{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"NY\" and year = 2021 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-leads-bicameral-letter-encouraging-city-hall-to-deploy-covid-19-0", "Meng Leads Bicameral Letter Encouraging City Hall To Deploy COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits By Jan. 2", "2021-12-30", "2021", "2021-12", "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 led a bicameral letter with New York Members of Congress to City Hall encouraging them to distribute COVID-19 rapid test kits to public schools by January 2nd. The letter comes as nearly one million students and hundreds of thousands of educators are set to return to in-person classes on January 3rd.\n\n\"New York is seeing a rising tide in positive test results for COVID-19 due to the Omicron variant; as we enter the New Year, we must ensure everyone can get tested before school starts,\" said Meng. \"I applaud New York City and New York State for working together to source approximately 3.5 million rapid test kits for schools, but they must be available for families and students by January 2nd. If we are to help control the spread of COVID-19, we must test. I stand ready to assist.\"\n\nOn December 21, Meng led a letter to President Biden urging the administration to steer necessary COVID-19 testing kits to New York City.\n\nOn December 28, City Hall announced its 'Stay Safe and Stay Open' plan for schools.\n\nA copy of the correspondence can be viewed here, and below.\n\n-------------------------------\n\nDear Mayor de Blasio and Mayor-elect Adams,\n\nWe write to you both with profound concern as we face a rising tide of reported positive test results from COVID-19, due in part to the Omicron variant. On January 3rd, nearly one million public school students and hundreds of thousands of teachers will return to in-person classes. While we applaud your leadership in developing the \u2018Stay Safe and Stay Open' plan, we encourage you to move urgently to deploy rapid COVID-19 test kits to public schools by January 2nd. We do not have a moment to lose.\n\nAs you know, our nation is once again experiencing an unprecedented wave of COVID-19 infections. Our nation is posting new daily records that outpace last year's daily case rate; New York City's reported positive test rate has been the highest since the pandemic began. Unfortunately, we can expect more troubling data on test results, hospitalizations, and deaths as families return home from holiday travel.\n\nWhile the Omicron variant and Delta variant continue to spread, we know that rigorous testing and following other public health measures can help keep people, including students, safe. We applaud your leadership and steadfast efforts to secure approximately 3.5 million rapid test kits \u2013 including one million from Governor Hochul \u2013 for distribution at public schools. These kits, however, must be available by January 2nd. Parents, students, and educators should be able to test themselves before the start of school on January 3rd to reduce the transmission of the virus.\n\nWe thank you for your leadership to keep New York City safe and encourage you to make rapid test kits available by January 2nd. If we are to help control the spread of COVID-19, we must test. Thank you for your attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-issues-statement-on-the-passing-of-archbishop-desmond-tutu/", "CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU", "2021-12-26", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nDecember 26, 2021\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.480.5737\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), issued the following statement on the passing of Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu:\n\n\u201cArchbishop Desmond Tutu was the global Ambassador of humanity and human rights who helped usher in an era that united the world in a common cause: ending apartheid in South Africa. What a great loss for the world and mankind. The 1984 Nobel Peace Prize winner was the Commencement Speaker at my graduation from Oberlin College and a leader and true inspiration in the Global Racial Justice movement. I have powerful and indelible memories of Archbishop Tutu\u2019s passion for justice as commencement speaker. This would be the first of several encounters with him over the years. He was truly an inspiring leader, said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.\n\n\u201cHe is leaving behind a legacy that will not only shape generations to come, but continue to be transformative, as we advance the movement for a more just and equitable world. May he rest in peace.\u201d\n\n###\n\nYvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York\u2019s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3517", "Tonko Heralds Major Federal Grant to Develop Offshore Wind Manufacturing at Port of Albany", "2021-12-23", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko today cheered the awarding of $29.5 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation for a new offshore wind manufacturing facility at the Port of Albany, paving the way for the Capital Region\u2019s leadership in this emerging industry and bringing good paying, clean energy jobs to the region.\n\n\u201cOffshore wind presents a tremendous opportunity to lower energy costs and reduce pollution all while promoting regional job creation and economic growth,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cI\u2019m spearheading the effort in Congress to capitalize on this opportunity, and am proud to have successfully fought for this historic investment in our local Port of Albany. This award ensures that New York State will help lead the way of innovation in this emerging industry as one of the nation\u2019s first large-scale, offshore wind tower manufacturing centers. My congratulations to all involved in this worthy effort to green our ports and secure our nation\u2019s strong clean energy future.\u201d\n\nThis $29.5 million investment will support the Port of Albany Offshore Wind Manufacturing Project, a historic clean energy and economic development program for the Capital Region. This massive achievement will make Albany home to one of the first large-scale offshore wind tower manufacturing facilities in the nation, creating more than 1,000 high-quality, clean energy jobs for the region.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-major-25-million-fed-investment-in-south-brooklyn-marine-terminal-for-development-of-wind-turbine-assembly-center-35th-st-pier-improvements-bring-nyc-one-step-closer-to-being-offshore-wind-supply-chain-hub-and-are-win-for-community-local-jobs-environment_nys-manufacturing", "SCHUMER ANNOUNCES MAJOR $25 MILLION FED INVESTMENT IN SOUTH BROOKLYN MARINE TERMINAL FOR DEVELOPMENT OF WIND TURBINE ASSEMBLY CENTER; 35TH ST. PIER IMPROVEMENTS BRING NYC ONE STEP CLOSER TO BEING...", "2021-12-23", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Schumer, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams & Enviro Justice Orgs Previously Pushed Investment In New Hub At South Brooklyn Marine Terminal\n\nCommunity Protection Act (CLCPA), Which Schumer Backed, Requires 70% of NY\u2019s Electricity Come From Renewable Resources By 2030, Driving Demand For Offshore Wind\n\nSchumer: The Dawn Of Robust Renewable Energy Production In NYC Will Happen At Sunset Park Terminal In A Frontline Community\n\nU.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced that \u2013 following his direct advocacy multiple times to USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg \u2013 South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT) 35th Street Pier Expansion Project was awarded nearly $25 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Maritime Administration (MARAD) Port Infrastructure Development Grant program.\n\nSchumer previously stood with Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and environmental justice leaders in Sunset Park, Brooklyn to push for a multi-million dollar investment to upgrade SBMT\u2019s port infrastructure and to include SBMT as a key port for New York\u2019s strategy to support offshore wind development. Schumer also made direct calls to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to urge approval of this federal funding for the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal. Schumer said infrastructure improvements to the 35th Street Pier are needed to make South Brooklyn Marine Terminal a regional hub in offshore wind construction. Upgrades to the port will result in 344 jobs and the offshore wind activity is estimated to create 3,274 full-time jobs.\n\n\u201cI am proud we secured this massive $25 million federal investment to help the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal reach new heights, boost the local economy, and blow a gust of new life into our fight against climate change,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cThis project is a true win-win-win that will create hundreds of good-paying union jobs, including for residents of this frontline Brooklyn community, boost New York\u2019s clean-energy manufacturing sector, all while combatting climate change in big, bold ways. Brooklyn has the wind at its back with this announcement, and the future looks very bright.\u201d\n\n\u201cWith this fed investment, Sunset Park Terminal can positon New York State to manufacture offshore wind technology while leading the way in clean energy deployment. This site is primed to be up and running quickly with investments like this one, providing New York a critical foothold in the offshore wind supply chain and its tremendous opportunities for new jobs. This also helps the state, too, because seventy-percent of New York\u2019s electricity has to come from renewable resources by 2030 as part of the CLCPA I helped push,\u201d Schumer said.\n\nThe local wind turbine assembly center would generate more than 1,500 megawatts of clean energy here in the city, positioning New York to play a significant role in the offshore wind supply chain, which will create thousands of jobs across the state.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-over-75-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-watertowns-samaritan-medical-center-and-loretto-health-in-syracuse-covid-response", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $7.5 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO SUPPORT WATERTOWN\u2019S SAMARITAN MEDICAL CENTER & LORETTO HEALTH IN SYRACUSE COVID RESPONSE", "2021-12-23", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Hospitals, Long-Term Care Facilities & Health Centers Heroically Responded To COVID Outbreak, Ripping Holes In Their Budgets To Obtain PPE, Cleaning/Disinfecting Facilities, Testing, Tracing, And More\n\nSenators Say FEMA Funding \u2013 At A 100% Federal Cost Share \u2013 Will Reimburse Samaritan Medical Center & Loretto For Costs Related to Pandemic Response\n\nSchumer, Gillibrand: Federal Funding Will Help Keep Up The Fight Against COVID-19\n\nU.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $4,512,600 for the Loretto Health & Rehabilitation and $3,035,960 for the Samaritan Medical Center from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security\u2019s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to cover costs associated with emergency protective measures taken for their COVID responses. The funds reimburse each for expenses related to providing COVID-19 laboratory testing and testing supplies, used to test their employees ensuring that individuals did not spread the virus to staff, patients, or the local community as they provided direct care and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding is provided at a 100% federal cost share, which Schumer fought hard to include for NY since the pandemic began.\n\n\u201cSamaritan Medical Center in Watertown, Loretto in Syracuse, and so many other entities throughout New York heroically stepped up by increasing spending, while experiencing significant revenue loss, and working ceaselessly to help New York beat back the virus. I am proud to deliver this vital federal support to help these essential medical facilities recover and continue to keep our communities safe,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cUpstate New York and its hospitals have been amongst the hardest hit in the nation, and with this funding, 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.\u201d\n\n\u201cHealth care providers have lost billions of dollars during the pandemic due to spiking costs and slashed revenues,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cThis federal support will help ensure that Samaritan Medical Center and Loretto can maintain staffing levels, provide PPE, and continue to keep our Watertown and Syracuse communities safe as we encounter and fight new variants of COVID-19. I\u2019ll keep working to help New York medical facilities offset operating costs so that they can continue to provide quality care to every New Yorker.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-with-holiday-travel-in-full-swing-and-covid-19-cases-surging-in-upstate-ny-senator-calls-fema-top-brass-directly-to-urge-them-to-immediately-deploy-200-new-mobile-covid-testing-sites-in-new-york-to-stop-the-spread-and-keep-our-communities-safe", "SCHUMER: WITH HOLIDAY TRAVEL IN FULL SWING AND COVID-19 CASES SURGING IN UPSTATE NY, SENATOR CALLS FEMA TOP BRASS DIRECTLY TO URGE THEM TO IMMEDIATELY DEPLOY 200 NEW MOBILE COVID TESTING SITES IN NEW...", "2021-12-23", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "With Omicron Now On-The-Move Across Upstate, Schumer Says Expanding Access To Testing ASAP Is Critical Key To Keeping Variant Under Control\n\nSenator Wants FEMA Mobile Testing Sites To Launch In Struggling Upstate Communities That Can\u2019t Keep Up With Rising Cases\n\nSchumer: Winter + Variants = Perfect Storm For Surging Cases; Feds Must Get Upstate NY The Support It Needs On The Frontlines Of Latest COVID Wave\n\nWith COVID\u2019s Omicron variant spreading and Upstate New York overwhelmed by the latest surge, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer launched a major push to get the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to expand testing capacity and support for Upstate communities. Schumer made a personal call to FEMA Assistant Administrator Keith Turi and Acting FEMA Region 2 Administrator Chad Gorman to urge them to deploy 200 mobile testing sites in New York, 100 across New York State and an additional 100 in New York City. Schumer said that expanding access to testing is key to stopping the spread of COVID-19, especially as we enter the peak of holiday travel and the heart of the harsh winter months.\n\n\u201cUpstate New York is seeing record high COVID cases, and with variants like Omicron already here, we must stop the spread in its tracks and that means testing testing testing. That is why I am calling on FEMA to immediately deploy mobile testing sites across Upstate New York, to give struggling communities the support they need to keep their residents safe,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cEspecially as people travel over the winter holidays, easy access to testing is critical to ensure the safety of themselves and loved ones. FEMA must provide Upstate communities the support they need to protect public health and to stay ahead of this variant into the winter.\u201d\n\nNew York State yesterday saw a record over 28,000 new coronavirus infections over a 24-hour period, signifying a significant increase in case counts from just a week ago.\n\nSchumer\u2019s request comes on the heels of his successful push for the federal government to provide free at-home tests to New York community health centers & mobile sites. President Biden announced earlier this week that the federal government would deliver 500 million free at-home rapid testing starting in January. Schumer said that these at home testing kits in tandem with 200 mobile testing sites in the communities that need them most is vital to protecting the health of New Yorkers.\n\n\u201cWe now have the testing infrastructure and tools we didn\u2019t have early on in the pandemic,\u201d said Schumer. \u201cIt\u2019s one of the keys to stop this surge and keep recovery going.\u201d\n\nAccording to the World Health Organization, the most effective steps individuals can take to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus is to keep a physical distance of at least 6-feet; wear a well-fitting mask; open windows to improve ventilation; avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces; keep hands clean; cough or sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue; and get vaccinated.\n\nA copy of Senator Schumer\u2019s original letter to FEMA appears below:\n\nDear Administrator Criswell:\n\nI write today to ask for the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) assistance as we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent increase in cases due to the Omicron variant. The spike in cases has brought upon an increased demand for testing that is sure to strain the already robust testing infrastructure in New York City. In addition to supporting the City of New York\u2019s request for an increased supply of at-home test kits, I ask that FEMA authorize the opening of 100 mobile test sites in New York City, and 100 additional mobile test sites across the rest of the state, including in Long Island.\n\nSince the beginning of the pandemic, FEMA has played a central role in New York City\u2019s fight against COVID-19. While I am grateful for these efforts and for the work of FEMA staffers, I ask that FEMA continue this partnership and build on its efforts as cases increase due to the Omicron variant. On December 21, 2021 New York City recorded its highest 7-day daily average of cases at nearly 9,500 cases. As reports of daily cases and hospitalizations continue to trend upward, it is vital that FEMA provide the City with the necessary resources to help slow this spread. With more testing capabilities in the form of at-home kits and testing sites, the City can better gauge the trends of this variant and provide more accurate guidance and information to residents.\n\nThank you again for your leadership and assistance over the past year as New York and the nation continue battling COVID-19. FEMA has been an invaluable partner in combatting this pandemic and I ask that as the Omicron variant spreads rapidly you continue this partnership and swiftly provide New York City the increased at-home testing kits requested in their letter to the Administration and authorize the opening of 100 testing sites across the City and 100 additional sites across the State.\n\nI appreciate your attention to this important matter and look forward to your response. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office with any questions\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/rep-clarke-chairwoman-maloney-and-rep-ocasio-cortez-call-on-government-accountability-office-to-evaluate-the-impacts-of-peaker-power-plant-pollution/", "REP. CLARKE, CHAIRWOMAN MALONEY, AND REP. OCASIO-CORTEZ CALL ON GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE TO EVALUATE THE IMPACTS OF PEAKER POWER PLANT POLLUTION", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nDecember 22, 2021\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.480.5737\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Committee Member Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sent a letter to Comptroller General Gene L. Dodaro, head of the Government Accountability Office (GAO), requesting that GAO examine \u200bthe impact of peaker power plant pollution on frontline communities and evaluate replacement strategies.\n\nPeaker plants, which burn dirty fuel when electricity demand peaks, are less efficient and more expensive than typical baseload power plants, and are more likely to be located in low-income neighborhoods and in communities of color. Millions of Americans across the country live near peaker plants. New York City alone has 89 peaker units, including 49 in Rep. Clarke\u2019s home borough of Brooklyn\u200b, 28 in the vicinity of Chairwoman Maloney\u2019s district\u200b, and 16 in Rep. Ocasio-Cortez\u2019s district.\n\n\u201cAddressing the use of peaker plants, which can emit twice the carbon and up to 20 times the nitrous oxides of a typical plant while operating significantly less efficiently, represents a high-impact opportunity to reduce climate risks and tackle a life-threatening environmental justice issue,\u201d wrote the Members. \u201cWe request GAO\u2019s assistance in reporting on key data to assess damage, uncover health burdens, calculate economic costs, and identify alternative solutions to the use of peaker power plants.\u201d\n\nIn their letter, the Members underscore that GAO\u2019s evaluation will be critical \u200bto expose the health burdens associated with peaker power plants, calculate economic costs, and identify \u200bequitable alternatives to \u200bmeet peak electricity demand.\n\nIn July 2021, the Committee on Oversight and Reform held a hearing on President Biden\u2019s Justice40 Initiative, a key White House environmental justice policy. One expert testified that 3,000 deaths per year in New York City are attributable to particulate matter and that peaker plant pollution is among the primary culprits.\n\nIn August 2021, Rep. Clarke \u2014original sponsor of the Promoting Energy Alternatives is Key to Emission Reductions (PEAKER) Act of 2021\u2014 and Chairwoman Maloney met with environmental justice leaders and \u201cAsthma Alley\u201d residents ahead of the Committee\u2019s field roundtable on peaker power plants in Queens, New York. Immediately \u200bfollowing the roundtable, Chairwoman Maloney provided testimony against a peaker plant proposal in Rep. Ocasio-Cortez\u2019s district at a public hearing. In October 2021, New York State denied a Clean Air Act permit needed to go forward with the proposal.\n\nClick here to read the full letter.\n\n###\n\nYvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York\u2019s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and a Senior Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-calls-for-vote-on-her-bill-to-establish-first-national-asian", "Meng Calls For Vote on Her Bill to Establish First National Asian Pacific American Museum", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "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), Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, announced today that she led a letter to the Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee requesting that he hold a committee vote on her legislation that seeks to create the first national museum dedicated to preserving the history, culture, and accomplishments of Asian Pacific Americans (APA).\n\nMeng asked Chairman Ra\u00fal Grijalva (D-AZ) to make her bill the first measure that the panel takes up in January 2022. If the legislation is approved by the Committee, it would then head for a vote on the floor of the House.\n\n\"The story of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) is interwoven within the history of America, but frequently our history is forgotten or ignored in the greater narrative of American history,\" the letter said. \"That is why we urge you to markup this bill as a first step to creating a national museum dedicated to the history and culture of AAPIs. Our experiences \u2013 both good and bad \u2013 provide an opportunity for us to celebrate our accomplishments, honor the challenges we have overcome, and press forward toward a more perfect union.\"\n\nMeng's request follows her appearance earlier this month before a Natural Resources Subcommittee hearing where she testified in support of her bill. The hearing also included supportive testimony from journalist Lisa Ling and Stop AAPI Hate Co-Founder Dr. Russell Jeung. The House Natural Resources Committee is the panel that has jurisdiction over this issue.\n\nEntitled the \"Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act,\" Meng's legislation would create a panel of individuals with various expertise in museum planning or APA research and culture to look into the viability of establishing, maintaining, funding and operating such a facility in the nation's capital, possibly as part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., the world's largest museum and research complex.\n\nA copy of Meng's letter can be viewed here and the text of the correspondence is below.\n\nThose who signed the letter include members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.\n\n------------------------------------------\n\nThe Honorable Ra\u00fal M. Grijalva\n\nChairman\n\nHouse Committee on Natural Resources\n\n1324 Longworth House Office Building\n\nWashington, DC 20515\n\nI write to request that you include my Commission to Study the Potential Creation of A National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act,H.R. 3525, in your first markup in January 2022.\n\nThe story of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) is interwoven within the history of America, but frequently our history is forgotten or ignored in the greater narrative of American history. That is why we urge you to markup this bill as a first step to creating a national museum dedicated to the history and culture of AAPIs.\n\nMuseums are gateways to learning about ourselves, our communities, and our history. They provide space to memorialize the accomplishments of ancestors, learn from the past, and be inspired by the richness of where our country can go.\n\nThe history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is filled with immense contributions and sadly embedded with stories of disenfranchisement. From the thousands of Asian immigrants who helped build vital pieces of U.S. infrastructure, to the thousands who were denied entry and citizenship because of immigration laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act, AAPIs have shaped and been shaped by America for generations.\n\nMy legislation is the first step in creating a national museum that is dedicated to interweaving AAPI history in the broader narrative of American history. Our experiences \u2013 both good and bad \u2013 provide an opportunity for us to celebrate our accomplishments, honor the challenges we have overcome, and press forward toward a more perfect union.\n\nThat is why we urge you to take up this bill in your Committee markup and move it through the legislative process. We thank you for your leadership in ensuring that all components of our history are memorialized, and we look forward to working with you as we preserve the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ocasio-cortez-leads-bipartisan-letter-president-biden-calling-reopening", "Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Leads Bipartisan Letter to President Biden, Calling for Reopening of Yemen\u2019s Sana International Airport", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez", "O000172", "ocasio-cortez.house.gov", "ocasio-cortez", "https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a recent letter, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called on President Biden to exert diplomatic pressure on Saudi Arabia to end their blockade of the Sana International Airport. Congresswoman Nancy Mace and Senators Elizabeth Warren and Rand Paul co-signed the letter. Yemen's major airport has been out of use since August 2016, due to an ongoing civil war, in which the Saudi-led coalition has instituted a blockade Yemen\u2019s airspace\u2014making it off limits for both commercial and humanitarian purposes. This blockade is especially devastating because nearly 80 percent of Yemen\u2019s citizens are in need of humanitarian assistance and 16.2 million people are at risk of famine, including 400,000 children under the age of 5.\n\nThe letter reads in part, \u201cThe United States must make clear that this cruel and senseless blockade is causing devastating harm to millions of innocent Yemenis and is harmful to diplomacy and the peace process. The Biden Administration should leverage all possible influence to pressure the Saudi-led coalition to end and decouple its blockade of the Sana\u2019a International Airport from negotiations and allow for the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid through the airport.\u201d\n\nThe full letter is available here.\n\nNew York\u2019s 14th Congressional District is home to a large community of Yemeni families, and Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez is proud to stand with them in the fight for their loved ones.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-bowman-espaillat-lead-letter-to-biden-requesting-covid-19-testing", "Meng, Bowman, Espaillat Lead Letter to Biden Requesting COVID-19 Testing Kits Be Steered to NYC", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 With COVID-19 cases spiking in New York, U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY), Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) and Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) led a letter to President Biden this afternoon thanking him for taking action to address the surge, and requesting that he steer much needed testing kits to New York City.\n\n\"We applaud your announcement to take new steps that keep Americans safe from Omicron, including using the Defense Production Act to further accelerate production of additional testing kits as quickly as possible,\" the lawmakers wrote. \"We respectfully encourage your Administration to steer the necessary testing kits to New York City as it will require additional testing kits in the months ahead to protect people and communities from severe illness. Friday marked the highest reported testing day in New York City since the beginning of the pandemic. In New York City, lines for testing have wrapped around city blocks. Our constituents report wait times well over an hour, upwards of six hours in some places. Others report traveling to upwards of three different testing sites as frustration continues to mount as test sites across the five boroughs are running out of tests. Building on your successes in the fight against the virus, we must ensure cities like New York City have access to a sufficient number of tests to meet the demands of the Omicron surge.\"\n\nMembers of Congress who joined the Meng-Bowman-Espaillat letter include New York Reps. Carolyn Maloney, Gregory Meeks, Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ritchie Torres, Thomas Suozzi and Hakeem Jeffries.\n\nA copy of the letter can be viewed here, and the text of the correspondence is below.\n\n-------------------------------\n\nDear President Biden,\n\nThank you very much for your leadership to address the COVID-19 pandemic. We applaud your announcement to take new steps that keep Americans safe from Omicron, including using the Defense Production Act to further accelerate production of additional testing kits as quickly as possible. We respectfully encourage your Administration to steer the necessary testing kits to New York City as it will require additional testing kits in the months ahead to protect people and communities from severe illness.\n\nFrom getting shots into arms, to requiring masking, your Administration has taken these steps and other actions to provide protection from the virus. Nevertheless, the Omicron variant presents us with new challenges. Last Friday, New York State reported 21,027 new positive cases of COVID-19, a new single-day record. Of those new cases, New York City represented almost half. With the rapid spread of the virus comes increased demand for COVID-19 testing.\n\nFriday marked the highest reported testing day in New York City since the beginning of the pandemic. In New York City, lines for testing have wrapped around city blocks. Our constituents report wait times well over an hour, upwards of six hours in some places. Others report traveling to upwards of three different testing sites as frustration continues to mount as test sites across the five boroughs are running out of tests. At-home COVID-19 testing kits are also becoming scarce at pharmacies, leaving New Yorkers with few testing options before holiday travel commences.\n\nThroughout this pandemic, New York City has served as the bellwether for the state of the pandemic, and an indicator of the steps we need to take to address a rise in cases nationally. As we head into a busy holiday season in which many New Yorkers are grieving someone they lost to the pandemic, the proactive, preventative steps we take now to make testing truly accessible can save lives and prevent a deadly repeat of 2020. We further emphasize the need to ensure at-home tests are made available free of charge to remove barriers that may otherwise prevent people from receiving the care they need and keeping our communities healthy and safe. We sincerely appreciate that the Administration invoked the Defense Production Act in February and has procured to date nearly $2 billion in rapid point-of-care and over-the-counter at-home COVID-19 tests from multiple COVID-19 test manufacturers. Building on your successes in the fight against the virus, we must ensure cities like New York City have access to a sufficient number of tests to meet the demands of the Omicron surge.\n\nEnsuring our communities have adequate COVID-19 testing stockpiles will ensure that those seeking to travel or spend time indoors can do so safely after securing a negative test result.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-schumers-visit-and-direct-advocacy-wyoming-county-community-hospital-awarded-over-18-million-to-combat-recent-surge-of-covid-19-cover-rising-costs-and-keep-the-western-ny-community-safe-", "FOLLOWING SCHUMER\u2019S VISIT AND DIRECT ADVOCACY, WYOMING COUNTY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL AWARDED OVER $1.8 MILLION TO COMBAT RECENT SURGE OF COVID-19, COVER RISING COSTS, AND KEEP THE WESTERN NY COMMUNITY...", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Schumer Visited Wyoming County To Call On Feds To Reevaluate WNY Growing COVID Crisis & Get $$ Out Quickly To Where It\u2019s Most Needed\n\nNow, After Schumer\u2019s Push, Wyoming County Community Hospital Has Received Over $1.8M In Pandemic Relief To Help Just In Time For The Harsh Winter Months\n\nSchumer To Wyoming County: Help Is On The Way!\n\nFollowing his visit to push for struggling Western New York hospitals to get the help they need, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced the federal government has heeded his call and that Wyoming County Community Hospital has received $1,836,381 from the next round of the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) created by the CARES Act. Earlier this month Wyoming County declared a state of emergency in an effort to fight back against a rise in COVID-19 cases and variants like Omicron. Schumer said that this new funding will help Wyoming County Community Hospital combat the spread of COVID-19, cover rising costs, and ensure they have the resources to keep the community safe.\n\n\u201cWestern New York hospitals are on the frontlines battling the many variants of COVID, I saw firsthand the tremendous need for assistance in my visit to Wyoming County last week and promised I would fight to get this money out quickly. Now, I am proud to deliver over $1.8 million in federal assistance for the Wyoming County Community Hospital to help them continue their essential work to keep our community safe,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cAs majority leader, I am proud to have championed multiple COVID-19 relief bills including the American Rescue Plan which provided these pandemic relief funds and I will continue to fight to ensure our hospitals and communities have all the help they need to stop the spread and meet the rising demand as we enter the winter months.\u201d\n\nJoseph McTernan, CEO of the Wyoming County Community Health System said, \u201cWe are extremely grateful to Senator Schumer for his advocacy in helping secure this funding for WCCH. With COVID infection rates again spiking in our community, we need all hands on deck to both care for the increasing number of patients being admitted for care while addressing the burden of increased costs required to provide this care. We appreciate Senator Schumer\u2019s support for significantly impacted hospitals like WCCH to access this critical relief funding as we continue to navigate the pandemic and serve the community.\u201d\n\nSenator Schumer has delivered over $13.5 billion in grant funding to NY hospitals and providers through the Provider Relief Fund alone with billions more still awaiting to be disbursed. In addition, the Senator has secured tens of billions of dollars in much-needed relief including through various legislation and programs that delivered low-cost loans to providers, staved off potentially disastrous federal cuts to Medicare payments and increased payments to the New York Medicaid program that have helped NYS from instituting drastic cuts in provider reimbursements and consumer benefits.\n\nIn the April 2020 CARES Act, Schumer led the charge in Congress to create the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) - managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) - with to provide funding to healthcare providers and hospitals caring for patients with COVID-19 and who suffered high expenses and lost revenues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although initially funded at $100 billion, Schumer led the charge in Congress further to successfully add an additional $86.5 billion to the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) throughout the last year through the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enactment Act, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and the American Rescue Plan.\n\nA copy of Schumer\u2019s original letter to HHS appears below:\n\nDear Secretary Becerra,\n\nI write to request that the Department of Health and Humans Services (HHS) take into consideration the uptick in COVID-19 cases in certain areas of the country such as Western New York and the Finger Lakes Region when calculating the payments to providers that will be made in the upcoming General Distribution from the Provider Relief Fund (PRF). Hospitals and providers in this area, such as Wyoming County Community Hospital, are working day and night to care for patients amid intense financial pressures and need this funding in order to deal with the increase in COVID-19 cases that are crowding their hospital beds. I also ask that these funds be made swiftly; New York providers \u2013 especially those in Upstate New York \u2013 cannot be made to wait for this direly needed relief.\n\nAs you well know, New York has suffered huge losses during the course of this pandemic. While a robust vaccination and testing program has kept the state from reliving the worst of the pandemic\u2019s early days, parts of the state continue to experience high levels of coronavirus caseloads. As of December 10th, 2021, the three counties in New York with the highest daily average number COVID-19 cases per 100,000 are all found in Western New York: Orleans (103), Wyoming (103), Genesee (100). The caseloads in these counties and other areas of New York have increased to such a high level, that 32 hospitals across the state report having 10% or less of available bed capacity open to admit new patients. Due to these critical conditions, New York State has mandated that these hospitals suspend elective procedures until bed capacity improves. The combination of high costs associated with treating COVID-19 patients and the loss of high-revenue-producing elective procedures is damaging the financial health of hospitals such as Wyoming County Community Hospital and highlighted the need for more federal support through programs like the Provider Relief Fund.\n\nIn the April 2020 CARES Act, Congress created the PRF with an initial $100 billion in support for providers caring for patients with COVID-19 and who suffered high expenses and lost revenues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Congress further supplemented the fund with an additional $86.5 billion over the next year through the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enactment Act, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and the American Rescue Plan.\n\nAs of December 10th, 2021, your Department has sent out over $130 billion in funding from the PRF across three phases of General Distributions and eight targeted allocations, the most recent being the $8.5 billion in American Rescue Plan\u2019s Rural payments. These General Distributions were made using various formulas based on revenues and losses reported in past years\u2019 Medicare and Medicaid cost reporting, tax filings and other financial information. The targeted allocations were based on a wider variety of factors including in some cases the level of COVID-19 admissions at a hospital provider.\n\nIn September 2021, HHS announced that up to $17 billion would be made available in a new PRF General Distribution and solicited applications from providers across the country for this funding. The information collected in these applications to develop the formula that will calculate these General Distribution payments once again only considered past tax filings, cost reporting data and other financial information. It does not consider the rising levels of COVID-19 in hard-hit areas such as Upstate New York.\n\nIn light of the ongoing increase in COVID-19 cases, I ask that your Department refer to its past practices at the height of the pandemic and incorporate data into the General Distribution formula that captures the enormous burdens placed on providers who are treating patients and saving lives in areas with high rates of COVID-19 cases. I also call on the Department to make these determinations swiftly and distribute the funds as soon as possible. Providers like Wyoming County Community Hospital need these funds now, and communities like those in Western New York cannot afford to wait any longer.\n\nI thank you and your Department for your excellent service during this crisis.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/caribbean-caucus-co-chairs-clarke-waters-and-plaskett-meet-with-the-commission-for-a-haitian-solution-to-the-crisis/", "CARIBBEAN CAUCUS CO-CHAIRS CLARKE, WATERS AND PLASKETT MEET WITH THE COMMISSION FOR A HAITIAN SOLUTION TO THE CRISIS", "2021-12-20", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nDecember 20, 2021\n\nMedia contact:\n\ne: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov (Clarke)\n\nc: 202.480.5737\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 On December 16th, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), and Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (USVI), the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caribbean Caucus, held a virtual meeting with several representatives of the Commission for a Haitian Solution to the Crisis. Following the meeting, they released the following statement:\n\n\u201cWe met with representatives of the Commission for a Haitian Solution to the Crisis to discuss their efforts to respond to the extraordinary challenges facing Haiti. They described in detail their efforts to work towards a peaceful resolution of the current political and institutional crisis in Haiti and their plans for Haiti\u2019s future. We were inspired by their courage, and we admire their commitment to dialogue and consensus. We appreciate their efforts to meet with Haitians representing diverse sectors of society and listen to their concerns, and we look forward to continuing our dialogue with them as they continue their work for a better future for the people of Haiti.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-joined-by-borough-president-richards-highlights-federal", "Meng, Joined By Borough President Richards, Highlights Federal Infrastructure Bill and What It Stands to Provide to Queens", "2021-12-20", "2021", "2021-12", "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), joined by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, today hailed the recent enactment of the federal infrastructure bill, and called for funding from the measure to be directed toward improving local infrastructure in Queens.\n\nMeng helped pass the historic and bipartisan legislation through the House of Representatives last month (on November 5th), and she recently joined President Biden at the White House (on November 15th) when he signed the $1.2 trillion measure into law. It will provide billions for New York's roads, bridges, highways, mass transit, airports, high-speed internet, clean drinking water, clean energy and more.\n\nBut the Congresswoman urged the city and state to make sure that funding flows to the borough, including to her congressional district, as they receive this federal money and decide where it will go.\n\n\"Over nearly two years, many of my constituents have had their lives turned upside down,\" Meng added. \"My congressional district was the heart of the epicenter when COVID-19 first struck our nation, and in September, areas I represent were hit hard by flooding from Hurricane Ida. Many families remain devastated and continue to struggle, and much of our local infrastructure failed them. Queens stands to benefit from the infrastructure bill. The city and state need to hear our calls for funding, and must step up and deliver for our borough and my district. I look forward to working with the Governor and incoming Mayor.\"\n\n\"The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal is critical for Queens and a chance for our resilient future,\" said Borough President Richards. \"From housing our airports to recovering from Hurricane Ida's devastation, Queens has a real need for infrastructure investment and I am grateful for our partners in Congress, especially Congresswoman Grace Meng, for their advocacy.\"\n\nThe Borough President especially highlighted the need for funding for Queens following the devastation caused by Ida.\n\nSome of the key projects for which Meng is advocating include the rebuilding and reopening the shuttered Elmhurst Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station, funding for elevators and platform extensions at the LIRR stop in Forest Hills, electric vehicle charging stations in areas she represents, median replacements, road repairs and catch basin upgrades in her district, making local subway and train stops accessible to the elderly and disabled, replacing lead pipes, and connecting more constituents to the internet, among other initiatives.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-joins-bicameral-letter-to-biden-administration-requesting-answers", "Meng Joins Bicameral Letter to Biden Administration Requesting Answers to Inconsistent Approach Adopted Toward Afghans Who Have Applied for Humanitarian Parole in the U.S.", "2021-12-20", "2021", "2021-12", "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), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, joined Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) and U.S. Senator Ed Markey's (D-MA) letter to President Biden, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Ur Jaddou requesting answers from the Administration regarding the high number of Afghan humanitarian parole applications that have been denied, and the inconsistent standards applied to applications from those in Afghanistan.\n\n\"We cannot turn our backs on those who remain in Afghanistan,\" said Congresswoman Meng. \"I have unfortunately heard from organizations seeking to help vulnerable Afghans leave the country that parole applications are being denied right and left, some due to a lack of \u2018evidence' that they were in danger. The current situation in Afghanistan clearly meets the criteria of \u2018compelling reasons' to quickly parole these vulnerable individuals into the United States. That is why this letter is so important. The Administration needs to take urgent action to create a special parole program for Afghans as previous administrations have done in the past to ensure we are addressing the unique urgency this situation demands.\"\n\nThe correspondence specifically asks the Biden Administration to answer a number of questions regarding the blanket parole denials, including:\n\nHow many humanitarian parole applications related to the Afghanistan situation have been approved and how many have been denied?\n\nHow many of these applications have been issued Requests for Evidence?\n\nTo what extent are Afghan nationals who applied for humanitarian parole considered for inclusion in the Operation Allies Welcome parole pipeline?\n\nA copy of the full letter can be viewed here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-over-16-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-economic-growth-in-low-income-and-distressed-communities-across-new-york", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $16 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO SUPPORT ECONOMIC GROWTH IN LOW-INCOME & DISTRESSED COMMUNITIES ACROSS NEW YORK", "2021-12-20", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Senators Say Awards Build Capacity of CDFIs, Helping Meet the Unique Needs Of Economically Underserved Communities And Disadvantaged Small Businesses\n\nSchumer, Gillibrand: Investment Into Vulnerable Communities Is Critical To Recovery Of Entire NY Economy\n\nU.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $16,006,830 in federal funding for 28 Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) across New York. The funding was allocated by the Department of the Treasury through the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) and includes both financial assistance and technical assistance awards to support the services offered by CDFIs. The senators said the funding will be used to invest in the capacity and capital programs offered by CDFIs, empowering them to grow, achieve organizational sustainability, and support low-income and distressed communities by contributing to their revitalization and expanding access to capital and other critical assistance for disadvantaged small businesses.\n\n\u201cThe CDFI Fund is a vital stream of federal investment that supports financial services to New York\u2019s most vulnerable communities and expands access to capital and support for disadvantaged small businesses,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cI have made it a high priority to fund the CDFI program and deliver this critical assistance to New York to help to uplift our most vulnerable neighborhoods, businesses, and families who are still struggling from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and boost recovery efforts across the state. I will continue to fight to protect critical investments like these for our communities and make sure New York gets the federal investment it needs to fully recover and come back stronger.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis critical CDFI funding will support New York\u2019s underserved communities, low-income neighborhoods, and small businesses,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cThis significant federal investment is great news for New York State and will put over $16 million back into the businesses and communities that need it most. I will keep fighting in the Senate for the resources needed to stimulate local businesses, bolster support for our communities, and create sustainable jobs.\u201d\n\nThe Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI) provides small businesses and community development projects with capital investment unavailable in their local economies. The program funds projects that work to revitalize low-income and underserved communities. Some CDFIs focus their programs on an immediate region of service while others are national in the scope of their work, including projects and investments in New York.\n\nA breakdown of the funding appears below:\n\nOrganization\n\nCity/State\n\nAward\n\nAccompany Capital, Inc.\n\nNew York, NY\n\n$676,530\n\nAlternatives Venture Fund Inc. Ithaca, NY\n\n$125,000\n\nBOC Capital Corp\n\nBrooklyn, NY\n\n$701,530\n\nBrooklyn Alliance Capital Inc\n\nBrooklyn, NY\n\n$125,000\n\nBrooklyn Cooperative Federal Credit Union\n\nBrooklyn, NY\n\n$476,530\n\nCheckSpring Community Corporation\n\nBronx, NY\n\n$676,530\n\nCommunity Development Venture Capital Alliance\n\nNew York, NY\n\n$701,530\n\nDisability Fund, Inc.\n\nRockville Centre, NY\n\n$1,090,000\n\nEquitable Facilities Fund\n\nNew York, NY\n\n$125,000\n\nFinest Federal Credit Union\n\nNew York, NY\n\n$125,000\n\nGrameen America, Inc.\n\nNew York, NY\n\n$1,046,530\n\nHabitat for Humanity NYC Fund, Inc.\n\nNew York, NY\n\n$125,000\n\nHarlem Business Alliance, Inc.\n\nNew York, NY\n\n$125,000\n\nLaunch New York, Inc.\n\nBuffalo, NY\n\n$225,000\n\nLocal Initiatives Support Corporation\n\nNew York, NY\n\n$3,440,000\n\nLower East Side Peoples Federal Credit Union\n\nNew York, NY\n\n$476,530\n\nNational Federation of Community Development Credit Unions\n\nNew York, NY\n\n$625,000\n\nNeighborhood Trust Federal Credit Union\n\nNew York, NY\n\n$676,530\n\nNew York University FCU\n\nNew York, NY\n\n$701,530\n\nNonprofit Finance Fund\n\nNew York, NY\n\n$1,201,530\n\nOswego County FCU\n\nOswego, NY\n\n$590,000\n\nRenaissance Economic Development Corporation\n\nNew York, NY\n\n$701,530\n\nSyracuse Cooperative Federal Credit Union\n\nSyracuse, NY\n\n$125,000\n\nThe Urban Empowerment Fund\n\nNew York, NY\n\n$125,000\n\nThe Working World, Inc. dba Seed Commons\n\nNew York, NY\n\n$525,000\n\nUSAlliance Federal Credit Union\n\nRye, NY\n\n$125,000\n\nUtica Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc\n\nUtica, NY\n\n$200,000\n\nSeneca Nation of Indians Federal Credit Union\n\nIrving, NY\n\n$150,000\n\nTOTAL:\n\n$16,006,830\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-secures-historic-295-million-to-make-the-port-of-albany-one-of-the-nations-first-large-scale-offshore-wind-tower-manufacturing-facilities-after-direct-advocacy-to-the-transportation-secretary-schumer-delivers-29m-to-create-550-permanent-new-jobs-bolstering-the-us-domestic-clean-energy-supply-chain-and-capital-region-economy-and-strengthening-the-fight-against-climate-change", "SCHUMER SECURES HISTORIC $29.5 MILLION TO MAKE THE PORT OF ALBANY ONE OF THE NATION\u2019S FIRST LARGE-SCALE, OFFSHORE WIND TOWER MANUFACTURING FACILITIES; AFTER DIRECT ADVOCACY TO THE TRANSPORTATION...", "2021-12-20", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Schumer, A Long-Time Advocate For The Port of Albany, Called Transportation Secretary Buttigieg Directly To Advocate For The Funding Multiple Times\n\nSenator Says Port of Albany Project Will Be One Of The Most Significant Job-Creating And Green-Energy Economic Development Projects in Capital Region\u2019s History\n\nSchumer: $29.5M Will Be The Wind In The Port Of Albany\u2019s Sails & Blow New Life Into Albany Economy & Our Fight Against Climate Change\n\nU.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced that \u2013 following his direct advocacy to the USDOT \u2013 the Port of Albany Offshore Wind Tower Manufacturing Project was awarded $29.5 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Maritime Administration (MARAD) Port Infrastructure Development Grant program.\n\nSchumer a longtime advocate for the Port of Albany\u2019s revitalization, made direct calls to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg multiple times to urge approval of this transformative funding for the Capital Region. Schumer said the project will be one of the first large-scale offshore wind tower manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and is expected to create an estimated 500 construction jobs and 550 direct and full-time new manufacturing and support jobs.\n\n\u201cThe Port of Albany Offshore Wind Manufacturing Project will be one of the most significant job-creating, renewable-energy economic development projects in the Capital Region\u2019s history. I made it clear to Secretary Buttigieg that Albany has all of the right ingredients to be one of the nation\u2019s first large-scale offshore wind tower manufacturing facility. I am proud to have secured this massive $29.5 million federal investment to help the Port of Albany reach new heights, boost the region\u2019s local economy, and blow a gust of new life into our fight against climate change,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cThis project is a true win-win-win that will create hundreds of good-paying union jobs, boost New York\u2019s clean-energy manufacturing sector, all while combatting climate change in big, bold ways. Albany has the wind at its back with this announcement, and the future looks very bright.\u201d\n\nRich Hendrick, CEO of the Port of Albany, said, \u201cThis funding comes at a pivotal time for the Port of Albany\u2019s offshore wind project and would not be possible without the strong support from Senator Schumer. This funding will support building the infrastructure necessary to support the type of heavy cargo that will be manufactured by our offshore wind partners. The project will bring hundreds of jobs to the Capital Region and add to the Port\u2019s significant contributions to the Capital Region economy. Offshore wind will play an important role in managing climate change, transforming energy production and reducing harmful emissions. The Port of Albany is excited to play a part in this critical industry and looks forward to working with our surrounding community on this important project. We thank Senator Schumer and Secretary Buttigieg for their support and commitment to getting this done.\u201d\n\nAlbany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, \u201cI am so thankful to Senator Schumer for securing this $29.5 million grant - funding that is vital to ensuring the nation\u2019s first offshore wind manufacturing facility opens at the Port of Albany as soon as possible. I will continue to work closely with Senator Schumer to create a workforce training center in the South End because we both agree our residents who live near the Port of Albany should have every opportunity to secure the good-paying careers that will be created through this transformative investment.\u201d\n\nAlbany County Executive Dan McCoy said, \"This 29 1/2 million dollar commitment to offshore wind power at the Port of Albany is another investment that will benefit not only the county and our state but help reduce our carbon footprint and continue to make New York a leader in the production of renewable energy across the country. This project will also be responsible for 150 wind towers built each year and will bring with it 500 construction jobs and 300 long-term, high skilled jobs.\"\n\nSchumer said the Port of Albany manufacturing facility will have the fabrication and assembly capabilities to support the projects being developed in and off the coast of New York State as well as many future national offshore wind projects. Schumer explained that currently many of the offshore wind tower components are only available outside of the U.S. making this project critical in strengthening the U.S. domestic clean energy supply chain. The senator said that this recently secured funding would ensure Upstate New York becomes the national hub for new wind technology manufacturing.\n\nSchumer also said that this increased investment for the Port of Albany would significantly boost its competitiveness in expanding and attracting major employers like General Electric (GE) to manufacture wind turbines in Upstate New York. Earlier this year, Senator Schumer reached out directly to GE CEO, H. Lawrence Culp Jr. to express his support for GE expanding in the region to manufacture their new Haliade-X wind turbines in New York, specifically mentioning the Port of Albany as a key asset for building up the Capital region as a national hub for wind turbine manufacturing.\n\nSenator Schumer has a long history fighting to help revitalize the Port of Albany. In 2016, Schumer secured $17.6 million for the Port of Albany through the USDOT Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant. This funding supported a complete overhaul of the Port of Albany including reconstructing the entire outdoor maritime terminal, building a new warehouse, expanding the wharf, and significantly improving the port roadways. Schumer then personally visited the Port of Albany in 2019 to see the progress and continue his commitment to the Port of Albany\u2019s economic expansion.\n\nIn addition to the recently announced funding, Schumer said the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA) that was recently signed into law, provides more than $17 billion for port and waterway infrastructure, including $2.25 billion over five years for the DOT\u2019s Port Infrastructure Development Program. Schumer also secured $7.5 billion over five years for the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grants and $3.2 billion over five years for the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Grant Program, both of which can support port infrastructure development, and IIJA added port infrastructure as an eligible use of the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) program.\n\nA copy of Schumer\u2019s original letter of support to Secretary Buttigieg appears below:\n\nDear Secretary Buttigieg,\n\nI am pleased to write in support of the application submitted by the Port of Albany to the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s 2021 Port Infrastructure Development Program grant (PIDP) to support the development of the United States\u2019 first offshore wind tower manufacturing facility at the Port of Albany that is a partnership with Equinor and Marmen/Welcon. The Offshore Wind Tower Manufacturing Port Project grant application outlines the planned investment, substantial positive renewable energy and community benefits, as well as new job creation and major local investment.\n\nThe Port of Albany manufacturing facility will have the fabrication and assembly capabilities to support the projects being developed in New York State as well as many future national and regional offshore wind projects. Currently, the offshore wind tower components are only available outside of the U.S. The entire construction project is planned for more than $350 million investment including investment from Port, private and state of New York sources.\n\nThis project will create 550 jobs and likely to generate important additional economic benefits in New York State. It is expected that hundreds of construction jobs will be created to develop the site and an additional level of indirect jobs that are spurred by the planned manufacturing and maritime activities. Further, it is expected that this facility will generate substantial annual regional investments in direct payroll and procurement expenditures. This is precisely how we move the economy ahead with projects that invest in the green economy and have local benefits.\n\nThe PIDP funds are vital to reducing project risk and maximizing optionality during this unusually fluctuating international economic market. Energizing a green economy is key to our future. I applaud the Port of Albany for its foresight, and sincerely hope the application meets with your approval.\n\nThank you for your consideration.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-announces-laguardia-airport-to-receive-over-28-million-from", "Meng Announces LaGuardia Airport to Receive Over $28 Million From Bipartisan Infrastructure Law", "2021-12-18", "2021", "2021-12", "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 $28.4 million from the recently enacted federal infrastructure bill is headed to New York to make much needed improvements to LaGuardia Airport.\n\n\"I was proud to help pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act because I knew it would make a difference in our city, and I am glad to see this vital funding coming to LaGuardia,\" said Meng. \"This money will go a long way toward needed infrastructure improvements and jobs for New Yorkers, and I look forward to this funding benefiting the airport for decades to come.\"\n\nLaGuardia Airport will receive a similar tranche of funding from the historic bipartisan infrastructure law each year for the next five years, as part of a program for airport development. The tranche is likely to slightly vary from year to year, as the funding reflects annual enplanement totals. In addition to these guaranteed funds, LaGuardia can compete with other airports across the country for grants from an additional $5 billion nationally for terminal and landside improvements.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/co-chairs-of-the-house-haiti-caucus-issue-statement-on-the-release-of-all-remaining-captured-missionaries-in-haiti/", "CO-CHAIRS OF THE HOUSE HAITI CAUCUS ISSUE STATEMENT ON THE RELEASE OF ALL REMAINING CAPTURED MISSIONARIES IN HAITI", "2021-12-17", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nDecember 17, 2021\n\nMedia contact:\n\ne: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov (Clarke)\n\nc: 202.480.5737\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, co-chairs of the House Haiti Caucus and Caribbean Caucus released the following statement regarding the release of the remaining 12 captured U.S. and Canadian missionaries in Haiti:\n\n\u201cWe are profoundly grateful and relieved to learn that the final 12 hostages held in Haiti, who were abducted more than two months ago, were safely found yesterday. With their release, all 17 of the missionaries representing Christian Aid Ministries are able to return to their homes. These individuals, five of whom are children, ventured into Haiti for a noble cause: helping people in need. We wish them well as they recover from the trauma of the past two months, and we thank them for their dedication,\u201d said the co-chairs. \u201cThough this terrible chapter has concluded, the tragic conditions that have struck Haiti throughout the past year and enabled lawlessness of this degree persist. U.S. policy concerning Haiti must be rooted in building upon a partnership that will continue to promote democracy, human rights, and security throughout the nation. It is our hope and intention that efforts to support a Haitian-led democratic government\u2019s stabilization and reemergence take priority for this administration. To prevent further tragedies, it is paramount we reimagine our approach and policies to supporting our Haitian neighbors.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-calls-tiktok-remove-dangerous-content-and-act-protect", "CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE CALLS ON TIKTOK TO REMOVE DANGEROUS CONTENT AND ACT TO PROTECT PUBLIC SAFETY", "2021-12-17", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joseph D. Morelle", "M001206", "morelle.house.gov", "morelle", "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Rochester, NY) \u2013 Today, Congressman Joe Morelle called on the social media platform TikTok to better moderate dangerous content on its platform. Recent posts on TikTok have warned that schools in Rochester and across the country would face shooting and bomb threats today, December 17\u2014significantly disrupting school activities and even forcing some schools to close for the day.\n\n\"Posts spreading on TikTok that incite violence are threatening the safety of educators, students, and families in our community. TikTok has a responsibility to moderate dangerous content\u2014and they're failing,\" said Congressman Joe Morelle. \"This has become an alarming pattern of behavior that cannot continue. I'm calling on TikTok to publicly address this most recent incident and take immediate action to better moderate content on their platform and stop the spread of violence.\n\nAt a time when students, teachers, and staff have to contend with the recent growth in dangerous incidents in school, including a school shooting three weeks ago in Michigan where four students were killed, these threats are particularly disturbing and must be taken seriously. Sadly, this is not the first instance of negligence by TikTok resulting in violence. Earlier this year, TikTok was misused to promote harassment and destructive acts within schools, including vandalism and physical assault, known as the \u2018Devious Licks' challenge.\n\nThis is the second time Rep. Morelle has called upon TikTok to take action addressing the spread of dangerous content on their platform. In response to Morelle's October 2021 letter, TikTok claimed the Devious Licks challenge was a \"hoax.\" This is an unacceptable response that abdicates responsibility to protect public safety. In a letter sent today, Rep. Morelle requests a more substantive response that details their action to address this deeply troubling trend.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-newly-passed-infrastructure-dollars-will-be-used-to-clean-up-superfund-sites-in-elmira-town-of-vestal-and-niagara-county", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE NEWLY-PASSED INFRASTRUCTURE DOLLARS WILL BE USED TO CLEAN UP SUPERFUND SITES IN ELMIRA, TOWN OF VESTAL, AND NIAGARA COUNTY", "2021-12-17", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Of the 49 Backlogged Sites on the National Priorities List Receiving Funding, 3 New York Locations Prioritized For Hazardous Waste Cleanup\n\nProjects in Elmira, Town of Vestal, and Niagara County Funded Following Schumer, Gillibrand Securing Record-Breaking Funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law\n\nU.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that due to funding secured through the bipartisan infrastructure and jobs package, the Environmental Protection Agency will accelerate hazardous waste cleanup in Elmira, the Town of Vestal, and Niagara County. Some of these projects have been listed on the EPA National Priorities List (NPL) for decades waiting for federal funding. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand fought to bring this critical funding back to New York to finalize hazardous waste cleanup at these sites. Because of this funding, the EPA will now facilitate the long-term cleanup of hazardous waste at the Vestal Water Supply Well 1-1 in Vestal, Facet Enterprises, Inc. in Elmira, and Eighteen Mile Creek in Niagara County.\n\n\u201cThe recently-passed Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Law includes a surge of new funding for the federal Superfund program that we fought hard to deliver, and those dollars are now being put to use to jumpstart long-delayed clean-ups at toxic sites in Elmira, the town of Vestal, and Niagara County,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cCleaning up these toxic sites in Elmira, Vestal, and Niagara County is critical to protect the public health, clean up our environment and pave the way for economic regeneration at these locations. I applaud the EPA and President Biden for focusing on improving the Superfund program and moving quickly to put these infrastructure dollars to use to benefit the public and create new jobs.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m thrilled to announce that key Superfund sites located in Elmira, the town of Vestal, and Niagara County are receiving the funds needed to clean up hazardous waste in these communities. This critical funding is a direct result of the bipartisan infrastructure package and will help clean up these sites in order to keep the surrounding communities safe from exposure to harmful, toxic waste,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cThe health of New Yorkers should not be put at risk due to toxic waste dumps \u2013 period. I fought alongside Senator Schumer to secure and deliver this funding, and I am grateful to the Biden administration for quickly disbursing this money.\u201d\n\nThe Vestal Water Supply Well 1-1 Superfund site located in Vestal, New York was one of three production wells in the Vestal Town Water District 1 intended to provide drinking water to several water districts in the area. Well 1-1 is moderately contaminated with several volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and will receive thermal soil treatment. Other soil in the area contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) will be excavated and removed from the site.\n\nThe Facet Enterprises, Inc. facility is a 31-acre parcel of land in the Village of Elmira Heights. The facility was previously used to make products such as bicycle parts, automobile engine components and small arms for the military. Vapors from chemical contamination, primarily trichloroethylene (TCE), have seeped into more than 65 properties in the vicinity of this site. TCE can produce emissions that rise through the soil and potentially affect indoor air quality, a condition known as vapor intrusion. The EPA will use these federal funds to install vapor mitigation system to remove harmful chemicals from soil where there is potential for vapor intrusion, specifically trichloroethylene (TCE).\n\nThe Eighteen Mile Creek Superfund site located in Niagara County flows north for approximately 15 miles, discharging to Lake Ontario in Olcott. The Eighteen Mile Creek Corridor extends from the Creek's headwaters at the Barge Canal to Harwood Road in Lockport and contains most of the site's sediment, soil, and groundwater contamination. The federal funding will be used to excavate and dispose of lead and PCB contaminated sediment within the Creek Corridor. Additionally, soil at adjacent upland commercial properties will be excavated and disposed.\n\nThe Superfund program was established by Congress in 1980 to investigate and facilitate cleanup of the nation\u2019s most complex, uncontrolled, and abandoned hazardous waste sites. Only sites added to the NPL are eligible to receive federal funding for long-term permanent cleanup. The EPA\u2019s Superfund program operates under the \u201cpolluter pays\u201d principle, giving the EPA the authority to require polluters to take responsibility for cleanup of the environmental contamination they caused. EPA adds sites to the NPL when mismanagement of contamination threatens human health and the environment.\n\nThe Senators outlined the sections of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act related to cleaning up pollution below:\n\n$3.5 billion available for 5 years for the Remedial account within the Hazardous Substance Superfund. This section of the bill would allow the Environmental Protection Agency to invest in clean-ups and continue moving forward on remedial actions for Superfund sites.\n\n$1.2 billion for the Brownfields competitive grants while raising grant caps for half of the competitive grant funding under this section ($600 million).\n\n$1.5 billion equally distributed over 5 years for State and Tribal Assistance Grants: Brownfields This section of the bill would provide significant investment into the Brownfields program to help communities, States, Tribes and others to assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse contaminated properties.\n\n$300 million for Brownfields categorical grants to support the development and progress being made under state-led Brownfields efforts. All state cost share requirements for this section have been waived.\n\n$14.45 billion from reinstating certain Superfund fees that will be collected over the next 10 years and provide a steady stream of funding to clean up Superfund sites.\n\nSenators Schumer and Gillibrand have long fought to address water contamination, expedite Superfund designations, and remove PFAS to protect public health in New York State. In 2017, following a multi-year push, the senators announced the EPA\u2019s designation of Hoosick Falls as a Superfund site to facilitate cleanup of PFOA at Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morelle-takes-action-lower-cost-childcare-monroe-county-families", "CONGRESSMAN MORELLE TAKES ACTION TO LOWER THE COST OF CHILDCARE FOR MONROE COUNTY FAMILIES", "2021-12-16", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joseph D. Morelle", "M001206", "morelle.house.gov", "morelle", "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Rochester, NY) - Today, Congressman Joe Morelle joined with community advocates to announce he has secured funding to lower the cost of childcare for Monroe County families. The provisions, passed as part of the Build Back Better Act, will expand federal cost assistance through Child Care Development Block Grants.\n\n\"Right now, New Yorkers are paying over twenty-three percent of their income on childcare costs\u2014that places an enormous financial and emotional burden on parents, and it must change,\" said Congressman Morelle. \"Supporting the needs of working families has always been my top priority, which is why I'm proud to have taken action to significantly lower costs and save families upwards of $10,000 a year on childcare. This will be transformative for Monroe County families and will help set our children up for success from an early age.\"\n\nThe average annual cost of a childcare center in New York is $12,361. Through provisions in the Build Back Better Act, it is expected that a family of four making $68,000 will pay no more than $1,360 annually\u2014a savings of $11,000.[1] Under the legislation, subsidized childcare will be available for families of children age 5 and younger who are not enrolled in kindergarten. Parents must be working or participating in work-related activities such as job training to qualify.\n\nFamilies earning incomes at and below 75 percent of State Median Income (SMI) will have no co-payment. Household SMI in New York State is approximately $68,000 annually. New York Families earning above 75 percent SMI will be charged copayments depending on their income level, as follows:\n\nFamilies earning above 75 percent and not more than 100 percent SMI (between $51,000 and $68,000) will have a copayment of more than 0 percent and not more than 2 percent of their family income. (Ex: Family making $68,000 would pay no more than $1,360 on childcare)\n\nFamilies earning above 100 percent and not more than 125 percent SMI (between $68,000 and $85,000) will have a copayment of more than 2 percent and not more than 4 percent of their family income. (Ex: Family making $85,000 would pay no more than $3,400 on childcare)\n\nFamilies earning above 125 percent and not more than 150 percent SMI (between $85,000 and $102,000) will have a copayment of more than 4 percent and not more than 7 percent of their family income. (Ex: Family making $100,000 would pay no more than $7,000 on childcare)\n\nFamilies earning above 150 percent and not more than 250 (between $102,000 and $170,000) percent SMI will have a copayment of no more than 7 percent of their family income.\n\nThe benefit amount for families would be sufficient to purchase care in an accredited childcare facility. If a state can cover the required populations more quickly, it may use payments in the first three years to expand access to direct services that go beyond the income eligibility phase-in thresholds, but do not exceed 250 percent SMI or $170,000 in New York State.\n\n\"This is a welcomed relief for families, and organizations like us, that are committed to providing this critical community service,\" said George Romell, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Rochester. \"It strengthens our ability to support working families, and ultimately, provides a roadmap for children to succeed in life. We look forward to working with vital community partners to find 21st century solutions to deliver dynamic care and we are grateful to Congressman Morelle for his leadership on this initiative and longtime support of the Y.\"\n\n\"Reducing the cost of high-quality childcare is a moral and necessary step towards economic and social justice,\" said Jerome H. Underwood, President & CEO of Action for a Better Community. \"Utilizing funding from the Build Back Better Act as a means to this end is one way to ensure that the unprecedent level of funding coming to Monroe County is allocated where it is most needed. We look forward to the day when affordable childcare is a priority item with sustainable funding. ABC fully supports lowering childcare costs for economically marginalized families as a viable path towards an inclusive recovery. With other community partners, we will continue to advocate for permanently affordable childcare.\"\n\n\"It is both a moral imperative and an economic necessity for children to have safe and nurturing places to be while their parents work,\" said Larry Marx, CEO of The Children's Agenda. \"We are on the brink of a once in a generation opportunity to transform how our nation cares for children. Providing universal preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds and ensuring access to quality, affordable childcare are policies that will impact the health, education, and lifelong success of our children. The Children's Agenda thanks Congressman Morelle for his leadership on behalf of Monroe County's children, and we call on the US Senate to show the same kind of commitment by passing the Build Back Better Act, because there is no such thing as someone else's child.\"\n\n\"As a single father with a daughter who is almost 2 years old, the passage of this act will have a huge impact on my family,\" said local parent, Dan Blumerick. \"Daycare expenses are tremendously high and the cost to send Cassidy full-time are higher than our housing costs, including mortgage and utilities. Often, I need to pay for daycare using credit cards and incur interest on the charges. Cassidy has thrived at daycare, showing tremendous social-emotional, cognitive and motor skill development. She is excited every day we go and her face lights up when we talk about daycare at home. We are incredibly grateful that Cassidy is able to have such a loving and nurturing environment to foster her growth.\"\n\nAnn Marie Stephan, Executive Director of Rochester ChildfirstNetwork, said,\n\n\"If enacted into law, the childcare and pre-K provisions in the Build Back Better Act would provide much needed and long-awaited assistance for both families and childcare providers. As a local provider of childcare services, we often hear from families regarding the high cost of childcare. While existing subsidies help some families access childcare services, there are many who do not qualify, but still require financial assistance. The proposed changes in the Act would address the issue of more equitable access by providing affordable, high-quality childcare to eligible families, supporting them to either remain in or return to the workforce, which benefits our community.\n\n\"For too long, childcare centers have been hobbling along from year-to-year with inadequate and inconsistent funding streams. Rochester Childfirst Network, like other childcare centers, would benefit from receiving reimbursement rates that reflect the true cost of running a high-quality childcare program. This would, in turn, enable us to pay our valued childcare providers minimally a living wage and it would help us attract and retain childcare providers who are here consistently, which is important for children's social-emotional development. This Act prioritizes the needs of children and families and needed support to agencies that deliver these services. RCN extends our gratitude to Congressman Morelle and other local delegates for championing this bill.\"\n\nThe Build Back Better Act allocates $390 billion to make these historic investments. Each state will setup its own program to administer the funding it receives through Child Care Development Block Grants. In the first three years, states will receive a fixed amount of funding that they must use for specifics purposes. Estimates for New York State are as follows:\n\n$557 million which must be used to provide childcare subsidies to eligible families.\n\n$228 million which must be used for provider activity to expand supply and improve quality (which can include raising wages for childcare workers, renovating spaces to build capacity, hiring new staff, etc).\n\n$228 million for either of the above buckets and state administrative costs, depending on need.\n\nIn the following three years, the state will receive as much money as it needs to provide subsidies to all eligible families.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3514", "Tonko Cheers Biden-Harris Plan to Remove Lead from Homes & Water Systems", "2021-12-16", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko, Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee, today cheered the Biden-Harris Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan, which works to eliminate all lead contamination from communities and replace every one of the estimated 10 million lead service lines still in operation across the United States.\n\n\u201cFor years I have pushed to repair our crumbling water systems because I believe that no child should be drinking water from lead pipes,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cThese contaminated water systems are not only dangerous for our families, they are terrible for our environment and our economy and drain precious resources from our budgets. Today\u2019s announcement is a powerful step to make clean water a reality for all of our communities. I applaud President Biden for his strong leadership delivering this much needed action. I will do all I can to help execute a whole-of-government approach that ensures that every American can turn on their faucet and be confident that their water is clean and safe.\u201d\n\nThe Biden-Harris plan enlists funds from Tonko backed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which allocates billions to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to fund water infrastructure, including lead service line replacement. New York State is estimated to receive $428,072,000 in the first year of the program, including over $115 million dedicated to lead line removal. Further breakdown of that funding can be found HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/after-visiting-rochesters-hickey-freeman-earlier-this-year-schumer-calls-agriculture-secretary-vilsack-directly-to-urge-the-usda-to-release-desperately-needed-pandemic-relief-payments-to-wool-trust-fund-recipients_would-provide-much-needed-boost-to-domestic-textile-manufacturers-like-hickey-freeman-and-support-recently-announced-100-job-expansion", "AFTER VISITING ROCHESTER\u2019S HICKEY FREEMAN EARLIER THIS YEAR, SCHUMER CALLS AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK DIRECTLY TO URGE THE USDA TO RELEASE DESPERATELY NEEDED PANDEMIC RELIEF PAYMENTS TO WOOL TRUST...", "2021-12-16", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "American Textile Factories, Like Hickey Freeman, Stepped Up During The Pandemic To Manufacture Critical PPE For Their Community While Facing Tremendous Economic Losses\n\nSchumer In Personal Call With Secretary Of Agriculture Says Pandemic Relief Payments To Wool Trust Fund Recipients, Like Hickey Freeman, Should Be Released ASAP To Get These Companies On The Road To Recovery\n\nSchumer: USDA Must Help Patch Up The Significant Losses Faced By Textile Industry, Give Hickey Freeman The Support They Need To Continue To Grow And Support 100 New Jobs\n\nFollowing his visit earlier this year to announce 100 new jobs after fighting for years to keep the Hickey Freeman factory in business, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer made a personal call to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary, Tom Vilsack, to urge the USDA to provide pandemic relief payments to domestic textile manufacturers like Hickey Freeman, which have sustained tremendous pandemic-induced losses. On the call, Schumer said Congress has already allocated funds under the CARES Act so the USDA would have the necessary resources to offer support to an array of business impacted by the pandemic and that the USDA can use this funding to aid the domestic textile industry, including companies like Hickey Freeman, as it recovers from the pandemic.\n\n\u201cCompanies like Hickey Freeman stepped up to help their communities in the pandemic while facing tremendous economic losses. That\u2019s why I called Agriculture Secretary Vilsack to urge him to use the funding in the CARES Act to provide desperately needed relief to domestic textile manufacturers like Hickey Freeman,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cThis funding, in tandem with recent wins like my Make PPE In America Act in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, would provide critical support for the continued growth of this 122-year-old Rochester icon. I will continue to fight tooth and nail so that Hickey Freeman can fully recover and maintain their robust presence in Rochester.\u201d\n\nStephen Granovsky, CEO of Hickey Freeman parent company Rochester Tailored Clothing said, \u201cThe last 20 months have been a tremendously challenging time for our factory and employees. To restore our company to health and compete successfully, we appreciate the support of Senator Schumer, who has so many times before answered our call and worked tirelessly on our behalf. Hickey Freeman is once again leading our industry and we are forever thankful to the Senator.\u201d\n\nSchumer explained that companies like Hickey Freeman are recipients of the USDA\u2019s Wool Trust Fund which compensates the domestic suit industry for the competitive disadvantage that results from an unfair \u201ctariff inversion\u201d where the duty on the imported finished product is lower than the duty on the inputs used to make the product here at home. The program is essential to put companies like Hickey Freeman back on a level playing field with overseas suit competitors who import suits into the U.S. without ever having to pay the same wool duties as U.S. suit producers. Without the Wool Trust Fund, Hickey Freeman\u2019s overseas competitors would have an unfair leg-up while putting our own U.S. manufacturers like Hickey Freeman in the lurch for making suits in the USA.\n\nDuring the pandemic, however, the industry was hit hard by decreased consumer spending, cancelled formal events, and shifts in demand. Thus, Schumer said additional support beyond what the Trust Fund can provide is needed to protect the domestic market, allow companies to recover from the pandemic, and help businesses, like Hickey Freeman, expand and create new jobs.\n\nSchumer said the CARES Act included additional funds to the USDA\u2019s Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), which can be used to assist industries as they continues to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic and that the USDA should use this funding to support the domestic textile industry, including companies like Hickey Freeman.\n\nSchumer has long fought to keep Hickey Freeman in business in Rochester. In 2009, when Hickey Freeman\u2019s parent company at the time, Hartmarx, declared bankruptcy, threatening a liquidation and closure of the Rochester factory, Schumer led the charge to save this factory. Schumer successfully urged Hartmarx\u2019s creditor, Wells Fargo, to continue providing Hartmarx with the credit they needed to continue manufacturing jobs in Rochester, saving hundreds of jobs. Ultimately, in 2012 Schumer helped save Hickey Freeman from bankruptcy, by shepherding a deal that allowed Grano Retail\u2019s Luxury Men\u2019s Apparel Group (LMAG), in partnership with Hickey Freeman Brand owner Authentic Brands Group (ABG) to take over the Hickey Freeman Rochester factory in 2013. In the time since, Schumer support helped LMAG and Hickey Freeman secure new contracts to manufacture suits for Dillard\u2019s Department Store as well as for Ralph Lauren\u2019s Blue Label line of Polo suits and sports jackets, and even for Hickey Freeman to help produce clothing for the 2016 Team USA Olympic Team.\n\nIn 2014, Schumer was instrumental to first secure legislation in that year\u2019s federal Farm Bill to extend the Wool Trust Fund\u2019s authorization for five years through 2019 and to secondly restore adequate trust fund payment levels to address several years when the Trust was underfunded. In December 2018, Schumer secured the provision in the Federal Farm Bill that fully funded the federal Wool Trust Fund program through 2023 which saves Hickey Freeman as much as $3 million a year in relief from unfair tariffs. The Wool Trust Fund was set to expire in 2019, and while the House of Representatives\u2019 version of the Farm Bill included a provision to extend the trust fund until 2023 it also called for the Fund to be cut by 50% which would have jeopardized the viability of Rochester\u2019s Hickey Freeman factory. Fortunately, Schumer secured a provision in the Senate\u2019s version of the Farm Bill and in the final bill that was signed into law in December 2018 that not only extended the Trust Fund program until 2023, but also fully funded it at 100%. As a result of these efforts, Hickey Freeman\u2019s Rochester factory is one of the few remaining US-based suit and apparel manufacturers.\n\nA copy of Schumer\u2019s letter to Secretary Vilsack sent earlier this year appears below:\n\nDear Secretary Vilsack,\n\nI am writing to ask that the U.S. Department of Agriculture provide additional support for domestic manufacturers of tailored clothing and wool and cotton textile products. These manufacturers and producers have faced incredible challenges over the past year and a half and I urge USDA to use its existing authority and funding through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to assist this industry as it continues to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic.\n\nAs you know, the Pima Agriculture Cotton and Agriculture Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund programs were established to support the domestic textile industry, including companies in New York State like Hickey Freeman Tailored Clothing and Martin Greenfield Clothiers, and level the playing field to ensure domestic manufacturers and their U.S. workforce could compete against foreign manufacturers. Past support from the Trust Funds has been invaluable to the domestic textile industry. However, during the pandemic the industry was hit hard by decreased consumer spending, cancelled formal events, and shifts in demand. Additional support beyond what the Trust Funds can provide is needed to protect the domestic market, allow companies to recover from the pandemic, and help businesses expand into new markets.\n\nI urge you to use a portion of the CCC funding to help fill this gap. The CCC can be used to expand or develop new domestic markets and increase domestic consumption of agricultural commodities. At the offset of the pandemic, Congress allocated additional funds for the CCC under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act so USDA would have the necessary resources to offer support to agricultural producers impacted by the pandemic. Using this funding to support the domestic textile industry as it recovers from the pandemic would be consistent with this goal.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture has both the authority and the funding to provide essential relief to this hard-hit industry. I ask that you seriously consider disbursing payments through the CCC to ensure domestic manufacturers and producers receive the support they need to recover from the devastating impacts of the pandemic by specifically making a payment in an amount equal to the greater of what the Trust Fund recipient companies received in 2019 or 2020.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter and if you have any questions please don\u2019t hesitate to contact my staff.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-more-than-130-million-in-federal-funding-for-new-york-airports-", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $130 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR NEW YORK AIRPORTS", "2021-12-16", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $136,977,897 in federal funding for 59 airports across New York State. The FY22 funding was allocated through the recently enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and can be used for improvements related to runways, taxiways, safety and sustainability projects, as well as terminal, airport-transit connections and roadway projects.\n\n\u201cAir travel was severely impacted during the pandemic, and this tremendous investment from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, which I championed in the Senate, will help New York\u2019s airports and local economies take off,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cUpstate Airports connect businesses and residents and allow economic opportunities to cruise in. As majority leader, I am proud to land this significant funding for New York\u2019s airports and will continue to fight for the resources needed to fully recover and reach new heights.\u201d\n\n\u201cNew York\u2019s airports connect our state with the world, creating economic opportunity, facilitating tourism, and providing a safe and efficient travel experience,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to have voted for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to deliver this historic investment to over 50 airports across New York State. These funds will allow our airports to recover from the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic and meet the ever-increasing demand for air travel. I\u2019ll keep fighting for federal resources to bolster and modernize New York\u2019s infrastructure.\u201d\n\nA full list of recipients is below:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-leads-bipartisan-letter-encouraging-nys-to-create-inventory-of-lead", "Meng Leads Bipartisan Letter Encouraging NYS to Create Inventory of Lead Service Lines", "2021-12-15", "2021", "2021-12", "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) today led a letter to the Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health Mary Bassett and the department's Director of the Center for Environmental Health Gary Ginsberg, encouraging them work with public water systems and local stakeholders to expeditiously create an inventory of all lead service lines (LSLs) in New York State.\n\nNew York State will receive billions in funds to help improve the state's infrastructure thanks to the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework that President Biden signed into law on November 15. Of those funds, New York State will receive over $428 million in 2022 to help upgrade the state's aging water system, replace lead service lines, and tackle PFAS. To address LSLs, the creation of an inventory would help ensure transparency and efficient use of funds. Some estimate the state may have 360,000 LSLs; an inventory would help identify where the pipes are and those affected.\n\n\"The money that the infrastructure bill will provide to our communities will not only help build us up, but also keep us healthy,\" said Meng. \"That is why we must do our due diligence and create an inventory of all lead pipes across the state that provide drinking water. This inventory will allow us to flag which pipes are in most need to be replaced and in turn provide those most at risk with access to clean drinking water.\"\n\nA copy of the letter can be viewed here, and the text is below.\n\n----------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nDear Acting Commissioner Bassett and Director Ginsberg:\n\nWe write to you concerning a major provision of the recently enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, H.R. 3684 that provides funding for the replacement of lead service lines (LSL). We respectfully encourage the New York State Department of Health and its Center for Environmental Health to work closely with public water systems and other stakeholders to support work to expeditiously create an inventory of lead service lines within their communities to ensure this funding is used in a transparent and cost-effective manner.\n\nAs you know, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, otherwise known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework (BIF), is a $1.2 trillion bill to improve physical infrastructure like roads and bridges in New York and around the country. It also provides over $50 billion to ensure people in the United States have access to clean water by replacing lead service lines. On December 2, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that New York will receive over $428 million in 2022 of those funds to upgrade the state's aging water system and address key challenges like this issue and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. This historic funding will help tackle the estimated 360,000 lead pipes in New York.\n\nCongress banned lead service lines in 1986 because of the threat they pose to public health, particularly for young children. Unfortunately, the ban did not address existing pipes, many of which are still in use today. Water contamination from lead pipes is one of the most significant contributors to a person's total lead exposure. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, published in 2018, suggests that slightly more than 6% of children under six years of age had blood lead levels above 5 micrograms per deciliter, which was the CDC's old standard. Under the CDC's new standard for blood lead levels of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter, we can tragically expect more children may test positive for poisoning. New York now has an invaluable opportunity to mitigate this public health threat with hundreds of millions of dollars in BIF funding for the replacement of lead pipes.\n\nNew York must lead the nation by replacing all LSLs. Our concern is that without a database of existing LSLs, it will be nearly impossible to evaluate the effectiveness of that funding. In 2019, your department stated \"\u2026a major obstacle to replacing LSLs is knowing their location. Most municipalities do not have an inventory of water service lines, and the ones that do are generally of limited accuracy. To overcome this obstacle, the first step of a statewide LSL replacement program should be the creation of a water service line inventory.\" We agree with this assessment and believe an accurate accounting of all LSLs will ensure everyone in New York State has access to clean water.\n\nThe historic infrastructure funding comes as the Environmental Protection Agency is expected to finalize implementation of the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations: Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) on December 16, 2021. It is anticipated that the LCRR will require public water systems to inventory LSLs by the end of 2024 to ensure we know the scope of the problem and for households to know their exposure. Given the funding from H.R. 3684 to address challenges in water infrastructure like replacing LSLs is already in the pipeline, we encourage you to expedite New York's compliance timetable and to work closely with the public water systems and other stakeholders to complete your inventory as required under the LCRR, and provide assistance as lines are identified to be replaced.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-more-than-1-million-in-federal-funding-to-expand-access-to-broadband-in-the-southern-tier-and-finger-lakes", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $1 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO EXPAND ACCESS TO BROADBAND IN THE SOUTHERN TIER AND FINGER LAKES", "2021-12-15", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $1,094,614 in federal funding for the towns of Dryden and Caton to expand access to broadband internet. The funding was allocated through the Appalachian Regional Commission and will be used to install fiber optic cables and establish telecommunications towers to provide broadband services to over 4,000 households and roughly 300 businesses in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes that currently lack reliable internet access.\n\n\u201cLong before COVID-19, rural and urban communities throughout the Southern Tier and Upstate New York have struggled to close the digital divide. Reliable, fast internet access isn\u2019t a luxury, it\u2019s a necessity required to create good-paying jobs, to communicate, to access health care, to shop, and to learn,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cI am proud to deliver this investment which will help the Town of Dryden and the Town of Caton close the digital divide. I\u2019ll continue fighting tooth and nail to bring the Southern Tier\u2019s broadband infrastructure into the 21st century.\u201d\n\n\u201cSince the beginning of the pandemic, millions of New Yorkers have relied on the internet to work, learn, receive health care, and see their loved ones,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cYet in too many of our rural communities, internet access is unreliable or nonexistent, meaning that the more than 1 million households in New York State that lack broadband are cut off from critical services and economic opportunity. This funding is an important step to help close the digital divide and spur economic growth in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes. I\u2019ll keep fighting to ensure that every New Yorker, regardless of zip code, has access to fast, reliable internet.\u201d\n\n\"We are happy ARC is supporting Dryden Fiber, which will provide residents, educators, and businesses in Dryden with fast, reliable and affordable municipal broadband internet service,\u201d said Dryden town supervisor, Jason Leifer. \u201cDryden Fiber will begin construction and serve customers in 2022.\"\n\n\u201cThis is great news for Dryden residents and a major boost for our project,\u201d added Dryden deputy town supervisor, Dan Lamb. \u201cWe are fortunate to have federal leaders, like Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand, who recognize the importance of expanding internet access in rural areas.\u201d\n\nThe Town of Caton will receive $470,000 to establish four new broadband telecommunications towers to bring broadband services to the communities of Caton and Lindley. The Town of Dryden will receive $624,614 to install 13.5 miles of fiber optic cabling that will service 50 public school buildings, 4 vocational school campuses, 28 public libraries, and multiple universities.\n\nSenators Schumer and Gillibrand have been longtime advocates for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and expanding high-speed internet access in the Southern Tier. In the recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Schumer and Gillibrand secured $1 billion for the ARC over 5 years, increasing the budget to $200 million per year through 2026, including $20 million per year in dedicated funding to deploy high-speed internet across the region. The legislation also includes nearly $2 billion for USDA\u2019s ReConnect Program for the construction or improvement of facilities that provide broadband services in rural areas and $14.2 billion to create a permanent, sustainable Affordable Connectivity Benefit that will provide a $30 per month voucher for low-income families to use toward any internet service plan of their choosing. Schumer said this investment would provide additional support for broadband, economic development, infrastructure, and workforce development programs to improve the quality of life and create new business growth and job opportunities across the Southern Tier and throughout Upstate NY. Over the last decade, the ARC has helped fund over $32 million in essential projects for Upstate NY, helping create or retain over 4,400 jobs. Projects have included expanded access to high-speed internet, projects to reduce energy costs, support for entrepreneurs and small businesses, and workforce training.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-pleads-with-state-department-to-bring-queens-constituent-home-with", "Meng Pleads With State Department to Bring Queens Constituent Home With His Family After They Left Afghanistan", "2021-12-14", "2021", "2021-12", "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), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, announced today that she is pleading with the U.S. State Department to bring a Queens constituent back home with his family after they all left Afghanistan.\n\nBilal Ahmad is a U.S. citizen who resides in Fresh Meadows. Over the summer, his wife and 5-year-old son were in Kabul, Afghanistan with loved ones when it fell to the Taliban. Ahmed traveled there to bring the two to Queens but was unable to get them out during the U.S. withdrawal. The family made it to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the three of them have been living in Abu Dhabi, Emirates Humanitarian City as Ahmad's wife and child continue to wait for temporary visas.\n\nMeng has intervened with the State Department urging the agency to accelerate the issuing of the visas, and she is calling for Ahmad to not lose his job after his employer told him that he had to be back at work by a certain date this month. He is also in jeopardy of losing his apartment and a part-time job as a driver if he is not back in New York soon.\n\n\"My heart aches for this family and my staff and I are pushing the State Department to get them to Queens,\" said Meng. \"Bilal went to Afghanistan to ensure the well-being of his family and to bring them to safety here. Months later, they should still not be stuck overseas, and his livelihood should not be at risk because he sought to keep his wife and child out of harm's way. We will continue to stay on top of the State Department to help get him home with them.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3509", "Tonko, Ellzey Introduce Microelectronics Research Legislation", "2021-12-14", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Representatives Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and Jake Ellzey (TX-6) today introduced the bipartisan Microelectronics Research for Energy Innovation Act (Micro Act) that would empower the Department of Energy to drive up research and development of microelectronics.\n\n\u201cManufacturing microelectronics has proven an essential industry in the push to establish a 21st century economy,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cInvesting in this innovative technology will not only spur economic growth, it will strengthen our global competitiveness, domestic supply chain and national security. With the global semiconductor shortage\u2014spurred on by the COVID-19 crisis\u2014investing in microelectronics is more critical than ever. My legislation seizes on the opportunity to ensure our nation is a global leader in this growing industry. I urge my colleagues to join in support of this commonsense bill, and will continue pushing for legislation that secures our strong economic and technological future.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday, I had the great honor to be an original co-sponsor of the Microelectronics Research for Energy Innovation Act,\u201d Rep. Ellzey said. \u201cThis bill will leverage the Department of Energy\u2019s world-leading research and development capabilities to accelerate U.S. leadership in the microelectronics industry. As our economy becomes more dependent on microchips, this legislation will take key steps in revitalizing our domestic production base and spurring innovation. It is critical that the U.S. leads in microelectronics in all aspects, from design to fabrication. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with my colleague Paul Tonko, of New York, on this much needed investment.\u201d\n\nTonko is helping lead the charge in Congress to shore up American supply chains. Earlier this year, he called on the Biden Administration to invest in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing under the CHIPS for America Act.\n\nThe Microelectronics Research for Energy Innovation Act:\n\nRequires the DOE to establish a program on the development, demonstration, and commercial application of microelectronics to drive the nation\u2019s global competitiveness in the field of microelectronics.\n\nEstablishes up to four Microelectronics Science Research Centers to conduct mission driven research to address foundational challenges in the design, development, and fabrication of microelectronics and to facilitate the translation of research results to industry.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3510", "Tonko, Upton, Axne Introduce Bill to Help Strengthen U.S. Manufacturing Supply Chain", "2021-12-14", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Representatives Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Fred Upton (MI-6), and Cindy Axne (IA-03) introduced the Manufacturing.gov Act today, bipartisan legislation already passed in the Senate that would establish a website to serve as a hub to connect manufacturers with federal manufacturing programs. U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Todd Young (R-IN) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the Senate bill, which was passed in October 2021.\n\n\u201cSupporting our domestic manufacturing industry will immensely benefit our economy, job growth and global competitiveness,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cWith the COVID crisis putting added strain on the industry, it is critical that we strengthen our domestic supply chain by supporting American manufacturers. The Manufacturing.gov Act helps deliver that key support by making federal programs and resources more accessible to manufacturers in New York and across the country. I applaud the work of Senator Peters to pass this legislation in the Senate and urge my colleagues in the House to come together in bipartisan fashion to bolster U.S. manufacturing.\u201d\n\n\u201cNow more than ever, we need to take steps today to secure our supply chain and bring manufacturing jobs back to Michigan and the United States,\u201d said Rep. Fred Upton. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation will give our local manufacturers in Southwest Michigan another \u2018tool in the toolbox\u2019 to optimize their daily operations, build products that Americans use every day, and create good-paying jobs. Strengthening domestic manufacturing, which has unfortunately declined over the last couple decades, is a top priority for me and a critical mission as we look to compete with China and emerge as a global and economic leader in the 21st Century.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan measure will help Iowa in three distinct and important ways: it will connect Iowa manufacturers with new opportunities, it will create jobs in our communities, and it will strengthen our supply chains by creating more here at home,\u201d said Rep. Axne. \u201cBy streamlining the ways that our local manufacturers can connect with federal programs, we ensure good opportunities don\u2019t go unutilized because of government bureaucracy.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis commonsense, bipartisan bill will make it easier for manufacturers in Michigan and across the country to navigate federal resources that can help them grow and succeed,\u201d said Senator Peters, member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. \u201cI\u2019m proud to have passed this bill in the Senate, and applaud Congressman Tonko\u2019s work to champion this effort in the House to give our domestic manufacturing capabilities a critical boost. I look forward to passing the Manufacturing.gov Act into law.\u201d\n\nThis bill addresses a Government Accountability Office report that found the federal government maintains 58 different manufacturing programs across 11 federal agencies\u2014creating unnecessary hurdles and making it more difficult for manufacturers to access these programs.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-schumers-push-danone-extends-upstate-ny-contracts-to-2023-danone-originally-planned-to-terminate-almost-100-northeast-dairy-farms-but-schumer-intervened-and-secured-contract-extension_-assistance-to-impacted-farms-and-resources-to-help-farmers-stay-in-operation--", "FOLLOWING SCHUMER\u2019S PUSH, DANONE EXTENDS UPSTATE NY CONTRACTS TO 2023; DANONE ORIGINALLY PLANNED TO TERMINATE ALMOST 100 NORTHEAST DAIRY FARMS, BUT SCHUMER INTERVENED AND SECURED CONTRACT EXTENSION,  ...", "2021-12-14", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "When Danone North America Announced Plans To Leave Organic Dairy Farms In Upstate, Schumer Immediately Began Working To Ensure These Struggling Farmers Would Have All Resources Made Available To Help Them Survive\n\nAfter Schumer\u2019s Direct Advocacy, Danone Will Now Extend Dairy Contracts Till 2023, Make Transition Payments To Farmers, & Provide Access To Farm Financial Consultants To Affected Farms\n\nFollowing news that Horizon Organic, a subsidiary of multinational food conglomerate Danone, planned to terminate contracts with organic dairy farmers across the northeast, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced Danone has heeded his call to provide financial support and resources to Upstate New York dairy farms impacted by their decision and importantly also to extend the contracts until 2023, which were previously set to expire in August 2022, to ease the impact on farmers and give them time to transition. Schumer wrote a letter to Danone in October calling for the continued support of affected farms and said the commitment he secured from Danone will help ensure farmers have the resources and time they desperately needed to transition and remain in operation.\n\n\u201cNew York\u2019s dairy farmers are the lifeblood of the Upstate economy and produce some of the best dairy the nation has to offer. I\u2019m pleased that Danone heeded my call, stepped up, and provided the impacted farmers contract extensions and the needed resources to ensure their long-term economic viability,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cThis is a wonderful early Christmas present for the dairy farmers and will allot them critical additional time and the financial payments they deserve as they move forward. I am thankful that Danone responded to my request, and I will continue to closely monitor the situation and fight to make sure these dairy farmers have all the support needed in this difficult period.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, after Schumer\u2019s direct advocacy, Danone has now said that they will:\n\nProvide affected producers the option to extend their current contract an additional six months, for a total of 18-months, ending on February 28, 2023.\n\nProvide a transition payment of an additional amount per hundredweight on the milk Danone purchased from these producers. Danone also is providing this additional financial support to the Northeast farmers who have already exited the network after receiving the non-renewal notification, by providing such transition payment for the milk purchased in the last six months of their relationship.\n\nProvide access, at no cost to the farmer, to farm financial consultants that specialize in providing support for the agriculture community to help plan the future of their farms.\n\nSchumer said that this support will help ease the impact of the contract termination on the organic dairy community and create a greater window of opportunity for the farms to plan for the future.\n\nIn addition to his direct advocacy with Danone, Schumer also recently called on U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to move to close organic loopholes and use whatever funding sources and programs available to support small and mid-sized organic dairy farmers ASAP. Specifically, he called on Secretary Vilsack to act on the Origin of Livestock Rule, which was first initiated in 2015, to close a loophole that has allowed large-scale producers in some states to rotate animals in and out of organic management and sell under an organic label. The senator argued that not only does this practice threaten the livelihoods of small- and mid-size organic dairy farmers, but it also undermines consumer confidence in the organic label, leading to an overall negative view of the entire industry. Therefore, Schumer called on USDA to finalize the Origin of Livestock rule, and close the loophole in organic dairy farming.\n\nSchumer also called on USDA to use any and all tools at the agency\u2019s disposal to support the farmers affected by Danone\u2019s decision to terminate contracts and work with stakeholders to expand market channels for their products. This includes expanded support through the USDA\u2019s Pandemic Assistance for Producers program, targeted investments in processing capacity and transportation efficiencies for businesses that can contract with these farmers, as well as temporary price supports to allow these farmers to transition to new markets.\n\nSenator Schumer\u2019s original letter to Danone appears below:\n\nDear Mr. Grant,\n\nI write to inquire about Danone\u2019s recent decision to terminate a reported eighty-nine contracts with organic dairy farms in the Northeast. According to the Albany Times Union report from September 17, 2021, more than half of the farms impacted \u2014forty-six\u2014are located in Upstate New York, including seventeen in just Washington County \u2013 nearly 20% of the county\u2019s farms. Considering the significant impact to Upstate New York farms, communities, and local economies, most in the North Country region, I ask that you provide some detailed information regarding Danone\u2019s recent decision to terminate the contracts, how this decision was reached, the projected timeline, and what communication and resources have been and will be provided to the impacted farms across the state.\n\nWith Danone North America located in White Plains, New York, I\u2019m confident that Danone is aware that New York\u2019s organic dairies produce some of the best organic dairy products in the nation and our dairy farmers are a vital part of our state\u2019s culture and economy. As of 2019, New York had approximately 600 organic dairy farms which produced more than 386 million pounds of milk and represented about $121 million in sales. Many of the New York organic farms Danone contracted with made the transition to organic farming specifically to work with Danone in order to secure a reliable and sustainable income source and become more environmentally-conscious to combat the ever-growing challenges presented by climate change. Losing contracts with Danone will create additional hardships for our organic dairy farmers, many of whom are still struggling to recover from the supply chain disruptions, shifts in consumer demands, and other economic hardships exacerbated by the global health and economic crises of the past year.\n\nI seek to gain clarity regarding Danone\u2019s recent decision. Your replies to the following question would be deeply appreciated:\n\nCan you please confirm the number of New York farms that have been notified of contract termination and their locations across the state?\n\nWhat is the timeline and process for termination?\n\nCan you explain why the contracts were terminated and what process Danone underwent to come to this decision?\n\nWhat services, opportunities, and/or relief will be provided to the impacted farms and farmers?\n\nWhat aid, if any, will Danone be giving to the impacted farms to gain employment or contracts elsewhere?\n\nOnce these contracts are complete, how many farms in New York State will Danone be working with and what is the average herd size at those farms?\n\nAs you may know, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently reopened their comment period regarding the Origin of Livestock rule. Currently, the statute is somewhat vague and has created an unequal playing field for organic producers in New York. What, if any, role did the USDA\u2019s Origin of Livestock rule play in this decision?\n\nIn New York our organic dairy farms are sewn into the very fabric of Upstate New York. It is critical that these organic dairy farms receive the support they need to remain in operation and the information necessary to map out their futures.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to receiving your response.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morelle-senator-schumer-senator-gillibrand-announce-more-45", "CONGRESSMAN MORELLE, SENATOR SCHUMER, SENATOR GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $45 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING AWARDED TO L3HARRIS", "2021-12-13", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joseph D. Morelle", "M001206", "morelle.house.gov", "morelle", "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) - Today, Congressman Joe Morelle, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that L3Harris Technologies Inc. has been awarded a $45.8 million Department of Defense contract for manpack radio development at their Rochester, New York, manufacturing facility.\n\n\"L3Harris is a major regional employer and global leader in innovative defense technology, and I'm proud that this significant award\u2014which I have long advocated for\u2014will allow them to not only enhance radio capabilities to better protect our warfighters, but also help further strengthen our local economy,\" said Congressman Joe Morelle. \"As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I'm committed to ensuring our military has the technology they need to execute successful missions and keep Americans safe. I look forward to continuing to work alongside L3Harris and my partners in Congress to deliver investments like this and support our Armed Forces.\"\n\nL3 Harris Technologies, Inc. is the industry leader in defense communication technology, employing 3,900 people in Rochester and more than 5,000 across New York state last year. Their man pack software programmable digital radios will ensure servicemembers have the encryption and communication capabilities necessary for operational security and overall force readiness.\n\n\"This well-earned contract will support jobs at L3Harris, boosting the recovery of the entire Rochester-Finger Lakes economy,\" said Senator Schumer. \"L3Harris has proven time and time again that it can make superior radios for the U.S. military and our allies around the world. I'm proud to continue to work hard on behalf of this world-class producer of radios, and will always fight for investments that both protect our troops and provide a shot in the arm to the Rochester-Finger Lakes economy.\"\n\n\"L3Harris' cutting-edge research in defense communications technology helps keep our servicemembers safe by ensuring that they have what they need to communicate safely on the front lines,\" said Senator Gillibrand, chair of the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee. \"This federal funding will allow L3Harris to continue to invest in and develop advanced programmable radios and help maintain thousands of good-paying jobs in Rochester and throughout New York State. I am proud to work with Senator Schumer and Congressman Morelle to secure federal resources for critical defense technology and will continue to do everything I can to ensure that Rochester remains at the forefront of military technology development and manufacturing.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/vel-zquez-outlines-infrastructure-law-funding-priorities-new-york-s-7th", "Vel\u00e1zquez Outlines Infrastructure Law Funding Priorities for New York\u2019s 7th Congressional District", "2021-12-13", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez", "V000081", "velazquez.house.gov", "velazquez", "https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 On the heels of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill becoming law and the impending billions in federal funding for New York, Rep. Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez (D-NY) has sent a letter to New York Governor Kathy Hochul to highlight her priorities for the funding to go towards local projects and upgrades.\n\nThe recent law marks the largest investment in infrastructure in American history with New York state poised to receive $13.5 billion over five years in federal highway funds, $11.2 billion over five years to improve public transportation, $6 billion to advance vision zero plans, $14 billion in expanded INFRA grants for freight infrastructure aid, and $23 billion in expanded Capital Investment Grants.\n\n\"Across Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens, the needs throughout my congressional district are significant,\" said Vel\u00e1zquez. \"I am proud to have supported the legislation's passage, which brings federal investment to meet our communities' needs. However, this is only the beginning of the process. In light of the law's recent passage, we must work together to ensure that infrastructure funding is allocated appropriately across the board. The state has a unique role now that the federal government has done its part. From bridges and tunnels to public housing, I intend to advocate for equitable distribution of funds to meet the most challenging and immediate needs.\"\n\nThe projects that Vel\u00e1zquez is pressing for federal infrastructure funding for are: .\n\nProvide Brooklyn-Queens Expressway rehabilitation and associated improvements;\n\nSupport New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) repairs and upgrades;\n\nConstruct or rehabilitate accessible transit stations to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards;\n\nImprove resiliency and protection of coastal areas, especially in areas exhibiting needs (i.e. Red Hook), that may be addressed by initiatives similar to the Red Hook Coastal Resiliency project;\n\nBegin projects to improve stormwater and sewage infrastructure, with an emphasis on reducing backups;\n\nFoster improvements and rehabilitation of terminals, ports, piers, docks, and warehouses to support New York's participation in supply chain resiliency projects, similar to the East Coast Marine Highway Initiative's M95 study. Such projects under this category may also include the use of shore power and other infrastructure at Red Hook Terminals, to reduce diesel emissions and pollution;\n\nEmphasize the importance of pedestrian-centered projects, including the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway, to increase transportation alternatives;\n\nReduce congestion and pollution on local streets, specifically in local areas connecting major transit arteries to the outer boroughs (i.e. Canal Street corridor connecting Holland Tunnel and the Brooklyn/Manhattan/Williamsburg bridges);\n\nAdvance vision-zero and Safe Route to Schools-related projects, including the use of traffic calming techniques, to ensure pedestrian safety; and\n\nIncrease availability of broadband access, including areas and populations identified by both New York State and New York City lacking broadband access.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-his-direct-advocacy-schumer-announces-binghamtons-new-energy-ny-project-selected-as-one-of-nations-first-awardees-for-phase-1-of-build-back-better-challenge-bringing-500k-and-a-national-spotlight-on-the-southern-tier-as-an-emerging-battery-manufacturing-hub-and-putting-the-project-in-the-running-for-up-to-100-million-federal-investment", "FOLLOWING HIS DIRECT ADVOCACY, SCHUMER ANNOUNCES BINGHAMTON\u2019S NEW ENERGY NY PROJECT SELECTED AS ONE OF NATION\u2019S FIRST AWARDEES FOR PHASE 1 OF BUILD BACK BETTER CHALLENGE, BRINGING $500K AND A NATIONAL...", "2021-12-13", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "BBB Regional Challenge Phase 1 Grant Will Provide $500,000 In Technical Assistance Funding To Develop Proposal To Supercharge Southern Tier Battery Manufacturing And Allow Project To Compete In Exclusive Phase 2 For Up to $100 Million Award To Transform The Southern Tier Economy\n\nSenator Says Project Brings Together Major Regional Stakeholders: Binghamton University, SUNY Broome, Rochester Institute of Technology, NY-BEST, And More To Turn Upstate New York Into A Battery Manufacturing Powerhouse\n\nSchumer: Southern Tier\u2019s New Energy NY Project Being Selected As A BBB Challenge Finalist Is A Game Changer That Will Put Broome County On The Map For Battery Manufacturing\n\nU.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced that following his direct advocacy the Department of Commerce\u2019s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has selected the Binghamton University-led New Energy New York battery manufacturing project as a Phase 1 awardee and finalist for investment through the American Rescue Plan\u2019s Build Back Better Regional Challenge. Schumer said that as a Phase 1 awardee the project will receive $500,000 in technical assistance funds to develop its proposal to expand research, development, testing, and workforce assets to meet the demand of the emerging battery manufacturing industry in the Southern Tier and Upstate NY. If fully funded, the project estimates that over a 10 year period as many as 8,000 jobs new direct jobs would be created as a result of this effort, with the potential to support or sustain thousands of additional indirect jobs. Schumer explained that as a finalist, the project will have the exclusive opportunity to compete for up to a $100 million federal award to the region through the EDA to implement the proposed projects.\n\n\u201cThis is BIG news for Binghamton. The Southern Tier has long been a home to innovation, as the birthplace of IBM, flight simulation and virtual reality, and it continues to do groundbreaking research through world-renowned institutions like Binghamton University. Now, many more will see what I\u2019ve long-known: the Southern Tier has all the right ingredients to be the nation\u2019s next battery manufacturing and research hub,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cThis award will bring $500 thousand into the region and make the New Energy NY project eligible for an up to $100 million federal award to transform the Greater Binghamton area and broader Upstate New York region, create thousands of jobs, fuel the innovation necessary to combat climate change, and importantly strengthen a critical area of the U.S. domestic manufacturing supply chain. I am proud to have fought for the New Energy NY project to be selected for Phase 1 and I will continue to fight tooth and nail to secure the final award and supercharge this growing area of the Upstate New York economy.\u201d\n\n\"We've worked for so many years to advance battery storage technologies and now more than ever, these advancements are needed to not only create jobs and improve the regional economy, they are crucial to our nation's energy goals and energy security efforts,\" said M. Stanley Whittingham, Binghamton University distinguished professor, researcher and 2019 Nobel prize winner in chemistry. \"Our NENY proposal can turn our region into an energy technology hub that has the potential to turn out advancements that will have national and global impacts. We are excited to get working on the next phase and thank Sen. Schumer and the Economic Development Administration for understanding and seeing the potential of this initiative.\"\n\n\"When Stan Whittingham and Per Stromhaug discussed this proposal with me, it just made so much sense. With the appropriate support, we can become a national hub for battery innovation, manufacturing and workforce development,\" said President Harvey Stenger, Binghamton University. \"We thank Sen. Schumer for his support on this as well as all that he does for our University and we thank the EDA for understanding and supporting our vision and providing us the necessary resources to move this forward.\"\n\nSchumer said that the Build Back Better Regional Challenge received 529 Phase 1 applications from across the United States, and the New Energy NY project was one of 60 proposals selected as a Phase 1 awardee. Schumer emphasized that receiving this award and entering the competition for Phase 2 funding will shine a national spotlight on Binghamton and the Southern Tier as a rapidly growing battery-manufacturing hub, prime for investment and new jobs.\n\nSchumer explained that specifically, funding through the EDA would be used in planning for a battery technology and manufacturing center hosted by Binghamton University, with a focus on further supporting economic resurgence in an underdeveloped area of the Southern Tier. In addition, the proposal would also build on regional programs to help spur entrepreneurship, climate justice, and workforce training through higher education partnerships. Project collaborators include a wide swath of the region\u2019s universities, including Binghamton University, SUNY Broome, SUNY Corning Community College, Rochester Institute of Technology, as well as NY-BEST and other key stakeholders like IncubatorWorks, Clean Fight NY as well as county and state government entities.\n\nThe $1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge, funded by the American Rescue Plan that Schumer crafted and led to passage earlier this year, is designed to assist communities nationwide with accelerating economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and building local economies that will be resilient to economic disruptions. The Build Back Better Regional Challenge is being implemented as a two-phase program. In Phase 1, the EDA will provide $500,000 technical assistance grants to a select group of awardees. Those selected as Phase 1 awardees will be considered \u201cfinalists\u201d and the grants will be used by the finalists to prepare more detailed applications to compete for a Phase 2 federal grant to implement transformational projects that benefit their respective geographic regions and that are aligned around a holistic approach to building and scaling strategic industries. In Phase 2, the EDA will award 20-30 regional coalitions $25 million to $75 million, and up to $100 million, for selected projects to grow new regional industry clusters or scale existing ones through planning, infrastructure, innovation and entrepreneurship, workforce development, access to capital, and more.\n\nA copy of Senator Schumer\u2019s original letter of support for the New Energy New York proposal appears below:\n\nDear Secretary Raimondo,\n\nI write in strong support of the joint \u201cNew Energy New York\u201d proposal submitted by Binghamton University, SUNY Broome, Rochester Institute of Technology, and New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology (NY-BEST) to the U.S. Economic Development Administration Build Back Better Regional Challenge. This project is critical to the ongoing manufacturing and development of lithium-based batteries in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions of Upstate New York.\n\nFollowing the unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical, now more than ever, that we continue our investment in strengthening the U.S.\u2019s domestic energy supply chain. The proposed initiative seeks to facilitate this goal by expanding existing research, development, testing, and workforce assets to meet the increasing demand in the electric vehicle, battery, and stationary grid storage markets. The Southern Tier and Finger Lakes are home to a growing lithium ion manufacturing industry, with a gigafactory set to open in 2022 in Endicott, NY.\n\nSpecifically, funding through the EDA would help take essential steps in the planning for a battery technology and manufacturing center hosted by Binghamton University further supporting economic resurgence in an underdeveloped area of the Southern Tier. In addition, the proposal would also build on regional programs to help spur entrepreneurship, climate justice, and workforce training programs through higher education partners. The vast coalition assembled for this project speaks to the tremendous value and unwavering commitment of the community to bolstering this emerging manufacturing in Upstate NY.\n\nI applaud Binghamton University, SUNY Broome, Rochester Institute of Technology, NY-BEST, and their regional partners for the ongoing role they continue to play in the economic development of the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes, and sincerely hope the application meets with your approval.\n\nThank you for your consideration.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-his-direct-advocacy-schumer-announces-centerstates-smart-systems-cluster-selected-as-one-of-nations-first-awardees-for-phase-1-of-build-back-better-challenge-bringing-500k_and-a-national-spotlight-to-central-ny-and-the-mohawk-valley-as-a-rising-global-semiconductor-uas--quantum-computing-tech-hub-proposal-aims-to-create-5000-jobs-prime-white-pine-for-chips-investment--train-the-regions-workforce-for-emerging-tech-fields-", "FOLLOWING HIS DIRECT ADVOCACY, SCHUMER ANNOUNCES CENTERSTATE\u2019S \u201cSMART SYSTEMS CLUSTER\u201d SELECTED AS ONE OF NATION\u2019S FIRST AWARDEES FOR PHASE 1 OF BUILD BACK BETTER CHALLENGE, BRINGING $500K  AND A...", "2021-12-13", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "BBB Regional Challenge Phase 1 Grant Will Provide $500,000 In Technical Assistance Funding To Develop Proposal To Bolster CNY Tech Economy And Allow Cluster To Compete In Exclusive Phase 2 For Up to $100 Million Grant To Transform Regional Economy\n\nCenterState CEO\u2019s Smart Systems Proposal Aims To Grow Central NY And Mohawk Valley Semiconductor And UAS Industries, Quantum Computing, STEAM Education And Training, And Boost Upstate Tech Ecosystem\n\nSchumer: BBB Challenge Grant Is A Game Changer For CNY; Fed Award Will Be The Green Light CNY Needs To Attract Major Employers To Shovel Ready Sites & Become A Cutting Edge Global Tech Hub\n\nU.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced that following his direct advocacy, the Department of Commerce\u2019s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has selected CenterState\u2019s Smart Systems Cluster project as a finalist and Phase 1 awardee for investment through the American Rescue Plan\u2019s Build Back Better Regional Challenge. Schumer said this means the project will receive $500,000 in technical assistance funds to develop its proposal to expand the region\u2019s semiconductor manufacturing industry, grow existing UAS and quantum computing industries, create over 5,000 new jobs, train workers to enter in-demand fields, and make critical infrastructure updates to White Pine and Marcy Nanocenter to attract major employers and their supply chains. Schumer explained that as a finalist the project will have the exclusive opportunity to compete for up to a $100 million federal award to the region through the EDA to implement the proposed projects.\n\n\u201cThis is BIG news for Central New York and the Mohawk Valley. Now, many more will see what I\u2019ve long-known: Central New York has all the right ingredients to be a major national tech and semiconductor hub! This award will provide $500,000 the region to compete for the exclusive next phase of this major national competition, making CenterState Smart Systems Cluster eligible for an up to $100 million federal grant to put the region on the map as a global tech hub, primed for more growth and job creation in industries like semiconductor manufacturing, quantum computing and UAS,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cThis project would make critical investments in infrastructure to get sites like White Pine and the Marcy Nanocenter ready for investment by major employers, promote job training to deliver a topnotch workforce, and transition cutting edge research into new startup companies. I am proud to have fought for the EDA to select the Smart Systems Cluster in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley for the Build Back Better Challenge and will continue to fight to secure the final award and help them receive further federal investment to drive the Upstate economy into the future.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis region is uniquely positioned to accelerate it\u2019s already strong growth trajectory as a smart cities hub through this investment. The Build Back Better program will enable us to leverage regional experience in cluster development to scale our support to existing Smart Systems industries and those looking to find growth within our region. Furthermore, this investment aligns with our vision of equitable progress through large-scale workforce training programs. These resources are being matched with strategies and expertise to ensure that progress is driven forward rapidly. This award validates that our region is poised for growth within the industry and highlights how we are well positioned to connect those growth opportunities to the resources and talent needed to succeed. We are incredibly grateful to Senator Schumer for his stalwart dedication to this community, and for his leadership and vision that made this program possible,\u201d said CenterState CEO President & CEO Rob Simpson.\n\nSchumer said that the Build Back Better Regional Challenge received 529 Phase 1 applications from across the United States, and CenterState\u2019s Smart Systems Cluster was one of 60 proposals selected as a Phase 1 awardee. Receiving this award will shine a national spotlight on Central New York and the Mohawk Valley as a rapidly emerging tech hub in the semiconductor, quantum computing, UAS and other critical tech industries.\n\nSchumer explained that the CenterState NY Smart Systems Cluster proposal focuses on eight priority projects for accelerating innovation and growth in Upstate New York:\n\nWhite Pine Commerce Park Infrastructure Improvements And Expansion\n\nMarcy Nanocenter Flex Space Development (semiconductor supply chain)\n\nOswego County Industrial Park Expansion (semiconductor supply chain)\n\nUAS Infrastructure Enhancements At The New York UAS Test Site\n\nCenterstate CEO Tech Garden High-Tech Business Incubator Expansion in Downtown Syracuse To Attract Start Ups\n\nAdvanced Manufacturing Training With Educational Institutions To Build A Workforce Pipeline For In Demand Jobs\n\nScience, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics or STEAM Education School At A Renovated High School In Downtown Syracuse To Address Tech Skills Gaps And Train Youth For Jobs\n\nQuantum Computing Research Investment And Infrastructure at Rome Lab\u2019s Innovare Advancement Center\n\nThe project is backed by major regional stakeholders including CenterState CEO (lead), Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board (CNYRPDB), Onondaga County, Oneida County, Oswego County, the City of Syracuse, Mohawk Valley EDGE, Rome Lab\u2019s Innovare Advancement Center, Griffiss Institute, the Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance (NUAIR), SUNY Upstate, Syracuse University, SUNY Morrisville, Onondaga Community College, Cayuga Community College, Mohawk Valley Community College, Syracuse City School District, OCM BOCES, Operation Oswego County and more. Schumer said this vast coalition speaks to the tremendous value the project holds for the community and broad support for seeing the area emerge as a regional tech hub.\n\nThe $1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge, funded by the American Rescue Plan that Schumer crafted and led to passage earlier this year, is designed to assist communities nationwide, with accelerating economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and building local economies that will be resilient to economic disruptions. The Build Back Better Regional Challenge is being implemented as a two phase program. In Phase 1, the EDA will provide $500,000 technical assistance grants to a select group of awardees. Those selected as Phase 1 awardees will be considered \u201cfinalists\u201d and the grants will be used by the finalists to prepare more detailed applications to compete for a Phase 2 federal grant to implement transformational projects that benefit their respective geographic regions and that are aligned around a holistic approach to building and scaling strategic industries. In Phase 2, the EDA will award 20-30 regional coalitions $25 million to $75 million, and up to $100 million, for selected projects to grow new regional industry clusters or scale existing ones through planning, infrastructure, innovation and entrepreneurship, workforce development, access to capital, and more.\n\nA copy of Senator Schumer\u2019s original letter of support for Centerstate Smart Systems appears below:\n\nDear Secretary Raimondo:\n\nI am pleased to write in support of the application submitted by CenterState CEO to the Department of Commerce\u2019s Economic Development Administration\u2019s (EDA) Build Back Better grant program.\n\nServing as the Lead Institution, CenterState CEO is joined by Cayuga Community College, the City of Syracuse, the CNY Regional Planning and Development Board (CNY RPDB), the Griffiss Institute, Mohawk Valley Community College, Mohawk Valley EDGE, the Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance (NUAIR), OCM BOCES, Onondaga Community College, Onondaga County, Oswego County, SUNY Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), SUNY Upstate Medical University, the Syracuse City School District, and Syracuse University. Each partner organization will also work within their existing networks to engage established and newly identified partners in the region.\n\nThis coalition has already identified and carefully vetted eight priority projects for the CenterState NY Smart Systems Cluster. With funding, the CenterState NY Smart Systems Cluster will; support infrastructure investments at the White Pine Megasite, build a flex space facility at Marcy Nanocenter at SUNY Polytechnic Institute, expand a shovel-ready site in Oswego County Industrial Park to drive Oswego County supply chain readiness, expand the CenterState CEO Tech Garden high-tech business incubator to attract additional startups, continue development of UAS infrastructure around the New York State UAS Test Site, launch smart systems cluster advanced training consortium to build a training pipeline for career opportunities in advanced manufacturing, renovate a historic high school in downtown Syracuse to address the tech skills gap and provide Career & Technical Education (CTE), and invest in quantum computing research and infrastructure.\n\nI applaud CenterState CEO and partners for their foresight and sincerely hope the application meets with your approval.\n\nThank you for your consideration.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-his-direct-advocacy-schumer-announces-western-new-york-advanced-manufacturing-cluster-selected-as-one-of-nations-first-awardees-for-phase-one-of-build-back-better-challenge-bringing-500k-and-a-national-spotlight-to-buffalo-and-wny-as-a-manufacturing-hub-putting-the-project-in-the-running-for-up-to-100-million-federal-investment-", "FOLLOWING HIS DIRECT ADVOCACY, SCHUMER ANNOUNCES WESTERN NEW YORK ADVANCED MANUFACTURING CLUSTER SELECTED AS ONE OF NATION\u2019S FIRST AWARDEES FOR PHASE ONE OF BUILD BACK BETTER CHALLENGE, BRINGING $500K...", "2021-12-13", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "BBB Regional Challenge Phase 1 Grant Will Provide $500,000 In Technical Assistance Funding To Develop Proposal To Bolster WNY Advanced Manufacturing Sector And Allow Cluster To Compete In Exclusive Phase 2 For Up to $100 Million Grant To Transform The Western NY Economy\n\nWestern New York Advanced Manufacturing Cluster Would Scale Up Innovation, Advance Inclusive Workforce Development, And Develop Infrastructure To Rapidly Expand The Growing Advanced Manufacturing Sector In WNY\n\nSchumer: WNY\u2019s Selection As One Of Nation\u2019s First BBB Challenge Finalists Is A Game Changer\u2014One Step Closer To Making WNY A Global Tech Hub!\n\nU.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced that following his direct advocacy the Department of Commerce\u2019s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has selected the Western New York Advanced Manufacturing Cluster as a finalist and Phase 1 awardee for investment through the American Rescue Plan\u2019s Build Back Better Regional Challenge. Schumer said this means the project will receive $500,000 in technical assistance funds to develop its proposal to scale up Western NY\u2019s advanced manufacturing infrastructure, spark innovation, and enhance workforce development programs. Schumer explained that as a finalist the project will have the exclusive opportunity to compete for up to a $100 million federal award to the region through the EDA to implement the proposed projects.\n\n\u201cThis is BIG news for Buffalo and the entire WNY region. Now, many more will see what I\u2019ve long known: Western New York has all the right ingredients to be the nation\u2019s next tech hub! This award will provide $500,000 to the region to compete for the exclusive next phase of this major national competition, making the Western NY Advanced Manufacturing Cluster proposal eligible for an up to $100 million federal grant to revolutionize the region\u2019s manufacturing sector, revitalize Buffalo\u2019s East Side, and train the next generation for good paying jobs,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cI am proud to have fought to ensure the WNY Advanced Manufacturing Cluster was selected by EDA as a finalist for the Build Back Better Challenge and will continue to fight to secure the final award and receive further federal investment to drive the Upstate economy into the future and solidify WNY\u2019s place as the advanced manufacturing epicenter of the US.\u201d\n\nSchumer said that the Build Back Better Regional Challenge received 529 Phase 1 applications from across the United States, and the WNY Advanced Manufacturing Cluster was one of 60 proposals selected as a Phase 1 awardee. Receiving this award and entering the competition for Phase 2 funding will shine a national spotlight on Buffalo and Western New York as a rapidly growing advanced manufacturing hub.\n\nSchumer explained that the Western New York Advanced Manufacturing Cluster proposal, submitted by the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council, would help train over 1,600 individuals for a career in tech over a 3-year period. The project would also work to fill gaps in the Western NY innovation ecosystem that will enable the region to become a national hub in key industries like vaccine production, utility infrastructure components, industrial gases, and precision motion control. The project would also reverse environmental degradation left by the region\u2019s industrial past by cleaning up and revitalizing properties, including parts of Buffalo\u2019s East Side, to attract new investment and create new jobs. The proposal also focuses on developing a more diverse, highly skilled workforce to meet the needs of growing employers and expand opportunity for more workers to access high-paying jobs. The project is supported by a vast coalition including the University at Buffalo, Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Invest Buffalo Niagara, Launch NY, Buffalo Manufacturing Works, Northland Workforce Training Center, Goodwill of Western New York, SUNY Alfred, the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation, and many more.\n\nThe $1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge, funded by the American Rescue Plan that Schumer crafted and led to passage earlier this year, is designed to assist communities nationwide, with accelerating economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and building local economies that will be resilient to economic disruptions. The Build Back Better Regional Challenge is being implemented as a two phase program. In Phase 1, the EDA will provide $500,000 technical assistance grants to a select group of awardees. Those selected as Phase 1 awardees will be considered \u201cfinalists\u201d and the grants will be used by the finalists to prepare more detailed applications to compete for a Phase 2 federal grant to implement transformational projects that benefit their respective geographic regions and that are aligned around a holistic approach to building and scaling strategic industries. In Phase 2, the EDA will award 20-30 regional coalitions $25 million to $75 million, and up to $100 million, for selected projects to grow new regional industry clusters or scale existing ones through planning, infrastructure, innovation and entrepreneurship, workforce development, access to capital, and more.\n\nA copy of Senator Schumer\u2019s original letter of support for the Western New York Advanced Manufacturing Cluster appears below:\n\nDear Secretary Raimondo:\n\nI am pleased to write in support of the application submitted by the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council (WNY REDC) to the Department of Commerce\u2019s Economic Development Administration\u2019s (EDA) Build Back Better grant program.\n\nIn 2011, the five westernmost counties of New York State formed a broad-based coalition as the WNY REDC. This coalition of government, business and community leaders quickly developed \u201cA Strategy for Prosperity,\u201d a regional economic development plan for targeted economic development. Since, WNY REDC partners have collaborated on: improved advanced manufacturing competitiveness; increased innovation through access to applied research and scaled testing facilities; improved productivity through the adoption of increased export assistance; prepared formerly industrial and manufacturing sites for expansion; grew an appropriately skilled workforce to meet advanced manufacturing labor needs.\n\nWith funding, WNY REDC, working with a diverse coalition of partners and secured matching funds of over $147,000,000, will pursue a range of projects including innovation and manufacturing, workforce development and infrastructure to support the region.\n\nI applaud Western New York Regional Economic Development Council their foresight and\n\nsincerely hope the application meets with your approval.\n\nThank you for your consideration.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-transit-supercharge-for-critical-nyc/bronx/long-island-projects-penn-access-creating-one-seat-ride-to-penn-and-4-new-bx-stations-will-be-fast-tracked_lirr-east-river-tunnels--will-get-rehabed-for-safe-commute-under-schumer-deal-amtrak-will-also-commit-additional-500-million-to-penn-access-in-exchange-for-mtas-432-million-for-east-river-tunnels", "SCHUMER ANNOUNCES TRANSIT SUPERCHARGE FOR CRITICAL NYC/BRONX/LONG ISLAND PROJECTS; PENN ACCESS, CREATING ONE-SEAT RIDE TO PENN & 4 NEW BX STATIONS, WILL BE FAST-TRACKED & LIRR EAST RIVER TUNNELS ,...", "2021-12-13", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Schumer Led Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Package Through Senate To Create A Record $30B Account NY Transit Projects Will Now Tap; Will Allow Fast-Track and Resources for Penn Access & East River Tunnels (ERT); Previous \u2018Clash\u2019 Over $432 Million For ERT Now Solved As Badly-Damaged Sandy Tunnels Poised For Work\n\nMeanwhile, Penn Access Supercharging Will Create One-Seat Train Ride For East, South Bronx & Westchester to Penn, 4 NEW Bronx Stations; Reduced Travel Time, Access To Major Job Market & Overall Convenience Will Help Drive Transportation Relief For Countless NY Commuters\n\nSchumer: A Transit Supercharge Is Coming To NYC, The Bronx, Westchester & LI \u2013 And It Means Billions In Investment Along With Jobs\n\nAnnouncing a \u2018transit supercharge\u2019 for two critical New York City, Bronx, Westchester and Long Island transportation projects --Penn Access and the East River Tunnels\u2014 U.S. Senator Charles Schumer detailed the deal he just brokered between the MTA and Amtrak to make substantial breakthroughs and progress on both projects.\n\nSchumer said that because the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Bill passed the Senate, he was able to leverage new funding for Penn Access and the LIRR\u2019s East River Tunnels (ERT). Schumer negotiated the deal between Amtrak and the MTA to advance both Penn Access, and its new rail line for transit-needy South and East Bronx, and the East River Tunnel rehab work, which is so vital to the hundreds of thousands of LIRR commuters.\n\n\u201cCritical New York City, Bronx and Long Island transit projects are getting supercharged today,\u201d said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. \u201cToday\u2019s agreement with Amtrak and the MTA will fast-track Penn Access, bringing a new mass transit line to the transit-starved Bronx, totaling four new stations. In addition, the agreement will break the logjam stalling the urgent need to repair and upgrade the Sandy-damaged East River Tunnels, which are vital to LIRR riders. Under the deal I brokered, which was made possible by the historic rail finding we delivered in the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Law, Amtrak will commit a huge, $500 million investment to the Penn Access new Metro North line in the Bronx. And the MTA will commit up to a massive $432 million in rehabbing the East River Tunnels, which were badly-damaged during Sandy and have been a priority project for me and for the hundreds of thousands of Long Islanders who depend on them every single day.\u201d\n\n\u201cSo, we have two critical projects: Penn Access, for the people of the Bronx and Westchester, and the East River Tunnels, for the people of Long Island, that will get fast-tracked, supercharged and move Forward with historic investment, and that is something to celebrate,\u201d Schumer added.\n\nSchumer said, the longtime \u2018clash\u2019 over the ERT\u2019s $432M is now solved. Schumer further revealed that there is now a $30 billion dollar in federal rail funding for the Northeast, which he secured in the Bipartisan Infrastructure law, that both projects can tap to get their work complete, and said he will push for both of these projects to receive maximum federal rail grants from programs funded in the Bipartisan Infrastructure law. In terms of the two projects, Schumer detailed their timelines and construction specifics as he officially declared these two important projects \u2018supercharged.\u2019\n\nSchumer has long advocated for both the Metro-North Penn Access project and for repairing the East River Tunnels, which were badly damaged during Hurricane Sandy flooding. The former is an MTA-led project while the latter is being spearheaded by Amtrak. In detailing the $30 billion federal funds now available to New York, Schumer said the $6 billion he secured in the BIF for Amtrak\u2019s Northeast Corridor account plus the $24 billion in FRA Federal-State Partnership Northeast Corridor grants, unlocked the ability for both agencies to pursue both projects\u2014but only if they could come to an agreement.\n\nSchumer said an agreement was needed because Amtrak is the owner of the East River Tunnels and the stretch of track Metro-North seeks to use for Penn Access, but MTA LIRR is a significant user of the East River Tunnels and MTA Metro-North is the sponsor and lead on the Penn Access project.\n\n\u201cLike the transit system itself, this was all a little complicated, but also clear in terms of what needed to be done, so I signaled green-lights all the way in my negotiations, because we had to get going and act on both projects,\u201d Schumer said of his sit downs with both Amtrak and the MTA.\n\nWhen it comes specifically to Penn Access, Schumer added, \u201cI have long supported the effort to expand transit access to the people of the East and South Bronx, as well as southern Westchester, by establishing new Metro North stops along the existing Amtrak line. I stood in Co-Op City with local leaders and called on Amtrak and Metro-North to come to the negotiating table and hammer out the framework for this urgently-needed project, and since then I have secured more billions in federal funding for the MTA to continue their capital projects in spite of the COVID pandemic drop in ridership. But now, we have even more funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and we will use them here and now to prioritize projects like Penn Station Access that increase racial and socioeconomic equity in our transit system.\u201d\n\nAs part of his deal, Schumer got Amtrak to commit $500 million for the Penn Access project, and, in turn, the MTA committed up to $432 million for the East River Tunnel (ERT) project, which is the exact amount that has been in contention since at least October of 2019, according to Newsday. With these commitments secured by Schumer both projects can now advance.\n\nSchumer said, with Amtrak\u2019s commitment, the MTA board will now be in a position to award a contract for construction of Penn Access imminently. And with MTA\u2019s commitment on ERT, Schumer said the framework now exists for Amtrak to advance an application to FRA to apply for $24 billon pot of funds to repair the East River Tunnels. The ERT agreement means that if the ERT project is awarded an 80% federal share from the FRA grant program, MTA and NJT will cover the rest of the local share. Both Penn Access and ERT will pursue FRA Federal-State Partnership grants to reduce the local and Amtrak shares and Schumer is extremely confident they will be awarded federal funds.\n\nSCHUMER\u2019S PROJECT DETAILS:\n\nSchumer said the East River Tunnels are a critical part of the transportation system across Long Island and in the New York metro area, carrying more than 300,000 passengers daily. Despite being maintained and operated by Amtrak, the four single track tunnels are a shared regional asset and provide invaluable service to both the railroad and major regional transit agencies. Superstorm Sandy badly damaged the East River Tunnels with approximately 14 million gallons of floodwaters. According to Amtrak reports, corrosive salts and chlorides from the storm continue to impact the tunnels' underground structures. Over time, delays and breakdowns involving the East River Tunnels have increased and Schumer said that this problem will undoubtedly get worse if repairs are not made.\n\n\u201cThe East River Tunnels are the most important link in the commute of hundreds of thousands of Long Islanders and a problem in one tunnel---like we have seen in the past\u2014creates a nightmarish domino effect for the entire LIRR system, and that\u2019s not acceptable, and now it will be addressed,\u201d Schumer added.\n\n\"Our city and our borough is long due for an overhaul of its mass transit systems. The agreement made possible by Leader Schumer will finally ensure the Bronx has increased access to the rest of New York City and Westchester with four new Metro North stations. This historic investment will bring working and historically underserved families shorter commute times as well as much needed access to jobs, healthcare, and education. New Yorkers deserve reliable mass transit and I look forward to working with Leader Schumer to ensure our city's transit system is both accessible and equitable for all commuters,\" said Rep. Torres.\n\n\u201cThis deal to advance Metro-North Penn Access and expand rail lines in the Bronx, such as in Co-op City, is critical,\u201d said Congressman Jamaal Bowman (NY-16). \u201cWe need transit justice and funding for these projects brings us one step closer to achieving that. I am honored to join Senator Chuck Schumer in working to bring more commuter options to the Bronx connecting through Penn station. I will also work to further support this project as needed in Congress so that we can create more cleaner, convenient options for constituents in the Bronx, including working to ensure working class commuters aren\u2019t burdened with the high cost of access to transit options.\u201d\n\n\"New York can't fully recover from the pandemic without our transit agencies effectively and efficiently moving millions of people around the region each day,\" Governor Hochul said. \"Today's announcement is a critical step forward as we work to transform New York's transportation system into a model for the 21st century, and I want to thank Senate Majority Leader Schumer for his leadership and partnership to advance these important infrastructure priorities.\"?\n\n\u201cWe are fortunate to have Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer fighting to deliver a \u2018transit supercharge\u2019 for Penn Access and the East River Tunnels. I\u2019ve been a strong supporter of the need for greater connectivity between Westchester and the East Side. This will have a positive impact on workers and commuters in Westchester, especially as more people return to the office. I also stand strongly with Senator Schumer in advocating for these projects to receive the maximum federal rail grants available as part of the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure bill that he delivered for New Yorkers,\u201d Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said.\n\n\u201cThe Metro-North Penn Access project is incredibly important for communities here in the Bronx that are underserved by public transportation,\u201d Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said. \u201cBuilding these four new train stations will change people\u2019s lives for the better - making it easier for people to get to work, to school and to go about their daily lives. The Assembly Majority has fought to get communities that are underserved access to public transit, including putting $250 million into the state budget for Penn Access. Thank you to Senator Schumer for working with the MTA to make this a reality.\u201d\n\n\u201cSenator Schumer has secured an astonishing $500 million investment from Amtrak for Penn Access to address the transit deserts in the East and South Bronx,\u201d said Assemblymember Karines Reyes. \u201cThe supercharged Metro North expansion, set to finish in 2027, will bring four new stations to the Bronx, expanding access to downtown and Westchester County. This rollout not only confronts the socioeconomic inequality that Bronxites face, but also tackles climate concerns with new mass transit alternatives to driving.\u201d\n\n\u201cMany of my Bronx constituents rely heavily on public transportation for their daily commutes,\u201d said Assemblymember Kenny Burgos. \u201cUnfortunately, lack of transit options have made it difficult for everyday Bronxites. Fast-tracking Penn Access will transform the Bronx and make the lives of its residents much easier. I applaud Senator Schumer for his tireless efforts in ensuring resources that will make public transportation more accessible for our borough.\u201d\n\n\u201cI applaud Senator Schumer\u2019s record efforts in Washington, earmarking roughly $500M to adding critical transit infrastructure in the Bronx, via the new MTA Penn Access line\u2014including stations in my own council district such as Morris Park and Van Nest/Parkchester,\u201d said NYC Councilmember Mark Gjonaj. \u201cDirect lines to Penn Station will afford a wealth of new work and recreational opportunities to Bronxites, many of whom feel they have too few transit options available. The more mobile we can make our constituency, the more prosperous they can become.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Bronx has long been at a disadvantage when it comes to transportation access, but with the new funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill that was passed in the US Senate, riders in Co-Op City, Morris Park, Parkchester/Van Nest and Hunts Point will now have an alternative to driving to get to their destination,\u201d said Council Member & BP-Elect Vanessa L. Gibson. The Metro North expansion in the Bronx will also be a game changer with economic development opportunities and infrastructure investments that are sorely needed in our borough as we attempt to recover from the devastating impact COVID-19 had on our borough. I want to thank our Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and the entire New York Delegation for their commitment to fighting for transportation equity for all New Yorkers and I look forward to seeing this important project come to fruition as the next Bronx Borough President.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement from Senator Schumer\u2019s office in partnership with Amtrak and the MTA is great news for the people of the Bronx and District 13,\u201d said NYC Councilmember-Elect Marjorie Velasquez. The Metro-North expansion will not only be a great first step in providing our community with increased transportation access, but a much needed influx of jobs and other investment. My profound thanks to Senator Schumer and everyone involved for advocating on behalf of the people of New York in securing this investment. The Bronx is Building Back Better.\u201d\n\nGerard Bringmann, chair of the LIRR Commuter Council and MTA Board member said, \"The East River Tunnels provide a critical connection that allow millions of riders to travel through Queens into Manhattan. Whether they start their journey on the LIRR from Long Island, or will travel on Metro-North on the newly-funded Penn Access from the Bronx, Westchester or points further north, or come in via Amtrak, commuters count on the essential portals to get to midtown Manhattan. Thank you Senator Schumer for always keeping commuters first and helping New York build back better, and stronger.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/for-the-first-time-as-us-senate-majority-leader-and-in-the-midst-of-a-global-pandemic-schumer-completes-tour-of-all-62-new-york-counties-senator-calls-this-tour-the-most-meaningful-and-consequential-of-his-career-after-delivering-over-130-billion-for-ny-this-year-schumer-finishes-tour-of-all-62-counties-this-weekend-with-almost-100-visits-to-upstate-ny_long-island-", "FOR THE FIRST TIME AS U.S. SENATE MAJORITY LEADER & IN THE MIDST OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC \u2014SCHUMER COMPLETES TOUR OF ALL 62 NEW YORK COUNTIES; SENATOR CALLS THIS TOUR THE MOST MEANINGFUL AND CONSEQUENTIAL...", "2021-12-12", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "For 23rd Consecutive Year, Schumer Visits Every Single New York County\u2014Yet At The Close Of 23 Years, This Year, As Majority Leader In The Midst Of A Global Pandemic, Schumer Calls This One The Most Consequential\n\nSchumer Has Always Staunchly Believed That Visiting Every Single NY County Is Imperative To His Daily Work In The U.S. Capitol, This Year \u2013 As He Worked To Pass Historic Legislation Bringing Billions To NY\u2013Was More Important Than Ever To See Firsthand What NY Needs To Build Back From COVID\n\nSchumer: New Title, But My Favorite Is Still \u2018New Yorker\u2019\n\nEven as Majority Leader, in the midst of a global pandemic, and while leading some of the biggest & boldest legislation in our country\u2019s history, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today completed his 23rd consecutive tour of all 62 New York State counties. Schumer was the first New York State public official to visit every single county in New York, an accomplishment he holds proudly, and a tradition he has continued each year he has been in office.\n\nOver the course of the year, Schumer made 93 county visits to Upstate New York and Long Island. He visited counties in the Capital Region 14 times; Western New York 7 times; Central New York 10 times; the Rochester-Finger Lakes 14 times; the Southern Tier 10 times; the Hudson Valley 14 times; the North Country 9 times; and Long Island 15 times. In addition, due to COVID travel restrictions, which greatly reduced the number and frequency of visits this year, Senator Schumer also conducted countless virtual meetings with groups and residents across New York.\n\n\u201cTwenty-three years ago when I made the promise to visit every county every year, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine doing it as Majority Leader, let alone in the midst of a global health and economic pandemic. Although I\u2019ve gained a new title as Majority Leader this year, my favorite two remain: New York senator, and more importantly, New Yorker,\u201d said Majority Leader Schumer. \u201cNow, as New York\u2019s first Senate Majority Leader, this mission has become even more vital and allowed me to deliver for my beloved home state in bigger and better ways because of all I learn from my constituents. As New York continues to feel the impacts of a global health pandemic, visiting all 62 counties pushed me to fight even harder to help New Yorkers recover and build back stronger. Over this year, much has changed \u2013 the American Rescue Plan I led to passage provided New York the robust COVID relief needed to help jump start our recovery. To name but two elements, we passed a historic Childhood Tax Credit that cut child poverty in half, and we passed billions for Save Our Stages, which provided a vital lifeline to all our cultural organizations and performance spaces that were the first to close and last to open. We passed the largest investment in infrastructure in our nation\u2019s history, which will repair and upgrade New York\u2019s road, bridges, highways, transportation, broadband, and water systems like never before. This year, more than ever before, I was reminded how resilient New Yorkers are. New Yorkers have experienced tremendous hardship, from 9/11 to Superstorm Sandy to COVID, but time and time again, we are resilient, even in our darkest days, and we rebuild and come back stronger than ever.\u201d\n\nSchumer added, \u201cAt the close of twenty-three years, my beliefs are as clear as ever: \u2018Senators who stay in Washington and never return home are simply not doing their job.\u2019 That\u2019s why I bike the streets and go to all of the parades, graduations, and occasionally crash a neighbor\u2019s block party for a plate. Whether I\u2019m at the State Fair in Syracuse or wearing my \u2018Ithaca is Gorges\u2019 mask, New York is always on my mind, and I\u2019m always learning more about New York directly from my constituents.\u201d\n\nSome of the key highlights include:\n\nNEW YORK STATE\n\nDelivered BIG For New York With $100 Billion For New York In COVID Relief Through The American Rescue Plan and $27+Billion Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act. As Majority Leader, and the chief negotiator in the Senate, Schumer worked nonstop to deliver a plan that best provided robust relief to New York\u2019s local leaders, workers, small businesses, and health centers so they could recover from the impacts of COVID and build back stronger than before.\n\nSenator Schumer delivered substantial relief for New York over the past year:\n\nOver $23.8 Billion In Fiscal Relief For NY\u2019s State And Local Governments:\n\nDelivering on his promise of robust relief for New York State, as part of the American Rescue Plan, Senator Schumer ensured New York State, New York City, and every municipal government from counties to towns to the smallest villages could pay for essential services, retain vital frontline workers, offset lost revenues and increased costs from the COVID-19 emergency, and rebuild local economies.\n\nNearly $4.2 billion More For New York\u2019s Medicaid Program:\n\nSenator Schumer\u2019s hard-won provision in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act continued to deliver an estimated $4.2 billion to New York\u2019s Medicaid program throughout 2021. These funds have helped the state continue to provide high quality health care at low costs to ~6.8 million low-income New Yorkers.\n\nOver $1.26 Billion More For Home-And-Community Based Services:\n\nSenator Schumer included one year of enhanced federal funding for home- and community-based health care services that has delivered over $1.26 billion in direct funding to New York. This money has gone to support seniors and people with disabilities receive the care they need, at home or in their community if they so choose, by expanding the availability of services and increasing the types of services offered across the state.\n\nOver $13.5 Billion For NYS Hospitals, Health Systems, Community Health Centers, And Other Providers:\n\nFollowing his leadership in creating the Provider Relief Fund, Senator Schumer has fought to deliver over $13.5 billion to New York health care providers through the COVID-19 pandemic with billions more on the way before the end of 2021. This money has assisted local hospitals, health centers, physician offices and more test, diagnose, and treat patients with COVID-19 and mitigated the massive financial losses incurred by our health system driven by pandemic-related costs and lost revenues.\n\nOver $330 Million To Support NYS\u2019s COVID-19 Testing Infrastructure:\n\nSenator Schumer fought for and secured over $1.1 billion through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and another $330 billion through the American Rescue Plan to expand and enhance New York\u2019s COVID-19 testing and tracing infrastructure. This critical component of our national response to the pandemic has helped curb the spread of the coronavirus in New York and saved lives.\n\n$175 Million For COVID-19 Vaccines For New Yorkers:\n\nAs part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Senator Schumer delivered over $175 million in direct funding to New York that has resulted in over 80% of eligible New Yorkers receiving at least one vaccine shot including 69% who are fully vaccinated.\n\n$170 Million In Substance Abuse And Mental Health\n\nDelivered $22 Billion In Direct Stimulus Payments To New Yorkers:\n\nSenator Schumer pushed hard to include an additional round of Economic Impact Payments of $1,400 in the American Rescue Plan, including eligible payments for children, amounting to $5,600 for an average family of four. Because of Schumer\u2019s efforts, nearly 9 million New York households received direct stimulus payments to help them to cover essential expenses like food, rent or mortgages, and medical bills, as well as help spur economic activity in their communities.\n\nSecured Estimated $18.4 Billion For New York Transit:\n\nAs commuters and riders stayed at home during the pandemic, transit ridership fell while agencies needed to keep service running for essential workers and those who depend on transit. Increased cleaning frequencies and reduced ridership led to higher operating costs. Senator Schumer secured $7.3 billion for New York transit systems in the ARP to help agencies bridge the gap. He then secured an estimated $11.1 billion for New York transit agencies over five years, a significant increase over the previous transportation law, so that transit can continue to build back better as it recovers from the pandemic.\n\nMore Than $1.3 Billion For New York Airports:\n\nThe travel industry was among one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. Senator Schumer fought to include over $418 million in the ARP to provide New York\u2019s hard-hit airports the relief they desperately needed. Then, building on his advocacy Schumer followed this relief by securing an additional investment of over $937 million through the IIJA to airports to help NY\u2019s airport take off and reach new heights.\n\nSecured $11.5 Billion In Highway Funding For New York Over The Next 5 Years:\n\nThis includes $289 million for Transportation Alternatives, such as walking and biking funding and an estimated $1.9 billion in formula funding for a new bridge replacement program. In his commitment to addressing climate change, Schumer secured $175 million for a new National Electric Vehicle formula program and $239 million for the PROTECT formula program to build and rebuild transportation assets with resiliency in mind.\n\nOver $9 Billion In COVID Relief For New York K-12 Schools:\n\nSenator Schumer made it a top priority to give our schools the robust and flexible funds they needed to reopen safely for in-person instruction and address the diverse needs of students due to the pandemic.\n\n$2.6 Billion For NY Colleges, Universities, And Students To Recover From Pandemic:\n\nHigher education institutions were on the frontlines of preventing the spread of COVID-19 and ripped massive holes in their budgets to keep students and communities safe. Senator Schumer ensured not only to include relief to account for reopening costs, revenue losses, classroom retrofits, PPE, and other expenses, but also that half of any colleges\u2019 federal allocation went directly to students to address hardships caused by COVID-19.\n\n$428 Million For NY\u2019s Drinking Water And Clean Water State Revolving Funds:\n\nA long time clean water advocate, Senator Schumer worked hard to bolster this funding for NY in the IIJA. Schumer said this massive boon for New York\u2019s water infrastructure and environment would accelerate New York\u2019s ongoing efforts to remove lead pipes and clean up emerging contaminates \u2013 like PFAs.\n\nOver $7 Billion In Historic Child Tax Credit (CTC) For NY Families:\n\nAlmost 90% of all New York families benefited from Senator Schumer\u2019s tireless fight to expand the Child Tax Credit, allowing 86% of families across the state to get $300 automatic payments each month.\n\nMore Than $54 Billion In COVID Relief To Support New York\u2019s Small Businesses And Nonprofits:\n\nSchumer delivered over $54 billion in federal forgivable loans through the Small Business Administration\u2019s Paycheck Protection Program and grants and low-interest loans through Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, supporting hundreds of thousands of New York\u2019s small businesses and nonprofits. Schumer fought to include nonprofits in these programs, including religious organizations and large nonprofits that provide critical services to communities through the state.\n\nMore Than $500 Million From The American Rescue Plan\u2019s State Small Business Credit Initiative:\n\nThese funds will help expand access to credit and investment for small businesses and start-ups, including minority-owned and other disadvantaged businesses, across the state to grow, create jobs, and strengthen Main Streets.\n\nOver $3.6 Billion In Relief Delivered To More Than 9,700 New York Restaurants:\n\nSchumer fought to include an initial infusion of funds in the American Rescue Plan to stand up a dedicated relief program to provide flexible grants to support the state\u2019s hard-hit restaurant industry.\n\nMore Than $1.9 Billion Was Awarded To New York Through The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, Otherwise Known As The \u2018Save Our Stages\u2019 Program:\n\nSchumer led the effort to pass this critical lifeline for the cultural arts industry into law. This funding was awarded to more than 1,400 theaters, independent music venues and comedy clubs, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions like museums and zoos across the state, bringing Broadway back and helping New York\u2019s cultural treasures in every corner of the state keep the light and laughs on.\n\nOver $44.9 Million From The Economic Development Administration (EDA) From The American Rescue Plan Directly Awarded To New York:\n\nSchumer prioritized dedicated relief to revive New Yok\u2019s tourism and travel industry in the American Rescue Plan. These EDA funds support marketing, infrastructure, workforce, and other projects to rebuild New York\u2019s travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation economy, so New York is ready to welcome the world back to the state as we emerge from the worst of the pandemic.\n\nOver $130 Million For New Yorkers Who Lost A Loved One To COVID In FEMA Funeral And Cemetery Expenses Reimbursement:\n\nAfter tireless advocacy, starting in the very early days of COVID, Senator Schumer secured access to a rarely used FEMA program that reimburses individuals who lost a loved one to COVID and helped cover the funeral and cemetery costs. With the loved ones of over 19,000 New Yorkers lost to COVID already reimbursed, and about $1.5 billion provided across the country, this program has helped New Yorkers across the state in their darkest hour. This assistance is available for anyone who lost a loved one to COVID and had to bear this unexpected expense. You can find out more by calling: 844-684-6333\n\nAlmost Half-A-Billion Dollars To Help New Yorkers Recover And Rebuild Three Months After Hurricane Ida Struck New York:\n\nWhen Hurricane Ida hit New York in September, it left thousands of New Yorkers reeling. Now, three months later, close to 36,000 New Yorkers from the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester counties have been approved for FEMA\u2019s individual assistance program. Combined with funding provided through the US Small Business Administration and the National Flood Insurance Program, these federal lifelines have provided almost half-a-billion dollars to help rebuild, and rebuild stronger. Applications are still open, currently until January 4, 2022, and you can apply if you were impacted by Hurricane Ida at DisasterAssistance.gov\n\nWESTERN NEW YORK\n\nSenator Schumer delivered substantial relief for Western NY over the past year:\n\nOver $873 million in aid to Buffalo and Western NY local governments\n\nOver 550 Western NY restaurants received over $109 million through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund\n\nOver $42 million for shuttered venues in Western NY like Shea\u2019s Performing Arts Center and the National Comedy Center\n\n$204 million for higher education institutions like the University at Buffalo, Niagara University, and more\n\nAirports in Western NY received over $68.9 million\n\nThroughout the pandemic, 33,000 businesses in the Western NY region have received over $3.34 billion in PPP funds\n\nDramatically Expanded The Child Tax Credit And Instituted Monthly Payments For 85% Of Western New York Families Which Amounted To $77 Million:\n\nAs part of the Child Tax Credit (CTC) expansion, Senator Schumer was able to secure an increase in the number of eligible families and authorized monthly disbursements of Child Tax Credits. With 85% of Western New York families eligible for this groundbreaking program, Schumer noted that it was especially significant in the City of Buffalo, which has one of the nation\u2019s highest poverty rates and as many as 25,000 children living in poverty. As many as 107,000 households in the Greater Buffalo-Niagara region benefit from the strengthened credit.\n\nFinally Orchestrated The Implementation Of The Pilot Record Database Following The Advocacy Of The 3407 Families:\n\nIn December, the Pilot Record Database being kept by the FAA finally went live, enabling airlines to have a thorough record of the training history and service record of each current and prospective pilot. This database, a longtime Schumer priority, was first proposed following the successful advocacy of the families of the victims of Flight 3407. While the database was supposed to be created years ago, bureaucratic red tape and administrative inaction led to the database languishing in development. Schumer was able to cut through the red tape and convinced DOT officials to finally get the program up and running.\n\nRecommended The Nomination Of Trini Ross To Be The First African American Woman For US Attorney In Buffalo:\n\nSchumer recommended Trini Ross to President Biden for nomination as United States Attorney for the Western District of New York. Ms. Ross is a lifelong Buffalonian, a graduate of Hutchinson Technical High School, SUNY Fredonia, and UB Law. She is an experienced prosecutor and was unanimously confirmed by the Senate. Ms. Ross is also the first African American woman to serve as the WDNY\u2019s top federal prosecutor. She assumed her position in November of this year.\n\nSecured $1 Billion - The Largest Single Allocation In The History Of The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative:\n\nSenator Schumer was able to include a $1 billion allocation to fully fund the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) in the bipartisan infrastructure deal. Specifically, this funding was secured to protect, improve, and preserve the Great Lakes and their related waterways, which include the Niagara River, Buffalo Creek, and many other areas along the Western New York shoreline. This funding is utilized by 16 different agencies and often works through local organizations like Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper. Schumer also noted the economic impact of the Great Lakes, adding that for every dollar invested in Great Lakes protection, the return on investment is $3.35, or 335%.\n\nSaw To It That Western New York Students Were Fairly Compensated For AP Exams That Went Missing:\n\nAfter taking their Advanced Placement exams, some students at Startpoint High School in Lockport were informed that UPS had lost the box of exams on their way to be scored by College Board. Schumer intervened with both College Board and UPS and ensured that the tests were found and the students were fairly compensated and were also awarded $250 scholarships.\n\nBolstered Western New York\u2019s Transportation Infrastructure By Securing The Largest Ever Federal Investment In Upstate Transit Agencies, Including $156.5 Million For NFTA:\n\nAware of the need to major investment in Western New York\u2019s transit agency, Schumer was able to secure $156.5 million in federal monies for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) over FY22-26. This was part of a larger federal infrastructure investment that saw almost $90 billion go to transportation agencies as part of Schumer\u2019s plan to finally bring public transportation into the 21st century. These funds can be used for everything from the continuation of daily operations, to maintenance and bus procurement.\n\nLONG ISLAND\n\nSenator Schumer delivered substantial relief for Long Island over the past year:\n\nOver 1 Billion in aid to county, town, and village governments\n\nApproximately 1,100 restaurants received over $270 million through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund\n\nOver $57 million to over 100 shuttered entertainment venues, organizations, and companies\n\nOver $323 million to Long Island\u2019s public school districts\n\nOver $266 million to higher education intuitions on Long Island\n\nAirports on Long Island received over $39 million\n\nThroughout the pandemic, 121,041 businesses on Long Island have received over $10.50 billion in PPP funds\n\nDelivered Record $106 Million Investment To Protect Long Island Sound:\n\nSchumer successfully fought to deliver $106 million for the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) Long Island Sound Program. More than 23 million people live within 50 miles of the Long Island Sound, an important natural resource that is home to more than 120 species of fish and is an economic engine that draws families, boaters, tourists, and anglers to Long Island. This record investment will be delivered over the next five years to continue efforts to rehabilitate and preserve the Sound for generations to come, and is in addition to the annual appropriations Senator Schumer fights for each year.\n\nSecured Timely Federal Approval Of $232 Million Disaster Aid For Construction Of The Critical Suffolk County Coastal Resiliency Initiative:\n\nSchumer advocated to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval of $232 million in post-Sandy disaster aid he secured to be used for the Suffolk County Coastal Resiliency Initiative, paving the way for construction of this critical infrastructure project and ensuring that construction begins on schedule. These federal funds \u2013 paired with $46 million that Senator Schumer secured for Suffolk County via the American Rescue plan \u2013 are being used for the largest sewer expansion program in Suffolk County in approximately 40 years.\n\nReeled-In Victories And Disaster Assistance For Long Island\u2019s Fishing And Shellfishing Industries:\n\nIn May, Schumer called on Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to keep a New Yorker in one of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council\u2019s at-large seats. The retention of this seat and the representation it provides New York on the Council is essential to providing fairer fishing allocations and correcting past injustices that have burdened New York\u2019s fishermen and hampered one of Long Island\u2019s legacy industries. In June, Long Islander Tom Schlichter was appointed to the seat. Also in June, after Schumer\u2019s advocacy following a widespread scallop die-off in Peconic Bay in 2019 and 2020, Secretary Raimondo announced a disaster declaration for the Peconic Bay scallop fishery. This declaration makes the fishery eligible for disaster assistance from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and may also unlock assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA). In July, Schumer wrote to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) advocating for an increase in New York\u2019s black sea bass commercial quota allocation after New York State appealed the initial allocation decision, noting that New York\u2019s portion of the commercial quote had not been updated to reflect the increased abundance of black sea bass in New York\u2019s waters. In August, the ASMFC\u2019s Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Management Board approved an allocation increase, increasing the amount of fish New York\u2019s fishermen can catch.\n\nSecured $1 Billion Cybersecurity Grant Program For Federal Cybersecurity Assistance To State And Local Governments, Including Schools:\n\nIn the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs bill, Schumer secured crucial cybersecurity assistance for state and local government to modernize their cybersecurity infrastructure and give state and local entities the tools they need to stop malicious hacks. The $1 billion grant also targets rural communities that may have less access to cybersecurity assistance and resources. After numerous recent cyberattacks on local governments in New York, school systems, and a water treatment facility, Schumer announced at the Manhasset Secondary School the $1 billion authorization and encouraged local leaders, school administrators, and county officials to begin working with the NY state government to prepare a cyber-resource plan to secure federal assistance from the $1 billion grant program to prevent and mitigate future attacks.\n\nCAPITAL REGION\n\nSenator Schumer delivered substantial relief for the Capital Region over the past year:\n\nOver $549.5 million in aid to local governments\n\nOver $39 million for shuttered venues in the Capital Region\n\n$152 million for higher education institutions like the University of Albany, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Adirondack Community College.\n\n$52.5 million for Capital Region transit systems like the Capital District Transit Authority (CDTA), and the Greater Glens Falls Transit.\n\nAirports in the Capital Region received $49 million\n\nThroughout the pandemic, 30,238 businesses in the Capital Region have received over $2.7 billion in PPP funds\n\nFollowing Passage Of USICA, Globalfoundries Commits To Building Fab 8.2 And Relocating Headquarters To Malta:\n\nIn April, Schumer visited GlobalFoundries to announce that the company has decided to move its headquarters from California to Saratoga County. In June, the Senate, under Schumer\u2019s leadership, passed the United States Innovation and Competition Act (USICA), which will invest $52 billion into the domestic semiconductor industry by implementing the federal semiconductor incentive programs Schumer passed into law as part of last year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act. Two months later, Schumer returned to Malta, this time with US Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, to announce that GlobalFoundries has decided to build a second semiconductor fabrication plant at the Luther Forest site. This project, which will look to make use of the billions of dollars in federal incentives Schumer is working to finalize, will get underway in 2022 and will create thousands of union construction jobs and over one thousand permanent jobs at the new fab.\n\nEstablished Federal Limousine Safety Regulations In Response To The Tragic 2018 Limo Accident In Schoharie:\n\nAfter the terrible limousine crash in Schoharie, NY that killed 20 people, Schumer promised the victims\u2019 families that he would not rest until the federal government established limousine safety regulations aimed at preventing future tragic incidents. This August, Schumer worked in a bipartisan way on the floor of the Senate to overcome an objection to the inclusion of these standards into the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. When President Biden signed the measure into law on November 15, Schumer saw to it that Kevin Cushing, who became a tireless advocate for limo safety after his son Patrick was killed in the Schoharie incident, was in attendance at the White House ceremony. The law addresses limo safety with a ten point plan that includes funding, new inspection rules, vehicle crash testing, and new standards regarding seat belts, seating systems, retrofit assessment for existing limos and safety standards for altering used vehicles into limousines.\n\nDelivered $61 Million For CDTA To Establish The \u201cPurple Line\u201d Bus Rapid Transit Route:\n\nLast year, CDTA began service on its popular \u201cBlue Line\u201d bus rapid transit route that connects Albany with Watervliet, Cohoes, Troy and Waterford, which was made possible by federal funding from the Federal Transit Authority\u2019s Small Starts program. Senator Schumer has worked with CDTA for the last decade on this effort, first to gain CDTA\u2019s inclusion into the program, and then to maximize the level of funding. This summer, FTA announced that it has made $61 million from the program available to CDTA for the establishment of the next bus rapid transit route. The \u201cPurple Line\u201d, first envisioned by CDTA and Schumer when he visited the College of St. Rose on October 21, 2013, will connect downtown Albany, with St. Rose, the Harriman Campus, the University at Albany, and Crossgates Mall. Together with the \u201cRed Line\u201d service that connects downtown Albany with downtown Schenectady along Central Avenue, CDTA\u2019s growing network of bus rapid transit routes have transformed public transportation in the Capital Region and established a model for transit systems across upstate.\n\nROCHESTER-FINGER LAKES\n\nSenator Schumer delivered substantial relief for the Finger Lakes region over the past year:\n\nOver $566.09 million in aid to Rochester and Finger Lakes local governments\n\n412 Finger Lakes restaurants received over $77.72 million through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund\n\nOver $28 million for shuttered venues in the Finger Lakes\n\n$163.84 million for higher education institutions like the University of Rochester, RIT, and more.\n\nRochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority received over $139.98 million between the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure bill to support their 900+ employees\n\nAirports in the Finger Lakes received over $44.74 million\n\nThroughout the pandemic, 31,116 businesses in the Finger Lakes region have received over $2.89 billion in PPP funds\n\nSuccessfully Landed New $125 Million Plug Power Gigafactory Bringing 377 Jobs To Monroe County:\n\nSenator Schumer made a personal call to Plug Power CEO Andy Marsh advocating for Plug Power to choose Upstate NY for the site of its new factory. Plug Power heeded his call and officially opened its new $125 Million Hydrogen Fuel Cell Innovation Center In Monroe County this November.\n\nDelivered Over $18 Million In Federal Funds To Start Critical Broadband Project To Bring High-Speed Internet To Livingston And Orleans Counties:\n\nAfter months of advocacy, Senator Schumer secured an $11.3 million Rural Development Broadband ReConnect grant for Livingston County to bring high speed broadband internet to thousands of homes, business, and farms. In addition, thanks to funding from State and Local aid that Senator Schumer secured in the American Rescue Plan, Orleans County was able to fulfill a decades-long dream to provide high-speed internet access to the entire county by investing $7.83 million they received to provide broadband access to over 1,500 unserved households.\n\nSecured VA Approval For The Expansion Of The WNY National Veteran Cemetery:\n\nAfter the Veterans Administration stripped features for the WNY National Veteran Cemetery from their 2019 plans, Schumer pushed the department to build the complete cemetery needed for local veterans and helped secure an additional $10 million to ensure the project\u2019s completion. Thanks to his initial advocacy, construction will continue and the next phase will include an above-ground columbarium, ossuary, memorial wall, second committal shelter, a loop roadway, and landscaping to provide Upstate veterans the honorable facilities they deserve.\n\nCENTRAL NEW YORK\n\nSenator Schumer delivered substantial relief for Central New York over the past year:\n\nOver $483 million in aid to local governments\n\nOver $411 million for CNY K-12 school districts\n\nOver $172 million for CNY higher education institutions\n\nOver $45 million for CNY airports\n\nOver $112 million for Centro to support its 600 employees who operate the transportation authority's bus service in Syracuse, Oswego, Auburn, Rome, and Utica\n\nOver $14 million for CNY community health centers\n\nOver $2 million for CNY Head Start programs\n\nOver $17 million for Onondaga County & over $7 million for Oneida County in rental & homelessness prevention funding\n\nOver $15 million for CNY live event venues through the Save Our Stages grant program\n\nThroughout the pandemic, 10,572 businesses in Central New York have received over $564.86 million in PPP funds\n\nAfter Decades-Long Effort, Helped Syracuse Airport Finally Land Southwest Airlines:\n\nFor over 20 years, Senator Schumer fought to bring low-cost Southwest flights to Upstate New York to help boost competition and lower fares \u2013 but Syracuse remained the only major Upstate city without service from the airline. As local officials continued to engage with Southwest Airlines, Schumer spoke directly with the company\u2019s CEO Greg Kelly to advocate for flights out of Syracuse and worked in congress to keep airlines solvent through the pandemic. As the economy reopened, Southwest finally launched service at Hancock International Airport in June.\n\nSecured Funding For Saab To Expand & Create 50 Jobs In Central New York:\n\nWith an eye towards Saab\u2019s radar technology developed in East Syracuse, Schumer secured $7 million for the Navy to advance critical improvements to its combat fleet and then ensured Saab was selected for the contract to do the important work. The new contract will create 50 good-paying jobs in Central New York, with potential for more jobs in future.\n\nSolidified Rome Lab\u2019s Position At The Epicenter Of Quantum Computing Jobs & Innovation:\n\nAfter securing tens of millions of dollars for Rome Lab\u2019s Quantum Information Science (QIS) research and development in recent years, Senator Schumer helped convince the military to establish Rome Lab as the Quantum Information Science Research Center for the Department of Defense. This landmark designation will deliver millions of additional dollars to Rome Lab, attract the nation\u2019s top talent, and create good paying jobs in the Mohawk Valley. With the race to innovation in quantum computing proving to be the great scientific race of the 21st century, Rome Lab will ensure the U.S does not fall behind international competitors like China and Russia.\n\nSecured Funding To Bring High-Speed Internet To 1K Homes & Businesses In Madison County:\n\nWith large parts of rural Madison County lacking access to high-speed internet, Senator Schumer worked hand-in-hand with Madison County officials as they sought funding to close the digital divide from the United States Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) Rural Development Broadband ReConnect Program. After Schumer held a personal meeting with USDA Secretary Tom Vilsak, Madison County was awarded a $10 million grant to bring new high-speed internet broadband access to over 1,000 homes, businesses and farms across the county.\n\nHUDSON VALLEY\n\nSenator Schumer delivered substantial relief for the Hudson Valley over the past year:\n\nOver $910.6 million in aid to local governments\n\nOver 715 Hudson Valley restaurants received over $157 million through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund\n\nOver $67 million for shuttered venues in the Hudson Valley\n\n$219.69 million for higher education institutions like the SUNY Orange, Westchester Community College, SUNY New Paltz, and more.\n\nHudson Valley Transit Systems received over $12.9 billion between the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure bill\n\nAirports in the Hudson Valley received over $51 million\n\nThroughout the pandemic, 82,074 businesses in the Hudson Valley region have received over $6.49 billion in PPP funds\n\nSecured $11.96 Million To Revitalize Downtown New Rochelle By Reconnecting Lincoln Avenue Communities Divided By Memorial Highway:\n\nNew Rochelle's Lincoln Avenue communities were separated from the services and support of the city's downtown in 1958 when the construction of Memorial Highway bulldozed their neighborhood. For over 3 years, Senator Schumer pushed the U.S. Department of Transportation to approve the LINC project. At the beginning of President Biden\u2019s administration, Schumer spoke to Secretary Buttigeg directly to advocate for these funds. In November of this year, Schumer announced $11.96 million for the LINC project, which will reconnect the 25,000 residents living in the Lincoln Avenue communities to the services, transportation, and job opportunities in New Rochelle's downtown by adding a walkable, bike-able city street with open green space.\n\nSuccessfully Secured Selection In A Game-Changing Federally Funded Program That Increases Community Involvement And Fast Tracks The PFAS Cleanup Process At Stewart Air National Guard Base For Orange County Residents:\n\nFollowing over 5 years of fighting for clean drinking water in the City of Newburgh and its surrounding communities, Schumer announced this May that Stewart Airport will be the first Air National Guard Remedial Investigation funded under the Defense Environmental Restoration Program (DERP). This program, officially awarded to Stewart this September, provides the funds needed to begin the remedial investigation at Stewart and also allows regulators to expedite the review of documents and give the Resident Advisory Board to access funding to cover administrative costs to better educate Orange County communities about ongoing remediation efforts.\n\nDelivered A Historic $35 Million Federal Investment To Build New York's First-Of-Its-Kind Children\u2019s Specialty Hospital Creating 400 New Healthcare Jobs In Sullivan County:\n\nThis $35 million investment, funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Rural Development\u2019s Community Facilities Program, was needed for The Center for Discovery (TCFD) to build New York\u2019s first short-term inpatient assessment program for children with complex conditions to begin construction, creating over 400 healthcare jobs and 150 construction jobs in Sullivan County, while improving access to quality care and services for Upstate New York\u2019s most vulnerable. In early 2020, USDA officials visited the site at Schumer's request. After the visit, COVID cases surged in Sullivan County, creating unprecedented burdens for TCFD, including $5 million in lost revenue. This made the $35 million USDA investment secured by Schumer critical to keep the Children's Specialty Hospital project on track for the groundbreaking this July.\n\nSecured Hundreds Of Thousands For EPA To Cleanup And Revitalize The Asbestos-Contaminated Former Techcity Site To Bring Ulster County's Former Economic Engine Back To Life:\n\nSchumer delivered hundreds of thousands of dollars for EPA to help clean up the former TechCity site, on top of historic funding for both Ulster County and the Town of Ulster through the American Rescue Plan for economic and workforce development opportunities, and billions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act to supercharge cleanup efforts at superfund sites like this across New York. Following Schumer's efforts and July visit, multiple community partners came together, announcing last week that the blighted former IBM site will become iPark87, creating up to 1,000 new local jobs and garnering hundreds of millions in private investment.\n\nSecured $4 Million For Access: Supports For Living To Continue Its Life Saving Mental Health And Substance Abuse Services Across The Hudson Valley:\n\nSenator Schumer played a critical role in the inception of the Access Mental Health and Substance Use Urgent Care, securing $4 million. In May of 2020, he learned that Access needed additional federal support to keep its Mental Health and Substance Use Urgent Care going in the years to come. Taking action, Senator Schumer successfully secured a meeting between Access and SAMHSA to keep the Urgent Care open as demand for these services drastically increased during the pandemic. Following his tireless advocacy, Schumer announced this February that he successfully secured $4 million so Access could continue its virtual and in-person operations in Newburgh and Middletown over the next several years. For these efforts, he was also honored with the nonprofit's prestigious 'Vision of Hope' award this year.\n\nSOUTHERN TIER\n\nSenator Schumer delivered substantial relief for the Southern Tier over the past year:\n\nNearly $330 million in aid to Southern Tier local governments\n\nOver 180 Southern Tier restaurants received over $40 million through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund\n\nOver $23.6 million for over 40 shuttered venues in the Southern Tier like Cinempolis and the State Theater in Ithaca, the Corning Museum of Glass, the Roberson Museum and Science Center in Binghamton, Clemens Center in Elmira, and many more\n\n$161 million for higher education institutions like Binghamton University, Ithaca College, SUNY Alfred, and more.\n\n$67.11 million for transit systems in the Southern Tier Like BC Transit in Broome County, TCAT in Tompkins County, and C-TRAN in Chemung County\n\nAirports in the Southern Tier received over $32 million\n\nSecured $3.4 Million In Economic Development Administration Funding For The Hornell IDA To Support Major 250 Job Expansion At Alstom:\n\nFollowing Alston being awarded a nearly $1.8 billion contract to make passenger rail cars for the Chicago Metra Commuter Rail System, Senator Schumer called Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo directly to advocate for the City of Hornell, which needed federal funding to support critical infrastructure upgrades to the Shawmut Industrial Park to support Alstom\u2019s massive expansion in the region. This funding directly supported the creation of nearly 250 new jobs and helps cement Hornell\u2019s position as one of the nation\u2019s main hubs for train manufacturing.\n\nDelivered BIG For Broome County Transportation With Over $3.2 Million Grant To Purchase Six New Electric, Zero Emission Buses And $1 Million Grant To Make Critical Improvements To The Greater Binghamton Airport:\n\nOn top of the nearly $30 million Senator Schumer secured for BC Transit and over $6.3 million for the Greater Binghamton Airport through the ARP and IIJA, Senator Schumer wrote to Transportation Secretary Buttigieg and successfully delivered on two key grants for Broome County. The first is a $1 million grant through the Small Community Air Service Development Program for improvements to airport and to bolster efforts to expand air service. The second is a $3.2 million grant through the Low and No Emission Vehicle Grant Program, which will allow Broome County to replace polluting diesel buses with six-battery electric, zero emission buses. In addition, the new buses will have components made by BAE Systems in Endicott, supporting local jobs while making the community cleaner.\n\nProcured $1.4 Million Through DOL And Appalachian Regional Commission For SUNY Alfred To Support Training For 200 New Southern Tier Manufacturing Jobs:\n\nWith major regional employers in the western Southern Tier seeking to expand operations, Senator Schumer pushed for SUNY Alfred to receive funding through the U.S. Department of Labor, in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission, to develop training initiatives for specialized jobs such as welding. This funding will now support nearly 200 new skilled manufacturing jobs in the region at Alstom and Ljungstr\u00f6m.\n\nNORTH COUNTRY\n\nSenator Schumer delivered substantial relief for Northern New York over the past year:\n\nOver $145.8 million for local governments in the North Country\n\nOver $135 million for K-12 school districts in the North Country\n\nOver $65 million for higher education institutions in the North Country\n\nNorth Country airports received over $29 million between the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure bill\n\n$8.25M for Watertown\u2019s Citibus\n\nOver $4 million for community health centers in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties\n\nOver $900K for Head Start programs in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties\n\n$2.9 million for Jefferson County Homelessness Assistance Program\n\nNearly $2.8M for live event venues in North Country through the Save Our Stages grant program\n\nThroughout the pandemic, 5,571 businesses in the North Country have received over $384.13 million in PPP funds\n\nSecured Last Piece Of Funding Needed To Modernize Fort Drum\u2019s Outdated Railhead:\n\nIn personal meetings and calls with previous military leadership, Senator Schumer pushed to prioritize the construction of a new railhead at Fort Drum \u2013 which is a top priority for Fort Drum officials \u2013 and ultimately secured initial funding for the project in the Military Construction budget. Additional funding was still needed to complete the project, so Schumer worked with military leaders to secure to finish the job. The final piece of funding was secured in 2021, allowing Fort Drum to modernize its outdated railhead, improve base readiness, and meet deployment requirements.\n\nEnsured Funding To Deepen The Port Of Ogdensburg Remained Locked-In Place After Project Delay:\n\nIn 2017, Senator Schumer secured funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to deepen the Ogdensburg Harbor and create new economic opportunities for the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority (OBPA). However, the federal funds were in jeopardy as the project was delayed while OBPA sought additional funds to complete the project. In 2021, Senator Schumer worked with USACE to keep the federal funding in place while OBPA successfully secured additional funding. The contract on the long-delayed project was finally awarded this year, which will lead to decreased shipping costs and unlock new business opportunities for OBPA.\n\nInfrastructure Bill Includes $10 Billion For Clean Electric Buses Like Those Made By Plattsburgh\u2019s Nova Bus:\n\nLeader Schumer secured $10 Billion in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to invest $5 billion in funding for public transit agencies to adopt low and no emissions buses, and $5 billion for clean, electric school buses. This is a potential boon for Nova Bus in Plattsburgh, which produces low and no emission buses. This funding is a win in the fight against climate change, and just as importantly, a win for growing the North County transit supplier workforce.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/standing-at-proctors-theatre-in-schenectady-with-the-cast-of-summer-the-donna-summer-musical-schumer-announces-10-million-for-schenectady-staple_proctors-theatreand-lays-out-massive-covid-relief-to-boost-capital-regions-economic-recovery-completes-his-first-62-county-tour-around-ny-as-majority-leader--", "STANDING AT PROCTORS THEATRE IN SCHENECTADY WITH THE CAST OF SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL, SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $10 MILLION FOR SCHENECTADY STAPLE \u2013 PROCTORS THEATRE\u2014AND LAYS OUT MASSIVE COVID RELIEF...", "2021-12-12", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Senator Says Proctors Theatre Is Lifeblood & Economic Anchor Of Downtown Schenectady But Thanks To Schumer-Secured $10M, Proctors Is Finally Ready To Open Once Again\n\nSchumer Secured Dedicated Fed COVID Relief That Provided Capital Region Venues And Theaters Over $39 Million To Keep Stages Lit And Ensure The Show Would Go On\n\nSchumer To Capital Region: $10M Because I Love to Love Cap Region, Baby!\n\nStanding at the iconic Proctors Theatre in Schenectady, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer detailed the impact of the over $39 million he secured for the Capital Region\u2019s independent live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions thanks to the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG), otherwise known as the \u2018Save Our Stages\u2019 program which Schumer led to passage into law. Schumer stood at Albany\u2019s historic Palace Theatre last year to advocate for this funding for the Capital Region. Schumer said that Proctors Theatre is the beating heart of downtown Schenectady and a driving force in the local economy, and the COVID package that he negotiated, provided Proctors Theatre with $10 million in COVID relief to ensure the lights remained on in their darkest days of the pandemic and that Broadway could come back to Schenectady!\n\n\u201cLast year, I stood at another Capital Region staple, the Palace Theatre, promising that I\u2019d deliver for our independent venues \u2013 the beating heart of Upstate New York\u2019s cultural life and a driving force in the economy. I\u2019m here to say promises made promises kept, to the tune of $10 million going right here to Proctors Theatre,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cProctors is an economic anchor in downtown Schenectady, which is why I fought so hard to ensure they\u2019d get their fair share to keep the lights on during their darkest days of the pandemic and recover. Nearly a year after I stood, with Philip Morris and other key venue operators at the Palace Theater in Albany calling for this desperately needed funding; today, I\u2019m here to celebrate over $39 million to venues across the Capital Region to bring Broadway back to Schenectady and ensure the show will go on!\u201d\n\nTo date, the SVOG program has provided more than $1.9 billion to more than 1,400 theaters, independent music venues and comedy clubs, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions like museums and zoos across New York. Schumer said that live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions are some of the hardest hit industries by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the dedicated federal assistance he secured saved many venues from permanently shutting their doors to the public. The senator said the federal assistance was imperative to local economies because independent venues drive economic activity within communities like Schenectady through restaurants, hotels, taxis and other transportation and retail establishments.\n\nOther beloved Capital Region venues like the Palace Theater, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, and The Egg, were also able to keep the lights on, and continue to drive their communities with the help of the federal relief funds. Schumer explained that it was not just our big live performance theaters who had to close the curtains in March 2020. Movie theaters like Madison Theatre in Albany and Rotterdam Square Cinemas also received funding.\n\nIn December 2020, Schumer negotiated the Save Our Stages Act into the bipartisan COVID relief package, which provided $15 billion nationally for independent live venue operators, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions such as live performing arts organizations and museums that have been significantly impacted by the economic effects of the COVID crisis. Specifically, the COVID relief package created a new Small Business Administration (SBA) grant program known as the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) which independent live venue operators, promoters, producers, talent representatives, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions were eligible for. These grants were used for payroll costs, rent, mortgage, utilities, and personal protective equipment, and other needs, to help keep the industry alive and rebound. Schumer then secured more than $1 billion in additional funding for the SVOG program in the American Rescue Plan, and made sure SVOG applicants could access assistance from both Save Our Stages and the SBA\u2019s Paycheck Protection Program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/with-the-new-omicron-variant-on-the-rise-and-covid-cases-overwhelming-western-ny-hospitals-schumer-stands-at-the-wyoming-county-community-hospital-to-launch-two-pronged-plan-to-help-struggling-upstate-hospitals-get-the-fed-funding-boost-they-need-now", "WITH THE NEW OMICRON VARIANT ON THE RISE AND COVID CASES OVERWHELMING WESTERN NY HOSPITALS, SCHUMER STANDS AT THE WYOMING COUNTY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL TO LAUNCH TWO-PRONGED PLAN TO HELP STRUGGLING...", "2021-12-12", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "With Wyoming\u2019s State Of Emergency In Full Effect, Schumer Calls On Feds To Reevaluate WNY Growing COVID Crisis BEFORE Sending Next Tranche Out \u2013 Ensuring WNY Gets A Fair Shot & $$$ Gets Where It\u2019s Most Needed\n\nAlthough Schumer Secured +$200B In Hospital Pandemic Relief, Feds Currently Using Old Data When Deciding Where To Send New $$ Tranche, Potentially Overlooking WNY\u2019s Growing Need As Hospitals Fill And Health Care Providers As A Part Of The American Rescue Plan; But With Variants Like Omicron and Delta On The Rise Upstate NY Hospitals Are Struggling To Keep Up\n\nSchumer To Feds: Get Money Where It\u2019s Needed Most \u2013 Like WNY\u2014NOW\n\nWith Western New York hospitals overwhelmed by surging COVID cases and counties facing new States of Emergencies, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today stood at the Wyoming County Community Hospital to launch a new a two-pronged push to get hospitals the help they need as they enter the heart of the harsh winter months. Last week a state of emergency was declared in Wyoming County in an effort to fight back against a rise in COVID-19 cases, which mirrors similar rises happening throughout Upstate New York. Schumer said that this recent surge requires immediate action to slow the spread and keep our communities safe.\n\nSpecifically, Schumer is calling for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to start to take into account the recent surges and new serious developments in COVID which have greatly impacted Upstate communities like Wyoming County when determining the next round of the American Rescue Plan\u2019s (ARP) pandemic Provider Relief Fund (PRF) payment calculations. Schumer explained that HHS has not yet released the formula for how the next round (Phase 4) of Provider Relief Fund (PRF) payments will be calculated, but that currently it is marked as \u201cGeneral Distribution\u201d meaning they won\u2019t be taking into account COVID prevalence, but rather only weeks old data financial information that captures revenues lost and additional expenses due to COVID-19 from prior months. In addition, providers already had to submit their revenue and loss data for this grant round over a month ago, meaning it will likely not account for the reality facing many Western New York hospitals given the recent surge.\n\n\u201cWestern New York hospitals are on the frontlines battling the many variants of COVID and many, like the Wyoming County Community Hospital, are struggling to keep up with the surge. During this time of crisis, it\u2019s imperative that the feds do all they can to help those on the ground and right now, I\u2019m asking them to step up and do more,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cI am calling on the Department of Health and Human Services to immediately and fully take into account the impact of rising COVID cases on our Upstate New York hospitals. Second, I\u2019m calling on HHS to immediately get this money OUT the door to ensure WNY hospitals have all the support they need as they continue to keep our communities safe on the frontlines.\u201d\n\nSchumer explained that he is also urging that HHS get the payments for these struggling hospitals, which has already been appropriated as a part of the American Rescue Plan, out the door ASAP to help cover the rising costs from the surge in cases. Schumer said getting Upstate healthcare providers the help they need as soon as possible is integral to combatting the spread of COVID-19.\n\nAs of December 10th, among all 62 New York counties, Wyoming County and Orleans County were tied with the highest daily average number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 at 103. The next highest county is Genesee at 100 and right now WNY and the Finger Lakes have the highest rates in the state.\n\nSchumer urged HHS to specifically take into account the loss of elective surgery revenue at Wyoming Community Hospital and 31 other upstate hospitals that had to suspect elective surgeries starting this week because a spike in COVID-19 hospital admissions has reduced their available bed capacity to 10% or less. Schumer said HHS should prioritize funding awards for hospitals like these 32 which now have the greatest need. These 32 hospitals include several in Western New York including Erie County Medical Center, Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, Mount St Marys Hospital and Health Center, Sisters of Charity Hospital and several in the Finger Lakes including Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester General Hospital, F.F. Thompson, and Highland Hospital. Schumer said these hospitals are especially challenged having to now care for a large number of COVID-19 admissions while not being able to offset the additional expenses with one of their most important sources of revenue, elective surgery.\n\nJoseph McTernan, CEO of the Wyoming County Community Health System said, \u201cWith COVID infection rates again spiking in our community, we need all hands on deck to both care for the increasing number of patients being admitted for care while addressing the burden of increased costs required to provide this care. These challenges have only compounded since WCCH is now one of the 32 New York hospitals with fewer than 10 percent bed capacity requiring us to suspend elective surgeries. Through the federal COVID relief bills championed by Senator Schumer WCCH has already received over $6 million in federal aid that has helped sustain us so far. And now that he pandemic is worsening again, we appreciate Senator Schumer\u2019s push to help significantly impacted hospitals like WCCH now access additional federal relief funding.\u201d\n\nWyoming County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Rebecca Ryan said, \u201cAs one of only two county owned hospitals in New York, Wyoming County Community Hospital is once again rising to meet our community\u2019s health-care needs as COVID-19 infection rates increase. As hospital admissions rise and expenses mount, mobilizing to combat the COVID outbreak will require help from all levels of government. I thank Senator Schumer for securing over $6 million in pandemic aid for our hospital and to once again push for additional federal aid to help support our community through this latest surge.\u201d\n\nSchumer\u2019s push for additional funds today follows his efforts to secure significant funding over the past 21 months that has helped sustain hospitals through the pandemic period. Specifically, Senator Schumer has delivered over $13.5 billion in grant funding to NY hospitals and providers through the Provider Relief Fund alone with billions more still awaiting to be disbursed. In addition, the Senator has secured tens of billions of dollars in much-needed relief including through various legislation and programs that delivered low-cost loans to providers, staved off potentially disastrous federal cuts to Medicare payments and increased payments to the New York Medicaid program that have helped NYS from instituting drastic cuts in provider reimbursements and consumer benefits.\n\nIn the April 2020 CARES Act, Schumer led the charge in Congress to create the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) - managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) - with to provide funding to healthcare providers and hospitals caring for patients with COVID-19 and who suffered high expenses and lost revenues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although initially funded at $100 billion, Schumer led the charge in Congress further to successfully add an additional $86.5 billion to the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) throughout the last year through the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enactment Act, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and the American Rescue Plan. As of December 10th, 2021, HHS has awarded over $130 billion in funding from the PRF through distinct 11 distributions. Currently HHS will be awarding another $17 billion in a 12th tranche (Phase 4) to providers based on applications submitted by hospitals a month ago. Since these applications were submitted before the current surge in COVID-19 rates across WNY and Upstate, today Schumer announced his push for HHS to prioritize funding awards for hospitals like WCCH and the 31 other Upstate hospitals that now have the greatest need when HHS selects the recipients for this upcoming $17 billion tranche.\n\nBelow are the 32 NY hospitals now impacted by the elective surgery suspension have received the following totals of Provider Relief Funds since the start of the pandemic:\n\nHospital\n\nHospital Network\n\nRegion\n\nCounty\n\nPRF Funds\n\nA.O. Fox Memorial Hospital\n\nBassett Healthcare Network\n\nMohawk Valley\n\nOtsego\n\n$6,998,802\n\nAlbany Medical Center Hospital\n\nAlbany Medical Center\n\nCapital Region\n\nAlbany\n\n$43,210,212\n\nBrooks-TLC Hospital System, Inc.\n\nIndependent\n\nWestern New York\n\nChautauqua\n\n$10,468,315\n\nCanton-Potsdam Hospital\n\nSt. Lawrence Health System\n\nNorth Country\n\nSt. Lawrence\n\n$11,494,518\n\nClaxton-Hepburn Medical Center\n\nNorth Star Health Alliance\n\nNorth Country\n\nSt. Lawrence\n\n$9,437,814\n\nCrouse Hospital\n\nCrouse Health\n\nCentral New York\n\nOnondaga\n\n$8,364,463\n\nErie County Medical Center\n\nIndependent\n\nWestern New York\n\nErie\n\n$62,807,257\n\nF.F. Thompson Hospital\n\nUniversity of Rochester Medical Center\n\nFinger Lakes\n\nOntario\n\n$5,253,336\n\nFaxton-St Lukes Healthcare St Lukes Division\n\nMohawk Valley Health System\n\nMohawk Valley\n\nOneida\n\n$23,268,616\n\nGeneva General Hospital\n\nFinger Lakes Health\n\nFinger Lakes\n\nOntario\n\n$7,711,340\n\nGlens Falls Hospital\n\nIndependent\n\nCapital Region\n\nWarren\n\n$23,233,254\n\nGuthrie Cortland Medical Center\n\nThe Guthrie Clinic\n\nCentral New York\n\nCortland\n\n$12,235,223\n\nHighland Hospital\n\nUniversity of Rochester Medical Center\n\nFinger Lakes\n\nMonroe\n\n$23,881,664\n\nLittle Falls Hospital\n\nBassett Healthcare Network\n\nMohawk Valley\n\nHerkimer\n\n$4,426,084\n\nMercy Hospital of Buffalo\n\nCatholic Health, Buffalo\n\nWestern New York\n\nErie\n\n$20,795,425\n\nMount St Marys Hospital and Health Center\n\nCatholic Health, Buffalo\n\nWestern New York\n\nNiagara\n\n$16,116,344\n\nOneida Health Hospital\n\nIndependent\n\nCentral New York\n\nMadison\n\n$7,802,776\n\nOswego Hospital\n\nIndependent\n\nCentral New York\n\nOswego\n\n$7,641,08\n\nRochester General Hospital\n\nRochester Regional Health System\n\nFinger Lakes\n\nMonroe\n\n$83,609,096\n\nSaratoga Hospital\n\nAlbany Medical Center\n\nCapital Region\n\nSaratoga\n\n$7,047,728\n\nSisters of Charity Hospital\n\nCatholic Health, Buffalo\n\nWestern New York\n\nErie\n\n$44,348,366\n\nSt Elizabeth Medical Center\n\nMohawk Valley Health System\n\nMohawk Valley\n\nOneida\n\n$5,217,252\n\nSt. Mary's Healthcare\n\nAscension Health\n\nMohawk Valley\n\nMontgomery\n\n$22,590,810\n\nStrong Memorial Hospital\n\nUniversity of Rochester Medical Center\n\nFinger Lakes\n\nMonroe\n\n$183,389,341\n\nThe Unity Hospital of Rochester\n\nRochester Regional Health System\n\nFinger Lakes\n\nMonroe\n\n$34,217,239\n\nThe University of Vermont Health Network - Alice Hyde Medical Center\n\nUniversity of Vermont Health Network\n\nNorth Country\n\nFranklin\n\n$12,387,076\n\nThe University of Vermont Health Network - Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital\n\nUniversity of Vermont Health Network\n\nNorth Country\n\nClinton\n\n$31,522,873\n\nThe University of Vermont Health Network - Elizabethtown Community Hospital\n\nThe University of Vermont Health Network\n\nNorth Country\n\nEssex\n\n$4,620,145\n\nUniversity Hospital SUNY Health Science Center\n\nIndependent\n\nCentral New York\n\nOnondaga\n\n$120,423,933\n\nUPMC Chautauqua at WCA\n\nUPMC\n\nWestern New York\n\nChautauqua\n\n$17,618,300\n\nUPSTATE University Hospital at Community General\n\nIndependent\n\nCentral New York\n\nOnondaga\n\n$126,193,988\n\nWyoming County Community Hospital\n\nIndependent\n\nFinger Lakes\n\nWyoming\n\n$6,256,951\n\nBelow is a copy of Senator Schumer\u2019s letter to HHS:\n\nDear Secretary Becerra,\n\nI write to request that the Department of Health and Humans Services (HHS) take into consideration the uptick in COVID-19 cases in certain areas of the country such as Western New York and the Finger Lakes Region when calculating the payments to providers that will be made in the upcoming General Distribution from the Provider Relief Fund (PRF). Hospitals and providers in this area, such as Wyoming County Community Hospital, are working day and night to care for patients amid intense financial pressures and need this funding in order to deal with the increase in COVID-19 cases that are crowding their hospital beds. I also ask that these funds be made swiftly; New York providers \u2013 especially those in Upstate New York \u2013 cannot be made to wait for this direly needed relief.\n\nAs you well know, New York has suffered huge losses during the course of this pandemic. While a robust vaccination and testing program has kept the state from reliving the worst of the pandemic\u2019s early days, parts of the state continue to experience high levels of coronavirus caseloads. As of December 10th, 2021, the three counties in New York with the highest daily average number COVID-19 cases per 100,000 are all found in Western New York: Orleans (103), Wyoming (103), Genesee (100). The caseloads in these counties and other areas of New York have increased to such a high level, that 32 hospitals across the state report having 10% or less of available bed capacity open to admit new patients. Due to these critical conditions, New York State has mandated that these hospitals suspend elective procedures until bed capacity improves. The combination of high costs associated with treating COVID-19 patients and the loss of high-revenue-producing elective procedures is damaging the financial health of hospitals such as Wyoming County Community Hospital and highlighted the need for more federal support through programs like the Provider Relief Fund.\n\nIn the April 2020 CARES Act, Congress created the PRF with an initial $100 billion in support for providers caring for patients with COVID-19 and who suffered high expenses and lost revenues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Congress further supplemented the fund with an additional $86.5 billion over the next year through the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enactment Act, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and the American Rescue Plan.\n\nAs of December 10th, 2021, your Department has sent out over $130 billion in funding from the PRF across three phases of General Distributions and eight targeted allocations, the most recent being the $8.5 billion in American Rescue Plan\u2019s Rural payments. These General Distributions were made using various formulas based on revenues and losses reported in past years\u2019 Medicare and Medicaid cost reporting, tax filings and other financial information. The targeted allocations were based on a wider variety of factors including in some cases the level of COVID-19 admissions at a hospital provider.\n\nIn September 2021, HHS announced that up to $17 billion would be made available in a new PRF General Distribution and solicited applications from providers across the country for this funding. The information collected in these applications to develop the formula that will calculate these General Distribution payments once again only considered past tax filings, cost reporting data and other financial information. It does not consider the rising levels of COVID-19 in hard-hit areas such as Upstate New York.\n\nIn light of the ongoing increase in COVID-19 cases, I ask that your Department refer to its past practices at the height of the pandemic and incorporate data into the General Distribution formula that captures the enormous burdens placed on providers who are treating patients and saving lives in areas with high rates of COVID-19 cases. I also call on the Department to make these determinations swiftly and distribute the funds as soon as possible. Providers like Wyoming County Community Hospital need these funds now, and communities like those in Western New York cannot afford to wait any longer.\n\nI thank you and your Department for your excellent service during this crisis.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-call-on-federal-transit-administration-to-fund-the-rochester-genesee-regional-transportation-authority-", "SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND CALL ON FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION TO FUND THE ROCHESTER-GENESEE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY", "2021-12-10", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand wrote to the Federal Transit Administration in support of the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority\u2019s (RGRTA) application for funding from the Bus and Bus Facilities Grant Program. The requested funding would be used to build a facility to house administrative operations and operational staff facilities for the RGRTA, which provides transportation to tens of thousands of residents in the greater Rochester metro area and operates a paratransit service for disabled individuals. RGRTA\u2019s current facilities are over four decades old and beyond their usable lifespan.\n\n\u201cTransportation is what connects our communities and keeps the wheels of the local economy rolling, but in Rochester the aging RGRTA facility is putting the brakes on continued development. That\u2019s why I am urging the Federal Transit Administration to greenlight funding for the construction of a new bus garage for the RGRTA\u2019s paratransit bus service,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cThis new facility would allow RGRTA to increase accessibility to paratransit customers and ensure RGRTA continues to operate reliably as an economic engine for the region.\u201d\n\n\u201cRGRTA provides an invaluable service to the Rochester community,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cHowever, its current facilities are in dire need of an upgrade. I urge the Federal Transit Administration to give RGRTA\u2019s application for federal funding the full attention it deserves so that it can continue to provide reliable transit service to those who depend on it.\u201d\n\nSenator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand recently fought to include over $5.5 billion in funding for the FTA\u2019s Bus and Bus Facilities program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill to fund local transit systems.\n\nRead the full text of the letter here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morelle-takes-action-protect-americas-elections-and-strengthen", "CONGRESSMAN MORELLE TAKES ACTION TO PROTECT AMERICA\u2019S ELECTIONS AND STRENGTHEN DEMOCRACY", "2021-12-09", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joseph D. Morelle", "M001206", "morelle.house.gov", "morelle", "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) - Today, Congressman Joe Morelle took action to protect America's elections and strengthen our democratic institutions by passing the Protecting Our Democracy Act. Rep. Morelle is a co-sponsor of the legislation which seeks to enhance transparency and accountability and protect American elections from foreign interference.\n\n\"Free and fair elections are the bedrock of our democracy and we must ensure they are protected from any interference, be it foreign or domestic,\" said Congressman Joe Morelle. \"In the words of my dear friend, the late Rep. John Lewis: \u2018Democracy is not a state\u2014it is an act.' That is why my colleagues and I have repeatedly taken action to protect our democratic institutions, and we'll continue fighting to ensure our democracy remains strong for generations to come.\"\n\nThe Protecting Our Democracy Act is takes important steps to restore the checks-and-balances, accountability, and transparency our Founding Fathers envisioned to protect against abuse of power. The legislation stands as a complement to other vital voting rights legislation passed by the House of Representatives this year, including H.R. 1, the For The People Act, and H.R. 4, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.\n\nSpecifically, the Protecting Our Democracy Act will:\n\nPrevent abuses of the Presidential pardon power.\n\nEnsure no president is above the law by suspending the statute of limitations for any federal offense committed by a sitting president or vice president.\n\nStrengthen tools for Congress to enforce lawfully-issued subpoenas.\n\nImpose a limit on Presidential declarations of emergencies and any powers triggered by such declarations unless extended by a vote of the Congress.\n\nEnhance protections for federal whistleblowers, including measures to protect the anonymity of whistleblowers.\n\nProtect against foreign interference in elections by requiring that political committees report to the FBI and the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) certain foreign contacts.\n\nFor more information on the Protecting Our Democracy Act, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/four-amendments-protecting-our-democracy-act-offered-rep-ocasio-cortez-pass", "Four Amendments to Protecting Our Democracy Act Offered by Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Pass the House", "2021-12-09", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez", "O000172", "ocasio-cortez.house.gov", "ocasio-cortez", "https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, the House of Representatives passed the Protecting Democracy Act, which included four amendments offered by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.\n\nHer first amendment expands the definition of nepotistic practices to include the executive office of the president. Currently, the definition only applies to federal agencies.\n\nHer second amendment codifies the \u2018Biden Ethics Pledge,\u2019 as laid out in the President\u2019s Executive Order, here. This executive order was unprecedented in its strength and the amendment ensures no future president can revoke it. Rep. Lynch also co-lead this amendment.\n\nThe third amendment would regulate legal defense funds, specifically directing the Office of Government Ethics to promulgate regulations banning certain fundraising practices and outlining transparency requirements for legal expense funds in the executive branch. While legal defense funds are regulated for Members of Congress, they are currently not regulated at all for the executive branch.\n\nHer fourth amendment aims to increase regulation of inaugural committees - imposing disclosure requirements; prohibiting donations from foreign nationals, shadow entities, and corporations; and prohibiting conversion of committee resources for personal use or for personal benefit.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-urges-secretary-of-commerce-raimondo-to-select-the-southern-tiers-new-energy-ny-project-as-one-of-nations-first-build-back-better-regional-challenge-awardees-project-would-accelerate-budding-battery-manufacturing-ecosystem-in-southern-tier-create-thousands-of-good-paying-jobs-combat-climate-change-and-expand-critical-emerging-industry-in-us-domestic-supply-chain", "SCHUMER URGES SECRETARY OF COMMERCE RAIMONDO TO SELECT THE SOUTHERN TIER\u2019S NEW ENERGY NY PROJECT AS ONE OF NATION\u2019S FIRST BUILD BACK BETTER REGIONAL CHALLENGE AWARDEES; PROJECT WOULD ACCELERATE...", "2021-12-09", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NY", "Charles E. Schumer", "S000148", "www.schumer.senate.gov", "schumer", "https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "New BBB Regional Challenge Funding Would Open Up Southern Tier Opportunity For Revitalizing the Region\u2019s Economy By Promoting Emerging Industries, Innovation, & Workforce Development\n\nProject Brings Together Major Regional Stakeholders: Binghamton University, SUNY Broome, Rochester Institute of Technology, NY-BEST, And More To Turn Upstate New York Into A Battery Manufacturing Powerhouse\n\nSchumer to EDA: Southern Tier\u2019s New Energy New York Project Is A Win-Win-Win To Supercharge Battery Manufacturing, Create Thousands Of Jobs, And Boost R&D To Combat Climate Change\n\nA longtime advocate of innovation and promoting tech manufacturing in Upstate New York, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer is urging the Department of Commerce\u2019s Economic Development Administration (EDA) to select the Southern Tier\u2019s New Energy New York battery manufacturing project for investment through the American Rescue Plan\u2019s Build Back Better Regional Challenge. Schumer explained that the project expands on existing research, development, testing, and workforce assets to meet the demand of the emerging battery manufacturing industry. If fully funded, the project estimates that in 10 years as many as 8,000 jobs would be created or supported as a result of this program.\n\n\u201cThe Southern Tier has long been a home to innovation, as the birthplace of IBM, flight simulation and virtual reality, and it continues to do groundbreaking research through world-renowned institutions like Binghamton University. That is why I am fighting for the New Energy New York project, to help make the Southern Tier and Upstate New York a major hub of battery manufacturing that is central to our transition to a clean economy,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cFederal investment through the Build Back Better Challenge would help establish the Greater Binghamton area as a national center for battery manufacturing, create thousands of jobs, fuel the innovation necessary to combat climate change, and importantly strengthen a critical area of the U.S. domestic manufacturing supply chain. I will continue to fight tooth and nail to supercharge this growing area of the Upstate New York economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cThere is a critical mass of interest at Binghamton University where we have great folks doing this work in partnership with researchers and academics from across New York state. We possess both the battery skills and the fundamental ideas and we partner directly with major industries that need these storage solutions and who will help us make the Southern Tier and New York state the nation\u2019s \u2014 if not the world\u2019s \u2014 premier hub for lithium-ion battery production,\u201d said M. Stanley Whittingham, distinguished professor and researcher at Binghamton University and recipient of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. \"This is not just about jobs and economic development, it is about national security, self-reliance and energy security.\"\n\nPresident Harvey Stenger, Binghamton University, \"We have the know-how and the technology to bridge the gap between small-scale research and large-scale manufacturing as well as the ability to support product development and help companies bring their innovations in energy storage to market. We must be able to bring the innovation and manufacturing processes back home to the United States and Binghamton University together with our partners believe that can happen right here in the Southern Tier and across New York. Other states are competing for this hub but as our leading battery researcher, Nobel Prize winner Stan Whittingham, has stated, Binghamton and New York state are in the pole position to make this happen sooner and more successfully.\"\n\n\"C4V\u2019s path to commercialization, which has taken around 11 years, should have been shorter, and would have been with the kind of federal programs being discussed and promoted by Senator Schumer. I want to thank him for his advocacy and support,\" said Shailesh Upreti, iM3NY in Endicott, NY\u2019s Chair and Founder. \u201cThese great ideas, the intellectual property and patents, are coming out of the United States but we are exporting the knowledge and importing the product. It\u2019s a double loss \u2014 it has to change and I am hopeful it will.\u201d\n\nSchumer explained that specifically funding through the EDA would be used in planning for a battery technology and manufacturing center hosted by Binghamton University further supporting economic resurgence in an underdeveloped area of the Southern Tier. In addition, the proposal would also build on regional programs to help spur entrepreneurship, climate justice, and workforce training through higher education partnerships. Project collaborators include a wide swath of the region\u2019s universities, including Binghamton University, SUNY Broome, SUNY Corning Community College, Rochester Institute of Technology, as well as NY-BEST and other key stakeholders like IncubatorWorks, Clean Fight NY as well as County and state government entities.\n\nThe $1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge, funded by the American Rescue Plan, is designed to assist communities nationwide, with accelerating economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and building local economies that will be resilient to economic disruptions. The Build Back Better Regional Challenge is being implemented as a two phase program. In Phase 1, the EDA will provide ~$500,000 technical assistance grants. Those selected as Phase 1 awardees will be considered \u201cfinalists\u201d and the grants will be used by the finalists to prepare more detailed applications for Phase 2 transformational projects that benefit their respective geographic regions and are aligned around a holistic approach to building and scaling a strategic industries. In Phase 2, the EDA will award 20-30 regional coalitions $25 million to $75 million, and up to $100 million, for selected projects to grow new regional industry clusters or scale existing ones through planning, infrastructure, innovation and entrepreneurship, workforce development, access to capital, and more.\n\nA copy of Senator Schumer\u2019s original letter of support for the New Energy New York proposal appears below:\n\nDear Secretary Raimondo,\n\nI write in strong support of the joint \u201cNew Energy New York\u201d proposal submitted by Binghamton University, SUNY Broome, Rochester Institute of Technology, and New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology (NY-BEST) to the U.S. Economic Development Administration Build Back Better Regional Challenge. This project is critical to the ongoing manufacturing and development of lithium-based batteries in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions of Upstate New York.\n\nFollowing the unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical, now more than ever, that we continue our investment in strengthening the U.S.\u2019s domestic energy supply chain. The proposed initiative seeks to facilitate this goal by expanding existing research, development, testing, and workforce assets to meet the increasing demand in the electric vehicle, battery, and stationary grid storage markets. The Southern Tier and Finger Lakes are home to a growing lithium ion manufacturing industry, with a gigafactory set to open in 2022 in Endicott, NY.\n\nSpecifically, funding through the EDA would help take essential steps in the planning for a battery technology and manufacturing center hosted by Binghamton University further supporting economic resurgence in an underdeveloped area of the Southern Tier. In addition, the proposal would also build on regional programs to help spur entrepreneurship, climate justice, and workforce training programs through higher education partners. The vast coalition assembled for this project speaks to the tremendous value and unwavering commitment of the community to bolstering this emerging manufacturing in Upstate NY.\n\nI applaud Binghamton University, SUNY Broome, Rochester Institute of Technology, NY-BEST, and their regional partners for the ongoing role they continue to play in the economic development of the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes, and sincerely hope the application meets with your approval.\n\nThank you for your consideration.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-statement-on-no-vote-in-support-of-the-768-billion-ndaa/", "CLARKE STATEMENT ON NO VOTE IN SUPPORT OF THE $768 BILLION NDAA", "2021-12-08", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nDecember 8, 2021\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.480.5737\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement on her no vote in support of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 Conference Report:\n\n\u201cLast night, I voted against the National Defense Authorization Act. I cannot vote for a $768 billion defense authorization bill that goes $25 billion above what was requested by the Biden Administration while key priorities in our efforts to recover from the pandemic remain unfunded. Our bloated Pentagon budget cannot come at the cost of American lives,\u201d said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.\n\n\u201cAdditionally, I am disappointed that the NDAA does not include cyber incident reporting legislation. While this legislation does include important provisions such as my amendment to provide additional funding for the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s CyberSentry Program, which allows us to more rapidly detect vulnerabilities and identify malicious activity on the networks of industrial control systems and strengthens our defenses against the increasing number of cyber-attacks, it fails to meaningfully respond to repeated requests from our partners in the federal government related to improving situational awareness on cyber-attacks in order to better understand trends in adversary behavior. One year after the initial public reports of the SolarWinds supply chain attack, it is inexcusable that dysfunctional Senate Republican leadership delayed and ultimately prevented the inclusion of critical infrastructure cyber incident reporting language that could arm us with information essential to preventing the next SolarWinds-level attack. Without cyber incident reporting provisions, we are leaving ourselves ill-equipped to prevent and respond to future cyber-attacks.\u201d\n\n\u201cFurther, legislation, especially of this magnitude, must reflect our values. This NDAA falls short in promoting justice and equality. Though negotiators were able to find bipartisan support for the authorization of billions of additional dollars to further enrich the military industrial complex, provisions to address racial disparities in military law and growing extremism in the ranks were callously tossed aside. This NDAA represents a lost opportunity to meaningfully address persistent racial inequity and the increasing threat of extremism,\u201d Congresswoman Clarke said.\n\n###\n\nYvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York\u2019s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-testifies-about-her-bill-aiming-to-establish-first-national-asian", "Meng Testifies About Her Bill Aiming to Establish First National Asian Pacific American Museum", "2021-12-08", "2021", "2021-12", "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), alongside journalist Lisa Ling and Stop AAPI Hate Co-Founder Dr. Russell Jeung, testified before Congress in support of Meng's legislation that seeks to create the first national museum dedicated to preserving the history, culture, and accomplishments of Asian Pacific Americans (APA).\n\nLing and Jeung joined Meng, who serves as Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, in appearing yesterday before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands where they backed Meng's bill that would establish a commission to examine the feasibility of establishing the museum.\n\n\"Thank you to the Natural Resources Subcommittee for holding a hearing on my bill and thanks to Lisa Ling and Dr. Russell Jeung for providing their valuable testimony,\" said Meng. \"Museums create space to memorialize the accomplishments of the past and inspire future generations of the greatness we can achieve. This hearing further underscores the need to build a national museum that tells the story of Asian Pacific Americans. As I've said, our story is the American story, and it's time for more Americans to know and understand all that Asian Pacific Americans have contributed to our country.\"\n\nEntitled the \"Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act,\" Meng's Bill would create a panel of individuals with various expertise in museum planning or APA research and culture to look into the viability of establishing, maintaining, funding and operating such a facility in the nation's capital, possibly as part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., the world's largest museum and research complex.\n\nThe House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands oversees the management of public lands and national parks.\n\nMeng's testimony can be viewedhere.\n\nLing's testimony, immediately followed by Jeung's testimony, can be viewed here.\n\nBelow is the text of Meng's testimony.\n\n-------------------------------------------------\n\n\"Chair Porter, Ranking Member Rosendale, and distinguished members of this Committee, thank you for this opportunity to discuss my bill, H.R. 3525 \u2013 the \"Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act.\"\n\nI would like to acknowledge the witnesses, Dr. Theodore Gonzalves, Ms. Lisa Ling, and Dr. Russell Jeung for their time and testimony today. I also want to recognize my colleagues Rep. DeSaulnier and Rep. Katko and encourage the movement of all of our bills through this hearing.\n\nI come before you today to emphasize why we should establish a national museum dedicated to AAPI history and culture in our nation's capital.\n\nMuseums are gateways for Americans and the world to see our country's rich history, the challenges we overcame, and our potential for greatness. They offer space to reflect on the past, present, and future \u2013 a collage of all that has transpired and all that we continue to fight for. Indeed, a physical space located in the nation's capital is a powerful image that can inspire our youngest to pursue their dreams while educating visitors on our history. AAPI history is long and storied, and a national museum dedicated to it is overdue.\n\nAs long ago as the 1700s, AAPIs have shaped the fabric of our country with contributions to our infrastructure, economy, selfless military service, and so much more. But, too often, our community is excluded or forgotten in history \u2013 our American history.\n\nChinese Americans fought for the Union at the Battles of Antietam and Gettysburg during the American Civil War and Japanese Americans comprised the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II, which became the most decorated unit in the history of the U.S. Military. While Chinese and Japanese Americans have demonstrated valor and bravery, they have also faced institutionalized disenfranchisement that manifested in U.S. laws such as the Chinese Exclusion Act and Executive Order 9066 that ordered the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Yet, from the first wave of Southeast Asian refugees on our shores to the Filipino Americans who helped found the farmworker labor movement \u2013 AAPIs have left an indelible mark on our American story.\n\nFrom these Halls of Congress to every American classroom, our AAPI heroes such as Grace Lee Boggs \u2013 a human rights activist for seven decades; Larry Itliong \u2013 the quintessential leader for labor rights and justice; Dalip Singh Saund \u2013 the first Asian American elected to Congress; and Patsy Mink \u2013 the first woman of color elected to Congress, and the original champion of Title IX protections in the Higher Education Act, have fought for human and civil rights and social justice with their every breath. Shamefully, these stories are starkly missing from the narrative of American history.\n\nChair Porter, Ranking Member Rosendale, this commission to study the creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American history is the first step in elevating AAPI experiences. Our stories provide an opportunity for us to celebrate our rich American history, remember the challenges we have overcome, and step forward in unity.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-passes-legislation-support-and-strengthen-national", "CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE PASSES LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT AND STRENGTHEN NATIONAL DEFENSE", "2021-12-08", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joseph D. Morelle", "M001206", "morelle.house.gov", "morelle", "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, DC)- Yesterday, Congressman Joe Morelle voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022. Congressman Morelle played a unique role in crafting this critical funding measure as a member of the House Armed Services Committee.\n\n\"I am working hard to ensure servicemembers and their families receive the protections and benefits they deserve while protecting and strengthening our national defense\u2014and that is what we have delivered with this year's NDAA,\" said Congressman Joe Morelle. \"I am proud to have helped craft this important legislation that makes historic investments in support of our courageous servicemembers and their families, including childcare and mental health resources, as well as investments in the technology necessary to keep civilians safe now and in the future.\"\n\nHighlights of the $768 billion legislation include:\n\nWage increases and additional benefits, such as parental leave and expanded childcare, for our service members.\n\nA Basic Housing Allowance (BAH) increase for military families.\n\nResources to prevent military suicide and expand mental health services.\n\nSupport for Afghan SIV and Evacuee Efforts\n\nSupport for women servicemembers, including improved coverage of contraceptives and post-partum care.\n\nReforms to the Uniform Code of Military Justice to combat sexual assault in the military.\n\nInitiatives to expand diversity within the military.\n\nEstablishes an Employment Fellowship Program for Military Spouses\n\n\"This year's NDAA fulfills our nation's responsibility to provide the tools our military needs to address national security threats while modernizing policies that will better support our servicemembers,\" said Congressman Joe Morelle. \"I will continue to support and advance legislation that seeks to uplift America's servicemembers and help them succeed.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/suozzi-gets-it-done-navy-grumman-plume-cleanup-will-have-access-millions-more", "SUOZZI GETS IT DONE: NAVY GRUMMAN PLUME CLEANUP WILL HAVE ACCESS TO MILLIONS MORE IN FEDERAL FUNDS", "2021-12-08", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Thomas R. Suozzi", "S001201", "suozzi.house.gov", "suozzi", "https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Tom Suozzi announced he helped pass a Defense Spending Budget that provides an increase of over a hundred million dollars in funding for the Federal program that support clean-up of the Navy Grumman Plume. This money, which will go to the Navy Environmental Restoration Account, will increase to $465,550,000. It was previously at $355,000,000. This increase in funding means the Navy Grumman Plume, will have access to millions more in Federal Funding due to Suozzi\u2019s career-long efforts of putting environmental cleanup front and center.\n\nThe legislation is expected to pass the Senate later this week, where it will then be sent to the President\u2019s desk for immediate signature.\n\n\u201cThis increase in access to Federal funds is a big victory for all of the people of Bethpage and Long Island that have been threatened by this plume for decades,\u201d said Suozzi. \u201cWe still have a long-way to go for clean-up, but this additional financial support will further expedite the cleanup.\u201d\n\n\u201cFrom day one Congressman Suozzi has been by our side fighting for additional funding and to expedite the clean up process,\u201d said Mike Boufis, superintendent of the BETHPAGE Water District.\n\nAs a champion of environmental cleanup, Rep. Suozzi successfully brought funding and brought stakeholders together to finally clean-up the Navy Grumman Groundwater Plume. Through Suozzi\u2019s advocacy, he has:\n\nIncreased funding by hundreds of millions for the Navy\u2019s Environmental Restoration account, thus increasing the funds available for cleanup in Bethpage;\n\nHas scheduled annual meetings that bring together all the stakeholders to accelerate remediation and facilitate cooperation between stakeholders;\n\nHas worked as a liaison between Bethpage Water District and the responsible parties, including the Navy and Grumman, to facilitate payments, clean up agreements, access information and examine options to accelerate/improve clean up; and\n\nFacilitated tours, meetings, exploration of site locations for cleanup and has made himself available to all concerned parties to expedite permitting and ultimate remediation of plume.\n\nIn addition, Suozzi has fought tirelessly to protect Long Island and New York\u2019s environment. In 2008, the New York State League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) named him \u201cEnvironmentalist of the Year. As a Member of Congress, he has increased funding to protect the Long Island Sound by more than 800%, almost 800%fought to keep the U.S. in the Paris Climate Accord, supports the Green New Deal, and through his efforts as chair of the Long Island Sound Caucus, has helped drastically reduce the amount of nitrogen in the Long Island Sound.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/chairs-clarke-and-thompson-statement-on-cyber-incident-report-language-excluded-from-ndaa/", "CHAIRS CLARKE AND THOMPSON STATEMENT ON CYBER INCIDENT REPORT LANGUAGE EXCLUDED FROM NDAA", "2021-12-07", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nDecember 7, 2021\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.480.5737\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, and Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, & Innovation, released the following statement after the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 Conference Report was finalized without cybersecurity incident response language. Cybersecurity incident response legislation was included in the House NDAA which passed in September.\n\n\u201cThere were intensive efforts to get cyber incident reporting done but ultimately the clock ran out on getting it in the NDAA. There was dysfunction and disagreement stemming from Senate Republican leadership that was not resolved until mid-morning today \u2013 well past the NDAA deadline. This result is beyond disappointing and undermines national security.\n\nWe had hoped to mark the one-year anniversary of the discovery of the SolarWinds supply chain attack by sending cyber incident reporting legislation to the President\u2019s desk. Instead, Senate Republican leaders delayed things so significantly that the window closed on getting cyber incident reporting included in the NDAA.\n\nWe are profoundly disappointed that the momentum we had coming into the NDAA did not yield success but are fully committed to working across the aisle and with the Senate to find another path forward. We thank Ranking Member Katko, Chairman Peters, and Ranking Member Portman for their continued support on this matter. Also, Speaker Pelosi has been a steadfast partner throughout this effort and has already communicated her continued interest in working with us to get cyber incident reporting legislation to the President\u2019s desk.\u201d\n\n###\n\nYvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York\u2019s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-statement-on-senate-confirmation-of-jessica-rosenworcel-as-fcc-chairwoman/", "CLARKE STATEMENT ON SENATE CONFIRMATION OF JESSICA ROSENWORCEL AS FCC CHAIRWOMAN", "2021-12-07", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nDecember 7, 2021\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.480.5737\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement congratulating Jessica Rosenworcel on her Senate confirmation as Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission, (FCC):\n\n\u201cThe newly confirmed FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel is the right person, at the right time, for the right leadership role as we embark upon a more inclusive era that considers the needs of all people in the digital landscape, and not just stakeholders. As a senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee I have had the distinct honor of working with Chairwoman Rosenworcel. Through our mutual advocacy and interest in consumer protection, especially as we go full speed ahead into the technological age, she will undoubtedly work to improve the agency,\u201d said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.\n\n\u201cChairwoman Rosenworcel knows what\u2019s at stake when it comes to net neutrality and critical protections for broadband access and users, and its importance to small businesses, rural and tribal communities, students and marginalized people still struggling to keep up with a technological world. Chairwoman Rosenworcel understands the importance of not leaving anyone behind as we forge ahead and live our lives in a digital landscape. I have full faith in the Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission. Congratulations Chairwoman Rosenworcel, I look forward to our continued collaboration on broadband deployment, increasing equitable access to the internet, closing the digital divide, and working to improve this essential utility that impacts everyone in the world,\u201d said Clarke.\u201d\n\n###\n\nYvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York\u2019s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/joyce-ocasio-cortez-introduce-hope-act-encourage-state-and-local-expungement", "Joyce, Ocasio-Cortez Introduce HOPE Act to Encourage State and Local Expungement Programs for Cannabis Offenses", "2021-12-07", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez", "O000172", "ocasio-cortez.house.gov", "ocasio-cortez", "https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14), who is a Co-Chair of the House Cannabis Caucus, and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) introduced the Harnessing Opportunities by Pursuing Expungement (HOPE) Act. This bipartisan bill aims to help states with expunging cannabis offenses by reducing the financial and administrative burden of such efforts through federal grants. Both lawmakers have advocated for cannabis reform on their respective sides of the aisle, with Congressman Joyce sponsoring the first Republican-led effort to decriminalize cannabis at the federal level in the U.S. House.\n\n\u201cHaving been both a public defender and a prosecutor, I have seen first-hand how cannabis law violations can foreclose a lifetime of opportunities ranging from employment to education to housing,\u201d said Joyce. \u201cThe collateral damage caused by these missed opportunities is woefully underestimated and has impacted entire families, communities, and regional economies. By helping states establish and improve expungement programs for minor cannabis offenses, the HOPE Act will pave the way for expanded economic opportunities to thrive alongside effective investments to redress the consequences of the War on Drugs.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs we continue to advocate for the decriminalization and legalization of marijuana, this bipartisan bill will provide localities the resources they need to expunge drug charges that continue to hold back Americans, disproportionately people of color, from employment, housing and other opportunity,\u201d said Ocasio-Cortez.\n\nPrior to the introduction of the HOPE Act, Congress\u2019 cannabis expungement efforts have focused solely on federal crimes. However, while a small number of individuals may qualify for the expungement of low-level, federal cannabis charges over the course of decades of enforcement, the reality is that the overwhelming majority of cannabis-related charges are handled by state and local law enforcement. In 2019, the federal government was only involved in a fraction of the 545,000 cannabis offenses charged in the United States. That year, the FBI charged only 5,350 individuals with a top-line charge for any drug offense, not just cannabis.\n\nUnfortunately, despite the fact that expungement programs for cannabis-related offenses have recently advanced in states and cities around the country, many criminal record keeping systems are not ready for or able to support these efforts. Many criminal records, especially ones from decades in the past, are not digitized. Paper records systems not only slow the expungement process but make it much more expensive and burdensome.\n\nThe HOPE Act would address these complications by creating a new grant program under the U.S. Department of Justice, the State Expungement Opportunity Grant Program, and authorize it to be funded up to $20 million over the span of Fiscal Years 2023-2032. Through this grant program, the Attorney General would be authorized to make grants to states and local governments to reduce the financial and administrative burden of expunging convictions for cannabis offenses that are available to individuals who have been convicted of such offenses under the laws of the State. Funding provided by the State Expungement Opportunity Grant Program could be used:\n\nfor technology to provide cost-effective legal relief at scale;\n\nto automate the process of expunging convictions for cannabis offenses;\n\nfor clinics, including legal clinics, that assist individuals through the expungement process;\n\nto implement a notification process for those whose records are expunged as well as to publish publicly accessible information regarding the availability and process of expungement;\n\nto seal records of conviction for cannabis offenses if appropriate; and\n\nfor other innovative partnerships to provide wide-scale relief to individuals who are eligible for the expungement of a conviction for a cannabis offense under the laws of the State.\n\nThe bill would also require the Attorney General to conduct a study on the impact of cannabis offenses on an individual\u2019s criminal record, including impacts related to housing, employment, recidivism, and how such effects differ based on demographics. The study must also include a report on the costs incurred by states for incarcerating an individual convicted of a cannabis offense.\n\n\u201cCannabis prohibition has saddled countless Americans, particularly people of color, with criminal histories that harm job prospects, limit housing options and close off educational opportunities,\u201d said Steven Hawkins, CEO of U.S. Cannabis Council. \u201cThe HOPE Act can help provide desperately needed relief to millions of Americans by facilitating state and local expungement of nonviolent cannabis offenses. We applaud Reps. David Joyce and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for their leadership and strongly urge Congress to adopt their proposal.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan effort represents the growing consensus to reform marijuana policies in a manner that addresses the harms inflicted by prohibition,\u201d said NORML Political Director Justin Strekal. \u201cIt provides cash assistance for state and localities that are wisely choosing to remove these stigmatizing records. There is no justification for continuing to prevent tens of millions of Americans from fully participating in their community and workforce simply because they bear the burden of a past marijuana conviction.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt this point, most Americans live in a state that has legalized marijuana to some extent,\u201d said Maritza Perez, Office of National Affairs Director for Drug Policy Alliance. \u201cThis bill will provide immediate relief to countless individuals who are still suffering the consequences of the war on drugs. An expungement will allow greater employment, education, and housing opportunities among other life-changing freedoms. The Drug Policy Alliance is proud to support this bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cCriminal and economic justice is the cornerstone of any federal cannabis reform effort,\u201d said Andrew Freedman, Executive Director of the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation. \u201cThe bipartisan Harnessing Opportunities by Pursuing Expungement (HOPE) Act seeks to redress and restore communities negatively impacted by the disparate enforcement of drug laws. CPEAR welcomes the introduction of this proposal as part of a growing consensus for cannabis reform and applauds U.S. House Cannabis Caucus Co-Chair Dave Joyce and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for their leadership on this issue.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday, millions of Americans struggle to access housing, educational opportunities, and gainful employment simply because they have a cannabis criminal record,\u201d said Sarah Gersten, Executive Director and General Counsel of Last Prisoner Project. \u201cThis means that for too many, something as small as a marijuana possession arrest has effectively sentenced them to a lifetime of poverty. These policies needlessly destroy lives and hurt all American communities. The HOPE Act will remove these unjust, arbitrary and counterproductive barriers by helping states expunge millions of low-level marijuana convictions. We\u2019re grateful to Representative Joyce and Representative Ocasio-Cortez for working across the aisle to put forward this popular and commonsense cannabis criminal justice reform. We look forward to working with their offices to get the bill across the finish line.\u201d\n\n\u201cNCR is gratified to see this demonstration of bipartisan cooperation between Congressman Joyce and Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez,\u201d said Saphira Galoob, Executive Director of National Cannabis Roundtable (NCR). \u201cAs lawmakers look for common ground to achieve comprehensive cannabis reform, incremental steps \u2013 such as the expungements that would be made possible by this bill \u2013 are critical to the lives of millions of Americans today. Too many Americans have suffered the lasting and harmful consequences of convictions for conduct that is now deemed lawful under their state\u2019s laws. We applaud Mr. Joyce and Ms. Ocasio-Cortez for their leadership in addressing what is a real and tangible issue for so many.\u201d\n\n\u201cMost of the expungement conversations in Congress have focused on federal convictions, which is laudable but glosses over the fact that the vast majority of cannabis arrests occur at the state level,\u201d said Aaron Smith, CEO, the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA). \u201cGetting these charges expunged can be prohibitively expensive for both state governments and individuals hoping to clear their records and get their lives back. This funding legislation would be a great step toward both providing relief for many thousands of prohibition victims and aligning federal policies with the growing national consensus that no one should have been arrested for cannabis in the first place. We thank Reps. Joyce and Ocasio-Cortez for their leadership on this important criminal justice issue.\u201d\n\nThe bipartisan HOPE Act is endorsed by the U.S. Cannabis Council, NORML, CPEAR, National Cannabis Roundtable (NCR), Last Prisoner Project, NCIA, and Drug Policy Alliance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-aoc-bowman-ask-fema-release-more-aid-hurricane-ida-victims", "Reps. AOC, Bowman Ask FEMA to Release More Aid to Hurricane Ida Victims", "2021-12-07", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez", "O000172", "ocasio-cortez.house.gov", "ocasio-cortez", "https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamaal Bowman sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) asking them to provide additional aid to victims of Hurricane Ida. This follows the release of data which shows that nearly 10,000 applications for disaster relief in Queens and The Bronx were denied. The full letter is available here.\n\n\u201cWe have heard from countless residents in New York\u2019s 14th and 16th districts that the aid coming from FEMA has been insufficient, and in some cases, non-existent,\u201d wrote Representatives Bowman and Ocasio-Cortez. \u201cFor example, a constituent in the Village of Pelham, NY suffered multiple damages to their property, including a broken boiler, water heater, washer/dryer system, and structural damage to their basement. They applied for FEMA relief but only received $5,500, which was vastly insufficient for repairing essential home infrastructure. Moreover, the approved fund would fail to ameliorate health and safety concerns. Another constituent in East Elmhurst was denied assistance after informing FEMA that she did not leave her home in the wake of the storm. Countless stories from constituents in our districts wondering about the limited relief. Many other constituents recount long processing times and automatic denials. Despite submitting applications in early September, some of our constituents have yet to receive a decision, let alone any funds to begin essential repairs.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/suozzi-announces-millions-federal-grants-protection-sound-long-island-sound", "SUOZZI ANNOUNCES MILLIONS IN FEDERAL GRANTS FOR PROTECTION OF THE SOUND: \u201cTHE LONG ISLAND SOUND IS OUR NATIONAL PARK, AND WE HAVE TO TREAT IT THAT WAY\u201d", "2021-12-07", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Thomas R. Suozzi", "S001201", "suozzi.house.gov", "suozzi", "https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Co-chair of the Long Island Sound Caucus, held a virtual press conference to announce that New York Third\u2019s Congressional District will receive nearly $3 million in matching federal grants for projects to preserve and protect the Long Island Sound.\n\n\u201cThe Long Island Sound is our \u2018National Park,\u2019 and we have to treat it that way,\u201d said Suozzi. \u201cFor 27 years, since entering public service, first as Mayor of Glen Cove in 1994 and then as Nassau County Executive in 2002, I have worked on restoring shellfishing beds and reseeding our harbors, cutting nitrogen from sewage treatment plants and stormwater runoff, and cleaning up pollution. As a Member of Congress, in the role of Co-chair of the Long Island Sound Caucus, I helped to increase federal funding to protect the Sound by nearly 900%.\u201d\n\nWhen Suozzi came to Congress in 2017, federal funding for the Long Island Sound was merely $5 million. Since then, Suozzi has fought for and successfully increased federal funding to $30.4 million, an increase of 900%. The Long Island Sound is not only an environmental treasure, but also a revenue source to the area, generating upwards of $1 billion to the regional economy.\n\n\u201cOver the last ten years, we have made significant progress to increase funding for the preservation and protection of the Long Island Sound, restoration of habitats, monitoring of water quality, and education of the public\u201d said Suozzi. \u201cWe need to maintain and increase this momentum so that generations of New Yorkers can all benefit from our most precious natural resource.\u201d\n\nSuozzi was joined on the press conference call by Long Island Sound and environmental advocacy groups including Curt Johnson, President, Save the Sound; Cecilia Venosta-Wiygul, Udalls Cove Preservation Committee, and Board Member, Douglaston Civic Association; Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment; Vanessa Pino Lockel, Executive Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk; Eric Swenson, Executive Director, Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee; Carol DiPaolo, Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor; and Heather Johnson, Executive Director, Friends of the Bay.\n\n\u201cI grew up swimming and fishing in the Sound'\" said Suozzi. Thanks to the strong support and advocacy of environmental organizations such as Save the Sound, Douglaston Manor Environmental Association, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Friends of the Bay, Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee, Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor, and many others, these federal grants will go a long way in ensuring that future generations will be able to enjoy a clean Long Island Sound.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongressman Suozzi came to us last year to ask us what projects needed funding. He was adamant about ensuring we get what we need. It was an honor to bring the local environmental groups together to identify local environmental priorities and shovel-ready projects to secure funding in collaboration with Congressman Suozzi\u2019s office. On behalf of the groups, we are grateful for Congressman Suozzi\u2019s support and commitment to better the water quality and wildlife in the Little Neck Bay\u201d said Cecilia Venosta-Wiygul, Udalls Cove Preservation Committee, and Board Member, Douglaston Civic Association.\n\n\u201cLong Island Sound is the heart of our region\u2014ecologically, economically, and culturally,\u201d said Curt Johnson, president of Save the Sound. \u201cThanks to Congressman Suozzi and our other New York and Connecticut congressional champions, the projects made possible by Long Island Sound Futures Fund act as a deep breath that enlivens our urban sea with vibrant habitats, cleaner water, and good jobs. It truly funds Long Island Sound\u2019s future.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are thrilled to be able to expand the Long Island Sound High School Summit! Last year we had 4 schools engaged and this year we have 8. This is the first program on Long Island that specifically engages high school students in protecting and restoring the Long Island Sound through hands-on research in various topics including microplastics, water quality, marine debris, social marketing, and much more. Students become more connected to the protection of the natural world when they understand the value it brings to their community and obtain resources and knowledge in how to protect it,\u201d said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment. \u201cWe are extremely thankful to Congressman Suozzi for his leadership in securing this federal funding which makes this whole program possible.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn Long Island, our quality of life and our economy are directly linked to the quality of our surrounding bays and harbors. When local governments, environmental groups, and stakeholders share the goal of improving our waters and working together, there is a foundation to build on. Funding from the Long Island Sound Futures Fund along with support from elected officials like Tom Suozzi help make that goal a reality,\u201d said Eric Swenson, Executive Director, Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee.\n\n\u201cWe are grateful for receiving the Long Island Sound Study Futures Fund grant and to Congressman Suozzi and our elected officials, who have vigorously advocated for this funding. The grant can play a pivotal role in helping to turn around the decline in the shellfish population in Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor. Shellfish sanctuaries are the key to a healthy bay system. Along with our partners, we are hopeful that these projects will have a big impact on the health of our waterways,\u201d said Heather Johnson, Executive Director, Friends of the Bay.\n\n\u201cCornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County is grateful for the support from The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Long Island Sound Futures Fund as it ensures that our critical work to protect and enhance the environment continues. This funding enables our experts to work to restore the health of the Long Island Sound by removing floating debris and derelict lobster gear that negatively impact our waters. In addition, support for an innovative natural living shoreline restoration project utilizing cordgrass and ribbed mussels will enhance the coastal health and vitality around the Long Island Sound. We appreciate the shared commitment to our waters and the communities that enjoy this natural resource,\u201d said Vanessa Pino Lockel, Executive Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County.\n\nThe National Fish and Wildlife Federation announced that the Long Island Sound (both in Connecticut and New York) will receive $4.8 million in matching funds, providing a total conservation impact of $10.2 million. Of that amount, New York\u2019s 3rd Congressional District will receive $1,540,437 in matching funds, bringing a total to $2,944,218 for Long Island Sound projects across the district. Areas of the district that will receive funding include Udalls Cove and Little Neck Bay in Queens, Roslyn, Hempstead Harbor, Oyster Bay, and Centerport and Northport Harbors.\n\nDetails for each of the projects are below and attached:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-joins-local-advocates-to-stress-importance-of-keeping-paid-leave-in", "Meng Joins Local Advocates to Stress Importance of Keeping Paid Leave in House-Passed Build Back Better Act", "2021-12-06", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "QUEENS, NY \u2013 This afternoon, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) joined local advocates to highlight the importance of keeping paid leave in the House-passed Build Back Better Act.\n\nThe Congresswoman joined Reshma Saujani, Founder of the Marshall Plan for Moms and Girls Who Code, PL+US (Paid Leave for the U.S.) Executive Director Molly Day, and many other advocates and advocacy organizations at a press conference in front of City Hall to underscore how critical it is to ensure that paid leave remains in the bill. The Build Back Better Act, a nearly $2 trillion spending bill that seeks to assist families and boost the nation's economy as the country works to rebound from the coronavirus crisis, passed the House on November 19th, and is now pending before the Senate. However, there are some Senators who want to remove the provision from the legislation.\n\n\"Paid leave would greatly help so many working families here in Queens and across New York and the nation,\" said Meng. \"Attempts to strip it from the House-passed Build Back Better Act are unconscionable and unacceptable. The Build Back Better Act is an historic and monumental piece of legislation that I was proud to help pass in the House, and among the crucial items in the measure is four weeks of paid leave, a provision that we fought hard to secure. As the working mom of two young kids, I know how important paid leave is. It allows people to take paid time off from their jobs to spend time and bond with their newborns, care for a sick child or family member or recover from an illness, all without worrying about their paycheck. The U.S. is the only industrialized country without it, and it's way past time for that to change. Nobody should be forced to choose between their job and their family. We must not let this once in a generation opportunity to enact paid leave slip away. As we work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we must make sure that we move forward with no one left behind, and that includes working families. Paid leave must remain in the Build Back Better Act!\"\n\n\"I am proud to stand alongside Congresswoman Grace Meng, a tireless champion of paid leave,\" said Reshma Saujani. \"We need paid leave in the United States now. Over the last two years, millions of women have left the workforce to care for their families. The only way we will restore the workforce is by providing policies that offer women choice: to care for loved ones and to move in and out of the workforce without penalty. We will never get to gender equality without paid leave. We must fight for the provision in the Build Back Better Act.\"\n\n\"Thanks to champions like Congresswoman Meng, the paid leave program included in the House's version of the Build Back Better Act is an historic investment in working families across this country, at a time when the need for paid leave has never been more urgent,\" said Molly Day. \"Paid leave will make our families, businesses, and our national economy stronger and help us to truly build back better and more equitably. Every worker deserves to be there for the moments that matter. The U.S. Senate now has a historic opportunity to deliver transformative, once-in-a-generation change, and we're committed to working with Democratic leadership to get it done.\"\n\nAlso attending the event were Dee Poku, Founder and CEO of The WIE Suite; Elise Anderson from Vote Mama; Molly Weston Williamson from A Better Balance and other advocates.\n\n\"Paid leave would ensure that working people can care for their children, their aging parents and themselves without worrying about losing their job or paycheck,\" said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). \"It will make America more competitive in the global market and end our unacceptable reign as the only industrialized country in the world without a paid leave program. I strongly support the House proposal, and I will continue fighting to pass it in the Senate.\"\n\nIn addition to paid leave, the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376) provides child care and home care, universal pre-K, health care and lower prescription drug pricing, housing, internet access, immigration reform, combating the climate crisis and more. The bill passed 220 to 213. Meng has long advocated for paid leave and the above provisions.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-takes-action-lower-heating-costs-vulnerable-monroe", "CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE TAKES ACTION TO LOWER HEATING COSTS FOR VULNERABLE MONROE COUNTY FAMILIES", "2021-12-04", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joseph D. Morelle", "M001206", "morelle.house.gov", "morelle", "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Rochester, NY \u2013 Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced his action to support vulnerable Monroe County families by providing resources to reduce heating costs as we head into the winter months. Rep. Morelle helped secure millions in emergency funding for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) in the federal American Rescue Plan earlier this year\n\n\"When we passed the American Rescue Plan earlier this year, we made an investment to ensure no one is forced to choose between heating their home and putting food on their table,\" said Rep. Morelle. \"With winter upon us, I am proud to be able to deliver relief to Monroe County families when they need it most by helping them save money on their heating bills. I encourage everyone who qualifies to take advantage of these additional funds in the HEAP program, and I'll continue working every day in Congress to make investments like this that ease the burden on hardworking families in our community.\"\n\n\"No one should have to question how they will keep themselves or their family warm during winter or have to choose between paying for heat and affording other necessities like food or medicine,\" said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. \"This funding is more important than ever for people struggling to make ends meet and gives crucial relief to our low-income families and seniors. Thank you, Rep. Joe Morelle, for ensuring our neighbors are taken care of as cold weather approaches and home heating bills increase.\"\n\n\"In our climate, heating is not a luxury \u2013 it is a necessity,\" said Ann Marie Cook, President and CEO of Lifespan. \"Thousands of older adults will apply for heating assistance in Monroe County this year, many of whom rely on a fixed income to pay their bills. This year we are on pace to serve hundreds more older adults who are struggling to pay for the rising cost of heating. We applaud Congressman Morelle for supporting this critical program that helps thousands of people in our community receive this basic necessity.\"\n\n\"Affording basic utilities each winter sadly remains a challenge for thousands of families in our community and underscores the importance of the Home Energy Assistance program,\" said Marlene Bessette, President and CEO of Catholic Family Center. \"The Catholic Family Center sees firsthand the relief HEAP provides our most vulnerable neighbors and will always work to ensure our families are supported. I am grateful to Congressman Morelle for his work to uplift this critical program and to all of those in our community who are committed to eliminating the burdens too many families face.\"\n\nThe American Rescue Plan, which was signed into law earlier this year, included nearly $536 million to help New Yorkers lower their heating bills through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). This critical investment comes in addition to over $340 million allocated to New York State through the Department of Health and Human Services this year.\n\nThis is one of our community's most vital programs, serving over 70,000 homes last year across Monroe County to help families afford their heating costs.\n\nThe HEAP program is currently accepting applications. Residents can apply through:\n\nMonroe County Department of Human Services\n\n111 Westfall Road\n\nRochester, NY 14620\n\n(585) 753-6209\n\nLifespan\n\n1900 South Clinton Avenue\n\nRochester, NY 14618\n\nPhone: (585) 244-8400 ext. 102\n\nNote: Only for adults 60+ who are not Temporary Assistance and/or SNAP benefits\n\nCatholic Family Center\n\n1460 Lyell Avenue\n\nRochester, NY 14606\n\nPhone: (585) 238-8620 ext. 13221\n\nMore information on the HEAP program can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-van-hollen-introduce-bill-to-protect-consumers-from-online-free-trial-scams/", "CLARKE, VAN HOLLEN INTRODUCE BILL TO PROTECT CONSUMERS FROM ONLINE FREE TRIAL SCAMS", "2021-12-01", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "New \u201cConsumer OPT-IN\u201d Act would put the burden on companies \u2013 not consumers \u2013 in renewing contracts\n\nFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nDecember 1, 2021\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.480.5737\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) introduced new bicameral legislation to protect consumers from online free trial scams and deceptive marketing tactics. The lawmakers\u2019 new bill \u2013 the Consumer Online Payment Transparency and Integrity Act, or Consumer OPT-IN Act \u2013 puts the onus on companies, instead of consumers, in renewing or extending contracts.\n\nToo often, companies use free trial offers and unclear terms and conditions to trap consumers into subscriptions. From 2017-2019, the Better Business Bureau received 58,400 complaints related to free trials scams. Additionally, companies often use software and interfaces, called dark patterns that subtly trick users and make it harder for consumers to end these subscriptions and stop unwanted charges. To help prevent these practices, the Consumer OPT-IN Act would require companies to make a number of changes to better protect and inform consumers.\n\n\u201cI am proud to introduce this important legislation with Senator Van Hollen that will protect consumers and create greater levels of transparency and accountability when it comes to subscription-based services,\u201d said Congresswoman Clarke. \u201cAll too frequently, subscription services are taking advantage of people, particularly our most vulnerable populations, and trapping them into paying for goods and services they never intended to sign up for. Enough is enough. Our legislation will put an end to these deceptive practices and protect consumers from being misled into endless monthly payments without their expressly given consent.\u201d\n\n\u201cFrom fitness programs to music services, subscription-based companies have taken off. Unfortunately, the headaches that come with trying to cancel or get a refund on these subscriptions are just as prevalent. As far too many Americans know first-hand, the free-trials many companies offer often lead to a cumbersome, or near-impossible, process to opt-out. It\u2019s time to take this burden off the American people. That\u2019s why we\u2019re introducing the Consumer OPT-IN Act to require companies to provide consumers their options clearly and transparently when it comes to a subscription. I look forward to working with Representative Clarke to enact these necessary and common-sense consumer protections,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\nThe Consumer OPT-In Act will protect consumers from deceptive free trials and marketing tactics by:\n\nRequiring companies to get express informed consent from consumers before converting free trials into automatically renewing contracts and charging consumers;\n\nRequiring companies to notify consumers of the first automatic renewal and obtain express informed consent from consumers before automatically renewing long term contracts;\n\nRequiring that companies offering contracts that automatically renew on a short term basis get express informed consent from consumers annually;\n\nRequiring companies that have knowledge that a consumer isn\u2019t using their products or service for 6 months to get the consumer\u2019s express informed consent to continue billing, and allowing consumers to request a refund for the remaining portion of the contract;\n\nProviding consumers with refunds when violations occur;\n\nGiving the FTC rulemaking authority over negative option contracts, automatic renewals, and dark patterns.\n\nA copy of the legislation can be found HERE.\n\nThe Consumer OPT-In Act is endorsed by: Public Citizen, National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), US PIRG, the Consumer Federation of America, Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, Truth in Advertising, the National Association of Consumer Advocates, the Center for Digital Democracy, the Center for Economic Justice, Consumer Action and the National Consumers League.\n\n\u201cThe Van Hollen-Clarke bill stops unfair and deceptive auto-renewals and free-to-pay schemes designed to make online subscriptions harder to cancel than to sign up for. That\u2019s not right; it\u2019s wrong,\u201d said Ed Mierzwinski, senior director for federal consumer programs, U.S. PIRG.\n\n\u201cToo many consumers are roped into recurring charges when they try something for free or hit with auto-renewals they didn\u2019t expect. This legislation will ensure that consumers don\u2019t have to deal with surprise changes to their credit cards or bank accounts,\u201d said Susan Grant, Director of Consumer Protection and Privacy at Consumer Federation of America.\n\n\u201cThis legislation directly addresses unfair schemes used to automatically subscribe and renew charges on unwitting customers for products, online services, and even memberships that they may never use,\u201d said Christine Hines, legislative director at the National Association of Consumer Advocates. \u201cIt provides commonsense protections that would ensure we are aware of, and actively consent to, automatic renewals and repeat purchases.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s unconscionable to use dark patterns to hook customers into long subscriptions and steep payments against their will, especially in the case of children and teens,\u201d said David Monahan, Campaign Manager at Fairplay. \u201cWe applaud Senator Van Hollen and Congresswoman Clarke for standing up for consumers with this bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cToo many companies engage in stealth marketing tactics online to get consumers to pay for services they may not want or use. The public should not be subjected to unfair and deceptive practices that can threaten their financial well-being. Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Rep. Clarke\u2019s bill would create a safer consumer marketplace online, and give individuals powerful new ways to protect themselves,\u201d said Jeff Chester, executive director, Center for Digital Democracy.\n\n\u201cSen. Van Hollen and Rep. Clarke\u2019s bill provides critical consumer protection in a digital era to address the use of dark patterns, like negative options, by sellers of goods and services to trick consumers into actions they don\u2019t want to take. The bill promotes more competitive markets by empowering consumers to take the action they want,\u201d said Birny Birnham of the Center for Economic Justice.\n\n\u201cConsumers should not be duped into automatic obligations for services that they did not agree to, only to enrich companies that mislead them into unwanted binding agreements,\u201d said Linda Sherry, Consumer Action\u2019s Director of National Priorities. \u201cConsumers need Senator Van Hollen and Congresswoman Clarke\u2019s solution that would require companies to get consumers\u2019 express consent before committing them to contracts.\u201d\n\n\u201cNegative options trick people into renewing automatic billing without their knowledge, and often for products or services that they do not even want or use. Sen. Van Hollen and Rep. Clarke\u2019s bill will help restore transparency and fairness to online shopping,\u201d said Lauren Saunders of the National Consumer Law Center.\n\n\u201cNCL endorses Senator Van Hollen and Congresswoman Clarke\u2019s bill to require free-to-pay conversions or negative option features requiring express affirmative consent before automatically renewing contracts or converting free-to-pay contracts to automatically renewing contracts. Consumers need these protections because contracts for free goods or services that automatically convert to monthly payments carry often hefty charges and terms \u2013 giving fair warning to consumers of these contracts and the right to cancel is essential. Thanks to Senator Van Hollen for his leadership,\u201d said John Breyault of the National Consumers League.\n\n###\n\nYvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York\u2019s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-clarke-torres-urge-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-to-rescind-or", "Meng, Clarke, Torres Urge Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Rescind or Amend Diversity Visa Program", "2021-12-01", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (NY-06), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and Ritchie Torres (NY-15), as well as 46 of their colleagues, sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging him to either rescind or amend the Diversity Visa Program and remove the unnecessary restrictions of the Passport Rule:\n\n\"The Diversity Visa Program has been a long-standing initiative in our country, promoting a core value that our nation was founded on; that people from all backgrounds can come to the U.S. in search of a more prosperous life and to achieve their American Dream,\" said Congresswoman Meng. \"But the Trump administration, fueled by its anti-immigrant agenda, implemented the Passport Rule that placed massive financial burdens on immigrants by requiring applicants to obtain a passport before they are able to enter the Diversity Visa lottery. This Rule is unconscionable and antithetical to the original intent of the Diversity Visa Program. We are a nation founded by immigrants and a nation made stronger by its diversity. Requiring potential applicants to hold a passport prior to applying for the Diversity Visa lottery only acts as a deterrent to millions of potential new Americans. That is why the Secretary must take action on this rule. We eagerly await his response to our letter.\"\n\n\"The Diversity Visa Program was originally created, within the State Department, to grant visas to countries with low immigration rates to the United States,\" said Congresswoman Clarke. \"The Trump Administration made many unsuccessful attempts to end the program all together, however, they were successful to include more restrictions and hurdles for applicants. By way of the unnecessary requirements of the Passport Rule, applicants from developing countries are too restricted and overburdened to participate in the Diversity Visa Program. This has significantly undermined access to the Diversity Visa Program, as well as tarnished the symbolism and spirit in which the program was enacted; to encourage \u2018new seed' immigration from regions and nations that did not send many immigrants under our family or employment-based systems. That is why, I am urging Secretary Blinken to rescind or amend the 2019 Interim Final \u2018Passport Rule' that requires applicants to invest in a passport before they are able to apply for the program. Because the chances of winning the lottery are very low and the financial burden is disproportionately high, this rule affects millions of applicants discouraged from applying due to the costs associated with obtaining a passport they may never get to use. We are a nation of immigrants and diversity is not just our strength, it is our superpower. It is a fundamental understanding of our commitment to human rights. And so, we must make it easier to accept newcomers, not harder.\"\n\n\"The Trump Administration's xenophobic immigration policies have left a hateful stain on our nation's legacy,\" said Congressman Torres. \"It is incumbent upon the Biden Administration to rescind all of the last Administration's harmful policies. The repeal of the \u2018Passport Rule' to the Diversity Visa Program is yet another important step in reversing racist policies and restoring our commitment to human rights. As a global leader we must enact policy that reflects our values of inclusivity and diversity.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-morelle-womens-health-protections", "STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSMAN MORELLE ON WOMEN\u2019S HEALTH PROTECTIONS", "2021-12-01", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joseph D. Morelle", "M001206", "morelle.house.gov", "morelle", "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Congressman Joe Morelle released the following statement:\n\n\"Every woman deserves the fundamental, inalienable right to choose what happens to her body. Unfortunately, those rights have repeatedly come under attack by states seeking to restrict access to women's healthcare\u2014and today, they are being threatened once again in the Supreme Court.\n\n\"While I am hopeful the Supreme Court will act to uphold the protections established under Roe v. Wade, this challenge underscores why additional action is so necessary. That's why in September, I voted to pass the Women's Health Protection Act and ensure every woman has the right to make her own healthcare decisions, no matter what. I urge the Senate to join us in enacting this important legislation immediately.\n\n\"I am proud and honored to represent a community with a rich history of fighting for women's equality. I'll always fight to uphold that legacy by protecting and strengthening the essential rights all women should be able to rely on, including reproductive freedom.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3506", "Tonko Addiction Treatment Legislation Clears Key Milestone in House", "2021-12-01", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko today announced that the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act\u2014reintroduced in February this year\u2014has garnered the official support of the majority of members in the House of Representatives with more than 218 representatives cosponsoring the legislation. This bipartisan bill would expand lifesaving addiction treatment by removing an antiquated requirement called the \u201cx-waiver\u201d that is blocking health professionals from prescribing the proven treatment buprenorphine to their patients.\n\nThis news comes at a time when America\u2019s opioid epidemic is deadlier than ever\u2014with the nation surpassing 100,000 deaths by drug overdose for the first time ever in a 12-month period.\n\n\u201cAs our nation\u2019s opioid crisis reaches scary new heights, buprenorphine stands as a tried-and-true medication that would help millions struggling with the disease of addiction, yet deployment of this safe, proven treatment continues to be hampered by unnecessary red tape,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cFor years I have pushed to eliminate the outdated x-waiver and open the doors of access to this lifesaving drug with my Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, and I am deeply gratified to receive strong support from my colleagues both in the House and the Senate on this endeavor. This expansive, bipartisan support speaks to the incredible need of our communities. I urge Congress to move forward to advance this legislation immediately and bring hope and a path forward to those who need it most.\u201d\n\nAfter France took similar action to make buprenorphine available without a specialized waiver, opioid overdose deaths declined by 79 percent over a four-year period.\n\nThe MAT Act currently has 225 cosponsors. Original House cosponsors of the bill are Representatives Michael Turner (R-OH), Antonio Delgado (D-NY) and Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH), with partner legislation introduced in the Senate by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-issues-statement-on-the-commonwealth-of-barbados-becoming-a-new-republic-on-its-55th-anniversary/", "CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE COMMONWEALTH OF BARBADOS BECOMING A NEW REPUBLIC ON ITS 55TH ANNIVERSARY", "2021-11-30", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nNovember 30, 2021\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.480.5737\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Co-Chair of the Congressional Caribbean Caucus issued the following statement on the Commonwealth of Barbados becoming a new Republic:\n\n\u201cThe Caribbean island of Barbados becoming a new Republic is the hope the entire world can believe in and I am deeply inspired by this new era of change and transformation. We are finally making measurable and significant progress toward building a world respectful of a people\u2019s God-given right of self determination and sovereignty. This moment is a symbolic one that, I hope, will serve as a bellwether for all those determined to build a more just and equitable world for all people.\n\nBarbados, the first British commonwealth country in nearly 30 years to declare itself a republic on its 55th anniversary, is setting the course for a historic transformation. And how fitting that this change is being ushered in with the newly elected president of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason and Prime Minister Mia Mottley. This Caribbean nation has taken a giant step away from its colonial history to pursue a fruitful and prosperous destiny in its own right. These are indeed historic times. I congratulate President Mason and Prime Minister Mottley and wish them all the success in leading their countrymen into a bright and strong independent future, that will undoubtedly build upon the partnership with America and continued leadership in promoting democracy, human rights, and security throughout the Caribbean,\u201d said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.\n\n###\n\nYvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York\u2019s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-meng-torres-issue-joint-statement-urging-secretary-antony-blinken-to-amend-the-diversity-visa-program/", "CLARKE, MENG, TORRES, ISSUE JOINT STATEMENT URGING SECRETARY ANTONY BLINKEN TO AMEND THE DIVERSITY VISA PROGRAM", "2021-11-30", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nNovember 30, 2021\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.480.5737\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) joined by Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15), and 46 of their colleagues, sent a letter to Secretary Antony Blinken urging him to either rescind or amend the Diversity Visa Program and remove the unnecessary restrictions of the Passport Rule:\n\n\u201cThe Diversity Visa Program was originally created, within the State Department, to grant visas to countries with low immigration rates to the United States. The Trump Administration made many unsuccessful attempts to end the program all together, however, they were successful to include more restrictions and hurdles for applicants. By way of the unnecessary requirements of the Passport Rule, applicants from developing countries are too restricted and overburdened to participate in the Diversity Visa Program. This has significantly undermined access to the Diversity Visa Program, as well as tarnished the symbolism and spirit in which the program was enacted; to encourage \u201cnew seed\u201d immigration from regions and nations that did not send many immigrants under our family or employment-based systems. That is why, I am urging Secretary Blinken to rescind or amend the 2019 Interim Final \u201cPassport Rule\u201d that requires applicants to invest in a passport before they are able to apply for the program. Because the chances of winning the lottery are very low and the financial burden is disproportionately high, this rule affects millions of applicants discouraged from applying due to the costs associated with obtaining a passport they may never get to use. We are a nation of immigrants and diversity is not just our strength, it is our superpower. It is a fundamental understanding of our commitment to human rights. And so, we must make it easier to accept newcomers, not harder, \u201d said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.\n\n\u201cThe Diversity Visa Program has been a long-standing initiative in our country, promoting a core value that our nation was founded on; that people from all backgrounds can come to the U.S. in search of a more prosperous life and to achieve their American Dream. But the Trump administration, fueled by its anti-immigrant agenda, implemented the Passport Rule that placed massive financial burdens on immigrants by requiring applicants to obtain a passport before they are able to enter the Diversity Visa lottery.\n\nThis Rule is unconscionable and antithetical to the original intent of the Diversity Visa Program. We are a nation founded by immigrants and a nation made stronger by its diversity. Requiring potential applicants to hold a passport prior to applying for the Diversity Visa lottery only acts as a deterrent to millions of potential new Americans. That is why the Secretary must take action on this rule. We eagerly await his response to our letter,\u201d said Congresswoman Meng.\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration\u2019s xenophobic immigration policies have left a hateful stain on our nation\u2019s legacy. It is incumbent upon the Biden Administration to rescind all of the last Administration\u2019s harmful policies. The repeal of the \u201cPassport Rule\u201d to the Diversity Visa Program is yet another important step in reversing racist policies and restoring our commitment to human rights. As a global leader we must enact policy that reflects our values of inclusivity and diversity, \u201d added Congressman Ritchie Torres.\n\nClick here for full text of the letter.\n\n###\n\nYvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York\u2019s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-statement-on-menorah-vandalism-in-queens", "Meng Statement on Menorah Vandalism in Queens", "2021-11-30", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "QUEENS, NY \u2013 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) today condemned the vandalizing of a public menorah in Hollis Hills, Queens located on Union Turnpike and 220th Street.\n\n\"I condemn this despicable act of vandalism as the Jewish community celebrates Hanukkah. There is no place anywhere in our society for anti-Semitism and hate, particularly here in Queens, where we welcome and embrace the great diversity throughout our borough. We will not tolerate this disgusting and cowardly behavior, and we must continue to call out these crimes. Those responsible must be held accountable.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3503", "Tonko, Blumenthal, Schumer & Luj\u00e1n Announce Bill to Stop Cyber Grinches from Stealing Christmas", "2021-11-29", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C.\u2014On Cyber Monday and with holiday shopping underway, Representative Paul Tonko (D-NY), Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM) today announced the introduction of the Stopping Grinch Bots Act. Their bicameral bill will crack down on cyber Grinches using \u201cbot\u201d technology to quickly buy up whole inventories of popular holiday toys and resell them to parents at higher prices. These third-party sellers use bots to bypass security measures and manipulate online sales systems to buy toys, leading to some toys being almost impossible to buy online or in stores at retail prices, exacerbating shortages caused by stressed supply chains.\n\n\u201cAt a time when families should be able to spend time with their loved ones, digital \u201cGrinch bots\u201d are forcing Americans to scour online sites in the hopes of finding an affordable gift or paying exorbitant prices for a single toy,\u201d said Tonko. \u201cThese bots don\u2019t just squeeze consumers, they pose a problem for small businesses, local retailers and other entrepreneurs trying to ensure they have the best items in stock for their customers. Our Grinch Bots Act works to level the playing field and prevent scalpers from sucking hardworking parents dry this holiday season. I urge my colleagues to join me in passing this legislation immediately to stop these Grinch bots from stealing the holidays.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis bill seeks to stop Cyber Grinch greed from ruining kids\u2019 holidays,\u201d said Blumenthal. \u201cNew tools are needed to block cyber scammers who snap up supplies of popular toys and resell them at astronomic prices. Price gouging hot toys by Grinch bots should have zero tolerance.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe average holiday shopper is unable to compete with the light speed of the all-too-common Grinch bot and are then held at ransom by scalpers and third-party resellers when trying to buy holiday presents. After a particularly trying year, no parent or American should have to fork over hundreds - or even thousands - of dollars to buy Christmas and holiday gifts for their children and loved ones,\u201d said Majority Leader Schumer. \u201cIt is of upmost importance that these Grinch bots are thwarted in their attempts to steal Christmas - and money - from hardworking Americans.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe rush of the holiday season leaves far too many Americans vulnerable to the malicious practices of Grinch bots that manipulate the market and drive up prices,\u201d said Luj\u00e1n. \u201cThis is a sacred time to be spent with family and loved ones. Americans should not be stressed financially by online algorithms that hoard high-demand toys and goods and resell them at huge margins. This critical legislation will protect New Mexico's consumers during the holidays and year round.\u201d\n\nThe legislation is supported by a number of consumer organizations, including Consumer Reports, Consumer Federation of America, and the National Consumer League.\n\n\u201cShoppers shouldn't have to compete with unscrupulous cyber Grinches who use automated bots to snatch up hundreds of products in a matter of seconds and re-sell them at outrageous prices,\u201d said Chuck Bell, Advocacy Program Director at Consumer Reports. \u201cThis bill will help stop this predatory practice and create a more level playing field so everyone has a fair chance of buying popular products at reasonable prices when shopping online.\u201d\n\n\u201cConsumers shouldn\u2019t have to fight armies of bots to buy the products they want from the online retailers they want to do business with,\u201d said Susan Grant, Director of Privacy and Consumer Protection at Consumer Federation of America. \u201cWe support outlawing sneaky tactics that shady operators use to corner the market on popular items and then charge consumers excessive prices for them.\u201d\n\n\u201cFinding the right gift this holiday season is going to be difficult enough as it is,\u201d said John Breyault, Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud for the National Consumers League. \u201cShoppers shouldn\u2019t have to also compete against resellers who use sophisticated software to buy up in-demand toys in an instant. The National Consumers League is proud to support the Stopping Grinch Bots Act, which would ensure that consumers have a fair shot at finding the right gifts for their loved ones.\u201d\n\nBots are software programs that can automatically spot and snap up inventory on sale online. In a matter of seconds, third-party vendors can purchase hundreds of items, squeezing out parents and children. In 2016, Blumenthal, Schumer, and Tonko\u2019s Better Online Ticket Sales Act (BOTS Act) was signed into law to ban \u201cticket bots\u201d that intentionally bypass security measures on online ticketing websites to unfairly outprice individual fans. This new legislation would apply the mechanism of the BOTS Act to e-commerce sites to ban bots bypassing security measures on online retail sites.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3501", "Tonko Cheers Investments for Kids & Families in Build Back Better Act", "2021-11-23", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko is celebrating key investments for Capital Region children and families this holiday season with the House advance of the Build Back Better Act. This transformative legislation cuts costs for families by making child care more affordable and extending the Child Tax Credit, a vital benefit that delivered $30.8 million in total payments to Capital Region families in the month of November alone.\n\n\u201cInvestments in our kids have unparalleled benefits for our communities, our economy and the future of our nation,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cIn the richest country in the world, there is simply no excuse for us to abandon any of America\u2019s children, and with the strong investments House Democrats passed under Biden\u2019s Build Back Better Act, we are ensuring no kid is left behind. I was proud to vote to pass this legislation that will put money back in the pockets of middle- and low-income parents so they can pay for child care, put food on the table, pay for utilities, and spend money at our local businesses. I\u2019ll continue pushing for these critical investments that enable Americans to support and grow our local economy while building better lives for their families.\u201d\n\nThe Build Back Better Act expands on Democrats' work to support families including extending the successful Child Tax Credit. Analysis based on data from the Census Bureau shows that, following the July payments, there were significant declines in the share of households with children reporting financial hardship and food insufficiency.\n\nFamilies continue to use the expanded CTC tax cuts to meet the needs of their household. Among those who responded to the Census Bureau\u2019s survey: 56% spent their CTC tax cuts on food, 33% spent it on internet and other utilities, 30% spent it on mortgage/rent, 30% spent it on clothing and 11% spent it on child care.\n\nInvestments in the Build Back Better Act:\n\nGive more than 35 million families a major tax cut by extending the Biden Child Tax Credit, including supporting an estimated 120,000 Capital Region kids.\n\nSave most families more than half their current spending on child care, ensuring most families will have to pay no more than 7 percent of their income for child care.\n\nEstablish universal preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds with expanded access to pre-K for more than 6 million children\n\nEstablish a universal and permanent paid family and medical leave program, providing four weeks of paid parental, family caregiving, and medical leave.\n\nCut the cost of postsecondary education, with such steps as increasing the maximum Pell Grant.\n\nExtend the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to ensure that low-income children will always have access to quality, affordable health insurance.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-and-malliotakis-call-on-head-of-fema-to-address-low-amounts-of-aid", "Meng and Malliotakis Call on Head of FEMA to Address Low Amounts of Aid Provided to New York Ida Victims", "2021-11-22", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-Queens) and Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) today urged the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to address the low amounts of disaster aid that the agency has provided to New Yorkers who sustained extensive damage from the recent flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida.\n\nIn a letter to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, the Congresswomen said they have been contacted by constituents who have received extremely low payouts for major devastation that the storm caused to their homes. These FEMA payments do not even come close to meeting their repair needs. In just two of the many cases, a local resident received just $5,000 for $30,000 in damages, and another got only $5,500 for $50,000 in damages.\n\n\"The remnants of Hurricane Ida wreaked havoc on our region with my congressional district among the hardest hit by the unprecedented flooding,\" said Congresswoman Meng. \"Many of those I represent continue to struggle with making repairs and replacing their belongings, and the small payouts by FEMA are only making it harder for these individuals to get back on their feet. FEMA must do better. We call on the agency to immediately fix this problem so that constituents can move forward with recovering from the storm and getting their lives back on track.\"\n\n\"The remnants of Hurricane Ida caused serious damage to residents in my community and the current FEMA payouts don't even come close to covering the cost of their repairs,\" said Congresswoman Malliotakis. \"I urge FEMA to immediately address this issue and review appeals more thoroughly to provide residents the aid they deserve.\"\n\nThe letter by Meng and Malliotakis also asks FEMA to reduce barriers that Limited English Proficient communities have faced in seeking disaster relief, specifically requesting that the agency hire an individual with appropriate language skills help with the process.\n\nA copy of the correspondence can be viewed here, and the text is below.\n\n------------------------------------------\n\nThe Honorable Deanne Criswell\n\nAdministrator\n\nFederal Emergency Management Agency\n\n500 C St. SW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20024\n\nDear Administrator Criswell:\n\nThank you for leading the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) efforts in response to the effects of Tropical Depression Ida that struck New York on September 1. FEMA's disaster relief programs\u2014specifically the Individuals and Households Program (IHP)\u2014are essential for New Yorkers in the wake of the natural disaster that claimed dozens of lives and destroyed billions of dollars of property. Yet, we write with concern that FEMA's IHP assistance has been painfully short of meeting our constituents' needs as they rebuild their lives.\n\nAs you know, Tropical Depression Ida caused enormous economic damage, and some estimate the total cost could be as high as $95 billion for all states impacted; given the immense destruction the flooding caused, New York City's share of this number is certain to be high. As our City continues to rebuild, it is crucial that New Yorkers have enough funding to repair their homes and restore their possessions.\n\nYet, this has not been the case as many of our constituents have reached out to us about receiving low payouts from FEMA. One constituent who applied for assistance received approximately $5,500, but their receipts and repair proposals of damages were in the range of at least $50,000. There are other stories like this and it is deeply concerning that families continue to struggle.\n\nLow payouts have forced them to file more paperwork to appeal those decisions and to stretch a few thousand dollars to cover tens of thousands of dollars of damage. For Limited English Proficient communities, they have additional barriers to seeking relief. This is troubling and we seek answers to the following questions:\n\nWithout access to granular data on IHP registration, determination, and appeals, what programmatic policies and values are applied in determining awards? What level of damage provides larger awards or ranges of awards?\n\nFEMA has 90 days to respond to an appeal. What is FEMA's average response rate in this disaster and how does this compare with prior disasters?\n\nFEMA responds to appeals in English and Spanish, but this leaves out other communities who speak languages like Mandarin or Korean. Hence, those individuals must find someone or service to help process their appeals application with FEMA. What can FEMA do to help reduce this barrier and simplify the process? Could FEMA hire someone with the appropriate language skills to help with the registration process?\n\nAs we approach the holiday season, it is imperative that we work together to fix the issue of low payouts. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to working with you to address this situation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-rice-fischbach-mast-luria-zeldin-lead-bipartisan-letter-in-support", "Meng, Rice, Fischbach, Mast, Luria, Zeldin Lead Bipartisan Letter in Support of Israel\u2019s Participation in Visa Waiver Program", "2021-11-22", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (NY-06), Kathleen Rice (NY-04), Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), Brian Mast (FL-18), Elaine Luria (VA-02) and Lee Zeldin (NY-01) today sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas in support of Israel's participation in U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Israel is under consideration to be added to the program after it was discussed in a bilateral meeting between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in August.\n\nIn their letter, the Members urged the expeditious addition of Israel to the VWP and requested an update to Congress on the status of current negotiations. If accepted, Israel would join a group of allies who already benefit from participation in the program, including Australia, South Korea, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, Singapore, Taiwan, France, and Greece.\n\n\"Israel's participation in this program would grow the U.S. economy, strengthen national security at each of our borders, and increase opportunities for people-to-people exchange, which bolsters our already unique bilateral relationship,\" the Members wrote in their letter.\n\nIn addition to Meng, Rice, Fischbach, Mast, Luria and Zeldin, the letter was signed by the following 52 Members of Congress: Auchincloss (MA-04), Bacon (NE-02), Banks (IN-03), Bilirakis (FL-12), Brown (MD-04), Budd (NC-13), Cammack (FL-03), Costa (CA-16), Craig (MN-02), Deutch (FL-22), Diaz-Balart (FL-25), Garbarino (NY-02), Gonzalez (OH-16), Gottheimer (NJ-05), Graves (LA-06), Griffith (VA-09), Jacobs (NY-27), Joyce (OH-14), Keller (PA-12), Kim (CA-39), Kustoff (TN-08), Lamb (PA-17), Mann (KS-01), Manning (NC-06), McKinley (WV-01), Meijer (MI-03), Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-02), Moolenaar (MI-04), Murphy (FL-07), Pallone Jr. (NJ-06), Panetta (CA-20), Phillips (MN-03), Quigley (IL-05), Reschenthaler (PA-14), Salazar (FL-27), Schrader (OR-05), Sherman (CA-30), Smith (NE-03), Smith (NJ-04), Strickland (WA-10), Suozzi (NY-03), Timmons (SC-04), Titus (NV-01), Torres (CA-35), Torres (NY-15), Trone (MD-06), Van Drew (NJ-02), Wagner (MO-02), Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Weber (TX-14), Wenstrup, D.P.M. (OH-02) and Wexton (VA-10).\n\nA copy of the letter can be found here, and the text is below:\n\nDear Secretary Blinken and Secretary Mayorkas:\n\nWe write to you in support of Israel's participation in U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows citizens and nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.\n\nWe are encouraged by Secretary Mayorkas' remarks last month confirming that Israel is in the \"pipeline\" to be added to the program. These remarks follow a bilateral meeting in August between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, where Israel's participation in the VWP was discussed.\n\nAccording to the U.S. Travel Association, visits from Israel to the United States averaged 418,000 people per year for three years preceding the COVID-19 pandemic. Israeli travelers account for $1.2 billion in spending annually, with an average $4,000 in personal spending per trip.\n\nCBP's Visa Waiver Program allows expedited entry upon arrival to the United States for pre-approved, low-risk travelers using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program. The VWP utilizes a risk-based, multi-layered approach to detect and prevent high-risk individuals from traveling to the United States and incorporates national-level risk assessments.Israel's participation in this program would grow the U.S. economy, strengthen national security at each of our borders, and increase opportunities for people-to-people exchange, which bolsters our already unique bilateral relationship.\n\nIsrael would join a group of forty other allies who benefit from participation in the Visa Waiver Program.\n\nWe know you share in the goal of ensuring that the benefits that the Visa Waiver Program promises to U.S. tourism, to our country's national security, and to the U.S.-Israel relationship are realized. We therefore urge you to expediently add Israel to the Visa Waiver Program, and provide an update to Congress on the status of the current negotiations.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-aoc-celebrates-inclusion-civilian-climate-corps-green-new-deal-public", "Rep. AOC Celebrates Inclusion of Civilian Climate Corps, Green New Deal for Public Housing, Limiting of Faircloth Amendment, and High Speed Rail Funding in Build Back Better", "2021-11-22", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez", "O000172", "ocasio-cortez.house.gov", "ocasio-cortez", "https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 On Friday, the House of Representatives passed the President\u2019s Build Back Better Act, which included several pieces of legislation that Representative Ocasio-Cortez has introduced and has tirelessly advocated for\u2014 including the Civilian Climate Corps, the Green New Deal for Public Housing, limiting the Faircloth Amendment, and funding for high speed rail. More details on these projects can be found below.\n\nCivilian Climate Corps\n\nBack in April, Representative Ocasio-Cortez introduced the Civilian Climate Corps with Senator Ed Markey. Over the past several months, Representative Ocasio-Cortez has been fighting to ensure that key provisions from the bill were included in the Build Back Better Act. Build Back Better funds Civilian Climate Corps through a combined investment of $30 billion in both personnel and project funding. The creation of a new Civilian Climate Corps would create 300,000 green jobs aimed at conserving our public lands, bolstering community resilience, and addressing the changing climate, all while putting good-paying union jobs within reach for more Americans.\n\nGreen New Deal for Public Housing\n\nRepresentative Ocasio-Cortez also introduced the Green New Deal for Public Housing in April with Senator Sanders, in partnership with public housing residents, affordable housing advocates, and climate change activists. Build Back Better includes $65 billion for public housing which can be used to clear NYCHA\u2019s maintenance backlog. The funds made available may also be used for green retrofits and resilience building, a hallmark of the Green New Deal for Public Housing. Learn more about the bill here.\n\nLimiting the Faircloth Amendment\n\nThe Faircloth Amendment was passed in 1998 and prevents the building of public housing in the United States. In 2020, Representative Ocasio-Cortez led a successful vote to repeal the Faircloth Amendment in the House, which is critical to the expansion of affordable housing. Due to the leadership of Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez and Chairwoman Waters, new housing funding available through BBB will not be subject to the Faircloth Amendment. The full bill text can be found here.\n\nAdditional Funding for High Speed Rail\n\nRepresentative Ocasio-Cortez secured $10 billion for high-speed rail corridor assistance to support planning and development of a public high-speed rail project. This comes after Representative Ocasio-Cortez called for additional funding for high speed rail back in June along with Senators Ed Markey and Kirsten Gillibrand, and Representatives Jim Costa and Seth Moulton. This federal commitment to these modern and proven transportation systems will dramatically improve our environment, reduce inequity, and help grow cities and sustain vibrant downtowns across the nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-aoc-leads-100-members-urging-senate-reinstate-pathway-citizenship-build", "Rep. AOC Leads 100 Members in Urging the Senate to Reinstate a Pathway to Citizenship in Build Back Better", "2021-11-22", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez", "O000172", "ocasio-cortez.house.gov", "ocasio-cortez", "https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2014 Today, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) led a letter along with Representatives Lou Correa (CA-46), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (IL-04), Grace Meng (NY-06), and 86 additional members urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate President Pro Tempore Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin (D-IL) to reinstate a pathway to citizenship in the Build Back Better Act. The full letter including a full list of Members is available here.\n\n\"The House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act \u2014 a historic piece of legislation. While the House bill secured protections and work authorization for undocumented individuals, the bill does not include a permanent pathway to citizenship. Our community has made clear that this is not acceptable. Throughout these past few months, Bronx and Queens families, as well as our grassroots immigrant advocates, have been united and unfaltering in their message: Democrats promised a pathway to citizenship, and we must deliver one,\u201d said Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. \u201cAs this bill heads to the Senate, we must fight to ensure that we do not squander this once-in-a-generation opportunity. The Senate must establish a pathway to citizenship and finally provide Dreamers, TPS holders, farm workers, and essential workers with the stability and equal recognition they deserve.\"\n\n\u201cI am proud to lead with my colleagues in calling on Senate leadership to include a pathway to citizenship in the Build Back Better Act. While the immigration provisions in the bill the House passed go a long way to reducing the most severe harms that millions of undocumented immigrants face, we are not abandoning this fight. More than that, we are vigorously making the argument to our colleagues that we can\u2019t truly \u2018Build Back Better\u2019 if the people who will do so much of the building are left out of the blueprint,\u201d said Congressman Lou Correa. \u201cUndocumented immigrants have been the backbone of our country\u2014from growing our crops, processing our food, taking care of our children, and looking after our elderly. Yet, they have seen their dreams of becoming citizens shattered again. Through our continued advocacy efforts, we are saying the time is now. The Senate must include a pathway to citizenship in the Build Back Better Act. Eight years ago, 68 Senators\u2014including 14 Senate Republicans\u2014voted for a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants in this country. We don\u2019t have another eight years, five years, two years, or even two months to wait. We are urging our colleagues to understand the positive impact a pathway to citizenship will have on the American economy, working families, and future generations of Americans. While the Build Back Better Act is a monumental achievement, as Cesar Chavez said, \u2018We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about the progress and prosperity for our community.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Build Back Better Act makes historic investments in communities around the nation, providing immediate relief and support for individuals and working families,\u201d said Congressman Adriano Espaillat. \u201cWe fought hard during negotiations to ensure that immigrant communities were not left behind and that undocumented individuals who have contributed significantly to helping our nation recover would be included. Following last night\u2019s House passage, we now urge our colleagues in the Senate to further this work by reinstating a pathway to citizenship for the millions of Dreamers, TPS holders, farm workers, and essential workers who are counting on us to do the right thing. We understand that much work remains in our efforts to fix our broken immigration system, and if our nation is to fully recover from the challenges and disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the time to provide comprehensive reform and ensure our immigrant communities are unequivocally included in our relief efforts.\u201d\n\n\u201cThough this bill delivers urgently needed relief to undocumented immigrants, it falls short of the pathway to citizenship that I\u2019ve been fighting for and that immigrants deserve. It means families separated for decades can finally be reunited, workers can speak out against abuses without fear of retaliation, and immigrants can wake up every morning with some peace of mind,\u201d said Congressman Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda. \u201cStill, immigrants who keep our country running deserve to call America home. Senate Democrats must find the courage to deliver permanent solutions and include a pathway to citizenship in the Build Back Better Act.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-issues-statement-on-the-passage-of-the-build-back-better-act/", "CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE PASSAGE OF THE BUILD BACK BETTER ACT", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement on the passage of H.R. 5376; the Build Back Better Act:\n\n\u201cHistory was just made and I am tremendously proud and grateful for the leadership that brought us to this moment in America. We passed the Build Back Better Act to deliver unprecedented investments that will help all Americans find solid ground again. Folks are getting the support to rebuild their lives and communities after the devastating impact of the on-going pandemic, and a more equitable economy that has favored the wealthy since the Reagan era. The Build Back Better Act will lower costs for families such as prescription drugs, health care premiums, child care, and home care for seniors. Collectively, these unprecedented investments represent a significant step in advancing President Biden\u2019s economic plan to create jobs, reduce costs, tackle the climate crisis, make our nation more competitive, and rebuild the middle class. All Americans will benefit, it is now time for the Senate to do it\u2019s part,\u201d said Congresswoman Clarke.\n\nThe Build Back Better Act will usher in generational change. They include:\n\n$150 billion federal investment in housing, the largest in our history, for one million new and improved affordable housing units as well as housing vouchers;\n\nUniversal preschool for 3 and 4 year-olds in the largest expansion of public education since the K-12 system was originally created;\n\nHigh-quality child care, where no family pays more than 7 percent of their income;\n\nA half-trillion dollar investment in taking on climate change, with meaningful reductions in carbon emissions and Justice 40 measures that get us on the path to a clean energy future;\n\nA Civilian Climate Corps to create green jobs in communities most impacted by climate change;\n\nImproved health care through Medicare expansion of hearing aids, as well as subsidies for low-income families in states that have not expanded Medicaid;\n\nProvisions to cap insulin costs, allow Medicare to negotiate down the prices of some of the most expensive drugs, limit out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors, and penalties for pharma companies that increase prices faster than inflation;\n\nFunding for home-based care for seniors and people with disabilities, and to raise the wages of in-home care workers;\n\nFour weeks paid family and medical leave, the first national investment in paid leave in American history;\n\nProvisions to provide Dreamers, TPS holders, essential workers, and farmworkers protection from deportation, work permits, access to benefits, and freedom to travel.\n\n\u201cThese are sincere and historic investments in our future. And it\u2019s about time. In the coming days I will host information sessions on the specifics of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Build Back Better Act for my Brooklyn community,\u201d Clarke said.\n\n###\n\nYvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York\u2019s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-issues-statement-on-passage-of-build-back-better-act", "Meng Issues Statement on Passage of Build Back Better Act", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) tonight issued the following statement after voting to pass the Build Back Better Act.\n\n\"The Build Back Better agenda is a once in a generation opportunity for the revitalization we need to deliver real change to working families and boost our economy.\n\nIt is critical to invest in the vital areas addressed in the Build Back Better Act: child care and home care, paid leave, universal pre-K, health care and lower prescription drug pricing, housing, internet access, immigration reform, combating the climate crisis and more. I am particularly pleased with the inclusion of the $300 million that I and Senators Markey and Van Hollen fought to secure for connecting more students to the internet. All of these crucial investments will move our country forward and strengthen our nation's economy.\n\nMy congressional district was the heart of the epicenter when COVID-19 struck our nation, and two-and-a-half months ago, Queens was hit hard by flooding from Hurricane Ida. Over the past year-and-a-half, many of my constituents have had their lives turned upside down, and many families continue to struggle.\n\nAs we seek to move past these extremely difficult and challenging times, going backwards is not an option. We have to rebuild better, stronger, more equitably, and with greater resiliency than ever before. The Build Back Better Act would help many in our country and in my district, from kids and families to seniors. However, there are many immigrants who are still left without protections and more work that needs to be done to ensure local hospitals and healthcare providers have the means to deliver the best possible care to underserved and vulnerable communities. While I was proud to vote for this legislation, the fight to build back better cannot end here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morelle-takes-action-provide-critical-relief-support-monroe-county", "CONGRESSMAN MORELLE TAKES ACTION TO PROVIDE CRITICAL RELIEF, SUPPORT FOR MONROE COUNTY FAMILIES", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joseph D. Morelle", "M001206", "morelle.house.gov", "morelle", "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Image\n\nNovember 19, 2021\n\nVotes to enact comprehensive legislation that delivers the largest middle-class tax cut in history, reduces costs for families, increases access to childcare, and lowers the cost of prescription drugs\n\n(Washington, DC) - Today, Congressman Joe Morelle voted to pass comprehensive legislation to meet the urgent needs of Monroe County families. The Build Back Better Act takes action to lower the costs that burden families in our community and makes investments to set them up for a successful future.\n\n\"The pandemic has left too many families struggling and that is why we made a promise to provide them with support and relief they need. Today, we are making good on that promise,\" said Congressman Morelle. \"These are real, impactful solutions that will strengthen our economy and create good paying jobs, reduce healthcare costs, and support Monroe County families at a time when they need it most. I'm proud of the long overdue investments this legislation makes in the future of our community, and I'm committed to continuing to deliver results like this for the people of Rochester.\"\n\nThe $1.75 trillion legislation marks a momentous investment in working families and enacts the largest middle-class tax cut in history. Highlights of the legislation include:\n\nChildcare: Saves most American families more than half of their spending on childcare.\n\nEnsures that middle-class families pay no more than 7 percent of their income on childcare.\n\nHelps states expand access to high-quality, affordable childcare for almost 20 million children per year \u2013 covering 9 out of 10 families with young children.\n\nWill enable New York to provide access to childcare for about 1,000,000 young children (ages 0-5) per year from families earning under 2.5 times the New York median income (about $250,942 for a family of 4).\n\nPrescription Drugs: Lowers the cost of prescription medication, like Insulin, that many Americans need to survive.\n\nEnsures Americans with diabetes don't pay more than $35 per month for their insulin.\n\nCreates a new, out-of-pocket cap of $2,000 on what seniors pay for their drugs in Medicare Part D.\n\nAllows the Department of Health and Human Services to set up a drug negotiation program to lower prices.\n\nChild Tax Credit: Continues progress toward reducing child poverty by giving more than 35 million families a major tax cut by extending the expanded Child Tax Credit. In Monroe County, 124,000 children benefit from the expanded Child Tax credit:\n\nProvides monthly payments to the parents of almost 90 percent of children for 2022.\n\nUp to $300 per month per child under six and $250 per month per child ages 6 to 17.\n\nIncludes permanent refundability for the Child Tax Credit.\n\nUniversal PreK: Enables states to expand access to free preschool and gives parents options for high-quality preschool in the setting of their choice \u2013 from public schools to childcare providers to Head Start.\n\nCovers more than 6 million children per year, including nearly 300,000 additional 3-and-4-year-olds in New York State\n\nDelivers two years of free preschool for every 3- and 4-year-old.\n\nIncreases the quality of preschool for children already enrolled.\n\nTax Cuts: Extends the American Rescue Plan's tripling of the credit for childless workers, benefiting 17 million essential, low-income earners, like cashiers, food preparation workers, and childcare providers. This tax cut of up to $1,500 will benefit nearly 1 million low-wage workers in New York State.\n\nJobs: Helps get Monroe County back to work with workforce development and small business assistance.\n\n$3.36 billion to create regional innovation clusters, as envisioned in Congressman Morelle's original legislation H.R.476 \u2014 the Innovation Centers Acceleration Act.\n\n$1 billion over a 10-year period to establish a national network of uplift incubators to spur economic development in underrepresented communities.\n\n$35 million for the creation grants to assist veteran small business contractors.\n\n$70 million over 8 years to invest in initiatives through Women Business Centers, Small Business Development Centers, and other entities for formally incarcerated individuals.\n\nDrives our local workforce development by enabling community colleges to provide training for hundreds of thousands of workers using proven approaches like Registered Apprenticeships and programs to support underserved communities.\n\nHealthcare: Reduces premiums for more than 9 million Americans who buy insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace by an average of $600 per person per year.\n\nMore than 3 million people who would otherwise be uninsured will gain health insurance, including 163,000 New Yorkers.\n\nDelivers health care coverage through ACA premium tax credits for up to 4 million uninsured people.\n\nExpands Medicare to cover hearing coverage giving older Americans access to affordable care they need.\n\nChild Nutrition: Works towards eliminating child hunger by expanding free school meals.\n\nExpands free school meals to 8.7 million children during the school year, including an additional 220,000 students in New York.\n\nExpands resources to purchase food over the summer for over 2 million students in New York.\n\nProvides a $65 per child per month benefit to the families of 29 million children to purchase food during the summer months.\n\nHousing Assistance: Reduces families' housing costs and expands housing options, with a major housing initiative.\n\n$10 billion for the HOME program to preserve, create or retrofit affordable homes for low-income families.\n\n$15 billion to support creation and preservation of affordable rental homes for the lowest income households.\n\n$1 billion to support to develop affordable housing for seniors and people with disabilities.\n\n$2 billion in investments in rural rental housing.\n\n$2 billion to establish a grant program for property owners of federally assisted housing make energy efficiency upgrade and improve property resiliency.\n\nCommunity Violence Intervention: Dedicates funding to support evidence-informed intervention strategies to reduce community violence.\n\n$2.5 billion in funding for the CDC to support public health interventions to reduce community violence and trauma.\n\n$2.5 billion in the Judiciary Committee title for community violence reduction efforts.\n\nVeterans: Rebuilds the physical infrastructure of the VA system by investing in VA's workforce and providing much-needed updates to the support structures that serve our local veterans.\n\nInvests $2.3 billion to update VA clinics and medical facilities.\n\nAllocates $1.8 billion for major medical facility leases improving veterans access to care.\n\nIncreases the number of health professions residency positions at VA medical facilities by up to 500 positions over 7 years.\n\nSecures $150 million to address the backlog of unscanned veteran records.\n\nClimate: This $555 billion investment represents the largest single investment in our clean energy economy in history.\n\nStarts cutting climate pollution now to reduce greenhouse gas pollution by well over one gigaton in 2030.\n\nSaves local families hundreds of dollars per year in energy costs with the enhancement and expansion of existing home energy and efficiency tax credits, as well as the creation of a new, electrification-focused rebate program.\n\nTargets incentives to grow domestic supply chains in solar, wind, and other critical industries in communities on the frontlines of the energy transition.p\n\nPay-Fors:\n\nThe plan is fully paid for with a 15% minimum tax on the income that large corporations\u2014with over $1 billion in profits\u2014report to shareholders.\n\nIt also includes a new surtax on the income of multi-millionaires and billionaires\u2013-the top 0.02%.\n\nNo one making under $400,000 will pay a penny more in taxes.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/suozzi-delivers-major-step-towards-victory-salt-relief", "SUOZZI DELIVERS MAJOR STEP TOWARDS VICTORY ON SALT RELIEF!", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Thomas R. Suozzi", "S001201", "suozzi.house.gov", "suozzi", "https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, as a result of his relentless efforts to right the wrong when Republicans imposed a $10,000 cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D \u2013 Long Island, Queens) announced that the United States House of Representatives has successfully passed much-needed relief to middle-class families in New York. In the House, Suozzi was one of the lead negotiators who struck the deal to increase the SALT cap to $80,000. New York State was one of the hardest hit from the $10,000 SALT cap. Now, it must pass the Senate.\n\n\u201cThis agreement to substantially raise the cap from $10,000 to $80,000 will help millions of New Yorkers keep billions of dollars in their own pockets\u201d said Suozzi. \"If passed in the Senate, New York's families will see this immediate relief when they file their 2021 income tax in April. This is a major step forward in our relentless pursuit to protect New York taxpayers.\"\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the nation's mayors, I want to commend Congressman Suozzi for his hard work on this issue. He never stopped fighting to restore the state and local taxes for middle-income families in all states. Without his outstanding leadership, this relief would never have been possible,\u201d said Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of the United States Conference of Mayors.\n\n\u201cThe International Association of Firefighters applauds Rep. Tom Suozzi for his dedication to strengthening local funding for fire departments by restoring the state and local income tax deduction...Through the Build Back Better Act and Rep. Suozzi\u2019s leadership, the restoration of the SALT cap will allow local governments to have the funds needed to attain these critical public safety improvements,\u201d said General President Edward Kelly, International Association of Fire Fighters\n\n\u201c\u2026I applaud leaders like Rep. Tom Suozzi who are fighting to right this wrong as part of the Build Back Better Act and make sure that our tax code once again works for middle-class families and communities committed to funding good schools and services,\u201d said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers.\n\n\u201cTrump\u2019s SALT cap was a deliberate attack on Democratic states like New York and its working families, impeding our State\u2019s ability to fund progressive priorities in education, infrastructure, and housing. Raising the cap to $80,000 is a move in the right direction and I am glad to have partnered with my friend Congressman Suozzi in this effort \u2013 the benefits of this policy change will provide immediate relief for New Yorkers and allow our State to better plan for our shared future,\u201d said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks.\n\n\u201c\u2026This is a win for homeowners, our communities, and for the first responders who work every day to keep those communities safe. We thank Representative Suozzi for his leadership and commitment to addressing the SALT cap,\u201d said Bill Johnson, Executive Director, National Association of Police Organization.\n\n\u201cThe state and local tax deduction, as one of six original deductions in the 1913 federal tax law, was imposed to prevent federal intrusion and dominance over state and local tax decisions and resources,\u201d said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. \u201cWe thank Congressman Tom Suozzi\u2026for...efforts to restore the SALT deduction\u2026\u201d\n\nNew York State Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen Acquario said, \u201cCounties applaud Congressman Suozzi for his leadership in restoring the deductibility of state and local taxes, known as SALT. New Yorkers pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation\u2026We call on Congress and the President to support this measure to restore fairness to the tax code.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe more than 1.5 million members of the National Association of REALTORS\u00ae thank Representative Suozzi for his tireless work on legislative solutions to address the imbalances and loss of incentives caused by limiting the deduction for state and local taxes (SALT). From launching the bipartisan SALT Caucus to repeatedly pushing to repeal or alleviate the cap, Representative Suozzi has championed this crucial issue,\u201d said National Association of Realtors President, Charlie Oppler. \u201c\u2026Thanks to Representative Suozzi's leadership, more homebuyers will be able to achieve their American Dream.\u201d\n\nBelow are the details of the SALT relief that Suozzi negotiated into the Build Back Better bill:\n\nWould raise the deduction cap to $80,000 for a nine-year period through 2030. It would then return to the current $10,000 level in 2031, and then phase out entirely.\n\nBelow is a breakdown of how many filers in different regions across New York claimed the SALT deduction before the $10,000 cap was placed. The $80,000 SALT cap will provide relief to these hardworking taxpayers:\n\nQueens County: 361,840\n\nNew York City: 1,388,120\n\nNassau County: 366,910\n\nSuffolk County: 369,060\n\nNew York State: 3,418,170\n\nSuozzi\u2019s efforts since the unfair cap on the SALT deduction was imposed is found below:\n\n2017: Reps. Suozzi, King, and Zeldin Stand in a Bipartisan Call on Long Island for the 2017 tax bill to NOT include a cap on the SALT deduction\n\n2019: Suozzi Appointed to the House Ways and Means Committee, the chief tax writing committee, where he continues his staunch advocacy for the repeal of the SALT cap\n\n2019: House Passes Suozzi\u2019s Bipartisan legislation to repeal the SALT cap (then Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refuses to act on this legislation which would provide relief to middle class families in high cost of living states)\n\n2020: Rep. Suozzi and then Minority Leader Chuck Schumer Stand Together with Long Island Families unfairly targeted by the SALT cap calling for full repeal (during the event, Schumer said: \u201cWhen we get in the majority we\u2019ll do it permanently,\u201d referencing repeal on the SALT cap)\n\n2021: Rep Suozzi and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer introduce dual legislation to repeal SALT cap (legislation has over 100 bipartisan cosponsors across both chambers and is supported by major unions and middle-class advocacy groups)\n\n2021: Suozzi Leads 10 Ways and Means Members of Congress in a letter to the White House requesting a meeting on SALT to urge that the next major legislative package includes SALT deduction relief\n\n2021: After continuing to hear from middle-class constituents hurting from the SALT cap, Suozzi leads three other members in \u2018No SALT, No Deal\u2019 pledge and will oppose any changes to the tax code without restoration of the SALT deduction\n\n2021: Suozzi and Rep. Nadler lead nearly the entire NY Delegation in which they say they stand ready to oppose any tax legislation that does not fully restore the SALT deduction\n\n2021: Suozzi\u2019s efforts to repeal SALT Cap goes noticed by New York media as Suozzi fights for middle class families\n\n2021: Suozzi forms the Bipartisan SALT Caucus to advocate for restoration of the SALT Cap; Caucus gains over 30 members in 24 hours\n\n2021: Suozzi organizes press event with Police, Teacher, and Firefighter Unions to highlight how the SALT cap unfairly targeted union families\n\n2021: Suozzi organizes press event with national groups of mayors, county executives, and cities to highlight how the SALT cap has undermined the ability of local governments to effectively govern\n\nBloomberg: Mr. SALT' and N.J. Ally Fight Ocasio-Cortez to Revive Tax Break\n\nGroups Suozzi organized with as part of his successful effort to repeal the SALT cap include:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3499", "Tonko Votes to Deliver Build Back Better Agenda", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko today celebrated the House passage of the Build Back Better Act, transformational legislation that dovetails the recently enacted bipartisan infrastructure framework by lowering costs for American families, tackling the climate crisis, supporting children and expanding health care all while ensuring any American making less than $400,000 doesn\u2019t pay a penny more.\n\n\u201cFor far too long, families in our Capital Region and across the nation have been held back by soaring costs, from housing and education to child and health care, all while the worsening climate crisis continues to threaten communities and destroy lives and livelihoods,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cInaction can no longer be the answer. Today, I joined Democrats in the House to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to build back better. Our legislation will create millions of good-paying jobs, bring historic middle-class tax cuts, lower family and health care costs and forge a path to a cleaner, stronger future. I\u2019m proud to help deliver these long-awaited investments that will unleash the full potential of every worker and family while ensuring the wealthiest corporations pay their fair share.\u201d\n\nThe Build Back Better Act:\n\nLowers families\u2019 health care costs by strengthening the Affordable Care Act, closing the coverage gap, and improving the benefits of Medicare, including allowing Medicare to negotiate proves for high-cost prescription medication, directly lowering drug costs for seniors\n\nIncludes Tonko\u2019s Medicaid Reentry Act to expand access to addiction treatment and other health services for incarcerated individuals transitioning back into the community\n\nSaves most families more than half their spending on child care\n\nDelivers free pre-K for every 3- and 4-year-old in America\n\nGives more than 35 million families a major tax cut by extending the expanded Child Tax Credit\n\nExpands access to high-quality home care for older adults and those with disabilities\n\nDelivers more than $550 billion to support clean energy development and fight climate change, including clean energy tax credits that support the growth of good family-supporting jobs, domestic manufacturing and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure\n\nExpands offshore wind development in federal waters in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, Southeast Atlantic and the U.S. territories.\n\nProvides $150 billion in affordable housing investments to expand rental assistance for hundreds of thousands of households and preserve public housing for millions of residents\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3500", "Tonko Cheers House Advance of Historic Climate & Clean Energy Investments", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko, Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee, cheered the passage of a number of clean energy provisions he pushed to include in the Build Back Better Act, which advanced out of the House today. Key investments championed by Tonko include advancing offshore wind development, delivering clean energy tax incentives, supporting EV infrastructure and more.\n\n\u201cWith each passing day, the climate crisis grows more dire, and the window to avoid its most devastating impacts grows smaller,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cToday the House took strong action to protect our communities from the worst of this climate crisis and chart a course for a more sustainable, competitive, prosperous and just America. The passage of our Build Back Better agenda will create jobs through development of our clean energy industries, protect our kids from dangerous contaminants in our air and water, build out our national EV infrastructure network and so much more. The work to address climate change and protect our environmental and public health is far from over. But I stand ready to work alongside the president to build on the vital action taken today and deliver the whole-of-government response that our planet and the American people need.\u201d\n\nThe Build Back Better Act:\n\nExtends and expands numerous tax incentives for clean energy technologies, including wind, solar, electric vehicles, energy efficiency technologies, and more\n\nIncludes legislation, authored by Tonko, to allow the Department of the Interior to hold offshore wind energy lease sales in federal waters in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico.\n\nInvests $29 billion in nonprofit, state, and local climate finance institutions that support the rapid deployment of low- and zero-emission technologies, including EV charging infrastructure\n\nSupports development of innovative technologies and American manufacturing of zero-emission transportation technologies with more than $15 billion invested in Department of Energy (DOE) loan and grant programs\n\nImproves residential energy use with $12.5 billion in home energy efficiency and appliance electrification rebates\n\nIncludes an additional $10 billion to replace drinking water lead service lines and other lead remediation projects\n\nReduces transportation-related air pollution by investing $3.5 billion at ports and $5 billion for heavy-duty vehicles\n\nSupports environmental justice with $3 billion for community-led projects\n\nEstablishes a Methane Emissions Reduction Program to control excess methane pollution\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/vel-zquez-and-menendez-introduce-bicameral-bill-stop-predatory-small", "Vel\u00e1zquez and Menendez Introduce Bicameral Bill to Stop Predatory Small Business Loans", "2021-11-18", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez", "V000081", "velazquez.house.gov", "velazquez", "https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013Today, Rep. Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez, the Chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, and Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) introduced the bicameral Small Business Lending Disclosure Act. This bill aims to protect small business borrowers from predatory lenders and loans carrying unfair terms and conditions and would ensure safeguards already required in consumer lending, through the Truth in Lending Act. The bill would bolster the role of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in policing small business lending and bring enhanced transparency to small commercial loans.\n\n\"Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic immoral lenders sought to prey on small businesses with unfair and unsustainable loans, said Vel\u00e1zquez. \"Once we were in the midst of the worst public health crisis in over a century these predatory lenders would take aim at business and entrepreneurs trying to stay afloat. This legislation is a critical step in extending many of the protections in consumer lending law to small firms, bringing needed transparency to small business credit markets and ensuring entrepreneurs understand their obligations and rights when they sign up for a loan.\"\n\n\"It's time to strengthen consumer protections for our small businesses, especially after what many of them had to endure to keep their doors open and employees paid during the pandemic,\" said Sen. Menendez. \"The lack of disclosure requirements leaves small business borrowers at risk of making decisions without access to the best information, and at the mercy of predatory lenders who go out of their way to take advantage of those in need of critical funds. I'm proud to join Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez in leading this effort to extends safeguards already required in consumer lending to the small business credit market.\"\n\n\"Small businesses are the lifeblood of communities in Ohio and across the country. Right now, many of these businesses are desperate for loans to keep their doors open and their workers on payroll, leaving them vulnerable to predatory lenders who want to trap them in an endless cycle of debt,\" said Sen. Brown, Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. \"I'm proud to support the Small Business Lending Disclosure Act, which would help protect small business owners by extending consumer protections to Main Street.\"\n\n\"Too many small and minority-owned businesses have been preyed upon by predatory lenders that use unclear pricing and confusing terms to rip borrowers off,\" said Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA), Chairwoman of the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services. \"And we know too well, Black and Latinx businesses were the hardest hit by the pandemic and faced challenges accessing support programs like the Paycheck Protection Program. So, as small businesses recover from the pandemic, they deserve to have the same basic protections consumers have had for decades under the Truth in Lending Act to ensure they have a clear understanding of the loans they receive, and that it will help their business grow.\"\n\n\"Entrepreneurs' livelihoods are often intertwined with their small businesses. The Truth in Lending Act has been protecting borrowers and ensuring transparency in lending for consumers for more than 50 years, and it's time for the same level of transparency and fairness to be afforded to small businesses. This legislation will better protect small business borrowers and ensure a level playing field as small businesses work to recover from the pandemic and grow their business,\" saidRep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO).\n\nSmall businesses make-up almost half of private sector jobs in the United States and play a key role in local communities. In recent years, online lending for entrepreneurs and small businesses has grown, while many of these financial products are fair and help meet entrepreneurs' capital needs, some carry enormous interest rates that can exceed 80% or even rise above triple digits without the rates being fully disclosed to borrowers.\n\nUnder Vel\u00e1zquez's bill, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) would be granted the same oversight authority with respect to small business financing as the agency has with respect to consumer financial products and services. Moreover, small business lenders would need to make additional information readily available to borrowers including: the annual percentage rate; financing charges for loans; loan terms; payment amounts and collateral requirements.\n\nThis bill is co-sponsored in the House of Representatives by Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) and Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA).\n\nThis bill is co-sponsored in the Senate by Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD)\n\nThe Small Business Lending Disclosure Act earned praise and support from a wide range of small business, financing, microenterprise and other advocacy groups.\n\n\"Small businesses count on us to help them make financial decisions. As we face the reality of the racial wealth gap in this country, this bill helps countless Black-owned small businesses gain greater financial assurance that they're obtaining accurate lending terms and fair rates. This gives them the opportunity to see for themselves and make informed decisions without the worry of predatory lending fees,\" said Lenwood V. Long, Sr., President & CEO of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs.\n\n\"Entrepreneurs of color bore the brunt of COVID-19's economic fallout, with more than 19% of Black-, 10% of Latinx-, and 10% of Asian-owned businesses closing permanently, and they will continue to face an uphill battle in the months ahead. This is a critical time for small businesses to start rebuilding, and accessing capital will be crucial in this effort. The Small Business Lending Disclosure Act of 2021 is much-needed to provide transparency, giving small business owners, especially entrepreneurs of color, a fair opportunity to make informed financial decisions for their businesses,\" said Luz Urrutia, CEO of Accion Opportunity Fund.\n\n\"Small businesses deserve common sense transparency in evaluating financing options so they can make well-informed financial decisions and play a key role in rebuilding our economy--and this bill delivers that. In the face of our current economic crisis, entrepreneurs desperate to keep their doors open are vulnerable to predatory lenders at the worst possible time. We all have a stake in the financial health of our small business community and should rally around national legislation to protect their basic rights to responsible and transparent financing,\" said Jacob Haar, Managing Partner of Community Investment Management.\n\n\"We believe a free and fair market operates most efficiently when there is transparency in pricing, terms and conditions. When a small business has all of the necessary information up front including the annual percentage rate (APR), they can comparison shop and make informed decisions that are best for their business. Funding Circle supports one national uniform small business financing disclosure law because it is in the best interests of small businesses and they need our support now more than ever,\" said Ryan Metcalf, Head of U.S. Public Policy at Funding Circle U.S.\n\n\"Commonsense transparency standards promote innovation by enabling small businesses to comparison shop. This groundbreaking bill will create healthy competition, lowering prices for small businesses and encouraging responsible lending,\" said Louis Caditz-Peck, Director of Public Policy at LendingClub.\n\n\"At a time when many small business owners need capital to stabilize their businesses, this legislation is critical to helping small businesses access affordable, responsible financing and avoid high-cost predatory loan products. Requiring lenders to disclose key information including the annual percentage rate (APR) ensures entrepreneurs have the knowledge they need to make financial decisions that grow and strengthen their business,\" said Lisa Mensah, Opportunity Finance Network President and CEO.\n\n\"Unregulated, predatory lenders come with the promise of fast cash for small businesses; however, these lenders often use bait and switch tactics that can send a business into financial ruin. For years predatory lenders have been able to skirt transparency and trick small business owners into repaying a loan at exorbitant rates\u2014sometimes as high as 350% APR. As small businesses face a long road to recovery from COVID-19, we cannot allow them to be taken advantage of any longer. Having access to clear and accurate lending terms will be critical to aiding small business recovery in the months and years ahead. We commend Senator Menendez and Congresswoman Vel\u00e1zquez for leading this charge in Congress and urge all Members to join them in providing America's entrepreneurs with the financial transparency they rightly deserve,\" said John Arensmeyer, Founder and CEO of Small Business Majority.\n\n\"Accompany Capital frequently encounters entrepreneurs who have become trapped in cycles of payday-like, expensive debt that can quickly drain all of the business' resources. Too many of New York's small businesses are at risk for taking out predatory financing unknowingly, because finance companies are not required to clearly disclose the price and terms to borrowers. Small businesses need the annual percentage rate (APR) and other key terms in order to compare different financing options available to them and make informed decisions. We applaud Congresswoman Vel\u00e1zquez and Senator Menendez's leadership to give our small businesses the transparency they deserve\" said Yanki Tshering, Executive Director of Accompany Capital.\n\n\"We are excited that Congresswoman Vel\u00e1zquez and Senator Menendez are working to close a loophole for small business lending. Many business owners act like consumers when it comes to lending and look at their financing options like they would a car loan or a mortgage. This bill is of special importance to entrepreneurs of color as they are more likely to find financing online, where most of the predatory lenders operate and tend to hide the true costs of their products,\" said Carolina Martinez, CEO of CAMEO (California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity).\n\n\"Fair and honest lenders have nothing to fear regarding transparency and the adoption of standard terms to describe the cost of business loans. Our legislature passed the NYS Small Business Truth in Lending Act with overwhelming bipartisan support last year. We thank Rep. Vel\u00e1zquez and Senator Menendez for their commitment to deliver similar protections at the federal level through universal disclosure standards,\" said Linda MacFarlane, Chair of the New York State CDFI Coalition.\n\n\"While immigrant and Latino entrepreneurs are drivers of US innovation their economic contributions can be stifled by predatory financial practices and a lack in access to capital. NALCAB applauds the introduction of the Small Business Lending Disclosure Act, legislation that will help guard against unsafe lending products and ensure these entrepreneurs have the responsible capital needed to help them spur economic growth and great jobs,\" said Marla Bilonick, President and CEO of NALCAB, the National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders.\n\n\"For far too long unregulated, predatory lenders come with the promise of fast cash for small minority businesses. However, these lenders often use deceiving tactics that can send a business into financial strain or even shutdown. For years, predatory lenders have been able to manipulate transparency and mislead small minority business owners into repaying a loan at exorbitant rates, sometimes as high as 350% APR. Now, as our nation builds back after the unprecedented global pandemic which caused the worst financial crises in American history, we cannot allow small minority businesses to be taken advantage of. Having access to clear and accurate lending terms will be critical to assisting the more than 32 million small businesses and five million Hispanic-owned businesses in America with their recovery. The USHCC supports the efforts of Senator Menendez and Chairwoman Vel\u00e1zquez for introducing the Small Business Lending Disclosure Act of 2021 and leading this charge in Congress to help America's entrepreneurs and small minority businesses with the financial transparency they rightly deserve,\" said C. LeRoy Cavazos-Reyna, Vice-President of Government and International Affairs, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC).\n\n\"Black entrepreneurs in New York often struggle to secure the financing resources needed to start or grow businesses. Our community members encounter predatory lenders charging rates and fees that are not presented in a straightforward way. This lack of transparency can trap small businesses in high-cost debt that harms their bottom line or risks taking down their business completely. Hard-working entrepreneurs deserve to receive the necessary information to be able to avoid costly products and make the best financing decisions for their businesses. Congresswoman Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez and Senator Bob Menendez's legislation will bring much-needed sunshine by requiring clear disclosures in small business lending. If knowledge is indeed power, this bill will empower business owners with better information to assist them in making better-informed decisions,\" said Anthony Gaddy, Co-Founder/President and CEO of the UpState New York Black Chamber of Commerce (USNYBCC).\n\n\"For far too long, the small business lending industry has been plagued by predatory lenders who have targeted our nation's most vulnerable entrepreneurs by imposing high interest rates, hidden fees, unfair terms, and more. The Small Business Lending Disclosure Act of 2021 takes a bold step to protect borrowers by requiring transparency, access to information, and other tools that would allow entrepreneurs to make informed financial decisions. The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) fully supports the bill and encourages its passage,\" said Marjorie Nemes-Galarza, MSc, Interim Executive Director & CEO of Latino Economic Development Center.\n\n\"Small businesses are the economic and cultural lifeblood of low income neighborhoods and communities of color. Accountability and transparency about how they are financed is critical to how these vital community assets are supported. The Small Business Lending Disclosure Act gets us a long way toward our shared goal of equitable and prosperous communities for all,\" said Frank Woodruff, Executive Director of the National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations (NACEDA).\n\n\"Predatory lenders have long exploited the gap in lending protections for small businesses. Small businesses deserve the same protections in the lending market as consumers,\" said Didier Trinh, Director of Policy and Political Impact for Main Street Alliance. \"Representative Vel\u00e1zquez and Senator Menendez's bill will extend these common sense protections, and protect Main Street. Many Black and brown business owners are particularly targeted for unregulated loans, and lending protections would help to address inequality in lending interest rates that contribute to disparities in access to capital and long term wealth building. Especially coming out of one of the worst economic recessions in recent memory, small businesses need to be protected when accessing credit and capital so that a short term cash flow issue does not lead to a long term financial crisis.\"\n\nThe Small Business Lending Disclosure Act also received endorsements from: Accompany Capital, African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, California Association for Micro, Enterprise Opportunity (CAMEO), Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce, Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC), Main Street Alliance, National Alliance of Community, Economic Development Associations (NACEDA), National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB), National Urban League, New York State, CDFI Coalition, UpState NY Black Chamber of Commerce, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Woodstock Institute, Responsible Business Lending Coalition (RBLC) and members, Accion Opportunity Fund, The Aspen Institute, Community Investment Management, Funding Circle, LendingClub, Opportunity Finance Network (OFN), Small Business Majority.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/vel-zquez-remarks-build-back-better-act", "Vel\u00e1zquez Remarks on the Build Back Better Act", "2021-11-18", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez", "V000081", "velazquez.house.gov", "velazquez", "https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington D.C.\u2014 Today, Rep. Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez (D-NY) delivered remarks on the House floor on the Build Back Better Act. Below are her remarks as prepared for delivery:\n\n\"Madam Speaker, I rise is strong support of this legislation that will help our country build back better. Because working families DESERVE a government that will make their lives better.\n\n\"First off, to build back better, we must invest in our nation's entrepreneurs.\n\n\"And that's exactly what this bill does. It will make a $5 billion investment in SBA programs that go beyond recovery and provide transformative long-term solutions and economic stimulus. It will create millions of new jobs on top of the millions already added under the Biden Administration.\n\n\"Furthermore, federal disinvestment in public housing has forced many residents of public housing across the country to live in accelerating substandard living conditions. In my home city of New York, residents suffer from consistent lack of hot water, insufficient heat during the winter months, rodent and insect infestations, broken elevators, and widespread and recurring lead and mold problems.\n\n\"This legislation includes the largest single one-time investment ever made to HUD's Public Housing Capital Fund will go a long way to clearing the backlog of repairs around the country.\n\n\"This bill will also create universal pre-K, extend the Child Tax Credit; and finally mandate paid parental leave.\n\n\"On climate, we are including a focus on environmental justice and frontline communities like those I represent.\n\n\"Now this bill does not include everything we wanted.\n\n\"But here is what I can guarantee\u2014because of this bill, millions of working families will see their lives improved by a federal government that we are showing today has their back.\n\n\"While this is not the end of the fight, it is what progress looks like and that is why I'm proud to vote yes.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/vel-zquez-statement-censuring-rep-paul-gosar", "Vel\u00e1zquez Statement on Censuring Rep. Paul Gosar", "2021-11-17", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez", "V000081", "velazquez.house.gov", "velazquez", "https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington D.C.\u2014Today, Representative Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez released the following statement on censuring Rep Paul Gosar:\n\n\"Representative Gosar is a member of this institution as am I and as is Representative Ocasio-Cortez and so are roughly fifty other women of color.\n\n\"We all walk the same hallways and took the same oath of office. We are here to serve our districts and the American people. The graphic video that Rep. Gosar posted violates every sense of mutual respect that we should have for one another. Not only that, but it also dangerously promotes violence towards a sitting member of Congress who is a powerful Latina. It's exactly the type of misogynistic and racist recklessness that the previous President deployed, and social media companies eventually stripped him of his accounts.\n\n\"Rep. Gosar needs to be held accountable for this and that's what we are doing today. We need to deliver a message that in the people's house, this dangerous behavior will not be tolerated.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3497", "Tonko Leads Hearing on Strengthening U.S. Clean Energy Supply Chain", "2021-11-16", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee Chairman Paul D. Tonko co-led a hearing today on the need for investments in U.S. manufacturing and clean energy supply chains in wind, solar, battery, Electric Vehicle (EV) and other technologies to ensure American competitiveness abroad and take critical steps to address the climate crisis.\n\nWatch Rep. Tonko\u2019s opening remarks HERE and read his statement as prepared for delivery:\n\nThe Biden Administration and Democratic members of this Committee have proposed ambitious climate targets\u2014at least 50% economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions reductions from 2005 levels by 2030, at least half of new vehicles sales are electric by 2030, and a carbon-free electricity system by 2035\u2014as well as the policies that will ensure these targets are met.\n\nAchieving these goals will require serious commitment and immediate action.\n\nIt will also require building an immense amount of new infrastructure and manufacturing capacity.\n\nProduction of clean energy technologies, including wind turbines, solar panels, batteries, advanced vehicles, charging equipment, and electric appliances, will need to be ramped up significantly.\n\nAnd we will need low-emissions construction materials, like steel and cement, to support clean energy deployment.\n\nThe sustainable economy of the future will need to be built and manufactured.\n\nThe question that remains to be seen is whether it will be manufactured by Americans.\n\nIn recent years, we have heard bipartisan concerns about our increasing reliance on China and other foreign competitors for clean energy technologies.\n\nThis is especially true of certain critical minerals. Today, some foreign sources of lithium, cobalt, and nickel involve environmentally harmful practices and unsafe and unethical labor conditions.\n\nIn order for the United States to fully seize the opportunities of the clean energy economy, we need to develop our own resilient supply chains.\n\nThis may include domestic sources of critical minerals, as well as processing, manufacturing, and recycling capabilities.\n\nAmbitious climate action requires nothing less than fundamental changes to our economy and our energy system.\n\nAny change on this scale will have its challenges. I acknowledge that.\n\nThese challenges, including the need to develop domestic supply chains, are not reasons not to act, but rather reasons to discuss how to best overcome these issues in a way that benefits America\u2019s workers and entrepreneurs.\n\nMembers of Congress have two options: Use this as an excuse to oppose our domestic energy transition and guarantee that our foreign competitors dominate the global economy of the future, or do something about it.\n\nWe can support Federal policies that will enable American workers to benefit from the transition, ensuring that we are researching, developing, and deploying the next generation of clean energy technologies in the United States, and exporting them around the world.\n\nThis effort is already underway in Congress.\n\nLast year, I worked with Congressman Curtis on a Science Committee bill to authorize a battery and critical mineral recycling research program at DOE, which was enacted in the Energy Act of 2020.\n\nThese R&D efforts can make batteries more recyclable, and future breakthroughs could support development of alternative materials and chemistries that are less reliant on critical minerals.\n\nAnd yesterday President Biden signed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law.\n\nThis bill included billions of dollars to support the development of domestic clean energy supply chains, particularly for battery manufacturing.\n\nAnd similarly, the Build Back Better Act, if enacted, would refresh the 48-C tax credit for investment in clean energy manufacturing facilities.\n\nOur Committee\u2019s title of Build Back Better includes billions of dollars for DOE grant and loan programs that will support manufacturing of zero-emission vehicles, charging equipment, and other innovative technologies and their components, as well as financial assistance to decarbonize energy-intensive manufacturing.\n\nThese investments will help revitalize American manufacturing, making us less dependent on foreign nations with inadequate worker and environmental protections.\n\nBut this alone will not be sufficient.\n\nWe must also enhance the recycling and reuse of critical minerals and these clean energy systems.\n\nIn Europe, more than 60% of the lithium in the economy is recovered through recycling. Today, only 5% of lithium-ion batteries are recycled in the United States. For comparison, the U.S. recycles 97% of traditional lead-acid batteries.\n\nRecycling policies and investments, as proposed in the CLEAN Future Act, would reduce our reliance on foreign nations\u2019 resource extraction, growing our own supply of these minerals, while creating American jobs.\n\nAs we will hear today from Dr. Switzer, there is a strong business case for this work.\n\nWe know trillions of dollars will be invested in clean energy in the years ahead, and supporting every stage of clean energy technology development will be necessary to position the United States to be the leader of the global clean energy economy.\n\nBy understanding the future needs and challenges of this transition, Congress can develop Federal policies that will enable us to build resilient, domestic clean energy technology supply chains and support millions of American manufacturing jobs.\n\nI look forward to our witnesses\u2019 testimony, and I hope this might be an area where we can work together to support emerging American industries while reducing our reliance on foreign materials and products.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/for-immediate-release/", "CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE OFFICIAL SIGNING OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT", "2021-11-15", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "November 15, 2021\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.480.5737\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement on the official signing of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the benefits for New Yorkers:\n\n\u201cThis is truly a historic and symbolic moment for our country, and it\u2019s all possible because of the commitment from the Biden administration. The official signing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is ushering in an era that will have generational impacts on all Americans, especially New Yorkers who have been hardest hit by COVID-19. The BIF is reaching back and pulling up all those historically left behind in the pursuit of the American Dream, and I\u2019m grateful for this progress. I look forward to continuing this progress with the eventual passage of the Build Back Better Act,\u201d said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.\n\nThe bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is the largest long-term investment in our infrastructure and competitiveness in nearly a century. The benefits include:\n\nRepair and rebuild our roads and bridges with a focus on climate change mitigation, resilience, equity, and safety for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians.\n\n$175 million over five years to support the expansion of an EV charging network to facilitate long-distance travel and provide convenient charging options.\n\nA minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to New Yorkers who currently lack it.\n\n5,375,000 or 28% of people in New York will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.\n\nPrepare more of our infrastructure for the impacts of climate change, cyber attacks, and extreme weather events.\n\nDeliver clean drinking water to every New Yorker.\n\n$685 million for infrastructure development for airports over five years.\n\n\u201cThe president is right, we will Build Back Better stronger and together. In the coming days I will host additional information sessions on the BIF\u2019s specific benefits for my Brooklyn community,\u201d Clarke said.\n\n###\n\nYvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York\u2019s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-attends-biden-infrastructure-bill-signing", "Meng Attends Biden Infrastructure Bill Signing", "2021-11-15", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 This afternoon, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) joined President Biden at the White House as he signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law.\n\n\"It was an honor to join the President at the White House for this historic bill signing,\" said Meng. \"This bold and bipartisan legislation will repair, overhaul, and modernize our nation's crumbling and aging infrastructure. And it will deliver for New York, providing billions for our roads, bridges, mass transit, airports, high-speed internet, clean drinking water and so much more.\"\n\n\"These investments will improve safety, enhance travel and quality of life, create jobs, and strengthen our economy, and I'm proud to have championed provisions in the bill,\" added Meng. \"Here in Queens and across New York, we depend heavily on our infrastructure, and this type of federal funding is vital for our communities and neighborhoods. It is overdue and will elevate New York and the nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/photo-release-suozzi-joins-biden-white-house-signing-bipartisan-infrastructure", "PHOTO RELEASE: SUOZZI JOINS BIDEN AT WHITE HOUSE FOR SIGNING OF BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LEGISLATION", "2021-11-15", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Thomas R. Suozzi", "S001201", "suozzi.house.gov", "suozzi", "https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY) issued the following statement after he joined President Joe Biden at the White House for the signing of the bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Act. The legislation will create millions of high-paying union jobs and send billions of dollars to repair New York\u2019s highways, roads, bridges, airports, waterways and sewers \u2013 as well as to install hundreds of electric vehicle charging ports. Photos and video from event are found here.\n\n\u201cThe past four presidents have tried, but President Biden and this Congress got this bipartisan deal done!\u201d said Suozzi. \u201cIt takes bipartisanship to get things done, and the signing of this once-in-a-generation legislation will rebuild New York and put millions to work. This is about jobs, this is about rebuilding our country, and it\u2019s about showing that we can get things done that have real-life impacts.\u201d\n\nBelow is a list of specific funding New York will receive from the once in a generation bipartisan infrastructure package:\n\nHighway Funding: $12.5 billion specifically for New York\n\n$11.5 billion for surface transportation (roads, highways, etc.)\n\n$1.9 billion from a new vehicular bridge repair formula program\n\n$142 million for EV charging infrastructure\n\nAirport Funding: nearly $1 billion for New York\n\nJFK $294,682,575\n\nLGA $ 150,008,970\n\nLong Island MacArthur $21,595,630\n\nRepublic $ 3,735,000\n\nEast Hampton $1,480,000\n\nBrookhaven $1,480,000\n\nNew York Rail\n\n$16 Billion for Amtrak National capital backlog needs - $688 million: will save NYS its contribution to replacing the Amtrak railcars that operate upstate\n\n$6 Billion for Amtrak - Northeast Corridor (NEC) \u2013 capitol backlog of the NEC including the Gateway project\n\n$24 billion for Norther East Corridor Modernization \u2013 competitive grants that Gateway, Metro-North Penn Access, and East River tunnels are eligible for.\n\n$12 billion for Intercity passenger rail including upgrades for high speed rail.\n\nNew York Water\n\nAt least 90 billion for water infrastructure including\n\n$14.7 billion for the EPA\u2019s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund which provides capitalization grants to states for loans supporting water infrastructure projects.\n\n$55.4 billion in supplemental emergency appropriations for both the EPA state for capitalization grants through the Clean Water State Revolving Funds and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds\n\nPublic Transportation\n\n$9.8 billion for Clean Buses and Mass Transit\n\nBroadband", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3494", "Tonko, McKinley Introduce Bill to Drive Clean Hydrogen Development", "2021-11-15", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) and David B. McKinley (R-WV) today announced the introduction of the Clean Hydrogen Deployment Act of 2021, legislation that would strengthen American competitiveness and address climate change by incentivizing use of low-emissions hydrogen.\n\n\u201cThroughout my time in Congress, I have pushed to advance meaningful legislation that will tackle climate change while supporting strong development of American industries,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cClean hydrogen offers us an opportunity to secure a clean energy future, and in particular plays a powerful role greening difficult-to-decarbonize sectors including heavy-duty transportation and chemical and metals production. These promising results will not come to fruition without federal investment and support, which is why I\u2019m proud to introduce the Clean Hydrogen Deployment Act alongside my friend Congressman McKinley. I urge my colleagues to join us in advancing this bipartisan legislation that will drive us to become a stronger, healthier nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cInnovation is key to reducing emissions, and developing hydrogen as an energy source will be a key tool in reducing emissions. This legislation is critical for West Virginia and Appalachia as our region is positioned to be at the forefront of developing hydrogen solutions for the future,\u201d said Rep. McKinley.\n\nThe Clean Hydrogen Deployment Act of 2021\n\nEstablishes a pilot program\u2014authorized at $370 million for Fiscal Year 2022 and $250 million annually for Fiscal Years 2023 through 2026\u2014at the Department of Energy that:\n\nUses a contract for difference model to offset increased costs and support clean hydrogen users\n\nFocuses on difficult-to-decarbonize sectors by requiring at least one project each in the power sector, transportation sector, an industrial feedstock, and as an industrial fuel\n\nPromotes innovative, high impact projects by requiring projects use hydrogen produced with 80% fewer greenhouse gas emissions & funding at least 2 zero-emission hydrogen projects\n\nPrioritizes projects that encourage wider commercial use of clean hydrogen in the future, mitigate NOx emissions, and reduce process-wide total greenhouse gas emissions\n\nAllows additional support for capital investment in hydrogen utilization, transport, and storage\n\nA fact sheet of the legislation can be found HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3496", "Tonko Cheers Advance of Limo Safety Legislation in Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill", "2021-11-15", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) cheered the advance of provisions he authored as part of his comprehensive limousine safety legislation included as part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that President Biden signed into law today.\n\nThese provisions were championed by Tonko alongside the families who lost loved ones in a tragic limousine crash in Long Island and families of the victims of the Schoharie limousine crash that took the lives of 20 people on October 6, 2018. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) spoke on the triumph of this legislation and the courageous advocacy of the families during his remarks today at the White House.\n\n\u201cThe families who lost their loved ones to a preventable limousine crash have shouldered the burdens of grief and responsibility without federal resolution for too long,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cI was honored to work beside these families as they turned their unimaginable pain into a resounding call for reform\u2014guiding the development of lifesaving, commonsense legislation to get unsafe limos off the road and raise the bar on safety nationwide. The passage of these limo safety measures is a testament to their strength and commitment. I am proud that after three years pushing for these provisions, they have at last been enshrined in law to ensure no family ever has to suffer this heartbreaking loss again.\u201d\n\nThe infrastructure legislation included provisions from Tonko\u2019s SAFE Limos Act (Safety, Accountability, and Federal Enforcement of Limos Act of 2021) and the Take Unsafe Limos Off the Road Act, which were supported by Senator Schumer along with Congressman Antonio Delgado (NY-19) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). The legislation covers:\n\nImpoundment: Establish a program to provide funding for states to impound unsafe vehicles;\n\nSafety Belt Standards for Limousines: Requires each new limousine to have lap and shoulder belts that meet minimum safety requirements for each designated seating position. Require the Secretary of Transportation to evaluate the feasibility of retrofitting existing limousines with lap and shoulder belts and seat systems that meet minimum safety requirements;\n\nSeating System Standards for Limousines: Require each new limousine to meet safety requirements for seat strength and integrity;\n\nSafety Research: Conduct formal research and rulemaking on limo side-impact protection, roof crush assistance, and airbag systems;\n\nEvacuation Research and Rulemaking: Conduct formal research and rule making on how to evacuate limo passengers more easily and safely in emergency situations;\n\nDisclosure: Mandate limo operators conspicuously share their vehicle inspection history with prospective customers;\n\nLimo definition: Create a formal definition of a limousine in federal statute, making it easier to create safety standards for this type of vehicle; and\n\nAnnual Inspection: Mandate that the Department of Transportation (DOT) establish a mandatory annual inspection regime.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-and-rozic-announce-november-15-deadline-to-seek-child-tax-credit", "Meng and Rozic announce November 15 Deadline to Seek Child Tax Credit", "2021-11-14", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "QUEENS, NY \u2013 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows) announced today that November 15 is the last day for families to seek the expanded Child Tax Credit this year.\n\nEligible families who filed taxes in 2019 or 2020 began receiving the monthly payments automatically in July. But those who have not filed a tax return or used the IRS non-filer portal to claim stimulus payments in 2020, must take action by the deadline in order to obtain the money. Click herefor details.\n\nThe expanded Child Tax Credit is a critical tax cut to help working families as the nation recovers from the COVID-19 crisis. It was established in March by Congressional Democrats and President Biden as part of the American Rescue Plan which is the most recent coronavirus relief package that Meng helped to pass through Congress. It provides advanced monthly payments of up to $300 per month per child through December. The first payments started on July 15.\n\nIn October, there were an estimated 70,000 payments totaling $29.6 million that were sent to families in Meng's congressional district in Queens, according to the Joint Economic Committee. Approximately 117,000 kids in the Congresswoman's district qualified for the payments.\n\nIn New York, 3,309,000 children qualified, and households in the state received 2,011,000 payments totaling $838.1 million.\n\n\"The expanded Child Tax Credit has provided working families with critical relief as we continue our efforts to move past the pandemic,\" saidCongresswoman Meng. \"Many families across the nation and throughout New York, including those in Queens, have benefited from these monthly payments which has put money back in their pockets to help with expenses so they can pay for child care, put food on the table, cover school costs or pay for many other necessities. Eligible families that have not received payments should act before the upcoming November 15 deadline.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/suozzi-leads-bipartisan-letter-standing-against-human-rights-abuses-northern", "SUOZZI LEADS BIPARTISAN LETTER STANDING UP AGAINST HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES IN NORTHERN IRELAND", "2021-11-14", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Thomas R. Suozzi", "S001201", "suozzi.house.gov", "suozzi", "https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Tom Suozzi (D \u2013 NY03) led a bipartisan group of Members of Congress in addressing a letter to United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging him to speak out against proposed amnesty for human rights abuses committed by both state and non-state actors during the \u201ctroubles\u201d in Northern Ireland.\n\nThe \u201ctroubles\u201d was a 30-year violent sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland that ended with the signing of the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. This past summer, the United Kingdom announced plans to introduce legislation that would result in de facto amnesty, ending all prosecutions for troubles-related killings up to April 1998. The proposed amnesty represents a major setback for thousands of victims seeking justice for nearly 50 years.\n\n\u201cAs Co-Chairman of the Friends of Ireland Caucus in the U.S. Congress, I am pleased to join a bipartisan group of Members of Congress in signing this important and timely letter. Like every political party on the island, we are strongly opposed to proposed UK legislation that would give amnesty to human rights abuses committed during the Troubles. I look forward to Secretary Blinken\u2019s response, \u201csaid Chairman Richatd E. Neal.\n\n\u201cWe strongly welcome this intervention from Members of Congress which adds to the noisy chorus of opposition to the UK Government\u2019s plans to permanently deny justice to victims of the \u2018Troubles\u2019,\u201d said Grainne Teggart, Northern Ireland Campaigns Manager for Amnesty International UK\n\nIn the letter to Secretary Blinken, the Members of Congress express their concern \u201cat the continual undermining of the rule of law, Good Friday Agreement and the ongoing process of peace and reconciliation.\u201d The letter, which is supported by Amnesty International, was led by Suozzi, Congressman Richard Neal and Congressman Mike Kelly, co-chairs of the Friends of Ireland Caucus, and signed by a bipartisan group of 21 lawmakers, urged Blinken to call on the UK government \u201cto abandon this unilateral action and establish mechanisms to deal with the legacy issues of the past that will discharge the UK\u2019s human rights obligations.\u201d\n\nThe letter can be found here and below:\n\nThe Honorable Antony Blinken\n\nSecretary of State\n\nU.S. Department of State\n\n2201 C Street NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20520\n\nDear Secretary Blinken,\n\nWe write to express our concerns regarding the United Kingdom\u2019s plans, announced on July 14, 2021, to introduce legislation that will result in de facto amnesty for human rights abuses committed by both state and non-state actors during the Northern Ireland \u2018troubles\u2019 and call on you to urgently make a public statement of opposition to these proposals.\n\nThe UK Government plans for dealing with the legacy of the conflict in Northern Ireland will close all paths to justice for victims denying them the truth, justice and accountability to which they are entitled. The recently published UK government command paper indicates legislation will end all Northern Ireland conflict-related \u2018judicial activity\u2019 - i.e., current and future prosecutions, inquests, civil actions, and investigations. These proposals breach the UK\u2019s international and domestic human rights obligations, unduly interfere in the justice system, undermine the rule of law and dismiss victims\u2019 suffering.\n\nWe note the unequivocal rejection of the United Kingdom\u2019s plans by the Irish Government, Northern Ireland political parties, human rights organizations including Amnesty International, victims and victims\u2019 groups and many others.\n\nFor decades, victims of human rights abuses, and their families in Northern Ireland, have been failed denied justice by a piecemeal approach to dealing with the past. Human rights monitors, activists and victims\u2019 families have long pressed authorities to institute credible mechanisms capable of vindicating the rights of victims. Instead, the UK Government have declared their intent to remove all remedies available under the law.\n\nIt is clear that the UK Government\u2019s primary motivation is to ensure security forces are placed beyond accountability for the human rights abuses committed during the \u2018Troubles\u2019.\n\nWe wish to express deep concern at the continual undermining of the rule of law, Good Friday Agreement and ongoing process of peace and reconciliation.\n\nPeople in Northern Ireland have been clear in their rejection of a de facto amnesty. Victims\u2019 families have had decades of justice delayed and now, if these plans become law, they will have justice denied - permanently.\n\nGiven the role the US has, and continues to play, in supporting the Good Friday Agreement through peace and reconciliation, we urge you to make a public statement of unequivocal rejection of these proposals and work with your counterparts in the United Kingdom and Ireland to resolve this matter and ensure the past is dealt with in a victim centered, rights respecting way.\n\nThe time to act is now; the UK Government is expected to progress legislation in the near future in the UK Parliament.\n\nTogether, we urge you to call on the UK Government to abandon this unilateral action and establish mechanisms to deal with the legacy issues of the past that will discharge the UK\u2019s human rights obligations.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-introduces-legislation-to-increase-language-access-and-mental", "Meng Introduces Legislation to Increase Language Access and Mental Health Services at Community Health Centers", "2021-11-09", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 This afternoon, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) introduced the Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act, a bill that seeks to increase language access to mental health services at community health centers.\n\n\"The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of so many of my constituents in New York and individuals across the country, escalating the demand for mental health professionals,\" said Congresswoman Meng. \"The fear of coronavirus-related hate crimes against many communities \u2013 such as the Asian American community \u2013 has only underscored this urgent need for assistance. But for those who may not possess English language proficiency, help is often out of reach. This lack of access is unacceptable and must change. Our nation's community health centers are struggling to hire mental health professionals who speak their community's language or understand their culture. The Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act is a must pass bill to ensure that our community health centers have the resources they need to hire mental health professionals so that language barriers are never an obstacle to anyone's emotional well-being. Our communities need these life-saving services.\"\n\nAccording to the Kaiser Family Foundation, about 4 in 10 adults in the U.S. have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder, up from one in ten adults who reported these symptoms in 2019. As 1 in 12 people across the United States rely on community health centers for care, this phenomenon has been acutely felt at these facilities.\n\nRepresentative Meng's bill would ensure that community health centers have access to the resources they need in order to attract the qualified behavioral health talent that fits their community's needs. Her legislation would:\n\nEstablish a four-year pilot program to provide additional benefits to mental health professionals who commit to serving in specific Federally Qualified Health Centers. This pilot initiative would be unique in that it seeks to match mental health professionals with community health centers, preferably at which at least 20% of the patients are best served in a language other than English. Mental health professionals who participate in the program would receive additional annual loan repayment compensation. Even greater loan repayment compensation would be available to those who are fluent in a language other than English, needed by the health center at which they commit to serve.\n\nEstablish a new grant program that would provide federal grants to community health centers to help them recruit, hire, and employ qualified mental health professionals who are fluent in a language other than English. Community health centers around the country are struggling to hire mental health clinicians as they cannot offer competitive salaries, compared to private hospitals. This grant would be key in helping the health centers close that gap. Any community health center would be eligible to apply, however the bill specifies that preference is given to those health centers at which at least 20% of the patients are best served in a language other than English. The bill would also direct that a portion of the grants be made available for outreach purposes to inform communities about the mental health services available at community health centers.\n\n\"Given that 80% of the individuals and families who turn to us for their primary healthcare and mental health needs are better served in a language other than English, improving language access is key to serving them effectively, said Kaushal Challa, Chief Executive Officer of the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center which operates a facility in Flushing, Queens. \"With provider shortages impacting community health centers across the country, the incentives provided in this bill will help in our recruitment efforts to meet the rising tide of mental health challenges we face today. We commend Congresswoman Meng for her leadership on this critical issue.\"\n\n\"Accessing in-language services is essential for patients to get the help and support they need,\" said Adam Carbullido, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO). \"Nearly 7 million patients, including many Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, who get care at community health centers are best served in a language other than English. AAPCHO applauds Rep. Meng for introducing the Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act to strengthen and support community health centers' capacity to recruit, hire, and retain multilingual mental health professionals. We urge Congress to pass this bill.\"\n\n\"The Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA) enthusiastically supports the Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act of 2021,\" said the Asian American Psychological Association. \"Asian Americans have historically had among the lowest rates of mental health service utilization across all racial/ethnic groups and continue to face systemic barriers to access mental health services. The COVID-19 pandemic and surge in anti-Asian racism have raised mental health as a priority concern in many Asian American communities, with 4 in 10 Asian Americans experiencing acute psychological distress at this time. Improving language access to mental health services, particularly in trusted community-based settings, is a key pathway to getting Asian Americans the mental health services they need and deserve now and into the future.\"\n\nA copy of the Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act can be viewed here. The measure includes 23 original cosponsors.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morelle-takes-action-combat-devastating-cycle-gun-violence", "CONGRESSMAN MORELLE TAKES ACTION TO COMBAT DEVASTATING CYCLE OF GUN VIOLENCE", "2021-11-09", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joseph D. Morelle", "M001206", "morelle.house.gov", "morelle", "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Rochester, N.Y.) \u2013 Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced action he is taking to combat the devastating cycle of gun violence plaguing our community. This includes a $5 billion investment in Community Violence Intervention, an evidence-based model to confront the cycle of violence our community faces, as well as legislation to get illegal guns off our streets and strengthen trauma-informed resources for at-risk communities.\n\n\"Every day, my heart breaks for the growing number of families losing children, neighbors, and friends to the devastating cycle of gun violence,\" said Congressman Joe Morelle. \"We have a responsibility to work together with law enforcement, faith leaders, grassroots organizations, and families to provide healthy outlets that keep young people off the streets and illegal guns out of the wrong hands. That's why I'm taking action by investing in programs like Community Violence Intervention to make our community safer and empower young people to lead healthy, successful lives.\"\n\nCommunity Violence Intervention (CVI) programs are a proven model that utilize trusted messengers who work directly with individuals most likely to commit gun violence, intervening in conflicts, and connecting people to social, health and wellness, and employment services to reduce the likelihood of violence. Studies have shown that CVI programs can reduce violence by as much as 60% and that a multifaceted approach \u2013 combining the efforts of CVI programs and law enforcement, for instance \u2013 can reduce the chance of retaliatory violence to less than 1%.\n\nMany of these programs exist in Rochester but lack reliable funding to be effective. That is why Rep. Morelle has fought to include $5 billion in the Build Back Better plan to fund CVI initiatives in our community for 10 years and leverage the following strategies:\n\nStreet outreach and violence interruption\n\nGroup Violence Intervention\n\nHospital-based violence intervention\n\nTrauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy\n\nRecord-high spikes in gun violence have plagued our community and demand our immediate action. In addition to investing in CVI programs, Rep. Morelle is also working to pass legislation to stem the flow of illegal weapons onto our streets and strengthen trauma-informed resources for those impacted by gun violence to prevent the cycle from continuing:\n\nThe Gun Theft Prevention Act: Original legislation written by Rep. Morelle that sets security standards for firearms dealers to prevent deadly weapons from flowing onto our streets.\n\nThe Firearm Retailer Code of Conduct Act: Would establish basic business practices and certification requirements for gun shop owners and employees to ensure illegal weapons do not end up in the hands of criminals.\n\nResources for Victims of Gun Violence Act: Establish an interagency council to ensure those impacted by gun violence can get the support they need to prevent the cycle of violence from continuing.\n\n\"Over the past year, too many people, especially young people, have lost their lives to violence. Community Violence Intervention programs are vital to quell the senseless deaths we have seen due to violence,\" said Mayor-Elect Malik Evans. \"I applaud Congressman Morelle for working to secure funding for programs and strategies that will put an end to the violence and create a stronger, safer community.\"\n\n\"The safety of our residents is my highest priority \u2013 that means reducing gun violence in Rochester and Monroe County. This is a job for our entire community: every branch and level of government must work in tandem with community based organizations, religious institutions, neighborhoods and families to keep our communities safe,\" said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. \"The historic investment being made through the $5 Billion investment in Community Violence Intervention initiatives will be essential in funding violence prevention, providing support and services to victims, reduce retaliation rates, and keep illegal guns off our streets. The gun violence in our community has reached emergency levels, and we must treat it as such.\"\n\n\"The bloody scourge of gun violence is destroying young lives in our community and leaving many families devastated with inconsolable grief,\" said Reverend Lewis Stewart, President, United Christian Leadership Ministry. \"The Community Violence Intervention program designed to save lives, stop the flow of illegal firearms and break the cycle of violence is a reliable and effective investment in a solutions-oriented strategy backed by Congressman Joseph Morelle, a leader who has demonstrated his love, and concern for the wellbeing of our community by taking action to combat gun violence by advocating for this $5 billion investment in the Community Violence Intervention initiative. Thank you, Congressman Morelle for caring and showing not just talk, but courageous action and visionary leadership.\"\n\n\"Our families have been challenged by so much this past year, from the COVID-19 pandemic, job insecurity, figuring out home-schooling, to paying the rent and providing food for their children, and now we have the added dimension of a dramatic increase in violence, including crimes involving guns,\" said Assemblymember Harry Bronson. \"We in government at all levels must partner together with community and faith leaders to take every step possible to address violence in our neighborhoods. I thank Congressmember Morelle for securing this funding which will help in our efforts. I know that there are many programs and people in our community ready to address gun violence, assist at-risk youth, develop conflict resolution alternatives and to make violence prevention programs work for our community and our families. This funding will help to effectively implement violence prevention programs and fund the support services many of our families so desperately need.\"\n\n\"With over 300 shooting victims this year alone, we cannot afford to ignore the reality in front of us,\" said Assemblymember Demond Meeks. \"Gun violence is an epidemic that continues to claim the lives of our sisters and brothers on a daily basis. It is essential that we address this crisis with effective leadership and practical solutions that protect members of our community. I would like to thank Congressman Morelle for his commitment and delivering critical investments toward violence prevention services throughout our community. Together, it is our responsibility to take back our community.\"\n\n\"We know that law enforcement alone cannot correct the uptick in violence we are seeing in communities like ours. We must identify and address the root causes of violence,\" said Senator Samra Brouk. \"This means we must invest in youth development, behavioral health, and social supports to help lift families out of poverty and ensure they have the resources they need to survive. I thank Congressman Morelle for his work in securing $5 billion in Community Violence Intervention funding through the Build Back Better plan. These funds, once in the hands of local organizations, will address violence before it can happen. As Chair of the New York State Senate Committee on Mental Health, I look forward to finding additional opportunities to address violence in our communities.\"\n\n\"Sadly, Rochester's young people have become accustomed to violent acts in our neighborhoods,\" said Senator Jeremy Cooney. \"Real action must be taken to address the dramatic rise in gun violence that has devastated our neighborhoods. It is up to leaders to create new economic opportunities and youth-development programs that provide mentorship and assistance. I am grateful to Congressman Morelle for his work to ensure that adequate funding for Community Violence Intervention Programs is made available for Rochester.\"\n\n\"The losses we have suffered from gun violence reverberate across our entire community,\" said Assemblymember Jen Lunsford. \"That is why I join with my colleagues from across the county, from all levels of government, from community groups and neighborhood associations, to band together to fight this scourge. Investments like those made today with federal dollars, joining with those we made in this year's state budget, will help fund the trauma-informed, community centered, evidence-based programs we know will work to reduce gun violence on our streets.\"\n\n\"We all have a role to play in reducing violence in our community, and prevention is a key part of that,\" said Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter. \"We need to help families and young people before they fall into the cycle of violence, which is exactly what Community Violence Intervention programs will do. I am grateful to Congressman Morelle for his leadership in addressing gun violence and look forward to the continued partnership between law enforcement, elected officials, and the community to create safer neighborhoods for everyone.\"\n\n\"We are thankful to Congressman Morelle for taking this aggressive action aimed at curbing gun violence in our community,\" said Dwayne Mahoney, Executive director, Boys & Girls Club of Rochester. \"Our community is under siege and every time someone is the victim of violence the impact it has on families and friends is devasting. This past week our community lost 15-year-old Ja'Mere Wade, a Club kid whose friends, families, and community are devasted by his loss of life. Any additional resources that can be brought to aid in this fight are welcomed.\"\n\n\"Ibero strongly believes that community-based violence intervention programs are critical to reducing gun violence and building resilience in our communities,\" said Angelica Perez-Delgado, President & CEO of Ibero-American Action League. \"Ibero has a long-standing history and commitment in the El Camino Neighborhood. We have worked diligently to create spaces throughout the neighborhood that help our residents feel safe. The Community Violence Initiative will provide the resources required to build on that work and sustain evidence informed models, like the one used by Ibero, to transform neighborhoods plagued by gun violence.\"\n\n\"We must invest in prevention out on the streets, and it has to be full time work,\" said Councilmember Miguel Mel\u00e9ndez. \"By investing in credible community messengers, we are giving young people hope and an opportunity to see their world differently. The community has a critical role to play in violence intervention and these resources will meet people where they are at. I am thankful for the advocacy to get this done.\"\n\n\"With the push for $5 billion in support for the Community Violence Intervention initiatives, Congressman Joe Morelle has shown he is committed to ending violence,\" said Mike Bader, Vice President, Rochester Building & Construction Trades Council. \"Something must be done to break the cycle of gun violence in our communities. This problem will not go away unless we properly fund this initiative and get illegal guns off the street.\"\n\n\"The value of a job goes beyond the financial security of a steady paycheck, it's also the sense of purpose and identity that comes with it,\" said Dave Seeley, Executive Director, RochesterWorks. \"We look forward to continuing our work with our community partners to create pathways for economic independence that help people to break out of generational poverty, helping them to find a sense of belonging in the workforce and stop the cycle of gun violence plaguing our neighborhoods. I applaud Congressman Morelle for working to secure this additional funding for Community Violence Programs.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3492", "Tonko Applauds Key Transportation Investments in Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework", "2021-11-08", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko announced a number of major infrastructure provisions that he helped successfully push to include in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed out of the House.\n\n\u201cFor decades, we have put investments in critical infrastructure on the backburner, leaving communities unequipped to deal with crumbling roads and bridges, insufficient public transit, and countless other issues,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cAt long last, these needs are being addressed. I was proud to join with my colleagues to advance the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that will help us build a 21st century clean economy, create good jobs and establish a more competitive nation. More work lies ahead, but with this strong step and President Biden\u2019s Build Back Better agenda, we can chart a course for a stronger, more resilient America for decades to come.\u201d\n\nProvisions passed in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act include:\n\n$110 billion for roads, bridges, and major infrastructure projects, the largest bridge investments since the construction of the interstate highway system in the 1950s\n\n$11 billion for transportation safety, particularly for cyclists and pedestrians\n\n$66 billion to eliminate Amtrak\u2019s maintenance backlog, modernize the Northeast Corridor line, and expand rail service in unserved and underserved areas \u2013 the largest investment in rail since Amtrak\u2019s creation 50 years ago\n\n$39 billion to modernize public transit by repairing existing infrastructure and making it cleaner and more accessible for all\n\n$17 billion to modernize and green our ports and waterways\n\n$65 billion to improve broadband infrastructure, lower prices, and boost competition in underserved and unserved communities\n\n$25 billion to address repair and maintenance backlogs at our nation\u2019s airports\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/washington-d-c-congresswoman-yvette-d-clarke-ny-09-issued-the-following-statement-regarding-the-passage-of-the-bipartisan-infrastructure-investment-and-jobs-act/", "CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT", "2021-11-06", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement regarding the passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act:\n\n\u201cWe have seized the moment in our fight to rejuvenate the crumbling and outdated infrastructure of our nation by passing the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Democrats fought to address the climate crisis, expand broadband access and affordability, and modernize our public transit to ensure all communities can succeed in the 21st Century. However, we still have work to do for the American people, \u201d Congresswoman Clarke said.\n\n\u201cI now look forward to passing the Build Back Better Act in the coming weeks to deliver generational investments and relief that our communities so desperately need. I stand ready to advance this critical and transformative legislation that Brooklyn is counting on. The passage of the Infrastructure bill was one giant step forward, and now it\u2019s time to bring on the other good foot to allow our country to stand firm in support of all of her people, and continue to Build Back Better,\u201d Clarke continued.\n\n###\n\nYvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York\u2019s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and a Senior Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security.\n\nMedia Contact\n\nJeanette Lenoir 202.480.5737 | Jeanette.Lenoir@mail.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/suozzi-delivers-billions-infrastructure-funding-long-island-queens-and-new", "SUOZZI DELIVERS BILLIONS IN INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING TO LONG ISLAND, QUEENS AND NEW YORK UNDER BIDEN\u2019S BUILD BACK BETTER AGENDA", "2021-11-06", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Thomas R. Suozzi", "S001201", "suozzi.house.gov", "suozzi", "https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Tom Suozzi released the following statement after the House passed a bold infrastructure package, delivering on President Biden\u2019s promise to the American people. As the Vice-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, Suozzi helped negotiate the bipartisan infrastructure package that will create millions of high paying union jobs and send billions of dollars to repair New York\u2019s highways, roads, bridges, airports \u2013 as well as to install hundreds of electric vehicle charging ports.\n\n\u201cI was proud to help negotiate and help pass a once in a generation bipartisan infrastructure bill that will be delivered to President Biden\u2019s desk,\u201d said Suozzi. \u201cThis bold legislation will actually help real people address some of the real problems that they face. A major infrastructure bill has eluded the past four presidents, and we finally got it done with 215 Democrats and 13 Republicans!\"\n\nBelow is a list of specific funding New York will receive from the once in a generation bipartisan infrastructure package:\n\nHighway Funding: 12.5 $billion specifically for New York\n\n$11.5 billion for surface transportation (roads, highways, etc.)\n\n$1.9 billion from a new vehicular bridge repair formula program\n\n$142 million for EV charging infrastructure\n\nAirport Funding: nearly $1 billion for New York\n\nJFK $294,682,575\n\nLGA $ 150,008,970\n\nLong Island MacArthur $21,595,630\n\nRepublic $ 3,735,000\n\nEast Hampton $1,480,000\n\nBrookhaven $1,480,000\n\nNew York Rail\n\n$16 Billion for Amtrak National capital backlog needs - $688 million: will save NYS its contribution to replacing the Amtrak railcars that operate upstate\n\n$6 Billion for Amtrak - Northeast Corridor (NEC) \u2013 capitol backlog of the NEC including the Gateway project\n\n$24 billion for Norther East Corridor Modernization \u2013 competitive grants that Gateway, Metro-North Penn Access, and East River tunnels are eligible for.\n\n$12 billion for Intercity passenger rail including upgrades for high speed rail.\n\nNew York Water\n\nAt least 90 billion for water infrastructure including\n\n$14.7 billion for the EPA\u2019s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund which provides capitalization grants to states for loans supporting water infrastructure projects.\n\n$14.7 billion for the EPA\u2019s Clean Water State Revolving Funds which provides loans to states for water quality improvement projects.\n\n$55.4 billion in supplemental emergency appropriations for both the EPA state for capitalization grants through the Clean Water State Revolving Funds and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds\n\nPublic Transportation\n\n$9.8 billion for Clean Buses and Mass Transit\n\nBroadband", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-announces-passage-historic-infrastructure-investment", "CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE ANNOUNCES PASSAGE OF THE HISTORIC INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT", "2021-11-05", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joseph D. Morelle", "M001206", "morelle.house.gov", "morelle", "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) - Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced House passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, landmark legislation to strengthen and modernize our national infrastructure that includes several key provisions Rep. Morelle helped secure.\n\n\"The COVID-19 pandemic has shined a stark light on the inequities that plague our nation, including woefully under-resourced infrastructure that demands our immediate attention,\" said Congressman Morelle. \"As a member of the House Budget Committee, I'm proud to have played an important role in delivering big investments for New York that will result in good-paying jobs, and upgrades for critical infrastructure including roads and bridges, broadband internet, and public transit\u2014all without raising taxes on working families.\"\n\nThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will make transformational investments in America's infrastructure that will uplift families and strengthen our economy, including:\n\n$65 billion to ensure every American has access to reliable high-speed internet with an historic investment in broadband infrastructure deployment.\n\n$39 billion over five years to provide a record investment in public transit.\n\n$7.5 billion to support and bolster electric vehicle (EV) and alternative charging infrastructure, which will help fight the climate crisis and create good-paying jobs.\n\n$65 billion in funds to increase energy grid reliability and resiliency and add supply chains for clean energy technology, key technologies like carbon capture, hydrogen, and direct air capture.\n\n$10 billion to help communities address emerging water contaminants like PFAS and PFOA that threaten the safety of our drinking water.\n\n$1 billion in funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), to address the ecological and economic wellbeing of the Great Lakes basin, including invasive species, pollution, and toxic contamination.\n\n\"Now we can create jobs and accelerate our path out of this pandemic while making investments that grow our economy for years to come,\" said Congressman Joe Morelle. \"I'm proud to be delivering on the promises we made to the American people, and I will continue to remain focused on delivering real results.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-suozzi-sherrill-gottheimer-statement-inclusion-salt-relief-build-back", "REPS. SUOZZI, SHERRILL, GOTTHEIMER STATEMENT ON INCLUSION OF SALT RELIEF IN BUILD BACK BETTER ACT", "2021-11-05", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Thomas R. Suozzi", "S001201", "suozzi.house.gov", "suozzi", "https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Representatives Suozzi, Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) released the following statement on the agreement to include SALT relief in the Build Back Better Act:\n\n\u201cWe have been fighting this unfair, targeted tax since its inception in 2017. This agreement to address the cap on our State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction will effectively eliminate the undue burden for nearly all of the families in our districts who\u2019ve been unfairly double taxed for the last four years. This fix will put money back in the pockets of hardworking, middle-class families in our districts and help ensure that our local communities can continue making the investments that we need. We\u2019re confident that with this agreement, we can move forward on this crucially important package and we will continue working to ensure that this tax cut gets signed into law to deliver this relief to our constituents as soon as possible.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3491", "Tonko Lauds Advance of Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill & Build Back Better Agreement", "2021-11-05", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko voted tonight to advance the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, bipartisan legislation critical to President Biden\u2019s Build Back Better agenda that includes investments to fix America\u2019s crumbling infrastructure including roads, bridges and ports, and make investments to protect drinking water and develop clean energy.\n\nTonko also cheered the agreement to take up the Build Back Better Act, transformational legislation that tackles the growing climate crisis, supports middle- and low-income families and lowers costs for hard working Americans, all while making the wealthiest pay their fair share.\n\n\u201cToday is a historic day for the people. The House just advanced momentous legislation that will make a meaningful difference in the daily lives of those I serve in the Capital Region and across the nation,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cWe came together to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that tackles some of our nation\u2019s most pressing infrastructure needs\u2014devoting significant funding to fix our roads and bridges, upgrading transit systems and pedestrian infrastructure, expanding broadband access, building out electric vehicle charging stations, and finally removing lead pipes that poison our children. These investments will create tens of thousands of good paying jobs and support our 21st century economy.\n\n\u201cAdditionally, and most critically, the House came to an agreement to advance the Build Back Better Act pending a final analysis from the Congressional Budget Office. The Build Back Better Act secures our nation\u2019s clean energy future, delivers critical support to families and bolsters our health care system during this crisis and beyond,\u201d Tonko continued. \u201cThis Build Back Better agenda takes sweeping climate action at a moment when our nation needs it most. With each passing day, the climate crisis grows worse and the need for immediate investments becomes more dire. I asserted that we cannot make strong investments in infrastructure without determining a clear path to a clean energy future. President Biden has marked that path with this agreement, and I have full faith and confidence that, under his leadership, we will get it done. This is action that the American people want and need, and I will continue fighting in Congress to deliver these investments for the people.\u201d\n\nThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act:\n\nImplements lifesaving limo provisions authored by Tonko alongside families of the victims of the tragic limousine crashes in Long Island and Schoharie, NY\n\nMakes the largest federal investment in public transit ever\n\nMakes the largest federal investment in passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak\n\nMakes the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system\n\nSecures clean water for children with $55 billion to fix the nation\u2019s crumbling water infrastructure, including $15 billion to replace lead pipes\n\nEnsures every American has access to reliable high-speed internet\n\nHelps tackle the climate crisis by making investments in clean energy transmission and EV infrastructure; electrifying thousands of school and transit buses across the country; and creating a new Grid Deployment Authority to build a resilient, clean, 21st century electric grid\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-issues-statement-on-nys-assemblyman-nick-perrys-appointment-as-u-s-ambassador-to-jamaica/", "CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON NYS ASSEMBLYMAN NICK PERRY\u2019S APPOINTMENT AS U.S. AMBASSADOR TO JAMAICA", "2021-11-03", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement regarding the appointment of New York State Assemblyman Nick Perry as U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica:\n\n\u201cI wholeheartedly welcome the exciting news of the appointment of New York State Assemblyman Nick Perry as the new U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica. Mr. Perry brings a host of experience and the cultural background necessary to successfully fulfill his new mission. He possesses the utmost integrity, a commitment to service, and a unique perspective and personal understanding of the Jamaican socio-political landscape that will further strengthen the ties between both our nations,\u201d Congresswoman Clarke said.\n\n\u201cMr. Perry\u2019s deep cultural and political ties to his Jamaican roots as well as the broader Caribbean communities makes his appointment as U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica the right choice at the right moment in our progressive trajectory as a nation. I was honored to nominate him for this important service to the country, and I am confident he will represent the United States and Jamaica well. This is certainly a proud moment, not only for New Yorkers, but for all those rooted in the rich heritage of Jamaica. On behalf of everyone I represent in New York\u2019s 9th District, congratulations Mr. Ambassador.\u201d\n\n###\n\nYvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York\u2019s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and a Senior Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security.\n\nMedia Contact\n\nJeanette Lenoir 202.480.5737 | Jeanette.Lenoir@mail.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-and-johnson-issue-joint-statement-on-upcoming-vote-to-recommend", "Meng and Johnson Issue Joint Statement on Upcoming Vote to Recommend Hepatitis B Vaccines for Adults", "2021-11-02", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY) and Hank Johnson (D-GA), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Hepatitis Caucus, issued the following statement on thevote to recommend hepatitis B vaccines for all adults, which is set to be held tomorrow by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.\n\n\"Tomorrow, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will vote on a recommendation to allow hepatitis B vaccinations for all adults in the United States. As co-chairs of the Congressional Hepatitis Caucus, we cannot overstate the importance of this vote.\n\nHepatitis B is a liver infection that can cause cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death in extreme cases. But these are preventable with the vaccine. Up to 2.4 million Americans are currently living with hepatitis B and 65-75% remain undiagnosed.\n\nScience and experience demonstrate vaccines to be a crucial step in complete eradication of certain viruses. Eliminating hepatitis B for the millions of people who suffer and contract it every year would be monumental for our country. Current guidelines state that only people who are at high risk are eligible for the hepatitis B vaccine. However, it is critical for all adults to be vaccinated against hepatitis B.\n\nOur resolution to recognize April 30 as National Adult Hepatitis B Vaccination Awareness Day underscores our dedication to the elimination of hepatitis B.\n\nThe U.S. is on the path to eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030. Achieving universal adult hepatitis B vaccinations is a significant step toward reducing health disparities, reducing new infections, and working toward complete elimination of hepatis B.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-reps-suozzi-gottheimer-and-sherrill-salt", "STATEMENT FROM REPS. SUOZZI, GOTTHEIMER, AND SHERRILL ON SALT", "2021-11-02", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Thomas R. Suozzi", "S001201", "suozzi.house.gov", "suozzi", "https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressmembers Tom Suozzi (NY-3), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), and Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) issued the following statement on the status to repeal the SALT cap:\n\n\u201cThe cap on the SALT deduction remains a punishing blow to our home states of New York and New Jersey as we work to recover from the pandemic and get our economies on strong footing and our constituents back to work. Today\u2019s news is encouraging for a SALT cap repeal to be included in the final reconciliation package. We will continue to work with House and Senate leadership to ensure the cap on the SALT deduction is repealed. No SALT, no deal. No SALT, no dice.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/vel-zquez-leads-four-members-congress-filing-amicus-brief-case-against", "Vel\u00e1zquez Leads Four Members of Congress in Filing Amicus Brief in Case Against Puerto Rico\u2019s Fiscal Control Board", "2021-11-02", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Nydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez", "V000081", "velazquez.house.gov", "velazquez", "https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Congressman Raul Grijalva (D-AZ and Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee), Congressman Jesus \"Chuy\" Garcia (D-Ill. and vice chair of the House Natural Resources Committee), and Congressman Ritchie Torres (D-NY) have filed an amicus brief siding with plaintiff Liga de Ciudades, a Puerto Rican non-profit organization, in a lawsuit against the Financial Oversight and Management Board. They are warning in federal court of the dire fiscal consequences for the elderly, women, teenagers, and citizens below the poverty level if municipal budgets are further slashed as part of the island's debt restructuring.\n\nIn the amici, the Congresspeople assert that municipalities in Puerto Rico, which have borne the brunt of austerity measures, \"are the first line of service and support to communities and constituents in Puerto Rico.\" They go on to emphasize that they have all \"witnessed, from their Districts, the impoverishing effect the Financial Oversight and Management Board has had on Puerto Rican Municipalities and their communities. The burden of the Oversight Board is especially great for amici curiae constituents who have migrated to their Districts because of the austerity measures imposed on their Municipalities of origin.\"\n\n\"The Board's jurisdiction should be limited to the central government and its government instrumentalities. Thus, the financial threat the Board poses to the Municipalities should not be allowed to continue\", the Congresspeople said, particularly when no Puerto Rico Municipality has ever defaulted its obligations with bondholders.\n\nThe lawsuit filed by Liga de Ciudades essentially seeks to prevent the Board from retroactively taking money away from Municipalities, as they have in fact done, further compounding the Municipalities' frailty. Cristina Miranda-Palacios, Founding Executive Director of the League of Puerto Rican Cities stated: \"We welcome with great enthusiasm the five Congresspeople joining our lawsuit. It confirms that our lawsuit is on solid ground. It also confirms that the fiscal control board continues to overstep its role, without any consideration to the rule of the law that created it or to the needs, realities and wants of our communities.\"\n\nThe Congresspeople highlighted that, due to the austerity measures imposed by the Oversight Board, 43 Municipalities in Puerto Rico are at the brink of insolvency in the most disenfranchised regions of the Island.\n\n\"These 43 Municipalities provide services to a third of the population of Puerto Rico who, absent a unit of local government close to their communities, will be deprived of the primary care provided by these entities. The demographics of constituents that will be impacted by this nefarious situation should be a cause for alarm to all, and include the following: one in five will be children 17 years of age or younger, more than half will be women, 51% are below the poverty level, four out of five do not have a bachelor's degree, 16% have some type of functional diversity, only two out of five (40%) operate within the labor force, and the average annual salary is less than $18,000\", the Congresspeople said in the amici, filed by the law firm ECIJA-SBGB in San Juan, Puerto Rico.\n\n\"Municipalities cannot bear the burden of the Oversight Board's unilateral austerity measures one more day\", the amici brief concludes.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-markey-and-van-hollen-applaud-the-inclusion-of-emergency", "Meng, Markey, Van Hollen Applaud the Inclusion of Emergency Connectivity Funding in Build Back Better Framework", "2021-11-01", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) applauded the inclusion of $300 million for the E-Rate Emergency Connectivity Fund within the Build Back Better framework, and released the following statement.\n\n\"Right now, 12 to 17 million students in the United States do not have internet access at home and are unable to complete their homework or participate in distance learning. To help close this \u2018homework gap,' we worked to create the Emergency Connectivity Fund within the American Rescue Plan and fought to include these additional funds in the Build Back Better Framework,\" said the lawmakers. \"The Emergency Connectivity Fund will give students the tools they need to succeed in their education by providing Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and internet-enabled devices, as well as internet service through such equipment. The Emergency Connectivity Fund has already provided new opportunities to millions of students, and this additional funding will help keep our most vulnerable children connected. But the need to permanently close the homework gap remains: that's why we intend to continue fighting for additional funds to replenish the Emergency Connectivity Fund for the next academic year and beyond, and for Congress to pass our Securing Universal Communications Connectivity to Ensure Students Succeed (SUCCESS) Act.\"\n\nIn July, Meng, Markey and Van Hollen introduced the SUCCESS Act to build on the Emergency Connectivity Fund created under the American Rescue Plan, and provide schools and libraries with $8 billion a year over five years \u2013 for a total of $40 billion \u2013 to continue to connect students to the internet following the coronavirus pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-introduces-legislation-make-college-education-more", "CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO MAKE COLLEGE EDUCATION MORE ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE", "2021-10-28", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joseph D. Morelle", "M001206", "morelle.house.gov", "morelle", "https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) \u2013 Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced the introduction of legislation to make higher education more accessible to students with disabilities. HR 5739 would provide Pell Grant flexibility to ensure students receive critical financial support even if their disability precludes them from taking a full course load.\n\n\"Nearly twenty percent of undergraduate students in colleges and universities have a disability, and unfortunately, many of these students do not go on to complete their degrees,\" saidCongressman Joe Morelle. \"We must do more to eliminate the roadblocks these students face and put college graduation within reach for students of all abilities. My legislation will help students stay in school, graduate, and pursue meaningful employment while building a more inclusive and equitable higher education system.\"\n\nPell Grants are the largest pool of financial resources available to college students. In order to receive a full Pell Grant award, a student must take a full course load. However, many students must take less to reasonably accommodate for their disability, and in some cases, need additional time to complete their course work for graduation. Under current law, these students receive reduced Pell Grant awards in line with their reduced course load, while their actual college expenses are not proportionately reduced. This is perhaps one reason why a staggering 25% of students with disabilities left after one year of college compared to an attrition rate of 14% among students without a disability.\n\nStephan Smith, Executive Director, Association on Higher Education And Disability(AHEAD): \"As the leading professional membership association for individuals committed to equity for persons with disabilities in higher education, AHEAD has always been a champion of the Pell Grant program in helping students achieve their educational goals. But for some students with disabilities, course load requirements and semester limits with the Pell Grant program result in challenges to college completion. That is why AHEAD is so excited to see Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY) introduce the Pell Grant for Students With Disabilities Act. By instituting a commonsense flexibility that would allow students with disabilities to attend college at a pace with the greatest chances for success without having to see a reduction or even loss of Pell Grant funding will make a world of difference. It is this small change that will amount to life changing opportunities for college students with disabilities.\"\n\nAllowing students to reduce their workload to manage their disability, while still being able to secure financial aid, tears down systemic barriers preventing them from educational success. Rep. Morelle's legislation will lower the amount of credit hours required for Pell Grants for students with disabilities and allow for adjustments to award calculations and waivers for semester limits for those students, giving them the support necessary to earn their degree at the pace that works for them.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-torres-garc-a-lead-colleagues-in-calling-on-dhs-to-address-barriers", "Meng, Torres, Garc\u00eda Lead Colleagues in Calling on DHS to Address Barriers to Naturalization", "2021-10-27", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY), Norma J. Torres (D-CA) and Jes\u00fas \"Chuy\" Garc\u00eda (D-IL), and 27 of their colleagues, sent a letterto Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Ur Mendoza Jaddou encouraging them to take further action to address existing barriers to naturalization.\n\n\"Immigrants make our nation great and enrich and strengthen our society,\" said Rep. Meng. \"But the process that many face in seeking to become naturalized citizens can be overwhelming and challenging, and it's time for that to change. We commend the work that the Department of Homeland Security has done to improve access to naturalization and urge Secretary Mayorkas and Director Jaddou to continue these improvements by making the process easier and fairer. There should be no barriers to naturalization; we must ensure that all immigrants have their shot at the American dream.\"\n\n\"Millions of lawful permanent residents who are eligible for citizenship have not completed the process because they face significant barriers, ranging from a lack of information and assistance to the often prohibitive cost of application,\" said Rep. Torres. \"Expanding access to naturalization will make our country more prosperous by enhancing the economic, civic, and cultural contributions of lawful permanent residents.\"\n\n\"America is a nation where immigrants can realize their dreams, including citizenship,\" continued Rep. Torres. \"It is our responsibility to do everything we can to help make those dreams a reality.\"\n\n\"For many immigrants, becoming a U.S. citizen is a meaningful moment that marks the beginning of our ability to fully participate in the civic life of the country we call home. But for many recent immigrants, it has become increasingly difficult to achieve that American dream,\" said Rep. Garc\u00eda. \"It's time to tear down the \u2018second wall' of obstacles to citizenship that favor the privileged and wealthy. We must ensure that seeking naturalization is not a burdensome undertaking, and ultimately, that all people have the same opportunities I was granted in becoming a citizen.\"\n\nThe letter encourages the Department of Homeland Security to make the citizenship process fairer and more effective by:\n\nProviding information about the naturalization process and resources to potentially eligible populations,\n\nOffering Fee Waivers for naturalization and immigration applications,\n\nImplementing remote interviews and oath ceremonies,\n\nAppointing a Special Advisor to the Secretary of Homeland Security for Citizenship and Immigrant Integration,\n\nPromoting customer service and public engagement,\n\nEstablishing a process to solicit and accept donations for the Citizenship Gift and Bequest Account,\n\nImproving agency policy related to immigration data transparency and the naturalization process by providing more information and data, and\n\nProviding an update to Congress on the current naturalization application backlog and processing times.\n\nThere are approximately nine million lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who are eligible for naturalization but have not completed the process as a result of the current barriers in place. LPRs face additional hurdles including long wait times and extreme vetting, and often face the risk of losing their path to citizenship and being deported while waiting for naturalization.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morelle-leads-briefing-workforce-development-high-tech-industries", "CONGRESSMAN MORELLE LEADS BRIEFING ON WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IN HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES", "2021-10-27", "2021", "2021-10", "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 Joe Morelle led the Congressional Optics & Photonics Caucus in a briefing on workforce challenges facing high-tech industries. Panelists included experts from across the country who are at the forefront of the rapidly growing optics and photonics sector. Rep. Morelle co-founded the caucus with Rep. Brian Mast (FL-18), Senator Steve Daines (MT) and Senator Kyrsten Sinema (AZ) to promote and advance the use of light-based technologies.\n\n\"Workforce challenges have impacted every sector of our economy and have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis\u2014but it's important that we come together for discussions like this to find collaborative solutions,\" said Congressman Joe Morelle. \"Strengthening our growing optics and photonics industry in particular is critical to maintaining America's position as a leader in global innovation. I'm grateful to the experts who participated in today's discussion and look forward to our continued work together to create jobs, grow our skilled workforce, and bolster our high-tech economy.\"\n\n\"From the National Science Foundation's LASER-TEC center to businesses like Jenoptik, the Treasure Coast is leading the way in optics and photonics,\" said Rep. Brian Mast. \"This is an industry that is shaping the future, and I'll continue working with this caucus in Congress to support the policies that will foster innovation and breakthroughs.\"\n\n\"Montana is home to a growing optics and photonics sector, helping lead the United States in innovation. We need to continue to support workforce development and STEM education which will help build and supply the jobs needed for the next generation of technology,\" Senator Steve Daines said. \"As the Senate co-chair of the Optics and Photonics Caucus, I'm glad we were able to have this important conversation about how to support Montana tech companies and the high-paying jobs they create.\"\n\nThe briefing included testimony from four panelists who are leaders in the optics and photonics industry: Dr. Alexis Vogt, PhD, Professor of Optics at MCC; Jay Kumler, President of Jenoptik North America; Trent Berg, President of Montana Photonics Industry Alliance; and Katie Schwertz, Design Engineering Manager at Edmund Optics. More than 150 congressional and industry stakeholders tuned in for the virtual discussion.\n\n\"Enrollment in Monroe Community College's optical systems technology degree and certificate programs increased during the pandemic\u2014with nearly twice as many students this year than in 2019\u2014but it's still not enough to meet our region's demand for skilled optics technicians,\" said Alexis Vogt, Ph.D., endowed chair and professor of optical systems technology at MCC. \"In collaboration with government, industry and academia partners across the nation, MCC is leading efforts to strengthen the talent pipeline toward filling workforce gaps, through growing apprenticeship opportunities and helping establish an optics curriculum at other U.S. colleges. Together, we provide viable pathways to these high-demand careers with family-sustaining wages for diverse learners.\"\n\n\"I'm thrilled to support the O&P Caucus and participate in a conversation regarding ongoing workforce shortages in our industry,\" said Katie Schwertz, Design Engineering Manager, Edmund Optics. \"Light-based technology supports just about every aspect of modern life and yet so few people are aware of our field. Raising the awareness of optics & photonics technology, and the sizable job market, is critical to growing and supporting precision manufacturing in the US.\"\n\n\"We appreciate the leadership and attention that Congressmen and Senators Mast, Morelle, Daines and Sinema are bringing to the optics and photonics industry. I am optimistic that this caucus will bring much needed attention to the critical importance of photonics to our health care, our safety and our infrastructure,\" said Jay Kumler, President of Jenoptik North America.\n\nOptics and photonics companies, both large and small, have dealt with hiring shortages for skilled technicians for years\u2014and this challenge has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This rapidly growing industry is responsible for technologies like displays, fiber optics, lasers, sensors, and quantum systems and addressing workforce shortages is critical to ensuring the US remains a leader in this innovative, global industry.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 641, "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": "2021"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NY&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 641, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NY&year=2021", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NY&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 621, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NY&year=2021&chamber=House", "selected": false}, {"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 20, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NY&year=2021&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NY&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "NY", "label": "NY", "count": 641, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2021", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NY&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "2021", "label": "2021", "count": 641, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NY", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2021-10-27,https~3A~2F~2Fmorelle~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fcongressman-morelle-leads-briefing-workforce-development-high-tech-industries", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=NY&year=2021&_next=2021-10-27%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fmorelle~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fcongressman-morelle-leads-briefing-workforce-development-high-tech-industries&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 840.9876525402069, "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"}