and most capable at any academic institution in the world. The funding will allow LLE to support facility operations and experiments on OMEGA in order to make progress on the three most viable approaches to fusion, as well as support the research programs of the three NNSA laboratories. With this support, LLE will also be able to provide the needed scientific and technical support for external users, including the national laboratories (LLNL, LANL, and SNL) and more than 400 scientists from over 50 universities, that conduct research at the OMEGA facility. Lastly, this funding will improve cyber infrastructure and enhance the security of new high-performance computing capabilities, accelerate development and deployment of state-of-the-art diagnostics and next-generation laser technologies that have long-distinguished the University.\r\nNNSA's ICF Program helps to maintain the OMEGA Laser Facility. The ICF program is critical to maintaining safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent maintained through the Stockpile Stewardship Program. This program establishes the United States as a leader in technology and attracts talented scientists, engineers, and students dedicated to achieving controlled fusion laboratory, one of the grand scientific and engineering challenges for the 21st century.\r\nSchumer and Gillibrand have long fought for Rochester's Laser Lab. They helped secure $80 million in funding in the Fiscal Year 2020 spending bill and $75 million in 2018. In Fiscal Year 2019, the senators secured another $80 million in funding through the Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Bill. The senators will continue their efforts to help grow the laser lab, which is a key driver of Rochester's optics and photonics industry and in maintaining the nation's nuclear weapon stockpile while developing new clean energy sources.\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-82-million-in-funding-for-rochester-laser-lab-in-the-fy-2021-bipartisan-appropriations-package", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $82 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR ROCHESTER LASER LAB IN THE FY 2021 BIPARTISAN APPROPRIATIONS PACKAGE", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Charles Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.29.20\n\t\t\t SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $82 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR ROCHESTER LASER LAB IN THE FY 2021 BIPARTISAN APPROPRIATIONS PACKAGE \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFollowing Their Push, Senators Secured $575 Million for National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) program\r\nBipartisan Funding Will Help Support Nearly 900 Jobs In New York State\r\nWashington, D.C. U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced their successful push to secure $82 million in funding for the OMEGA Laser Facility at University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE). The funding comes as part of $575 million that the senators fought to deliver to the National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) program in the bipartisan FY 2021 appropriations package. The funding will help achieve scientific milestones laid out in the current five-year Cooperative Agreement between LLE and the NNSA and will provide resources to help support the science-based stewardship of the nation's nuclear weapon stockpile. This funding will support nearly 900 jobs for scientists, engineers, technicians, and support staff, helping to drive economic growth throughout New York State.\r\nThe inclusion of $82 million in funding for the U of R'S OMEGA Laser Facility will ensure that the nearly 900 workers employed thanks to the Rochester Laser Lab can stay on the job keeping our nuclear weapon stockpile safe and reliable while pushing the frontiers of energy research at a time when countries like China and Russia are working to beat the U.S. to new technological advances, said Senator Schumer. I'm such a staunch supporter of the University of Rochester Laser Lab because it plays a paramount role in our national security and is vital to our regional economy, employing hundreds of scientists and bringing millions into the Rochester area. The United States of America has always taken pride in our scientific achievements, and with the U of R Laser Lab responsible for so many of them, I'll always fight relentlessly to ensure it has the resources necessary to keep innovating on behalf of the American people.\r\nThe partnership between OMEGA Laser Facility atUniversity of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is key to our national security and will keep the United States at the cutting edge of nuclear fusion research,saidSenator Gillibrand.This world-renowned research is also an important part of New York State's work force and community, bringing scientists from around the world to the Rochester-Finger Lakes region and creating nearly 900 jobs statewide. The funding is great news for New York and the entire nation, and I am pleased that it has been included in this year's government funding bill.\r\nWe are deeply grateful to Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for their longstanding leadership in support of the LLE and the integral role it plays in enhancing our national security, maintaining global competitiveness, driving economic growth and innovation across New York, and training the next generation of scientists. With this federal support, LLE will continue to make critical contributions to the science-based Stockpile Stewardship Program and build on its 50 year history of transformational leadership in laser innovation, said Sarah C. Mangelsdorf, President, University of Rochester.\r\nEstablished in 1970, the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) of the University of Rochester is a unique and cost effective national resource for research and education in science and technology. LLE is the largest U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) university-based research program in the entire nation and is home to the OMEGA lasers (Omega and Omega EP)  two of the largest and most capable at any academic institution in the world. The funding will allow LLE to support facility operations and experiments on OMEGA in order to make progress on the three most viable approaches to fusion, as well as support the research programs of the three NNSA laboratories. With this support, LLE will also be able to provide the needed scientific and technical support for external users, including the national laboratories (LLNL, LANL, and SNL) and more than 400 scientists from over 50 universities, that conduct research at the OMEGA facility. Lastly, this funding will improve cyber infrastructure and enhance the security of new high-performance computing capabilities, accelerate development and deployment of state-of-the-art diagnostics and next-generation laser technologies that have long-distinguished the University.\r\nNNSA's ICF Program helps to maintain the OMEGA Laser Facility. The ICF program is critical to maintaining safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent maintained through the Stockpile Stewardship Program. This program establishes the United States as a leader in technology and attracts talented scientists, engineers, and students dedicated to achieving controlled fusion laboratory, one of the grand scientific and engineering challenges for the 21st century.\r\nSchumer and Gillibrand have long fought for Rochester's Laser Lab. They helped secure $80 million in funding in the Fiscal Year 2020 spending bill and $75 million in 2018. In Fiscal Year 2019, the senators secured another $80 million in funding through the Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Bill. The senators will continue their efforts to help grow the laser lab, which is a key driver of Rochester's optics and photonics industry and in maintaining the nation's nuclear weapon stockpile while developing new clean energy sources.\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-brindisi-just-signed-bipartisan-end-of-year-omnibus-legislation-includes-278-million-for-rome-lab-federal-funding-will-be-used-to-further-revolutionize-uas-and-quantum-technology", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, BRINDISI: JUST-SIGNED, BIPARTISAN END-OF-YEAR OMNIBUS LEGISLATION INCLUDES $278 MILLION FOR ROME LAB; FEDERAL FUNDING WILL BE USED TO FURTHER REVOLUTIONIZE UAS & QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Charles Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.29.20\n\t\t\t SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, BRINDISI: JUST-SIGNED, BIPARTISAN END-OF-YEAR OMNIBUS LEGISLATION INCLUDES $278 MILLION FOR ROME LAB; FEDERAL FUNDING WILL BE USED TO FURTHER REVOLUTIONIZE UAS & QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThe Air Force Research Laboratory In Rome Will Receive Over $278M In Funding For Fiscal Year 2021  More Than $37M Above The President's Budget Request & $6M More Than Fiscal Year 2020\r\nReps Directly Secured Funding For Rome Lab To Advance Groundbreaking Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) & Quantum Tech; Say Funding Boost Will Supercharge World-Class Capabilities\r\n\r\nReps: Funding Will Keep Rome Lab At The Military's Epicenter Of UAS & Quantum Technology, While Boosting Mohawk Valley's Economy\r\n\r\nContinuing their fierce advocacy for scientific innovation in Upstate New York, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Congressman Anthony Brindisi today announced that they have secured $278,889,000 in federal funding for the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome (Rome Lab) in the just-signed end-of-year omnibus legislation. The total amount includes specific provisions the reps pushed for, including $10 million to further develop a Department of Defense (DoD)/Federal Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) testbed and prototype in collaboration with the NY UAS Test Site, $10 million for the initial design and construction for a first-of-its-kind large wide area Quantum Wide Area Network (QWAN), and $10 million in funding to the Quantum Information Science Innovation Center,' also known as The Innovare Advancement Center in Rome.\r\n\r\nThis federal funding is a green light for DoD to supercharge its investment in just the kind of cutting-edge UAS and quantum technology that is happening at Rome Lab. The nation that innovates fastest and best in these technologies will be the superpower of the next century and I am beyond excited to help make Rome Lab a central part of that effort, said Senator Schumer. Not only has Rome Lab delivered real results in developing and enhancing our nation's defense capabilities through tech, they have shown a commitment to employing local residents with good-paying jobs and partnering with local business to advance their work. This infusion of funding will ensure that the talented people that work there will help our nation stay ahead of our international competitors in these critically important fields.\r\n\r\nThis federal funding will enable Rome Lab to continue developing ground-breaking technologies to support our nation's defense, support the Mohawk Valley economy, and bolster more than one thousand local jobs, said Senator Gillibrand. The people who work at Rome Lab represent the best of New York ingenuity and I'm excited to support them as they continue making America a worldwide leader in technological innovation.\r\nRome Lab, the Mohawk Valley, and New York's 22nd district at large play a crucial role in maintaining a strong national defense, Congressman Brindisi said. I worked with Democrats and Republicans to pass bipartisan legislation that includes a significant investment in Rome Lab and Central New York's defense industry. With this bill's help, we can keep our country safe, build upon our reputation as an industry leader, and create good-paying jobs along the way. I will continue to fight to bring taxpayer dollars back to this community.\r\nRome Lab is one of the nation's premier research facilities leading cutting edge research in quantum computing, neuromorphic computing, machine learning, artificial intelligence, cyber security and unmanned aerial systems. Senator Schumer is a super charged advocate driven by the impact the lab's work has on our Nation's strength and resilience, saidMC Chruscicki, CNY Defense Alliance Executive Director. The funding is critical to the development of the CNY high tech-eco-system and innovation led by the men and women at Rome Lab.\r\n\r\nLocated in Oneida County, one of Rome Lab's primary focuses is gathering and processing cyber intelligence. Since 1997, it has been the USAF's Superlab and is considered the nation's premier research organization for Command, Control, Communications, Cyber and Intelligence (C4I) technologies. The lab focuses on developing information technology for air, space and ground systems, in addition to partnering with other federal agencies, universities, private industry and other state and local governments. Schumer, Gillibrand, and Brindisi have been especially supportive of the Lab's quantum computing research in recent years, helping secure tens of millions of dollars that helped fund the Quantum Information Science Innovation Center' in Rome, which opened earlier this year. The open campus, also known as The Innovare Advancement Center, is a collaboration between researchers from the Air Force, Department of Defense (DOD), government, industry, small business community, and academia. Additionally, Schumer announced last year that Rome Lab would serve as DOD's leading representative on an initiative tasked with promoting the quantum computing industry nationwide.\r\n\r\nRome Lab is also a source of growth for the regional economy and a major source of employment. According to the U.S. Air Force's 2019 economic impact analysis, Rome Lab employed nearly 1,200 workers with an annual payroll of over $145 million and generated over $460 million in regional economic activity last year. The U.S. Air Force's economic impact study can be found here. Because of Rome Lab's strong commitment to excellence in developing and enhancing this nation's cybersecurity infrastructure, as well as its commitment to employing local residents with good-paying jobs, Schumer, Gillibrand, and Brindisi have long fought to ensure Rome Labs has what it needs to succeed and maintain its strong workforce.\r\n\r\nEarlier this year, the representatives helped to secure a $13.15 million Army Corps contract to construct perimeter security at Rome Lab. In the Fiscal Years 2018 and 2019 defense budgets, the representatives helped deliver $243 million and $245 million for Rome Lab's operations and personnel, respectively. That funding included over $13 million directly secured by the senators for Rome Lab to establish critical components of its Quantum Information Science Innovation Center,'. In the 2020 defense budget, representatives secured $272 million for Rome Lab, a $27 million increase over 2019's level and $34 million above the president's budget request.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/fda-considers-lifting-restrictions-on-blood-donations-by-gay-and-bi-men", "FDA considers lifting restrictions on blood donations by gay and bi men", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A new pilot study funded by the Food and Drug Administration could be the first step toward lifting restrictions on blood donations by gay and bisexual men.\n\t\t\tThe program, called Assessing Donor Variability and New Concepts in Eligibility (Advance), has been launched by three ofthe nation's largest blood centers the American Red Cross, Vitalant and OneBlood.\n\t\t\tWe can't say some people can give blood, other people can't based on their sexual orientation, then-Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Fla., who represented Orlando at the time, told reporters, according toThe Washington Blade.\n\t\t\tGay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men are thegroup most affected by HIV in the U.S., according to the CDC: In 2018, they accounted for 69 percent of the nearly 38,000 new HIV diagnoses across the country.\n\t\t\tIn April, as coronavirus lockdowns caused donations to plummet, the FDA quicklyloweredthe eligibility requirement for MSM to just three months.\n\t\t\tThe pandemic's impact on available blood was swift and severe: By mid-March, the American Red Crosshad canceled some 2,700 blood drives, resulting in 86,000 fewer donations. In April, donations at the New York Blood Center were down from an average of 9,500 a month to fewer than 2,000, according to New York state Sen. Brad Hoylman, who is gay and was initiallyrejected as a donordespite meeting the new criteria. A regular month they host about 600 blood drives, Hoylman told NBC News in May. Last week, they hosted two.\n\t\t\tThe three-month deferral also affects women who have sex with MSM, sex workers, injection drug users and those with recent tattoos or piercings.\n\t\t\tIn anApril letter to the FDA, two New York Democrats, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, chair of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and committee member Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, called the change a good first step but urged theagency to move toward assessing potential donors by individual risk.\n\t\t\tA policy that fails to do this perpetuates stigma and falls short of ensuring thatevery person who can safely donateblood in the United States has the opportunity to do so, they said.\n\t\t\tThe Red Cross, which had encouraged the FDA to adopt the three-month deferral model, alsocalled ita scientifically based interim step toward abolishing restrictions altogether.\n\t\t\tBlood donation eligibility should not be determined by methods that are based upon sexual orientation, the relieforganization said.\n\t\t\tJay Franzone, an LGBTQ advocate whoremained abstinent for a yearto donate blood in January 2017, said the Advance study is long overdue.\n\t\t\tItaly, Spain and other nations modernized their donor policies years ago, before the U.S. even ended its lifetime ban,he told NBC News.\n\t\t\tMore than a dozen nationsincluding Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Colombiahave adopted a risk-based questionnaire in place of a blanket policy based on sexual orientation. Earlier this month, theU.K. became the latest.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-votes-to-override-trump-veto-provide-2000-economic-impact", "Maloney Votes to Override Trump Veto & Provide $2,000 Economic Impact Payments", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) today returned to Washington, DC for two key votes in the House of Representatives. The Congresswoman voted first to pass the Caring for Americans With Supplemental Help (CASH) Act of 2020, and then to override the President's veto of H.R. 6395, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021.\n\nDemocrats have been fighting for $2,000 stimulus payments for months and throughout the COVID package negotiations. However, Republicans refused to budge and would only allow for $600 payments. We knew that this was not enough and viewed these checks as a down payment on what we will and must provide under the incoming Biden-Harris Administration. Today, I was proud to join with my colleagues to vote for the CASH Act to provide the $2,000 payments we have been fighting for. If President Trump is serious in his demands to provide these checks for the American people, he must ensure that Mitch McConnell brings the CASH Act to a vote in the Senate.\n\nI also voted today to override the President's veto of the FY21 NDAA. While I did not vote for the underlying bill, it is irresponsible for the President to veto this bill after months of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations. The FY21 NDAA also includes my Corporate Transparency Act, which is a critically important bill that will strengthen our national security by cracking down on anonymous shell companies that are used by terrorists and money launderers around the world. More than two-thirds of both the House and Senate voted to approve this package, and we must follow the will of the people. Further, Trump's reasons for vetoing this bill are self-serving and have nothing to do with protecting our national security. I voted today to respect the will of the people and to ensure no lapse in pay for the brave Americans serving our country in the military.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-votes-to-override-trump-veto-provide-2000-economic-impact-0", "Maloney Votes to Override Trump Veto & Provide $2,000 Economic Impact Payments", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) today returned to Washington, DC for two key votes in the House of Representatives. The Congresswoman voted first to pass the Caring for Americans With Supplemental Help (CASH) Act of 2020, and then to override the President's veto of H.R. 6395, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021.\n\nDemocrats have been fighting for $2,000 stimulus payments for months and throughout the COVID package negotiations. However, Republicans refused to budge and would only allow for $600 payments. We knew that this was not enough and viewed these checks as a down payment on what we will and must provide under the incoming Biden-Harris Administration. Today, I was proud to join with my colleagues to vote for the CASH Act to provide the $2,000 payments we have been fighting for. If President Trump is serious in his demands to provide these checks for the American people, he must ensure that Mitch McConnell brings the CASH Act to a vote in the Senate.\n\nI also voted today to override the President's veto of the FY21 NDAA. While I did not vote for the underlying bill, it is irresponsible for the President to veto this bill after months of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations. The FY21 NDAA also includes my Corporate Transparency Act, which is a critically important bill that will strengthen our national security by cracking down on anonymous shell companies that are used by terrorists and money launderers around the world. More than two-thirds of both the House and Senate voted to approve this package, and we must follow the will of the people. Further, Trump's reasons for vetoing this bill are self-serving and have nothing to do with protecting our national security. I voted today to respect the will of the people and to ensure no lapse in pay for the brave Americans serving our country in the military.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/feliz-navidad-y-felices-fiestas", "Feliz Navidad y Felices Fiestas", "2020-12-24", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Gracias por su apoyo inquebrantable en este ao que termina, uno que ha estado lleno de desafos insuperables que enfrentan las personas y las familias en nuestras comunidades y en todo el pas.\nSigo inspirado y animado por la resiliencia que he presenciado a lo largo de estos tiempos de dificultades, y prometo continuar mis esfuerzos en Washington luchando en su nombre.\nComo comunidad, hemos soportado un ao extraordinario y hemos demostrado a travs de nuestra destreza que estamos en el camino para reconstruir mejor y ms fuerte que nunca. El vnculo familiar que compartimos ahora es inquebrantable.\nEn nombre de mi familia, les deseo a usted y a los suyos felicidad en estas fiestas, mientras cada uno de nosotros mantenemos vivas las tradiciones de la familia, las fiestas y la comunidad en nuestros corazones mientras celebramos y creamos nuevos recuerdos de la manera ms segura posible.\nMis mejores deseos y espero la salud y la curacin que traer el nuevo ao.\nSinceramente,\nAdriano Espaillat  \n\tMiembro del Congreso  \n\tSirviendo orgullosamente al 13 distrito congresual de Nueva York", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/merry-christmas-and-happy-holidays", "Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays", "2020-12-24", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thank you for your unwavering support this past year  one that has been filled with insurmountable challenges faced by individuals and families throughout our communities and around the nation.\nI remain both inspired and galvanized by the resilience I have witnessed throughout these times of hardship, and I vow to continue my efforts in Washington fighting on your behalf.\nAs a community, we have endured an extraordinary year and have shown through our dexterity that we are on the road to build back better and stronger than ever before. The familial bond we now share is unbreakable.\nOn behalf of my family to yours, I wish you happiness this holiday season as we each keep the traditions of family, holidays and community alive in our hearts as we celebrate and create new memories as safely as possible.\nBest wishes, and I look forward to the health and healing that the new year will bring.\nSincerely,\nAdriano Espaillat  \n\tMember of Congress  \n\tProudly serving New York's 13th congressional district", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/after-long-difficult-road-schumer-higgins-announce-us-agreement-with", "After Long, Difficult Road, Schumer, Higgins Announce U.S. Agreement with Sudan Will Finally Deliver Justice for Buffalos Granville Family", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Brian Higgins", "H001038", "higgins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer and Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the omnibus budget package approved by Congress includes long-overdue justice for a Western New York family.\nOn January 1, 2008, Buffalo-native John Granville and his colleague, Abdel Rahman Abas, were murdered by terrorists in Sudan after leaving a New Year's Eve event at the British Embassy in Khartoum. At the time, John was working as a diplomat for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). After years of negotiations, the U.S. Government recently removed Sudan as a state sponsor of terror because the country is transitioning from a dictatorship to a civilian-led government. Sudan has deposited $335 million in an escrow account to be disbursed to survivors and families of those killed at U.S. Embassies and in other terrorist attacks. Following Congressional approval of the agreement, the Granville family is now able to access a settlement of more than $2 Million. \nJohn Granville was a dedicated and patriotic diplomat with a deep love of country, family, and Western New York, Senator Schumer said. While nothing can fill the void left by his murder, this legislation achieves a commonsense resolution, which will finally allow the Granville family to receive some measure of justice and closure after all they have suffered.\nJohn Granville was a bright young man, making a difference in the world with his work promoting free and fair elections in Sudan when he was gunned down by terrorists nearly 13 years ago, Higgins said. It is in fact, John's work that has contributed to a transitioning government for the people of Sudan today. John's death was devastating in itself, but the family has continued to suffer by actions in the years that have followed.This legislation will help ease the family's long, difficult struggle.\nAfter months of negotiation Senator Schumer, along with Senator Menendez, brokered a compromise that led to the passage of legislation unlocking compensation for the Granville family and victims of the East Africa Embassy Bombings. Following a conversation with the Granville family in September, Senator Schumer worked tirelessly with Senator Menendez for a commonsense solution that would allow them to receive their settlement while also addressing the deep deficiencies in the legislation proposed by the administration that harmed other victims of terror. Senator Schumer announced on December 21, 2020 that the agreement was part of the bipartisan omnibus legislation, unlocking millions for the Granville family after years of uncertainty.\nCongressman Higgins learned about the killing after receiving a call from John's mother on the morning of his death. Since then, Higgins has undertaken significant advocacy on behalf of the Granville family and American diplomatic missions around the world. In 2013, Higgins testified on diplomatic protection before the House Foreign affairs committee, and later that year pressed then-Secretary of State John Kerry on the need to hold Sudan accountable. He also took the lead on a letter to Sudanese President al-Bashir to rescind that pardon that was granted to John Granville's killer and has made numerous speeches on John's behalf on the floor of the House of Representatives. Earlier this year Higgins reached out to the House Foreign Affairs Committee to request the settlement agreement for families with the Sudan government be included in year-end legislation.Higgins also worked closely with the family to appeal for the agreement and coordinated with Senators Schumer and Coons.\nJohn Granville grew up in South Buffalo, graduated from Canisius High School and earned a degree from Fordham University in International Relations and a Master's degree in International Development and Social Change from Cark University. He was a Fulbright Scholar and volunteered for the Peace Corps before beginning his work with USAID. He is survived by his mother and sister.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/covid-19-weekly-update-for-ny-12", "COVID-19 & Weekly Update for NY-12", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I voted to pass the combined COVID relief and omnibus spending package. I applaud my colleagues who worked on this agreement to ensure much needed relief for the American people during this unprecedented health and economic crisis and remain committed to building on this down payment to the American people under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration.\n\t\t\t\tMore on the deal and COVID-19 updates for NY-12 below.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tCOVID Relief and Omnibus Spending Bill\n\t\t\t\tOn Monday, I joined with my colleagues in voting to pass the COVID relief and government funding package. This bill, while not perfect, provides much needed relief and important wins for our city and the American people.\n\t\t\t\tThe bill importantly:\n\t\t\t\t Prioritizes Americans' health by providing:\n\t\t\t\t\t\tbillions of dollars to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of vaccines,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\ttax credits for paid sick leave, and\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$4 billion for GAVI, the international vaccine alliance, because we cannot ensure that Americans are safe from COVID-19 until the whole world is, too.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tIncludes much-needed support for small businesses by:\n\t\t\t\t\t\tadding another $284 billion to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)  businesses that have already taken a PPP loan will be able to take a second forgivable loan, and\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsetting aside funding specifically for very small businesses through community-based lenders, ensuring that low-income and underserved communities are not left behind.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tProvides workers who have already lost their jobs with an additional $300 per week in unemployment insurance.\n\t\t\t\t\tExtends of the critically important Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program for gig workers and the self-employed.\n\t\t\t\t Especially important for our city are:\n\t\t\t\t $25 billion for rental assistance, the extension of the eviction moratorium, and enhancements to the low-income housing tax credit.\n\t\t\t\t\t$15 billion in grants for the live venues and cultural institutions that are so central to life in New York City, and which have been struggling since the start of the pandemic.\n\t\t\t\t\t$4 billion for the MTA, which meets the MTA's immediate funding needs while we continue to work for the full $12 billion in federal assistance it will need over the next two years.\n\t\t\t\t Democrats were also able to secure $13 billion in increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits, much needed funding to help schools repair and replace HVAC systems to mitigate the spread of the virus so that we can safely reopen classrooms, and $10 billion for childcare assistance for parents heading back to work.\n\t\t\t\tNot to be overlooked is the inclusion of a bipartisan, bicameral agreement to end surprise billing  a practice that has bankrupted too many families.\n\t\t\t\tDemocrats were also able to remove several dangerous Republican proposals  including one that would have unjustly put workers at risk by taking away their legal recourse and another provision limiting the authority of the Federal Reserve's ability to stabilize the economy and save jobs.\n\t\t\t\tI am thankful that with this agreement, we will avoid another government shutdown, but disappointed that Republicans still refuse to provide the necessary funding for our frontline heroes through funding for state and local governments and to meet the needs of the American people through stimulus payments  $600 is simply not enough to weather the economic crisis caused by COVID-19. Even with the emergency relief provided in this bill being the second highest in history (behind the CARES Act), this is still just a step in the right direction  a down payment  of what we will deliver for the people under a Biden-Harris Administration.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBuilding a Smithsonian Women's History Museum\n\t\t\t\tI am very excited to share with you the news that with the passage of the year-end spending deal, we are well on our way to finally building a Smithsonian Women's History Museum.\n\t\t\t\tBuilding a Smithsonian Women's History Museum, a testament to the women who helped build and shape this nation, has been years in the making and I am thrilled that we are finally set to enact this historic legislation. For too long, women's stories have been left out of the telling of our nation's history, and we can now begin to rectify that. Americans of all ages deserve to see and be inspired by the remarkable women who helped shape this nation  seeing role models doing the thing to which we aspire, can change the course of someone's life. How fitting to pass this bill as we mark the centennial of the 19th Amendment and in the year in which we elected our first woman vice president.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tGun Research Funding\n\t\t\t\tGun violence is a public health crisis that continues to destroy lives all across the country and has grown even worse during the coronavirus pandemic. For years, I have worked with Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) to pass legislation directing federal funding toward health research into gun violence. This research can help save lives by proposing science-based solutions to end the gun violence epidemic.\n\t\t\t\tLast year, Sen. Markey and I secured $25 million in the year-end spending bill to fund research on firearms safety and gun violence prevention, the first time Congress approved federal funding for the study of gun violence since an appropriations rider called the Dickey Amendment was put on the books in 1996. I am glad that the 2021 spending package includes $25 million to continue the research that was finally able to start this fall.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tEnsuring Trump's Compliance with the Presidential Records Act\n\t\t\t\tOn Monday, I sent aletter to David S. Ferriero, Archivist of the United States, expressing grave concerns that the outgoing Trump Administration may not be adequately preserving records and may be disposing of them without first obtaining his views, as required by law.\n\t\t\t\tUnder the Presidential Records Act, President Trump may not dispose of any presidential records unless he first obtains the views, in writing, of the Archivist concerning the proposed disposal of such Presidential records. The law also requires Ferriero to request the advice of the Oversight Committee, as well other relevant committees, whenever a request is received regarding the disposal of records from the President, if those records may be of special interest to the Congress or if consultation with the Congress regarding the disposal is in the public interest.\n\t\t\t\tI've requested a response no later than January 5, 2021. You can read the full letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-maloney-applauds-nih-grant-recipients-who-continue-lifesaving", "Rep. Maloney Applauds HHS Grant Recipients Who Continue Lifesaving Research During Pandemic", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) today thanked and congratulated all of the Health and Human Services (HHS) grant recipients in New York's 12thCongressional District who were awarded federal grants to conduct lifesaving research since March 13, 2020, when the President declared a national state of emergency due to the coronavirus. The grants awarded to NY-12 researchers total more than $1.4 billion.\nI applaud and congratulate the dedicated and talented scientists and researchers in New York's 12th District who have been awarded competitive grant funding from HHS, totaling more than $1.4 billion. I have long championed federal investment in medical research because of the advancements in disease treatment and cures that this work makes possible.\nThe COVID-19 crisis has brought into even sharper focus the value of medical research in promoting public health  yet, in the era of social distancing, conducting that research has never been more challenging. Our city's scientists and researchers have overcome those challenges to continue their lifesaving work, which will benefit not just New Yorkers but people across the country and around the globe.\nI am pleased to recognize these research institutions for their contributions to public health and medical science and congratulate all the project teams on being selected to receive federal funding through grants, discretionary funding, and cooperative agreements. Our district is proud of all you have achieved.\nThe full list of NY-12 based projects awarded federal research funding during the COVID-19 pandemic is availablehere.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ocasio-cortez-recognizes-congressional-app-challenge-winner-runner", "Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Recognizes Congressional App Challenge Winner, Runner-Up", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez", "O000172", "ocasio-cortez.house.gov", "ocasio-cortez", "https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\"Michael's application was unique, useful, navigable and had a real potential to scale-up. He also thoughtfully considered behavioral psychology when designing a points system that would incentivize users to observe COVID-19 public health guidelines,\" said Rep. Ocasio-Cortez. \"I commend him and all the other challenge participants for seeking out this opportunity. The skills they have demonstrated - empathy, innovation, creativity, initiative - speak volumes about the next generation of young leaders.\"\n\nThe runner-up from NY-14 was the \u2018Ability Tester' app by Christopher Schack. Ability Tester is a website with five tests that measure the user's short-term memory, vision, hand-eye coordination, motor skills and reflex. A video\n\nEvery year, students from across the country participate in the Congressional App Challenge by creating a software application, or \"app\", for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice. Each Congressional office that participates in the Challenge selects a winner from their district. The students are then traditionally recognized at a reception in D.C. - which this year will be held virtually due to COVID-19.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://seanmaloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-s-national-purple-heart-hall-of-honor-commemorative-coin-act-1", "Maloneys National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Commemorative Coin Act Signed Into Law", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Sean Maloney", "M001185", "seanmaloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Maloney's National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Commemorative Coin Act Signed Into Law\nWashington, D.C. - This week, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney's (NY-18) bill, the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Commemorative Coin Act was signed into law by President Trump.\nThe bill will honor the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and all our Purple Heart recipients with a commemorative coin provided by the U.S. Mint, and produced at the United States Mint at West Point. Proceeds from the sale of the coin would be directed to the National Purple Heart Honor Mission, Inc. for tribute projects and educational programs that raise awareness about the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, and pay tribute to the sacrifices of all our servicemen and women who were wounded or killed in combat.\nThe National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, within New York's 18th Congressional District.\nThis is a big win for our veterans in the Hudson Valley, our Purple Heart recipients, and the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and Honor Mission. I've worked on this bipartisan bill for years  I'm so proud to see it signed into law and can't wait to see this bill help advance the mission of the Hall of Honor, said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney. I thank Senator Schumer for his partnership on this bill, and the dedicated team and volunteers at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and the Purple Heart Honor Mission for their help making this important bill a law.\nThe National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Commemorative Coin Act authorizes the U.S. Treasury to mint $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins at the United States Mint at West Point for the 2022 year. After production costs are recouped by the U.S. Treasury, proceeds from sales of the coin will be directed to the National Purple Heart Honor Mission, Inc. Those resources will help the organization augment their Honor Flight style Purple Heart Patriot Project program and create a new Mobile Tribute and Education Center that will visit communities across the nation bringing the story of the Purple Heart to a whole new generation of Americans.\nThe Purple Heart is one of the oldest and most recognized American military medals, awarded to service members who were killed or wounded by enemy action. General George Washington named West Point the most important strategic position in America during the Revolutionary War which is when the military decoration first originated. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor's mission is to collect and preserve the stories of Purple Heart recipients from all branches of service and across generations to serve as a living memorial to their sacrifice.\nThe hall's work is supported by the National Purple Heart Honor Mission, a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose goal is to honor America's Purple Heart recipients, through various outreach and educational programs, including promoting visitation at the Hall of Honor. The National Purple Heart Honor Mission conceived of the museum and worked for more two decades to secure necessary funding for its development and expansion. The National Purple Heart Honor Mission also undertakes other forms of outreach to honor the nation's estimated two million Purple Heart recipients, such as the Purple Heart Patriot Project that brings Purple Heart recipients from across the country to New York for a multi-day tribute program.\nThe National Purple Heart Honor Mission is an approved 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which supports a variety of programs to promote the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, pay tribute to our Purple Heart recipients, and educate all Americans about our combat-wounded veterans to ensure those who sacrificed for freedom are never forgotten.\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/following-her-push-gillibrand-announces-snap-increase-and-p-ebt-eligibility-expansion-included-in-coronavirus-relief-package_", "Following Her Push, Gillibrand Announces Snap Increase And P-EBT Eligibility Expansion Included In Coronavirus Relief Package", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 23, 2020\n\t\t\t Following Her Push, Gillibrand Announces Snap Increase And P-EBT Eligibility Expansion Included In Coronavirus Relief Package   \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 As COVID-19 Has Exacerbated The Nation's Hunger Crisis, Senator Gillibrand Has Fought For 15% Increase In SNAP Benefits And Legislation To Expand Eligibility For The P-EBT Program For Low-income Children Who Were Previously Left Out; Relief Package Also Includes Funding For Senior Nutrition Services\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, announced that following her push, a vital 15% increase in SNAP benefits and her proposal to expand the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) program are included in the latest coronavirus relief package. Senator Gillibrand also secured $175 million forOlder Americans ActNutrition Services to support efforts to deliver nutritious meals for older adults. Food banks across New York and the country have experienced growing and unprecedented demand since March. In New York 13% of rural families depend on SNAP while 15% of those in metro areas rely on the program. Although the need for SNAP has drastically increased as many Americans have lost their jobs and are struggling to put food on the table due to the COVID-19 crisis, the 15% increase has not been included in previous coronavirus response packages. Senator Gillibrand's proposals will not only increase SNAP benefits for each family, they will expand eligibility by removing harmful barriers to access, and will put healthy and nutritious food on the table for families in need.\r\nAs the country experiences another dangerous wave of coronavirusinfections,and the economy continues to suffer,it's critical that hardworking Americans have the resources to keep their families fed. For months I have fought to increase SNAP benefits and I'm proud that this vital increase is finally included in this current package,saidSenator Gillibrand.In this time of uncertainty we must ensure that SNAP and P-EBT can respond to growing demand and reach as many Americans as possible. The investments in these programs will provide a vital lifeline and prevent more hungry children from slipping through the cracks. There's more work to be done, and I will continue working across the aisle to help New Yorkers keep food on the table during this crisis and beyond.\r\nSenator Gillibrand has been a leader in the fight to combat the growing hunger crisis since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the summer, Gillibrand visited food banks across New York State and repeatedly urged congressional leadership to include the 15% increase in SNAP benefits. Gillibrand also proposed theEnsuring Nutrition for America's Students Act, and called on Congress to pass the bill in order to expand eligibility for P-EBT,make the program more responsive to changes in virtual and in person learning, and ensure low-income children who have been previously left out of the program have access to nutritious meals throughout the COVID-19 crisis.\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://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/espaillat-asegura-aumentos-importantes-de-financiaci-n-y-triunfos-en-pol-ticas", "ESPAILLAT ASEGURA AUMENTOS IMPORTANTES DE FINANCIACIN Y TRIUNFOS EN POLTICAS CLAVE EN LEGISLACIN APROBADA EN LA CMARA QUE SE CONVERTIR EN LEY", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Hoy, el congresista Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) anunci una serie de victorias en polticas clave y financiamientos importantes en la legislacin que establece el gasto federal. El proyecto de ley, que se convertir en ley como parte de un paquete de financiamiento del gobierno de fin de ao, incluye miles de millones de dlares para programas y prioridades que Espaillat ha avanzado en los ltimos aos. Por ejemplo, el proyecto de ley incluye $14.4 millones adicionales para cmaras corporales para agentes fronterizos a fin de garantizar una mayor transparencia y supervisin de las agencias de control de inmigracin a lo largo de la frontera sur de nuestra nacin. Espaillat consigui 21 millones de dlares el ao pasado para la primera partida de compras de cmaras. Esta financiacin adicional garantizar que todos los agentes estn equipados con una cmara corporal. Espaillat tambin asegur un aumento de fondos para la Iniciativa de Seguridad de la Cuenca del Caribe (CBSI) en casi $15 millones, llevando ese proyecto a casi $75 millones en total, para combatir el trfico de drogas, promover la justicia social y aumentar la seguridad pblica en la regin. Espaillat asegur la aprobacin de su Ley de Autorizacin de la Iniciativa de Seguridad de la Cuenca del Caribe en la Cmara de Representantes a principios de este ao, que codificara este aumento en la ley y expandira las actividades para promover la resiliencia al clima. El paquete incluye $2 mil millones para el programa Capital Investment Grants, que proporcionar la porcin federal de fondos para el proyecto de Extensin de la Fase II del Subway de Segunda Avenida. Espaillat ha brindado un apoyo constante para llevar el sistema de metro de la ciudad de Nueva York a East Harlem, y esta financiacin ayudar a hacer realidad el proyecto. Espaillat tambin tuvo xito en sus esfuerzos para ayudar a las universidades de dos y cuatro aos (HSI) que sirven a los hispanos a expandir sus programas de ciencia, tecnologa, ingeniera y matemticas. El proyecto de ley incluye $46.5 millones adicionales para un programa de subvenciones de la National Science Foundation (Fundacin Nacional de Ciencia) especficamente para HSI, un aumento de $1.5 millones con respecto al ao pasado. Adems, Espaillat encabez a miembros de la Delegacin bipartidista de Congresistas de Nueva York en la solicitud de un apoyo slido para los Institutos Nacionales de Salud (NIH), cuyos programas de investigacin y apoyo a las instituciones han sido un recurso esencial para la ciudad de Nueva York y el Distrito Congresual 13 de Nueva York durante esta pandemia de COVID-19. Esta legislacin aumenta los fondos de los NIH para el ao fiscal 2021 en un momento en que nuestra comunidad cientfica y de salud pblica necesita el mayor apoyo y tambin incluye fondos para una variedad de programas de investigacin especializados. Esto incluye el Fondo de Innovacin de los NIH para el Instituto Nacional del Cncer (NCI) para la investigacin del cncer; Instituto Nacional de Trastornos Neurolgicos y Accidentes Cerebrovasculares (NINDS); Instituto Nacional de Salud Mental (NIMH) para la Iniciativa BRAIN; la Iniciativa de Medicina de Precisin, y la Iniciativa Beau Biden Cancer Moonshot. Estos programas de investigacin especializados estn a la vanguardia de los descubrimientos cientficos cuyo trabajo e investigacin en asociacin tiene lugar en el Distrito Congresual 13 de Nueva York. Espaillat tambin ha liderado los esfuerzos para financiar el Programa de Nutricin del Mercado de Agricultores, que ayuda a aquellos a travs del Programa de Nutricin del Mercado de Agricultores para WIC a comprar productos frescos de los mercados de agricultores de origen local. El proyecto de ley proporciona un total de $21 mil millones para el programa, un aumento de $2.5 mil millones. Adems de la financiacin, el proyecto de ley incluye una serie de directivas del Congreso que Espaillat asegur. Por ejemplo, requiere que el Servicio de Inmigracin y Control de Aduanas desarrolle un programa piloto de cmara corporal similar al creado para los agentes fronterizos, y ordena al ICE que se abstenga de realizar operativos en lugares sensibles como escuelas y juzgados. Finalmente, se incluy una enmienda de Espaillat que brindara un mayor apoyo a las agencias de educacin locales para la Adquisicin del Idioma Ingls. Especialmente ahora, mientras miles de estudiantes se preparan para una nueva forma de aprendizaje remoto, es fundamental que las escuelas tengan los recursos para garantizar que los estudiantes de ingls no se queden atrs. # # # Elegido por primera vez al Congreso en 2016, el congresista Adriano Espaillat est cumpliendo su segundo mandato en el Congreso, donde se desempea como miembro del influyente Comit de Asuntos Exteriores, del Comit de Transporte e Infraestructura, y del Comit de Pequeos Negocios de la Cmara de Representantes de los Estados Unidos. Sirve como coordinador superior (Senior Whip) del Caucus Demcrata de la Cmara y es miembro del Caucus Hispano del Congreso (CHC) en el cual desempea un papel de liderazgo como coordinador (Whip) del CHC. Tambin es presidente del Grupo de Trabajo sobre Transporte, Infraestructura y Vivienda del CHC. El Distrito Congresual del Rep. Espaillat incluye Harlem, East Harlem, el Norte de Manhattan y el Noroeste de El Bronx. Para obtener ms informacin sobre el congresista Espaillat, visite la pgina de internet https://espaillat.house.gov/. Preguntas de los medios: Candace Randle Person a Candace.Person@mail.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/espaillat-secures-key-funding-increases-policy-wins-house-funding-bills-will", "ESPAILLAT SECURES KEY FUNDING INCREASES, POLICY WINS IN HOUSE FUNDING BILLS THAT WILL BECOME LAW", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) announced a series of key policy and funding wins in legislation setting federal spending. The bill, which is slated to become law as part of a year-end government funding package, includes billions of dollars for programs and priorities Espaillat has advanced over the past few years. For example, the bill includes an additional $14.4 million for body-worn cameras for border agents to ensure greater transparency and oversight of immigration enforcement agencies along our nation's southern border. Espaillat secured $21 million last year for the first tranche of cameras. This additional funding will ensure all agents are equipped with a body-worn camera. Espaillat also secured an increase in the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) by nearly $15 million, bringing that project to nearly $75 million total, to combat drug trafficking, promote social justice, and increase public safety and security in the region. Earlier this month, Espaillat secured passage of his Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Actin the House, which would codify this increase in law and expand activities to promoting climate resiliency. The package includes $2 billion for the Capital Investment Grants program, which will provide the federal portion of funding for the Second Avenue Subway Phase II Extension project. Espaillat has provided unrelenting support for bringing New York City's subway system into East Harlem, and this funding will help make the project a reality. Espaillat was also successful in his efforts to help Hispanic-serving colleges and universities (HSIs) expand their science, technology, engineering and math programs. The bill includes an additional $46.5 million for a National Science Foundation grant program specifically for HSIs, a $1.5 million increase over last year. Additionally, Espaillat led members of the bipartisan New York Delegation urging robust support for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) whose research programs and support of institutions have been a critical resource to New York City and New York's 13th Congressional District during this COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation increases FY2021 NIH funding at a time when our scientific and public health community needs the most support and also includes funding for an array of specialized research programs. This includes the NIH Innovation Fund for the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for cancer research; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS); National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH) for the BRAIN Initiative; Precision Medicine Initiative, and Beau Biden Cancer Moonshot Initiative. These specialized research programs are at the fore of scientific discovery whose work and research in partnership takes place in New York's 13th Congressional District. Espaillat has also led efforts to fund the Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which helps those through the WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program to purchase fresh produce from locally sourced farmers markets. The bill provides a total of $21 billion for the program, a $2.5 billion increase. In addition to funding, the bill includes a number of congressional directives that Espaillat secured. For example, it requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement to develop a body-worn camera pilot program similar to the one created for border agents, and it directs ICE to refrain from conducting enforcement actions at sensitive locations like schools and courthouses. Finally, an Espaillat amendment was included that would provide for greater support to local education agencies for English Language Acquisition. Especially now, as thousands of students prepare for a new form of remote learning, it is critical that schools have the resources to ensure English learners are not left behind. # # # First elected to Congress in 2016, Rep. Adriano Espaillat is serving his second term in Congress where he serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the House Small Business Committee. He serves as a Senior Whip of the House Democratic Caucus and is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) where he also serves in a leadership role as CHC Whip. 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/. Media inquiries: Candace Person atCandace.Person@mail.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/nys-covid-19-rent-relief-program-accepting-applications-through-february-1-2021", "NYS COVID-19 Rent Relief Program Accepting Applications Through February 1, 2021", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Adriano Espaillat", "E000297", "espaillat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NEW YORK, NY -- The New York State Division of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has reopened the COVID Rent Relief Program and will be accepting new applications through Monday, February 1, 2021. The program's eligibility criteria have been expanded to provide rent relief to more New Yorkers. Individuals who applied during the previous application window and were denied, do not need to apply again. Those applications are being reviewed again. Additionally, applications from individuals who have not received a response from the HCR are being reviewed under the new criteria. If approved, applicants will receive a subsidy for the difference between a household's rent burden on March 1, 2020 and the household's rent burden in the months of April, May, June, and July 2020. The subsidy is a one-time payment available for a maximum of four months of rent, up to 125% of the Fair Market Rents (FMR) for that household's area. HCR will send payments directly to the applicant's landlord. To qualify, applicants must meet all of the eligibility requirements:  You must be a renter with primary residence in New York State.  Before March 7, 2020, and at the time of application, your household income (including unemployment benefits) must have been below 80% of the area median income, adjusted for household size. You can find your county's area median income, based on your household size, here.  Households must be rent-burdened during the months they are applying for assistance between April 1 to July 31, 2020. A household is rent-burdened if they are paying more than 30 percent of their income towards housing costs.  You must have lost income during the period of April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020. Detailed information about the program, including eligibility criteria, the application process, the documents that will be requested as part of the application process, and answers to frequently answered questions are available on HCR's website. Additionally, HCR is operating a special helpline to answer questions and provide assistance with the application process. For help, applicants can contact HCR's COVID Rent Relief Extension Program Call Center for assistance at 1-833-499-0318 or covidrentrelief@hcr.ny.gov. Call Center representatives are available Monday through Friday 8:30am  5:00pm.  If you are chosen to receive a rental subsidy through this program, New York State will cover the difference between your household's rent burden on March 1, 2020 and your household's increase in rent burden during the period your household is applying for assistance. Households can apply for up to four months of assistance for the months of April 2020 through July 2020. Tenants do not have to be behind in their rent to receive assistance. Tenants who are current on their rent payments can have funds applied towards a credit for future months. The rent subsidy payment will go directly to your landlord. Deadline to submit your application is Monday, February 1, 2021. Apply online today or visit NYS Homes and Community Renewal for more information. # # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-announces-approval-of-2021-budget-package-funding-critical", "Higgins Announces Approval of 2021 Budget Package Funding Critical Government Programs and Services", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Brian Higgins", "H001038", "higgins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) outlined components of the omnibus budget package of particular interest to Western New York. The legislation, approved by the House of Representatives, directs funding for the federal government for fiscal year 2021.\nHiggins said, 2020 has been a challenging year in many ways. We are looking forward to a new year that rises to meet the challenges before the nation centered on rebuilding and reuniting with a renewed focus on the issues most important to the American people. This budget begins that process.\nTo compliment continued waterfront development in Western New York the bill includes several measures investing in Western New York waterways. This includes: supporting efforts to fight Harmful Algal Blooms, including funding U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Nuisance Control Research at $17 million, with a $4 million study of Harmful Algal Blooms in Lake Erie and other freshwater systems, and authorizing the pilot project requested by Higgins.; providing $7.8 billion, $145 million over FY20 levels for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including $1.2 million for the Buffalo Harbor; and funding $266 million for major construction projects for the United States Coast Guard including resources for improvements to Sector Buffalo's shoreside facilities along the Outer Harbor.\nHiggins, who also serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional Northern Border Caucus, reported the package includes improvements to the U.S.  Canada border, specifically $10 million for Port of Entry technology to enhance efficiencies at bridge crossings as well as $100 million dedicated to Border Patrol Station replacements, which includes a new Border Patrol Station in the City of Niagara Falls.\nBelow are additional highlights important to the Western New York community:\nHealthcare:\n Funds the National Institutes of Health at $42.9 billion, a $1.25 billion increase over 2020. This includes $3.118 billion, a $300 million increase, for research related to Alzheimer's disease.\n\tInvests in cancer research with $6.4 billion for the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and more than $542 million for cancer research led by the Department of Defense \n\tIncludes language that protects patients from Surprise Medical Billing\n\t$6 billion, a $133 million increase, for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration supporting: suicide prevention, mental health resources and substance abuse treatment and prevention\n\tFurther helps communities and families struggling with substance abuse with: $392 million for the Office of Drug Control Policy, $1.5 billion for State Opioid Response Grants, and $1.5 billion for the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program\n\tIncreases funding to Community Health Centers by $57 million, with $1.7 billion in FY21\n\tIncludes bipartisan, bicameral legislation Higgins led (HR 5952) providing individuals with hemophilia improved access to critical health care services provided through Skilled Nursing Facilities\n Jobs & Economic Opportunity\n $3.475 billion, a $50 million increase, for the Community Development Block Grant Program, which provides WNY municipalities with flexible resources to address community needs. The President proposed eliminating this program.\n\tProtects the United States Postal Service by preserving 6-day postal delivery and preventing the closure of small post offices\n\tFunds the National Park Service's Historic Preservation Fund, which administers the Historic Tax Credit program, at $144 million, a $26 million increase over FY20 and $104 million more than the President's request\n\tOver $23.8 million for the Heritage Partnership Program, which supports the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area\n\t$346 million, a $13 million increase over 2020, for the Economic Development Administration (EDA) which has supported WNY entrepreneurial projects including Launch NY\n\t$167.5 million each for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, rejecting the President's plan to eliminate the programs, which provide grants to support jobs and public cultural activities in the arts and humanities\n\t$150 million for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), an increase of $4 million over FY20; WNY's Insyte Consulting has been a leading national performer helping to create and save thousands of manufacturing jobs\n\t$270 million, an $8 million increase, for the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI), which supports economic opportunity in distressed communities\n\tAllows for competitive grants, through the Department of Education in consultation with the Department of Labor, to improve integrated employment opportunities for people with disabilities \n Support for Seniors, Veterans & Families\n Addresses food insecurity with $114 billion for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), $952 million for Senior Nutrition Programs, $25.1 billion for child nutrition programs, and $6 billion for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program\n\t$3.8 billion for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), a $10 million increase\n\t$855 million for projects that support affordable senior housing and rent assistance for seniors\n\tExtends the Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps families decrease their home energy costs through improved efficiency\n\t$1.4 billion for the HOME Investment Partnership Program, providing resources to WNY non-profit organizations supporting affordable housing\n\t$1.1 billion for the Corporation of National and Community Services, which includes Senior Corps and AmeriCorps\n\t$5.9 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant program, which helps support the cost of child care for low-income families\n\t$2.56 billion, a $44 million increase, for taxpayer services including: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, Tax Counseling for the Elderly, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic Grants and the National Taxpayer Advocate program\n\t$720 million for the Assistance to Firefighter Grant program\n Veterans/Military: \n Includes $90 billion for Veteran Medical Services, including mental health, suicide prevention, women's health services, opioid prevention measures and Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD-VASH), helping veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless\n\t$2.6 billion to continue implementation of the VA electronic health records system allowing for interoperability of medical records between the VA, DOD and the private sector.\n\tIncludes $3.18 billion, $55 million above FY20, to address the backlog of veteran disability claims\n\tProvides funding to support a 3% increase in pay for our military\n Transportation & Infrastructure\n Provides $1 billion for the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development program  BUILD Grants (formerly TIGER Grants) - which has supported projects such as the Niagara Falls Train Station and Cars Sharing Main Street in Buffalo\n\t$2 billion for the Federal Transit Administration's New Starts program, which supports light rail and could be used toward the NFTA's Amherst extension project\n\tInvestments in water infrastructure with: $2.77 billion for the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds and $40 million for Combined Sewer Overflow grants\n Education:\n $40.6 billion for K-12 education programs, an increase of $498 million\n\t$22.4 billion for the Pell Grant program, increasing the maximum grant a college student can receive by $150 to $6,495, the largest boost in a decade\n\tSimplifies the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)\n\t$880 million for Educational Opportunity Grants, which support low-income students\n\t$1.2 billion for the Federal Work Study program\n\t$97 million for YouthBuild, which provides young adults with hands-on training\n Environment:\n Provides $330 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), a program that has invested over $33 million in and around the Buffalo River\n\tIncludes the full $900 million for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, authorized through the Great American Outdoors Act\n\tContinues cleanup of the West Valley Demonstration Project with $88 million\n  $250 million for the Formerly Utilized Site Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP), the program which will fund cleanup of the Niagara Falls Storage Site in Lewiston, NY\n\t$91 million for Brownfield Cleanups, a $2 million increase over FY20; $1.21 billion for Superfund\n\t$12.5 million for Environmental Justice activities, a $2.3 million increase\n The legislation was also approved by the Senate and signed by the President.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kathleenrice.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1600", "Rice Votes for Bipartisan COVID Relief and Government Funding Bill", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kathleen Rice", "R000602", "kathleenrice.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rice Votes for Bipartisan COVID Relief and Government Funding Bill  \r\n   \r\n    \r\n      Bipartisan agreement provides new stimulus checks, expanded unemployment, and reauthorizes the PPP program for small businesses \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 22, 2020\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      WASHINGTON  U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice (NY-04) released the following statement after voting last night in favor of the bipartisan COVID relief and government funding agreement, H.R. 133, The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The legislation passed the House of Representatives and the Senate last night.\r\nThis agreement is far from perfect, but in this case something is absolutely better than nothing and I am pleased we have finally passed new relief for our constituents and avoided a government shutdown after months of inaction by the Senate, said Rep. Kathleen Rice. This bill will provide new direct payments to individuals and families, expanded unemployment insurance, and provide new resources to help small businesses that are struggling to stay afloat. Unfortunately, it does not provide enough resources for state and local governments who are also in desperate need of relief. Our communities will need further federal assistance as we continue to combat this virus, and I will keep fighting for the resources Long Island needs to recover when Congress returns in the New Year.\r\nKey relief items in H.R. 133 include:\r\n \r\n    Economic Impact Payments of $600 for individuals ($1,200 for joint filers), as well as a $600 payment for each child dependent.\r\n    An additional $300 per week for all workers receiving unemployment benefits, through March 14, 2021.\r\n    Authorizes $138 billion in unallocated funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and expands the program to increase eligibility. \r\n    Includes $20 billion in new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Grants for businesses in low-income communities.\r\n    $69 billion to fight the virus, including $20 billion for vaccine development and procurement, $9 billion for vaccine distribution, $3 billion for the Strategic National Stockpile, and $300 million to get the vaccine to high-need areas, including communities of color.\r\n    $13 billion to increase SNAP benefits by 15 percent, provide additional funding for food banks and programs that serve seniors, and ensure college students have access to SNAP.\r\n \r\nThe full text of H.R. 133 can be found here. \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://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-maloney-and-senator-markey-applaud-inclusion-of-25-million", "Congresswoman Maloney and Senator Markey Applaud Inclusion of $25 Million in Gun Violence Research Funding in Omnibus Funding Package", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "With funding for federal gun violence prevention research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) beginning for the first time this past fall, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (NY-12) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.)applauded the inclusion of $25 million in the 2021 Fiscal Year package to continue that research. Last year, the lawmakers were also successful insecuring $25 millionin the year-end spending bill to fund research on firearms safety and gun violence prevention, the first time Congress approved federal funding for the study of gun violence since an appropriations rider called the Dickey Amendment was put on the books in 1996.\n\nGun violence is a public health crisis that continues to destroy lives all across the country and has grown even worse during the coronavirus pandemic,said Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney.For years, I have worked to pass legislation directing federal funding toward health research into gun violence. I am encouraged that the Labor-HHS-Education appropriations package once again includes this much needed funding. This research can help save lives by proposing science-based solutions to end the gun violence epidemic.\n\nDespite the pandemic, gun violence is up in Massachusetts and around the country. We cannot accept that gun violence is pre-ordained, when we can know it can be prevented,said Senator Markey.This research funding is a critical step to understanding the causes of this scourge and putting an end to gun violence in our schools and neighborhoods. Research will help us create evidence-based solutions to this ongoing public health crisis.\n\nIn January 2019, Congresswoman Maloney and Senator Markey co-authored theGun Violence Prevention Research Act,legislation to fund research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on firearms safety and gun violence prevention. The legislation has been endorsed by a number of gun safety groups and health organizations.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-maloney-applauds-essential-federal-funding-for-mta-in-the-fy21", "Rep. Maloney Applauds Essential Federal Funding for MTA in the FY21-Pandemic Relief Omnibus", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) released the following statement after House and Senate passage of the FY21 Omnibus and Coronavirus Relief Bill, applauding the inclusion of approximately $4 billion in emergency federal funding for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).\nI want to thank House and Senate leadership for including approximately $4 billion in emergency relief funding for the MTA in this relief package.\nThe MTA is the lifeblood of New York City. As long as the MTA teeters on the precipice of financial ruin, our city will never be able to recover from this pandemic. This relief funding is critical to meet the immediate needs of the MTA, but we will need more aid in the future. The MTA has stated that it will need an infusion of $12 billion over the next two years in order to regain a level of financial stability and I will be working with my NY delegation colleagues to make sure that happens.\nBackground\nOn December 2, Rep. Maloney, in partnership with Reps. Adriano Espaillat and Nydia Velazquez, led a bipartisan delegation letter to House and Senate leadership urging immediate and substantial financial assistance for the MTA. Additionally, she led a bipartisan group of her colleagues in March calling for immediate relief for the MTA to be included in the CARES Act. She has also joined her colleagues in sending letters to leadership on the MTA funding issue in April, June, and September.\nCongresswoman Maloney has been a longtime advocate for the MTA. In her time at Congress, she has helped secure over $2 billion in federal funding for the Second Avenue Subway and L Train repairs.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/meeks-sires-levin-issue-joint-statement-haiti", "Meeks, Sires & Levin Issue Joint Statement on Haiti", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Gregory Meeks", "M001137", "meeks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Chairman-elect of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Gregory W. Meeks, Chairman of the Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, and Trade Subcommittee Albio Sires and Congressman Andy Levin released the following statement:\nAs members of the House of Representatives, we have spent recent weeks working urgently to rush relief to the American people amidst the COVID-19 public health and economic disasters. We want our friends in Haiti to know, however, that we are still watching what is unfolding there with growing concern. Haitian President Jovenel Mose is pursuing an increasingly authoritarian course of action, issuing a series of recent decrees that include creating an extra-constitutional domestic intelligence force. His latest actions are reminiscent of past anti-democratic abuses the Haitian people have endured, including the run-up to the Duvalier dictatorship. We will not stand idly by while Haiti devolves into chaos.\nWhen the 117th Congress convenes, supporting democratic actors in Haiti will be a top concern for this committee. We will work urgently with the incoming Biden administration to develop a U.S. policy that prioritizes the rights and aspirations of the Haitian people and supports a credible, Haitian-led transition back to democratic order. We will engage international allies and institutions to coordinate a multilateral strategy to address the ongoing crisis in Haiti and pursue accountability for Haitian officials who commit human rights violations and acts of corruption. As members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, we consider it our responsibility to monitor the events in Haiti and work in close collaboration with Haitian civil society organizations and citizens of goodwill that seek peace and democracy in their country. We assure the Haitian people that, as we tackle the crises we face in our own country, we will not forget our neighbors or our commitment to protecting their human rights.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/suozzi-helps-get-funds-live-entertainment-venues-and-restaurants-new-york-covid", "Suozzi Helps Get Funds for Live-Entertainment Venues and Restaurants in New York in COVID-19 Relief Package", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Thomas Suozzi", "S001201", "suozzi.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Long Island, Queens) helped deliver a COVID-19 relief package that would provide economic support for local restaurants and live-entertainment venues on Long Island and in New York. Under the relief package, the Paycheck Protection Program will be revised to better support independent restaurants with their payroll expenses and $15 billion in targeted Small Business Administration grants for the live-entertainment industry.\n\nEarlier this summer, Suozzi and local restaurants and live-entertainment venues across Long Island rallied together to call for any future COVID-19 relief package to include direct, targeted relief for the entertainment and restaurant industry. These efforts were ultimately heard by Congressional leadership.\n\nOn March 22 non-essential businesses in New York shut down. The reopening and recovery of businesses has been uneven ever since.said Suozzi.Independently owned live entertainment venues, restaurants, as well as musicians, actors, comedians, promoters, and stagehands, have been financially devastated by the pandemic. Today's passage of a COVID-19 relief package that offers relief to live-entertainment venues and restaurants provides a renewed life to the stages that bring so much culture and joy to our community. We can't let the music die.\nToday is a day of relief for independently owned live venues, and we owe Congressman Tom Suozzi a great debt of gratitude for the attention he gave us, his ongoing support of and increasing the profile of the Save Our Stages Act. The inclusion of SOS in the most recent COVID relief bill will give us the ability to continue to weather the pandemic induced mandated shut down. We were the first to close, and we will be the last to open, and without SOS, the live entertainment industry as we know it would have been decimated, said Kevin O'Neill, The John Engeman Theatre.\nLandmark on Main Street deeply appreciates Congressman Suozzi's advocacy and persistence in making the Save Our Stages Bill a reality. This financial shot in the arm will keep us going until the actual shots in the arm allow us to welcome back our artists and audiences,\" said Laura Mogul, Executive Director, Landmark on Main Street\n\"It's a Great Day for the Arts in America! Thank you to Congressman Suozzi and everyone who helped to make the Save our Stages Act a reality! The Paramount and stages across the country will soon once again vibrate with the energy of great artists and great concert-goers alike,\" The Paramount, Huntington.\nRestaurants and live entertainment venues were one of the first businesses to close at the outset of the pandemic and will be some of the last to fully reopen. According to a bi-county study released earlier this year by Nassau and Suffolk County on the economic impacts of COVID-19, the hospitality and entertainment industry lost 82,000 jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is more than any other industry on Long Island. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Suozzi has relentlessly called for support of this industry.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/following-her-push-gillibrand-announces-6-billion-in-wic-funding-included-in-the-fy-2021-bipartisan-appropriations-package", "Following Her Push, Gillibrand Announces $6 Billion In WIC Funding Included In The FY 2021 Bipartisan Appropriations Package", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 22, 2020\n\t\t\t Following Her Push, Gillibrand Announces $6 Billion In WIC Funding Included In The FY 2021 Bipartisan Appropriations Package \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 Senator Gillibrand Urged Appropriations Leaders To Invest $6 Billion In The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program For Women, Infants, And Children (WIC) As 1 In 5 Parents Struggle To Feed Their Children\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that the bipartisan FY 2021 appropriations package includes $6 billion in funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to address the growing hunger crisis. Nationwide,1 in 5 parents do not have enough money to feed their children. Millions of Americans, especially women, continue to be affected by widespread business closures and subsequent job loss and more low-income households are relying on social safety nets to feed themselves and their families.WIC providers have reported increased need due to the pandemic and economic crisis, including in New York, where they have experienced a 3% increase in cases since February.\r\nWith full funding forWICincluded in this year's government funding bill, providers across the country will have more resources to keep low-income women, infants, and children fed. The pandemic and economic crisis have led many mothers to turn to social services for the first timeprograms likeWICprovide a vital lifeline for mothers to keep food on the table and makes healthy food and a healthy start to life accessible for all,saidSenator Gillibrand.I am proud to have fought for this important funding to support states as they work to combat the growing hunger crisis and I am especially pleased that this legislation includes $90 million to continueWIC's essential breastfeeding education and support program. At a time when families are facing historic levels of hunger, fundingWICis one of the most importantinvestments we can make.\r\nSenator Gillibrandled a pushfor $6 billion in funding -- including $90 million to continueWIC's highly successful Breastfeeding Peer Counselor program, which provides vital peer-to-peer support, especially in underserved areas, and $14 million for program infrastructure.\r\nFully fundingWICwill protect eligible applicants from being turned away and provide resources to adjust for rising food costs. Additionally, funding is essential for timely and responsible program management and reasonable staffing levels to meet growing demand and the rising costs of operating during a pandemic  including modifying clinic spaces and purchasing additional technology to provide remote services.\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/gillibrand-announces-passage-of-her-horseracing-integrity-and-safety-act", "Gillibrand Announces Passage Of Her Horseracing Integrity And Safety Act", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrandtoday announced thepassage of theHorseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA),which was included in the bipartisan FY 2021 appropriations funding bill. Gillibrand successfully led Democrats in pushingfor this bipartisan legislation, which will create an independent regulatory authority to set national standards and increasesafety protocols for thoroughbred racing, including medication use, track safety, and anti-doping measures.\r\nHorseracing has a long and rich tradition in New York. TheHorseracing Integrity and Safety Actensures that the sport will be safer for both horses and jockeys, have higher regulatory standards and oversight, and increasestransparency,saidSenator Gillibrand.This legislation will improve New York horseracing and usher in a new era in the sport.\r\nTheHorseracing Integrity and SafetyActwas modeled from legislation previouslyintroduced by Senator Gillibrand, theHorseracing Integrity Act.\r\nThe House of Representatives passed HISA in September,led by U.S. Congressmen Andy Barr (KY-06) and Paul Tonko (NY-20). Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) were original cosponsors in theSenate,along with Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY). The landmark bipartisan legislation is supported by almost 300 cosponsors in the House and Senate, and will directly address the safetyand welfare of both racehorses and jockeys.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/icymi-in-el-diario-op-ed-gillibrand-outlines-tools-to-fight-senior-fraud-this-holiday-season", "ICYMI: In El Diario Op-Ed, Gillibrand Outlines Tools To Fight Senior Fraud This Holiday Season", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 22, 2020\n\t\t\t ICYMI: In El Diario Op-Ed, Gillibrand Outlines Tools To Fight Senior Fraud This Holiday Season \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIn case you missed it, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Special Committee on Aging, wrote an op-ed forEl Diariooutlining tactics and strategies for families to use against the threat of fraud this holiday season.Scam calls have beenon the risethroughout the pandemic, capitalizing on people's interest in COVID treatments and their need for stimulus checks.\r\nThe full text of the op-ed can be foundhereand below:\r\nEN ESPANOL:\r\nProtejamos a nuestros seres queridos contra el fraude a los adultos mayores durante esta temporada festiva\r\nEn tiempos mejores celebraramos las fiestas de fin de ao alrededor de la mesa de nuestras abuelas. Generacin tras generacin de familias compartiran la cena, se reiran y festejaran. Pero este ao es diferente. A medida que navegamos por una crisis de salud pblica desoladora que ha devastado a familias neoyorquinas, estamos tomando medidas nuevas para mantener seguras a las personas que amamos.\r\nSabemos que una manera con la que podemos ayudar a proteger a nuestros seres queridos mayores es celebrar con distanciamiento fsico a travs de una llamada telefnica o una videollamada. Sin embargo, tambin debemos hacer planes para mantener a nuestros seres queridos informados sobre cmo identificar y combatir el fraude durante las fiestas de fin de ao. Darles a nuestros familiares mayores las herramientas necesarias para mantenerse alertas nos ayudar a asegurarnos de que el fraude a adultos mayores no se suma a la desdicha econmica que la COVID-19 ha trado consigo.\r\nComience con la regla general de que nunca se debe compartir por telfono el nmero de Seguro Social, la informacin de cuentas bancarias o cualquier otra informacin personal sensitiva. El gobierno nunca llamar por un cheque de estmulo o una devolucin de impuestos. Tampoco va a pedirle informacin personal por telfono.\r\nDjele saber a sus familiares que deben tener cuidado con las personas que llaman pidiendo tomar decisiones inmediatas o con amenazas de acciones policacas. Tambin deberan estar pendientes de personas que llaman y los presionan para que no decirle a sus amistades o familiares acerca de la llamada. La Divisin de Proteccin al Consumidor del Departamento de Estado de Nueva York tieneuna lista de algunos de los tipos de fraudes ms comunesque hay que tener presente. Recurdele a sus seres queridos que si creen que una llamada es sospechosa o si estn sintindose presionados para brindar informacin o dinero, simplemente pueden cortar la llamada. Cualquier persona que tenga una necesidad legtima para procurar su informacin tendr otra manera de establecer el contacto.\r\nTambin es importante que nuestros seres queridos sepan que no deben sentir vergenza si son vctimas de un fraude. Estos estafadores constantemente inventan tcticas diseadas para confundir a las personas y le han sacado ventaja a toda la incertidumbre que ha causado esta crisis. Las llamadas fraudulentashan incrementadodurante la pandemia, aprovechndose del inters que tiene la gente en los tratamientos contra la COVID-19 y la necesidad que tienen de recibir un cheque de estmulo. Por eso es importante saber las reglas bsicas y recordar que siempre puede colgar la llamada.\r\nPor ltimo, si su familiar piensa que alguien ha intentado estafarlo, debe pedir ayuda inmediatamente. Por favor, dgale que si posible, que le informe a la FTC de la estafa. Esta agencia recopila los informes de fraudes, los cuales pueden someterse en lnea ahttps://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/o por telfono al 1-877-382-4357.\r\nEstos son tiempos difciles, pero juntos podemos asegurarnos de que nuestros abuelos, nuestras mams y paps, as como las generaciones mayores, puedan sentir que tienen las herramientas para detener el fraude a adultos mayores.\r\nSeguir luchando por estos esfuerzos en Washington con medidas como laLey de Empoderamiento Financiero para Personas Mayores. Este proyecto se asegurara de que los adultos mayores y sus cuidadores tengan acceso a informacin crucial sobre el abuso econmico. Esta ley estandarizara y mejorara la manera en la que se reporta el abuso econmico a personas mayores, establecera una lnea de llamadas nacional para orientar sobre dnde y cmo reportar el fraude, y proveera ms recursos para combatir la explotacin econmica de nuestros adultos mayores, incluso antes de que ocurra.\r\nPor favor, tmese unos breves momentos para compartir esta importante informacin con sus parientes mayores. La paz mental que sentirn ser uno de los mejores obsequios que pueda regalar en esta temporada festiva.\r\n##\r\nProtecting Our Loved Ones Against Senior Fraud this Holiday Season\r\nDuring the best of times, we would celebrate the holiday season by gathering around our grandmothers' tables, and generations of families would be sharing meals, laughter, and joy. But this year is different. As we navigate a heartbreaking COVID public health crisis that has devastated families across New York, we are all taking new steps to keep our loved ones safe.\r\nWe know that one way we can help protect our older family members is to make plans to celebrate from a distance and connect over the phone or a video call. But we should also make plans to keep our elderly loved ones informed about how best to identify and combat fraud this holiday season. Giving our older relatives the tools they need to stay vigilant will help make sure that senior fraud doesn't add to the economic fallout that COVID-19 has wrought on our pocketbooks.\r\nStart with the general rule that you should never give out your Social Security number, your bank account information or any other valuable personal information over the phone. The government will never call you about a stimulus check or a tax refund or request your personal information over the phone.\r\nRemind your family members to beware of callers who force them to make decisions quickly or threaten them with police action. They should also be on the lookout for callers who pressure them not to tell their friends or family about the call. The New York State Department's Division of Consumer Protection hasa list of some of the most common types of scamsto watch out for. Remind your loved ones that if they think a call is suspicious or they are feeling pressured to give information or money that they should just hang up the phone. Anyone with a legitimate need for their information will have another way to reach them.\r\nIt's important that our loved ones know that they shouldn't feel ashamed if they fall prey to a scam. These fraudsters are constantly coming up with new tactics that are designed to confuse the people they are calling, and they are ready to prey on all of the uncertainty this crisis has created. Scam calls have beenon the risethroughout the pandemic, capitalizing on people's interest in COVID treatments and their need for stimulus checks. That's why knowing the basic rules and remembering you can always hang up is especially important.\r\nLastly, if your relative thinks someone has tried to scam them, they should ask for help immediately. And, if they're able to, please have them report the scam to the FTC. The agency collects scam reports, which can be submitted online athttps://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/or by phone at 1-877-382-4357.\r\nThese are difficult times, but together, we can make sure that our grandparents, moms and dads, and older generations are empowered to stand up against senior fraud. I will continue to champion those efforts in Washington with legislation like theSenior Financial Empowerment Act.That bill would ensure that older adults and their caregivers have access to critical information regarding financial abuse. It would standardize and improve the way senior financial abuse is reported, establish a national hotline that would advise seniors on where and how to report fraud, and provide more resources to combat financial exploitation of seniors before it happens.\r\nPlease take a few moments to arm your older relatives with this important information. The peace of mind both of you will feel is one of the greatest gifts you can give this holiday season.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-announces-house-approval-of-covid-disaster-relief-package", "Higgins Announces House Approval of COVID Disaster Relief Package", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Brian Higgins", "H001038", "higgins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the House of Representatives has approved a major COVID disaster relief package providing urgent resources to families, businesses and communities. \nHiggins said, The health and lives of the American people are at stake. From education to employment, the pandemic has had a devastating effect on all aspects of society. It is the role of the federal government to respond to a national emergency, and while imperfect, this bill addresses several of the urgent needs people are facing.\nCongress last passed comprehensive legislation addressing the pandemic on March 27, 2020, with the bipartisan approval of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. At that time, the United States had approximately 105,300 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 2,300 related deaths. In the nine months that have passed, US cases have grown to over 17.8 million cases and over 317,656 US deaths. \nBelow are the details in the bipartisan COVID relief package approved this week: \nRelief for Families:\n $600 in Direct Payments to eligible adults and dependent children \n $300/week in pandemic unemployment assistance through March 14, 2021; continues to make self-employed, gig workers and other non-traditional employees eligible\n Addresses food insecurity with $13 million to increase SNAP benefits by 15% for six months, supports food banks and funds senior nutrition programs\n Includes bipartisan lookback legislation introduced by Higgins allowing low-income families to use income levels from 2019 to determine the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit eligibility. This measure keeps low-income, wage-earning families eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit, which for tax year 2019 is worth between $6,557 to $529 to eligible families. \n $25 billion in rental assistance to keep families in their homes, including the extension of the eviction moratorium through January 31, 2021. Higgins recently sent a letter to House leadership requesting this be included in the package. \n $10 billion supporting child care programs with funds provided through the Community Development Block Grant Program.\nRelief for Small Business\n $284 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), expanding and enhancing eligibility to include nonprofits, independent restaurants & local newspapers.\n $20 billion toward Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) grants for businesses in low-income communities\n $12 billion in funding for small businesses through Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and the creation of a new Neighborhood Capital Investment Program.\n Provides a tax credit to support employers offering paid sick leave\n Extends and improves the Employee Retention Tax Credit to keep workers on the job\n Adds provisions included in the Save our Stages bill, providing $15 billion for live venues, independent movie theaters and cultural institutions\nRelief for Communities\n $7 billion to increase access to broadband, including $3.5 billion in dedicated funding for a new Emergency Broadband Benefit \n $54.3 billion for public K-12 schools\n $4.05 billion in education funding to states, including assistance for private K-12 schools\n $22.7 billion for higher education\n Supports United States Postal Service (USPS) workers and mail delivery to Americans by converting the $10 billion loan included in the CARES Act into direct funding\n $14 billion for transit agencies, such as the Niagara Frontier Transportation Agency (NFTA) \n $10 billion for state highways\n $2 billion for airports & concessionaires, $16 billion supporting aviation workers \n $2 billion for school bus, motorcoach & ferry industries\n $1 billion for Amtrak\n Extends the deadline for communities to spend CARES Act funding through December 31, 2021\nAdditional Resources to Fight the Spread of COVID\n Close to $20 billion for vaccines & therapeutics\n $8.75 billion to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) & states for distribution of vaccines\n $22 billion provided to states for testing and tracing of COVID cases, includes $2.5 billion in grants for underserved communities\n $9 billion for health care providers\n $4.5 billion in mental health funding\n $3 billion to build the strategic national stockpile\nThe bill now moves to the Senate for consideration and approval.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-delivers-farewell-remarks-house-floor", "Lowey Delivers Farewell Remarks on House Floor", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Nita Lowey", "L000480", "lowey.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "While I leave Congress as the first Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, the title I still cherish most is United States Representative from New York. \nTo those I have represented: thank you for your trust and confidence.\nWASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, delivered farewell remarks on the House Floor last night at the end of debate on a spending measure to keep government funded until a bipartisan agreement on COVID relief and spending bills for fiscal year 2021 can be passed today.\nView Congresswoman Lowey's remarks by clicking here or on the image above.\nLowey's 32 years of service will end when this session of Congress concludes on January 2, 2021. Since her election in 1988, she has represented four different Congressional districts, including portions of Queens, the Bronx, and Westchester County, and all of Rockland County. Lowey thanked her family, staff, colleagues in Congress, and advocates who have been partners on various issues.\nHer full statement is below:\nMr. Speaker, \nAs my time in Congress nears a close, I must briefly reflect on my 32 years of service, which has been guided by a basic principle  when you see a problem, do something about it.\nIn times of crisis like we face today and after September 11th and Superstorm Sandy, delivering relief has been my sacred duty.\nI will be forever grateful to colleagues, advocates, and excellent staff who helped me secure critical federal funds directly for my district; indelibly shape women's health policy; enact life-saving food allergy labeling and the .08 BAC drunk driving standard; and too many other achievements to fully recount now.\nLimited debate time leaves me unable to acknowledge by name all of my exceptional staff. But I must thank my Chief of Staff for the last 16 years, Elizabeth Stanley, and my unequaled District Director, Pat Keegan, who for more than 26 years has led my outstanding district staff in solving thousands of cases for constituents who needed help.\nOur successes are often overlooked amid partisan rancor and the notion that institutions of governance are irrevocably broken.\nI do not believe they are.\nTo my colleagues, from both sides of the aisle, across the country and the political spectrum: our work together is a testament to the enduring values of public service and of a collective commitment to better the world. You inspired me to be a better legislator, and I am grateful.\nWhile I leave Congress as the first Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, the title I still cherish most is United States Representative from New York. To those I have represented: thank you for your trust and confidence.\nAnd, to my family  my wonderful husband Steve; my children and their spouses, Dana and David, Doug and Ellen, and Jackie and David; and my grandchildren, Jillian, Daniel, Ilan, Jesse, Jonah, Rebecca, Jonathan, and Solene: your endless support has made my career possible, and I hope you're ready for a lot more of me.\nWith gratitude for having had the honor and privilege to serve, I yield back my time.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-delivers-vital-funds-local-priorities-covid-19-relief-and-legacy", "Lowey Delivers Vital Funds for Local Priorities, COVID-19 Relief, and Legacy Programs in Government Funding Bill", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Nita Lowey", "L000480", "lowey.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House-Passed Spending Bill Will Fund COVID-19 Vaccines and Historic Investments for Nonprofit Security Grants, Communities Facing Nuclear Facility Closures, Long Island Sound, Gun Violence and Other Medical Research, and More\nInternational Basic Education Program and New Middle East Partnership Plan Named for Historic Chairwoman of Appropriations Committee\nWASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, today introduced the spending bill that passed the House to fund the federal government through September 2021 and provide $900 billion for COVID-19 relief.\nI am proud of the bill we have negotiated and introduced today, said Congresswoman Lowey. This legislation is the product of a bipartisan breakthrough following months of hard work to fund the COVID-19 response as well as priorities like infrastructure improvements, nonprofit security grants, and many others in the regular spending bills. This package will help protect the lives and livelihoods of Americans across the country while making critical investments to improve the quality of life here in the Hudson Valley.\nIn her final year in Congress and as Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, Lowey has led COVID relief efforts in the House of Representatives, introducing previously enacted legislation to address the pandemic and its economic impacts through trillions in federal investments in support of our heroes on the front lines; vaccine development, testing, tracing, and treatment; and relief for families and small businesses. The $900 billion in COVID-19 relief included in today's omnibus bill reflects several priorities from the House-passed HEROES Act that Congresswoman Lowey fought to protect in bipartisan, bicameral negotiations.\nThe government spending bill passed today includes the following COVID-19 relief:\n $69.75 billion for COVID-19 vaccine delivery and distribution efforts at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to fight the coronavirus pandemic:\n\t\t$8.75 billion for Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for federal, state, and local vaccine distribution and tracking;\n\t\t\t$19.695 billion to assist for manufacturing vaccines and the necessary supplies to assist with the administration of vaccines; and\n\t\t\t$22.4 billion for testing and contact tracing efforts to mitigate COVID-19.\n\t\t\n\tExpanded access to FEMA reimbursements for funeral assistance so those who lost loved ones may give them a proper burial.\n\t\t\n\tDirect cash assistance into the pockets of Americans with a new round of direct payments up to $600 per adult and child.\n\tUrgently needed assistance for the small business and the nonprofit community:\n\t\t$284.45 billion for first and second rounds of forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans;\n\t\t\tExpanded PPP eligibility for nonprofits;\n\t\t\t$20 billion for targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) Grants; and\n\t\t\t$15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theatres, and cultural institutions.\n\t\t\n\t$10 billion for child care assistance to help parents reenter and remain in the workforce and keep child care providersmost of whom are women- and minority-owned small businessesopen.\n\t\tThis includes $250 million for Head Start.\n\t\t\n\t$82 billion for the Education Stabilization Fund for colleges and schools, including support for school facilities, such as HVAC repair and replacement to mitigate virus transmission and keep classrooms open.\n The fiscal year 2021 government spending bill passed today increases and provides new investments in programs and initiatives Lowey has fought for throughout her career, including:\n $42.9 billion for biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a new record high.\n\t\tThis includes an increase of $300 million to research Alzheimer's and related dementias and an increase of $20 million for a safe and more effective Universal Flu Vaccine.\n\t\t\n\t$25 million in gun violence prevention research split evenly between the CDC and NIH.\n\t\tThis builds on Congresswoman Lowey's success last year to restore public health research funding to reduce firearm injury and death for the first time in more than 20 years.\n\t\t\n\t$16.5 million for a program to help alleviate the economic burden of nuclear power plant closures, like the Lower Hudson Valley's Indian Point, an increase of $1.5 million from the FY2020 enacted level for this program that Lowey created.\n\t$180 million in total funds for national nonprofit security grants across both Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) regions and non-UASI regions.\n\t\tThis is a doubling of the FY2020 enacted level of $90 million.\n\t\t\tIn 2018, Congresswoman Lowey established a $10 million carve-out for nonprofits within the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) program to assist nonprofits and religious institutions outside of UASI regions, like Rockland County, that were previously unable to access this vital assistance.\n\t\t\n\t$30.4 million for Long Island Sound cleanup efforts to reduce nitrogen levels in the Sound's water and restore the surrounding natural habitats.\n\t\tThis is a $10 million increase from FY2020 enacted level.\n\t\t\tOne of Congresswoman Lowey's first priorities in office was to clean up Long Island Sound, and she has secured record high funding for the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Long Island Sound Geographic Program.\n\t\t\n\tFunding for vital programs to support the Gateway Project.\n\t\tThis includes $200 million for Federal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair, $700 million for Amtrak, and $325 million for Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements, an increase of $50 million.\n\t\t\tIn addition, this would provide an increase of $225 million for Core Capacity Grants at the Federal Transit Administration, of which the Portal North Bridge is eligible for funding.\n\t\t\tCongresswoman Lowey has prioritized investment in the Northeast Corridor, which is of both regional and national economic importance for New Yorkers.\n\t\t\n  The Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act (MEPPA) of 2020.\n\t\tIntroduced in the House by Chairwoman Lowey and Congressman Jeff Fortenberry and in the Senate by Senators Coons, Graham, Kaine, and Gardner, the legislation first passed in the FY21 House State and Foreign Operations (SFOPS) spending bill and was named for Chairwoman Lowey in the Senate SFOPS bill with the support of Chairman Lindsey Graham and Ranking Member Patrick Leahy.\n\t\t\tMEPPA authorizes $50 million for five fiscal years to establish two different programs designed to facilitate Israeli-Palestinian, engagement, cooperation, and, ultimately, peace. The effort received support from a broad, bipartisan coalition, including the Alliance for Middle East Peace, AIPAC, J Street, the AJC, and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs.\n\t\t\tThe legislation establishes the People-to-People Partnership for Peace Fund, which will be led by United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and guided by a Congressionally appointed advisory board, to provide funding to qualified organizations that foster peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and reconciliation programs between Israelis and Palestinians as well as Jewish Israelis and Arab Israelis.\n\t\t\tIt also establishes the Joint Investment for Peace Initiative, which will be led by the Development Finance Corporation (DFC), and will provide investments in projects that contribute to the Palestinian private sector economy in the West Bank and Gaza, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises owned by Palestinians, and that increase economic cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians.\n\t\t\n\t$975 million for international basic education, renamed the Nita M. Lowey Basic Education Fund.\n\t\tOf these funds, $150 million will be set aside for the education of girls in conflict-ridden areas and $125 million will be directed toward contributions to multilateral partnerships that support education.\n\t\t\tSFOPS Ranking Member Hal Rogers and Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Kay Granger authored the amendment to name the program for Congresswoman Lowey who has championed international basic education, especially for girls.\n\t\t\n Congresswoman Lowey's indelible mark on appropriations policy affecting children was acknowledged in the FY20 spending bill that renamed the federal afterschool program the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers. Lowey championed the first federal afterschool funds through a $1 million pilot project that has become a $1.25 billion program today.\nThis fiscal year 2021 appropriations package was passed by the House of Representatives and is expected to be passed by the Senate and signed into law by midnight this evening.\nFull details of the legislation can be found here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-celebrates-women-s-museum-legislation-in-omnibus", "Maloney Celebrates Womens Museum Legislation in Omnibus", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), sponsor of H.R. 1980, the Smithsonian Women's History Museum Act, was joined by original cosponsors Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Brenda L. Lawrence (D-MI), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) in celebrating the bill's inclusion in the omnibus package announced today.\n\nBuilding a Smithsonian Women's History Museum, a testament to the women who helped build and shape this nation, has been years in the making and I am thrilled that we are finally set to pass this historic legislation, said Congresswoman Maloney. For too long, women's stories have been left out of the telling of our nation's history, but with this vote, we begin to rectify that. Americans of all ages deserve to see and be inspired by the remarkable women who helped shape this nation  seeing role models doing the thing to which we aspire, can change the course of someone's life. How fitting that we pass this bill as we mark the centennial of the 19th Amendment and in the year in which we elected our first woman vice president.\n\nI am incredibly pleased to see ourSmithsonian Women's History Museum Actincluded in this package.Women's contributions to the development of our nation and society are immense, however only five percent of the approximately 2,400 national monuments honor women,said Congressman Fitzpatrick. As the first museum in the United States dedicated to the full story of women's history, this museum will tell the diverse story of the women who helped shape America. I am proud to stand with my colleagues who all worked so hard to get this bill across the finish line.\n\nI am here today because of the women whose shoulders I stand on. For far too long, a women's perspective has been omitted from the celebration of our nation's history. I am thrilled to see the inclusion of theSmithsonian Women's History Museum Actin the omnibus legislation,said Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence.This will ensure future generations of Americans recognize and understand the importance of women's contributions and achievements to our great country. I am proud of this bipartisan effort and want to thank my colleagues for never giving up the fight.\n\nThis bill has been important to me since it was first introduced, and I'm proud to have played a part in getting the Smithsonian Women's History Museum Act included in the omnibus spending deal today, said Congresswoman Holmes Norton. It's fitting that the museum honoring notable women in our country's history was introduced by a chairwoman in Congress, Congresswoman Maloney, and I thank her for her determined and persistent leadership on this issue.\n\nBACKGROUND\nIn November 2016, a bipartisan Congressional Commission, created by a bill that Rep. Maloney sponsored, issued its final report regarding the establishment of a women's history museum in Washington, DC. The report concluded unanimously that the American people need and deserve such a museum. Congresswoman Maloney introducedH.R. 19in the 115th Congress andH.R. 1980in the 116th Congress based on these recommendations.\n\nCongresswoman Maloney introduced H.R. 1980 with Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) on March 28, 2019. The companion bill, S.959, was introduced in the Senate by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). H.R. 1980 passed the House by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 374  37 on February 11, 2020. The Senate Rules and Administration Committee unanimously approved S.959 on December 4, 2020.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-statement-on-coronavirus-relief-and-omnibus-agreement", "Maloney Statement on Coronavirus Relief and Omnibus Agreement", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) released the following statement ahead of voting for the bipartisan, bicameral coronavirus relief and omnibus agreement package.\n\nI applaud my colleagues who worked on this agreement to ensure much needed relief for the American people during this unprecedented health and economic crisis.\n\nOur first goal must be to protect the health of our citizens, and this bill does that by comprehensively tackling the coronavirus. The bill prioritizes Americans' health by providing billions of dollars to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of vaccines, tax credits for paid sick leave, and $4 billion for GAVI, the international vaccine alliance, because we cannot ensure that Americans are safe from COVID-19 until the whole world is, too.\n\nI'm very pleased that the bill provides much-needed support for small businesses by adding another $284 billion to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Importantly, businesses that have already taken a PPP loan will be able to take a second forgivable loan, so that they can keep their businesses open and their employees on the payroll, even if they have to remain shut down until the vaccine is widely distributed and the economy bounces back. The agreement also sets aside funding specifically for very small businesses through community-based lenders, ensuring that low-income and underserved communities are not left behind.\n\nThe bill will also provide workers who have already lost their jobs with an additional $300 per week in unemployment insurance, along with an extension of the critically important Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program for gig workers and the self-employed.\n\nEspecially important for our city is $25 billion for rental assistance, the extension of the eviction moratorium, and enhancements to the low-income housing tax credit. In addition, the bill sets aside $15 billion in grants for the live venues and cultural institutions that are so central to life in New York City, and which have been struggling since the start of the pandemic. Also included is $4 billion for the MTA, which meets the MTA's immediate funding needs while we continue to work for the full$12 billion in federal assistance it will need over the next two years.\n\nDemocrats were also able to secure $13 billion in increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits, much needed funding to help schools repair and replace HVAC systems to mitigate the spread of the virus so that we can safely reopen classrooms, and $10 billion for childcare assistance for parents heading back to work.\n\nNot to be overlooked is the inclusion of a bipartisan, bicameral agreement to end surprise billing  a practice that has bankrupted too many families.\n\nImportantly, Democrats were able to remove several dangerous Republican proposals  including one that would have unjustly put workers at risk by taking away their legal recourse and another provision limiting the authority of the Federal Reserve's ability to stabilize the economy and save jobs.\n\nI am thankful that with this agreement, we will avoid another government shutdown, but disappointed that Republicans still refuse to provide the necessary funding for our frontline heroes through funding for state and local governments and to meet the needs of the American people through stimulus payments  $600 is simply not enough to weather the economic crisis caused by COVID-19. Even with the emergency relief provided in this bill being the second highest in history (behind the CARES Act), this is still just a step in the right direction  a down payment  of what we will deliver for the people under a Biden-Harris Administration.\n\nThis bill, while not perfect, provides much needed relief and important wins for the people, and I will be joining my colleagues as we vote to send this bill to the Senate.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/key-provisions-rep-meeks-and-senators-warner-schumer-harris-and-booker", "Key Provisions of Rep. Meeks, and Senators Warner, Schumer, Harris and Booker Legislation Included in COVID19 Relief Package", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Gregory Meeks", "M001137", "meeks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Rep. Gregory Meeks (NY) thanked his colleagues and bipartisan leadership across both the House of Representatives and US Senate for including key provisions of the Jobs and Neighborhood Investment Act in the year-end COVID19 stimulus package, which will bring desperately needed relief to the hardest hit communities. \nRep. Meeks introduced the legislation on July 21st, 2020,with Senators Warner, Schumer, Harris and Booker with whom he worked closely to draft the bill. It provides eligible community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) with capital, liquidity, and operational capacity to expand the flow of credit into underserved, minority, and historically disadvantaged communities, helping small businesses stay afloat and expand operations, while providing affordable access to credit for lower income borrowers.\nThe provisions of the legislation included in the COVID19 relief package will mobilize $9 billion for the Emergency Capital Investment Program, providing critically needed affordable capital to CDFIs and MDIs, as well as $3 billion of emergency funding to the CDFI Fund, including $1.75 billion for minority lending institutions.\nI'm thankful to leadership and my colleagues in both the House and Senate for fighting for inclusion of key provisions of the Jobs and Neighborhood Investment Act in the COVID19 relief package. Throughout this pandemic, CDFIs and MDIs have been critical for supporting underserved communities. By investing in the Emergency Capital Investment Program, CDFI fund and minority lending institutions, we are making sure that relief will be made available to the un-banked and under-banked, and that communities of color have equal access to desperately needed capital and loans.\nRep. Meeks added This negotiation will provide relief in the interim for families and businesses, including $600 in stimulus checks, an additional $300 in enhanced unemployment insurance, $25 billion in rent relief, an extended eviction moratorium, $13 billion for SNAP, funding for vaccine distribution, as well as my provisions for CDFIs and MDIs. Let's be clear, however, that this negotiated relief bill still falls short in addressing the needs of struggling Americans. It fails to provide state and local aid, which will leave cities like New York in a dire financial situation. But this short-term COVID relief bill will bridge the gap between now and when another relief bill is negotiated under the Biden-Harris administration. Our work bringing relief to the American people is far from over, and we must redouble our efforts to bring support to, and level the playing field for marginalized communities and communities of color who have borne a disproportionate burden of the COVID19 pandemic and economic crisis.\nA broad coalition of civil rights, consumer groups and trade organizations mobilized in support of the Jobs and Neighborhood Investment Act, including: the NAACP, National Urban League, Black Economic Alliance, National Bankers Association, Center for Responsible Lending, African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders, Conference of National Black Churches, Prosperity Now, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Milken Institute Center for Financial Markets, Inclusiv, Opportunity Finance Network, Community Development Bankers Association, and many others.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-secures-record-amount-of-federal-funding-to-help-houses-of-worship", "Meng Secures Record Amount of Federal Funding to Help Houses of Worship and Nonprofits Improve Security", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced today that she secured a record breaking $180 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, the federal initiative that provides houses of worship (synagogues, churches, mosques, temples) and nonprofit entities such as educational institutions and community facilities with funding to protect their properties against threats and attacks. Meng secured the funds in the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill which is expected to soon be passed by the House and Senate as part of the omnibus spending package.\n\nThe surge in funding would be for fiscal year 2021. It is a $90 million increase \u2013 doubling the funding from fiscal year 2020. Meng has consistently worked to increase funding for the grant program over the last several years including a record $90 million for fiscal year 2020.\n\n\"This funding is greatly needed to ensure the security of houses of worship, schools, non-profits and other facilities, and it will go a long way towards keeping our communities safe,\" said Meng. \"With government resources tight this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I'm pleased to have still been able to obtain these critical federal dollars. We can never take a backseat to safety. It must remain our top priority, especially following recent acts of violence and hate that have occurred across our nation. I urge houses of worship and nonprofits in New York and across the country to apply for these important grants, and I will continue to champion funding for this crucial initiative. I look forward to its upcoming passage.\"\n\nThe grants, which are administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), cover target-hardening and other physical security enhancements such as barriers, gates, safety gear, surveillance equipment, and other safety measures.\n\nThe program is comprised of two streams of funds: the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) which consists of money for urban areas and the State Homeland Securities Program (SHSP) which consists of funding for non-urban areas. Under the funding increase, both have received $90 million each.\n\nThe House Appropriations Committee funds all U.S. government agencies, programs, and projects. In addition to serving on the full Appropriations Committee, Meng sits on the panel's Subcommittee on Homeland Security which decides funding levels for the grants. Facilities may apply for up to $100,000.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-statement-on-end-of-year-coronavirus-relief-package-and-government", "Meng Statement on End of Year Coronavirus Relief Package and Government Spending Bill", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed a massive package that included $900 billion in coronavirus relief funds and $1.4 trillion to fund the government.\n\n\"It's been nearly nine months since American families received any COVID-19 relief from the federal government. In fact, since the last time the American people received any relief, over 326,000 people have died from this deadly pandemic, and nearly 18.5 million people have been infected. I am furious and deeply disappointed that this agreement falls so shamefully short of what millions of families need in this unprecedented crisis. But with this continued surge in cases and deaths, millions still unemployed; families on the cusp of eviction; and an untold number of families struggling to put food on the table, I had to vote for this relief package. People are suffering right now, and they need immediate help.\n\nIt's beyond infuriating that the Senate Republicans kept any relief at bay \u2013 even though House Democrats passed COVID-19 relief packages in May and October, both of which would have been more meaningful than this Band-Aid of relief. This latest round of coronavirus relief does not even begin to go far enough. The $600 stimulus checks and unemployment benefits of up to $300 are a mere drop in the bucket for the millions of families that are in desperate need of help. There is no hazard pay. Our New York State and City \u2013 which was previously the epicenter of COVID-19 \u2013 needs critical funding. Shame on the Senate Majority Leader for refusing to consider those measures, and for waiting seven months to vote on additional aid.\n\nOur families and communities need and deserve so much more. I am glad to see, however, several provisions that I fought to include in this package: additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program which are forgivable loans to small businesses; funding for schools and child care to help parents get back to work and keep child care providers open; rental assistance for families struggling to stay in their homes and an extension of the eviction moratorium; stimulus payments to mixed status families; funding for the MTA; unemployment coverage to contract and gig workers; reduced price internet access devices to help students connect to the internet for remote learning; and increased SNAP funding and child nutrition programs. I am also relieved this package includes the necessary funding for vaccine distribution \u2013 because we must defeat this coronavirus once and for all.\n\nIn the coming months, Congress must pass a stronger relief bill \u2013 one that truly reflects and acknowledges the hardships that millions of Americans are facing. We cannot let those who have passed \u2013 to have died in vain. The only way we will rise above this crisis is to meet it head on with a comprehensive package that puts American families and workers first.\n\nWith respect to the government spending bill, I was proud to vote for funding to improve education, affordable housing, clean air and water, resources for our veterans, and measures to address gun violence and the climate crisis. But I refused to support more than a $1 billion for constructing President Trump's reckless and ineffective wall along the southern border, as well as nearly $700 billion in bloated funding for the Department of Defense.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-joe-morelle-omnibus-and-coronavirus-relief-legislation", "STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE ON OMNIBUS AND CORONAVIRUS RELIEF LEGISLATION", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joseph D. Morelle", "M001206", "morelle.house.gov", "morelle", "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "December 21, 2020\n\n(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 \"Today, Congress took action to fully fund our government while making necessary investments to expand unemployment assistance, provide more direct payments to Americans, and support our small businesses. This package also takes steps to end surprise medical billing\u2014a burden that no patient with COVID-19 or any other disease should have to bear, and an issue I have worked closely on since being elected to Congress.\n\n\"I also know that this is not nearly enough. We are facing the greatest health and economic crisis of our generation, and we must do more to provide the support our families, workers, and businesses need to survive. I am hopeful that working alongside the Biden-Harris administration, we can expand upon these actions and provide the real, meaningful relief the American people deserve.\"\n\nSpecifics of the package are outlined below.\n\nRelief for Everyday Americans\n\nThis package secures a new round of direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child, also ensuring that mixed-status families receive payments.\n\nWill provide Unemployment Insurance benefits for millions and added a $300 per week UI enhancement for Americans out of work. These benefits will extend to March 14, 2021 and also increases the number of weeks individuals can claim the benefit from 39 to 50 weeks.\n\nThe package enhances the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to help increase affordable housing construction and provide greater certainty to new and ongoing affordable housing projects.\n\nThe agreement helps ensure that families who faced unemployment or reduced wages during the pandemic are able to receive a strong tax credit based on their 2019 income, preserving these vital income supports for vulnerable families.\n\nSecures $25 billion in critically needed rental assistance for families struggling to stay in their homes and an extension of the eviction moratorium.\n\nThe agreement provides a tax credit to support employers offering paid sick leave, based on the Families First framework.\n\nSecures $13 billion in increased Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and child nutrition benefits to help relieve the historic hunger crisis that has left up to 17 million children food insecure. Increases monthly SNAP benefit by 15 percent through June 2021.\n\nSupport for Small Businesses\n\nThe agreement includes over $284 billion for first and second forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, expanded PPP eligibility for nonprofits and local newspapers, TV and radio broadcasters, key modifications to PPP to serve the smallest businesses and struggling non-profits and better assist independent restaurants, and includes $15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions. The agreement also includes $20 billion for targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Grants which are critical to many smaller businesses on Main Street.\n\nThe agreement includes dedicated PPP set-asides for very small businesses and lending through community-based lenders like Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs); $9 billion in emergency U.S. Treasury capital investments in CDFIs and MDIs to support lending in low-income and underserved communities, including persistent poverty counties, that may be disproportionately impacted by the economic effects of the COVID\u201319 pandemic; and $3 billion in emergency support for CDFIs through the CDFI Fund to respond to the economic impact of the pandemic on underserved low-income and minority communities.\n\nThe agreement extends and improves the Employee Retention Tax Credit to help keep workers in the jobs during coronavirus closures or reduced revenue.\n\nHead to the Small Business Administration website to learn more.\n\nAlso included in this package:\n\nAccelerating vaccine distribution and crushing the coronavirus: The bipartisan COVID relief package finally recognizes that we cannot get our economy working unless we can get the coronavirus under control. The package provides billions in urgently need funds to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of safe vaccines to as many Americans as possible as soon as possible, to implement a strong national testing and tracing strategy with billions reserved specifically for combating the disparities facing communities of color, and to support our heroic health care workers and providers.\n\nEnds surprise billing: The package includes bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will end surprise billing for emergency and scheduled care.\n\nEducation and child care: The agreement provides $82 billion in funding for colleges and schools, including support for HVAC repair and replacement to mitigate virus transmission and reopen classrooms, and $10 billion for child care assistance to help get parents back to work and keep child care providers open.\n\nHistoric expansion of Pell Grants: The package includes the largest expansion of Pell Grant recipients in over a decade, reaching 500,000 new recipients and ensuring more than 1.5 million students will now receive the maximum benefit.\n\nBroadband access: The agreement invests $7 billion to increase access to broadband, including a new Emergency Broadband Benefit to help millions of students, families and unemployed workers afford the broadband they need during the pandemic.\n\nFights the climate crisis: The agreement includes sweeping clean energy reforms, R&D enhancements, efficiency incentives, and extends clean energy tax credits to create hundreds of thousands of jobs across the clean economy. The package also phases out superpollutant hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), positioning the U.S. to lead the world in avoiding up to 0.5 degree Celsius of global warming.\n\nWRDA: The agreement includes the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2020, creating good-paying jobs strengthening and improving the vital water infrastructure that Americans rely on while unlocking the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund.\n\nGlobal Health: Secures an additional $3.36 billion for a total of $4 billion for Gavi, the international vaccine alliance, recognizing that we are not truly safe until the whole world is safe from the coronavirus.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394487", "Congressman Nadler Statement on Congressional COVID-19 Relief Package", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) issued the following statement:\r\nToday, I will vote in support of the Congressional coronavirus relief  package. While I will vote for the bill to deliver American families the desperately needed relief that Senate Republicans have been holding up for months, I remain deeply concerned by its shortcomings. Senate Republicans' inaction and complacency have plunged millions of Americans into dire financial straits and their refusal to include funding for struggling state and local governments is inexcusable. I will vote for this package for the meaningful, immediate aid it provides to many in need, but I expect Congress to continue to work to fund the state and local governments hardest hit by this pandemic.\r\nThere is much in this relief package that will help Americans better weather this unprecedented public health and economic crisis. As we enter what will likely be the darkest winter in American history, this relief package invests billions in expanded COVID-19 testing and vaccine distribution. It also delivers substantive relief to the millions of American small businesses and workers who have been economically impacted by the pandemic, including $300 billion in funds for small businesses, supplemental weekly unemployment benefits, and a new round of direct stimulus payments. That said, simply providing one time, $600 direct payments is little more than an affront. Working families both need and deserve more and I'll keep fighting on their behalf.\r\nI have consistently said that any federal aid package must prioritize the Americans most profoundly impacted by the economic consequences of COVID-19, not monied interests and corporate powers. Whether it be the more than $25 billion in rental assistance included within this relief package or its sizeable investment in SNAP, I'm glad to see that working Americans are put first in many of this package's most vital provisions. \r\nThis aid package also includes key provisions to facilitate New York's recovery. I fought hard to ensure that this package provides funding for public transit agencies like the MTA, which have been decimated by COVID-19. New York's long term recovery is inextricably linked to the survival of the MTA and I'm proud that this relief package includes those urgently needed funds.I am also pleased this package provides immediate and substantial relief for our colleges and schools by providing over $80 billon in emergency assistance. This funding includes support for HVAC repair and replacement to help reduce the rates of COVID-19 transmissions and reopen New York's classrooms.\r\nWhile this package will allow us to meet many of the challenges of the moment, it simply does not do enough. Most crucially, despite Democrats' best efforts, Senate Republicans refused to provide funds to state and local governments, heavying the already staggering burden on the governments which have borne so much of the cost of responding to COVID-19. This is a time for pragmatism, not politics, so I am deeply disappointed that Senate Republicans are playing at just that. In doing so, they're straining our state and local governments to the breaking point.\r\nWhether it be simple callousness or a dangerous lack of understanding of the dire situations facing so many, Senate Republicans have forced millions of Americans to wait months for relief. It should come as no surprise that the predominant emotion felt by millions today is one of desperation. I will cast my vote today with them and their struggles at the front of my mindthey deserve the financial support that this package delivers, despite its many shortcomings. With nearly twelve million Americansincluding over one million New Yorkersset to see their unemployment benefits expire on December 26th, relief simply needs to be provided immediately and directly. But make no mistake: I will continue to fight for state and local government funding, for further public transit support and expanded direct payments, and to amplify the interests and the voices of the voiceless.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://seanmaloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-funding-bill-with-covid-relief-maloney-priorities", "House Passes Funding Bill with COVID Relief, Maloney Priorities", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Sean Maloney", "M001185", "seanmaloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Passes Funding Bill with COVID Relief, Maloney Priorities\nWashington, D.C.  Today, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan, bicameral funding package for Fiscal Year 2021, which contained several priorities of Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), including COVID-19-relief provisions aimed at providing critically-needed assistance for New York families, health care providers, farmers, and small businesses. Additionally, this bill will advance the Dam Safety Improvement Act, and advance flood risk management projects along the Wallkill River.\nIn addition to dedicated funding to help New Yorkers get through this pandemic and access the vaccine, our annual spending bill includes priorities of mine to combat climate change, update and repair our infrastructure, protect farmers and homeowners from flooding, and strengthen our schools and communities.\nAs we start the process of recovering from the pandemic in 2021 and beyond, it is vital New York has the resources to build back stronger and better than before. I will continue to fight for the Hudson Valley, and work to bring jobs, investment and opportunity to New York in 2021, said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney.\nA $900+ billion bipartisan COVID-19 relief bill was attached to the annual spending package, and provides dedicated funding for COVID-19 vaccine distribution, assistance for small businesses and schools, enhanced unemployment benefits, support for our farmers, boosts nutrition programs, and triggers an additional round of direct cash payments, among many other provisions. New York State is expected to receive an estimated $54 billion in relief funds from this package. Read more about the package here.\nThe annual spending bill contains legislative priorities of Rep. Maloney's, such as measures to combat climate change, improve water infrastructure, and invest in Hudson Valley communities. The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), an annual legislative package that authorizes studies and projects within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Civil Works mission areas, including: navigation; flood, hurricane, storm damage reduction; shoreline protection; and ecosystem restoration, is a major component of the bill.\nIncluded in the bill text is Rep. Maloney's Dam Safety Improvement Act, a provision to advance the New York-New Jersey Harbor & Tributaries project (NYNJHATS) under the Hudson River Climate Change Protection Act, as well as a provision to prioritize flood risk management projects on the Rondout Creek-Wallkill River Watershed. This legislation will support the Hudson Valley ecosystem and improve New York's water infrastructure. More on WRDA can be found here.\nThe annual spending bill invests in New York families, and will support recovery from the pandemic by strengthening our communities. The funding bill will:\n Support our schools and students by providing over $40 billion in funds for K-12 education programs, including billions in Title I grants to local education agencies, and dedicated funding for in-need communities. The bill also dedicates funds for higher education - including career, technical and adult education programs  and includes the largest expansion of Pell Grant recipients in over a decade, reaching 500,000 new recipients and ensuring more than 1.5 million students will now receive the maximum benefit.\n\tExpand access to housing by providing millions in new targeted vouchers to reduce homelessness among families with children, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, and individuals.\n\tTackle food insecurity by fully funding child nutrition programs, WIC, and SNAP.\n\tBuild safer communities by investing in research through the NIH and CDC to address our nation's gun violence epidemic, and improve the NICS firearms background check system.\n\tCombat climate change by investing in renewable and efficient energy projects, and dedicate funds to addressing climate change in communities, like Rep. Maloney's provisions in the Water Resources Development Act to advance projects that address climate change in New York and repair our water infrastructure. The funding package also includes billions to fund the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure our air and water is clean.\n\tStrengthen rural communities by dedicating millions to expand broadband service for students, workers and families who rely on a stable internet connection during this pandemic.\n\tKeep our promise to our veterans by providing the funding needed for a 3 percent pay raise for our troops, $90 billion for VA medical care, including dedicated funds to assist homeless veterans, and prevent veteran suicide.\n -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://seanmaloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-helps-pass-critically-needed-coronavirus-relief-legislation", "Maloney Helps Pass Critically-Needed Coronavirus Relief Legislation", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Sean Maloney", "M001185", "seanmaloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Maloney Helps Pass Critically-Needed Coronavirus Relief Legislation\nWashington, D.C.  Today, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) helped pass a bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19-relief bill that will provide critically-needed relief for New York families, health care providers, farmers, and small businesses.\nAs the roll-out of the vaccine begins nationwide, it is crucial our health care systems are supported and prepared to distribute the vaccine quickly. With jobless claims rising and the eviction moratorium set to expire, delivering relief to Americans in-need is a must.\nUnder this bipartisan bill, our health care providers will receive billions so they can continue the fight against this virus, our schools will get assistance so they can safely reopen, our farmers and those who are food insecure will receive targeted help, and our transit systems  like Metro-North  will be supported. Hudson Valley families and individuals will also receive targeted help, with another round of direct cash payments totaling $2,400 for a family of four, expanded unemployment benefits, and rental assistance for those facing homelessness.\nThis bill will deliver over $54 billion of assistance to New York families who need help now. After months of inaction by the Senate and the White House, this is ultimately a positive step in the right direction  but it's just the start. Mitch McConnell may have blocked funding for state and local governments in this bill, but our fight on this critical funding isn't over. Under the Biden Administration, we will deliver more assistance to every American impacted by this pandemic, and help our communities build back stronger and better than before, said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney.\nThe $900 billion bipartisan COVID-19 relief bill was attached to the annual spending package, and provides dedicated funding for COVID-19 vaccine distribution, assistance for small businesses and schools, extends enhanced unemployment benefits, supports our farmers and tackles food insecurity, and provides an additional round of direct cash payments, among many other provisions. New York State is expected to receive an estimated $54 billion in relief funds from this package.\nThe bipartisan COVID relief bill will:\n Dedicate $20 billion to procure the vaccine, nearly $9 billion to distribute the vaccine, and $22 billion for state testing and tracing programs. This fund will also support our health care heroes who are providing care and testing, and portions of the funds are dedicated to underserved communities of color and rural areas. Additionally, the bill secures over $3 billion for GAVI, the international vaccine alliance. New York is expected to receive an estimated $1.6 billion in vaccine distribution and virus mitigation funds.\n\tInvest over $82 billion in our schools, with over $54 billion going to elementary and secondary schools, and over $22 billion going to institutions of higher education. This bill also includes dedicated funds to update HVAC systems so schools can safely reopen, and $10 billion for child care assistance grants to help parents get back to work. New York State is expected to receive 5.8 billion in emergency education funds.\n\tSupport New York State governments with $13+ billion of critical aid.\n\tSend another round of Economic Impact Payments of $600 to qualifying individuals making up to $75,000 a year. The credit phases out starting at $75,000 at a rate of $5 per $100 of additional income. A qualifying family of four would receive $2,400 in direct cash assistance.\n\tProtect families facing homelessness by extending the eviction moratorium to January 31, 2020, and providing $25 billion in critically-needed rental assistance.\n\tRestore expanded federal unemployment benefits of $300 weekly, and extend Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) through March 14, 2021.\n\tStrengthen small businesses by reopening the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) with an additional $284 billion, creating a second draw PPP loan for harder hit businesses, as well as an additional $20 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program grants targeted to low-income communities. This bill will also improve the PPP to better support nonprofits, independent restaurants, live-venue operators, local newspapers, TV and radio broadcasters. Additionally, dedicated PPP funds will help very small businesses through community-based lenders like Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs).\n\tBolster transit systems with over $45 billion of emergency funding, helping transit providers, including the MTA, protect the transportation services workers and communities rely on every day.\n\tDedicate $13 billion for our farmers and producers impacted by the pandemic, and address hunger by increasing SNAP and child nutrition benefits by 15 percent for six months. The bill also funds the Commodity Food Assistance Program, which serves hungry seniors.\n\tIncrease access to broadband by providing $7 billion to families, students, and workers who need the internet to learn, work and connect during the pandemic. This fund also includes $250 million for telehealth expansion.\n\tFight the rise in opioid addiction and substance abuse with $4 billion of dedicated funding for substance abuse programs.\n Several tax credits were strengthened in the bipartisan legislative package, including: the Low Incoming Housing Tax Credit, to help increase affordable housing construction; the Earned Income and the Child Tax Credits, ensuring families who faced unemployment or reduced wages during the pandemic are able to receive a strong tax credit based on their 2019 income; the Paid Sick Leave Tax Credit to support employers offering paid sick leave; and the extension of the Employee Retention Tax Credit, to help keep workers on the payroll during COVID-related closures and reduced revenue.\nThe House of Representatives has worked throughout the pandemic to deliver relief for the people. The House passed the Heroes Act on May 15, 2020, and an updated version of the Heroes Act on October 1, 2020. The Senate has obstructed both COVID-19 relief bills passed by the House.\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/velazquez-house-passage-covid-19-relief-and-government-funding-bill", "Velazquez on House Passage of COVID-19 Relief and Government Funding Bill", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez", "V000081", "velazquez.house.gov", "velazquez", "https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington,DC \u2013 Rep. Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez (D-NY) issued the following statement on the House passage of the Omnibus and Coronavirus Relief bill.\n\n\"Over 315,000 Americans are dead. 3 out of every 4 small businesses have seen their revenues fall, and thousands have shut their doors for good. Food insecurity has doubled for families with children, and millions of Americans are turning to food banks for the first time. In most states, 1 in 5 households are behind on rent. More than 10 million people are unemployed.\n\n\"But it's been over six months since the House passed the Heroes Act, comprehensive legislation to address these issues months ago. And all this time, Republicans have refused to lift a finger to provide relief to struggling families. It is shameful that it took this long for my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to come to the table.\n\n\"And let me be clear\u2014$600 in direct payments and an additional $300 per week in unemployment is not enough\u2014in fact, it's just half of the aid that we passed in the CARES Act.\n\n\"So, while I am disappointed in my Republican colleagues and recognize this bill is not ideal or as comprehensive as the Heroes Act\u2014it will provide some much-needed relief to the American people until we can pass a more robust stimulus under the Biden Administration.\n\n\"I'd particularly like to thank all the staff from member offices, to committee offices, to leadership and floor staff, who worked long hours and through the weekend to help put this package together.\n\n\"For small businesses, this bill takes action to authorize a second round of PPP loans to the hardest hit businesses. Importantly, it will set-aside funding reserved for small businesses with 10 or fewer employees and those in underserved communities. It also utilizes small banks and mission-based community lenders to guarantee fair access to small employers.\n\n\"And finally, this bill provides for what we have been hearing on the ground from small businesses\u2014the need for cash infusions through grants. By establishing new guardrails and allocating $20 billion to the EIDL grant program, we are targeting the hardest hit small businesses to receive these grants.\n\n\"Meanwhile, as shuttered entertainment venues, including our cultural institutions and movie theaters, that depend on large crowds to survive have been closed by the pandemic and faced difficulties accessing PPP and other SBA programs, this bill creates a new $15 billion dollar grant program to target these establishments that have experienced a dramatic decline in revenue.\n\n\"But our efforts do not end here. We will continue to seek more assistance next year because Main Street, especially our independent restaurants, and working families deserve for us to come back to the table to provide a lifeline while we await vaccine distributions.\n\n\"So today, I'm voting yes but I urge my fellow members, let's not stop here. Let's come back in January and pass more relief for the American people.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-following-meeting-with-secretary-of-agriculture-nominee-tom-vilsack_-", "Gillibrand Statement Following Meeting With Secretary Of Agriculture Nominee Tom Vilsack", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 21, 2020\n\t\t\t Gillibrand Statement Following Meeting With Secretary Of Agriculture Nominee Tom Vilsack    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nFollowing her meeting with Secretary of Agriculture nominee Tom Vilsack, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement:\r\nToday I had a productive meeting with Secretary of Agriculture nominee Tom Vilsack about the incoming Biden administration's plans to address hunger and food security, and the challenges facing our nation's farmers, all of which have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Having previously served in this position, Tom is eminently qualified and is committed to helping farmers weather the current crisis, combatting food insecurity and to rebuilding our rural communities. During our conversation, I urged Tom to focus on policies that will increase SNAP benefits to keep Americans fed, strengthen the farm to food bank supply chain, help farmers overcome their debt, and stabilize milk pricing. Tom will be a strong leader in the face of the country's growing challenges and I look forward to working with him to build a stronger and more equitable agriculture industry.\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/gillibrand-statement-on-senate-passage-of-900-billion-relief-package-and-omnibus", "Gillibrand Statement On Senate Passage Of $900 Billion Relief Package And Omnibus", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 21, 2020\n\t\t\t Gillibrand Statement On Senate Passage Of $900 Billion Relief Package And Omnibus \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFollowing Senate passage of a $900 billion coronavirus relief packageand omnibus, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, released the following statement:\r\nWhile I am disappointed that Senator McConnell continues to oppose funding for state and local governments, I voted for the $900 billion aid package and omnibusin order to get urgent relief to New York families. This bill has many important provisions that will help families and small businesses, including enhanced unemployment benefits, direct payments, small business aid, SNAP benefits, and funding for vaccine distribution, hospitals and schools. More aid will be needed to help families make it through this crisis and I will be working hard with the incoming Biden administration to deliver it.\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://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-announces-over-115000-to-buffalo-niagara-waterkeeper-for-project", "Higgins Announces Over $115,000 to Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper for Project Addressing Flooding in the Lexington Green Neighborhood", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Brian Higgins", "H001038", "higgins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced $115,347 in federal funding provided through the 2020 National Coastal Resilience Fund to Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper for the design of a Buffalo Creek floodplain project aimed at reducing flooding in the Lexington Green neighborhood in the Town of West Seneca.\nLexington Green residents face the threat of flooding from Buffalo Creek every year, said Congressman Higgins. With this grant, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, who have been excellent stewards of Western New York waterways, will examine ways to improve the natural environment to help mitigate flooding.\n\"Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper is excited about the potential to improve Buffalo Creek and continue restoration and collaboration in the West Seneca community that we started over a decade ago,\" said Executive Director Jill Jedlicka. \"We continue to see an increase in flooding events and habitat loss throughout New York's Great Lakes basin, in large part due to climate change and land use modifications, but through projects like these, we can start to implement more resilient shorelines and communities in the years to come. We are grateful for the National Fish and Wildlife's Foundation continued investment in Western New York.\"\n  \n\tHistorically, high water from Buffalo Creek has made West Seneca's Lexington Green community prone to flooding. This federal funding will be used by Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper to provide analysis, field study, and preliminary design of a reconnected floodplain on Buffalo Creek in West Seneca, upstream of the flood-prone Lexington Green community. The goal of the project is to mitigate flooding, improve resiliency throughout the community and downstream, and provide beneficial habitat for native species.The total project is expected to cost $446,497.\nThe National Coastal Resilience Fund is administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper are one of just 46 recipients nationwide receiving a combined $37 million in 2020 for projects designed to strengthen natural infrastructure, the landscapes that help absorb the impacts of storms and floods, to protect coastal communities and enhance fish and wildlife habitat.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/weekly-update-opioid-epidemic-hearing-midnight-regulations-review-act", "Weekly Update: Opioid Epidemic Hearing, Midnight Regulations Review Act, Cybersecurity Investigation", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThis week, under threat of subpoena, members of the Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma (the creator of OxyContin), testified before the Oversight Committee at a hearing examining their and Purdue Pharma's role in fueling the opioid epidemic. I also introduced the Midnight Regulations Review Act and launched an investigation with the Homeland Security Committee into the cyberattack on federal systems. More on these and other updates below.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tCOVID By the Numbers\n\t\t\t\tGlobal\n\t\t\t\tCases: 75,230,033\n\t\t\t\tDeaths: 1,668,030\n\t\t\t\t*data from Johns Hopkins\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tUnited States\n\t\t\t\tConfirmed Cases: 17,206,647\n\t\t\t\tDeaths: 310,699\n\t\t\t\t*data from Johns Hopkins\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNew York State\n\t\t\t\tConfirmed Cases: 815,468\n\t\t\t\tDeaths: 36,052\n\t\t\t\tTotal Tested: 22,680,046\n\t\t\t\tTesting Positivity: 3.60%\n\t\t\t\t*data from Johns Hopkins\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNew York City  Last 7 Days\n\t\t\t\tTotal Cases: 22,327\n\t\t\t\t Confirmed: 17,163\n\t\t\t\t\tProbable: 5,164\n\t\t\t\t Hospitalizations: 1,483\n\t\t\t\tConfirmed Deaths: 165\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOversight Hearing with Perdue Pharma and the Sacklers\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWatch Chairwoman Maloney's opening statement here.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tYesterday, I chaired an Oversight Committee hearing to examine the role of Purdue Pharma and members of the Sackler family in fueling the nationwide opioid epidemic for decades by pushing Purdue executives to flood the market with the highly addictive painkiller OxyContin.\n\t\t\t\tAs I said at the end of the hearing, the Sacklers have played a critical, active role in sparking and fueling the opioid epidemic. They approved and monitored dangerous marketing plans, directed sales representatives to focus on the highest-volume prescribers and the strongest versions of OxyContin, and targeted vulnerable populations with misleading messages.\n\t\t\t\tNow, they have the ability to mitigate at least some of the damage they caused. They must stop hiding and offshoring their assets, stop nickel and diming the negotiators, make a massive financial contribution that leaves no doubt about their commitment, and finally acknowledge their wrongdoing. The families whose lives they and this drug have ruined deserve at least that much.\n\t\t\t\tYou can watch the full hearing here.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tInvestigation into Cyberattack on Federal Government Systems\n\t\t\t\tOn Thursday, Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, and I launched an investigation into the widespread cyberattack that has affected multiple federal departments and agencies.\n\t\t\t\tIn ourletterto Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe, Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher Wray, and Mr. Chad Wolf of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), we asked for the latest information on the number of federal departments, agencies, and other entities affected by the breach, the extent to which sensitive information and dataincluding classified informationmay have been compromised or exposed, the threat actor or actors responsible, and the Administration's ongoing efforts to prevent further damage, secure its computer networks, and hold those responsible accountable.\n\t\t\t\tRead more here.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tH.R. 8956: Midnight Regulations Review Act\n\t\t\t\tOn Tuesday, I joined with Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy, and Committee Member Rep. Jackie Speier to introduce theMidnight Regulations Review Act (H.R. 8956), legislation that will provide oversight of midnight regulations enacted during the presidential transition period.\n\t\t\t\tThe recent actions of the Trump Administration have shown us firsthand how outgoing administrations can take advantage of midnight rulemaking for partisan, political gain. Presidential transitions demand rigorous oversight, and midnight rulemaking is no exception.\n\t\t\t\tRead more about the bill here.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tRequesting a Briefing on Executive Order Canceling Diversity, Anti-Racism Training\n\t\t\t\tOn Tuesday, I was joined by Oversight Committee Subcommittee Chairs and members in demanding that Director Russell Vought, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), provide a member briefing and documents by December 22 about the Trump Administration's cancellation of diversity and anti-racism training in the federal government and organizations that receive federal funds.\n\t\t\t\tOn September 29, 2020, werequested documents and information on this matter. Rather than provide the requested materials, OMB's November 9replymisleadingly claimed that theExecutive Orderonly seeks to curb trainings that perpetuate racial stereotypes and division.' OMB also wrote that if a training does not teach divisive concepts, then that particular training would not be impacted by the Executive Order and may continue.\n\t\t\t\tYou can read the letter to Director Vought here.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Trump Administration's Discriminatory Rule on Federal Contractors\n\t\t\t\tLast week, the Trump Administration finalized a regulation allowing federal contractors to discriminate against minorities, women and LGBTQ Americans  undermining and severely weaking the civil rights laws that were enacted to protect our most vulnerable citizens.\n\t\t\t\tAs we continue to battle the coronavirus pandemic that is claiming thousands of lives a day, this new regulation could potentially destroy the health, safety and financial wellbeing of millions of Americans at the most critical time. I will continue to work with House leadership and the new Biden-Harris Administration to ensure this order is reversed to protect the rights of all Americans.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tInternational Prevention and Treatment of Obstetric Fistula\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I reintroducedThe Obstetric Fistula Prevention, Treatment, Hope and Dignity Restoration Act,legislation that would assist the estimated two million women worldwide suffering from obstetric fistula. Obstetric fistula is a preventable and treatable condition resulting from prolonged labor in the absence of skilled medical assistance.\n\t\t\t\tMore than two million women worldwide suffer with obstetric fistula. Beyond the physical and psychological effects of this condition and the stillbirths that commonly result, mothers with fistulas are often ostracized by their families. The United Sates can and must take a leading role in the effort to eradicate obstetric fistula so that no other woman suffers from this preventable condition.\n\t\t\t\tUnfortunately, the Trump Administration has taken steps to callously restrict access to healthcare for women and children around the world, putting them unnecessarily at risk. Under the leadership of the incoming Biden-Harris Administration, we must act immediately to reverse these harms. We must repeal the global gag rule and restore funding to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). UNFPA provides maternal care for women living in regions plagued by conflict or disaster and is a major partner in the fight against obstetric fistula, and we need to do our part to fund their efforts. Lives are depending on it.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tRwandan President Must Release Paul Rusesabagina\n\t\t\t\tThis week, I wrote to President Paul Kagame of the Republic of Rwanda requesting the immediate release and safe return of Paul Rusesabagina, known for hiding and saving 1,268 refugees as a hotel manager during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. I urged the Rwandan President to return Mr. Rusesabagina, a United States Legal Permanent Resident and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, to the United States to be reunited with his family.\n\t\t\t\tRead my full letter to President Kagame here.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSupreme Court Census Ruling\n\t\t\t\tToday, the Supreme Court ruled to dismiss a challenge to the Trump Administration's plan to exclude undocumented immigrants from the U.S. Census. In this decision, the Court reaffirmed that Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross must take an actual enumeration of every person in the United States. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court did not address whether President Trump may or may not exclude undocumented immigrants from the Census count, but instead found that the Trump Administration's actions are so speculative and unclear that the Court simply cannot rule at this time. This lack of information about the Census is a problem of Secretary Ross's own makingand it applies not only to the Trump Administration's plans for undocumented immigrants, but also to the accuracy, completeness, and timing of the entire Census itself.\n\t\t\t\tSecretary Ross continues to withhold documents from the Oversight Committee about critical problems and delays that affect all 50 states and jeopardize the accurate and complete enumeration that is required by the Constitution. I expect a full response to the subpoena I issued to Sec. Ross on December 10 by this coming Monday.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAs always, your concerns still and always remain my top priority. Please do not hesitate to email me through my website.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tIf you have friends who you think should be receiving my newsletters, tell them they can sign up here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394484", "Nadler & Murphy Introduce Legislation to Restore the DOJ Office for Access to Justice", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) announced the introduction of the Office for Access to Justice Establishment Act of 2020, bicameral legislation to re-establish the Office for Access to Justice within the Department of Justice. The Office for Access to Justice was closed by former Attorney General Jeff Sessions in 2018.\r\nThe Office for Access to Justice would promote fair and just outcomes in the justice system that are accessible to all, irrespective of wealth or status. Under this new legislation, the Office for Access to Justice would both promote criminal defense and support the use of civil legal aid. The bill formally authorizes the already-existing Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable to promote civil legal aid and defense, to improve coordination and promote federal programs that support vulnerable populations, and to develop recommendations for federal funded programs and policies that will improve access to justice.\r\nThe Office for Access to Justice was built on the principles of creating a fairer and more just criminal justice system by ensuring those most in need had the same access to legal aid as everyone else, said Chairman Nadler. The Trump Administration shuttered this office and curtailed this important work. I am proud to introduce this legislation to reestablish this office within the Department of Justice and to restore efforts to ensure everyone has equal access to representation. This legislation is supported by a broad coalition of organizations from across the political spectrum. The Biden-Harris Administration must make this office a top agency priority.\r\n2020 has shown us just how deep systemic racism runs across all our institutions, especially in our justice system, and it's critical we do more to address it. That's exactly why I'm teaming up with Chairman Nadler to introduce legislation that would reestablish the Office for Access to Justice at the DOJ that the Trump administration shuttered, and authorize the Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable to promote civil legal aid and litigant defense. It's clear that our justice system is too often weighted against those without adequate resources to navigate it, which is why we must improve legal resources for all Americansregardless of their socioeconomic background, said Senator Murphy.\r\nUnder this legislation, the Office for Access to Justice would:\r\n \r\n    Provide legal and policy advice to the Attorney General on the issue of ensuring access to justice for low-income and other under-represented groups in the civil and criminal justice system.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Serve as the Executive Director of the Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable. \r\n \r\n \r\n    Coordinate with other divisions of DOJ to ensure each is properly considering issues of access to justice, including on grant and funding decisions.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Consult with the Secretary of State and serving as the authority on access to justice before international and multilateral organizations.\r\n \r\nThe Office for Access to Justice Establishment Act of 2020 is endorsed by more than 40 access to justice organizations from across the country, including, the Center for American Progress,R Street Institute, Fair and Just Prosecution, Fines and Fees Justice Center, Human Rights Watch, Juvenile Law Center, American Civil Liberties Union, and Christian Legal Society.\r\nThe full bill text is available here.\r\nA section-by-section is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394485", "ICYMI: Nadler, Jackson Lee Applaud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to End FGM", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) applauded the Senate passage of H.R. 6100, theStrengthening the Opposition to Female Genital Mutilation (STOP FGM) Act of 2020, legislation introduced by Representatives Jackson Lee and Don Bacon (R-NE) which ensures that the horrific practice of female genital mutilation of minors is prohibited under federal law. TheSTOP FGM Act of 2020was favorably reported out of the Judiciary Committee in March and passed unanimously by the House of Representatives in September. The legislation now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. \"It is critical that Congress take action to put an end to the heinous crime of female genital mutilation,\" said Chairman Nadler. \"The STOP FGM Act will take the long-overdue steps necessary to protect all women and girls from the practice of FGM and would provide the Justice Department with an effective means of prosecuting those who commit this terrible act. I want to thank Representatives Jackson Lee and Bacon for all their help in getting this bill passed, and I hope to see this important bipartisan legislation signed into law.\" \"I applaud the Senate for expediting the passage of H.R. 6100 and recognizing the life saving measures that are in the STOP FGM Act. Also, I would like to thank Chairman Jerrold Nadler for his leadership in helping to move this legislation through the Judiciary Committee and on to the House floor. As a lifelong advocate for women, I have worked on initiatives that would eliminate this heinous act all together. FGM has been internationally recognized as a human rights violation which has been performed on at least 200 million girls and women in 31 countries across three continents. Some may think of FGM as occurring only in foreign nations, but this portrayal is completely inaccurate, and we must set the record straight: FGM is practiced right here in the United States and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately half a million women and girls in the United States have already suffered from FGM or are at risk of being subjected to FGM in the future. These girls and women will now have the protection they deserve and justice will finally be done to those who exercise this violent practice in the United States,\"stated Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.\r\nTheStrengthening the Opposition to Female Genital Mutilation (STOP FGM) Act of 2020 will:\r\n \r\n    Adopt a definition of FGM that mirrors the definition adopted by the World Health Organization;\r\n \r\n \r\n    Overturn the misguided decision in United States v. Nagarwala by explicitly stating the constitutional basis for banning FGM, primarily the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution; \r\n \r\n \r\n    Makes it a federal crime to knowingly: \r\n    \r\n        Perform, attempt to perform, or conspire to perform, FGM on a minor;\r\n        For parents, guardians, or caretakers to consent to FGM being performed on a minor; or;\r\n        To transport a minor for the purpose of the performance of FGM on the minor;\r\n    \r\n \r\n \r\n    Increase the statutory maximum term of imprisonment for a violation of the statute, from 5 years to 10 years; and\r\n \r\n \r\n    Require the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Education, to submit an annual report to Congress which includes: \r\n    \r\n        An estimate of the number of women and girls in the United States at risk of female genital mutilation or who have been subjected to it;\r\n        The protections available and actions taken by Federal, State, and local agencies to protect such women and girls; and\r\n    \r\n \r\nThe actions taken by Federal agencies to educate and assist communities and key stakeholders about female genital mutilation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394486", "Chairman Nadler Urges Deputy AG Rosen to Halt Remaining Federal Execution Orders", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) sent a letter to Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, who is expected to become Acting Attorney General following the departure of Attorney General Barr, requesting that he rescind the execution orders for the three individuals whose executions have been scheduled to take place in January. Full text of the letter can be found below and here:\r\nDecember 18, 2020\r\nJeffrey Rosen  \r\nDeputy Attorney General  \r\nDepartment of Justice  \r\n950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW  \r\nWashington, DC 20530\r\nDear Deputy Attorney General Rosen:\r\nWith the expectation that you will become the Acting Attorney General upon the departure of Attorney General William P. Barr, I write to request that you rescind the execution orders for the three individuals whose executions have been scheduled to take place in January. These are to be the last executionsof 13carried out by the Trump Administration since this past July. My hope is that you recognize the extraordinary nature of the circumstances that have brought us to where we are now with these planned executions and that you exhibit better judgment than Attorney General Barr by rescinding these last three.\r\nThe executions are set to take place at the U.S. Penitentiary (USP) in Terre Haute, Indiana. As you are likely aware, executions mobilize hundreds of people to the location where the execution is held. Prison staff, reporters, spiritual advisors, family members, and witnesses from disparate parts of the country congregate for federal executions in Vigo County, where USP Terre Haute is located. In response to a recent lawsuit, the Bureau of Prisons admitted that eight members of the execution team for the November 19, 2020 execution of Orlando Hall had tested positive for COVID-19. A few days after Mr. Hall's execution, his spiritual advisorwho had been exposed to at least two maskless executioners while in the execution chamberalso tested positive for COVID-19. This information is alarmingand calls into question the ability of USP Terre Haute to keep staff, prisoners, and others safe while carrying out the extraordinary step of an execution during a pandemic, much less three executions all within three days of each other.\r\nAs you know, the federal government had not carried out any executions for over 17 years, until Attorney General Barr decided to resume executions last July. Since then, 10 men have been put to death under Attorney General Barr's watch. In a sharp break from the norm that has governed the scheduling of executions for well over a century, three men have already been executed by the outgoing President. And three remaining individuals are scheduled to die roughly in the week before President Elect Joseph Biden's inauguration. But an outgoing president has not executed anyone since 1889. This norm has existed this long for a reason: the incoming president deserves deference, particularly in carrying out the most severe punishment available in our laws. Moreover, it is particularly egregious for the outgoing Administration to be carrying out executions when, as it has been widely reported, it has completely sidelined the Office of the Pardon Attorney in the process of evaluating clemency applications from prisoners. For those on death row, the Office of the Pardon Attorney is their final stop, their final prayerand this, they have been denied.\r\nAs the Supreme Court has reminded us, death is different and exercising its machinery under the present circumstances is not only problematic, it is unconscionable. I implore you to refuse to carry out these executions, which will not make us safer. \r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\nJerrold Nadler  \r\nChairman\r\nc:  The Honorable Jim Jordan, Ranking Member, Committee on the Judiciary", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-ocasio-cortez-holds-december-town-hall-ny-14-constituents", "ICYMI: Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Holds December Town Hall for NY-14 Constituentshere", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez", "O000172", "ocasio-cortez.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Video available here \nQueens, NY - On Thursday evening, Representative Alexandria OcasioCortez held her monthly town hall for the constituents of New York's 14th Congressional District. The Congresswoman used the bulk of the virtual event to provide an update on negotiations around a COVID-19 relief bill.\nFolks in our community are on the brink of eviction. We have just an insane amount of food instability in our community. And, it just feels like the Republican Party in the Senate just doesn't care, said Rep. OcasioCortez at the town hall. What we were able to do is that at the beginning of the week there were no stimulus payments at all - there was zero dollars. And now, we've clawed our way to $600. I think $600 is even still an insulting low amount, and we're going to have to figure things out from there. What the name of the game is right now is survival until January 20th [the presidential inauguration] and reassessing our situation from there.\nThe Congresswoman also took questions from constituents on the MTA funding crisis, economic relief for catering halls, Spanish-language outreach around the COVID-19 vaccine, oversight of the PPP program, Page 2 of 3 student debt forgiveness, and the Green New Deal. Additionally, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez answered questions from local and national media on the Georgia Senate races, her plans for her district in 2021, and whether or not she would vote for a COVID-19 relief bill that included just a $600 stimulus check.\nIn her final town hall of her first term, the Congresswoman also reviewed some of the progress she made over the last two years. To date, she has introduced 23 pieces of legislation and saw two amendments pass into law - shifting $5 million from the failed war on drugs to treatment for opioid addiction, and securing $10 million to clean up toxic bombardment sites in Vieques, Puerto Rico. In the House, the Congresswoman led a successful vote to repeal the Faircloth Amendment, which is critical to the expansion of affordable housing and to the execution of the Green New Deal. The Congresswoman also introduced The Loan Shark Prevention Act, to cap credit card interest rates at 15%, and The Green New Deal for Public Housing, which would invest up to $180 billion over ten years to create a quarter million jobs per year nationwide. Additionally, she introduced the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Act, which would help families cover funeral expenses, and called for a bailout of taxi cab rivers. The Congresswoman also introduced the Just Society suite of bills, which collectively would raise the federal poverty line, include immigrants in social safety net programs, require federal contractors to pay a living wage, strengthen renters' rights, and decrease recidivism. Overall, the Congresswoman had more amendments made in order than 90 percent of the freshmen class.\nIn committee hearings, the Congresswoman earned a reputation as a fierce, prepared questioner whose lines of inquiry delivered real results. She pressured a major pharmaceutical company into lowering the price of a drug that reduces HIV transmission, and worked with her colleagues to force a defense contractor to return $16.1 million in federal funding. The Congresswoman also got Michael Cohen to state on the record that President Donald Trump was engaging in tax fraud and to divulge other information that helped the New York Attorney General open an investigation into the Trump Organization. The Congresswoman's questioning also helped overturn the unjust citizenship question on the Census.\nIn the district, over the last two years, Representative Ocasio-Cortez hosted 25 town halls, all of which provided language translation services and Page 3 of 3 accessibility for the hearing impaired. The District Office also opened cases for over 1,400 constituents, assisting with everything from immigration visas and Social Security payments to small business loans and veterans benefits. Additionally, staff answered over 19,000 calls and provided 2,800 written responses to constituents. Various institutions in NY-14 also received $470 million in federal grant money during the Congresswoman's first term.\nThe full video of the virtual town hall can be viewed here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-ocasio-cortez-holds-december-town-hall-ny-14-constituents-0", "ICYMI: Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Holds December Town Hall for NY-14 Constituents", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez", "O000172", "ocasio-cortez.house.gov", "ocasio-cortez", "https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Video available here\n\nQueens, NY - On Thursday evening, Representative Alexandria OcasioCortez held her monthly town hall for the constituents of New York's 14th Congressional District. The Congresswoman used the bulk of the virtual event to provide an update on negotiations around a COVID-19 relief bill.\n\n\"Folks in our community are on the brink of eviction. We have just an insane amount of food instability in our community. And, it just feels like the Republican Party in the Senate just doesn't care,\" said Rep. OcasioCortez at the town hall. \"What we were able to do is that at the beginning of the week there were no stimulus payments at all - there was zero dollars. And now, we've clawed our way to $600. I think $600 is even still an insulting low amount, and we're going to have to figure things out from there. What the name of the game is right now is survival until January 20th [the presidential inauguration] and reassessing our situation from there.\"\n\nThe Congresswoman also took questions from constituents on the MTA funding crisis, economic relief for catering halls, Spanish-language outreach around the COVID-19 vaccine, oversight of the PPP program, Page 2 of 3 student debt forgiveness, and the Green New Deal. Additionally, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez answered questions from local and national media on the Georgia Senate races, her plans for her district in 2021, and whether or not she would vote for a COVID-19 relief bill that included just a $600 stimulus check.\n\nIn her final town hall of her first term, the Congresswoman also reviewed some of the progress she made over the last two years. To date, she has introduced 23 pieces of legislation and saw two amendments pass into law - shifting $5 million from the failed war on drugs to treatment for opioid addiction, and securing $10 million to clean up toxic bombardment sites in Vieques, Puerto Rico. In the House, the Congresswoman led a successful vote to repeal the Faircloth Amendment, which is critical to the expansion of affordable housing and to the execution of the Green New Deal. The Congresswoman also introduced The Loan Shark Prevention Act, to cap credit card interest rates at 15%, and The Green New Deal for Public Housing, which would invest up to $180 billion over ten years to create a quarter million jobs per year nationwide. Additionally, she introduced the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Act, which would help families cover funeral expenses, and called for a bailout of taxi cab rivers. The Congresswoman also introduced the Just Society suite of bills, which collectively would raise the federal poverty line, include immigrants in social safety net programs, require federal contractors to pay a living wage, strengthen renters' rights, and decrease recidivism. Overall, the Congresswoman had more amendments made in order than 90 percent of the freshmen class.\n\nIn committee hearings, the Congresswoman earned a reputation as a fierce, prepared questioner whose lines of inquiry delivered real results. She pressured a major pharmaceutical company into lowering the price of a drug that reduces HIV transmission, and worked with her colleagues to force a defense contractor to return $16.1 million in federal funding. The Congresswoman also got Michael Cohen to state on the record that President Donald Trump was engaging in tax fraud and to divulge other information that helped the New York Attorney General open an investigation into the Trump Organization. The Congresswoman's questioning also helped overturn the unjust citizenship question on the Census.\n\nIn the district, over the last two years, Representative Ocasio-Cortez hosted 25 town halls, all of which provided language translation services and Page 3 of 3 accessibility for the hearing impaired. The District Office also opened cases for over 1,400 constituents, assisting with everything from immigration visas and Social Security payments to small business loans and veterans benefits. Additionally, staff answered over 19,000 calls and provided 2,800 written responses to constituents. Various institutions in NY-14 also received $470 million in federal grant money during the Congresswoman's first term.\n\nThe full video of the virtual town hall can be viewed here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-katko-announce-senate-passage-of-bill-to-rename-fayetteville-post-office-to-honor-cny-wwii-veteran", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, KATKO ANNOUNCE SENATE PASSAGE OF BILL TO RENAME FAYETTEVILLE POST OFFICE TO HONOR CNY WWII VETERAN", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Charles Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Schumer, Gillibrand, Katko: Designating the Fayetteville Post Office, the Corporal George H. Bacel Memorial Postal Facility,' Will Serve as Lasting Memorial to Bacel's Life & Legacy\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and U.S. Representative John Katkotoday announced the U.S. Senate has passed bipartisan legislation to designate the Fayetteville Post Office, the Corporal George H. Bacel Memorial Postal Facility.' This bill, which now heads to the President's desk, was announced last year in Fayetteville, NY by Rep. Katko alongside Bacel's four children and extended family, as well as representatives for ClearPath for Veterans and Mayor of Fayetteville Mark Olson.\r\nAs one of the thousands of young men who enlisted the day after Pearl Harbor, Corporal George H. Bacel always went above and beyond, both to serve his country and his community,said Senator Schumer. This week's Senate passage of legislation to dedicate the Fayetteville Post Office as the Corporal George H. Bacel Memorial Postal Facility' memorializes the lasting impact Corporal Bacel had on his community and honors the generous love he had for his fellow Central New Yorkers. I thank Congressman Katko for leading this effort as we pay tribute to a man who dedicated his whole life to serving others.\r\nGeorge H. Bacel represented the best of Fayetteville, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to his neighbors through military service, as a small business owner, and as a postal worker at the very post office we are renaming in his honor,said Senator Gillibrand.This legislation is a testament to the contributions of hard-working and dedicated New Yorkers like George, who make our state and country a better place to live, work, and dream.\r\nCorporal George H. Bacel had deep roots in our Central New York community and was a beloved WWII veteran, small business owner, and postal worker, said Rep. Katko. To honor his life and legacy, I'm pleased to announce the bill I introduced to designate the Fayetteville Post Office, the Corporal George H. Bacel Memorial Postal Facility,' has passed the U.S. Senate. The passage of this measure marks an important step forward in our pursuit to pay tribute to Corporal Bacel's contributions to Central New York and this nation. I thank Senators Gillibrand and Schumer for their work to advance this legislation through the Senate.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-announces-approval-of-bill-providing-sweeping-improvements-to", "Higgins Announces Approval of Bill Providing Sweeping Improvements to Veteran Services", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Brian Higgins", "H001038", "higgins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced approval of legislation providing multiple improvements to veteran services. The legislation, a Senate Amendment to H.R. 7105, contains a measure that will provide permanent authorization for Kids Korner at the Buffalo VA, which Higgins has repeatedly fought for.\nToo often bureaucratic hurdles get in the way of providing our veterans and their families with the services they deserve, said Higgins. This legislation fixes several of these roadblocks. We are particularly pleased to win the battle to make sure a lack of access to childcare is never a barrier to veterans attending medical appointments.\nBelow are some highlights of the comprehensive package: \nChildcare for Veterans With Health & Mental Health Appointments at the VA: \nKids Korneropened at the Buffalo VA in 2011as one of three pilot projects in the nation providing on-site childcare services while veterans, parents and grandparents, receive out-patient medical care. The program was set to expire in September of 2013. Congressman Higginsfought againstclosure that year and worked each and every year since then to see that the program's authorization was extended through legislation. The VA Western New York Health Care System reports providing nearly 1,200 cases of child care services in 2019.\nThis bill ensures, once and for all, that childcare is available to veterans attending appointments related to their physical health and mental health at the Buffalo VA and VA sites across the nation.\nCOVID Relief for Veterans: \n Provides authority for the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to extend full education benefits through December 21, 2021 to veterans taking online courses. This allowance was scheduled to expire December 21, 2020.\n\tPresumes a COVID diagnosis for active service members is service-connected, making it easier for service members or their families to access related disability or death benefits.\n\tWhile the pandemic continues, waves the in-person application requirement for those seeking enrollment in the Veteran-Directed Care program, which provides in-home or community nursing services.\n\tIncreases per-diem rates and expands eligible use of per diem payments, under the HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program to provide veterans with necessities such as food, shelter, clothing and hygiene products.\n Employment Opportunities for Veterans: \n Provides $45 million annually, through 2023, for a pilot program that trains veterans in high-demand, high-tech fields.\n\tSupports grants for organizations that assist veterans with resume and job search skills.\n\tExtends employment rights to National Guard members who serve for more than 14 days in response to a national emergency.\n Improving Services for Female Service Members & Veterans:\n Establishes an Office of Women's Health in the Veterans Health Administration assigned to identify deficiencies in care, expand services, and make primary care providers that specialize in women's health available at every VA medical center and clinic.\n\tExpands coverage of veterans who give birth in a facility before reaching a VA facility and newborns of veterans who require specialty care in a facility outside the VA system.\n Additional Veteran Benefits & Services: \n Creates a 2-year pilot program within the VA, in collaboration with community service providers, to connect veterans who are victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault with VA benefits.\n\tExtends the full burial benefit to all veterans regardless of where they are treated. Currently, a higher benefit of close to $800 is provided to veterans who die at a VA facility or from service-related conditions. A lower benefit of $300 is provided to the families of veterans who don't meet that criteria. This change applies the same burial benefit to all veterans.\n\tMakes spouses and children of service members who died in the line of duty, but not on active duty, also eligible for the Fry Scholarship, which provides education benefits to the immediate family of deceased veterans.\n\tLowers the age for spouses of deceased veterans who remarry to keep Dependence and Indemnity benefits from age 57 to age 55.\n The legislative package, approved by both Houses of Congress, now moves to the President's desk for approval.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congress-excoriates-sacklers-over-purdue-pharma-s-role-in-opioid-crisis", "Congress Excoriates Sacklers Over Purdue Pharmas Role In Opioid Crisis", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Two members of the Sackler family, heirs to the Purdue Pharma fortune built off the profits of the blockbuster pain drug OxyContin, expressed regret during a Congressional hearing on Thursday, though they did not admit wrongdoing. But members of the House Oversight Committee said the apology was too little, too late, as more than 750,000 Americans have died from drug overdoses in the last two decades, with opioids responsible for 70% of overdose deaths in 2018.\nI'm not sure that I'm aware of any family in America that's more evil than yours, said Democratic Rep. Jim Cooper of Tennessee, which has thethird-highest rateof opioid prescriptions in the country at 81.8 prescriptions for every 100 residents.\nI want to express my family's deep sadness about the opioid crisis, David Sackler, a Purdue board member from 2012 to 2018, said in his opening statement. Far too many lives have been destroyed by addiction to, and abuse of, opioids, including OxyContin.\nIt was a rare public appearance and first time any members of the Sackler family have testified before Congress on the issue. David and his cousin, Kathe Sackler, both denied knowing of illegal activity at the company. I thought Purdue was acting responsibly, said Sackler, who was a board member from 1990, before OxyContin was launched, until 2018. I believe I conducted myself legally and ethically, said David. I believe the full record will demonstrate that.\nCongressional committee members challenged the Sacklers' portrayal of their roles at the company. Cooper noted that until 2018, Sackler family members held a majority of board positions, and that documents from the Massachusetts attorney general's office show the family's close involvement in Purdue's management.\nThere was bipartisan condemnation of the company and the Sacklers. \"We don't agree on a lot in this committee in a bipartisan way, said Rep. James Comer, the committee's top Republican, but I think our opinion of Purdue Pharma and the actions of your family I think we all agree are sickening.\"\nThe hearing comes weeks after two developments in the fallout over the company now synonymous with the opioid crisis. In November, Purduepled guiltyin federal district court to lying to the Drug Enforcement Administration about its anti-addiction program and giving kickbacks to two doctors so that they would prescribe more of Purdue's opioids. Settlements by Purdue and members of the Sackler family with the Justice Department, totaling more than $8 billion on paper but likely to be much lower, wereannouncedin October.\nThe settlement has put a dent in the Sackler family fortune. Its net worth in 2015, an estimated $14 billion according toForbes, has fallen to an estimated $10.8 billion. Even so, the Sacklers remain one of the wealthiest family dynasties in the U.S., according toForbes' latest ranking of America's Richest Families.\nBoth Sacklers and Purdue CEO Craig Landau fended off attempts by committee members to get new information on the record.\nDemocratic Rep. Carolyn Maloney of New York, the committee chair, asked whether David Sackler and other members of his family withdrew billions of dollars from Purdue to shield their money from future lawsuits. In the decade following Purdue's2007 guilty pleato lying about OxyContin's addictiveness, the family took more than $10 billion out of the company. Were you trying to cash out profit so that opioid victims couldn't claim them in future losses? She cited a 2007 email he wrote asking We're rich? For how long? Until which suits get through to the company?\nMaloney, who has pledged follow-up hearings, asked the Sacklers to respond with information on the family's shell companies. She also pressed Landau for the names of people responsible for the illegal activity Purdue has admitted to. Crimes were committed, she said. Who did them? Who are the ones that bribed doctors and pharmacies? Who are the ones that conspired to defraud the US government?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/house-panels-launch-probe-into-massive-cyberattack-that-breached-federal", "House panels launch probe into massive cyberattack that breached federal agencies", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Two key House panels on Thursday announced a joint investigation into the massive cyberattack that has impacted multiple federal agencies, in what may be one of the most damaging digital intrusions in years.\nHomeland Security Committee ChairmanBennie Thompson(D-Miss.) andOversight and Reform Committee ChairwomanCarolyn Maloney(D-N.Y.) informed top intelligence officials that they will be probing thebreachofSolarWindssystems, which then ledthe Commerce and Treasury departments also fellvictimtothe intrusions.\nThe State Department and the National Institutes of Healthwere also impactedin the breach, according to The Washington Post, and the list is growing.\nOur Committees are seeking information related to the apparent, widespread compromise of multiple federal government, critical infrastructure, and private sector information technology networks, the chairs wrote in their letter to theleaders of the FBI, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).\nWhile investigations and technical forensic analyses are still ongoing, based on preliminary reporting, it is evident that this latest cyber intrusion could have potentially [devastating] consequences for U.S. national security, it reads.\nSome reports have suggested that hackers working for Russia were monitoring the email traffic at Treasury and Commerce departments. Moscow has deniedinvolvement in the intrusions.\nDHS's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a rare emergency directive this week that ordersfederal agencies to disconnect or power down SolarWinds Orion products  from their network[s].\nThe full impact of the hack is still beingassessed.\nThe two committees are asking FBI Director Christopher Wray, DNIJohn Ratcliffe, and DHS SecretaryChad Wolffor a classified briefing on Friday about the hack and the extent of its fallout.\nFireEye, a major cybersecurity firm, was also hacked and it uncovered,through its ownprobe,that SolarWinds was hit inthe intrusion.\nSolarWinds, which makes network management software, represents a long list of big-name clients, from the White House and various federal agencies, to major banks and Fortune 500 companies.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/lawmakers-tear-into-sackler-family-in-hearing-on-opioid-crisis", "Lawmakers Tear Into Sackler Family In Hearing On Opioid Crisis", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Two members of theSackler familywho served on the board ofPurdue Pharmain 2018 testified before the U.S. House under threat of subpoena Thursday, where they answered questions about their role in the opioid epidemic.\nLawmakers on the Committee on Oversight and Reform peppered David and Dr. Kathe Sackler with questions in the at-times testy hearing.\nWhile the Sacklers acknowledged the role Purdue's painkiller OxyContin played in the epidemic, which has taken roughly 450,000 lives in the United States since 1999, they stopped short of apologizing or admitting any wrongdoing.\nAsked if she'd apologize for her role in precipitating the crisis, Kathe Sackler said that after plenty of soul-searching, she's not sure she'd have taken a different course.\nI have tried to figure out if there's anything I could have done differently knowing what I knew then, not what I know now, she said. There is nothing I can find that I would have done differently.\nThe comment provoked a fiery retort from Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) wholater replied,Ms. Sackler, you wanted to ask what you could have done differently? Look at your own damn balance sheet!\nPurdue generated more than $30 billion after bringing OxyContin to market in 1996. The privately held company transferred $12 to $13 billion of that to the family, according to a deposition revealed in court filings in October.\nThe company pleaded guilty to three federal criminal charges last month and agreed to pay an $8.3 billion settlement. But the company filed for bankruptcy in September 2019, making it unlikely the money will be fully collected. The Sackler family also agreed to pay $225 million in civil damages  less than roughly 2% of their net worth.\nState attorneys generalcriticized the Department of Justice settlementas a mere mirage of justice that allowed billionaires to keep their billions while evading any real responsibility.\nWatching you testify makes my blood boil, Rep. Jim Cooper, a Tennessee Democrat, told the Sacklers Thursday. I'm not sure that I'm aware of any family in America that's more evil than yours.\nIn her closing remarks,Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) urged the Sacklers to mitigate at least some of the damage you caused.\nPlease stop hiding and offshoring your assets, she urged. Stop nickle-and-diming the negotiators. Make a massive financial contribution that leaves no doubt about your commitment, and finally acknowledge your wrongdoing.\nThe families and communities whose lives have been ruined deserve at least that much, she closed. [The Sacklers] have taken money out of the company so it would be forever beyond the legal reach of the people they were harming. They are the Bernie Madoff of medicine.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/morally-bankrupt-purdue-pharma-leaders-face-reckoning-at-congressional", "'Morally bankrupt': Purdue Pharma leaders face reckoning at congressional hearing", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Corporate leaders from OxyContin-maker Purdue Pharma expressed contrition on Thursday for their company's role in fueling the opioid crisis amid a torrent of criticism from lawmakers of both parties over the drug manufacturer's conduct.\nI still feel absolutely terrible that a product created to help, and has helped so many people, has also been associated with death and addiction, David Sackler, a member of the family that owns Purdue and a member of the company's board from 2012 to 2018, told the House Oversight Committee at a hearing on Thursday.\nMy heart breaks for the parents who have lost their children, Kathe Sackler, David's cousin and another former board member, told lawmakers at the hearing. I am so terribly sorry for your pain.\nThe admissions, however, rang hollow to most committee members, who noted that the family benefited immensely from the billions in profits OxyContin generated for the company they owned.\nTo the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma, let me make this clear as I can be: You all are bad actors, Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) said.\nIn November, Purdue pleaded guilty to three criminal charges as part ofa more than $8 billion settlement that the Department of Justice announced the prior month. Purdue's owners, members of the Sackler family, also agreed to pay $225 million in a civil settlement.\nThe company, more than any other, has been blamed for driving the nation's opioid epidemic with its aggressive promotion of OxyContin. Thursday's hearing was the first time the drug manufacturer's representatives have testified under oath before Congress about Purdue's role in the ongoing crisis, which has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans over the past two decades.\nBoth David and Kathe Sackler, denied personal culpability in the company's misdeeds, while Purdue chief executive officer Craig Landau  who also appeared Thursday  stated that the company accepted full accountability and responsibility for its crimes.\nThere's nothing that I can find that I would have done differently based on what I believed and understood then said Kathe Sackler.\nDavid Sackler also repeatedly lashed out at the media for what he said is a wrong and highly distorted depiction of Purdue and the family that owns it as having fueled addiction.\nMembers of the committee fumed at the responses given by all three witnesses throughout the hearing, but testimony from the two Sackler family members drew the most ire from lawmakers.\nI'm not sure that I'm aware of any family in America that's more evil than yours, Rep. Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.) said, adding that their testimony made his blood boil.\nRep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.) called the group morally bankrupt.\nEverything that was in fact designed to take advantage of people and exploit their weakness was presented by Sackler and Purdue as trying to help those patients, he said.\nLandau and the Sacklers' appearance came only after Chair Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) threatened to issue subpoenas to compel their testimony.\nThis company played a central role in fueling one of America's public health crises, Maloney said.\nMaloney also promised future hearings on the issue. At the onset of the hearing, the committee played a series of recordings from various people whose family members died from opioid addiction after using OxyContin.\nAs part of the agreement with the Trump administration, members of the Sackler family are required to relinquish all ownership and control of Purdue, which is also mandated to dissolve and the assets of which would be diverted to a government-owned public benefit company that will produce the drug and use the profits to address the opioid crisis.\n\nMore than two dozen state attorneys general have urged against the creation of such a company, arguing the government should not profit off the continued sale of the drug.\nThe agreement has also been criticized for not pursuing criminal charges against members of the Sackler family to hold them accountable, though the settlement leaves open the possibility of future charges.\nI think it's clear your family has tried to fraudulently shield money for your own personal benefit. I think it's appalling. Those profits, in my opinion, should be clawed back, Maloney told David Sackler.\nPurdue is also party to a separate legal matter filed by thousands of U.S. counties, cities and localities against various drugmakers, pharmacies and drug distributors. A bloc of state attorneys general has pressed to bring the protracted litigation battle to a close with a $48 billion global settlement, while others involved with the suit want to hold out for a larger amount.\nPurdue last year filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to freeze lawsuits against it while working out a separate settlement with the states, counties and localities, a decision that has also drawn fire from lawmakers and others as another attempt to evade repercussions.\nIt's my belief that the bankruptcy process offers the best and most transparent and most equitable way to address the opioid epidemic, David Sackler said. I know it's been widely criticized in the media, but I think that's a lack of understanding.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/sacklers-apologize-but-deflect-blame-at-us-congressional-opioid-hearing", "Sacklers apologize but deflect blame at U.S. congressional opioid hearing", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Two members of the wealthy Sackler family who own OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma LP offered apologies on Thursday for the role the prescription painkiller has played in the deadly U.S. opioid epidemic but sought to deflect personal responsibility in response to withering criticism from lawmakers.\nTestifying remotely during a hearing before the U.S. House of Representatives Oversight Committee, David and Kathe Sackler, both of whom previously served on Purdue's board, insisted they were assured by management that the company was meeting regulatory and legal requirements as the opioid crisis unfolded.\nThe two, among several Sackler family members with ownership interests in Purdue, agreed to testify only after the committee's chairwoman, Democratic Representative Carolyn Maloney, threatened subpoenas.\nWatching you testify makes my blood boil, Democratic Representative Jim Cooper told David Sackler. I'm not sure that I'm aware of any family in America that's more evil than yours.\nCooper was among the committee members who directed fury at the Sacklers for reaping billions of dollars from Purdue as Americans became addicted to opioids. The lawmakers compared them to imprisoned Mexican drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman and showed slides of expensive real estate holdings.\nWhat you've heard from the press about the Sacklers is almost certainly wrong and highly distorted, David Sackler testified. We also fully acknowledge that there is an opioid crisis that has ruined too many lives, and that OxyContin addiction and abuse played a role in that. We are truly sorry to everyone who's lost a family member or suffered from the scourge of addiction.\nBut Sackler said he acted legally and ethically while on Purdue's board.\nHis cousin, Kathe Sackler, an anesthesiologist, detailed her work treating pain, including with troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the U.S. Army Reserve, and her experience losing a 23-year-old brother to suicide. As a mother, she said, her heart breaks for parents who have lost children to opioids.\nIt distresses me greatly and angers me greatly that the medication that was developed to help people ... has become associated with so much human suffering, she said. I am happy to apologize to the American people.\nI HAVE STRUGGLED'\nMaloney asked her whether she would apologize for her personal role in the epidemic.\nI have struggled with that question. I have tried to figure out: Is there anything that I could have done differently knowing what I knew then, not what I know now? Kathe Sackler responded.\nThere's nothing that I can find that I would have done differently based on what I believed and understood then, and what I learned from management in the reports to the board, and what I learned from my colleagues on the board, she added.\nThe hearing began with family members of opioid victims sharing stories of personal loss, including the father of an 18-year-old woman on the cusp of attending college who took one OxyContin pill and died.\nUnder a settlement with the Justice Department, Purdue pleaded guilty in November to criminal charges for misconduct with its opioids and agreed to more than $8 billion in penalties that will mostly go unpaid. Sackler family members agreed to pay $225 million to settle civil claims they disputed. Neither they, nor other individuals, were criminally charged.\nThe opioid epidemic has claimed the lives of roughly 450,000 Americans since 1999 due to overdoses from prescription painkillers and illegal substances such as heroin and fentanyl.\nPurdue reaped more than $30 billion from opioid sales over the years that enriched Sackler family members, and it funneled illegal kickbacks to doctors and pharmacies, investigations have found. The drugmaker, which filed for bankruptcy protection last year, and its Sackler family owners are in discussions to settle thousands of lawsuits from U.S. communities seeking to hold alleged perpetrators responsible for fueling the epidemic.\nPurdue Chief Executive Craig Landau also testified at the hearing.\nLawmakers pressed the Sacklers on more than $10 billion that Purdue transferred over the course of a decade, much of which went to family members.\nMaloney cited a 2007 email from David Sackler, a week after a Purdue affiliate pleaded guilty to misbranding OxyContin, in which he questioned whether the family's wealth would withstand possible future litigation.\nDavid Sackler said he was unaware then that Purdue and family members would face the opioid litigation barrage that later materialized.\nNo, David Sackler responded when Maloney asked whether the family was cashing out, leaving less money for plaintiffs in opioid lawsuits.\nI also am very angry, Kathe Sackler said. I'm angry that some people at Purdue broke the law. I'm angry about it from 2007 and I'm angry about it now, again, in 2020.\nRepresentative James Comer, the committee's top Republican, emphasized he was pro-business.\nBut there are bad actors, Comer said. And to the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma, let me be as clear as I can be: You all are bad actors. And there is no excuse for what you did.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/sacklers-face-house-panel-over-purdue-pharma-oxycontin-sales", "Sacklers Face House Panel Over Purdue Pharma Oxycontin Sales", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In a surprise development, two members of the Sackler family who served on Purdue Pharma's board until 2018 are testifying Thursday morning under oath before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.\nTheir privately owned company developed and aggressively marketed Oxycontin in the 1990s, growing into one of the nation's most profitable opioid producers.\nDavid Sackler, Dr. Kathe Sackler and three other family members face a wave of civil lawsuits tied to their alleged role fueling the nation's addiction crisis.\nOverdoses linked to prescription opioids havekilled more than 230,000 Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.\nThe House committee also requested that Richard Sackler and Mortimer Sackler testify, but they are not expected to appear.\nPurdue Pharma CEO Craig Landau, who is also named in numerous lawsuits, is scheduled to testify.\nThe 9 a.m. hearing will take place by videobecause of public health precautions tied to the pandemic.\nRep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., who chairs the committee had threatened the Sacklers with subpoenas. But after weeks of negotiations they agreed to testify voluntarily under oath.\nMembers of the Sackler family have largely avoided the public eye as their company, which filed for bankruptcy last year, gained notoriety.\nIndeed, even as the opioid epidemic accelerated, the Sacklers emerged as one of most prestigious philanthropic families in the world, donating to cultural and medical institutions.\nIn recent years, however, organizations ranging from New York University and Tufts University to the Louvre in Paris, have stripped the Sackler name from buildings.\nNumerous art institutions, including the Guggenheim Museum in New York City and the Tate in London, announced last year they will no longer accept future donations from Sackler family trusts funded through opioid profits.\nIt's unclear why members of the Sackler family agreed to testify publicly now. A spokesperson for the family didn't respond to NPR's inquiry.\nIn a statement, Rep. Maloney said her committee has \"obtained documents showing that members of the Sackler family were closely involved\" in Purdue's campaign to boost sales even after the company acknowledged misleading the public about the drug's risks.\nPurdue Pharma admitted wrongdoing in a 2007 settlement with the Justice Department; and in a second DOJ settlement in October,the company again acknowledged criminal behaviorthat continued at least until 2018.\nThe Sacklers, however, have denied any personal wrongdoing and have faced no criminal charges relating to their company's operations.\nThey agreed to pay $225 million to the federal government as part of the settlement reached with DOJ officials.\nMembers of the family have also agreed to give up control of the firm and tentatively offered roughly $3 billion of their personal fortunes to settle civil claims against them.\nSome state attorneys general have said that amount is too low, given the harm caused by Oxycontin as well as the personal fortunes  estimated by Forbes at up to $13 billion  amassed by some of the Sacklers because of opioid profits.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-schumer-gillibrand-announce-final-2020-water-resource-development-act-includes-authorization-of-critical-provisions-for-new-york", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE FINAL 2020 WATER RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT ACT INCLUDES AUTHORIZATION OF CRITICAL PROVISIONS FOR NEW YORK", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Charles Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.17.20\n\t\t\t  SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE FINAL 2020 WATER RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT ACT INCLUDES AUTHORIZATION OF CRITICAL PROVISIONS FOR NEW YORK \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIncludes: Authorization of New Studies and Projects to Address Lake Ontario Flooding, Restore Hudson River Ecosystems, Protect the Rockaways and Long Island From Future Storms and Flooding, and More\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today announced that, following their push, essential provisions to protect and harness New York's water resources are included in the final 2020 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA).\r\nIn the legislation, called America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2020, the senators secured language that would authorize new studies and projects to protect communities across New York and restore critical ecosystems in the Hudson River Estuary.This includes authorization for a new feasibility study for Lake Ontario coastal resiliency, as well as authorization to construct the Hudson-Raritan Estuary Ecosystem Restoration Project, the Army Corps East Rockaway Inlet to Rockaway Inlet and Jamaica Bay Hurricane Sandy Reformulation Project, the Hashamomuck Cove coastal storm risk management project, and several projects critical to New York's water resources, navigation and watershed restoration. The bill also includes language to expedite completion of many new projects, including the Lake Montauk Harbor Navigation Project, key to New York's water restoration, risk management, and navigation. Schumer and Gillibrand secured a report on emergency flood protection for lakes in the new legislation, a critical piece to improving the use of existing Army Corps authorities for Lake Ontario flood protection.\r\nIn order to protect our communities from flooding, preserve our shorelines, and restore New York's precious water ecosystems, it is imperative that we properly rehabilitate our invaluable resources through the Water Resources Development Act every year, said Senator Schumer. I am proud to have secured so many vital projects this year that will help preserve and improve water resources in New York, including addressing harmful algal blooms, mitigating Lake Ontario flooding, protecting the Hudson River, and restoring Jamaica Bay. These projects are vital to ensuring New York's long-term water resource viability, and I will work tirelessly to get the WRDA across the finish line.\r\nThroughout the year I have fought to secure important projects to protect New York's water resources in this year's Water Resources Development Act. I'm pleased that so many new projects have been authorized, including a key study to improve shoreline resiliency and flood protection along Lake Ontario, which has experienced repetitive flooding in recent years,said Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Army Corps of Engineers.These projects will make our state more resilient to the impacts of climate change and restore important ecosystems like the Hudson River Estuary and Jamaica Bay. I'm proud to have secured these critical provisions for our state in this bill and I will continue working until it is signed into law.\r\nRiverkeeper is grateful for the leadership of Senators Schumer and Gillibrand in securing improvements to fully incorporate sea-level rise in the Army Corps' studies to protect New Yorkers,said Jeremy Cherson, Legislative Advocacy Manager for Riverkeeper.These changes ensure that as we confront the challenges of climate change together, we will not sacrifice the health of the Hudson River or leave disadvantaged communities behind.\r\nWRDA authorizes water resources studies and projects and sets policies for navigation, flood control, hydropower, recreation, water supply, and emergency management for the U.S Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps). The final legislative text, which passed in the House and is set to appear on the Senate floor for votes incoming days, includes the following provisions for New York State following successful pushes from Senators Schumer and Gillibrand:\r\n \r\nAuthorization for a new feasibility study for Lake Ontario coastal storm resiliencywhich will specifically look at ways to improve shoreline resiliency and flood protection along Lake Ontario. The study will allow the Army Corps to identify specific actions needed to better protect the shoreline from flooding due to high water levels and coastal erosion  both have caused significant damage for communities in Central and Western New York, as well as along the St. Lawrence Seaway. The senators also secured authorization for a new study of Wading River Creek.\r\n \r\n \r\nAuthorization of the East Rockaway Inlet to Rockaway Inlet and Jamaica Bay Sandy Reformulation Project,which will give authority to the Army Corps to complete initial construction of the project at full federal expense. It will also authorize maintenance of the project once construction is complete. Following a push from Gillibrand and Schumer, the language ensures that if money runs out before construction is complete, the Corps can finish construction without having to seek a cost share from a local sponsor.\r\n \r\n \r\nAuthorization of the Hashamomuck Cove Coastal Storm Risk Management Projectwhich will authorize the Army Corps to construct the project on Long Island to reduce coastal storm and erosion risks to critical infrastructure, including County Road 48.\r\nAuthorization of a new Harmful Algal Bloom Demonstration Program to determine the causes of and implement measures to effectively detect, prevent, treat, and eliminate harmful algal blooms which can be toxic to humans and pets and threaten recreational economies. The program specifies focus areas for study that include the Great Lakes and the Allegheny Reservoir Watershed.\r\nAuthorization of construction funding for projects including:Hudson-Raritan Estuary Ecosystem Restoration Project, Westchester County Streams Flood Risk Management Project, Fire Island to Montauk Point Reformulation Project (FIMP), Hudson River Habitat Restoration Project, and the NY-NJ Harbor Anchorages Project.\r\nLanguage to expedite completion of feasibility studies by the Army Corps, including: Lake Montauk Harbor Navigation Project, Goldsmith Inlet Navigation Project, rehabilitation of Lock E-32, Erie Canal, Pittsford, Navigation and shoreline stabilization for Reel Point Reserve, flood risk management for Rondout Creek-Wallkill River Watershed, and ecosystem restoration and hurricane and storm risk reduction for Howard Beach, Queens.\r\n \r\n \r\nModification of the NY/NJ Harbor and Tributaries projectwhich would require the Army Corps to evaluate and address the impacts of low-frequency precipitation and sea-level rise on the study area and consult with the affected communities.\r\n \r\n \r\nLanguage requiring the Army Corps to provide technical assistance to the non-federal sponsors and stakeholders for the following projects in New Yorkas part of the Army Corps' process for recommending studies that are ready for authorization:\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\nStudy of the resiliency of the Allegheny Reservoir, NY.\r\nFeasibility study for the rehabilitation of the tainter gates and guard gate, Caughdenoy Dam, NY.\r\nProject to repair the West Pier and West Barrier Pier, Little Sodus Bay.\r\nProject for the repair of sheet pile wall and east breakwater, Great Sodus Bay.\r\nFeasibility study for a navigation project for the Port of Oswego.\r\nFeasibility study for the potential projects for the rehabilitation of the Glens Falls Feeder Canal, which begins at the Feeder Dam intersection with the Hudson River in Queensbury, NY, and runs to the confluence of the Old Champlain Canal in Kingsbury, NY.\r\nEnvironmental assistance project for sanitary sewer upgrades for Village of Whitehall, NY.\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Report on Emergency Flood Protection for Lakes,which will require a report on the extent to which the Army Corps' emergency fund for responding to natural disasters, typically river flooding, applies to lake flooding. The report will make recommendations on any statutory changes needed to ensure that lakes are eligible for the program.\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://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-nearly-892-million-in-federal-funding-for-new-yorks-hospitals-battling-second-wave-of-covid-pandemic", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE NEARLY $892 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR NEW YORK\u2019S HOSPITALS BATTLING SECOND WAVE OF COVID PANDEMIC", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Charles Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.17.20\n\t\t\t SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE NEARLY $892 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR NEW YORK'S HOSPITALS BATTLING SECOND WAVE OF COVID PANDEMIC \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSchumer Secured Tranche Of Funding For 4,941 NY Hospitals & Providers As Part Of COVID-19 Response Bills; Gillibrand Sheparded Legislation To Final Passage\r\nFirst Revenue-Based Tranche Will Make Up For At Least 87% Of Lost Revenue At All Hospitals And Providers Through Q2\r\nSenators: More Help On The Way For NY Hospitals Still Fighting On The Frontlines\r\n\r\nU.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand announced today that 4,941 hospitals across New York will receive a total of $891,935,762 designated through previous COVID relief bills. The funding comes from the Provider Relief Fund and will make up for at least 87% of lost revenue at all hospitals and providers through Q2.\r\n\r\nAs New York battles a second wave in COVID cases, our hospitals are once again stepping up to the plate, making incredible sacrifices by putting public health above profit for months, and working ceaselessly to help New York beat back the virus, said Senator Schumer. Today's funding is critical to making up for lost revenues from the first wave and keeping our hospital doors open. New York and its hospitals have been amongst the hardest hit in the nation, and with this funding going out, the continuing frontline fight being waged by our health care system and its incredible workforce will receive the dollars they need, and so very much deserve, to keep saving lives.\r\n\r\nWe have asked so much of our doctors, nurses, hospital workers, and public health professionals across New York, and they continue to give it their all on the frontlines, said Senator Gillibrand. But the fact remains that they are being stretched to the limit, and are in desperate need of more resources to battle another dangerous surge. Today's funding announcement is a great step in the right direction, but I won't stop fighting until Washington delivers critical relief to hospitals and health care providers.\r\n\r\nSchumer was the lead author and architect of the Marshall Plan for Healthcare', included in previous COVID relief legislation, securing hundreds of billions of dollars in support and relief for the health care system. The senators said the funding announced today is the first revenue-based tranche going out to New York's hospitals.\r\n\r\nAcross the state, hospitals and health systems reported losing hundreds of millions of dollars per month because of cancelled elective procedures, increased staffing and overtime costs, expanded bed capacity, and increased spending on supplies and equipment to meet the surge in COVID patients. As New York experiences a second wave of COVID cases, hospitals are facing huge financial risks again. Schumer and Gillibrand said today's funding is imperative to keeping the state's hospitals open and able to serve COVID patients.\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://maloney.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/december-16th-covid-19-update-for-ny-12", "December 16th COVID-19 Update for NY-12", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAs our city, state, and country contends with a resurgence of COVID-19 and community spread, I want to update you and your loved ones with the most important information during this ever-changing pandemic landscape. I hope you find it helpful. If you have friends or family who would like to receive this weekly update, they cansign up here.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBy the Numbers\n\t\t\t\tGlobal\n\t\t\t\tConfirmed Cases: 73,646,022\n\t\t\t\tConfirmed Deaths: 1,639,061\n\t\t\t\t*data from Johns Hopkins\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tUnited States\n\t\t\t\tConfirmed Cases: 16,716,777\n\t\t\t\tConfirmed Deaths: 303,773\n\t\t\t\t*data from Johns Hopkins\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNew York State\n\t\t\t\tConfirmed Cases: 794,557\n\t\t\t\tConfirmed Deaths: 35,831\n\t\t\t\tTesting Positivity:3.56%\n\t\t\t\t*data from Johns Hopkins\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNew York City\n\t\t\t\t(Last 7 days)\n\t\t\t\tCases:20,982\n\t\t\t\tConfirmed Cases: 16,027\n\t\t\t\t\tProbable Cases: 4,955\n\t\t\t\tHospitalizations: 1,368\n\t\t\t\tConfirmed Deaths:116\n\t\t\t\t*data from NYC Health\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNew York City\n\t\t\t\tTesting\n\t\t\t\tTo find the testing site closest to you,click here, text COVID TEST to 855-48, or call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319). Please note that due to the Winter Storm Watch, all community testing sites will be closed from 2PM today (Wednesday) until 12PM tomorrow (Thursday).\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThis Holiday Season - Stay Safe, Stay Home!\n\t\t\t\tNew York City is encouraging all New Yorkers to not travel during this holiday season.\n\t\t\t\tWith the number of new COVID-19 cases rising in NYC to rates we have not seen since April, we need everyone to do their part to help stop the spread.\n\t\t\t\tIf you must travel, please plan ahead and take all recommended safety precautions. More information is available here.\n\t\t\t\tTo stay connected with loved ones this season please consider virtual parties or small, distanced outdoor gatherings. Tips from NYC Health available here.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tVaccines\n\t\t\t\tAs you may have read or seen in news reports, COVID-19 vaccines have arrived in NYC and distribution to frontline healthcare workers has begun. More information on how the vaccine will be distributed is availablehere.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNew York State\n\t\t\t\tCOVID Alert NY\n\t\t\t\tAs a reminder, New York State has launched COVID Alert NY, an app to provide COVID-19 exposure alerts to help protect your community while maintaining your privacy. More information here.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tDonate Blood\n\t\t\t\tThe State is strongly encouraging eligible and healthy New Yorkers to donate blood. During this crisis, we have seen severe blood shortages across NYS. Your donation could save a life. More information here.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWEATHER ADVISORY\n\t\t\t\tThe National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for New York City and Long Island. We are expecting heavy snow with accumulation of 8 to 14 inches with wind gusts up to 45mph.\n\t\t\t\tThe Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 2 PMon Wednesday, December 16 to 1 PMon Thursday, December 17.\n\t\t\t\tFor more information, you can visit the National Weather Service website by clicking here.\n\t\t\t\tPlease take appropriate caution. Travel may be very difficult with hazardous conditions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394483", "Nadler Praises House Passage of Criminal Justice Reform Bills", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives unanimously passed two criminal justice reform bills within the Committee's jurisdiction:\"Creating a more just and fair criminal justice system has long been a priority for the Judiciary Committee. The bipartisan legislation passed today will improve law enforcement's ability to resolve cases of missing persons,ensureincarcerated individuals get the holistic treatment they need, and reduce recidivism rates by providing individuals returning to society with the resources necessary to become productive members of their communities. I thank my colleagues for their steadfast work, and I look forward to seeing these important bills signed into law.\" The House of Representatives passed the following bills: S. 2174, the Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains Act of 2019\r\n  \r\nThe Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains Act of 2019, introduced by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Kamala Harris (D-CA) with similar legislation introduced by Representative Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX) and Will Hurd (R-TX),authorizes a grant program for State and local law enforcement, state medical examiners, and accredited crime and forensic laboratories to record and report missing persons and unidentified remains found along the U.S.-Mexico border. The bill was passed by a voice vote. S. 3312, the Crisis Stabilization and Community Reentry Act of 2020\r\n  \r\nThe Crisis Stabilization and Community Reentry Act, introduced by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) with similar legislation introduced by Representative David Trone (D-MD),authorizes grant money for law enforcement to partner with mental health providers to provide support for mental health services for incarcerated individuals and those returning to society. The bill was passed by a voice vote.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/as-coronavirus-surge-prompts-renewed-stay-at-home-orders-gillibrand-calls-for-extension-of-emergency-paid-leave-provisions", "As Coronavirus Surge Prompts Renewed Stay At Home Orders, Gillibrand Calls For Extension Of Emergency Paid Leave Provisions", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 16, 2020\n\t\t\t As Coronavirus Surge Prompts Renewed Stay At Home Orders, Gillibrand Calls For Extension Of Emergency Paid Leave Provisions \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 National Paid Sick Days And Family Leave Will Expire At The End Of December For Nearly 22 Million Americans, One-fifth Of The Workforce Will Be Forced To Choose Between Their Health Or Their Paycheck As COVID-19 Cases Surge Across The Country; Recent Study Shows Emergency Paid Leave Policies Reduced COVID-19 Infections; Gillibrand's PAID Leave Act Would Provide All Employees With 14 Emergency Paid Sick Days And 12 Weeks Emergency Paid Family And Medical Leave\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Today. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Senate lead on theFAMILY Act,called on Congress to extend the bipartisan paid sick days and family leave provisions, authorized in March under theFamilies First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA),in the next COVID relief package. The provisions are set to expire at the end of December, in the midst of a second wave of coronavirus that has prompted communities to renew stay at home orders and roll back business and school reopenings.\r\nThe next relief package must include emergency paid leave provisions which have been a critical tool for keeping families safe and slowing the spread of this virus. As the second wave peaks and with possible renewed shutdowns, millions of workers will be forced, once again, to make impossible choices between caring for their family and earning a paycheckunless there is a national paid leave program,saidSenator Gillibrand.This policy received bipartisan support this spring because it not only protects jobs and the health and safety of workers, but it helps slow community spread and it is good for the economy. This crisis has shown that paid sick days and family leave is smart policy for the pandemic and our future.\r\n\"Paid leave is one of our most affordable and effective tools to fight the pandemic. It saves jobs and it saves lives, and it has been a lifeline to working families. Congress passed emergency paid leave this spring, and applauded its passage on both sides of the aisle; voters in states across the country have said this is their top relief policy. If Congress lets this protection expire right as we go into the holidays and the peak of the pandemic, it will be a profoundfailure,\"saidDawn Huckelbridge, director of Paid Leave for All.\r\nWhile theFFCRArequired many employers to provide workers with two weeks of coronavirus-related sick leave at full pay, and up to 12 weeks of family and medical leave to care for family members at two-thirds pay, it is estimated that up to three-quarters of all workers were excluded from receiving these benefits. Despite excluding many workers, the provisionsgave 22 million workers nationwide the ability to stay home when they're sick, helping to slow the spread of coronavirus. A recent study in Health Affairs found that the introduction of the paid leave provisions helped reduce COVID infections by about 15 thousand cases per day. Now, as COVID-19 cases surge across the country and with paid sick and family leave set to expire, millions of workers are being forced to decide between their paycheck or the health of themselves and their families.\r\nThe relief package currently being negotiated fails to provide an extension of emergency paid sick day and family leave provisions. In addition to the extension of current provisions Senator Gillibrand is calling on Congress to include thePAID Leave Act (Providing Americans Insured Days of Leave Act). The legislation would close current loopholes that left out millions of workers and provide all employees with 14 emergency paid sick days and 12 weeks emergency paid family and medical leave. ThePAID Leave Actwould also permanently enact a paid family and medical leave program and ensure workers can accrue 7 paid sick days.\r\nSenator Gillibrand has continuously fought to enact a federal paid leave programduring the COVID-19 crisisand throughout her career. In March, Senator Gillibrand, Senator Patty Murray, and Representative Rosa DeLauro successfully secured the national emergency paid leave program with the FFCRA. Gillibrand later introduced thePAID Leave Actalongside Senator Patty Murray, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley.\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/gillibrand-announces-senate-passage-of-her-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-state-dept-role-in-combating-anti-semitism", "Gillibrand Announces Senate Passage Of Her Bipartisan Legislation To Strengthen State Dept Role In Combating Anti-Semitism", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 16, 2020\n\t\t\t Gillibrand Announces Senate Passage Of Her Bipartisan Legislation To Strengthen State Dept Role In Combating Anti-Semitism \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tToday,U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrandannounced the Senate passage of theSpecial Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act of 2019(S.238, H.R. 221), a bipartisan and bicameral bill that would enhance the State Department's role in combating and monitoring anti-Semitism across the globe. Gillibrand was joined by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) as original co-sponsors of the bill.\r\nThe bill now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.\r\nAs we have seen far too often, anti-Semitism isanurgent threat inNew YorkState, our country, and across the world,said Senator Gillibrand.We must do everything in our power to confront, and end, this growingdanger. I am proud that we were able to pass this bipartisan bill to elevate the position of special envoy to the rank of ambassador in order to ensure that the State Department can monitor and help combat anti-Semitism across the globe. I will always stand with the Jewish community, and fight against hatred and prejudice in all its forms.\r\nGillibrandrecentlyled a bipartisan push to increase funding to help protect nonprofit institutions against terror attacks,calling for up to $360 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Gillibrandpreviously secured$90 million in NSGP funding in 2019 and $60 million in NSGP funding in 2018.The funding allocated by this program will support non-profit organizations most at risk of terror attacks through the acquisition and installation of physical target hardening measures, related preparedness and prevention planning, training, and exercises, and contracted security personnel so that religious and community based organizations have the critical resources and tools they need to protect lives and property. According to a recent FBI report on hate crime statistics in 2019, 60.2% were victims of crimes motivated by offenders' anti-Jewish bias.\r\nTheSpecial Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Actwill:\r\n \r\nElevate the position of special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism to the rank of ambassador;\r\nDirect the special envoy to report directly to the secretary of state;\r\nProhibit the special envoy from being double-hatted with another portfolio of issues;\r\nEmphasize that the special envoy should be a person of recognized distinction in the field of combating anti-Semitism or religious freedom; and\r\nClarify that the special envoy shall be the primary advisor and coordinator for U.S. government efforts to monitor and combat anti-Semitism and anti-Semitic incitement in foreign countries.\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\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/gillibrand-calls-for-16-million-in-funding-to-combat-the-invasive-spotted-lanternfly", "Gillibrand Calls For $16 Million In Funding To Combat The Invasive Spotted Lanternfly", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 16, 2020\n\t\t\t Gillibrand Calls For $16 Million In Funding To Combat The Invasive Spotted Lanternfly \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 Destructive Spotted Lanternfly Threatens To Destroy Vineyards In Finger Lakes And Hudson Valley And Impede Region's Economic Recovery\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, is calling on Congress to deliver $16.066million in funding to combat the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive species that threatens specialty crops, including grapes, across the Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley. In a letter to appropriators, Gillibrand called for full funding of the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Specialty Crop Pest program in the final FY21 Agriculture Appropriations bill, and specifically provide $16.066 million for the spotted lanternfly,consistent with the House funding level.\r\nThe spotted lanternflyhas proven to be an invasive and destructive pest that threatens New York State's specialty crops, especiallyvineyards throughout the Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley. If not contained, this pest will have devastating economic consequences on agriculture, tourism, and residential homes, at a time when our economy needs these industries for a strong recovery,saidSenator Gillibrand.Congress must ensure the Specialty Crop Pest program is fully funded to prevent further spread.\r\nFull text of the letter can be foundhereand below.\r\n###\r\nDear Chairman Shelby, Vice Chairman Leahy, Chairwoman Lowey, and Ranking Member Granger:\r\nI respectfully ask that you fully fund the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Specialty Crop Pest program in the final FY21 Agriculture Appropriations bill, and within that funding provide $16.066 million for the spotted lanternfly, which is consistent with the House funding level for FY 2021. Fully funding this pest initiative will help contain this invasive species that is devastating northeastern crops and has the potential to spread to further states.\r\nSpotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, is an invasive species that is thought to have arrived in the United States in 2012. According to Cornell University, the first infestation was found in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014. Although quarantine measures were taken in the infested townships and efforts were taken to eradicate this pest, spotted lanternflyhas proved difficult to contain. Currently there are infestations of spotted lanternflyin nine states, including in my home state of New York.\r\nIt is imperative that this pest is contained before it further invades the Eastern Seaboard and eventually makes its spread across the United States. This would have devastating effects on agriculture, tourism, and residential homes. Through their research, Cornell University has highlighted that the spotted lanternflyhas a strong preference for specialty crops such as grapes, decimating entire vineyards in Pennsylvania. If this pest is able to migrate out of its current location, it could prove to be devastating for all states with a strong specialty crop sector.\r\nIn order to further manage the spread of this invasive species. I strongly urge you to include $16.066 million for the spotted lanternfly, within the APHIS Specialty Crop Pest program, in the final FY2021 Agriculture Appropriations bill. Thank you for consideration of this request. \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://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-higgins-and-supervisor-kulpa-announce-over-103000-to-help", "Congressman Higgins and Supervisor Kulpa Announce Over $103,000 to Help Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Efforts in the Town of Amherst", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Brian Higgins", "H001038", "higgins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) and Town of Amherst Supervisor Brian J. Kulpa announced a federal grant totaling $103,864 to help support the work of the Amherst Task Force for Healthy Communities & Healthy Youth in the prevention of substance abuse among youth in the Town of Amherst.\nPeer pressure and an undeveloped understanding of the real consequences of substance abuse make young people especially vulnerable, said Congressman Higgins. Education and outreach are key to prevention. We commend the coalition of government, school, faith and youth partners working together in Amherst to support teens and families. This federal funding will expand that important work.\nThe federal grant provided through the Drug Free Communities (DFC) Support Program will be utilized by the Amherst Task Force for Healthy Communities and Healthy Youth to grow the Task Force's work and reach, to educate youth about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse, and to provide parents with tools and strategies to address substance abuse with their children.\nSupervisor Kulpa said, I'd like to thank Congressman Higgins for his advocacy for drug-free communities and for the Town of Amherst. This grant enables us to provide meaningful help for young people in the Town who would otherwise fall prey to substance abuse issues.\nThe Drug-Free Communities Support Program was created in 1997 by the Drug-Free Communities Act to help communities combat local youth substance abuse by providing them with federal grants. The program is administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).\nHiggins, a member of the Congressional Bipartisan Opioid Task Force, recently announced approval, in the House of Representatives, of legislation providing $5 billion in federal funding to further help communities address the opioid epidemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-leads-effort-to-make-sure-americans-receive-the-full-covid", "Higgins Leads Effort to Make Sure Americans Receive the Full COVID Relief Payment they are Owed", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Brian Higgins", "H001038", "higgins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is leading an effort to see that Americans receive the full COVID relief payment they are entitled to under the CARES Act. Millions of individuals are still waiting for Economic Impact Payments (EIP).\nJoining Higgins on a letter to Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Charles Rettig are House Committee on Ways and Means members: Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Danny Davis (D-IL), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Daniel Kildee (D-MI), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Judy Chu (D-CA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), and Bill Pascrell (D-NJ).\nThe members write, Economic stimulus payments are an important piece of the individual relief provisions in the CARES Act. Those who have not yet received their EIPs have already waited longer than millions of their fellow Americans, often through no fault of their own, to receive aid. In order to provide the most direct and effective relief to taxpayers in need, the full amount of their payment should be released.\nThe CARES Act, approved by the House of Representatives on March 27th, included direct payments to Americans of up to $1,200 plus an additional $500 for dependent children. The majority of Americans who filed taxes in 2018 or 2019, and therefore have current information on record with the IRS, received their checks directly without further action. However many others have had their payments delayed, including non-filers, such as some who make under a certain income threshold, Social Security recipients, part-time workers, veterans, those who are homeless and people with disabilities had to take additional steps to claim Economic Impact Payments. On November 21, 2020 the window closed for the IRS to process requests for payments from non-filers and now individuals in this group must wait until tax filing season in 2021 to apply for the Recovery Rebate Credit. The IRS closed its Economic Impact Payment inbox for constituent cases on December 10, instead advising taxpayers to file for the credit in 2021.\nCongressman Higgins' office has heard from dozens of individuals in Western New York whose requests for Economic Impact Payments were not resolved by the deadline and must now wait months to receive their payments. There is concern that direct payments will be offset by taxes owed, leaving some who need it most without the full payment they were intended to receive under the CARES Act.\nA Government Accountability Office report notes that the Department of Treasury estimated 30 million individuals who don't file taxes were eligible for Economic Impact Payments. In September, the IRS sent letters to nearly 9 million non-filers, including over 537,000 New Yorkers, encouraging recipients who have not yet received payments to see if they are eligible. Earlier this month, Higgins joined the Ways and Means Committee Democrats to urge the IRS to resolve all outstanding constituent inquiries regarding Economic Impact Payments before December 31, 2020.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-calls-on-rwandan-president-to-immediately-release-paul", "Maloney Calls on Rwandan President to Immediately Release Paul Rusesabagina", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) this week wrote to President Paul Kagame of the Republic of Rwanda requesting the immediate release and safe return of Paul Rusesabagina, known for hiding and saving 1,268 refugees as a hotel manager during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The Congresswoman urged the Rwandan President to return Mr. Rusesabagina, a United States Legal Permanent Resident and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, to the United States to be reunited with his family.\nIn her letter to President Kagame, Congresswoman Maloney notes that [b]y utilizing clandestine methods to lure and arrest Mr. Rusesabagina, the Rwandan government purposefully ignored the legal avenues available via our deportation laws to request a deportation, violating United States law.\nShe continued, As COVID-19 continues to ravage the globe, I also implore you to release Mr. Rusesabagina on humanitarian grounds. Mr. Rusesabagina suffers from hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, and is a cancer survivor in remission. COVID-19 poses a far greater risk to Mr. Rusesabagina given his age and preexisting conditions and the crowded, unsanitary prison environment only elevates his risk of contracting the virus. Despite these concerns, Mr. Rusesabagina continues to be denied medical bail even though he has been taken to the hospital multiple times since first being arrested. It has been more than three months since he was detained, and I urge you to release Mr. Rusesabagina in recognition of these dangerous factors that continue to jeopardize his life.\nFull text of the letter below and a PDF can be found here.\nDear President Kagame:\nI write to request that you immediately release and safely return Paul Rusesabagina, a United States Legal Permanent Resident and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, to the United States to be reunited with his family. Known for saving the lives of 1,268 people during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, I have serious concerns about the events leading to Mr. Rusesabagina's arrest and the life-threatening conditions he continues to endure as a prisoner.\nOn August 27, 2020, Mr. Rusesabagina boarded a plane in Dubai he believed was headed to Burundi. The next day, however, the plane landed in Kigali, where Mr. Rusesabagina was arrested immediately by Rwandan authorities. While specific details around the arrest remain unclear, what is clear is that the Republic of Rwanda extrajudicially kidnapped Mr. Rusesabagina to incarcerate and imprison him for unfounded crimes stemming from his long-documented and internationally acclaimed human rights advocacy efforts.\nBy utilizing clandestine methods to lure and arrest Mr. Rusesabagina, the Rwandan government purposefully ignored the legal avenues available via our deportation laws to request a deportation, violating United States law. United States deportation law provides a legal procedure to deport persons for various crimes, including those accused of engaging in terrorist activity. The United States deportation process complies with due process of law while enabling the United States to deport those who should face criminal prosecution in another country. For example, in the last two decades the United States has deported four people to Rwanda and will deport four more after they complete their criminal sentences in the United States. Given this record of bilateral cooperation when legal standards are met, Rwanda's decision in favor of the secretive, extrajudicial transfer of Mr. Rusesabagina demonstrates both a disregard for United States law and a lack of faith in the evidence supporting his arbitrary detention.\nAs COVID-19 continues to ravage the globe, I also implore you to release Mr. Rusesabagina on humanitarian grounds. Mr. Rusesabagina suffers from hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, and is a cancer survivor in remission. COVID-19 poses a far greater risk to Mr. Rusesabagina given his age and preexisting conditions and the crowded, unsanitary prison environment only elevates his risk of contracting the virus. Despite these concerns, Mr. Rusesabagina continues to be denied medical bail even though he has been taken to the hospital multiple times since first being arrested. It has been more than three months since he was detained, and I urge you to release Mr. Rusesabagina in recognition of these dangerous factors that continue to jeopardize his life.\nAs a senior member of the House and the Democratic leadership team, I want to underscore the strong support in the United States Congress for Mr. Rusesabagina and our desire for your government to return him swiftly and in good health. I  along with other colleagues in the House and Senate that have demonstrated their support for Mr. Rusesabagina  will continue to monitor his condition and utilize our power as Members of the United States Congress to advocate for his immediate release.\nPaul Rusesabagina, an internationally acclaimed human rights advocate, was extrajudicially kidnapped by the Rwandan government and now faces the prospect of spending his life or dying behind bars. It is in the best interest of U.S.-Rwandan relations that he be afforded the same legal rights and treatment  as well as humanitarian relief  as others historically have been afforded under U.S. and international law. As such, I urge you and your government to immediately release and safely return Paul Rusesabagina to the United States.\nSincerely,\nCarolyn B. Maloney\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-reintroduces-bill-to-aid-international-prevention-and-0", "Maloney Reintroduces Bill to Aid International Prevention and Treatment of Obstetric Fistula", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) today reintroduced The Obstetric Fistula Prevention, Treatment, Hope and Dignity Restoration Act, legislation that would assist the estimated two million women worldwide suffering from obstetric fistula. Obstetric fistula is a preventable and treatable condition resulting from prolonged labor in the absence of skilled medical assistance. As a longtime champion for women's health, Congresswoman Maloney has introduced some iteration of this vital legislationsince 2004.\nMore than 2 million women worldwide suffer with obstetric fistula. Beyond the physical and psychological effects of this condition and the stillbirths that commonly result, mothers with fistulas are often ostracized by their families. The United Sates can and must take a leading role in the effort to eradicate obstetric fistula so that no other woman should suffer from this preventable condition.\nUnfortunately, the Trump Administration has taken steps to callously restrict access to healthcare for women and children around the world, putting them unnecessarily at risk. Under the leadership of the incoming Biden-Harris Administration, we must act immediately to reverse these harms. We must repeal the global gag rule and restore funding to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). UNFPA provides maternal care for women living in regions plagued by conflict or disaster and is a major partner in the fight against obstetric fistula, and we need to do our part to fund their efforts. Lives are depending on it.\nBackground\nThe Obstetric Fistula Prevention, Treatment, Hope and Dignity Restoration Act would help treat and prevent obstetric fistula by giving the President the authority to advance:\n Education for women and medical practitioners worldwide about ways to prevent obstetric fistula. This would include topics such as appropriate ages for pregnancy, healthy spacing between pregnancies, and comprehensive prenatal care.\n\tMedical interventions that can prevent fistula, such as skilled attendance during labor and childbirth and emergency obstetric care for women who experience complications during delivery.\n\tTreatment by surgeons and medical professionals to repair fistulas for women in the developing world.\n\tRehabilitation services to help women fully heal and reenter society.\n Obstetric fistula results from prolonged, obstructed delivery without skilled medical attendance. During delivery, the infant's head presses against the woman's pelvis, creating a hole that develops between the woman's vagina and rectum leaving her without control of her bladder and/or bowels for the rest of her life if untreated.It often also results in a stillbirth.Many women with obstetric fistula are abandoned by their husbands and shunned by their families because they are considered \"unclean.\" Ninety percent of cases can be repaired with a surgical procedure.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morelle-calls-usda-protect-critical-crops-america-s-brewers-and", "CONGRESSMAN MORELLE CALLS ON USDA TO PROTECT CRITICAL CROPS FOR AMERICA\u2019S BREWERS AND WINE MAKERS", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joe Morelle", "M001206", "morelle.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, Congressman Morelle was joined by colleagues and stakeholders in our nation's beer and wine industry to call on U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Plant Health Inspection Service Administration Kevin Shea to take action in addressing the alarming spread of the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) across the northeastern, midwestern, and northwestern United States.\nThis letter comes following Rep. Morelle's December 2nd letter to the USDA, emphasizing how dire the situation has become and how urgent mitigative efforts are needed.\nWe know that this invasive species is prone to feed on grapevines and hop plants, potentially desecrating brewers' and wine makers' livelihood, said Congressman Joe Morelle. With more than 15 states having reported sightings of the SLF, inaction to address its spread risks the loss of thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in economic activity. I urge the USDA to act immediately and swiftly to protect our beer and wine industry from further damage.\nInvasive species are a constant problem for our environment and America's agricultural industry, said Rep. Mike Kelly (PA-16), Co-Chair of the House Small Brewers Caucus. The spotted lanternfly has become a particular challenge for our nation's hop and grape growers.In Pennsylvania alone, the SLF could cost hundreds of millions in economic damage and eliminate thousands of jobs. It is time to take the next step to protect our farmers and harvesters from this threat.\nNew York State has become a national leader in both the wine and craft brewing industries and the Spotted Lanternfly is putting our industries in jeopardy if something more isn't done quickly, said Paul Leone, Executive Director of the New York State Brewers Association. The wine and brewing industry is a combined $12 billion economic impact and is responsible for over 92,000 jobs, we applaud Congressman Morelle's leadership and proactive effort for increased funding to fight this non-native invasive species.\nSpotted Lanternfly has the potential to decimate our state's vineyards, threatening the viability of New York's $6.65 billion wine and grape juice industry, said Benjamin Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. We cannot be fragmented in our approach to tackle this threat region by region. All resources to monitor, eradicate and develop solutions should be deployed, including support from Cornell CALS' research and outreach programs. I applaud Congressman Morelle and all members of Congress who are acknowledging the critical importance of this threat. Cornell CALS stands at the ready to leverage the expertise of our Integrated Pest Management Program and our researchers to partner with growers and implement sustainable solutions.\nSpotted lanternfly poses a serious threat to New York's grape growing industry and create an undue burden on grape growers who already experienced lower than expected yields in 2020 due to frost damage, said Sam Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. Additional support is needed from USDA to ensure the New York vineyards are properly prepared to protect themselves from this invasive species.\n\"We are very grateful that Representative Morelle has taken a proactiveleadership role in seeking to avoid potential damage to the American grape and wine industry from the invasive Spotted Lanternfly. This pest can quickly decimate entire grape crops, and spreads very quickly, with more than a dozen states having reported infestations. There are wineries in all 50 states, and the American wine industrycontributes more than $220 billion to the American economy, with much of that in rural areas where grapes are grown. This action can help protect the agricultural part of our industry.\" Jim Trezise, President, WineAmerica (National Association of American Wineries).\nRep. Morelle was joined by 44 bipartisan Members of Congress in sending the letter to the USDA.\nThe full letter is below.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morelle-calls-usda-protect-critical-crops-americas-brewers-and", "CONGRESSMAN MORELLE CALLS ON USDA TO PROTECT CRITICAL CROPS FOR AMERICA\u2019S BREWERS AND WINE MAKERS", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joseph D. Morelle", "M001206", "morelle.house.gov", "morelle", "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, Congressman Morelle was joined by colleagues and stakeholders in our nation's beer and wine industry to call on U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Plant Health Inspection Service Administration Kevin Shea to take action in addressing the alarming spread of the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) across the northeastern, midwestern, and northwestern United States.\n\nThis letter comes following Rep. Morelle's December 2nd letter to the USDA, emphasizing how dire the situation has become and how urgent mitigative efforts are needed.\n\n\"We know that this invasive species is prone to feed on grapevines and hop plants, potentially desecrating brewers' and wine makers' livelihood,\" said Congressman Joe Morelle. \"With more than 15 states having reported sightings of the SLF, inaction to address its spread risks the loss of thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in economic activity. I urge the USDA to act immediately and swiftly to protect our beer and wine industry from further damage.\"\n\n\"Invasive species are a constant problem for our environment and America's agricultural industry,\" said Rep. Mike Kelly (PA-16), Co-Chair of the House Small Brewers Caucus. \"The spotted lanternfly has become a particular challenge for our nation's hop and grape growers. In Pennsylvania alone, the SLF could cost hundreds of millions in economic damage and eliminate thousands of jobs. It is time to take the next step to protect our farmers and harvesters from this threat.\"\n\n\"New York State has become a national leader in both the wine and craft brewing industries and the Spotted Lanternfly is putting our industries in jeopardy if something more isn't done quickly,\" said Paul Leone, Executive Director of the New York State Brewers Association. \"The wine and brewing industry is a combined $12 billion economic impact and is responsible for over 92,000 jobs, we applaud Congressman Morelle's leadership and proactive effort for increased funding to fight this non-native invasive species.\"\n\n\"Spotted Lanternfly has the potential to decimate our state's vineyards, threatening the viability of New York's $6.65 billion wine and grape juice industry,\" said Benjamin Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. \"We cannot be fragmented in our approach to tackle this threat region by region. All resources to monitor, eradicate and develop solutions should be deployed, including support from Cornell CALS' research and outreach programs. I applaud Congressman Morelle and all members of Congress who are acknowledging the critical importance of this threat. Cornell CALS stands at the ready to leverage the expertise of our Integrated Pest Management Program and our researchers to partner with growers and implement sustainable solutions.\"\n\n\"Spotted lanternfly poses a serious threat to New York's grape growing industry and create an undue burden on grape growers who already experienced lower than expected yields in 2020 due to frost damage,\" said Sam Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. \"Additional support is needed from USDA to ensure the New York vineyards are properly prepared to protect themselves from this invasive species.\"\n\n\"We are very grateful that Representative Morelle has taken a proactive leadership role in seeking to avoid potential damage to the American grape and wine industry from the invasive Spotted Lanternfly. This pest can quickly decimate entire grape crops, and spreads very quickly, with more than a dozen states having reported infestations. There are wineries in all 50 states, and the American wine industry contributes more than $220 billion to the American economy, with much of that in rural areas where grapes are grown. This action can help protect the agricultural part of our industry.\" Jim Trezise, President, WineAmerica (National Association of American Wineries).\n\nRep. Morelle was joined by 44 bipartisan Members of Congress in sending the letter to the USDA.\n\nThe full letter is below.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/advisory-rep-ocasio-cortez-hosts-monthly-town-hall-0", "UPDATED TIME: Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Hosts Monthly Town Hall", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez", "O000172", "ocasio-cortez.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Bronx, NY - Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will host her monthly town hall for NY-14 constituents on Thursday, December 17. The event will now begin at 7:30 PM ET due to changes in the vote schedule in D.C. During the town hall, the Congresswoman will give an update on negotiations around a COVID-19 relief package and review accomplishments from her first term. Additionally, she will take questions from constituents.\nThe Congresswoman will also take questions from members of the media at the conclusion of the event. Reporters must RSVP here to ask a question.\nWHAT: Representative Ocasio-Cortez will hold her monthly town hall meeting for NY-14 constituents.\nWHEN: Thursday, December 17 at 7:30PM ET. Press gaggle to start at approximately 8:45PM ET.\nWHERE: This is a virtual event. You must sign up here to receive log-in information.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/updated-time-rep-ocasio-cortez-hosts-monthly-town-hall", "UPDATED TIME: Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Hosts Monthly Town Hall", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez", "O000172", "ocasio-cortez.house.gov", "ocasio-cortez", "https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "The Bronx, NY - Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will host her monthly town hall for NY-14 constituents on Thursday, December 17. The event will now begin at 7:30 PM ET due to changes in the vote schedule in D.C. During the town hall, the Congresswoman will give an update on negotiations around a COVID-19 relief package and review accomplishments from her first term. Additionally, she will take questions from constituents.\n\nThe Congresswoman will also take questions from members of the media at the conclusion of the event. Reporters must RSVP here to ask a question.\n\nWHAT: Representative Ocasio-Cortez will hold her monthly town hall meeting for NY-14 constituents.\n\nWHEN: Thursday, December 17 at 7:30PM ET. Press gaggle to start at approximately 8:45PM ET.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/velazquez-passing-local-tenants-leader-roberto-napoleon", "Velazquez on Passing of Local Tenants Leader Roberto Napoleon", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez", "V000081", "velazquez.house.gov", "velazquez", "https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Rep. Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez (D-NY) issued the following statement following the passing of Roberto Napoleon, who served as the Lower East Side's Baruch Houses Resident Association president of over 50 years:\n\n\"The Lower East Side has lost a giant in Roberto Napoleon. Arriving to the neighborhood from Puerto Rico when he was just fourteen years old, Roberto spent his life advocating for his fellow tenants, neighbors, and community.\n\n\"Finding a growing Latino community on the Lower East Side, he fought to expand community services and public safety measures to promote an enriching and safe neighborhood for working families.\"\n\n\"As the longtime President of the Baruch Houses Resident Association, Roberto gave voice to the needs of tenants, working to answer and advocate for the calls and concerns of each and every resident.\n\n\"Roberto never lost sight of his ties to the Island and was instrumental in bringing the history and spirit of Puerto Rico to the City. He served as President and General Coordinator of the first Puerto Rican Folklore Festival in Central Park and helped to coordinate the First Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City.\n\n\"His passing is felt by so many in our community, including all the tenants who will remember him as a leader and a friend. My heart goes out to his five children, Camille, Joann, Gilberto, Roberto Napoleon Jr., and Magda Ferrer; eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394482", "Chairman Nadler Statement on Resignation of Attorney General William Barr", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Jerrold Nadler", "N000002", "nadler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Chairman Nadler Statement on Resignation of Attorney General William Barr \r\n  \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington, D.C.  Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) issued the following statement:From misleading the American public about the Mueller report to his dangerous efforts to overturn COVID safety measures, from his callous disregard for civil rights to his rampant politicization of the Justice Department, William Barr was willing to do the President's bidding on every front but one. Barr refused to play along with President Trump's nonsensical claims to have won the election. He is now out as Attorney General one month early.  In 37 days, President-Elect Biden will be sworn into office. Whomever Joe Biden chooses as the new Attorney General will have a tremendous amount of work to do to repair the integrity of the Department of Justiceand I, for one, look forward to being a partner in that project. The work must begin without delay.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ocasio-cortez-asks-city-detail-covid-19-safety-measures-rikers-island", "Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Asks City to Detail COVID-19 Safety Measures at Rikers Island", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez", "O000172", "ocasio-cortez.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Bronx, NY - In a recent letter, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY14) asked the City to detail the safety measures they are taking at Rikers Island Correctional Facility, as New York faces another COVID-19 surge. The Congresswoman's office recently received calls from people detained at Rikers, detailing inadequate access to soap, facilities operating at high capacity, scarce healthcare resources, and poor air ventilation.\nThe City has made valiant efforts to protect New Yorkers from COVID-19, particularly given they've received little help from the Trump administration. However, these disturbing calls necessitate further transparency, said Rep. OcasioCortez in a statement. Many at Rikers stand only accused, not convicted, of a crime. And none of the detained individuals were sentenced to death by a deadly virus. The City has a responsibility to provide for the health and safety of everyone at Rikers.\nRikers Island is part of the Congresswoman's congressional district, New York's 14th. The text of the letter follows.\n**LETTER TEXT**\n \n\tDana Wax Deputy\n\t\tChief of Staff\n\t\tNew York City\n\t\tDepartment of Correction\n\t\t75-20 Astoria Blvd.\n\t\tEast Elmhurst, NY 11370\n\tDear Ms. Wax,\n\tI am writing regarding conditions at the correctional facilities located on Rikers Island, in my district. Earlier this year, at the onset of the pandemic, my office wrote to your agency with questions regarding pandemic preparedness to ensure the health and safety of detained individuals on the Island. In response, you informed us that signs have been conspicuously posted, patients [are pre-screened] at prearraignment and upon admission, and that Correctional Health Services has adequate supplies of personal protective equipment.\n\tHowever, in the months that passed, we learned of several additional protective measures that must be in place to prevent an outbreak. These measures include wearing face coverings, washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, and avoiding close contact. Further, the EPA recommends increasing ventilation with outdoor air and air filtration in order to reduce the potential for airborne transmission of COVID-19. I am now writing to ascertain whether the Department of Corrections is adhering to this guidance.\n\tThis inquiry comes after my office became privy to disturbing allegations of insufficient mitigation efforts and negligent management of the facilities. The messages we received recount inadequate access to soap, facilities that are operating at 96% capacity, scarce healthcare resources, poor air ventilation, and leaking roofs. I seek responses to the following concerns:\n\tAre detained individuals provided enough soap to thoroughly wash their hands multiple times a day?\n\t\tAre facilities, in fact, at 96% capacity? Do detained individuals have access to consistent and high quality healthcare?\n\t\tAre facilities adequately ventilated so as to decrease the likelihood of virus transmission per EPA guidelines?\n\tFinally, as cases rise throughout New York, please inform as to Testing and Tracing protocols on Rikers Island:\n\tHow often are detained individuals tested?\n\t\tWhat quarantine arrangements are available to those who test positive?\n\tPlease direct your response to my Deputy District Director, Naureen Akhter, via email at naureen.akhter@mail.house.gov. I look forward to hearing from you no later than November 24, 2020.\n\tBest regards,\n\t\tAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez\n\tCC: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ocasio-cortez-asks-city-detail-covid-19-safety-measures-rikers-island-0", "Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Asks City to Detail COVID-19 Safety Measures at Rikers Island", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez", "O000172", "ocasio-cortez.house.gov", "ocasio-cortez", "https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Dana Wax Deputy\n\nChief of Staff\n\nNew York City\n\nDepartment of Correction\n\n75-20 Astoria Blvd.\n\nEast Elmhurst, NY 11370\n\nDear Ms. Wax,\n\nI am writing regarding conditions at the correctional facilities located on Rikers Island, in my district. Earlier this year, at the onset of the pandemic, my office wrote to your agency with questions regarding pandemic preparedness to ensure the health and safety of detained individuals on the Island. In response, you informed us that \"signs have been conspicuously posted,\" \"patients [are pre-screened] at prearraignment and upon admission\", and that Correctional Health Services has \"adequate supplies of personal protective equipment\".\n\nHowever, in the months that passed, we learned of several additional protective measures that must be in place to prevent an outbreak. These measures include wearing face coverings, washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, and avoiding close contact. Further, the EPA \"recommends increasing ventilation with outdoor air and air filtration\" in order to reduce the \"potential for airborne transmission of COVID-19\". I am now writing to ascertain whether the Department of Corrections is adhering to this guidance.\n\nThis inquiry comes after my office became privy to disturbing allegations of insufficient mitigation efforts and negligent management of the facilities. The messages we received recount inadequate access to soap, facilities that are operating at 96% capacity, scarce healthcare resources, poor air ventilation, and leaking roofs. I seek responses to the following concerns:\n\nAre detained individuals provided enough soap to thoroughly wash their hands multiple times a day?\n\nAre facilities, in fact, at 96% capacity? Do detained individuals have access to consistent and high quality healthcare?\n\nAre facilities adequately ventilated so as to decrease the likelihood of virus transmission per EPA guidelines?\n\nFinally, as cases rise throughout New York, please inform as to Testing and Tracing protocols on Rikers Island:\n\nHow often are detained individuals tested?\n\nWhat quarantine arrangements are available to those who test positive?\n\nPlease direct your response to my Deputy District Director, Naureen Akhter, via email at naureen.akhter@mail.house.gov. I look forward to hearing from you no later than November 24, 2020.\n\nBest regards,\n\nAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez\n\nCC: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/icymi-washington-post-editorial-board-calls-for-gillibrand-legislation-to-address-military-sexual-assault", "ICYMI: Washington Post Editorial Board Calls For Gillibrand Legislation To Address Military Sexual Assault", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 14, 2020\n\t\t\t ICYMI: Washington Post Editorial Board Calls For Gillibrand Legislation To Address Military Sexual Assault \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIn case you missed it, yesterday, theWashington Postpublished an editorial detailing the armed services'failure to addressthedecades-long problem of sexual assault and harassment in the military. The editorial highlights U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's bipartisanMilitary Justice Improvement Act,which would reform how the military prosecutes serious crimes by moving the decision over whether to prosecute them to independent, trained, professional military prosecutors. The editorial calls on the incoming Biden administration to work with Congress to ensure this urgently needed reform is finally made law.\r\nThe full text of the editorial can be foundhereand below:\r\nThe military has promised many times to combat sexual assault. Biden must ensure that it finally does.\r\nWashington Post Editorial Board| December 13, 2020\r\nTHIS REPORT, without a doubt, will cause the Army to change our culture. That was the resolute promise of Army Secretary Ryan D. McCarthy about a damning investigation that found major failings with the command climate at Fort Hood in Texas, including tolerance of sexual harassment and assault. Strong words  but since this is far from the first time that the military has vowed, and failed, to combat sexual assault in the wake of a scandal, they must be taken with many grains of salt. What is long overdue is a fundamental change in how sexual assault crimes are handled, removing them from a chain of command that is more inclined to cover up than prosecute wrongdoing.\r\nThe decades-long problem of sexual assault and harassment in the military got renewed attention last week with the release of a sweeping report by independent investigators who examined the environment at Fort Hood, one of the country's largest military installations. The investigation was sparked by the murder of Vanessa Guilln, a 20-year-old Army specialist who disappeared in April after telling friends she had been sexually harassed. Her body was recovered in June, and the suspect in her death, a fellow soldier, killed himself as police attempted to arrest him.\r\nThe report uncovered major flaws in the handling of sex crimes, concluding there was a business as usual' approach that caused female soldiers to go into a survival mode, where they were vulnerable and preyed upon, but fearful to report and be ostracized and re-victimized. Fourteen Army officials were fired or suspended but, as one member of the investigating committee made clear in subsequent congressional testimony, the problems were not the result of one commander or administration but really the result of years of benign neglect in the area of sexual harassment and sexual assault. And it is likely that the issues are not unique to Fort Hood but extend to other Army installations.\r\nGood for Mr. McCarthy for insisting on the unsparing review. But the chain of events  scandal followed by public outcry followed by investigation followed by promises of change  is reminiscent of the military's sad history in dealing with sexual misconduct. Recall 1991, the year of the Tailhook scandal, in which Navy pilots drunkenly assaulted women at a Las Vegas convention; or 1996, when numerous reports surfaced of drill sergeants at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland and other Army bases raping or harassing female trainees; or 2012, when investigation showed the abuse of women training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. Each time, there was a vow of change and zero tolerance.\r\nSome reforms have been instituted, but while they are laudable, problems persist. Advocates for survivors as well as some military experts say the fundamental issue lies with granting commanding officers, who have an inherent conflict of interest, the authority to investigate and prosecute wrongdoers. Legislation that would provide for investigation by independent units with special training has been championed by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), but despite bipartisan, majority support it has twice failed to overcome filibusters backed by fierce lobbying from the Pentagon.\r\nDuring the campaign, President-elect Joe Biden voiced support for possible changes in the military justice system relating to non-military crimes such as rape. One of the first steps he should take as commander in chief is initiating this desperately needed reform.\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-new-yorks-transit-system-is-desperate-for-cash-infusion-to-weather-pandemic-with-relief-negotiations-now-down-to-the-wire-senator-fights-to-secure-another-4-billion-in-mta-relief-funds-asap-", "SCHUMER: NEW YORK\u2019S TRANSIT SYSTEM IS DESPERATE FOR CASH INFUSION TO WEATHER PANDEMIC; WITH RELIEF NEGOTIATIONS NOW DOWN TO THE WIRE, SENATOR FIGHTS TO SECURE ANOTHER $4 BILLION IN MTA RELIEF FUNDS ASAP", "2020-12-13", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Charles Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.20\n\t\t\t SCHUMER: NEW YORK'S TRANSIT SYSTEM IS DESPERATE FOR CASH INFUSION TO WEATHER PANDEMIC; WITH RELIEF NEGOTIATIONS NOW DOWN TO THE WIRE, SENATOR FIGHTS TO SECURE ANOTHER $4 BILLION IN MTA RELIEF FUNDS ASAP  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWith NEW Deadline For A Govt Funding Bill Set For Friday, Schumer Says Mass Transit & MTA/LIRR/NJT Funds Must Be Part Of Any Final Deal\r\nSchumer Already Delivered $4B To MTA Via CARES Act Months AgoBut With Pandemic Raging, Ridership Down & Costs Climbing, Billions More Will Be Needed Before President-Elect Biden Even Gets Sworn In\r\nSchumer: Without Transit Funds NOW, NYC, LI, Hudson Valley & NJ Will Face Even Harder Recovery\r\nOn the heels of a now Friday, December 18th deadline to ink a spending deal, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said New York's transit system is in such a desperate need for a cash infusion because of the pandemic, that if transit funds are not included in the down-to-the-wire deal, New York City, Long Island, Westchester and New Jersey will face an even harder economic recovery when COVID crests. Schumer, today, said he is demanding the inclusion of another $4 billion dollars in fed funds for the MTAand overall transit funds for the countryas he made his push.\r\nI've said it before and I will say it again: mass transit is the lifeblood of New York and New York is the beating heart of the American economy, said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. I am hard at work trying to deliver a second $4 billion dollars for the MTA to keep the system flowing, workers working, riders riding and the economy running. Without transit funds now, and also into the Biden administration, NYC, LI, Westchester and New Jersey will face an even harder recoveryand reallyso will the nation.\r\nSchumer already delivered an original $4 billion in fed funds to the MTA as part of an earlier relief package this past March after the agency drew down on $1 billion in credit to keep the system afloat. Schumer said agency credit won't be enough for the agency to weather the coronavirus crisis and that billions more in fed funds will be needed during a Biden administration to overcome the full damage done to the MTA by the coronavirus. Schumer said $4 billion in additional relief funds are needed this year and right now.\r\nAccording to the Daily News, the MTA board will vote this week on an annual budget that could include 40% cuts to subway service and more than 9,300 layoffs if the kind of federal relief Schumer is fighting for is not passed. Moreover, daily subway ridership remains down 70% from last year, from 5.4 million trips per day to 1.6 million. The virus' hit on the system has also caused a collective $12 billion hole for the MTA and their $17 billion annual budget, according to reports.\r\nSchumer said, aside from supporting riders and the economy, federal transit relief will help prevent the furloughing of MTA employees, potentially thousands. In addition, the federal relief Schumer is fighting for would also help planned capital spending, needed to improve the system, continue. \r\nOn Friday, December 11th, President Trump signed a short-term funding bill, which passed the Senate by a voice vote, to keep the government open for another week, allowing for negotiations on the longer-term package to continue. The new deadline to keep the government open is now Dec. 18. The spending bill would fund the government until Oct. 1, 2021.\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.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-fda-authorization-of-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine_", "Gillibrand Statement On FDA Authorization Of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine", "2020-12-12", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Kirsten Gillibrand", "G000555", "www.gillibrand.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 12, 2020\n\t\t\t Gillibrand Statement On FDA Authorization Of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine   \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFollowing the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) authorization of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement:\r\nWhile we celebrate the FDA's authorization of a vaccine that puts us one step closer to eradicatingCOVID-19, we have to face reality  states and localitiesneed federal support to ensure the vaccine is distributed efficiently and equitably to those who need it the most and our families and small businesses need immediate economic relief from their federal government.\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://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-higgins-announces-over-35-million-for-western-new-york", "Congressman Higgins Announces Over $3.5 Million for Western New York Community Health Centers", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Brian Higgins", "H001038", "higgins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced community health centers in Western New York will receive over $3.5 million in federal funding. The funding, awarded to Community Health Center of Buffalo and Neighborhood Health Center, is provided through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.\nCommunity Health Center of Buffalo and Neighborhood Health Center have served on the frontline in the battle against COVID, said Congressman Higgins. From educating the public to testing and reaching out to the community through mobile sites and tele-health, our health centers play an integral role in keeping Western New Yorkers healthy and safe in traditional times and especially now, during the pandemic.\nCommunity Health Center of Buffalo, with locations in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Cheektowaga and Lockport, will receive $1,715,596 in this round of funding.\nDr. LaVonne Ansari, CEO of the Community Health Center of Buffalo said, We are grateful for thesecontinueddollars as they enable usto fight, serve and advocate for our underserved communities, particularlyduring Covid-19 and throughout this pandemic. We appreciate Congressman Higgins continued commitment to federally qualified health centers.\nNeighborhood Health Center, which operates healthcare facilities in Buffalo, Blasdell and Hamburg, has been awarded $1,809,352.\n\"The role that community health centers play in public health is crucialinensuring an effective COVID-19 response,\" said Joanne Haefner, Chief Executive Officer of Neighborhood Health Center. \"As we are currently in the midst of a very concerningsecond wave, our role in establishing health equity at this critical time is imperative.We remainespeciallygrateful for this funding which will strengthen ourimpactinour communities of highest concernand assureour commitment in keeping our loved ones healthy and safe,\" added Joanne.\nThe Health Resources & Services Administration estimates that the 1,079 Federally Qualified Health Centers across the U.S. provide accessible, affordable, primary care to approximately 30 million Americans. The model for comprehensive, direct care is leading to better outcomes for patients.\nFor more information or to make an appointment visit Community Health Center of Buffalo at: https://chcb.net/ or Neighborhood Health Center at: https://nhcwny.org/.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-announces-progress-in-push-to-cover-anti-rejection-medication", "Higgins Announces Progress in Push to Cover Anti-Rejection Medication for Kidney Transplant Patients", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Brian Higgins", "H001038", "higgins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced approval of legislation expanding Medicare coverage, for the prescription drugs patients are required to take to reduce the risk of rejection following a kidney transplant.\nIn January, Congressman Higgins joined the Kidney Foundation of Western New York and healthcare providers at the Regional Kidney Care Center of Excellence at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) to advocate for passage of the measure, which is co-sponsored by Higgins.\nThe arbitrary limitation on Medicare's immunosuppressant drug coverage doesn't match the real-life medical need of kidney transplant patients, said Congressman Higgins. This legislation not only makes sense, it will save money and lives.\nMost patients with end-stage kidney disease are eligible for Medicare regardless of their age.Those that undergo a kidney transplant are required to take immunosuppressant drugs for life. However, drug coverage under Medicare for these specific drugs currently ends after just 36 months, causing some patients to ration or refrain from taking medication which increases the chance of organ rejection.\nJeremy Morlock, Director of the Kidney Foundation of Western New York, said, Many people have long and rich lives after receiving a kidney transplant. Missing a single dose of immunosuppressant medication can increase the chance of organ failure. By extending Medicare Part B coverage, we can prevent transplanted organs from being lost and lives from being cut short.\nLanguage that mirrors that in the Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act (HR 5534) was included in legislation (HR 2477) approved by the House of Representatives this week.The Senate will also need to act.\nWe thank Congressman Higgins for working so hard to get this important legislation passed, said Dr. Liise Kayler, Program Director, Regional Transplantation and Kidney Care Center of Excellence at ECMC. This bill guarantees kidney transplant recipients access to medication, which is vital to keeping their new organs healthy.\nMorlock added, During the COVID-19 crisis our foundation has been able to help some transplant recipients unable to afford immunosuppressive drugs, but there are many more patients in our community who struggle to afford these lifesaving medications. The U.S. House of Representatives' passage of this bill is an important step toward protecting the health of patients and honoring the gift of life made by organ donors. We are grateful to Congressman Higgins for his continued commitment to this critical legislation.\nThe CDC reports more than 726,000 people in the United States are currently on dialysis or living with a kidney transplant.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congress-bans-anonymous-shell-companies-after-long-campaign-by-anti", "Congress bans anonymous shell companies after long campaign by anti-corruption groups", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A groundbreaking measure to ban anonymous shell companies in the United States cleared Congress on Friday as the Senate joined the House in passing a defense-spending bill with a veto-proof margin.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tThe Corporate Transparency Act, which was tacked onto thedefense bill, would require corporations and limited liability companies established in the United States to disclose their real owners to the Treasury Department,making it harderfor criminals to anonymously launder money or evade taxes. The rule applies to future and existing entities alike.\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tThe measurepassed the Senatewith an 84-to-13 vote as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, whichcleared the Houseearlier this week. Trumppledged to vetothe defense bill  one of few laws that passes every year  because it doesn't include hisdemand to repealliability protections for social media companies. Trump also opposes a clause that orders military bases named for Confederate leaders to be renamed.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe anonymous-shell-company ban was years in the making, as supporters slowly built a coalition of Democrats, Republicans, law-enforcement officials and even business groups that originally opposed the idea, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWe are on the verge of celebrating the most significant anti-money-laundering victory in a generation due in large part to the widespread and growing support for reform, said Clark Gascoigne, senior policy adviser at theFACT Coalition, an alliance of anti-corruption groups that helped push for the legislation.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNearly 2 million corporations and limited liability companies are registered each year in the United States, at the state level. Few states today require companies to disclose their true owners, with Delaware and a few others turning the registration of anonymous companiesinto big business.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tThat's one reason the U.K.-based Tax Justice Networkhas namedthe United States the globe's second most financially secretive jurisdiction, behind the Cayman Islands and ahead of Switzerland.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDelaware Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock last yearendorsedthe Corporate Transparency Act, calling it a fair, bipartisan compromise that would make it the federal government's responsibility to collect the ownership data, which he said was better than a piecemeal state-by-state approach.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTolerance of anonymous shell companies has long helped drug- and human- traffickers, organized crime groups and foreign kleptocrats launder their ill-gotten gains through the U.S. financial system, supporters of the legislation say. It took Michael Cohen, President Trump's former lawyer, only a few days to set up and usean anonymous Delaware LLCto payhush moneyto Stormy Daniels,in violationof campaign finance laws.\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-N.Y.), who introduced the legislation to the House in 2009, and continued resubmitting it each year, said U.S. shell companies have helped corrupt foreign leaders and criminals anonymously buy luxury real estate in her district, which includes Manhattan.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tIf you drive through my district at night you will find a lot of apartment buildings with absolutely no lights on, Maloney said during a news conference this week to mark the House passage. They were purchased purely to hide money and act as a bank account.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe law requires anyone registering a new company to disclose the name, address and date of birth of the real owners, and an identification number for each owner, such as a driver's license or passport number. Corporations and LLCs that already existed before the law's adoption must disclose their ownership information to the Treasury Department within two years.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAnyone willfully providing false information, including lawyers helping with corporate-registration paperwork, will be liable for fines of up to $10,000 and prison terms of up to two years.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network will collect the data and provide ownership details to law-enforcement agencies and banks upon request.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe legislation has limitations. The general public won't have access to the ownership data, a disappointment to anti-corruption campaigners, who say public scrutiny would help combat criminal activity.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBullock, the Delaware secretary of state, saidthese limits on access to the data were one reason the state supported the legislation.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIn some cases, allied nations will be able to request ownership details to aid their own investigations, said Gary Kalman, director of the U.S. office ofTransparency International, a big backer of the legislation.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIn another transparency setback, the law also exempts some entities from the disclosure requirements, including domestic investment funds that are advised and operated by a registered investment adviser. Gascoigne said that exemption was the result of lobbying by the private-equity and hedge-fund sectors.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe database is likely to help prosecutors nationwide build cases against criminal groups, said Frank Russo, director of government and legislative affairs at the National District Attorneys Association.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe lack of such a database today is undermining efforts in Florida to combat human-trafficking networks at illicit massage parlors, Russo said.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tInvestigators can't figure out who is financing and paying for these operations because the ringleaders hide behind anonymous shell companies, he said.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), a key backer of the Senate bill, along with Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and others, said shell companies have enabled everything from sex trafficking to fentanyl pushers in his state.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis is a really big deal to get this passed, and as you know it took a long time, Brown said during the news conference Thursday, adding that he hoped Republican senators would stand strong and vote to override any Trump veto, if necessary.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe banking industry became an important supporter of the legislation in recent years, after realizing it would help banks identify the real owners of all accounts, as required under Obama-era regulation.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe legislation will give banks access to the Treasury ownership database to verify information on new customers requesting accounts.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOther developed nations are also cracking down on anonymous shell companies, responding to fears about terrorist financing, and public outrage about corruption and tax evasion. The European Union instructed all member countries to create public databases by 2020 that disclose companies' true owners. Britain mandated the same in 2016.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/ending-the-shell-game-maloney-sees-housing-break-for-new-yorkers-in-her", "Ending the shell game: Maloney sees housing break for New Yorkers in her shell company ban", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney with George Venizelos, Assistant Director of the New York Division of the FBI on Dec. 11.\n\tPhoto by Mark Hallum\nCongresswoman Carolyn Maloney is pitching a bill on Capitol Hill that will put an end to shell companies across the United States, and possibly alleviate some of the issues facing everyday New Yorkers in an inflated housing market.\nThe main objective of the bill, however, is national security exemplified in the history of 650 Fifth Ave., once owned by the Iranian government and used to launder money for the benefit of terrorism groups.\nIt's not owned by the government of Iran anymore. It's owned by a private U.S. company, but for many years, Iran was able to circumvent U.S. sanctions and launder their money, right here, in the US financial system, Maloney said. Now, people ask how did they do this? They used two anonymous shell companies, both formed here in the United States that hid their ownership. Fortunately the era of anonymous shell companies is almost about to end.\nThe solution, according to Maloney, is as direct as requiring all companies to disclose their beneficial owners to the U.S. Treasury Department at the time when an LLC is established.\nIncluded in National defense Authorization Act of 2021, Maloney said existing companies will be required by law to identify their owners as well.\nIf you drive through Midtown Manhattan at night, you'll see entire buildings that don't have any lights on. That's because no one lives there, Maloney said. They're really bank accounts and they're purchased to hide money and when kleptocrats can no longer hoard their money in real estate in New York, that limits the availability of housing. So my bill will also drive down the cost of housing in New York.\nThis is not the first time Maloney has attempted to curb the use of shell companies.\nIn 2009, similar legislation was introduced under the name Incorporation Transparency and Law Enforcement Assistance Act. Some variation of the bill has been introduced in the chamber of every subsequent congress since then including the Corporate Transparency Act of 2019.\nThough the bill has passed in congress, it has seen no such success in the senate having been held up in the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs since 2019.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/weekly-update-census-subpoena-trumps-unstable-transition-booster-seat", "Weekly Update: Census Subpoena, Trump's Unstable Transition, Booster Seat Safety", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Subpoena for Census Documents\n\t\t\t\tYesterday, I issued a subpoena to Commerce Secretary Wilbur L. Ross for the full unredacted set of internal Census documents requested by the Oversight Committee last month relating to data errors and delays with the 2020 Census.\n\t\t\t\tSecretary Ross's approach to Congress' oversight responsibilities has been abominable. He has repeatedly withheld documents from the Commerce Department's oversight committee, Congress, the independent Government Accountability Office and, according to Census Bureau officials, the federal Judiciary. He has repeatedly failed to inform the Committee on a timely basis of grave problems with the Census, forcing us time and time again to read about them in the press rather than from the agency he leads.\n\t\t\t\tA complete and accurate census is critical for the health and well-being of hundreds of thousands of American families in red states and blue states alike. They don't want political machinations to jeopardize their fair representation in Congress and their share of $1.5 trillion in federal funds over the next decade for programs that provide healthcare, education, job training, transportation, and many other services.\n\t\t\t\tYou can read my letter to Secretary Ross here.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOversight Hearing: FERC's Failure to Protect Landowners\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWatch Chairwoman Maloney's opening statement here.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tOn Wednesday, the Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties held a hearing examining the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) failure to protect the rights of landowners.\n\t\t\t\tThere is a growing consensus among landowners, advocates, courts, and even some FERC Commissioners that FERC's process is not fair to landowners. In 2017, the Center for Public Integrity and State Impact Pennsylvania undertook a comprehensive investigation into FERC. The investigation involved more than 100 interviews and reviews of FERC records for almost 500 pipelines. They found that at every turn, the agency's process favors pipeline companies.\n\t\t\t\tWe need a bipartisan solution that will protect landowners by restoring balance and fairness to the FERC pipeline process, but FERC does not need Congress to act in order to suspend certificates of public convenience and necessity while landowners' appeals are pending. Once granted, these certificates give pipeline companies the power of eminent domain to take people's land. The Commission should suspend these certificates during the appeals process  a solution suggested by Commissioner Richard Glick. FERC needs do all it can to restore the proper balance of power between big natural gas companies and individual landowners.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOversight Hearing: The Trump Admin's Unstable Transition Process\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWatch Chairwoman Maloney's opening statement here.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tOn Thursday, the Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations held a hearing examining the ongoing presidential transition, its challenges, and lessons already learned that can improve future transitions.\n\t\t\t\tThroughout his Administration, President Trump has chosen to put his personal interests before the needs of the country and has disregarded both congressional oversight and public scrutiny. According to press reports, President Trump has routinely ignored federal records laws, regularly tearing up or shredding documents that are required to be preserved.The destruction was so bad that career records officers were reportedly forced to use scotch tape to put important documents back together.Given this track record, I'm deeply concerned that President Trump and his aides may attempt to conceal or destroy important White House materials during their last remaining days.\n\t\t\t\tI will be joining with Representative Gerald E. Connolly, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations, to introduce the Midnight Regulations Review Act. This bill would require the Government Accountability Office to create a list of the regulations that the outgoing administration promulgates during this lame duck, which will allow Congress and the incoming administration to review whether they are based on evidence and research or whether they should be considered for amending or elimination.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOversight Investigation: Top Booster Seat Manufacturers Knowingly Misled American Consumers on Safety\n\t\t\t\tYesterday, the Oversight Committee released astaff report detailing the findings of the Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy's investigation into concerns about the safety of child booster seats marketed in the United States.\n\t\t\t\tUnder the leadership of Subcommittee Chairman Raja Krishnamoorthi and Subcommittee Member Katie Porter, the investigation uncovered:\n\t\t\t\t The nation's top booster seat manufacturers have marketed use for 30-pound children, despite knowing that boosters are unsafe for children under 40 pounds;\n\t\t\t\t\tManufacturers' safety claims are meaningless because they have created their own weak side impact testing conditions that involve no impact, and made standards so low that they pass every timeeven when crashes would lead to catastrophic injuries; and\n\t\t\t\t\tNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration's failure to regulate these booster seat companies enables them to mislead consumers about side-impact safety testing and get away with making unfair and deceptive size and weight recommendations that are not reasonably safe.\n\t\t\t\t I commend Subcommittee Chair Krishnamoorthi and Rep. Porter on their investigation to uncover the truth on behalf of America's families. Parents trust booster seat manufacturers with their most precious cargo. This staff report is crystal clear: Congress must intervene. I look forward to working with Reps. Krishnamoorthi and Porter on the best solutions for our children's safety in the next Congress.\n\t\t\t\tYou can read the staff reporthere.\n\t\t\t\tClickhereto share your family's personal concerns and experience with booster seats.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFort Hood Independent Review Committee Report\n\t\t\t\tOn Tuesday, the Fort Hood Independent Review Committee released its final report, which found that the Army's implementation of the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Program at Fort Hood was ineffective, to the extent that there was a permissive environment for sexual assault and sexual harassment.\n\t\t\t\tWhile I'm glad that the report was finally released, I regret that it took the anguish of so many families and congressional pressure to spur the Army into action. Sexual assault and harassment have no place in the United States military, but I am encouraged that the Army appears to be moving expeditiously to address the Independent Review Committee's findings and implement its recommendations.\n\t\t\t\tYou can read more about the report and the Oversight Committee's investigation into the recent deaths of soldiers stationed at Fort Hood here.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFY2021 NDAA\n\t\t\t\tOn Wednesday, I voted against the House-passed Conference Report to H.R. 6395, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2021.\n\t\t\t\tIncluded in the FY2021 NDAA are two important provisions: one that will make our country safer, and another that will make sure all Federal employees receive the paid parental leave we committed to provide last year.\n\t\t\t\tThe first, my Corporate Transparency Act, is the most important anti-money laundering and anti-corruption bill in 20 years. When a terrorist cell or a criminal organization wants to move their money, they usually do it right here in the U.S., with a shell company. My bill will end the abuse of anonymous shell companies in the U.S. by requiring companies to disclose their true, beneficial owners to the Treasury Department at the time the company is formed. While I could not support final passage of the Conference Report as a whole, I'm thrilled that the Corporate Transparency Act has been included and want to thank my negotiating partners  Chairman Crapo, Ranking Member Brown, Chairwoman Waters, and Ranking Member McHenry.\n\t\t\t\tAlso importantly, I'm pleased that this bill includes a correction to my paid parental leave bill that will give FAA and TSA employees, medical professionals working in VA facilities, and DC courts and public defender employees up to 12 weeks of paid leave in the event of the birth, adoption, or fostering of a child. Congress intended to guarantee paid parental leave for all Federal employees, and this bill honors that commitment.\n\t\t\t\tBut, even with these important provisions, I voted against the bill because I could not, in good conscience, vote for legislation that continues to explode the Pentagon's budget while millions of Americans are suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic. I also could not support the NDAA's silence on the 1033 program, leaving in place the mechanism that transfers military equipment to local law enforcement across the county.\n\t\t\t\tWhile I appreciate the hard, bipartisan work that went into this compromise I remain committed to reallocating funding to better serve the American people.\n\t\t\t\tWe need to be investing in our schools and strengthening social safety net programs. And we need to provide robust rent relief and pandemic unemployment assistance for millions of people who now find themselves out of work. We need to provide real relief for the people.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-cracks-down-on-money-laundering-with-corporate-transparency-act", "Maloney Cracks Down on Money Laundering with Corporate Transparency Act", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NEW YORK, NY - Today, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), author of the Corporate Transparency Act, joined withGeorge Venizelos, Retired Assistant Director, NY Division of FBIto speak to the importance of the bill to counterterrorism operations and applaud the bill's inclusion in the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2021 at 650 5th Avenue  a building that had unknowingly been owned by Iran.\n\nThe Corporate Transparency Act would require companies to disclose their true, beneficial owners at the time the company is formed to prevent bad actors from using anonymous shell companies to thwart law enforcement and hide their illicit activities.\n\nThe U.S. is one of the easiest places in the world to set up anonymous shell companies, because no state in the U.S. currently requires companies to disclose their true, beneficial owners, said Congresswoman Maloney. The Corporate Transparency Act will finally crack down on anonymous shell companies, which have become the vehicle of choice for terrorist financing, money laundering, and organized crime. When a terrorist cell wants to move their money, or a criminal syndicate wants to launder money, they usually do it right here in the U.S., with a shell company. So, the same terrorist groups that want to attack the U.S. are also using our own financial system to finance those attacks! This is how kleptocrats and criminals are able to routinely park their money in luxury real estate here in New York  just like Iran parked their money 650 5th Avenue. When kleptocrats and criminals pour their money into real estate in New York, that limits the availability of housing, and drives up housing costs for ordinary New Yorkers. So, not only will the Corporate Transparency Act make our country safer, but it will also lower housing costs for New Yorkers. This bill is long overdue and I'm proud to say it is finally on the verge of being signed into law.\n\nBackground:\n\nCongresswoman Maloney first introduced legislation to combat anonymous shell companies in 2009, then named the Incorporation Transparency and Law Enforcement Assistance Act, and has introduced a version of the bill in every subsequent Congress. The Congresswoman introduced H.R. 2513, the Corporate Transparency Act of 2019, on May 3, 2019. It was passed by the House of Representatives with a bipartisan vote of 249-173 on October 22, 2019 and subsequently included in the House's NDAA for FY21, which was passed this summer. The bill is included in the Conference Report of the FY2021 NDAA, which passed the House on Wednesday and is expected to pass the Senate this coming week.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 3172, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "NY", "p2": "2020"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NY&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 3172, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NY&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NY&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 2898, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NY&year=2020&chamber=House", "selected": false}, {"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 274, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NY&year=2020&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NY&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "NY", "label": "NY", "count": 3172, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NY&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "2020", "label": "2020", "count": 3172, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NY", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2020-12-11,https~3A~2F~2Fmaloney~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fmaloney-cracks-down-on-money-laundering-with-corporate-transparency-act", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NY&year=2020&_next=2020-12-11%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fmaloney~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fmaloney-cracks-down-on-money-laundering-with-corporate-transparency-act&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 645.6842380575836, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}