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2,492 rows where state = "NY" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending

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  • 2015 · 2,492 ✖

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http://kathleenrice.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=259 On New Years Eve, Rep. Rice & Anti-DWI Advocates Introduce New Legislation Requiring Advanced DWI-Prevention Technology in All New Cars 2015-12-31 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Kathleen Rice R000602 kathleenrice.house.gov     legacy GARDEN CITY, NY U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice held a press conference today with anti-DWI advocates to introduce new legislation requiring that within 10 years, all new cars sold in the U.S. come equipped with advanced DWI-prevention technology that detects a drivers blood alcohol content (BAC) and prevents the car from moving if the drivers BAC is at or above the legal limit. The advanced technology is currently being developed through the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) program, a research partnership between the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety (ACTS), which represents 17 leading automobile manufacturers. In June, 2015, NHTSA and ACTS unveiled prototypes of touch-based and breath-based technologies, which will be integrated into vehicles for further testing as researchers work to develop final products. The touch-based technology responds to the touch of a drivers fingertip and uses infrared light to measure the drivers BAC. Unlike a breathalyzer, the DADSS breath-based technology does not require a driver to breathe into a tube a driver simply enters the vehicle and breathes normally, and sensors detect the drivers BAC using infrared light. Rices legislation, the End Drunk Driving Act, will require the technology to be installed in all new cars sold in the U.S. within 10 years of the bills enactment. The legislation significantly boosts funding for the DADSS program to help ensure that the technology will be fully developed, tested and ready for commercial use within 10 years. More information about the DADSS program, including a video demonstration of how the technology works, can be found here. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan found that requiring DWI-prevention technology in all new cars sold in the U.S. could prevent an estimated 85% of all drunk driving-related fatalities over 15 years, saving more than 59,000 lives. It could also prevent an estimated 1.25 million nonfatal drunk dr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://donovan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/donovan-blasts-obama-kerry-appeasing-iran-expense-american-security Donovan Blasts Obama, Kerry for Appeasing Iran at Expense of American Security 2015-12-30 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Daniel Donovan D000625 donovan.house.gov     legacy Staten Island, NYDecember 30, 2015.Congressman Dan Donovan (NY-11) today voiced strong opposition to the Obama administrations pledge to protect Iranian business interests by waiving Congressionally-mandated travel visa restrictions. Congressman Donovan said, Apparently, Irans business interests come before American security and citizens. Its yet another weak and wrongheaded step in the Obama administrations long road of placating our enemies. At issue is a Donovan-supported measure passed into law as part of the year-end funding package. It requires travelers to obtain a visa before visiting the United States if they have also visited Iran, Iraq, Syria, or Sudan in the past five years. This includes citizens of the 38 countries which participate in a visa-waiver program with the United States. The goal is to make it more difficult for would-be terrorists to enter America. Iran took issue with the security restrictions, arguing they came about as a result of the Zionist lobby and directly contradict the parameters of the nuclear deal agreed to earlier this year. In response, Secretary of State John Kerry penned a letter to his Iranian counterpart assuaging Irans concerns and promising to implement the law so as not to interfere with legitimate business interests of Iran. Donovan continued, Iran still holds American prisoners who were ignored as part of the nuclear negotiations, and Iran violated U.N. missile test restrictions just two months ago. Despite the regimes flagrant disregard for American citizens and international norms, the Obama administration immediately submitted to Irans complaints. Several Americans have been held captive in Iran for years. Even after the nuclear deal, Iran convicted an American reporter on bogus espionage charges and arrested an American businessman. Earlier this month, United Nations experts announced that Iran violated an international resolution when it conducted a missile test in October. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-zeldin-calls-investigations-nsa-spying-members-congress Congressman Zeldin Calls for Investigations into NSA Spying on Members of Congress Conversations with Israeli Leadership 2015-12-30 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Lee Zeldin Z000017 zeldin.house.gov     legacy Patchogue, New York - Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, C NY 1), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Co-Chair of the House Republican Israel Caucus today called on Congress and the Department of Justice to investigate the NSAs spying on members of Congress conversations with top Israeli leadership. The House Intelligence Committee just announced today that it is opening a probe. Additionally, Congressman Zeldin called on the Obama Administration to disclose information related to its role in this questionable activity. If the latest reports are true, laws were broken and there must be accountability for all responsible, said Congressman Zeldin. First off, Israel is a trusted ally of the United States of America and should be respected as such. The NSAs spying of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top level Israeli leadership harms our relationship with our greatest friend and ally in the Middle East. Furthermore, and especially concerning, the NSA should not have been recording the conversations between members of Congress and Israeli leadership. It appears that laws may have been broken. Congressman Zeldin met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as other top leaders in the Israeli government, during the negotiation and deliberation of the P5+1 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Iran Nuclear Agreement. Israel is a beacon of freedom and democracy in a region of the world that is filled with darkness, continued Congressman Zeldin. Americas foreign policy should be one that strengthens our relationships with our allies and treats our enemies as our enemies. These new details about the NSAs spying does nothing to strengthen our relationship with Israel and other allies around the world. If only the Obama administration would channel a fraction of its bias against Israel towards more responsible policy towards Iran, America would be made more secure today and in the future. Congressman Zeldin concluded, Putting the spying of Israeli leadership aside for a moment, in … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/following-his-return-iraq-rep-zeldin-releases-statement-iraqi-military Following His Return from Iraq, Rep. Zeldin Releases Statement on Iraqi Military Recapturing Ramadi 2015-12-29 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Lee Zeldin Z000017 zeldin.house.gov     legacy Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, C NY 1), Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who just returned from a Christmas time Congressional Delegation (CODEL) visit to Iraq and Kuwait, released the following statement after the Iraqi military recaptured Ramadi from ISIS: Recapturing Ramadi is a key strategic victory for Iraq and coalition forces. For Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, U.S. Army Lieutenant General Sean McFarland, the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service, and all others who played critical roles in this effort, this is a very positive development not just for Iraqi security, but for the security of the free world in the fight against ISIS. In Iraq, the United States and coalition partners clearly have a plan and that plan is moving in the right direction. Since the May 19th fall of Ramadi, there has been no loss of ground to ISIS for more than 48 hours. It is very tenuous though and with so much ground still to recapture, the reality remains that this could all pivot in the opposite direction in the blink of an eye. An intense battle for Mosul still awaits. For ISIS, which has linked its efforts to establishing a caliphate, holding ground and expanding further is critical. That is a key reason why their loss of Ramadi is important. There is a possibility that within two to five years, the Iraqis will recapture all land in their country currently held by ISIS. That is far from certain, but for the first time in a long time, many are at least feeling momentum in the right direction. Syria and Libya are a completely different story where there seems to be no plan to defeat ISIS, only to take out some of the bad guys and disrupt some of their command and control. That situation I fear is likely to get worse before it gets better and is a race against the clock. The best humanitarian victory that can be delivered for the Syrians is to wipe ISIS off the face of the earth and for the rest of the civil war to end. It is difficult to develop a plan for a post-Assad Syria if all of the people needed to run the … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://peteking.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rep-king-says-us-airstrikes-haven-t-weakened-isis Rep. King says US airstrikes havent weakened ISIS 2015-12-28 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Peter King K000210 peteking.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Rep. Peter King said the leader of ISIS is likely correct to conclude the barrage of US-led airstrikes have failed to weaken the terror group. Unfortunately, overall, hes probably right, King (R-NY) told Fox News Sunday, referring to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the self-proclaimed ISIS leader who said the months-long air campaign had failed and ISIS was expanding and getting stronger. After 15, 16 months of air attacks by the US, its had really minimal impact on ISIS, said King, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee. He added: ISIS, I believe, is stronger than it was 16 months ago. They certainly have a larger land mass under their control. Theres no doubt ISIS is planning increased attacks against the US. He also called for stepped up surveillance of the Muslim community and said federal authorities should be allowed to infiltrate mosques. They can cry all they want, the fact is thats where the threat is coming from, King said. We are kidding ourselves [with] blind political correctness. Muslim American leaders gathered in Washington last week to condemn the terrorist attacks and pledged to do more to root out radicalization, educate the public and condemn anti-Muslim rhetoric, exacerbated by Donald Trumps plan to ban-Muslims from entering the US. But King accused the Muslim community of more often than not failing to alert authorities of someone suspicious. On Long Island, here, where youve had people in mosques who have spoken radically, who spoke of their intentions to be involved in jihad, it was never told to the police, King said. There was one imam New York police confided in about a suspected bomb plot, King said, but he alerted the father of the subway bomber who was planning attacks in September 2009. He was the one guy they trusted and he tipped off the enemy, King said. A guy who was coming to New York to kills thousands of New Yorkers. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://peteking.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rep-peter-king-says-air-strikes-against-isis-are-not-enough-recommends Rep. Peter King says air strikes against ISIS are not enough, recommends monitoring Muslim communities 2015-12-28 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Peter King K000210 peteking.house.gov     legacy What doesnt kill ISIS makes it stronger. That was the message Sunday from Rep. Peter King, who said that the Islamic States leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was telling the truth when he said the U.S. and Russia had done little to halt his army of bloodthirsty militants. Unfortunately overall he is probably right that after 15 months of, 16 months of air attacks by the U.S., its had really minimal impact on ISIS, considering how long those attacks have been going on, King said on Fox News Sunday. The comments come a day after the 24-minute recording from Baghdadi surfaced. In the recording Baghdadi urged his soldiers to be patient because you are on the right path. The U.S.-led alliance does not scare us... nor do they scatter our resolve because we are the victors in any event, he said. Baghdadi declared that the caliphate in Syria and Iraq was doing well despite an international alliance against it that includes Saudi Arabia. America and its allies dream of destroying the caliphate through their proxies and henchmen, and whenever an alliance of theirs fails or a tail is cut, they hasten to establish another, Baghdadi said. The Republican Congressman from Long Island reiterated that the best way to prevent further ISIS attacks in the U.S. was more surveillance of Muslim communities. Critics say the controversial move would further dissuade law-abiding people from contacting the authorities for fear of being suspected of becoming radicalized. This is nothing against Muslims, but the fact is that is where the threat is coming from. And we are kidding ourselves. We have this blind political correctness, which makes no sense, King said. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://meng.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/meng-says-new-tax-measures-will-help-queens Meng Says New Tax Measures Will Help Queens 2015-12-27 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Grace Meng M001188 meng.house.gov     legacy U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) praised the passage of tax breaks that she said will benefit individuals and small businesses in Queens, including a commuter tax credit for mass transit commuters and increasing expense limits for businesses for equipment costs. These were part of a $1.1 trillion spending package approved in Washington last week. The tax measures, passed by the House and Senate and signed into law by President Barack Obama Dec. 18, will make permanent several tax breaks that Congress has traditionally only renewed on a temporary basis. This package of tax breaks is a great holiday gift for residents and entrepreneurs in Queens and New York City, and I was proud to vote for it, Meng said. It will send critical tax relief to our region, helping not only with our wallets, but with jobs and the economy. Also, by making these tax breaks permanent, residents and small business owners in the borough will be better able to plan for the future. They will have certainty about the tax breaks for which they qualify. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lee-zeldin-spends-christmas-us-troops-iraq-and-kuwait Rep. Lee Zeldin Spends Christmas with U.S. Troops in Iraq and Kuwait 2015-12-27 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Lee Zeldin Z000017 zeldin.house.gov     legacy Patchogue, NY - Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, C - NY-1), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, returned Saturday, December 26, from a bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) visit that he led to the Middle East. Also participating in Congressman Zeldins CODEL were Congressmen David G. Valadao (R - CA-21) and David Cicilline (D RI-1). During the visit, Congressman Zeldin made stops in Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan and Qatar. Congressman Zeldin said, "I was honored to lead a bipartisan CODEL to the Middle East over Christmas. The briefings with top military and diplomatic leadership, who are front in center in the fight against ISIS, served to update me on the latest developments in the coalition's efforts. I also had an opportunity to personally thank many of our service members in Iraq and Kuwait who are currently deployed and missing Christmas away from their families this holiday season." "It is great to be back home from the Middle East," Congressman Zeldin continued. "The briefings were so informative. The good news is that things are moving a little better in Iraq now and there is a plan being executed in a positive direction. It is very tenuous though and could turn in the opposite direction quickly. The bad news is that things are a lot worse in Syria and Libya and there really isn't much of a plan at all." Congressman Zeldin concluded, "I'll be looking forward to spending the next 24 hours digesting the detailed info from the various discussions, reflecting on the entire trip and reporting back on what I can. It is a complicated map in the Middle East, and unfortunately believing that none of it has anything to do with us is absolutely not an option. Naivety, weakness and a lack of leadership would prove very costly with the road ahead. The next step forward in American foreign policy must be the right move and it must be a move that plans from victory backwards and considers what moves six, seven and eight down the road should look like. There sure is quite a lot for me to think about the rest of this … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldins-christmas-day-greeting-middle-east Rep. Zeldin's Christmas Day Greeting From the Middle East 2015-12-27 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Lee Zeldin Z000017 zeldin.house.gov     legacy Baghdad, Iraq - Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, C - NY-1), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following Christmas Day greeting while currently leading a Congressional Delegation (CODEL) visit to the Middle East: "As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I'm currently leading a Congressional Delegation visit to the Middle East. For some of our service members I have met, this is their first deployment and first Christmas away from home. For others, this is their 6th deployment and sacrificing so much time away from family for so many holidays is certainly not easy. During my visit, which has included stops in Iraq, Kuwait and Jordan, I've had several meetings with top military and diplomatic leadership as well as many small group conversations over meals with our deployed service members from New York and around the country. It is such a privilege to personally let each and every one of them know just how much a very grateful nation thinks about them during these deployments and prays constantly for their safe return. This holiday season, Americans at home and abroad are seeking time for reflection and family. From the Middle East, I want to wish all Long Islanders back home who I am so honored to represent a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/2015/12/23/gillibrand-secures-47-million-in-federal-aid-for-national-physical-education-program-in-omnibus-deal-signed-by-president-1 Gillibrand Secures $47 Million In Federal Aid For National Physical Education Program In Omnibus Deal Signed By President 2015-12-23 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Kirsten Gillibrand G000555 www.gillibrand.senate.gov     legacy December 23, 2015 Gillibrand Secures $47 Million In Federal Aid For National Physical Education Program In Omnibus Deal Signed By President Omnibus Spending Bill Includes Approximately $47 Million in Federal Aid to the Carol M. White Physical Education Program For FY2016 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that, after her push the Omnibus spending bill signed by the President last week includes $47 million for the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) for Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16). The funding Gillibrand pushed to include will allow the Department of Education to provide federal grants to school districts and community-based organizations to initiate, enhance, and expand physical education programs for students in kindergarten through grade 12. The appropriations bills that the Senate and House appropriations committees passed earlier this year eliminated funding for PEP. In March, Senator Gillibrand wrote to the Senate Appropriations Committee and again in November urging the committee to secure funding for this program. Without funding, current grantees including school districts and community-based organizations would have lost grants for the 2016 fiscal year. The Omnibus bill that passed secures this program's funding. This push to secure this critical funding for the Carol M. White Physical Education Program will enable the Department of Education to improve physical education in schools and communities in New York and across the country, said Senator Gillibrand. We need to continue to prioritize the health of our children and help them develop skills and practices that promote a healthy, active lifestyle. The funding secured in the omnibus will help ensure our school districts have the resources they need to implement effective physical education programs and teach our kids healthy habits that they can carry with them the rest of their lives. We are so pleased… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/gillibrand-announces-more-than-27-billion-in-federal-funding-for-child-care-and-development-program-in-omnibus-bill-signed-by-president Gillibrand Announces More Than $2.7 Billion In Federal Funding For Child Care And Development Program In Omnibus Bill Signed By President 2015-12-23 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Kirsten Gillibrand G000555 www.gillibrand.senate.gov     legacy December 23, 2015 Gillibrand Announces More Than $2.7 Billion In Federal Funding For Child Care And Development Program In Omnibus Bill Signed By President Omnibus Spending Bill Secures about $2.7 Billion in Federal Aid to the Child Care and Development Block Grant Program For FY2016 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that, after her push the Omnibus spending bill signed by the President last week includes $2.761 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant Program (CCDBG) for Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16). The funding Gillibrand pushed to include would provide assistance to low-income families across the United States to gain access to quality, affordable child care while parents work or attend school. The CCDBG program helps over 1.4 million children from nearly 900,000 low-income families across the United States. The $2.761 billion secured by Gillibrand is an increase of $326M over FY15 levels. Gillibrand wrote to the Senate Appropriations Committee urging that without this additional federal funding to supplement state resources, states would have been faced with cutting the number of low-income children and families receiving reliable, affordable child care assistance through this program. I pushed to secure this funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant Program so that New York and states across the country have the resources necessary to implement child development programs without reducing the number of low-income children and families served by the program, said Senator Gillibrand. The funding I pushed to secure in the omnibus will help over one millions children and thousands of families in New York and across the country. Last year, Congress passed a reauthorization of the CCBDG program that strengthens health and safety standards for child care providers, requires mandatory background checks for all child care staff members, and implements new… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-issues-statement-following-death-ny-1-service-member Rep. Zeldin Issues Statement Following Death of NY-1 Service Member in Afghanistan Suicide Bombing 2015-12-23 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Lee Zeldin Z000017 zeldin.house.gov     legacy Patchogue, NY - Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, C - NY-1), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Veterans Affairs Committee, released the following statement following the suicide bombing in Afghanistan that killed six U.S. service members, including a constituent from New York's First Congressional District: "My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families following the tragic attack in Afghanistan that left six U.S. service members dead, including one of my constituents, Staff Sergeant Louis Bonacasa, from Coram, New York. Serving his final tour abroad, Staff Sergeant Bonacasa was a true American hero who leaves behind a loving wife, daughter, and extended family. On behalf of all the residents of the First Congressional District, I would like to thank Staff Sergeant Bonacasa for his dedication and sacrifice to our country, and I offer my deepest condolences to his entire family." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/vice-chair-crowley-announces-funding-new-maritime-academy-training-vessel-design Vice Chair Crowley Announces Funding for New Maritime Academy Training Vessel Design Included in Government Spending Bill 2015-12-22 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Joseph Crowley C001038 crowley.house.gov     legacy Funds Will Benefit Nations 6 Maritime Academies, Including SUNY Maritime College in the Bronx (Bronx, NY) Today, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, applauded the inclusion of $5 million for the design of a new National Security Multi-Mission Vessel for the countrys six State Maritime Academies in the bill funding the federal government for FY2016 recently signed by President Obama. For over a year, Crowley has championed the need for updating our nations aging training ships, spearheading multiple bipartisan letters to the U.S. Department of Transportation and the White House Office of Management and Budget. Our maritime industry continues to play an essential role in our nations economy and national security, said Rep. Crowley, whose district includes SUNY Maritime College in the Bronx. Yet, our maritime academies the institutions that produce the next generation of mariners are stuck with an aging, outdated fleet of vessels. We need to ensure that SUNY Maritime College and other academies have the resources necessary to continue developing highly skilled mariners and that means replacing the vessels where they are being trained. We are extremely grateful to Congressman Joe Crowley who spearheaded this initiative over the past several years. His leadership and enthusiastic support have been outstanding. I appreciate Congressman Crowleys keen understanding of the nations need to maintain a strong maritime workforce, said RADM Michael A. Alfultis, (USMS) Ph.D, President, State University of New York, Maritime College. Last year, Crowley led 25 bipartisan members of Congress in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Office of Management and Budget with the initial request that the agencies to develop and support a plan to replace the aging ships used by our nations State Maritime Academies. In February, President Obama designated $5 million in his budget to design and replace aging ships. In April, Crowley announced that the bill to fund the D… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-says-new-cdc-guideline-on-opioid-prescriptions-is-important-step Higgins Says New CDC Guideline on Opioid Prescriptions Is Important Step in Fighting the Epidemic 2015-12-22 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Brian Higgins H001038 higgins.house.gov     legacy Last week the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced plans for new guidelines for prescribing opioids. The recommendation comes the same week as the CDC announced new data indicating overdose deaths reached over 47,000 in 2014, a record high. Given widespread over-prescription and the potentially deadly consequences, the CDC is asking medical professionals to think twice before prescribing opioids, said Higgins. Pain management is an important part of a physicians practice; however, it is vital for prescribers to understand when options other than these highly addictive drugs may be available. According to the CDC, prescription opioid sales in the United States have increased by 300% since 1999 despite published reports that pain among the general population is no more prevalent today. The CDC guidelines provide voluntary recommendations that serve as a tool for medical professionals. The CDC guidelines are not intended to apply to patients in treatment for active cancer or palliative care. Earlier this year Higgins introduced (HR 2536) the TREAT Act, legislation that enhances access to medication assisted treatment for those addicted to opioids and heroin. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-statement-death-staff-sergeant-joseph-lemm Lowey Statement on death of Staff Sergeant Joseph Lemm 2015-12-22 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Nita Lowey L000480 lowey.house.gov     legacy WHITE PLAINS/NEW CITY, NY Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (Westchester/Rockland), the Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on NYPD Detective and Staff Sergeant Joseph Lemm: I'm deeply saddened that NYPD Detective and Staff Sergeant Joseph Lemm of West Harrison, a 15-year veteran of the NYPD and Air National Guard member, was killed along with five other Americans in Afghanistan yesterday. His commitment and dedication to protecting others made him a true patriot. My thoughts are with his wife and children as well as the loved ones of all six Americans who lost their lives in this horrific attack. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/_schumer-joins-colleagues-to-express-serious-concern-over-irans-second-ballistic-missle-test SCHUMER JOINS COLLEAGUES TO EXPRESS SERIOUS CONCERN OVER IRANS SECOND BALLISTIC MISSLE TEST 2015-12-22 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Charles Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov     legacy 12.22.15 SCHUMER JOINS COLLEAGUES TO EXPRESS SERIOUS CONCERN OVER IRAN'S SECOND BALLISTIC MISSLE TEST In Letter to President, Schumer & 20 Senators Express Serious Concern Over Iran's Continued Violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1929 By Testing a Second Ballistic Missile U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, along with twenty democratic Senators, expressed deep concern with Iran's second ballistic missile test conducted on November 21st. Schumer and his colleagues voiced their concerns in a letter to President Obama. In their letter, the Senators said In the absence of a UN Security Council commitment to enforcing UNSCR 1929, we request that you take action unilaterally, or in coordination with our European allies. Such action is essential to make clear to Iran's leaders that there will be consequences for future violations of UN Security Council Resolutions and that the United States reserves the right under the JCPOA to take unilateral action in response to this and other significant actions by Iran in the areas of ballistic missile development, terrorism and human rights. A copy of their letter is below: Dear Mr. President: We are deeply concerned by Iran's continued violations of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1929 by testing a second ballistic missile on November 21, 2015. Once again, the international community has an opportunity to demonstrate its resolve in the face of Iranian violations of its international obligations. On December 15, a panel of expert monitors working on behalf of the United Nations Security Council reported that, "On the basis of its analysis and findings the Panel concludes that the Emad launch onOctober 10this a violation by Iran of paragraph 9 of Security Council Resolution 1929." Unfortunately, some members of the UN Security Council failed to condemn this violation and failed to take steps collectively to enforce Resolution 1929. If there are no consequences for this violation, Iran's leaders will certainly also question the willingness of the … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-action-on-longtime-blood-donation-ban-is-warranted-but-fda Higgins: Action on Longtime Blood Donation Ban is Warranted But FDA Should Do Better 2015-12-21 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Brian Higgins H001038 higgins.house.gov     legacy Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) released the statement below following the U.S. Food & Drug Administrations (FDA) issuance of a final guidance outlining updated blood donation guidelines for gay and bisexual men from its previous lifetime ban to a new policy of a 12-month ban: The FDAs lifetime ban on accepting blood donations from healthy gay and bisexual men was outdated and discriminatory. Action to change this policy was greatly overdue but unfortunately the FDAs new policy still falls short. Blood donation eligibility should be based on risk factors not categorical exclusion based on sexual orientation alone. In July, Rep. Higgins and other members of Congress filed comments to the draft guidance urging the FDA to embrace science, and also reject outdated stereotypes by instead moving to a fully risk-based deferral system for blood donations. On December 14, Higgins joined Blood is Blood founder Jordan Moll Vigrass and Pride Center of Western New York Senior Director Matthew Crehan Higgins at a rally in Buffalo opposing the FDA ban. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-says-solar-tax-credit-is-big-win-for-western-new-york Higgins Says Solar Tax Credit is Big Win for Western New York 2015-12-21 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Brian Higgins H001038 higgins.house.gov     legacy Standing outside of SolarCitys new solar panel manufacturing site currently under construction in Buffalo, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) discussed the recently approved extension of the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and the impact it will have on Western New York. The solar tax credit builds confidence into the market to encourage consumers, both homeowners and commercial developers, to choose solar and with that increase in demand comes growth in the industry and the jobs that support it, said Higgins. On December 18, 2015 Congress approved and the President signed federal budget legislation that will extend the Solar Investment Tax Credit previously set to expire in 2016. The law provides for a 30% credit on residential and commercial solar systems through 2019, a 26% credit in 2020, 22% for 2021, followed by a 10% credit thereafter. New to the solar tax credit program is a commence construction provision which makes a project eligible before it is placed in service. The Solar Investment Tax Credit was first implemented in 2006 and is credited with encouraging the private investment that has made solar the fastest growing energy source in the United States, at a growth rate of 73% annually. Solar employment is growing at a rate 20 times higher than the overall economy. Today over 8,000 U.S. solar companies support over 200,000 U.S. jobs. With the Solar Credit extension that number is expected to more than double to more than 420,000 workers by 2020. Construction on the SolarCity plant is currently underway along the Buffalo River. The facility will be the largest solar panel manufacturing site in the Western Hemisphere. SolarCity has committed to creating over 1,400 jobs in Western New York and 5,000 jobs statewide over the next 10 years. "The entire solar industry is grateful for Representative Higgins' leadership in extending the ITC. Solar energy is a vital part of the new American economy, including a revitalized manufacturing sector, led by the Buffalo area. Consistent federal policy means SolarCit… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-hails-tax-breaks-that-will-provide-critical-tax-relief-to-queens Meng Hails Tax Breaks That Will Provide Critical Tax Relief to Queens 2015-12-19 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Grace Meng M001188 meng.house.gov     legacy U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) today hailed the passage of critical tax breaks that will benefit individuals and small businesses in Queens. The tax measures, passed by the House, Senate and signed into law by President Obama on Friday, will make permanent several tax breaks that Congress has traditionally only renewed on a temporary basis. This package of tax breaks is a great holiday gift for residents and entrepreneurs in Queens and New York City, and I was proud to vote for it, said Meng. It will send critical tax relief to our region, helping not only with our wallets, but with jobs and the economy. Also, by making these tax breaks permanent, residents and small business owners in the borough will be better able to plan for the future. They will have certainty about the tax breaks for which they qualify. The tax breaks that will have the biggest impact on Queens include the following: Individuals The Child Tax Credit (CTC): Helps with the cost of raising children by allowing a $1,000 tax credit per qualifying child. Commuter Tax Credit: Provides relief to mass transit commuters by increasing the amount of pre-tax dollars that can be used for bus and train transportation to work. The current $130 per month limit will be raised to $255 per month, the same amount that those who drive to work can use for parking fees. The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC): Assists with college tuition costs by permitting a tax credit of up to $2,500 per year for tuition and expenses. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Aids low and middle income individuals who work. The amount of the credit depends on the employed individuals income, marital status and number of children. Teachers Tax Credit: Allows teachers to deduct up to $250 for money they personally spend on classroom expenses and professional development. Small Businesses Research and Development (R and D) Credit: Tax credit for research and development costs for start-ups and established businesses. Designed to spur innovation and research. Small Business… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-statement-on-renewal-of-zadroga-bill Meng Statement on Renewal of Zadroga Bill 2015-12-19 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Grace Meng M001188 meng.house.gov     legacy U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) today issued the following statement on the permanent renewal of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act: Permanently extending the Zadroga Act is a major win for first responders. Passing this renewal was a tough fight that should have never taken this long. Forcing first responders to travel to Washington to lobby for the measure was outrageous. But Im thrilled that that weve finally crossed the finish line. On September 11th, our brave first responders answered the call, and now, 14 years after that horrible day, we must not turn our backs on the tireless heroes who were sickened or injured while working at Ground Zero. Continuing to provide the medical care theyneedis the right and decent thing to do, and it's what must be done for all the sacrifices they've made for our country. Letting Congress abandon them was not an option. I thank everybody who took part in this fight and all who never gave up; all the first responders, survivors, advocates, union officials and all my colleagues in government. Thank you! 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/vice-chair-crowley-joins-colleagues-introducing-legislation-condemning-anti-muslim Vice Chair Crowley Joins Colleagues in Introducing Legislation Condemning Anti-Muslim Violence 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Joseph Crowley C001038 crowley.house.gov     legacy (Washington, D.C.) Following weeks of anti-Muslim bigotry and acts of hate, today, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, announced that he joined Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-DC), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Mike Honda (D-CA), Keith Ellison (D-MN), and Andr Carson (D-IN) in introducing legislation condemning violence, bigotry, and hateful rhetoric toward Muslim-Americans. The despicable rhetoric and violence on American Muslims is reprehensible and goes against everything this country stands for. Whether its a store owner attacked in Astoria, a child bullied at a school in the Bronx, or a slur painted on a building, hate is hate. And, each and every one of us has a duty as an American to speak out against discrimination and intolerance,said Rep. Crowley. "I'm proud to join Congressman Beyer and my colleagues in introducing this resolution that sends a powerful message that the Congress stands behind our Muslim American communities and firmly against hate and intolerance. The text of the House Resolution denouncing hate speech and hate crimes against Muslim-Americans follows: Condemning violence, bigotry, and hateful rhetoric towards Muslims in the United States. Whereas the victims of anti-Muslim hate crimes and rhetoric have faced physical, verbal, and emotional abuse because they were Muslim or believed to be Muslim; Whereas the constitutional right to freedom of religious practice is a cherished American value and violence or hate speech towards any American community based on their faith is in contravention of our founding principles; Whereas there are millions of Muslims in the United States, a community made up of many diverse beliefs and cultures, and both immigrants and native-born Americans; Whereas this Muslim community is recognized as having made innumerable contributions to the cultural and economic fabric and well-being of American society; Whereas hateful and intolerant acts against Muslims are contrary to the American valu… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/vice-chair-crowley-statement-passage-government-spending-bill Vice Chair Crowley Statement on Passage of Government Spending Bill 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Joseph Crowley C001038 crowley.house.gov     legacy Bill Includes Extension of 9/11 Health and Compensation Act Crowley Remains Concerned About Lack of Action on Puerto Ricos Debt Crisis (Washington, D.C.) Today, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, released the following statement on his vote in support of legislation that funds the government for fiscal year 2016. The House passed the spending bill by a vote of 316 to 113. This isnt a perfect bill, but it is a compromise that avoids another disastrous Republican government shutdown and makes key investments in critical areas like education, renewable energy, and health care. The bill brings many benefits to New Yorkers, including tax benefits for mass transit commuters, increased funding for housing and rental assistance programs, and funding to help protect parks and water resources in Queens and the Bronx. I am especially relieved that included in this bill is the much-needed extension of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. Fourteen years after the September 11th attacks, thousands of our brave heroes are suffering from severe illnesses as a result of their service. It brings great reassurance to these heroes, and their families, that Congress will finally do right by them. I am, however, disappointed that this legislation did not address the urgent need to act on Puerto Ricos debt crisis, and I urge my Republican colleagues to move swiftly to help our fellow Americans. I will continue to make this issue a top priority in the weeks and months ahead. The bills investments in priorities include the following: Renewable Energy: Provides a major boost to renewable energy by extending the wind Production Tax Credit for five years (through 2019), and extending the solar Investment Tax Credit for five years (through 2021), while phasing both credits down somewhat over time.Extending the solar tax credit is estimated to create 61,000 jobs in 2017 alone.It is also estimated that the wind industry will grow to over 100,000 jobs over four years with the renewed wi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rothfus-and-higgins-introduce-legislation-to-protect-charitable Rothfus and Higgins Introduce Legislation to Protect Charitable Nonprofits and Donors 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Brian Higgins H001038 higgins.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Keith Rothfus [PA-12] and Congressman Brian Higgins [NY-26] introduced the Charitable Giving Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 4281), bipartisan legislation to protect charitable nonprofits and their donors from the negative consequences of an ongoing rulemaking by the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The proposed rule would give 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations including charities, religious groups, and educational foundations the option of collecting and providing to the IRS the name, address, and Social Security numbers (SSNs) of their donors to substantiate (or serve as evidence of) contributions for tax purposes. Since its issuance, the proposed rule has been strongly opposed by charitable nonprofits across the United States because it could unnecessarily compromise the private personal information of donors and disincentivize charitable giving. Charitable nonprofits are an essential element of our society that positively affect the lives of millions of Americans. This commonsense bipartisan legislation will serve to better protect these valuable organizations and their supporters and ensure that they can continue to provide important services to communities across the country, said Congressman Rothfus. Any circulation of Social Security numbers raises privacy concerns for individuals and the collection and transmission of personal data places an unnecessary burden on nonprofit organizations already stretched thin, added Congressman Higgins. I am pleased to join Congressman Rothfus in this bipartisan legislation that protects organizations doing good work in our communities and the people who support them. Congressmen Rothfus and Higgins legislation is supported by the National Council of Nonprofits, which represents more than 25 thousand nonprofit organizations nationwide. The proposed rulemaking has received nearly 35 thousand comments, almost all expressing opposition. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congress-passes-zadroga-911-health-and-compensation-extension CONGRESS PASSES ZADROGA 9/11 HEALTH AND COMPENSATION EXTENSION 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Carolyn Maloney M000087 maloney.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. The United States Congress has voted to extend the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act as part of a major spending bill that now heads to the Presidents desk to be signed into law. The bill will extend the World Trade Center Health Program to 2090, and provide full compensation to survivors and first responders through the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund. The two programs were in the process of shutting down after Congress missed a September 30 reauthorization deadline. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer, and Representatives Carolyn B. Maloney, Jerrold Nadler and Peter King mounted an aggressive push, along with 9/11 responders and survivors, to pass an extension this year. In the end, 68 Senators, and 272 House Members backed the bill. After months of tireless work by our 9/11 first responders, these brave men and women can finally feel secure that they will have healthcare for the rest of their lives. This victory belongs to them, said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. And while this should have been an easy moral question for Congress with an obvious answer, our first responders were more than ready to stand up and fight for what they deserve, and today they won. This is an extraordinary group of men and women, and I am honored to represent them. "This is the Christmas the 9/11 responders deserved: some peace of mind for each and every hero. Their selfless actions in response to that tragic day deserve a lifetimes worth of care and respect, so it is welcome news that Congress has finally agreed to fully fund the 9/11 Health Program, providing security to those brave men and women throughout their lives. Thank you to Senator Gillibrand, my other colleagues, firefighters, cops, veterans, union workers and everyone else who fought on behalf of our 9/11 first responders, walking the halls of Congress to win support for these vital health services, said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. Passage of this bill has been a heavy lift but worth every minute to show our support … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fda-heeds-maloney-s-call-to-ban-tanning-beds-for-minors FDA Heeds Maloneys Call to Ban Tanning Beds for Minors 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Carolyn Maloney M000087 maloney.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTONRep. Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Skin Cancer Caucus, hailed the Food and Drug Administrations announcement today of a proposed rule to restrict the use of tanning beds to those 18 and older. Maloney called on the FDA in 2014 to ban tanning beds for minors and led the fight in Congress to reclassify tanning beds as Class II medical devices. Ive long called tanning beds cancer coffins, because we know their direct link to higher rates of skin cancer and deadly melanoma. This proposal is a long-overdue step to keep young people safe from these dangerous devices said Maloney. I first investigated tanning beds because too many young women came to me when they were diagnosed with melanoma in their early 20s and 30s after regular trips to the tanning salon in their teens. It became clear to me that skin cancer had gone from a disease predominantly found in older men to one that affected a growing number of young women. This rule follows Maloneys repeated calls for the FDA to go beyond its 2014 reclassification of indoor tanning lamps to ban the use of these dangerous devices by minors. Even after this reclassificationwhich added a warning label to tanning bedsMaloney was concerned by the high rates of indoor tanning by minors. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 20.2 percent of female high school students used tanning devices in 2013. Partially because of increased UV exposure due to indoor tanning, skin cancers are now the second-most-common form of cancer for young women age 15 to 29. In June 2014, Maloney sent a letter to the FDA urging age restrictions on tanning beds, and in April 2015 she followed up on this call by urging the Administration to move forward with this proposal. In June, she called on the Office of Management and Budget to release this rule from its review process. Background: In 2006, Maloney introduced the TAN Act (H.R. 4767), which passed as part of the FDA Amendments Act of 2007, required the FDA to study the efficacy of warning l… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-statement-on-final-passage-of-zadroga-911-health-and Maloney Statement on final passage of Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation extension 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Carolyn Maloney M000087 maloney.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) today released the following statement on final passage of the Omnibus spending bill. The legislation included provisions to extend the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, for which Maloney is the lead sponsor: After 9/11, I became concerned about the health effects of exposure to toxins at Ground Zero. Eleven years ago I introduced the first 9/11 health bill. Five years ago we got it passed. This week we made it permanent. Never again will survivors and responders be forced to walk the halls of Congress, begging for their health care. Congress has taken bipartisan action to do right by the heroes of 9/11. After 15 years, the heroes and survivors of 9/11 will know that their health care is permanent and their compensation is full. Congress has spoken. It is all thanks to the men and women who made that long trip to Washington to walk the halls of Congress and remind us all that we should not and cannot ever forget. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://nadler.house.gov/press-release/congress-passes-zadroga-911-health-and-compensation-extension CONGRESS PASSES ZADROGA 9/11 HEALTH AND COMPENSATION EXTENSION 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Jerrold Nadler N000002 nadler.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. The United States Congress has voted to extend the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act as part of a major spending bill that now heads to the Presidents desk to be signed into law. The bill will extend the World Trade Center Health Program to 2090, and provide full compensation to survivors and first responders through the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund. The two programs were in the process of shutting down after Congress missed a September 30 reauthorization deadline. Representatives Jerrold Nadler, Carolyn B. Maloney, and Peter King and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer mounted an aggressive push, along with 9/11 responders and survivors, to pass an extension this year. In the end, 68 Senators, and 272 House Members backed the bill. "Today is a victory for the responders and survivors ofSeptember 11and for the allies who have fought alongside us for years to reach this moment," said Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY). "For fourteen years, we promised the survivors who bravely returned to their homes, offices, and schools in Lower Manhattan in the aftermath and the responders who rushed to the World Trade Center in the moments after the attack - that we would never forget their sacrifice; we would never forget their bravery. Today, by passing this bill, Congress finally lived up to that promise." After months of tireless work by our 9/11 first responders, these brave men and women can finally feel secure that they will have healthcare for the rest of their lives. This victory belongs to them, said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. And while this should have been an easy moral question for Congress with an obvious answer, our first responders were more than ready to stand up and fight for what they deserve, and today they won. This is an extraordinary group of men and women, and I am honored to represent them. "This is the Christmas the 9/11 responders deserved: some peace of mind for each and every hero. Their selfless actions in response to that tragic day dese… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://nadler.house.gov/press-release/congressman-nadler-applauds-historic-victory-911-heroes Congressman Nadler Applauds Historic Victory for 9/11 Heroes 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Jerrold Nadler N000002 nadler.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. -- Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), senior member of the House Judiciary Committee and original sponsor of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, released the following statement after Congress passed the FY16 Omnibus spending bill, which contained legislation providing for a permanent extension of the World Trade Center Health Program, and a five year reauthorization of the Victim Compensation Fund. Below is the full statement from Rep. Nadler with the passing of Zadroga Act reauthorization as part of the Omnibus: Today is a victory for the responders and survivors of September 11 and for the allies who have fought alongside us for years to reach this moment. For fourteen years, we promised the responders and survivors of the September 11 attacks that we would never forget their sacrifice; we would never forget their bravery. Today, Congress finally lived up to that promise. And I am proud of my country today, for fulfilling our commitment to never leaving the wounded on the battlefield. The survivors of September 11 the people who lived, worked, and went to school in Lower Manhattan and bravely returned to their homes, offices, and schools in the aftermath of the attack and the respondersthe brave police and firefighters who rushed to the World Trade Center in the moments and days after the attack, and toiled on the pile for months in toxic fumes and dust--will never again have to walk the halls of Congress begging for our help. They now know that the government keeps its promises. I know this bill raised concerns for many of my colleagues and it was not a perfect bill but todays vote was imperative to ensure that the responders and survivors of September 11 will never again feel betrayed by Congress nor question if we remember their sacrifice. These heroes worked to rescue victims, recover those we lost on that day, and rebuild Lower Manhattanboth with bricks and mortar, and by returning to their homes, schools and work. They came back to Lower Ma… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://donovan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/donovan-house-pass-permanent-world-trade-center-health-program Donovan, House Pass Permanent World Trade Center Health Program 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Daniel Donovan D000625 donovan.house.gov     legacy Washington, DCDecember 18, 2015....Congressman Dan Donovan (NY-11) today joined a majority in the House of Representatives to vote for a permanent reauthorization of the World Trade Center Health Program. The measure, which also includes a five-year, $4.6 billion extension of the Victim Compensation Fund, was part of a larger year-end spending package. It overwhelmingly passed the House with more than 300 bipartisan votes. Congressman Donovan said, We achieved everything we set out to accomplish. Its a total and complete win for the heroes who risked their lives to save others after the worst terrorist attack in our history. Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) said, I was proud to join with my New York colleagues to ensure we included the Zadroga Act in the year-end funding bill, and am grateful for our victory in that effort. We owe our first responders a debt we can never fully repay, but this legislation ensures that they have the health care they have earned. I will never tire in my fight to ensure we treat all of our heroes with the respect and honor they deserve, and I say thank you to them and their families for their efforts on 9/11 and every day, said Congressman Chris Gibson. When negotiations opened, the House Energy and Commerce Committee which has jurisdiction over the WTC Health Program proposed only a five-year extension. Donovan, together with his northeastern colleagues, argued that 9/11 heroes deserve certainty and confidence that treatment for their diseases will be available for the rest of their lives. Earlier this month, discussions reached a breakthrough when the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee agreed to a permanent extension. Speaker Ryan and other House leaders committed to reauthorizing the Zadroga Act before years end. Congressman Donovan continued, Speaker Ryan, Chairman Upton, and Chairman Goodlatte gave their word that they would come through for 9/11 heroes, and they did. I thank them for their leadership and their commitment, as well as Congressman Peter King, Co… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://donovan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/donovan-house-pass-year-end-funding-package Donovan, House Pass Year-End Funding Package 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Daniel Donovan D000625 donovan.house.gov     legacy Washington, DCDecember 18, 2015....Congressman Dan Donovan (NY-11) today joined the House of Representatives in passing the omnibus appropriations package by a margin of 316-113. It funds government operations through September 30, 2016 in line with the spending caps set in the October budget agreement. Provisions include a permanent extension of the Zadroga Act, funding to fight ISIS, and resources to combat prescription drug abuse and violence against women. Congressman Donovan said, The biggest win is a permanent World Trade Center Health Program, something I fought for since taking office in May. The rest of the bill isnt perfect, but it allocates the resources necessary to fight against ISIS and protect the homeland. Importantly, it keeps the government open and funded responsibly. The package allocates resources to a range of programs and agencies. In particular, it provides $53 billion $3.4 billion more than last fiscal year to fund overseas military operations, including the battle against ISIS and other terrorist networks. The bill also provides $2.5 billion in grants to first responders and emergency management personnel to, among other things, prepare for disasters and help undermine potential terrorist activities developing in the homeland. $22 million is specifically appropriated to the Securing the Cities Program, which funds equipment and training exercises to detect radiological weapons entering New York City and other major urban areas. Earlier this year, the House passed a bill authored by Donovan to make the program permanent. Further, the package allocates an additional $70 million to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to combat prescription drug abuse. Earlier this week, after advocacy from Donovans office, New York State agreed to join the Interconnect data-sharing network, which allows pharmacists in participating states to make sure prescriptions werent already filled in other states. The legislation also provides $480 million to a U.S. Department of Justice grant program to … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-rep-john-katko-statement-passage-fy2016-funding-bill U.S. Rep. John Katko Statement on Passage of FY2016 Funding Bill 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY John Katko K000386 katko.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. U.S. Representative John Katko (NY-24) today released the following statement on the bipartisan passage of the FY 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill, as well as a tax package, which passed the House this week with his support. With my support, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan agreement to fund the government through the 2016 Fiscal Year, as well as a package to make a number of critical tax credits permanent. While this agreement is far from perfect, I believe that it puts us on a sustainable path forward towards a predictable government funding process and takes us away from the course of governing from crisis to crisis. Like my constituents, I know that we must prioritize and invest in our national security. As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee and Chairman of the Committees bipartisan Task Force on Combating Foreign Fighter Travel, I am pleased that this agreement contains key provisions from our Task Forces findings to strengthen the Visa Waiver Program and to help prevent terrorist travel. It also includes provisions that I authored which will help counter violent extremism in our local communities. This measure provides more funding for defense and gives our troops the resources that they need -- while bolstering cybersecurity and providing additional resources to the FBI, DHS, and local law enforcement to prioritize counterterrorism efforts. Significantly for Central New York, this agreement contains a number of bipartisan provisions that Ive supported this Congress, including the reauthorization of the 9/11 first-responder health care and victim compensation programs. It suspends the Medical Device Tax for two years a relief for the small business and manufacturing innovators in our community that produce life-saving devices used around the globe. It allocates funding to support child nutrition programming in our schools and supports medical research for Alzheimers and other diseases for which we desperately seek cures. And importantly, it incr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-touts-lower-hudson-valley-and-new-york-funding-priorities-year-end Lowey Touts Lower Hudson Valley and New York Funding Priorities in Year-End Government Spending Bill 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Nita Lowey L000480 lowey.house.gov     legacy Rail and Public Safety, Early- and Higher Education, Child Care, and Biomedical Research Funding Increases Benefit Westchester and Rockland Health Care Benefits for 9/11 Survivors Reauthorized WHITE PLAINS/NEW CITY, NY Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (Westchester/Rockland), the Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, today highlighted items included in the Fiscal Year 2016 omnibus spending bill (omnibus), a $1.1 trillion year-end measure passed by the U.S. House of Representatives to fund the federal government, that benefit Westchester, Rockland, and New York State. New Yorkers send more than our fair share of tax dollars to Washington, said Lowey. As Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee with responsibility for negotiating this year-end government spending package, I fought hard to ensure Lower Hudson Valley priorities were included. Increased federal investments in rail and public safety, early- and higher education, and medical research will strengthen our region. I will continue fighting each and every day to keep our economy strong, create local jobs, and improve the quality of life for residents in Westchester and Rockland. Rail Safety In the omnibus, new railroad safety grants are funded at $50 million, $25 million of which available for Positive Train Control (PTC) and $25 million for rail infrastructure. The new Northeast Corridor Capital Grants are funded at $19.2 million in addition to $1.39 billion for Amtrak. Lowey also fought to reverse a $251 million cut to Amtrak. We must invest in the safety of our commuter railways to avoid fatal accidents. This is especially true for the heavily-traveled Northeast Corridor. Rail Grade Crossing Safety The omnibus includes Lowey's amendment to increase to $350 million the set-aside for grade crossing improvements in the Highway Safety Improvement Program, giving state highway departments additional resources to make upgrades and safety improvements at dangerous crossings. The spending bill also includes a Lowey provision to set as… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-applauds-north-country-wins-year-end-omnibus-tax-package Stefanik Applauds North Country Wins in Year End Omnibus, Tax Package 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Elise Stefanik S001196 stefanik.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C.Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) announced that the final government spending and tax package that passed the House with her support include several provisions she has fought hard for on behalf of the North Country. Among these provisions are a suspension of the medical device tax, an extension of the Land Water Conservation Fund, inclusion of the Zadroga 9/11 Health & Compensation Program, extensions of renewable energy tax credits, and funding for a Fort Drum military training academy, among other provisions. Suspends Obamacares Medical Device Tax This bipartisan agreement contains several priorities that I have fought for on behalf of North Country families and businesses, said Congresswoman Stefanik. This package includes a critical suspension of the Obamacare medical device tax. This is a big win for our district, especially in Warren County known as catheter valley because of the numerous medical device manufacturers located there. This is an issue I hear about frequently from businesses in my district, such as AngioDynamics, NuMed, C.R. Bard, Navilyst and Precision Extrusion. The medical device tax causes undue harm to an industry that not only creates jobs, but also improves our health and well-being, which is why I am an original cosponsor of the Protect Medical Innovation Act to repeal this burdensome tax. Important Provisions for NY-21 Military Installations and Military Families I am also pleased that two of my initiatives for Fort Drum have been secured in this package. Fort Drum is one of four sites being considered for an East Coast Missile Defense location, and this package includes important funds for the planning and design of this installation. And I am pleased that this package includes $19 million for the renovation and construction of a Non-Commissioned Officer Academy at Fort Drum. Fort Drum is critical to our region, our state and our national security, and I am pleased these provisions have been included. This package also includes $1.3 billion for naval … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=523 Tonko Supports House Bill to Fund Government, Enhance Priorities 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Paul Tonko T000469 tonko.house.gov     legacy Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20) today voted in favor of H.R. 2029, a bill to fund the federal government through the 2016 fiscal year. The bipartisan bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 316-113 and is expected to be taken up by the United States Senate later today. share: f t Tonko Supports House Bill to Fund Government, Enhance Priorities Rep. highlights many positive aspects of bipartisan funding bill; Still concerned with impact on fuel cell industry Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20) today voted in favor of H.R. 2029, a bill to fund the federal government through the 2016 fiscal year. The bipartisan bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 316-113 and is expected to be taken up by the United States Senate later today. This bill invests in our future, particularly in the clean energy sector, which is poised for continued growth and job opportunities in the Capital Region. In addition, we invest in life saving research and programs that assist those with mental health disorders. These are key priorities that we finally have certainty will be funded for the remainder of the year. However, the process of waiting until the last minute deadline to take action, coupled with the weeks of secret negotiations, continue to be troubling. I hope that as we enter the new year Congress is able to change business as usual and work harder and smarter on behalf of our constituents, said Tonko. The bill's investments in Congressman Tonko's priorities include the following: Renewable Energy:Provides a major boost to renewable energy by extending the wind Production Tax Credit for five years (through 2019), and extending the solar Investment Tax Credit for five years (through 2021), while phasing both credits down somewhat over time. Extending the solar tax credit is estimated to create 61,000 jobs in 2017 alone. It is also estimated that the wind industry will grow to over 100,000 jobs over four years with the renewed wind tax credit. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/statement-from-senators-gillibrand-and-schumer-on-final-passage-of-zadroga-9/11-health-and-compensation-programs Statement From Senators Gillibrand & Schumer On Final Passage Of Zadroga 9/11 Health & Compensation Programs 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Kirsten Gillibrand G000555 www.gillibrand.senate.gov     legacy December 18, 2015 Statement From Senators Gillibrand & Schumer On Final Passage Of Zadroga 9/11 Health & Compensation Programs After 65-33 Senate Vote to Renew Zadroga 9/11 Health & Compensation Programs As Part of Omnibus Spending Package, Final Bill Heads to the President to Become Law. Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), the lead sponsor of the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) today released the following statement on the Senate's final passage of legislation that will effectively make permanent, the renewal of the World Trade Center Health Program for 75 years as well as a five year, fully funded renewal of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, as part of the final omnibus spending bill. After months of tireless work by our 9/11 first responders, these brave men and women can finally feel secure that they will have healthcare for the rest of their lives. This victory belongs to them, said Senator Gillibrand, the lead sponsor of the legislation in the Senate. And while this should have been an easy moral question for Congress with an obvious answer, our first responders were more than ready to stand up and fight for what they deserve, and today they won. This is an extraordinary group of men and women, and I am honored to represent them. "This is the Christmas the 9/11 responders deserved: some peace of mind for each and every hero.Their selfless actions in response to that tragic day deserve a lifetime's worth of care and respect,so it is welcome news that Congress has finally agreed to fullyfund the 9/11 Health Program, providing security to those brave men and women throughout their lives. Thank you to Senator Gillibrand, my other colleagues, firefighters, cops, veterans, union workers and everyone else who fought on behalf of our 9/11 first responders, walking the halls of Congress to win support for these … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-announces-win-long-island-land-and-water-conservation Rep. Zeldin Announces Win for Long Island Land and Water Conservation 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Lee Zeldin Z000017 zeldin.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, CNY-1), today announced that the House of Representatives passed legislation (H.R. 2029) which includes language establishing a permanent tax deduction for East End conservation easements. Currently, landowners or farmers who donate a conservation easement to preserve their land from development can temporarily claim a federal income tax deduction. This important tax credit will now be permanent, giving certainty to Long Island conservationists and farmers. This legislation will now be sent to the President to be signed into law. Earlier this year, Congressman Zeldin also voted for the America Gives More Act (H.R. 644), which would make this tax credit permanent. H.R. 2029 also provides important funding for water quality, funding the National Estuary program, which includes the Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay, at $26.7 million for the 2016 fiscal year. The Long Island Sound Program is also funded at $4.8 million, a major victory over the Obama administrations proposal to cut this critical water quality program by 22%. The legislation also reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which provides local grants for hunting grounds, fishing areas and recreational facilities throughout Long Island, including 75 parks in Suffolk County alone. Congressman Zeldin said, One of my top priorities in Congress is protecting and preserving the abundance of natural resources we are blessed with on Long Island. Conservation easements are one of the most important ways that we can preserve the family farms and natural beauty of the East End of Long Island. In Congress, I have also been leading the fight to protect the quality of our water. I am proud to announce the passage of important legislation that funds the restoration of the Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-hails-permanent-extension-zadroga Rep. Zeldin Hails Permanent Extension of Zadroga 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Lee Zeldin Z000017 zeldin.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, CNY-1), today hailed a permanent extension of The James Zadroga Act, which passed the House of Representatives this morning. The Zadroga Act was originally passed in 2010, and established the World Trade Center Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. While both programs have adequate funding to carry into next year, the healthcare fund authorization lapsed and had to be reauthorized immediately. As part of the omnibus spending package, a permanent extension was passed for the World Trade Center Health Program in addition to a five year, $4.6 billion Victim Compensation Fund. Congressman Zeldin said, Today the House voted to permanently extend the Zadroga Act, which will ensure that 9/11 first responders who continue to suffer from injuries or illnesses receive the care they earned and need for years to come. This is a huge victory for all of the 9/11 first responders who showed enormous amounts of courage and bravery in the aftermath of the terror attack on America. I am especially proud to have worked closely in a bipartisan manner with colleagues in the House and Senate, including Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, Congressman King, and Speaker Ryan, as well as local activists from Suffolk County who made countless trips to the Capitol and did everything they could to ensure that Congress permanently extended the Zadroga Act before the end of the year. The legislation will now be sent to the Senate (H.R. 2029), where it is expected to be passed and then approved by the President. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/vice-chair-crowley-statement-passage-tax-extenders-bill Vice Chair Crowley Statement on Passage of Tax Extenders Bill 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Joseph Crowley C001038 crowley.house.gov     legacy Legislation Includes Tax Relief for Families, Two Bipartisan Bills Co-Authored by Crowley (Washington, D.C.) Today, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, released the following statement on his vote in support of legislation that extends and makes permanent key tax credits. The House passed the tax extenders bill by a vote of 318 to 109. While our economy is improving, there is no question that American families are still struggling to get by. This legislation will significantly ease some of the financial burdens faced by hardworking families, and help to provide them with more stability and security by ensuring that a number of widely-supported tax deductions and credits remain in place. Specifically, this legislation makes permanent improvements to three key programs: the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, and the American Opportunity Tax Credit. Together, these programs provide immediate relief to American families while providing long-term benefits, such as helping to defray the costs of education and boosting earnings for workers. I want Americans to get as much mileage as possible out of every dollar they earn, and this legislation will help do exactly that. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable federal income tax credit for low-to-moderate-income working individuals and families. The Child Tax Credit (CTC) gives taxpayers a tax credit for each qualifying child under the age of 17, generally worth $1,000 per child. The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) helps low- and middle-income families defray college costs. These tax credits are even more valuable to families because they are refundable, meaning that once the tax credit exceeds the amount of taxes owed by an individual, it results in a tax refund to those who claim and qualify for the credit. In addition, the bill includes provisions to help stimulate our economy, including two bipartisan bills co-authored by Crowley: the Real Estate Investment and Jobs Act of 2015 (H.R. 2128) and … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-announces-house-approval-of-long-term-tax-break-extension Higgins Announces House Approval of Long-Term Tax Break Extension Package 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Brian Higgins H001038 higgins.house.gov     legacy Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced approval of the Protecting Americans From Tax Hikes Act of 2015 in the House of Representatives. The legislation provides changes to existing tax policies and the extension of numerous tax credits. From working families and students to start-ups and those seeking to help rebuild Western New York, there are a good amount of provisions in this bill that Western New York can embrace, said Higgins. It is not a perfect package, I would doubt that any member is satisfied with every provision included, but it is the best example of compromise demonstrated by Congress in quite some time. Below are several highlights of the bill: Families: Makes permanent the $1,000 Child Tax Credit. Permanently extends the Earned Income Tax Credit extended to working people with low to moderate income. Eliminates the residency requirement on ABLE accounts providing greater flexibility and options in the program that provides tax-preferred savings accounts for individuals with disabilities. Distressed & Historic Communities: Extends for 5 years the New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC), which provides incentives for development in economically distressed areas. Since the creation of NMTC in 2000, several WNY projects have benefited from the program: The Electric Tower, the Oak School Lofts, Ellicott Commons, the Webb Lofts, Asbury Hall, AM&As Warehouse Lofts, 567 Exchange Street, the Innovation Center at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and most recently the Roswell Park Clinical Sciences Center currently under construction. Extends for 5 years the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and increases the incentive for employers to hire qualified, long-term unemployed individuals. Education/Teachers: Makes permanent the American Opportunity Tax Credit, providing a $2,500 credit toward tuition and related college expenses. Permanently extends a tax deduction for school teachers on expenses up to $250 in 2016 with an increase indexed to inflation in subsequent years and an expansion to incl… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://nadler.house.gov/press-release/congressman-nadler-senators-gillibrand-and-schumer-introduce-legislation-create Congressman Nadler, Senators Gillibrand and Schumer Introduce Legislation to Create National Park Site Honoring Americas LGBT History 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Jerrold Nadler N000002 nadler.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. U.S. Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) introduced legislation on December 10th to create the Stonewall National Historic Site. This site would be the nations first national park site dedicated to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) history. The Stonewall National Historic Site will help preserve, protect, and interpret the site of the Stonewall uprising, considered the start of the LGBT civil rights movement in America, for the benefit of present and future generations. As part of the National Park System, creation of the Stonewall National Historic Site will add to our historic understanding of the discrimination faced by LGBT individuals as well as the ongoing struggle to achieve civil rights for LGBT persons. Uniquely and importantly, a national park in Greenwich Village would invigorate historic preservation of LGBT history in the neighborhood, where the modern LGBT equal rights movement began in the summer of 1969. A Stonewall National Historic Site will help ensure that we do not forget the legacy of Stonewall, the history of discrimination against the LGBT community, or the impassioned individuals who have fought to overcome it, said Congressman Nadler. The story of Stonewall and those who participated in it are American stories that deserve to be recognized and preserved. Expanding our National Parks system to include the location of the spark that launched the LGBT civil rights movement will protect it for future generations to reflect on and learn from. At the end of this momentous year for gay rights in America, I am proud to introduce legislation that would establish a Stonewall National Historic Site, said Senator Gillibrand. The events at Stonewall in 1969 were a turning point for the LGBT rights movement in America a critical chapter, alongside Selma and Seneca Falls, in the long history of Americas quest for equal rights. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to pass this… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/katko-two-year-pause-medical-device-tax-good-central-new-york KATKO: TWO YEAR PAUSE ON MEDICAL DEVICE TAX GOOD FOR CENTRAL NEW YORK 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY John Katko K000386 katko.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. With the support of U.S. Representative John Katko (NY-24), the U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation which places a two-year moratorium on the 2.3% tax on medical device manufacturers that was put in place to fund Obamacare. Under the onerous Medical Device Tax, innovators, small businesses, and manufacturers right here in Central New York and across the country have slowed hiring, slowed investment in research and development, and slowedexpansion all in order to compensate for this misguided tax policy, said U.S. Rep. John Katko. Repealing this tax is critical to allowing our regional businesses to invest, to grow, and to prosper. Todays bipartisan legislation places a two year pause on this significant tax burden, which is a critical first step forward in eliminating this harmful tax altogether. The Medical Device Tax places a unique threat on Central New Yorks economy and on New York State as a whole. New Yorks vibrant med-tech industry is the 8th largest in the nation, employing over 8,000 employees in Upstate New York. The 24th Congressional District is home to small business innovators and large medical device manufacturers, including Welch Allyn and MedTech Association. Since taking office, Representative Katko has been a staunch advocate for the repeal of the Medical Device Tax, serving as an original co-sponsor on legislation to repeal the tax. Hill-Rom President & CEO John J. Greisch said, Hill-Rom and Welch Allyn are established industry leaders in medtech innovation we are constantly searching for new ways to help improve the quality of care for patients and their caregivers. Our work to develop new technologies depends on our ability to take calculated risks and make strategic investments, efforts challenged by this medical device excise tax, which stifles innovation and reduces our ability to invest in R&D. Hill-Rom and Welch Allyn are grateful that Congress passed a two year repri… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-roskam-engel-and-royce-introduce-resolution-denouncing-european Lowey, Roskam, Engel, and Royce Introduce Resolution Denouncing European Commission Labeling Guidelines on Israeli Products from the West Bank 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Nita Lowey L000480 lowey.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Representatives Nita Lowey (D-NY), Peter Roskam (R-IL), Eliot Engel (D-NY), and Ed Royce (R-CA) today introduced a resolution (H.Res. 567) expressing opposition to new guidelines issued by the European Commission to start labeling certain Israeli productsimported into European Union (EU) countries as product from the West Bank (Israeli settlement) and issued the following joint statement: New European Commission guidelines to single out Israeli products manufactured in the West Bank and other areas only encourage and prompt consumers to boycott all Israeli goods.This is counterproductive to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, harmful to U.S. national security interests, and contributes to the deeply misguided anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Boycotts chip away at economic integration, which negatively affects Israelis and Palestinians alike. The establishment of the European Economic Community was predicated on the notion that peace and security are achieved through trade, economic cooperation, and job creation - not boycotts and isolation. The same is true for Israelis and Palestinians. As Israel's largest trading partner, the European Union should play a constructive role to help bring the parties back to the negotiating table and resolve their differences, not try to extract one-sided concessions and feed into politically-motivated acts to boycott Israel. This resolution expresses our opposition to the EU labeling decision and all other boycott, divestment, and sanctions efforts directed against Israel or Israeli-controlled territory. The full text of the resolution is available online and below: RESOLUTION Expressing opposition to the European Commission interpretive notice regarding labeling Israeli products and goods manufactured in the West Bank and other areas, as such actions undermineefforts to achieve a negotiated Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Whereas the United States supports a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict resulting… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-more-than-1m-in-federal-sandy-relief-funds-for-repairs-to-dunes-in-town-of-brookhaven Schumer, Gillibrand Announce More Than $1M In Federal Sandy Relief Funds For Repairs To Dunes In Town Of Brookhaven 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Kirsten Gillibrand G000555 www.gillibrand.senate.gov     legacy December 17, 2015 Schumer, Gillibrand Announce More Than $1M In Federal Sandy Relief Funds For Repairs To Dunes In Town Of Brookhaven Superstorm Sandy Destroyed Friendship Beach's Dunes, Erosion Control Features, Drainage System & More Schumer, Gillibrand Announce FEMA Funds for the Town of Brookhaven for Sandy-related Repairs at Friendship Beach; Funds Will Help Protect Against Future Damage U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $1,092,917 in federal funding to the Town of Brookhaven for restoration work to dunes at Friendship Beach that were damaged as a result of Superstorm Sandy. The funding is being provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Public Assistance program. Superstorm Sandy caused significant damage to beaches throughout Long Island, including in the Town of Brookhaven. This federal funding will help the Town of Brookhaven restore and repair Friendship Beach without burdening local taxpayers with undue stress and hardship and make the dunes stronger in the event of a future storm, said Senator Schumer. I am pleased the Town of Brookhaven will get this federal funding to help cover the cost of repairing damages to Friendship Beach caused by Superstorm Sandy, said Senator Gillibrand. Superstorm Sandy devastated our communities, and this critical FEMA funding will help provide much needed resources as recovery efforts continue. I will continue to fight for funding so we can rebuild even stronger and be ready for when the next storm hits. Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine said, "Our shore front communitieswere devastated during Superstorm Sandy and many of the erosion issues that were created then still exist and continue to cause damage. Friendship Beach was especially hard hit and I thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for securing this funding so repairs can be completed." This $1.3 million mitigation project will allow us to n… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-more-than-1m-in-federal-sandy-relief-funds-for-repairs-to-dunes-in-town-of-brookhaven SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $1M IN FEDERAL SANDY RELIEF FUNDS FOR REPAIRS TO DUNES IN TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Charles Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov     legacy 12.17.15 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $1M IN FEDERAL SANDY RELIEF FUNDS FOR REPAIRS TO DUNES IN TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN Superstorm Sandy Destroyed Friendship Beach's Dunes, Erosion Control Features, Drainage System & More Schumer, Gillibrand Announce FEMA Funds for the Town of Brookhaven for Sandy-related Repairs at Friendship Beach; Funds Will Help Protect Against Future Damage U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $1,092,917 in federal funding to the Town of Brookhaven for restoration work to dunes at Friendship Beach that were damaged as a result of Superstorm Sandy. The funding is being provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Public Assistance program. Superstorm Sandy caused significant damage to beaches throughout Long Island, including in the Town of Brookhaven. This federal funding will help the Town of Brookhaven restore and repair Friendship Beach without burdening local taxpayers with undue stress and hardship and make the dunes stronger in the event of a future storm,said Senator Schumer. I am pleased the Town of Brookhaven will get this federal funding to help cover the cost of repairing damages to Friendship Beach caused by Superstorm Sandy, saidSenator Gillibrand. Superstorm Sandy devastated our communities, and this critical FEMA funding will help provide much needed resources as recovery efforts continue. I will continue to fight for funding so we can rebuild even stronger and be ready for when the next storm hits. Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine said,"Our shore front communitieswere devastated during Superstorm Sandy and many of the erosion issues that were created then still exist and continue to cause damage. Friendship Beach was especially hard hit and I thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for securing this funding so repairs can be completed." This $1.3 million mitigation project will allow us to not only repair the damage caused by Superstorm Sandy at Friendship Beach but also strengthen our infrastructu… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-s-common-core-amendment-now-law Rep. Zeldins Common Core Amendment Now Law 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Lee Zeldin Z000017 zeldin.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, C NY-1) today announced that the Zeldin Amendment regarding Common Core was signed into law. The Zeldin Amendment would allow states to opt out of Common Core without fear that there will be any loss of federal funding as a result. Congressman Zeldin said, The Zeldin Amendment, which has been identified as the single most effective way for the federal government to permit New York and other states to withdraw from Common Core without fear that there will be any loss of federal funding as a result, is a huge legislative victory for states seeking to withdraw from Common Core. One of the biggest arguments against the repeal of Common Core in New York State has been that New York would lose out on several hundred million, if not billions, of federal dollars. Under this new law, my amendment clarifies that any state, including New York State, would now be able to withdraw from Common Core without losing any federal funding. Congressman Zeldins amendment was included in the final conference report of the Every Student Succeeds Act, which passed both the U.S. House and Senate, and was signed into law by the President on December 10, 2015. You can read the Zeldin Amendment here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-says-federal-budget-package-that-includes-solar-tax-credit-and Higgins Says Federal Budget Package that Includes Solar Tax Credit and Medical Research Funding Increase Will Support Thousands of Jobs in WNY 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Brian Higgins H001038 higgins.house.gov     legacy Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced details of a federal tax credit and funding package, set for consideration by the House of Representatives this week, which includes provisions to bolster Western New Yorks position as a leader in biomedical and solar industries. In a major victory for Western New York, Higgins won a fight to extend the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The bill allows for a 30% credit for the installation of solar on residential and commercial properties through 2019. Higgins led a largescale, bipartisan push for extension of the credit, expected to create 60,000 jobs nationwide in the solar industry and double solar capacity in the U.S. The extension will benefit demand and operations at the SolarCity plant, under construction at Riverbend in Buffalo, which is projected to create 3,000 jobs in Western New York. With an annual growth rate of 73%, solar is our fastest growing energy source supporting clean energy, largescale economic growth and thousands of jobs across the country and right here in Western New York, said Higgins. Extension of this credit was critical as Buffalo builds our profile as a solar panel manufacturing hub. This credit benefits consumers, the environment and puts the industry on solid ground to maintain and grow its position as an economic catalyst and employer. In addition, the federal budget package includes a $2 billion boost for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the largest increase in over a decade. Higgins founded the NIH Caucus and led the effort for an increased level of NIH funding with introduction of the Accelerating Biomedical Research Act. Within the NIH funding allocation is a $264 million increase for cancer research and a $350 million increase for Alzheimers research. In 2014 alone, the NIH supported over $85 million in research funding in Congressman Higgins district, supporting the approximately 15,000 jobs at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and leading to breakthrough treatments for patients. The scaled back budget for biomedical re… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-statement-on-inclusion-of-zadroga-911-health-and-compensation Maloney statement on inclusion of Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation bill in must-pass omnibus spending bill 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Carolyn Maloney M000087 maloney.house.gov     legacy NEW YORK Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) today released the following statement on the inclusion of a provision to extend the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act in the must-pass omnibus spending bill that will be considered by Congress this week: Fourteen years ago I became concerned about the health effects of exposure to toxins at Ground Zero. Eleven years ago I introduced the first 9/11 health bill. Five years ago we got it passed. This week we will make it permanent. This evening we learned that an extension of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act will be included in the omnibus spending package Congress must pass before it adjourns this year. Its in writing. The deal is done. Now Congress needs to vote. This is a major bipartisan victory for the survivors and responders who were counting on us to get this done. Never again will survivors and responders be forced to walk the halls of Congress, begging for their health care. Never again will they lose sleep over fear that this life-saving program will run out. No longer will those who have been out of work due to their illnesses have to fear that their promised compensation will be slashed by more than half. We will never fully repay the sacrifices our first responders made following September 11th. All they ask of us is that we never forget and Congress is now sending a clear message back: we havent. We did it thanks to the hard work of countless 9/11 responders and survivors who made repeated trips and shared their heartbreaking stories. This is not just a victory for New York. It is a victory for America. It demonstrates our highest values and shows the world that when we are attacked, we take care of our own. BACKGROUND: Summary of the Final James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization that was included in the Omnibus World Trade Center Health Program Section (score $3.5 billion): Extends the Health Program to 2090 with only minor revisions: Adds a requirement that the Administrator provide for … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://nadler.house.gov/press-release/congressman-nadler-supports-legislation-providing-fema-assistance-public-broadcasters Congressman Nadler Supports Legislation Providing FEMA Assistance to Public Broadcasters for Disaster Relief 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Jerrold Nadler N000002 nadler.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), senior member of the House Judiciary Committee and House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, issued the following statement in support of the Emergency Information Improvement Act, providing FEMA assistance to public broadcasters. After working on legislation in the House to help public broadcasters access disaster relief in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, the House today voted on a Senate bill that finally corrects the eligibility confusion over disaster relief for public broadcasters: More than two years ago, Superstorm Sandy devastated New York City and communities along the East Coast, leaving hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. It also demonstrated FEMAs critical role in the aftermath of such disasters, while highlighting the gaps and issues in our emergency response and our constituents ability to access disaster assistance. Public broadcasting is no exception, and I have been heavily involved in House legislation that clarifies FEMA assistance eligibility for certain communications, devices, and equipment. The bill we are voting on today will ensure that after a disaster like Superstorm Sandy, communities can continue sharing information on evacuation orders, emergency routes, and where to find food, shelter, and other critical services. In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, that information literally saved lives. I am pleased this legislation will finally eliminate the ambiguity over the eligibility of public broadcasting for assistance and ensure that communications can remain fully operational in the aftermath of a natural disaster. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://nadler.house.gov/press-release/statement-congressman-nadler-inclusion-zadroga-911-health-compensation-programs-final Statement From Congressman Nadler On Inclusion Of Zadroga 9/11 Health & Compensation Programs In Final Omnibus Spending Bill Set To Pass This Week 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Jerrold Nadler N000002 nadler.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), the lead Senate sponsor of the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) along with Representatives Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Peter King (R-NY), and Dan Donovan (R-NY) today announced that Senate and House leaders have agreed to include an effectively permanent, 75 year renewal of the World Trade Center Health Program and a five year, fully funded renewal of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund in the final omnibus spending bill Congress is set to pass later this week. Congressman Nadler, who sponsored the original Zadroga Act and the House legislation for its reauthorization along with Reps. Maloney and King, said: I am thrilled to report the FY2016 omnibus posted by the Republicans last night includes reauthorization of the 9/11 Health Program and the Victim Compensation Fund. The language is not perfect, but this is a major victory for the first responders and survivors of 9/11 and all those who have fought by their sides for the last 14 years. The bill will ensure the health program is available to support the tens of thousands of sick responders and survivors for as long as they need it without cutting any benefits. It also guarantees that no one who has received a determination from the VCF will see their support cut and will continue providing support and compensation to responders and survivors. I want to thank everyone who walked the halls of Congress to bring us to this point. As a result of their tireless efforts, tens of thousands of families will have the care and support they need for as long as they need it. I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation. The Senators and Congress Members each made the following statements: This agreement is incredible news for our 9/11 heroes and their families, and it is a testament to the extraordinary power that Americans can have when they raise their voice and demand action, said U.S.Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the lead sponsor… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://peteking.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/house-reveals-bill-to-extend-zadroga-act-bringing-it-one-step-closer-to House reveals bill to extend Zadroga Act, bringing it one step closer to approval 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Peter King K000210 peteking.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON The long, hard fight to reauthorize funds for 9/11 survivors is finally coming to an end. House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) made public must-pass legislation that includes funding for the Zadroga Act Tuesday night. The bill includes near-permanent extension of the health care program for first responders and others suffering from long-term health problems, according to lawmakers, and a five-year, $4.6 billion extension of the victims compensation fund that helps first responders and their families meet ends meet when they can't work or die from their health problems. This agreement is incredible news for our 9/11 heroes and their families, and it is a testament to the extraordinary power that Americans can have when they raise their voice and demand action, said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.). Now those who rushed to the towers will know that if they get sick because of their bravery, the federal government will be there for them the way they were there for us," said Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). "It took too long but Congress finally rose to its responsibility to help our heroes. This agreement is the product of a lot of hard work but the end result is certainly worth it. Money for the program will be included in the omnibus legislation to keep the government funded that is expected to easily pass. The bipartisan group of lawmakers who have long fought for the legislation aren't ready to celebrate just yet. But they're finally feeling like the GOP-controlled Congress is ready to make good on its promise to care for America's heroes after months of delays in funding the Zadroga Act, which expired in the fall and would have run out of money early next year without Congressional action. "This is a major bipartisan victory for the survivors and responders who were counting on us to get this done," Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) said. We will never fully repay the sacrifices our first responders made following September 11. All they ask of us is that we never forget and if Congress votes to pass the bill … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://peteking.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/zadroga-act-lawmakers-include-81b-measure-to-renew-program Zadroga Act: Lawmakers include $8.1B measure to renew program 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Peter King K000210 peteking.house.gov     legacy In a major victory for ailing first responders, congressional negotiators included an $8.1 billion measure to renew the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act in the $1.1 trillion omnibus spending package that was finalized and released Tuesday night, lawmakers said. The measure would extend the World Trade Center Health Program for 75 years with $3.5 billion in funding to monitor and care for 73,000 responders and survivors. It also would provide $4.6 billion for the Victims Compensation Fund, which it renewed for another five years. Now its all over except for the voting, which the House and Senate are expected to do later this week before they leave Washington for the scheduled start of the holiday recess. Its in writing. The deal is done. Now Congress needs to vote, said Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan), a Democratic sponsor of the Zadroga Act extension. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said, The finish line is in sight. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), the lead Senate sponsor, said, This agreement is incredible news for our 9/11 heroes and their families, and it is a testament to the extraordinary power that Americans can have when they raise their voice and demand action. Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford), the lead Republican sponsor, said, Advancing the Zadroga bill was a long hard fight for the brave cops, firefighters and construction workers who put their lives and health on the line at Ground Zero. They deserve the very best medical care and treatment. Benjamin Chevat, executive director of the Citizens for Extension of the James Zadroga Act, also praised the responders for effectively making the case for the renewal in more than 20 trips to Washington to meet with lawmakers. This is a huge accomplishment, getting from this Congress, a health care program extended for 75 years and extending the . . . [victims fund] for another five years and giving it adequate funding to make people whole, he said. Once Congress approves the omnibus spending bill, the renewal of the Zadroga Acts two programs will provide cer… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://donovan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/donovan-announces-permanent-wtc-health-program-included-must-pass Donovan Announces Permanent WTC Health Program Included in Must-Pass Spending Package 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Daniel Donovan D000625 donovan.house.gov     legacy Washington, DCDecember 15, 2015....Congressman Dan Donovan (NY-11) today announced that the year-end spending bill, known as the omnibus, includes a permanent extension of the Zadroga Act. The bill language, which became public moments ago, provides $3.5 billion for the World Trade Center Health Program, the level which WTC Health Program Administrator Dr. John Howard said he needed to permanently fund treatments and screenings for first responders. The bill also provides $4.6 billion for the Victims Compensation Fund. Congressman Donovan said, This victory is about the heroes who sacrificed their health and their lives in one of our countrys darkest hours. They didnt know it then, but by rushing toward the horror to save lives, many would risk their own years later. This is right, this is good, and Im incredibly proud to be a part of it. Todays official inclusion comes after months of hard-fought and emotional negotiations. In New York, Donovan and his colleagues hosted countless events with 9/11 heroes, widows, and families to put a face to their argument. In Washington, Donovan, Congressman Peter King, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, and Congressman Jerry Nadler made their case to House Republican leadership over many weeks. Donovan continued, I always said that on the merits on the facts of this case we will win. I had full confidence that Speaker Ryan, Chairman Upton, and Chairman Goodlatte would come through for true American heroes, and they did. The omnibus will likely come before the House of Representatives for a final vote on December 17. With agreement from Republican and Democratic leadership in both the House and Senate,and the potential for a government shutdown if nothing passes, the bills prospects for success are extremely high. After the House and Senate pass the measure, it will go to the Presidents desk for his signature. Donovan concluded, Rob Serra; Diane DiGiacomo; Sal Turturici; John Muller; George Taylor: these are some of the people who woke up one September morning and found themselve… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://donovan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/donovan-house-pass-combat-terrorist-use-social-media-act Donovan, House Pass the "Combat Terrorist Use of Social Media Act" 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Daniel Donovan D000625 donovan.house.gov     legacy Washington, DCDecember 16, 2015....Congressman Dan Donovan (NY-11) today joined his colleagues in passing the Combat Terrorist Use of Social Media Act. The measure utilizes the oversight role of Congress to require the President and security agencies to make recommendations for improving the federal governments efforts to disrupt and counter the use of social media by terrorists. Congressman Donovan said, ISIS has a relatively small and unsophisticated army by conventional standards they dont have fighter jets or cruise missiles. But with access to social media, ISIS and other terrorist groups can infect people thousands of miles away with their hateful, disgusting ideology. The measure further requires the Administration to report on how terror organizations utilize social media, and the role social media plays in radicalization in the United States and abroad. Donovan concluded, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook these are ISISs strongest weapons. To fully eradicate the threat, we must destroy their organization, cut off their financing, and take back their territory. In the meantime, we have to take every step to minimize the risk of radicalization here at home. -- Rep. Dan Donovan serves on the House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. He is New York Citys only Republican representative. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://donovan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-donovan-amendment-strengthen-cybersecurity-american-ports House Passes Donovan Amendment to Strengthen Cybersecurity at American Ports 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Daniel Donovan D000625 donovan.house.gov     legacy Washington, DCDecember 16, 2015....Congressman Dan Donovan (NY-11) today announced that the House of Representatives passed the Strengthening Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Coordination in Our Ports Act, which includes a Donovan amendment empowering the U.S. Coast Guard to implement cyber standards to safeguard American ports. Congressman Donovan said, Ports are the entry point for tens of millions of containers and billions of dollars of goods, and their operations rely heavily on automated systems. Its governments job to protect critical infrastructure from attack, and Im confident the U.S. Coast Guard will implement meaningful cyber defense systems for our ports. Current policy gives the U.S. Coast Guard jurisdiction over physical security at American ports. Cybersecurity, though, requires more robust coordination among the many private enterprises operating at domestic ports. Donovans amendment makes it crystal clear that the Coast Guard has full authority to implement cyber safeguards, avoiding the bureaucratic confusion that could allow vulnerabilities to persist. Several international ports have suffered cyber-attacks recently. In 2012, Australian authorities learned that drug smugglers exploited flaws in a federal container tracking system, enabling criminals to identify which shipping containers police considered suspicious. From 2011 to 2013, drug traffickers hacked into the Port of Antwerp and remotely controlled the terminal operating systems to release containers to truckers without the port or shipping line knowing about the missing cargo. Congressman Donovan continued, With a clear precedent of hackers exploiting ports around the world, we need to take action to beef up our own security. Thankfully, there has not been a major breach from a terrorist organization, but we need to always prepare for the worst-case scenario. The House Committee on Homeland Security adopted Donovans amendment when it considered the legislation earlier this year. After todays House vote, the bill goes to the Sena… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/2015/12/16/gillibrand-hanna-announce-32-million-increase-for-rome-lab-1 Gillibrand, Hanna Announce $32 Million Increase For Rome Lab 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Kirsten Gillibrand G000555 www.gillibrand.senate.gov     legacy December 16, 2015 Gillibrand, Hanna Announce $32 Million Increase For Rome Lab WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Representative Richard Hanna today announced that the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, N.Y. will get a budget increase of $32 million, which will help Rome Lab continue to lead the nation in cutting edge cybersecurity research. The funding increase is millions more than President Barack Obama requested in his budget and is an increase of more than $32 million over last year's budget (Fiscal Year 2015) bringing the Lab's budget total to more than $215 million for the next fiscal year. The U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives are set to approve a $1.1 trillion spending package that funds the government through the fall of 2016 and includes billions in tax relief by renewing expiring tax breaks. Rome lab is home to the Air Force Information Directorate that develops technology related to cyber intelligence and security. More than 1,000 people work at Rome Lab and Senator Gillibrand and Rep. Hanna have long pushed to increase funding so the Lab can continue to grow and increase its presence as a national leader in cyber technology. The budget increase comes on the heels of an announcement that the Army National Guard will use Rome Lab's Joint Reserve Intelligence Center to accommodate cyber protection team mission requirements. Rome Lab is at the forefront of U.S. national security research and a critical part of the community, Senator Gillibrand said. This funding would help the lab conduct vital research to keep this country safe from cyber-attacks. Each year, one of my top priorities is to see Rome Lab's operational budget increase because of the critical work that's being accomplished there, Rep. Hanna said. Since I came to Congress, Rome Lab has received significant increases. I will continue to advocate on Rome's behalf to ensure the Lab grows even stronger in the coming years. Print Email … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-years-of-work-schumer-secures-major-victories-for-upstate-new-york-in-recently-announced-federal-budget FOLLOWING YEARS OF WORK, SCHUMER SECURES MAJOR VICTORIES FOR UPSTATE NEW YORK IN RECENTLY ANNOUNCED FEDERAL BUDGET 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Charles Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov     legacy 12.16.15 FOLLOWING YEARS OF WORK, SCHUMER SECURES MAJOR VICTORIES FOR UPSTATE NEW YORK IN RECENTLY ANNOUNCED FEDERAL BUDGET Schumer Announces That The Bipartisan Budget Bill Is Filled With Dozens Of Important Victories For Upstate New York Schumer Successfully Pushed For Funding Priorities Including HOME Funding, SAFER Grants for Firefighters, HIDTA Funding to Combat Drug Crime, Water-Sewer Grants & More Schumer: Budget Bill Is A Major Win For Upstate NY U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced, following years of work, major victories that will greatly help Upstate New York were included in the recently-announced omnibus bill Schumer said these victories will boost the economy and support vital programs, including: crime prevention, middle-class tax breaks, clean water, education and many more. Schumer provided statements for several major areas in which the budget will be a major boost for Upstate New Yorkers. The bill includes the following victories for Upstate New York: HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)/ Community Block Development Grant (CDBG) Program Investing in strong neighborhoods is an important victory to help economic development efforts in Upstate neighborhoods by providing homeownership, rental assistance, and housing rehabilitation funds. We were able to secure $950 million for HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) funding and $3 billion for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. Without this critical funding, already vulnerable neighborhoods could have been devastated, saidSchumer. That is why I fought tooth and nail to prevent the proposed cuts to the HOME programs -- and to fund the CDBG program. This funding means local governments and communities will now have the resources they need to provide families and their children with safe and affordable housing options and can continue the neighborhood revitalization efforts that are critical to local economic development. The HOME program received a draconian $834 million cut in the Senate Trans… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-13-billlion-in-fed-funding-secured-for-naval-reactors-provides-funding-capital-regions-kesselring-needs-to-keep-training-program-running_ SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $1.3 BILLLION IN FED FUNDING SECURED FOR NAVAL REACTORS; PROVIDES FUNDING CAPITAL REGIONS KESSELRING NEEDS TO KEEP TRAINING PROGRAM RUNNING 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Charles Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov     legacy 12.16.15 SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $1.3 BILLLION IN FED FUNDING SECURED FOR NAVAL REACTORS; PROVIDES FUNDING CAPITAL REGION'S KESSELRING NEEDS TO KEEP TRAINING PROGRAM RUNNING Schumer Fought to Protect & Secure More Funds to Keep Kesselring Site in West Milton & Knolls Atomic Power Lab in Niskayuna Thriving Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory's (KAPL) Kesselring Site in West Milton Employs 700 & Trains 1,000+ Navy Personnel Schumer Has Long Fought To Keep Program Funded At Highest Levels Possible In Order To Help Keep Sites Like Kesselring Prosperous U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the Omnibus spending bill a must-pass bill that funds the federal government through the end of the fiscal year includes $1.3 billion in funding for the Naval Reactors program. This funding will help maintain and grow sites like the Kenneth A. Kesselring site in West Milton, which is operated by the National Nuclear Security Administration and KAPL in Niskayuna. Kesselring trains over 1,000 cadets per year on how to operate the 97 nuclear reactors that provide propulsion to Navy aircraft carriers and submarines. Schumer has long fought to provide the highest level of funding requested to the Naval Reactors program in order to help keep sites like Kenneth A. Kesselring in West Milton and KAPL in Niskayuna thriving. This federal funding is critical for keeping sites like Kenneth A. Kesselring in West Milton and KAPL in Niskayuna growing and thriving and the many hundreds who work there on the job. This funding goes a long way toward helping us avoid a situation like the one we faced last year, when the future of this program in the Capital Region, and the jobs that go with it, were in jeopardy, saidSchumer. I am pleased that, with this funding, we would be able to maintain and expand these programs. So I am urging my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers of Congress to vote for this bill so we can send this to the President's desk. Schumer has long been a proponent of ensurin… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-more-than-45-million-in-additional-federal-funding-for-rome-labs-in-just-unveiled-omnibus-bill SCHUMER ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $4.5 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ROME LABS IN JUST-UNVEILED OMNIBUS BILL 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Charles Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov     legacy 12.16.15 SCHUMER ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $4.5 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ROME LABS IN JUST-UNVEILED OMNIBUS BILL Schumer: Rome Labs is at the Epicenter of Cyber-Defense and Cutting-Edge Communications and Deserves Significant Federal Investment U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the Omnibus spending bill a must-pass bill that funds the federal government through the end of the fiscal year includes an increase of more than $4.5 million in funding for Rome Labs. Schumer was successful in securing $169 million for the budget line in the 2015 Senate appropriations bill which funds Rome Labs, a net increase from 2014 of $4.5 million. Schumer wrote to Senate Appropriators this year for an increase in funding for Rome labs. With the additional funding, Rome Labs will develop a Cyber City Experimentation Range, which provides a real time, realistic environment to assist with the development of effective deployment of cyber technology to the battlefield. In an era of constant hacking, cyber-spying and cyber-terror, Rome Labs is at the vanguard of countering cyber threats. Clearly we must double down on our national investment in the work done here, which is why I was proud to fight to ensure this critical federal investment was included in the must-pass budget bill. In addition, DFAS is critical to the Mohawk Valley's economy, and we worked hard last year to secure protections that make sure these good-paying, local jobs are secure for the long haul and we will keep our eye on the ball, saidSchumer. I am urging my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers of Congress to vote for this bill so we can send this to the President's desk and these two entities can continue humming as economic engines for the Mohawk Valley. Schumer said that in order for Rome Labs which employs over 1,000 workers to continue its mission of protecting the nation's cyber security network, federal funding for the lab must be protected and increased as federal resources will go directl… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-68-million-in-funding-for-rochester-laser-lab-included-in-just-unveiled-omnibus-spending-bill_passage-in-congress-would-send-legislation-to-presidents-desk-- SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $68 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR ROCHESTER LASER LAB INCLUDED IN JUST-UNVEILED OMNIBUS SPENDING BILL PASSAGE IN CONGRESS WOULD SEND LEGISLATION TO PRESIDENTS DESK 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Charles Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov     legacy 12.16.15 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $68 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR ROCHESTER LASER LAB INCLUDED IN JUST-UNVEILED OMNIBUS SPENDING BILL PASSAGE IN CONGRESS WOULD SEND LEGISLATION TO PRESIDENT'S DESK Schumer & Gillibrand Have Long Fought to Keep U of Rochester At The Cutting Edge of High-Tech Energy Research Rochester Laser Lab Will Now Receive, $68 Million in Funding for Its OMEGA Laser Federal Funds Will Go to Critical Programs That Protect Nation, Maintain Over 300 Jobs in New York Schumer, Gillibrand: Funding Will Help Keep Rochester at the Forefront of Laser Technology and Guarantees It Plays A Role In Solving Critical Problems for Our Nation U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that the Omnibus spending bill a must-pass bill that funds the federal government through the end of the fiscal year includes $68 million for the University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE). Schumer and Gillibrand continued their multi-year effort of advocating for increased funding for LLE during the appropriations process this year. The bill, along with the funding allotment for this program, which allows the University of Rochester to continue the critical work being done at its lab, is expected to be voted on by both the House and Senate as early as this week. This allocation is an increase of $4 million over the $64 million allocated to the Lab in Fiscal Year 2014. With this funding, the University of Rochester will be able to continue its critical research and work in fusion power, which has the potential to completely eradicate U.S. dependence on foreign oil. This funding will provide the necessary resources to support the Lab's research program and operations and experiments on OMEGA, which is the second most powerful ultraviolet fusion laser in the world. Absent this level of funding, the Lab could have been forced to lay off scientists and engineers, and reduce their capacity and partnerships with national laboratories. This smart investment allows… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-over-660-million-in-fed-funds-for-lockheed-martin-owegos-combat-rescue-and-marine-one-helicopter-programs-is-included-in-just-unveiled-omnibus-budget-bill SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $660 MILLION IN FED FUNDS FOR LOCKHEED MARTIN OWEGOS COMBAT RESCUE & MARINE ONE HELICOPTER PROGRAMS IS INCLUDED IN JUST-UNVEILED OMNIBUS BUDGET BILL 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Charles Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov     legacy 12.16.15 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $660 MILLION IN FED FUNDS FOR LOCKHEED MARTIN OWEGO'S COMBAT RESCUE & MARINE ONE HELICOPTER PROGRAMS IS INCLUDED IN JUST-UNVEILED OMNIBUS BUDGET BILL Funding Would Keep Helicopter Programs on Track & Help Maintain Southern Tier Jobs Bill Includes $507 Million in Funding for New Fleet of Presidential Helicopters & $156 Million in Funding for New Fleet of Combat Search & Rescue Helicopters, Both Are Partly Produced By Lockheed Martin in Owego Schumer, Gillibrand: Funding Is Critical for Lockheed Martin Owego, At The Forefront Of Two of The Most Important Helicopter Programs In World U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that the Omnibus spending bill a must-pass bill that funds the federal government through the end of the fiscal year includes $507,093,000 for the Presidential Helicopter program and $156,085,000 for the Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH) program, two major helicopter construction projects being undertaken by a team of Sikorsky Aircraft and Lockheed Martin Owego. The more than $663 million for Lockheed Owego is an increase from last year's approximately $468 million. The bill, along with the funding allotment for these two helicopter programs, is expected to be voted on by the House and Senate as early as this week. Once the bill clears Congress it will head to the President's desk for his final signature. Just last year, the United States Air Force (USAF) announced it had awarded a $1.28 billion contract to Sikorsky Aircraft and Lockheed Martin Owego to begin building this new fleet of 112 CRHs. In addition, in 2014, the U.S. Navy also awarded a $1.24 billion contract to Sikorsky Aircraft and Lockheed Martin Owego to begin building the new fleet of 21 Presidential Helicopters. This appropriation will help Lockheed to keep both programs on schedule for the following year. Schumer and Gillibrand called on their Senate colleagues to take up the bill and pass it so it can head to the President's desk for… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-maloney-announce-more-than-35-million-in-federal-aid-for-highland-falls-school-district-in-just-unveiled-omnibus-bill_passage-in-congress-would-send-legislation-to-presidents-desk SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, MALONEY ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $3.5 MILLION IN FEDERAL AID FOR HIGHLAND FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT IN JUST-UNVEILED OMNIBUS BILL PASSAGE IN CONGRESS WOULD SEND LEGISLATION TO PRESIDENTS DESK 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Charles Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov     legacy 12.16.15 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, MALONEY ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $3.5 MILLION IN FEDERAL AID FOR HIGHLAND FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT IN JUST-UNVEILED OMNIBUS BILL PASSAGE IN CONGRESS WOULD SEND LEGISLATION TO PRESIDENT'S DESK Omnibus Spending Bill Secures about $3.5 Million in Federal Aid To Highland Falls School District For FY2016 That Could Have Been Lost For Years, Schumer, Gillibrand & Maloney Have Worked to Boost Funding for Cash-Strapped Highland Falls School District Because District Land is 93% Tax Exempt, Highland Falls Has Very Small Tax Base, That Has Led to Property Tax Increases and School Closures Over The Years Schumer, Gillibrand, Maloney: Fed Aid A Big Win For Highland Falls Taxpayers U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Sean Patrick Maloney today announced that the Omnibus spending bill a must-pass bill that funds the federal government through the end of the fiscal year includes $66.8 million for Impact Aid section 8002 (Federal Properties), which will mean about $3.5 million in federal aid for the Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery School District. Schumer and Maloney called this a victory for the school district, which is in a unique position because the land within its district is approximately 93 percent exempt from property taxation due to wholly exempt federal and state-owned land. Highland Falls school district therefore has a very small tax base and, to make matters worse, has been drastically and constantly shortchanged by the state and federal government over the years. This legislation will provide the school district with the more than $3.5 million in federal funds needed to keep it up and running despite its small tax base. Earlier this year when the President released his Fiscal Year 2016 proposed budget for the department of Education, Impact Aid section 8002 was completely defunded. This would have devastated Highland Falls school district who relies on this federal funding for all budget and education purposes. Schumer and Maloney fough… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-announces-permanent-extension-zadroga Rep. Zeldin Announces Permanent Extension of Zadroga 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Lee Zeldin Z000017 zeldin.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, CNY-1), today announced that a permanent extension for The James Zadroga Act was included in the $1.1 trillion omnibus spending package expected to be passed later this week. The Zadroga Act was originally passed in 2010, and established the World Trade Center Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. While both programs have adequate funding to carry into next year, the healthcare fund authorization lapsed and had to be reauthorized immediately. In the omnibus spending package, which is expected to pass both the House and Senate this week, is a $3.5 billion, permanent extension of the World Trade Center Health Program and a five year, $4.6 billion Victim Compensation Fund. Congressman Zeldin said, The permanent extension of the Zadroga Act is a huge victory for 9/11 first responders who showed enormous amounts of courage and bravery in the aftermath of the terror attack on America. Since the beginning of the year, I have worked closely with colleagues in the House and Senate to ensure that before the end of the year Congress permanently extended the Zadroga Act, which provides necessary healthcare to our 9/11 first responders. This is a huge victory and I am proud to have helped lead the fight for this extension, working across the aisle, to ensure that 9/11 first responders receive the care they earned and need for years to come, and provide them and their families with peace of mind. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://meng.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/house-passes-meng-bill-seeking-removal-of-oriental-term House Passes Meng Bill Seeking Removal of Oriental Term 2015-12-15 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Grace Meng M001188 meng.house.gov     legacy The House of Representatives passed a bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) and U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-Calif.) last week that removes the term Oriental from federal law. The bill removes all references to Orientals in federal law and replaces the term with Asian Americans. The legislation, which was approved unanimously Dec. 2 by voice vote, is included in the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act. The word Oriental is an offensive and derogatory term that should no longer be used by the federal government, Meng said. Nobody in our country, regardless of ethnicity, should be referred to in an insulting manner by the government. Its well past time to strike the legal use of this outdated term. It no longer has a place in federal law, and I look forward to the day when its finally gone for good. In 2009, Menga member of the New York State Legislature at the timepassed legislation into law that eliminated the use of Oriental in all official New York state documents. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/2015/12/15/statement-from-senators-gillibrand-and-schumer-new-york-congress-members-on-inclusion-of-zadroga-9/11-health-and-compensation-programs-in-final-omnibus-spending-bill-set-to-pass-this-week-1 Statement From Senators Gillibrand & Schumer, New York Congress Members On Inclusion Of Zadroga 9/11 Health & Compensation Programs In Final Omnibus Spending Bill Set To Pass This Week 2015-12-15 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Kirsten Gillibrand G000555 www.gillibrand.senate.gov     legacy December 15, 2015 Statement From Senators Gillibrand & Schumer, New York Congress Members On Inclusion Of Zadroga 9/11 Health & Compensation Programs In Final Omnibus Spending Bill Set To Pass This Week Senators, Congress Members Announce Renewal of Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensations Programs to be Included in Final Omnibus Spending Bill Set to Pass Later This Week Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), the lead sponsor of the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) along with Representatives Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Peter King (R-NY), and Dan Donovan (R-NY) today announced that Senate and House leaders have agreed to include an effectively permanent, 75 year renewal of the World Trade Center Health Program and a five year, fully funded renewal of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund in the final omnibus spending bill Congress is set to pass later this week. The Senators and Congress Members made the following statements: This agreement is incredible news for our 9/11 heroes and their families, and it is a testament to the extraordinary power that Americans can have when they raise their voice and demand action, said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the lead sponsor of the legislation in the Senate. Our 9/11 first responders never should have been forced to travel to Washington and walk the halls of Congress legislation this important shouldn't have needed so much convincing but after dozens of trips, they finally got the job done and convinced Congress to fulfill its moral obligation to our 9/11 heroes. I'm proud to represent them, and I'm grateful for their efforts. "This is the Christmas the 9/11 responders deserved: some peace of mind for each and every hero.Their selfless actions in response to that tragic day deserve a lifetime's worth of care and respect,so it is welcome news that Congress has … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/mayor-brown-senator-schumer-celebrate-the-return-of-vehicular-traffic-to-main-streets-500-block MAYOR BROWN, SENATOR SCHUMER CELEBRATE THE RETURN OF VEHICULAR TRAFFIC TO MAIN STREETS 500 BLOCK 2015-12-15 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Charles Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov     legacy 12.15.15 MAYOR BROWN, SENATOR SCHUMER CELEBRATE THE RETURN OF VEHICULAR TRAFFIC TO MAIN STREET'S 500 BLOCK City of Buffalo takes another step forward in returning traffic to downtown Main Street paving the way for increased business and economic development activity Today,Mayor Byron Brown and Senator Charles Schumer, joined with elected officials, members ofthe Buffalo Common Council, New York State Legislature, Empire State Development Corporation,Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority(NFTA), Buffalo Place and business community, marked the completion of the $21 million redevelopment of the 500 Block of Main Street and a ceremonial vehicular parade along this premier stretch of Main Street. We are experiencing unprecedented development, excitement, and growth in the downtown area and the completion of the 500 Block redevelopment project adds fuel to the fire, saidMayor Brown, noting that his administration sought and won a $15 million federal grant in 2013, which coupled with $10 million already secured from the state, funded this redevelopment project. Today marks another important step in returning cars to Main Street, which has been one of my goals since taking office as we continue to support existing businesses and spur more new development in the heart of downtown Buffalo. I thank Senator Schumer and Congressman Higgins for working closely with us to secure federal funding for Buffalo's Main Street project, paving the way for increased business and economic activity in the downtown area. Buffalo's downtown Main Street plays a vital role in Buffalo's new era of opportunity. Returning vehicular traffic to this 10-block stretch of Main Street corrects what some viewed as an urban planning mistake from the 1980's, ensuring that Buffalo continues to move forward, and grow into a healthy, vibrant downtown.Under the leadership of Mayor Brown, the city has been opening Main Street to vehicular traffic block by block over the past several years. The $2.8 million 700 Block was completed in 200… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/overregulation-threatens-local-fishing-economies-congressmen-say Overregulation threatens local fishing economies, Congressmen say 2015-12-15 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Lee Zeldin Z000017 zeldin.house.gov     legacy A U.S. House of Representatives committee held a rare field hearing in Riverhead yesterday, the first time in recent memory such a committee has formally met on the East End. A three-member panel of the House Committee on Natural Resources convened the hearing to discuss the federal policies that currently regulate the regions fishing grounds, probing the policies basis in science, fishery conditions and economic impacts on the local economy with testimony and questioning of several invited witnesses. The committee members who conducted the hearing, hosted by Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley), heard testimony for two hours yesterday at the Suffolk County Community College Culinary Arts Institute on East Main Street. They also discussed alternatives to what some on the four-member panel characterized as oppressive regulation that could potentially damage the regions fishing industry. In my part of the world, theres a saying that if you have no farms, you have no food, said committee chairman Rob Bishop, a Republican congressman from Utah. The same can be said that if you have no boating access, you have no fish. Bishop claimed that federal agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have ignored state and local laws, input and science in their regulatory decisions. Some have accused the NOAAA of using political science to justify fishing closures, Bishop said at the hearing. These decisions have real impacts on local economies, cultures and traditions. With an economy that once heavily on its local fishing industry, the East End was an appropriate place to host such a discussion. Fishing isnt just a key sector of our coastal economy but a way of life that many Long Island families depend upon, Zeldin said at the hearing. Now more than ever our fisheries and the dedicated men and women who work in this important industry face real challenges that must be addressed. Representatives from area fishing organizations brought some local perspective to the hearing, including the Montauk-based Long Is… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/zeldin-east-end-veterans-can-now-access-health-care-pbmc Zeldin: East End veterans can now access health care at PBMC 2015-12-15 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Lee Zeldin Z000017 zeldin.house.gov     legacy Veterans who live on the East End will be able to access health care at Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead, which has just been approved as a new member of the Veterans Choice Program under the Department of Veterans Affairs, Rep. Lee Zeldin announced yesterday. The Choice Program allows veterans to access health care from non-VA doctors and facilities. Veterans are eligible for the Choice Program if they live more than 40 miles from a VA facility, or face an excessive travel burden getting to the nearest VA facility, or they are or will be waiting more than 30 days for VA care. Veterans must be already enrolled in VA health care. See the Veterans Choice Program website for more information. Staff at the local VA medical facility will work with the veteran to determine if he or she is eligible for any of these reasons, according to the website. Veterans who live east of Edwards Avenue in Calverton meet the 40-mile distance criteria. One of my top priorities in Congress is ensuring our veterans have access to the highest quality of healthcare, said Zeldin, a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. In May, Zeldin announced the availability of veterans access to health care at PBMCs medical group offices in Manorville. Peconic Bay Medical Centers participation in the VA Choice Program provides an important new healthcare option for veterans, Zeldin said. Creating medical access and assisting with travel time for the veterans on the East End is a benefit to our community, PBMC president and CEO Andrew Mitchell said. We are excited and proud to be able to offer convenient healthcare access to our deserving veterans. Accessing health care at a non-VA facility does not affect a veterans ability to access or continue care at a VA hospital, Zeldin said. Additional information is also available by phone at 1-866-606-8198 and at PBMC directly at 631-548-6827. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/zeldin-introduces-bill-prevent-suspected-terrorists-buying-guns-and Zeldin Introduces Bill To Prevent Suspected Terrorists From Buying Guns And Explosives 2015-12-15 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Lee Zeldin Z000017 zeldin.house.gov     legacy In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in San Bernardino, California, U.S. Representative Lee Zeldin has introduced legislation that aims to prevent suspected terrorists from buying legal firearms and explosives, although denials would require a court order. The bill, titled the Protect America Act of 2015, is similar to one that failed in the Senate last week. It would rely on the federal terrorist watch list and no-fly list for information about suspected terrorists, but would allow those denied weapons purchases because they are on one of the lists to appeal in court. The terrorist watch list and no-fly list have been the subject of much criticism since they were instituted by the Bush administration after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, as critics say many people on the lists are not believed to be a danger to society. Mr. Zeldin did not support a bill recently introduced by his House colleague Peter King that called for an automatic denial of gun purchases to people on the no-fly list and terrorist watch lists, arguing that the law would violate the rights of people placed on those lists who pose no threat. His bill would require the attorney general to petition a court to deny firearms purchases to those identified on the lists as actual suspected terrorists. A subsection of Mr. Zeldins bill, HR 4237, also calls for a review of the existing terrorist watch and no-fly lists. It would require the attorney general to review both lists within 90 days of the laws passage and make the necessary adjustments by identifying suspected terrorists and removing the names of those who have been added to the list in error. Those people have included, according to the congressman, the late Senator Ted Kennedy, other members of Congress, U.S. marshals, and even U.S. service members. Some people are on that list just because you want to talk to them because they are a former college roommate of a witness. It doesnt mean that there is actually something wrong with that person, Mr. Zeldin said. Sometimes thei… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-calls-criminal-investigation-health-republic Rep. Zeldin Calls for Criminal Investigation into Health Republic 2015-12-15 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Lee Zeldin Z000017 zeldin.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, C NY-1), announced today that he sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice Attorney General, Honorable Loretta Lynch, calling for a criminal investigation into the creation, operation and demise of Health Republic of New York. You can view a copy of the letter here:Rep. Zeldin letter to Attorney General.pdf 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/blood-is-blood-community-rally-against-the-fda-policy-banning-gay-blood Blood is Blood & Community Rally Against the FDA Policy Banning Gay Blood Donors 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Brian Higgins H001038 higgins.house.gov     legacy Western New Yorkers supporting the Blood is Blood mission were joined by Congressman Brian Higgins and representatives from The Pride Center of Western New York for a rally against the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policy that bans blood donations by gay and bisexual men. In October 2015 Jordan Moll Vigrass visited a blood donation center prepared to give blood. Jordan, who is openly gay and has been in a committed relationship for 4 years, was refused as a blood donor after disclosing his sexual orientation during the questionnaire screening process. Outraged by the federal policy and disappointed by being refused the gift of providing lifesaving blood donations, Jordan started Blood is Blood to advocate for change. Jordan states, The FDA cannot just throw a blanket over a group of people and classify all gays as a risk. Not only is it discrimination but it is hurting people because it's harder to get the blood they need. In 1983 the FDA implemented a policy which creates a lifetime deferral for blood donations for gay and bisexual men. In December of 2014 Congressman Higgins joined other Members of Congress in sending a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services urging action on changing the blood donation criteria. The governments unfounded policy is hurtful to the people being turned away solely based on sexual orientation and the millions of others who will be in need of a lifesaving blood donation, said Congressman Brian Higgins. Eligibility should be based on risk-based science rather than outdated, fear-based speculation. Earlier this year the FDA released a proposed recommendation that, when finalized, may revise the Agencys position on gay blood donations from a lifetime ban to a one-year deferral. In July, Rep. Higgins and other members filed comments to the draft guidance urging the FDA to embrace science, and also reject outdated stereotypes by instead moving to a fully risk-based deferral system for blood donations. A final decision by the FDA is expected this month. The Pride Center… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/on-anniversary-of-sandy-hook-shooting-maloney-gun-violence-prevention On Anniversary of Sandy Hook Shooting, Maloney, gun violence prevention advocates, and local electeds call on Congress to prevent gun violence 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Carolyn Maloney M000087 maloney.house.gov     legacy NEW YORKToday, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney, Public Advocate Letitia James, Special Policy Advisor and Executive Assistant DA Chauncey Parker of the Manhattan DAs Office, gun violence prevention activists, State Senator Brad Hoylman, Assemblymember Dan Quart, and Council Member Corey Johnson and Council Member Ben Kallos gathered at 26 Federal Plaza to call for Congressional action on gun violence in the United States and to share stories of loved ones lost to gun violence. Today is the third anniversary of the horrific shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Although it has been three years since the massacre, there has been no significant action taken to curb rampant gun violence throughout the United States. Also in attendance was Executive Director of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence Leah Gunn Barrett, Founder of Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E. Jackie Rowe-Adams, Marie Delus with Moms Demand Action, New York State Gun Violence Prevention Lead with Organizing for Action Monica Atiya, and New York State Democratic Vice Chair Trudy L. Mason. It seems that nearly every week, our country is forced to suffer through another horrific act of violence and bloodshed, said Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney. My colleagues pay lip service to the victims, offering their thoughts and prayers, but that is not enough. There hasnt been a single calendar week since 2013 where there wasnt a mass murder at the barrel of a gun. Three years ago today, 20 elementary school children and 6 teachers were gunned down at Sandy Hook Elementary. We do their memories a disservice allowing gun violence to continue. This Congress is cowed by the NRA, and is not acting to protect our citizens. Thirty-thousand Americans will die next year from gunshot wounds, and their blood will be on Congresss hands. "Three years ago, all of our hearts were broken as we learned that 20 elementary school students and 6 staff members were shot and killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School, said Public Advocate Letitia James. For many of us, w… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/onondaga-county-district-attorney-bill-fitzpatrick-joins-rep-katko Onondaga County District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick Joins Rep. Katko in Announcing Push to Crack Down on Synthetic Drugs 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY John Katko K000386 katko.house.gov     legacy ONONDAGA COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY BILL FITZPATRICK JOINS REP. KATKO IN ANNOUNCING PUSH TO CRACK DOWN ON SYNTHETIC DRUGS Local Law Enforcement, Healthcare and Treatment Professionals, Advocates Join Katko and Fitzpatrick to Raise Awareness for Growing Synthetic Drug Epidemic in CNY SYRACUSE, NY U.S. Representative John Katko (NY-24) was today joined by Onondaga County District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick, as well as local law enforcement, healthcare and treatment service providers, and prevention advocates, in announcing that he has introduced bipartisan legislation, H.R. 4229, the Protecting Our Youth from Dangerous Synthetic Drugs Act, which would make it easier to prosecute the sale and distribution of synthetic drugs. Central New York has seen a stark increase in the distribution and use of synthetic drugs, especially in our youth. While Congress took action in 2012 to outlaw several synthetic drugs, manufacturers and distributors of these substances are able to slightly alter the chemical structure of drugs to circumvent this law and avoid law enforcement scrutiny and prosecution. Current laws are not keeping up with the producers of these poisonous substances, and consequently, substances designed to mimic the effects of LSD, Ecstasy, cocaine, marijuana, and other hard drugs are sold openly at convenience stores, gas stations, head shops and other outlets, and giving some users the assumption that they are not as dangerous as other, illegal substances. Representative Katko, who served as an organized crime and drug prosecutor for over twenty years, stated, As a federal prosecutor, I saw first-hand the dangerous impact of synthetic drug use on individuals and families in our community. Thats why, as Central New Yorks Representative in Congress, Ive committed to working with local law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community advocates to raise awareness of the dangerous effects of these drugs. This legislation will help this effort by giving law enforcement and prosecutors the flexibility that they nee… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-s-safe-bridges-act-now-law Rep. Zeldins Safe Bridges Act Now Law 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Lee Zeldin Z000017 zeldin.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, C NY-1), member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced today that the Safe Bridges Act (H.R. 3168), bipartisan legislation he introduced in Congress to strengthen New Yorks infrastructure, was signed into law by the President. Under MAP-21, a 2012 federal law, states, counties, towns and villages were cut off from the funding needed to repair and maintain bridges. According to the New York State Department of Transportation, New York received $271 million in federal funding for the Highway Bridge program in 2011. Due to the changes under MAP-21, New York State received $0 in Highway Bridge program funding in 2014. Congressman Zeldins Safe Bridges Act reforms federal highway law, ensuring our critical overpasses and bridges once again have access to this funding. Congressman Zeldin said, It is great news for Long Islanders that the Safe Bridges Act was signed into law by the President. This new law will drive funding to our region to ensure our overpasses and bridges on Long Island are once again eligible for much needed federal funding. Under the Safe Bridges Act, over 80 bridges and overpasses across the First Congressional District will now be eligible for federal funding, a major win for Long Island. Our roads, overpasses, and bridges are essential to the Long Island economy, way of life and safety, and as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am proud to be working on a bipartisan basis to ensure states and local governments have more flexibility and resources necessary to strengthen our infrastructure, Congressman Zeldin concluded. Congressman Zeldin introduced the Safe Bridges Act with Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY-18) on July 22, 2015. The Safe Bridges Act, which was included in the House highway bill, passed both the House and Senate, and was signed into law by the President on December 4, 2015. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-fights-for-solar-investment-tax-credit-extension-on-house-floor Higgins Fights For Solar Investment Tax Credit Extension on House Floor 2015-12-11 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Brian Higgins H001038 higgins.house.gov     legacy Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) spoke on the House floor to urge Congress to extend the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) as part of the Tax Increase Prevention and Real Estate Investment Act 2015. The bill seeks to promote economic growth by extending tax provisions that have expired or will expire in the near future. Higgins, with Rep. Richard Hanna, also led on a bipartisan letter sent to House leadership calling for the extension. The Solar Investment Tax Credit is currently set to expire on December 31, 2016. Should the tax credits expire, the Solar Energy Industries of America and the Department of Energy anticipate an ITC cliff which would result in a sudden and drastic halt of solar industry growth. In 2014, one out of every new 78 jobs was created by the solar industry. Should the tax credits expire, 90% of solar companies could go out of business. (To view click above or go to: https://youtu.be/F0_jIxKjvDU) Text of Congressman Higgins remarks below: Mr. Speaker: Noticeably absent from the tax extenders bill released this week is a provision on which 174,000 American jobs depend. The Solar Investment Tax Credit -- a 30% credit for the installation of solar on residential and commercial properties was implemented in 2006. The result has been annual growth of 73%. That growth allowed the industry to develop panels that have soared in efficiency and plummeted in price. Solar is our fastest growing energy source, responsible for 40% of all new generating capacity brought online this year. And solar employment is growing at a rate 20 times higher than in the overall economy. If the Solar Investment Tax Credit is not extended, that growth will stop. Demand will drop by 71% and 100,000 jobs will be lost. But a five year extension would create 60,000 jobs and allow the industry to come to maturity. Mr. Speaker, tax legislation that does not include the Solar Investment Tax Credit is not serious about creating American jobs. I urge its inclusion. Congressman Higgins recently led a coalition of over 90 m… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://meeks.house.gov/press-release/meeks-king-mccain-and-reid-urge-president-obama-grant-posthumous-pardon-jack-johnson Meeks, King, McCain and Reid Urge President Obama to Grant Posthumous Pardon for Jack Johnson 2015-12-11 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Gregory Meeks M001137 meeks.house.gov     legacy Meeks, King, McCain and Reid Urge President Obama to GrantPosthumousPardon for Jack Johnson WASHINGTON, D.C. Yesterday, U.S. Representatives Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY) and Peter King (R-NY) joined U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Harry Reid (D-NV) in sending a letter to President Barack Obama asking him to issue a posthumous pardon to boxing legend John Arthur Jack Johnson. Johnson was the first African-American heavyweight-boxing champion but in 1913, he was charged under the Mann Act for his interracial relationship with a white woman, tarnishing his name and ruining his career. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) that President Obama signed yesterday included a resolution cosponsored by the above Representatives and Senators, expressing that it is the sense of Congress that Mr. Johnson should be posthumously pardoned. Congressman Meeks issued a statement regarding the letter to President Obama: Yesterday, I joined my colleagues across the aisle and across the U.S. Capitol to clear the name of a good man, John Arthur Jack Johnson. As a respected boxer, Johnson proved that African-Americans deserved a place in the ring. He inspired a generation of minority boxers, paving the way for boxing greats like Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali. Therefore, I am proud to stand in Jack Johnsons corner with Representative Peter King, Senator John McCain, and Minority Leader Harry Reid as we continue the fight to restore Johnsons reputation. The text of the letter is below: December 10, 2015 The Honorable Barack Obama President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Obama, We write to bring to your attention a provision of theEvery Student Succeeds Act, signed into law today, which includes calling for the posthumous pardon of John Arthur "Jack" Johnson, a boxing great and the first African-American Heavyweight Boxing Champion. As you know, Mr. Johnsons reputation was unfairly marred for over a hundred years by an unjust and racially-motivated conviction under the M… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://nadler.house.gov/e-newsletter-planned-parenthood-statement-goes-viral-over-143000-views-and-over-half-million-people E-Newsletter: Planned Parenthood Statement Goes Viral With Over 143,000 Views And Over A Half-Million People Reached On Facebook 2015-12-11 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Jerrold Nadler N000002 nadler.house.gov     legacy Dear Friends, Planned Parenthood Statement Goes Viral With Over 143,000 Views And Over A Half-Million People Reached On Facebook As you may know, Planned Parenthood, which provides comprehensive reproductive health care and services to millions of women and families across the country, has been targeted to defund it by conservatives since July after an extremist group released a series of heavily-edited videos filled with lies intended to discredit the organization. Recently, I delivered a statement during the House Judiciary Committees hearing about Planned Parenthood denouncing the hypocrisy when it comes to such issues. The video quickly went viral, reaching over a half-million people with more than 143,000 views on Facebook. This shows a shared desire to address gun violence instead of wasting time frivolously attacking women and organizations like Planned Parenthood. Over the past month, the Republican House Majority has opened three official investigations a fourth is in the works with the establishment of a special select committee and I believe they have spent countless hours in hearings shamelessly attacking Planned Parenthood. There have been 20 votes concerning changes to federal policy that restrict womens access to health care this year alone. Yet since taking over in 2011, how many hearings do you think the House Majority has held on addressing gun violence in our country? Answer: ZERO! What if we spent as much time and effort placing the same restrictions on purchasing guns as we have on restricting access to abortion? While we devote millions of tax dollars to frivolous investigations aimed at restricting the constitutional rights of women, gun violence continues as an unanswered epidemic in America. We all remember the victims who were murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. Most recently, the Oregon mass shooting at Umpqua Community College killed 10 and injured 9 more individuals, taking this years total gun deaths to 10,128 people as of October 1st. Americans are 20-times mor… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://nadler.house.gov/e-newsletter-zadroga-act-911-survivors-and-first-responders-begins-expire E-newsletter: Zadroga Act for 9/11 Survivors and First Responders Begins to Expire 2015-12-11 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Jerrold Nadler N000002 nadler.house.gov     legacy Dear Friends, Zadroga Act for 9/11 Survivors and First Responders Begins to Expire On September 30th, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, providing health care and financial support for 9/11 first responders and survivors, began to expire. I, along with my colleagues Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY-12) and Rep. Pete King (NY-2), penned the following Op-Ed calling for urgent Congressional action to reauthorize this important legislation. In their time of need, we cannot turn our backs on the heroes who risked their lives for others, and those who continue to feel the loss fourteen years after New York City came under attack. We must #Renew911Health. Zadroga Act Expires: Congressional Action Urgently Needed By Reps. Carolyn Maloney, Jerrold Nadler, and Peter King Appeared in The Hill, September 30, 2015 Its official: the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act has expired. Today, Congress missed an important deadline to reauthorize the World Trade Center Health Program and the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund, and soon the first responders and survivors of the worst terrorist attack on American soil in our history will receive notice -- the programs that provide healthcare and offer financial support to our 9/11 heroes are expiring. Perhaps for some, September 11, 2001, is a distant memory. But for the heroes and survivors, every struggling breath, every pill swallowed, every chemo dose administered is another reminder of that terrible day. Those who sacrificed so much in the moments, days, and weeks after the attacks deserve a Congress that will act with boldness and righteousness to match their courage. They didnt wait for us to call on them they went without question into the fires of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shankesville, Pennsylvania. Congress must answer that unquestioning bravery with unwavering support and put aside gridlock and delay. Fourteen years ago, we gathered on the steps of the Capitol and vowed to never forget. We must not walk away. Passing a permanent rea… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://chriscollins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-collins-disappointed-with-decision-temporarily-banning-daily Congressman Collins Disappointed with Decision Temporarily Banning Daily Fantasy Sports Companies 2015-12-11 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Chris Collins C001092 chriscollins.house.gov     legacy Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today released the following statement expressing his disappointment in the New York Supreme Court granting injunctions banning FanDuel and DraftKings from operating in the state until a final decision is made. The decision to temporarily deny more than 600,000 New Yorkers access to daily fantasy sports is extremely disappointing, said Congressman Collins. The hypocrisy of New York State banning this game of skill, while promoting their state lottery as mak[ing] more New Yorkers rich than any other game, embodies the backwards and special interest driven priorities of our Attorney General. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://donovan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/donovan-applauds-every-student-succeeds-act-being-signed-law Donovan Applauds "Every Student Succeeds Act" Being Signed Into Law 2015-12-11 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Daniel Donovan D000625 donovan.house.gov     legacy Washington, DCDecember 11, 2015....Congressman Dan Donovan (NY-11) today applauded final approval of the Every Student Succeeds Act after President Obama signed it into law. The measure ends the era of federally-mandated high-stakes testing and prohibits the Secretary of Education from forcing states into adopting Common Core. Congressman Donovan said, This new start in education policy takes power away from bureaucrats in Washington and places control where it belongs: with parents and local educators. Im proud that Republicans and Democrats could come together and pass such a sweeping overhaul of our countrys education system. Among other provisions, the legislation eliminates the federally-mandated one-size-fits-all accountability system known as Adequate Yearly Progress. Instead, the Every Student Succeeds Act restores to state and local officials the responsibility for holding schools accountable. The bill also stipulates that no agent of the federal government can interfere with the right of states to develop or change their own education standards. Further, the legislation maintains annual, statewide assessments in reading and math, but provides resources for states and local school districts to audit their assessment systems to eliminate assessments that do not contribute to student learning. In line with granting local educators the flexibility to determine what is best for their students, the Every Student Succeeds Act authorizes the new Student Support and Academic Enrichment grant program. This program allows states and local school districts to target federal resources to local priorities and needs. Congressman Donovan concluded, Parents and local educators deserve more of a say in their childrens education than Washington administrators. The Every Student Succeeds Act rightfully replaces No Child Left Behinds flawed policies with a student-centric, localized approach. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/katko-launches-investigation-terror-watchlists KATKO LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION INTO TERROR WATCHLISTS 2015-12-11 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY John Katko K000386 katko.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative John Katko (NY-24), Chair of the of House Homeland Security Committees Subcommittee on Transportation Security, today called on the nations top counterterrorism officials to provide details that many Americans seek surrounding the U.S. terrorist watchlists. Katko expressed his shock and concern echoed by many Americans in the wake of the San Bernardino shooting, to learn that neither of the identified shooters was on any of the U.S. governments terrorist watchlists, despite having been radicalized for well over a year, according to Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigations James Comey. Additionally, Katko noted the failure of the TSA to identify 73 aviation workers who had potential links to terrorism earlier this year. Representative Katko stated, These examples raise serious questions about the methodologyused to identify potential terrorist threats and appropriately place individuals on terrorist watchlists. I am deeply concerned that we are failing to identify the real and current threats, while placing innocent Americans on lists that restrict their freedom of movement and travel. Terrorist watchlists, including the no-fly list, are often based on incomplete information and unreasonable suspicions, continued Katko. While I understand that the redress process has greatly improved over the last several years, there remains a lack of robust and complete due process for individuals who learn they are on the watchlist. Specifically, Katko asked Nicholas Rasmussen, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, and Christopher Piehota, Director of the Terrorist Screening Center, to provide answers to the following questions, within the next 12 days: How many individuals are in the Terrorist Identities Datamart Environment (TIDE) and of this number, how many are U.S. Citizens and how many are resident aliens? What criteria are used to determine if someone should be placed into the Terrorist Identities Datamart Environment (TIDE) database? How many individuals … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=522 Tonko Pushes for Solar Tax Credits in Year-End Budget Package 2015-12-11 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Paul Tonko T000469 tonko.house.gov     legacy Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20) this week continued his campaign to advance renewable sources of energy in asking Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to include in a year-end tax extender package key priorities related to the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). share: f t Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20) this week continued his campaign to advance renewable sources of energy in asking Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to include in a year-end tax extender package key priorities related to the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC).Investments in clean energy clean up the air we breathe and the water we drink while creating jobs and growing the economy. That's a win-win. The solar ITC needs to be extended to create certainty for homeowners and businesses that are thinking about installing solar power. We harness more than twenty times as much electricity from the sun as we did when President Obama took office. Let us build on that success in extending the solar ITC, said Tonko.The Solar ITC, a 30% credit on residential and commercial solar systems, has fueled rapid growth in the solar industry, which now employs in excess of 174,000 Americans and has supplied 40% of all new electric generating capacity brought online through 2015 thus far, more than any other energy source.However, absent action by Congress, at the end of 2016 the commercial credit will drop to 10% and the residential credit will plummet to zero. The failure to extend the ITC is projected to cause a 71% drop in solar deployments and cost 100,000 American jobs. By contrast, if the ITC were extended long-term, the solar industry would produce enough electricity to power 19 million homes by the end of 2022.Tonko is a cosponsor of H.R. 2412, the New Energy for America Act, which extends investment tax credits (ITC) for energy efficient residential and commercial property through 2021.Text of the letter, led by Congressman Brian Higg… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lee-zeldin-introduces-protect-america-act-2015-bill-helps-prevent Rep. Lee Zeldin Introduces the Protect America Act of 2015"; Bill Helps Prevent Terrorists From Acquiring Firearms and Explosives 2015-12-11 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Lee Zeldin Z000017 zeldin.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC Congressman Lee Zeldin (R - NY-1), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today introduced the Protect America Act of 2015 in the House of Representatives (H.R. 4237). The Protect America Act of 2015 would help prevent terrorists from buying firearms and explosives in the United States, while protecting the Second Amendment rights of law abiding Americans. The legislation would grant the Attorney General the authority to deny firearms and explosives to individuals who are engaged in terrorist activities, or where there is a reasonable belief that an individual may use a firearm or explosive in connection with terrorism. The legislation would also permit the Attorney General to revoke firearms and explosives licenses and permits held by individuals determined to be engaged in terrorism. The bill also takes necessary steps to implement due process of law requirements to protect law abiding Americans. Additionally, the proposal directs the Attorney General to review and verify the terrorist watch list and no fly list to remove the names of innocent Americans who are not connected to terrorism. Congressman Zeldin said, The federal government must act to protect America, but it must act Constitutionally. My legislation would help prevent terrorists from purchasing firearms or explosives, while putting in place safeguards to ensure that the rights of law abiding Americans are protected. In addition to dangerous terrorist suspects, the terrorist watch list and no fly list include and have included infants, Ted Kennedy and other Members of Congress, U.S. Marshals, harmless service members, individuals with similar names, former college roommates of suspects, and other innocent Americans with no connection to terrorism. This bill gives the Department of Justice 90 days to review and verify these lists to ensure the removal of individuals who should have never been added in the first place." "It is unfortunate that some in Congress are pushing hard for an alternative that makes Ame… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-condemns-attack-on-muslim-store-owner Maloney condemns attack on Muslim store owner 2015-12-10 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Carolyn Maloney M000087 maloney.house.gov     legacy New York, NY Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-Queens, Manhattan and Brooklyn) condemned the recent attack on Sarker Haque, owner of Fatima Food Market, on 21st Avenue in Astoria, which is being investigated as a hate crime because the perpetrator reportedly said : I kill Muslims, as he repeatedly punched Mr. Haque in the head: I am appalled by the recent attack on Sarker Haque, a store owner in the area I represent, said Congresswoman Maloney. I am even more appalled that the attacker allegedly targeted Mr. Haque for being a Muslim. Our nation is built on the bedrock principle of tolerance and acceptance for all religions. Attacking someone for their religion is deeply un-American and unacceptable. I hope law enforcement takes this matter very seriously and prosecutes the perpetrator to the full extent allowed by law. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Haque and his family, and I hope they understand how emphatically our community stands with them and rejects the sentiments that led to this unconscionable attack. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-welcomes-the-re-lighting-of-the-carl-schurz-park-menorah Maloney welcomes the re-lighting of the Carl Schurz Park Menorah 2015-12-10 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Carolyn Maloney M000087 maloney.house.gov     legacy New York, NY - Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney joined East Siders in celebrating the renewal of the menorah in Carl Schurz Park that had been vandalized Sunday night: It is deeply disturbing to me that someone would purposely try to destroy a symbol of Chanukah, and I am delighted that the menorah has been rebuilt and relit. I hope, in keeping with this festival of lights and the undaunted spirit of the Macabees, the renewed menorah will demonstrate our unwillingness to give in to the forces of darkness and anti-Semitism who tried to dim our holiday spirit. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://donovan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-donovan-zadroga-act Statement from Congressman Dan Donovan on the Zadroga Act 2015-12-10 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Daniel Donovan D000625 donovan.house.gov     legacy Speaker Ryan told me this morning that the Zadroga Act, which funds health screenings and treatments for 9/11 first responders, is in the large spending bill that will pass next week. We spent months fighting side-by-side with American heroes with men and women who shouldnt have to shoulder this burden because they are already fighting for their lives to make our case. Ive said all along that on the merits, we will win. Heroes like Rob Serra, Sal Turturici, John Muller, and George Taylor told their stories of heroism and personal sacrifice. They answered their countrys call and have suffered devastating consequences because of their selflessness. Today, we know that the House of Representatives will now answer their call. -- Congressman Donovan represents Staten Island and South Brooklyn in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is New York Citys only Republican representative. Note: Congressman Donovan cosponsored the Zadroga Act as his first official action minutes after being sworn into Congress. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/following-community-rally-rep-john-katko-introduces-legislation-elevate FOLLOWING COMMUNITY RALLY, REP. JOHN KATKO INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO ELEVATE FORT ONTARIO, SAFE HAVEN TO NATIONAL PARK STATUS 2015-12-10 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY John Katko K000386 katko.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative John Katko (NY-24) today introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives which will advance the designation of Fort Ontario and the Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum in Oswego to National Park status. U.S. Representative Richard Hanna (NY-22), whose district also includes a portion of Oswego County, joined Rep. Katko as an original co-sponsor in the introduction of this legislation today. Fort Ontario is one of our states -- and our nations -- greatest and most unique historical assets. In fact, it is the only Fort that has been involved in every war since the French and Indian war, said U.S. Rep. John Katko. Preserving this historic location as a National Park has the potential to grow tourism and boost the regional economy of not only Oswego County, but all of Central New York. I am pleased to cosponsor this bill to promote our proud upstate New York history, U.S. Rep. Richard Hanna said. It is important to recognize our historical assets and to do so in a way that promotes and encourages tourism for our region. I look forward to the results of this comprehensive study to determine how to best preserve and protect Fort Ontario. Over the course of the past several months, individuals from across Oswego County have worked to organize local support for the designation of the 260 year old Fort Ontario and the Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum as a National Park. As a part of these efforts, Rep. Katko has visited the Fort on several occasions, met individually with a cross-section of his constituents in the area surrounding the Fort, and took part in an information and rally event to raise community awareness for this project. Judy Rapaport, Advisory Board Member for Safe Haven and Past President said, "Ever since its inception, Safe Haven Museum has been struggling to tell the story as the only refugee shelter for victims of the Holocaust during WWII. The initiative to begin the study for National Park status will help achieve that goal. I wan… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/every-student-succeeds-act-signed-law Every Student Succeeds Act Signed Into Law 2015-12-10 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Elise Stefanik S001196 stefanik.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C.Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21), Member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, issued the following statement after President Barack Obama signed into law the Every Student Succeeds Act bipartisan legislation to replace No Child Left Behind and improve K-12 education: I fought hard to secure a spot on the Education and the Workforce Committee and have spent the year working with my colleagues on the Committee gathering feedback from students, parents, teachers and administrators and heard about the importance of updating our early and secondary education law. This has been a consistent theme as Ive visited schools across the district and held many meetings with teachers and school officials. This legislation provides the first update to No Child Left Behind in the last decade and will strengthen our education system so students are better prepared for Higher Education and a 21st Century Workforce. Furthermore, it was important to me that this legislation addresses significant concerns that I share with my constituents regarding Common Core. I am pleased that this legislation would prohibit the Secretary of Education from forcing, incentivizing, or coercing states into adopting Common Core. And important to the Fort Drum community, this legislation strengthens Impact Aid an important resource for North Country schools that are home to many military families. This is bipartisan legislation that is needed to give power back to state and local governments and I am pleased that the President has signed it into law. The Every Student Succeeds Act passed the House last week by a vote of 359-64. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/2015/12/10/schumer-gillibrand-announce-more-than-397-000-in-housing-and-urban-development-funds-for-western-new-york-1 Schumer, Gillibrand Announce more than $397,000 in Housing and Urban Development Funds for Western New York 2015-12-10 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Kirsten Gillibrand G000555 www.gillibrand.senate.gov     legacy December 10, 2015 Schumer, Gillibrand Announce more than $397,000 in Housing and Urban Development Funds for Western New York Five Municipalities and Housing Authorities in Capital Region Will Receive HUD Family Self Sufficiency Program Funds Funds Will Be Used To Support Housing & Job Training Programs For Those in Need U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $397,147 in federal funds for five municipalities and housing authorities in Western New York. These funds were allocated through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program. The FSS program assists local social services agencies, community colleges, businesses and other local organizations in providing education and job training in order to help those participating in HUD's housing voucher program and living in public housing gain marketable job skills. These federal funds from the Family Self-Sufficiency program will help five municipalities and housing agencies in Western New York provide the education and job training programs needed to help our most vulnerable gain the job skills needed to get back on their feet, said Senator Schumer. When we help job seekers gain education and marketable job skills we open up pathways to economic opportunity and help those in need to better provide for their families. This federal investment through HUD is a lifeline for hundreds of families in Hudson Valley, said Senator Gillibrand. Access to stable housing is essential for the health of our families and the economic strength of our communities. These federal dollars will help families get the resources they need so they can have a safe place to call home while gaining assistance in acquiring the necessary skills for securing a good-paying job. The following groups in the Western New York Region received this HUD funding: Rental Assistance Corporation of… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-schumer-gillibrand-announce-more-than-397000-in-housing-and-urban-development-funds-for-western-new-york SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $397,000 IN HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR WESTERN NEW YORK 2015-12-10 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Charles Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov     legacy 12.10.15 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $397,000 IN HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR WESTERN NEW YORK Five Municipalities and Housing Authorities in Capital Region Will Receive HUD Family Self Sufficiency Program Funds Funds Will Be Used To Support Housing & Job Training Programs For Those in Need U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced$397,147 in federal funds for five municipalities and housing authorities in Western New York. These funds were allocated through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program.The FSS program assists local social services agencies, community colleges, businesses and other local organizations in providing education and job training in order to help those participating in HUD's housing voucher program and living in public housing gain marketable job skills. These federal funds from the Family Self-Sufficiency program will help five municipalities and housing agencies in Western New York provide the education and job training programs needed to help our most vulnerable gain the job skills needed to get back on their feet, saidSenator Schumer. When we help job seekers gain education and marketable job skills we open up pathways to economic opportunity and help those in need to better provide for their families. This federal investment through HUD is a lifeline for hundreds of families in Hudson Valley, saidSenator Gillibrand. Access to stable housing is essential for the health of our families and the economic strength of our communities. These federal dollars will help families get the resources they need so they can have a safe place to call home while gaining assistance in acquiring the necessary skills for securing a good-paying job. The following groups in the Western New York Region received this HUD funding: Rental Assistance Corporation of Buffalo in Erie County will receive $98,967 Buffalo Municipal in Erie County will receive $34,500 City… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-jetblue-flights-from-albany-international-are-now-departing-non-stop-service-to-ft-lauderdale-and-orlando-begins-today-senator-fought-to-bring-jetblue-affordable-air-service_flights-to-albany SCHUMER: JETBLUE FLIGHTS FROM ALBANY INTERNATIONAL ARE NOW DEPARTING; NON-STOP SERVICE TO FT. LAUDERDALE & ORLANDO BEGINS TODAY; SENATOR FOUGHT TO BRING JETBLUE AFFORDABLE AIR SERVICE & FLIGHTS TO ALBANY 2015-12-10 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Charles Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov     legacy 12.10.15 SCHUMER: JETBLUE FLIGHTS FROM ALBANY INTERNATIONAL ARE NOW DEPARTING; NON-STOP SERVICE TO FT. LAUDERDALE & ORLANDO BEGINS TODAY; SENATOR FOUGHT TO BRING JETBLUE AFFORDABLE AIR SERVICE & FLIGHTS TO ALBANY Schumer Pushed Hard To Bring JetBlue To Albany Int'l; Bringing Affordable Air Service To Upstate NY Has Long Been One Of Senator's Major Priorities Schumer: The Sky is the Limit When it Comes to the Benefits of New Albany to Florida Direct Flights U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that non-stop JetBlue flights from Albany International Airport are officially departing to Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale. Schumer previously visited the airport in April to announce these direct flights which he fought hard to secure would taking off December 10th. Schumer expressed his optimism that these flights will be the first of many, and that JetBlue's presence in the Capital Region will boost competition and bring lower-cost flights to area travelers. Today, Schumer said this affordable air service signifies a major win for area residents and businesses, as they will see cheaper flights and more service to Florida. Schumer was an early advocate and pushed hard to bring JetBlue to the Capital Region for 15 years. After 15 years of hard work, we can now say that flights from Albany International to Florida are officially departing. I was proud to work with JetBlue to bring their service all around New York State; first to Buffalo, and then to Syracuse and Rochester, each time with great success. Today, the runway is clear for take-off and it is Albany's turn to taxi towards the finish line, saidSchumer. This new service will increase competition at the airport, increase options for local travelers, and drive down prices for the average flyer and just in time for the holidays. It's a win-win-win across the board that will reap benefits for Albany International, Capital Region residents, and the region's tourism industry for years to come. Last year, Schumer visited Albany Internationa… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/vice-chair-crowley-honors-bronx-holocaust-survivors Vice Chair Crowley Honors Bronx Holocaust Survivors 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Joseph Crowley C001038 crowley.house.gov     legacy Crowley Discusses Efforts to Address Holocaust-Era Property Restitution (Bronx, NY) On Friday December 4, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, met with seniors from Self Helps Holocaust Survivor Program at Bronx House to recognize them for their courage and extraordinary personal experiences. Crowley presented congressional citations to more than two dozen survivors from the program. We are honored to have so many survivors still with us, and in our community, who have shared their powerful testimonies of one of the most horrific tragedies of our time, said Rep. Crowley. Their stories are ones of courage and hope, and its critical that we do all we can to share those stories with future generations. At the event, Crowley also spoke about his efforts to secure the return of assets stolen from Jewish families during the Holocaust. In July, Crowley, along with Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Ted Deutch (D-FL), and Leonard Lance (R-NJ), led a bipartisan group of legislators in calling on the U.S. Department of State to take additional steps to address Holocaust-era property restitution. In a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry, the legislators urged him to review which countries have not complied with their promises to return Holocaust Era stolen property. Several decades removed from the horrors of the Holocaust, a substantial amount of Jewish-owned property still hasnt been returned to their rightful owners, nor have they been compensated, Crowley continued. Its important that we do what we can to ensure European governments are keeping their word. Congressman Crowley is the nine-term representative from the 14th Congressional District of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the Bronx. He is a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee and serves as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://chriscollins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/collins-expresses-serious-concern-over-proposed-wind-turbine-project Collins Expresses Serious Concern Over Proposed Wind Turbine Project 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Chris Collins C001092 chriscollins.house.gov     legacy Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today released the following statement after writing a letter to Department of Defense and Federal Aviation Administration officials expressing concern over a proposed wind turbine project along the Lake Ontario shoreline. Protecting the military missions and jobs supported by the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station (NFARS) is my main priority, said Congressman Collins. The proposed wind turbine project along the Lake Ontario shoreline has the potential to jeopardize the bases operations and viability. Any project that puts the bases future at risk is unacceptable. NFARS has survived a number of closure attempts, and I will continue to do everything in my power to guarantee its doors remain open. Full text of the letter is below. December 8, 2015 Mr. John Conger Ms. Elizabeth Ray Deputy Under Secretary Vice President Department of Defense Mission Support Services Installations and Environment Federal Aviation Administration 3400 Defense Pentagon 800 Independence Ave SW Washington, D.C. 20303 Washington, D.C. 20591 Dear Mr. Conger & Ms. Ray, I am writing you to share my concerns with a proposed project in my district. I recently received a letter from the Niagara Military Affairs Council (NIMAC) regarding a proposal by APEX Clean Energy to construct wind turbines along the shoreline of Lake Ontario. I have included the letter for your reference. This letter raises serious concerns with the potential project and its proximity to the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station (NFARS) military operating area. NFARS was established in 1955 and is home to the Air Force Reserve Commands 914th Airlift wing, the 328th Airlift Squadron, and the New York Air National Guards 107th Airlift Wing. Currently, the Air Force Reserves flies the C-130 mission and the Air National Guard has taken on the Remotely Piloted Aircraft mission. NFARS employs nearly 3,000 service members and civilians and provides … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://donovan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/top-10-tips-protect-your-financial-and-tax-information Top 10 Tips to Protect Your Financial and Tax Information 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY Daniel Donovan D000625 donovan.house.gov     legacy Be wary of aggressive IRS phone scams -- Scammers are able to alter caller I.D. numbers to make it look like the IRS is calling. They use fake names and bogus IRS badge numbers. They often leave "urgent" callback requests or threaten arrest. Remember that the IRS will never call to demand immediate payment, nor demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe. Another telltale sign is if you are asked to pay with a prepaid debit card. Protect yourself and do not give our personal information over the phone. Avoid phishing attempts Never reply to emails, texts or pop-up messages asking for your personal, tax or financial information. One common trick by criminals is to impersonate a business such as your financial institution, tax software provider or the IRS, asking you to update your account and providing a link. Never click on links even if they seem to be from organizations you trust. Go directly to the organizations website. And if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you see an email that says You won a free cruise or The IRS has a refund waiting for you, odds are high that it is a phishing attempt looking to get your personal information. Protect your computer -- Scammers, hackers and identity thieves are looking to steal your personal information and your money. But there are simple steps you can take to help protect yourself, like keeping your computer software up-to-date, using security software and looking for the S for encrypted https websites when shopping or banking online. This helps ensure your computer is secure when it comes time to file your taxes. Use Strong Passwords New password standards to access tax software will require a minimum of eight characters with upper case, lower case, alpha, numerical and special characters, mixing letters, numbers and special characters. Dont use your name, birthdate or common words. Dont use the same password for several accounts. Keep your password list in a secure place or use a pa… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-john-katko-speaks-floor-us-house-representatives-support-visa-waiver REP. JOHN KATKO SPEAKS ON THE FLOOR OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN SUPPORT OF THE VISA WAIVER PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT ACT 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Republican House NY John Katko K000386 katko.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Representative John Katko (NY-24) this evening spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act of 2015, bipartisan legislation which overwhelmingly passed the Houseby a 407-19 margin. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Improvement Actincludes significant recommendations from the Task Force on Combating Foreign Fighter Travel, which Rep. Katko chaired. This legislation makes security improvements to the Visa Waiver Programs Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) form, supports the use of e-passports and other biometric data, and calls for a regular review of the program. By including these measures, H.R. 158 will dramatically improve the amount of accurate information used to vet individuals who come to the United States without a visa for 90 days. Video of Rep. Katkos remarks can be found here. Representative Katkos remarks, as prepared for delivery, can be found below: Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015. This bill, which I cosponsored,will close a critical gap in our nations border security that is vulnerable to exploitation by terrorists and other nefarious actors seeking to do us harm. This bill does not seek to eliminate the VWP, but strengthens the security of the program by requiring participating nations to increase counterterrorism information sharing, screen travelers against INTERPOLs databases and enhance passport security features. As Chair of the Committee on Homeland Securitys Foreign Fighter Task Force, I spent countless hours examining weaknesses in our nations defenses against the threat posed by foreign fighters. The provisions in this bill address several of the key findings in our report, and I thank Mrs. Miller for her leadership on this important issue. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation, and yield back the balance of my time. Upon the passage of the bill, Representati… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/2015/12/09/gillibrand-heller-and-feinstein-announce-senate-passage-of-key-provisions-to-help-protect-children-from-sexual-abuse-in-final-bipartisan-education-bill-1 Gillibrand, Heller & Feinstein Announce Senate Passage of Key Provisions to Help Protect Children from Sexual Abuse in Final Bipartisan Education Bill 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Kirsten Gillibrand G000555 www.gillibrand.senate.gov     legacy December 09, 2015 Gillibrand, Heller & Feinstein Announce Senate Passage of Key Provisions to Help Protect Children from Sexual Abuse in Final Bipartisan Education Bill New Provisions Will Help Fund Erin's Law Programs: Age-Appropriate Lessons for Students, Information for Parents and Guardians, & School Personnel on Recognizing and Reporting Sexual Abuse in States Across Country After 85-12 Vote, Education Bill Will Head to the President to Become Law Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Dean Heller (R-NV), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) today announced that the Senate passed key provisions from their bipartisan legislation to help protect children from sexual abuse by funding school programs that provide age-appropriate lessons to primary and secondary school students, as well as information to parents, guardians, and teachers, on how to recognize and safely report sexual abuse. These provisions, based on the Child Sexual Abuse Awareness and Prevention Act and the Helping Our Schools Protect Our Children Act, were included in the bill to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the Every Student Succeeds Act. It passed the Senate today by a margin of 85-12. Twenty-six states have passed a version of Erin's Law, legislation that encourages or requires public schools to provide child sexual abuse prevention education to students, information to parents and guardians, and professional development for school personnel. The Every Student Succeeds Act passed today includes provisions championed by Gillibrand, Heller and Feinstein that enable school districts to use federal grant funding to develop and implement these programs for students, parents and guardians, teachers, and other school personnel. In 2013, there were a total of 60,956 instances of child sexual abuse reported to Child Protective Services agencies in the U.S. However, this estimate only represents… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/gillibrand-on-senate-floor-urges-congress-to-provide-desperately-needed-relief-to-puerto-rico Gillibrand, on Senate Floor, Urges Congress to Provide Desperately Needed Relief to Puerto Rico 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Kirsten Gillibrand G000555 www.gillibrand.senate.gov     legacy December 09, 2015 Gillibrand, on Senate Floor, Urges Congress to Provide Desperately Needed Relief to Puerto Rico Gillibrand: Congress Must Come Together to Pass This Bill. The Situation in Puerto Rico is Desperate, and These Families Need Our Help. Speech Text Copied Below with Video Available HERE Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today called on the Senate to pass the Puerto Rico Chapter 9 Uniformity Act of 2015, a bill that would provide desperately needed relief to the people of Puerto Rico. Gillibrand spoke on the Senate floor in response to an objection that blocked passage of the bill. Below are Senator Gillibrand's remarks as prepared for delivery and video is available here: Mr. President, I also want to express my strong disappointment that my colleague has objected to a bill that would provide desperately needed relief to our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico. No American parent or child should have to face economic distress simply because of where they live. Congress has a responsibility to help these families. The economic situation in Puerto Rico is a serious problem that we can only begin to solve with meaningful legislation. This bill is the fiscally responsible way to help the people of Puerto Rico. It is the fiscally responsible way to alleviate the dire economic situation in Puerto Rico. Let's be very clear here. It is not a bailout. It is a means to bring our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico out of their serious economic distress. Congress must come together to pass this bill. The situation in Puerto Rico is desperate, and these families need our help. There's no other way to see it. We have to help them. I urge my colleague to reconsider this objection. Congress must help the people of Puerto Rico. I yield the floor. Print Email Tweet … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/governor-cuomo-senator-gillibrand-and-new-york-congressional-delegation-announce-45-million-in-grants-for-enhanced-homeland-security-protections Governor Cuomo, Senator Gillibrand and New York Congressional Delegation Announce $4.5 Million in Grants for Enhanced Homeland Security Protections 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Kirsten Gillibrand G000555 www.gillibrand.senate.gov     legacy December 09, 2015 Governor Cuomo, Senator Gillibrand and New York Congressional Delegation Announce $4.5 Million in Grants for Enhanced Homeland Security Protections Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand and members of the New York Congressional Delegation today announced $4.5 million in federal grants has been awarded to municipalities across New York State to support multiple homeland security efforts that include the strengthening anti-terrorism programs, the enhancement of emergency preparedness and the expansion of critical infrastructure protections. "We know all too well the threat posed by terrorism and recent events have only further demonstrated the need for our first responders to have the resources to respond swiftly and effectively to emergency situations," Governor Cuomo said. "This administration remains committed to ensuring these brave men and women are fully prepared to keep New Yorkers safe in every corner of the state." "As we continue to fight terrorism abroad and at home, local law enforcement should have every resource available to keep our communities safe," said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. "This critical funding will help our local law enforcement protect and prevent against terrorism throughout the state and I'll continue fighting for these federal resources to help New York law enforcement be prepared." Funding for these programs was made available by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the State Homeland Security Program. The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services manages these programs in close coordination with local stakeholders. New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner John P. Melville said, "New York's first responders play a vital role in keeping citizens safe from harm. These grants will go a long way toward helping the state achieve the Governor's preparedness goals to have the best trained and prepared first responders in the country." Tactical Team Grant Program -… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/new-york-and-new-jersey-lawmakers-announce-new-cyber-protection-team New York and New Jersey Lawmakers Announce New Cyber Protection Team 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Kirsten Gillibrand G000555 www.gillibrand.senate.gov     legacy December 09, 2015 New York and New Jersey Lawmakers Announce New Cyber Protection Team After Lawmakers' Year Long Push - National Guard Chooses Latham Armory as the Mission Command Site - Establishes New York and New Jersey As Leader In Counter-Terrorism & Cyber-Terrorism Research Cyber Protection Team Would Bring New Cyber Jobs To Both NY and NJ & Help Boost Region's Economy Joint Reserve Intelligence Center in Rome also Designated for Cyber Protection Missions Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Congressmen Steve Israel (D-NY), Richard Hanna (R-NY) and New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) announced today that after their year-long push, New York and New Jersey Army National Guards' formation of a combined Cyber Protection Team based in Latham, New York has been approved by the National Guard. Latham Armory, the Capital Region's National Guard Base, located inAlbany County would serve as the Unit's Mission Command center. Additionally, space at the Rome Joint Reserve Intelligence Center will be used to accommodate cyber protection team mission requirements. New Jersey will have a primary CPT station located at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The New York-New Jersey Metropolitan Area is one of the top global terrorism targets given its role as the financial hub of the United States. This has prompted the region to develop one of the most sophisticated network of counter-terrorism units not just in the country, but worldwide. Members said the constant threat to New Yorkers is a key reason why the state has taken such a proactive role in recruiting and training personnel to counter these threats. The emergence of cyber-terrorism as a legitimate threat to national and global security has highlighted the necessity for a CPT. Senators and Congressmen said because of the sophisticated nat… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/new-york-and-new-jersey-lawmakers-announce-new-cyber-protection-team NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY LAWMAKERS ANNOUNCE NEW CYBER PROTECTION TEAM 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Charles Schumer S000148 www.schumer.senate.gov     legacy 12.09.15 NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY LAWMAKERS ANNOUNCE NEW CYBER PROTECTION TEAM After Lawmakers' Year Long Push - National Guard Chooses Latham Armory as the Mission Command Site -Establishes New York and New Jersey As Leader In Counter-Terrorism & Cyber-Terrorism Research Cyber Protection Team Would Bring New Cyber Jobs To Both NY and NJ & Help Boost Region's Economy Joint Reserve Intelligence Center in Rome also Designated for Cyber Protection Missions U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Congressmen Steve Israel (D-NY), Richard Hanna (R-NY) and New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) announced today that after their year-long push, New York and New Jersey Army National Guards' formation of a combined Cyber Protection Team based in Latham, New York has been approved by the National Guard. Latham Armory, the Capital Region's National Guard Base, located inAlbany County would serve as the Unit's Mission Command center. Additionally, space at the Rome Joint Reserve Intelligence Center will be used to accommodate cyber protection team mission requirements. New Jersey will have a primary CPT station located at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The New York-New Jersey Metropolitan Area is one of the top global terrorism targets given its role as the financial hub of the United States. This has prompted the region to develop one of the most sophisticated network of counter-terrorism units not just in the country, but worldwide. Members said the constant threat to New Yorkers is a key reason why the state has taken such a proactive role in recruiting and training personnel to counter these threats. The emergence of cyber-terrorism as a legitimate threat to national and global security has highlighted the necessity for a CPT. Senators and Congressmen said because of the sophisticated nature of cyber-terrorism, the site of the Cyber Protection Team should be a facility that already has advanced capabilities and re… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-announces-approval-of-microbead-free-waters-act-in-the-house-of Higgins Announces Approval of Microbead-Free Waters Act in the House of Representatives 2015-12-08 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NY Brian Higgins H001038 higgins.house.gov     legacy Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced that the House of Representatives has approved H.R. 1321, a bill that prohibits the sale or distribution of cosmetics containing synthetic plastic microbeads. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is leading on a similar bill in the Senate. Microbeads rinsed down the drain are polluting our water and transporting toxic pollutants that wildlife and humans ingest, said Congressman Higgins, a member of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force. Western New York understands the value of clean water to our community and led the way on this effort. We are pleased to support this and see it broadened nationwide. In May of 2014 Congressman Higgins joined New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and local advocates in reporting on the harm microbeads cause to the Great Lakes and calling for a ban on products containing microbeads. This year Erie County approved legislation introduced by Legislator Patrick Burke, making the region the first in the nation to prohibit microbeads in cosmetics. The House bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to ban the manufacturing of microbeads beginning in July of 2017. A ban on manufacturing over-the-counter drugs and on the sale of cosmetics containing microbeads would begin July 2018. The ban on sales of over-the-counter drugs containing microbeads would begin in July 2019. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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