url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at http://maloney.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/maloney-urges-new-surgeon-general-to-address-gun-violence-and-skin,Maloney urges new Surgeon General to address gun violence and skin cancer in 2015,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"NEW YORK -- Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) today urged Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy to take action on gun violence and other public health issues. In her letter, Maloney called for better efforts to understand gun violence and continued action in addressing skin cancer. ""Like many of my colleagues, and most Americans, I strongly support efforts to better understand the causes of gun violence and to develop constructive solutions,"" wrote Maloney. ""I also urge you to continue the work of your predecessors to decrease incidences of skin cancer through campaigns to reduce excessive exposure to harmful outdoor sun and indoor tanning devices. Your interest in preventative medicine will bring great focus to addressing widespread and longstanding public health needs."" Maloney is the author of legislation that would authorize $10 million annually for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to study the causes and ways to prevent gun violence. Federal spending on research of gun violence is currently banned. Maloney is a founder of the bipartisan Congressional Skin Cancer Caucus and an author of the TAN Act, which recently resulted in warning labels being required for all tanning beds, which indicate that the products should not be used by those under the age of 18. The text of Maloney’s letter follows: December 30, 2014 Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., M.B.A. Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue S.W. Washington, DC 20201 Dear Vice Admiral Vivek Murthy, I offer my strong congratulations on your recent confirmation as the next U.S. Surgeon General. The position of “America’s Doctor” has gone without formal leadership for far too long. As we begin a new year resolved to take steps to improve our own wellbeing we must also consider how to best keep our nation as a whole healthy and strong. The recent global Ebola outbreak is a reminder of how essential public health is to our nation’s security. In addition, here in America, gun violence and its aftermath continue to plague our communities. Like many of my colleagues, and most Americans, I strongly support efforts to better understand the causes of gun violence and to develop constructive solutions. I also urge you to continue the work of your predecessors to decrease incidences of skin cancer through campaigns to reduce excessive exposure to harmful outdoor sun and indoor tanning devices. Your interest in preventative medicine will bring great focus to addressing widespread and longstanding public health needs. I again offer my commendations for your appointment as our 19th U.S. Surgeon General. Your remarkable qualifications will help to guide our country through these and other health concerns. I look forward to working with you. Sincerely, CAROLYN B. MALONEY  Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://meeks.house.gov/press-release/us-rep-gregory-w-meeks-statement-police-officers-protest-during-funeral-officer-ramos,U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Police Officers' Protest During Funeral of Officer Ramos,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Gregory Meeks,M001137,meeks.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Police Officers' Protest During Funeral of Officer Ramos Washington, D. C. - Congressman Gregory W. Meeks released the following statement regarding the police officers who turned their backs on Mayor de Blasio during the funeral of Officer Rafael Ramos: ""The rhetoric and actions taken by the police unions and the police officers who staged the so-called ""wall of silence"" at Officer Ramos' funeral deepens that which divides the city.  This antic was disrespectful and betrayed the decorum and responsibility that is expected of public servants, especially at the funeral of a fallen officer.  At this critical juncture, I believe Mayor de Blasio is working to heal as well as unite our city and I thank him for this continued effort.   ""Furthermore, I applaud the Mayor for holding a meeting with police union leaders, including Mr. Patrick Lynch, to discuss the underlying issues and work together to move the city forward.  It is meetings and discussions such as these that strengthen the efforts of those seeking police reform and improvement of police-community relations.  It's pertinent to reiterate that the Mayor, and those who are seeking justice for Mr. Eric Garner and others nationwide, are not against the police but instead are pushing for fairness, accountability, and equality before the law. I encourage an atmosphere of mutual respect in the future as our communities continue to heal and strive for justice for all. ”  [End]",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://meng.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/meng-bill-seeking-to-make-queens-historic-sites-part-of-national-park,Meng Bill Seeking to Make Queens Historic Sites Part of National Park Service Signed into Law by President Obama,2014-12-30,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,,,legacy,"Legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) that seeks to make Queens historic sites part of the National Park Service has been signed into law by President Obama.   The measure, which the President signed as part of a broader authorization bill, requires the Secretary of the Interior – whose agency administers federal parks – to study the viability of the National Park Service supporting spots associated with the Flushing Remonstrance, the document signed in 1657 that is recognized as the precursor of religious freedom in America. Properties that will be examined are the John Bowne House and the Old Quaker Meetinghouse, both of which are located in Flushing.   “The Flushing Remonstrance is a vital part of American history but few Americans – and few New Yorkers – know much about it,” said Meng. “It’s time for that to change, and this study could finally allow Queens to claim its rightful place in U.S. history. I ask National Park Service officials to begin their study as soon as possible and I eagerly await the results.”   Although the National Park Service has not yet set a timetable for the study, the agency plans to use internal standards to determine whether the Bowne and Quaker meetinghouse meet the criteria to be included in the nation’s park system. The criteria will be based on the sites meeting national significance, suitability, and feasibility, as well as the need for National Park Service management. The study, which could lead to the two locations becoming a National Historic Park or a National Historic Site, will also consider other alternatives for preservation and protection. The study is estimated to cost $200,000 to $300,000.   Meng introduced the Flushing Remonstrance Study Act in September 2013, and the measure recently passed the House and Senate. During a Congressional hearing on the bill earlier this year, National Park Service Associate Director Victor Knox said that the Interior Department supports the study.   The Flushing Remonstrance was signed by 30 citizens of Flushing on December 27, 1657 to protest the policy that banned Quakers from practicing their religion in the colony of New Netherland, a move that was vigorously opposed by the local government. After area resident John Bowne was jailed – and later banished to the Netherlands – for allowing Quakers to hold religious services in his house, he continued to fight the policy, and as a result, the Quakers were eventually allowed to practice freely.   The John Bowne House, owned by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, includes the section built in 1661 that hosted the meetings held by the Quakers, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located at 37-01 Bowne Street.   The Old Quaker Meetinghouse, owned by the Flushing Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, was built in 1694 by John Bowne and other Quakers, and is a National Historic Landmark for architecture and religion. It is located at 137-16 Northern Boulevard.   Meng expressed her appreciation to all who supported her legislation, in particular, Adam Sackowitz, a local history buff who first suggested the Remonstrance bill to her.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-unilateral-palestinian-efforts-at-un,Gillibrand Statement on Unilateral Palestinian Efforts at UN,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 29, 2014 Gillibrand Statement on Unilateral Palestinian Efforts at UN Washington, D.C.U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement todayafter Palestinian leadership presented its latest proposal in an attempt to achieve statehood through unilateral actions at the United Nations: ""I am disappointed that the Palestinian leadership continues to try to circumvent a negotiated agreement with Israel. A real and sustainable solution to this conflict can only be achieved through negotiations between the two parties, with the goal of Israel living side-by-side in peace with a future Palestinian state. One-sided attempts to dictate the terms, like this newly proposed UN resolution, will only undermine this effort.The United States has made clear that any agreement must be negotiated directly between the two parties, and the Administration was right to immediately reject this proposal."" Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-fed-funds-to-create-comprehensive-economic-development-plans-in-s-tier-mohawk-valley-cny-finger-lakes-and-lake-champlain-area,"SCHUMER ANNOUNCES FED FUNDS TO CREATE COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANS IN S. TIER, MOHAWK VALLEY, CNY, FINGER LAKES & LAKE CHAMPLAIN AREA",2014-12-24,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.24.14 SCHUMER ANNOUNCES FED FUNDS TO CREATE COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANS IN S. TIER, MOHAWK VALLEY, CNY, FINGER LAKES & LAKE CHAMPLAIN AREA Funding Will Help 6 Regional Planning and Development Boards Develop Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies Plans Will Cover Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie, Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates, Allegany, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Tioga, Clinton, Essex, Hamilton, Warren, and Washington Counties U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded $70,000 to six different regional planning and development boards around the state to develop and implement a comprehensive economic development strategy that supports private capital investment and job creation in the region. The six groups receiving funding, and the counties that will be included in the economic development strategy, are: Mohawk Valley Economic Development District:Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, and Schoharie Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board:Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, and Oswego, and the city of Syracuse Genesee Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council:Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board:Allegany, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus Southern Tier East Regional Planning and Development Commission:Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, and Tioga Lake Champlain-Lake George Regional Planning and Development Board:Clinton, Essex, Hamilton, Warren, and Washington Having a clear, strategic vision for creating jobs and attracting private investment is key to strengthening regional economies around the state, said Schumer. This federal funding will help economic development experts in the Mohawk Valley, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, and Adirondacks develop the type of comprehensive strategy that can provide a real shot in the arm to the regional economy. As the only federal government agency focused exclusively on economic development, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) plays a critical role in fostering regional economic development efforts in communities across the nation. Through strategic investments that foster job creation and attract private investment, EDA supports development in economically distressed areas of the United States. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://higgins.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-higgins-presents-family-of-army-veteran-norman-blatner-with,Congressman Higgins Presents Family of Army Veteran Norman Blatner With Bronze Star & Rare POW Medal,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Brian Higgins,H001038,higgins.house.gov,,,legacy,"United States Army Corporal Norman Blatner was captured during the Battle of Hurtgen Forest and held as a Prisoner of War during World War II but made it back to Western New York thanks to a brave escape and special encounter with a German prison guard.  Today, Congressman Brian Higgins will be joined by North Tonawanda Mayor Robert Ortt and others as he presents the Blatner family with the Bronze Star, Prisoner of War medal and other recognitions earned by Corporal Blatner for his service.   “Corporal Blatner’s story is one of selfless service, unimaginable circumstances and an incredible Buffalo connection,” said Congressman Higgins.  “It is truly our honor to deliver these medals to the Blatner family on behalf of a grateful nation.”  “It is great to see these medals delivered to the family of Corporal Norman Blatner for his service to our country,” stated Mayor Ortt.  “We should all be proud of all Western New York veterans.”  Norman T. Blatner was born in 1915 and lived in Buffalo before entering active service in the United States Army on December 20, 1943.  During WWII he served with Company D for the 112th Regiment, 28th Division and rose to the rank of Corporal. His Company was involved in the Battle of Hurtgen Forest.  The terrain was difficult with steep hills and a dense mass of trees that limited visibility.  Under intense fire, many were hit in their foxholes and it is believed over 130 men were captured in total, including Blatner.  Blatner was taken by his captors to Camp Stalag 2a in northern Germany and held as a prisoner of war for seven months from November 8, 1944 through June 8, 1945.  The Camp, controlled by Nazi Germany, and outlying sub-camps held over 25,000 prisoners including 950 Americans.  The conditions were very difficult, especially during those cold winter months.  Food was hard to come by and prisoners were worked seven days a week.  But an interesting connection between Private Blatner’s family in Western New York and a German prison guard may have saved his life.  The guard asked if he was related to the Blatners who owned Blatner’s Delicatessen on Greenfield Street in Buffalo.  Private Blatner confirmed the store was owned by his aunt and uncle.  It just so happened that the guard and prisoner’s family members were friends and the German guard’s relatives recently visited Buffalo.  The two never spoke again but after their encounter Private Blatner was transferred to a prison farm and provided with meager nourishment which got him through the next several months until his escape in June of 1945.  On November 7 of 1945 Corporal Blatner was honorably discharged from the United States Army.  When he returned home, Blatner married his wife of 71 years Theresa and they had three sons, William, Richard and Norman.  In 1947 Blatner opened a Texaco service station at the corner of Michigan Ave and Best Street in Buffalo, which he operated for several years before he took on a new career in trucking.  His son William later reopened Blatner’s Auto, which is now located on Erie Street in North Tonawanda.    Corporal Norman Blatner died on July 4, 2013, Independence Day, at the age of 97.  Mr. Blatner’s sons recently reached out to Congressman Higgins to request assistance with obtaining the military medals their father earned.  71 years and 3 days after Corporal Blatner began his active duty, Congressman Brian Higgins presented the Blatner family with a number of military commendations including:   The Bronze Star Medal, POW Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 bronze service stars, World War II Victory Medal. Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, and Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar.    The Bronze Star Medal is awarded for meritorious service in a combat zone and the POW Medal is issued only to those who were taken prisoner and held captive while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://maloney.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/maloney-says-tria-should-be-first-order-of-business-for-114th-congress,Maloney says TRIA should be first order of business for 114th Congress,2014-12-23,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"NEW YORK – Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) today called on House leaders to make renewing the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act the first order of business for the 114th Congress. The program promotes economic development by making terrorism insurance available and affordable, but Congress allowed the program to lapse by failing to pass a reauthorization bill before adjourning on December 16. In her letter to House Speaker John Boehner and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Maloney cited the economic risks to urban areas such as New York City, noting that the failure to extend the program will “cause construction projects across the country to grind to a halt, putting thousands of jobs at risk.” Maloney, a senior Democratic member of the House Financial Services Committee, was the lead Democratic cosponsor of the TRIA Reauthorization Act of 2013. The original TRIA program was created by Congress in 2002, extended for two additional years in 2005, and for seven additional years in 2007. TRIA has operated at no cost to taxpayers. RAND Corp. found that eliminating the program could increase federal spending by as much as $7 billion in the event of a major attack. Even in a worst-case scenario, the total exposure to taxpayers is predictable and limited, and any federal funds spent would ultimately be recouped. The full text of Maloney’s letter follows: December 22, 2014 The Honorable John Boehner                                        The Honorable Nancy Pelosi Speaker of the House of Representatives                      House Democratic Leader H-232, United States Capitol                                        H-204, United States Capitol Washington, DC 20515                                                 Washington, DC 20515 Dear Speaker Boehner and Leader Pelosi: I write to urge you to make the reauthorization of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) the first order of business when the new Congress convenes on January 6, 2015. As you know, the House and the Senate successfully negotiated a long-term reauthorization of TRIA that will ensure that terrorism risk insurance remains widely available and affordable, while also increasing taxpayer protections. Unfortunately, despite bipartisan, bicameral support for this compromise, a single Senator placed a hold on the bill due to concerns about provisions that were unrelated to TRIA, and Congress adjourned for the year without reauthorizing this vital program. As a result, TRIA will expire on January 1, 2015. Because most insurers will not provide terrorism insurance without the government backstop that TRIA provides, many property owners will automatically lose their terrorism insurance on January 1st. This will cause construction projects across the country to grind to a halt, putting thousands of jobs at risk. Moreover, as banks typically require borrowers to maintain “all risk” insurance policies when they finance a construction project, many property owners and other policyholders will thus default on their loans, causing untold — and completely unnecessary — damage to the credit markets. Unless Congress moves quickly to reauthorize TRIA, the damage to our economy will be severe and irreparable. In order to prevent this unnecessary economic damage, I urge you to bring the compromise legislation reauthorizing TRIA to the House floor immediately when the new Congress convenes in January.                                                                   Sincerely,   _______________________________ Carolyn B. Maloney Ranking Member Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/crowley-commemorates-100th-anniversary-world-war-i-christmas-truce-1914,Crowley Commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the World War I Christmas Truce of 1914,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Queens, NY)  – Today, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, announced the introduction of H. Res. 781, a resolution commemorating the centennial anniversary of the World War I Christmas Truce of 1914.   One hundred years ago this month, soldiers on the Western Front came together to unofficially pause hostilities and celebrate the Christmas holiday without regard for country lines or battle lines. The truce gave armies on both sides an opportunity to bury their fallen comrades, as well as share some festive cheer while far away from their homes and families. Reports from service members on the front lines were that soldiers engaged in singing carols, sharing provisions, and even playing lighthearted games. One of the most well-known aspects of the Christmas Truce is the impromptu soccer game that took place among the men. “The Christmas Truce has always inspired me as a reminder that it is possible for opponents to look beyond their differences and see each other as people,” said Rep. Crowley. “But I have a more personal connection as well. My great-grandfather was one of the soldiers present during the Christmas Truce, and I have always been so proud to know that he participated in such a meaningful moment in history.” Commemorations of the Christmas Truce are expected to take place around the world, including candles being lit worldwide by leaders like Archbishop Desmond Tutu to mark the anniversary, and the recent unveilings of several sculptures honoring the 1914 Christmas Day soccer match. “I hope that this holiday season, wherever we are, we can all take a moment to remember the Christmas Truce and to remind ourselves of a time when soldiers laid down their weapons and recognized how essential it is to value humanity,” continued Crowley. The full text of the resolution is below: RESOLUTION Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the World War I Christmas Truce of 1914. Whereas by December 1914, World War I had left about 90 percent of the highly trained members of the British Expeditionary Force in France with casualties, and about 30 percent dead; Whereas the cries and moans of the injured and dying in no man’s land could be heard throughout the Western Front, and many of the dead had been lying unburied; Whereas on December 7, 1914, Pope Benedict XV suggested a temporary hiatus of the war for the celebration of Christmas; Whereas despite this proposal, the warring countries refused to create any official cease-fire; Whereas on Christmas Eve, which under German tradition has more celebrations than the day itself, German soldiers began to sing carols and place lantern-lit Christmas trees above their trenches; Whereas much of December had been wet, but on this night the temperature dropped and a sharp frost settled over the landscape, making both trench conditions more bearable and the air clear and still; Whereas Rifleman C H Brazier, Queen's Westminsters of Bishop's Stortford, claimed in his letters that the German soldiers said they would not shoot on Christmas Day if his fellows did not; Whereas another letter from Private Cunningham, of the 5th Scottish Rifles, to his friend Mr. James D Gray, in Carluke, Scotland, also reveals in more detail how such truces came about: ""On Christmas Eve the firing practically ceased…”; Whereas on Christmas Day the soldiers of opposing forces emerged from their trenches and declared their own unofficial truce, and shook hands with their enemies; Whereas, according to many letters, a good-spirited, impromptu football match between German and Allied soldiers took place in no man’s land on this day and is commemorated annually by English football teams; Whereas in recognition of the 100th anniversary this year, special Christmas Truce candles will be lit around the world, including by Archbishop Desmond Tutu in Cape Town, South Africa and Pelé in Santos, Brazil; Whereas worldwide celebrations are expected to take place, including the unveiling of a sculpture by Andy Edwards in Liverpool capturing the 1914 Christmas Day football match; Whereas the lessons of this event are that the light of human empathy can dispel the darkness of despair, the possibility for future peace can still exist when at war with other nations, and that behind the clashing of weapons and trenches of indifference humanity essentially endures: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives -- (1) honors the 100th Anniversary of the World War I Christmas Truce of 1914; (2) recognizes the Christmas Truce’s symbol of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity; and (3) commemorates the World War I Christmas Truce of 1914 and its legacy as a message of future peace and unity between all nations. Congressman Crowley is the eight-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 http://nadler.house.gov/press-release/congressman-nadler%E2%80%99s-statement-tragic-deaths-officer-rafael-ramos-and-officer-wenjian,Congressman Nadlers Statement on Tragic Deaths of Officer Rafael Ramos and Officer Wenjian Liu,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Jerrold Nadler,N000002,nadler.house.gov,,,legacy,"NEW YORK, NY -- Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-10) issued the following statement on the tragic deaths of Officer Rafael Ramos and Officer Wenjian Liu: “This weekend, we witnessed a tragic and horrifying event: the cold blooded assassination of two police officers.   We mourn the loss of Officer Rafael Ramos and Officer Wenjian Liu, who were upstanding members of their communities and part of the cadre of NYPD men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe.  We grieve for their families, for their colleagues in the NYPD, and for the entire City as we pay tribute to their service and their lives. “The individual who perpetrated this crime traveled from Maryland with the express purpose of committing this horrible act.   This senseless violence sent another round of shock waves through our already grieving city.  Of course well before, and certainly since, the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, we have been struggling as a nation and as a city with how to move forward together; how to face the very real problems that often exist in police-community relations while supporting our officers in their efforts to keep our streets safe.  Mayor de Blasio has worked tirelessly alongside many in the City and in the NYPD to maintain peace and safety, continue critical discussions about reforming those policing tactics that jeopardize civil rights, civil liberties and individual security, and to support the NYPD and the officers who come to work every day and take risks to make our City safer.  “Those who have cynically and erroneously blamed Saturday’s tragedy on the Mayor’s previous acknowledgements of the challenges in community-police relations, or on peaceful and respectful protestors, do nothing to help move the conversation forward and in fact, foment more discord and strife.  This must end.   No one – on any side—should use this tragedy to advance a political point of view. “We should object to any rhetoric that equates criticism of police tactics or policies with disrespect for the men and women of the NYPD.  And we should object to rhetoric of those who minimize the significant sacrifices these dedicated public servants make every day for our City. “We must all stand together and look to the future.  That future must include discussion of the reality of how communities in our city experience policing, and a discussion of police and grand jury reform. And it must also include a discussion about investing in and valuing our police so they and the neighborhoods they serve are as safe as possible.  We simply cannot prevent tragedies like the deaths of Officer Ramos, Officer Liu, Eric Garner and Michael Brown unless we are all focused, together.   For now, let us all take the appropriate time as a City to mourn, and then let’s re-start those discussions, calmly and in earnest, towards a better future for all New Yorkers.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-highlights-importance-preventing-drunk-driving-during-holiday,Lowey Highlights Importance of Preventing Drunk Driving during the Holiday Season,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Nita Lowey,L000480,lowey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Federal grants in 2015 spending bill to local organizations help prevent underage drinking and substance abuse Local law enforcement demonstrate DWI truck used by officers when responding to drunk driving accidents NEW CITY, NY Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland), the Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, today was joined by local Rockland law enforcement officials, Westchester MADD President Carole Sears, and Rockland MADD representative Sharon Hittman to spread awareness about the dangers of drunk driving during the holidays. The holidays are a time when many people are attending parties and social events where alcohol is consumed and,unfortunately,this means that there is spike in drunk driving incidents, said Lowey. The 2015 spending billI negotiated that wassigned into law last week contained critical funding to help educate teens about the dangers of alcohol and driving drunkas well as efforts to create a new technology for vehicles to prevent drunk driving. I am hopeful that through continued federal government support for these programs, we can put an end to drunk drivingand, in the next Congress, I'll continue to make combating drunk driving a priority. Lowey was a lead negotiator during the 2015 spending bill that was signed into law by the President last week. The bill includes funding for federal grants to help educate teens about the dangers of alcohol and driving drunk. Three grantees in Westchester and Rockland Counties will receive over $140,000 through the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act (STOP) Grant program to partner with local schools and community groups to educate teens in our area. The enactment of the spending bill will allow these programs to continue receiving federal assistance. Wellcore, Inc. (South Orangetown) in Rockland County receives $48,258, while Family Services of Westchester (Port Chester) and Student Assistance Services Corporation (Tarrytown) of Westchester County receive $48,258 and $47,250, respectively, under this program. The spending bill supports another important program called Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to work with automakers to create a new technology for vehicles that will instantaneously and passively detect if a driver is drunk. Ideally, this technology would be available one day in brand new cars, potentially saving thousands of lives. Rockland MADD representative Sharon Hittman and Westchester MADD President Carole Sears, who lost her husband, Andy, in a November 2002 car accident with a drunk driver, said, The pain inflicted on communities by drinking and driving never goes away. We must do all we can to prevent situations where we are putting our neighbors and loved ones in severe jeopardy. I'm grateful for the efforts of our local law enforcement officers and Congresswoman Lowey's leadership on making sure we keep drunk drivers off the streets. Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Zugibe, Orangetown Police Sergeant John Purcell, Village of South Nyack Chief of Police Brent Newbury, Haverstraw Police Lieutenant Marty Lund, Stony Point Chief of Police Brian Moore, Rockland County Sheriff's Police Division Chief William Barbera, and Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco III discussed prevention and enforcement measures for the holiday season, and Sheriff Falco demonstrated the County's DWI truck. The truck is a mobile processing van and serves as an efficient, one-stop shop for officers to process drunk driving incidents. Officers can capture breath samples, photos, finger prints, DMV info, and create reports quickly using digital platforms. After processing, drivers are either cleared or released to a third-party to take them home, or they are taken to the police station for further processing. The DWI van is funded through the STOP DWI program, a county-wide initiative that is not funded with taxpayer dollars, but rather the fees collected from drunk driving convictions. In addition to reminding all drivers to drive sober, Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco III is calling on everyone to be alert. If people see a drunk driver on the road, call the police right away a life could be saved. If someone you know is about to drive after drinking, take their keys and help them get home safely. We've got to work together to make our roads safer this December and year-round, Falco said. According to statistics compiled by New York State, 1,444 alcohol-related traffic tickets were issued in Rockland County in 2012, down from 1,945 in 2010. In neighboring Westchester County, 3,673 alcohol-related tickets were issued, down from 4,354 in 2010. In 2012, Rockland County saw 163 total alcohol-related crashes, including six fatal accidents, while in the same year Westchester had 387 alcohol-related crashes with 10 of those proving fatal. Congresswoman Lowey has been a leader in enacting strong laws to keep unsafe drivers off the road. In 2000, Lowey successfully passed legislation requiring states to enact a maximum Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level of .08 as a condition of receiving federal transportation assistance, which prompted all 50 states and the District of Columbia to implement this commonsense policy. In July 2014, Lowey introduced Alisa's Law, a bill that would encourage states to require the use of ignition interlock devices for a minimum of six months for all convicted drunk driving offenders. This type of approach has proven successful in New York since the state passed Leandra's Law in 2010. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/_schumer-gillibrand-higgins-collins-reed-announce-fema-has-issued-disaster-declaration-for-9-wny-counties-impacted-by-historic-snowstorm,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, HIGGINS, COLLINS, REED ANNOUNCE FEMA HAS ISSUED DISASTER DECLARATION FOR 9 WNY COUNTIES IMPACTED BY HISTORIC SNOWSTORM",2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.22.14 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, HIGGINS, COLLINS, REED ANNOUNCE FEMA HAS ISSUED DISASTER DECLARATION FOR 9 WNY COUNTIES IMPACTED BY HISTORIC SNOWSTORM Schumer, Gillibrand, Higgins, Collins, Reed Wrote to FEMA Urging Fed Agency To Be Ready To Act On a Disaster Declaration To Help Reimburse WNY Counties Following Massive November Snowstorm Now, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Orleans, St. Lawrence, and Wyoming Counties Will Be Immediately Eligible for FEMA Funds to Help Cover Clean-Up & Recovery Costs Schumer, Gillibrand, Higgins, Collins, Reed: Federal FEMA Support for WNY Counties Damaged By Historic Snowfall is Critical Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Representatives Brian Higgins, Chris Collins, and Tom Reed announced that the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) has approved a federal disaster designation for nine Western New York counties, due to losses caused by excessive snow, flooding, freeze, and high winds that occurred from November 19 through November 26, 2014. The FEMA disaster declaration will apply for the following counties: Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Orleans, St. Lawrence, and Wyoming Counties. This declaration will officially make municipalities within in these nine counties eligible for public assistance, which provides federal funds for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. These nine counties were deemed eligible for FEMA public assistance funds because they reached the specific damage threshold. With this declaration, the state, counties, local governments, and certain non-profit organizations will be eligible to apply for funding for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and permanent work, including the repair and replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. Specifically, permanent work can include the repair of roads and bridges, water control facilities, and utility systems and facilities; the repair or replacement of buildings and equipment; and the repair and restoration of parks, recreational facilities, and other facilities. In November, following the storm, Schumer, Gillibrand, Higgins, and Collins wrote to FEMA and urged the agency to be ready to issue this declaration so that emergency assistance could be made available to the municipalities in the counties that suffered as a result of this historic November snowstorm. This much-deserved federal disaster aid is just what the doctor ordered for hard hit taxpayers and county-city-and town governments throughout Western New York, which had to spend heavily to dig out from this epic snowfall. We fought hard to deliver this federal aid and are pleased FEMA and the Obama Adminstration did the right thing so local taxpayers are not left footing the bill for this national disaster, saidSenator Schumer, who called FEMA Administrator and top White House officials to lobby for a prompt decision.With this designation, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Orleans, St. Lawrence, and Wyoming Counties will receive the support they need to recover and rebuild after this severe weather. ""This federal disaster declaration is outstanding news for Western New Yorkers, and I thank President Obama for moving fast to make this decision, saidSenator Gillibrand. I saw firsthand how devastating the unprecedented snowstorm was to our communities. I want to thank everyone for their effort as it was essential for losses to be documented efficiently and thoroughly so that we could quickly demonstrate to FEMA our need for these federal recovery funds. The state and the nation can all be inspired by the toughness and optimism of Western New York. I applaud the President's decision to issue a disaster declaration for the State of New York, saidCongressmanHiggins. This declaration will trigger federal funds from FEMA, providing critical support to eligible entities in nine counties, to help in recovery from the recent snowstorm, and assist in protecting against damage from future natural disasters. The President's disaster declaration today is an important step in aiding the rebuilding process for the thousands of individuals and businesses impacted by the deadly November storm, saidCongressman Chris Collins(NY-27). I am proud of our first responders who worked tirelessly during the storm and our local officials who spent the last month assessing the damage. I am glad that we were able to work together on a bipartisan basis to secure this support from FEMA and the President. This declaration is fair to the affected communities to help move forward from the major snowstorm in November, saidCongressman Tom Reed. OnNovember 19, New York declared a state of emergency for ten counties in advance of the severe snowstorm which ended up causing nearly $50 million in damage to Western New York and the North Country. Areas in South Buffalo and the surrounding communities received a historic seven feet of snow. The storm caused damage to many businesses' and residents' property, including some roofs that caved in under the weight of the snow. This damage is all in addition to the economic injury that many small businesses suffered after being closed for a week. FEMA public assistance funding covers 75% of the eligible cost for emergency measures and permanent restoration. All areas in New York are also eligible to apply for funding under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which provides grants to states and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. A copy of the delegation's initial letter to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate is included below: Dear Administrator Fugate: We write in strong support of communities across Western New York that were recently impacted by the severe snow storm. New York State is currently in the process of assessing the damage, and should that damage meet a level where the state requests a major disaster declaration for Erie County, Chautauqua County, Cattaraugus County, Genesee County, Wyoming County,and other impacted counties, we urge you to swiftly implement the federal programs activated by the President's approval of the request. OnNovember 18, New York declared a state of emergency for ten counties in advance of what will likely end up being one of the worst snowstorms that Western New York has ever seen. Some areas in South Buffalo and the surrounding communities have already seen more than six feet of snow in just 36 hours, and the snow is expected to continue to fall. Many school districts remain closed, and a large number of travel bans are still in effect. Hundreds of motorists were forced to abandon their cars on roadways, many after being stranded for hours, and at least eight Western New Yorkers have lost their lives. With snow piles over six feet, conventional plows are unable to clear the roads, so high lifts, pay loaders, and dump trucks are required to move the snow to designated areas. New York State officials are still evaluating the extent of the damage, but it is expected that the total costs will be substantial, between overtime for plow drivers, sanding the roads, and repairing other general damage across the area. Without support of this disaster declaration through the powers afforded to you in the Stafford Act, the state will have an even more difficult time recovering from the constant impact of a recent string of disasters. The state has yet to fully recover from Hurricane Irene, Tropical Storm Lee, and Superstorm Sandy, and we believe that federal assistance is necessary to preserve the safety of our citizens and to protect our infrastructure from future disasters. We are grateful for the prompt attention that you and the entire federal government have given to quickly responding to disasters impacting New York State, and for your commitment to cutting bureaucratic red-tape so that assistance can be provided as quickly and efficiently as possible. In that spirit, we strongly urge you to swiftly recommend that the President make a disaster declaration, and implement all federal programs activated by that declaration. Sincerely, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Representative Brian Higgins Representative Chris Collins ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://meeks.house.gov/press-release/us-rep-gregory-w-meeks-statement-killing-two-nypd-officers-line-duty,U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Killing of Two NYPD Officers in Line of Duty,2014-12-21,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Gregory Meeks,M001137,meeks.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Killing of Two NYPD Officers in Line of Duty Washington, D. C. - Congressman Gregory W. Meeks released the following statement regarding the fatal shootings of two New York City police officers: ""I offer my deepest condolences to the families of Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, the NYPD officers killed in the line of duty today. This heinous shooting is an instance of senseless violence that sought to destroy the very fabric of our society and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. I join my city, the NYPD community, and those around the nation in mourning the loss of these two heroes in uniform today.""  [End]",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://maloney.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-maloney-statement-on-murder-of-nypd-officers,Rep. Maloney statement on murder of NYPD officers,2014-12-20,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"NEW YORK – Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) today released the following statement on the death of New York Police Department officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos: “The savage murder of New York City police officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos is a horrific act. My condolences and deepest sympathies go out to the families of Officers Liu and Ramos for their enormous loss, as well as to the NYPD community that has lost two of its finest officers. “In the face of such senseless violence, we should calm down the rhetoric and work together to find a way to create a safer and more peaceful city.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://meng.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/meng-statement-on-murder-of-two-nypd-officers,Meng Statement on Murder of Two NYPD Officers,2014-12-20,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) issued the following statement tonight on the murder of two NYPD officers:   “There are no words to describe the cowardly and barbaric murders of two NYPD officers tonight. These types of violent acts are un-American, and I ask all New Yorkers to join me in condemning these horrific crimes in the strongest possible terms. I thank the NYPD for their bravery and commitment to protecting our city, and I stand with the department during this very difficult time. I ask the public to be calm and peaceful, and I send my deepest condolences to the slain officers' families.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://seanmaloney.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/maloney-s-record-of-results-in-first-term,Rep. Maloneys Record of Results in First Term,2014-12-19,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Sean Maloney,M001185,seanmaloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington – Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) released his 2014 Year End Annual Report, which highlights his legislative work, constituent services, district events, and correspondence.  Even in one of the least productive Congresses in modern history, Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) worked across the aisle to deliver meaningful results for the Hudson Valley in his first term. Sean fought for major legislation to fix local problems with local solutions, introducing 10 pieces of legislation that were signed into law this Congress – a remarkable record for a freshman in the minority.  All of these priorities came directly from Sean’s conversations with his neighbors in the Hudson Valley, and addresses issues like rail safety technology, dam safety, and our local agricultural economy.  Sean also focused on local investments in the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, U.S. Military Academy and Highland Falls School District. In addition, Sean helped deliver $250 million in disaster relief for the Hudson Valley and investments that created hundreds of jobs, rebuilt our communities, and got our neighbors back on their feet. To hear ideas and find solutions for problems in neighborhoods across the region, Sean held 55 town hall events – in person, online and by telephone and helped return $3.2 million to seniors, veterans and Hudson Valley families.  Here are a few highlights of Sean’s first two years:    By the Numbers: Getting Results for Local Solutions Sean has worked across the aisle and accumulated a record of results for Hudson Valley veterans, middle class families, and small businesses while in Congress.  He’s had: 10 pieces of legislation signed into law 15 bills and amendments passed the House 35 bills and amendments authored 274 bills co-sponsored 1205 votes cast with 98% vote attendance record  After listening to neighbors, community leaders, veterans, and farmers, Sean introduced dozens of bills - including 10 that were signed into law: The Dam Safety Act, included in the Water Resources Reform and Development Act.  Signed into law in June 2014, the Dam Safety Act reauthorizes the National Dam Safety Program and provides infrastructure investment funds for states to use in conducting dam inspections, purchasing equipment, and developing Emergency Action Plans.  The Creating Reliability for Our Producers (CROP) Act, included in the Farm Bill. Signed into law in February 2014, the Farm Bill, the best Farm Bill ever passed for the Hudson Valley, includes Rep. Maloney’s bipartisan, budget-neutral CROP Act, which will help protect the livelihoods of the small, diversified family farms we have in the Hudson Valley by reforming the insurance programs these farmers rely on and developing new and improved plans. Support for Farmers in Black Dirt Region. To address local flooding issues in important agricultural areas of Orange County, the Farm Bill, which was signed into law in February 2014, included language secured by Rep. Maloney to require the Secretary of Agriculture to work with producers whose operations contain muck soils like those in the Hudson Valley.  FERC Accountability Act, included in the Fiscal Year 2015 Omnibus Appropriations Act. Signed into law in December 2014, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will now be accountable to ratepayers in the Hudson Valley. FERC will be required to report quarterly on actions and costs to consumers related to the new capacity zone in New York’s Hudson Valley. Rail Safety Enforcement Act, included in the Fiscal Year 2015 Omnibus Appropriations Act. Signed into law in December 2014, the Federal Railroad Administration will now be required to review current implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC), which is a technology that helps control the speed of trains. In September, the House Transportation Committee also passed Rep. Maloney’s Commuter Rail Passenger Safety Act which enables railroads to make use of the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program, an existing $35 billion loan program, in order to implement Positive Train Control (PTC) technology.  Renaming Monroe Post Office. Signed into law in December 2014, the post office in Monroe, NY will be renamed to honor a local hero, Gregg Wenzel, who lost his life in service to his country. This is the first Post Office in the nation to honor a fallen officer of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Critical Support for Highland Falls Schools, included in the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Expected to be signed into law, this fixes an artificial cap that prevented Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery School District from getting its full share of aid and was shortchanging the school district by approximately $2 million a year. Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, included in the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  Expected to be signed into law, the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, key to regional tourism, will continue operating and can continue to access matching federal funding for projects in the area. The Disabled Veterans Red Tape Reduction Act, included in the VA Expiring Authorities Extension Act of 2013. Signed into law in December 2013, the Disabled Veterans Red Tape Reduction Act enables the VA to use outside physicians to conduct medical disability exams in order to help alleviate the current backlog at the VA. Military Construction Investment for Army Reserve Center and Barracks at West Point. As part of both the 2014 and 2015 Appropriations Acts, this bill invests $100 million in construction of new cadet barracks at West Point and builds a new training center for the Army Reserve in Bullville, NY. 5 additional bills, provisions, and amendments authored by Sean have passed the House: Blocking the New Hudson Valley Capacity Zone. In July 2014, the House overwhelmingly passed Rep. Maloney’s unprecedented legislation to prohibit funds from being used to enforce the Hudson Valley’s new capacity zone, which could raise electrical rates on consumers. Honor Guardsmen and Reservists Act. Honoring a fallen reservist from Hopewell Junction, the House of Representatives passed legislation in May 2014 to enable a memorial headstone or marker to be purchased from the VA for Guard or Reserve members who served for at least 6 years. Human Trafficking Prevention Act.  Passed in July 2014, this legislation would expand new minimum training procedures for high-ranking Foreign Service Officers and government personnel in order to curb human trafficking at its source before people are trafficked across international borders into the US.  Increased Investments for Dam Inspections. Separate of the Dam Safety Act, the House passed higher funding levels for the Dam Safety Act GAO report for CFTC Reauthorization. Passed in the House in June 2014, this important amendment ensures regulators have the funding that they need to safeguard the viability of the American financial system and hold bad actors accountable.   By the Numbers: Constituent Services   Sean promised to fight for folks in the Hudson Valley, and made it a top priority to be accessible and hold the federal government accountable. In addition to having his District Office in Newburgh, Sean has satellite offices in Port Jervis, Poughkeepsie, Carmel and Middletown. As part of his “Speak with Sean” series, Rep. Maloney has held 55 “Speak with Sean” town halls where neighbors could share any questions and comments in person.   $3,197,408.36 returned to taxpayers who were owed Social Security checks, veterans’ compensation, tax refunds, or other payments from the government 2,322 individuals assisted with cases involving Social Security, Medicare, IRS, and the Veterans Administration 97 service medals for military heroes including 1 Congressional Gold Medal, 1 Legion of Merit, 4 Bronze Stars, and 3 Purple Hearts for veterans from the Hudson Valley 33 “Speak with Sean” town halls and neighborhood office hours in the Hudson Valley 22 online and telephone town halls that included 108,000 households throughout the Hudson Valley 121,062 constituent letters answered Dozens of events including four Veterans Resources Fairs, Made in New York Tour, Small Business Workshop, Congressional Field Hearing on comprehensive immigration reform, children’s safety workshop, law enforcement resources forum, six medal presentation ceremonies for veterans, main street tours in Wappingers Falls, Goshen, Middletown, Mahopac, and Highland Falls, veterans jobs roundtable with Senator Greg Ball, EPA Superfund tour with EPA Administrator Judith Enck, agriculture forum in Warwick, Small Business Disaster Relief Workshop and many other events. By the Numbers: Fighting for Hudson Valley Investments   Rep. Maloney has worked closely with local and state officials to secure key federal investments. These bipartisan partnerships have helped deliver much-needed investments to grow our economy, create jobs, improve our infrastructure, fight crime and substance abuse, and reduce tolls and fees. A few highlights of federal investments in the Hudson Valley that Rep. Maloney has successfully fought for include: $250,000,000 in disaster aid from Irene, Lee and Sandy by working with 48 local communities including $45,322,000 to strengthen 9 flood-prone bridges $1.6 billion loan for the new Tappan Zee bridge $2,400,000 for 15 new firefighters in Newburgh $823,413 for life saving equipment for 6 local fire departments $500,000 for four new police officers in Newburgh $2,900,000 for expanding facilities for Hudson Valley Lighting $60,000 for new breathing equipment for Goshen Fire Department $4,817,666 to support homeless veterans through WestCOP and Hudson River Housing $2,200,000 for resurfacing Route 121 in Bedford $2,400,000 for resurfacing Route 138 in Lewisboro $2,611,029 for improving roads and safety along Route 302 in Crawford $968,792 for Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center $1,336,000 for the Town of Wallkill pedestrian/bicycle safety enhancements $19,577,702 for runway rehabilitation and improvements at Stewart Airport, Dutchess Airport, and Orange County Airport $1,250,000 for six youth anti-substance abuse initiatives $745,178 for pedestrian/bicycle enhancements in Port Jervis $2,100,000 for resurfacing Route 120 in Mt. Kisco $146,799 for early childhood education at the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum $100,000 for Farm-to-School program in Orange County $2,300,000 for lead abatement in Orange County $60,000 for the Hudson Valley Regional Council to develop a comprehensive economic development plan $65,000 for Storm Kings Arts Center for arts/outreach improvements",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-more-than-300-000-in-funding-to-provide-college-courses-for-students-in-rural-northern-catskills-school-districts,"Schumer, Gillibrand Announce More Than $300,000 In Funding To Provide College Courses For Students In Rural Northern Catskills School Districts",2014-12-19,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 19, 2014 Schumer, Gillibrand Announce More Than $300,000 In Funding To Provide College Courses For Students In Rural Northern Catskills School Districts Funding Will Be Used To Support Courses for Students in 17 Rural School Districts Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $312,138 in federal funding for the Otsego Northern Catskills Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). The federal funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) program and will be used to support distance learning initiatives in rural areas throughout the Northern Catskills. With this funding, students from 17 rural school districts in remote areas of the Northern Catskills, will receive access to college courses. Making sure our children have the resources they need to be successful is vital, especially in economically-challenged rural communities. This federal funding will provide students from the Northern Catskills with the access to college courses, online learning programs, and innovative technologies that will enhance their studies, grow their minds and skill sets and lead to more opportunities, said Senator Schumer. Preparing our students now will ensure that they are ready for college and good-paying jobs. Implementing distance learning programs is one of the best ways to help students in rural areas gain access to a wider range of opportunities, said Senator Gillibrand. A well-rounded education is far easier if options are readily available and this grant will provide students in the Northern Catskills with opportunities to receive a quality education and acquire the skills necessary for securing good-paying jobs. Otsego Northern Catskills BOCES is thrilled to receive the USDA, Rural Utilities Service, Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant award in the amount of $312,138, said Nicholas Savin, District Superintendent, Otsego Northern Catskills BOCES. The grant will assist in funding distance learning videoconferencing equipment for 17 area school districts. Despite our students attending smaller and more rural schools with fewer educational opportunities, this grant will provide students access to college, advanced placement and other high school coursework through distance learning technology. This world-class distance learning opportunity will enable our students to be competitive when applying to college. We would like to thank our Senators for their support of the distance learning program. USDA's Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program is specifically designed to assist rural communities in acquiring distance learning and telemedical technologies so that local teachers and medical service providers who serve rural residents can establish interactive video conferencing links to teachers, medical professionals, and other needed expertise located at distances too far to access otherwise.Since the program's inception in 1994, the DLT Program has helped to establish hundreds of distance learning programs and telemedicine systems that have made a difference in the lives of thousands of people living in rural communities throughout the United States. DLT grants are available to medical and educational entities as well as corporations, partnerships, states or local units of government as well as tribal organizations among others. For more information, visit: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/utp_dlt.html. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://maloney.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/leading-bipartisan-house-members-urge-universities-to-end-students-use,Leading Bipartisan House Members Urge Universities to End Students Use of University Debit Cards to Purchase Dangerous Indoor Tanning,2014-12-18,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today Reps. Henry A. Waxman, Frank Pallone, Jr., Rosa L. DeLauro, Carolyn B. Maloney, and Charles W. Dent wrote to eighteen universities urging them to consider ending practices that could endanger their students’ health by allowing them to use university debit cards to pay at indoor tanning salons.  A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, found that 18 leading universities allow use of student debit cards to pay for tanning services, and that “these agreements constitute an endorsement and even encourage indoor tanning, which has been designated as a carcinogen by the World Health Organization.” The study also found that “the urgency and importance of ending relationships between universities and tanning salons is critical for the health of young adults and the reduction of skin cancer.” In the letters, the members write, “We believe your university should not be offering incentives to students to engage in activities that put their health are risk.  We hope you will undertake a thorough review of the medical evidence and consider immediately ending agreements that allow students to pay for tanning salons with [university] debit cards. The full text of the letter is available below and the list of 18 universities to which the letter was sent is available here.   December 18, 2014   We are writing to urge you to consider ending the [University]’s practices that could endanger your students’ health by allowing them to use university debit cards to pay for indoor tanning.   A recent analysis of 100 of the nation’s largest universities identified 18 universities, including [the University], that allow students to use their university debit card to pay for sessions at local tanning salons.  The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, found that “these agreements constitute an endorsement and even encourage indoor tanning, which has been designated as a carcinogen by the World Health Organization.”[1]   We are concerned that allowing your students to use university debit cards to pay for tanning sessions endangers their health.  There is considerable evidence that tanning beds present a significant cancer risk for users.  A study in the British Medical Journal linked over 170,000 cases of skin cancer in the United States each year to indoor tanning.[2]  A study in the International Journal of Cancer found that melanoma risks are six times higher for those who report undergoing ten or more tanning sessions by age 30.[3]  Another study concluded that because young women are most likely to use these tanning salons, they face the highest risks, with the incidence of melanoma among young women increasing eight-fold between 1970 and 2009.[4]  Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration issued a final order reclassifying sunlamp products from class I to class II devices, reflecting increasing concerns about the risks from tanning.[5]   The risks for young users of tanning salons is exacerbated by the fact that these salons frequently provide false and misleading information to teens and young adults.  A February 2012 congressional investigation that some of us conducted found that these salons deny the known risks of tanning, falsely claim that tanning has health benefits, fail to follow FDA recommendations on tanning, and specifically target teens with advertising and promotions.[6]   The authors of the new study on university debit cards concluded that “[t]he urgency and importance of ending relationships between universities and tanning salons is critical for the health of young adults and the reduction of skin cancer.” [7]     We believe your university should not be offering incentives to students to engage in activities that put their health at risk.  We hope you will undertake a thorough review of the medical evidence and consider immediately ending agreements that allow students to pay for tanning salons with the [University] debit cards. Thank you for your consideration.   Sincerely,   Charles W. Dent                                                         Henry A. Waxman   Frank Pallone Jr.                                                         Rosa L. DeLauro   Carolyn B. Maloney                                                      [1] Lindsay Boyers, et al., Buying Indoor Tanning with University Debit Cards, Letter, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (July 2014). [2] Indoor Tanning and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer:  Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, BMJ (Oct. 2, 2012) (online at https://www.bmj.com/content/345/bmj.e5909). [3] Anne E. Cust, et al., Sunbed Use During Adolescence and Early Adulthood is Associated With Increased Risk of Early Onset Melanoma, International Journal of Cancer (May 2011). [4] Kurtis B. Reed, et al, Increasing Incidence of Melanoma Among Young Adults:  An Epidemiological Study in Olmsted County, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic Proceedings (Apr. 2012). [5] FDA, General and Plastic Surgery Devices:  Reclassification of Ultraviolet Lamps for Tanning, Final Rule (June 2, 2014) (online at https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/06/02/2014-12546/general-and-plastic-surgery-devices-reclassification-of-ultraviolet-lamps-for-tanning-henceforth-to).  [6] U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Energy and Commerce, Minority Staff Report, False and Misleading Information Provided to Teens by the Indoor Tanning Industry (Feb. 2012). [7] Lindsay Boyers, et al., Buying Indoor Tanning with University Debit Cards, Letter, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (July 2014).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-applauds-preliminary-approval-mtas-federal-application-implement,Lowey Applauds Preliminary Approval of MTA's Federal Application to Implement Rail Safety Technology,2014-12-18,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Nita Lowey,L000480,lowey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Historic U.S. Department of Transportation loan would bring positive train control to MTA rail system Lowey called for positive train control technology following the aftermath of the December 2013 Metro North accident WHITE PLAINS, NY Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland), the Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, today applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) preliminary approval of the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority's (MTA) application for a $967 million loan to install positive train control (PTC) technology for Long Island Railroad and Metro-North Commuter Railroad. This is an important step forward in the loan approval process, which if ultimately approved will allow MTA to install life-saving safety improvements on commuter rail lines. I'm pleased that MTA's application to install positive train control technology has cleared this important hurdle, said Lowey. Securing this funding would help ensure that disastrous events like the December 2013 Metro North accident never happen again. Over the last year, I have worked tirelessly to highlight the need for additional resources to help commuter railroads install PTC, and I will continue to work with federal and state officials to ensure that MTA gets the resources it needs to keep its riders safe. The loan application has been submitted to DOT's Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program (RRIF) program. Under this program, loan funding can be used to acquire, improve, or rehabilitate intermodal or rail equipment or facilities, including track, components of track, bridges, yards, buildings and shops; refinance outstanding debt incurred for the purposes listed above; and develop or establish new intermodal or railroad facilities. Direct loans can fund up to 100% of a railroad project with repayment periods of up to 35 years and interest rates equal to the cost of borrowing from the government. Eligible borrowers include railroads, state and local governments, government-sponsored authorities and corporations, joint ventures that include at least one railroad, and limited option freight shippers who intend to construct a new rail connection. By law, railroads are expected to implement PTC systems, which prevent collisions and derailments by ensuring that trains are not travelling at excessive speeds, by December 31, 2015. In the aftermath of the December 1, 2013 Metro-North crash, the Federal Railroad Administration launched a Deep Dive safety assessment of Metro-North's operations. In a January 2014 spending bill, Lowey required DOT to release its report to Congress, which highlighted deficiencies in Metro-North's safety protocols and training. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Lowey has also repeatedly highlighted the need for additional funding for PTC installation, raising the issue with her colleagues on the Committee during hearings and markups and with Secretary Foxx. During the markup of the FY 2015 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) bill, she offered an amendment in support of the President's budget request to include $825 million in the bill to help with positive train control implementation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-graham-urge-the-state-department-to-veto-any-un-resolution-that-dictates-terms-of-israeli-palestinian-peace-process,"SCHUMER, GRAHAM URGE THE STATE DEPARTMENT TO VETO ANY UN RESOLUTION THAT DICTATES TERMS OF ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN PEACE PROCESS",2014-12-18,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.18.14 SCHUMER, GRAHAM URGE THE STATE DEPARTMENT TO VETO ANY UN RESOLUTION THAT DICTATES TERMS OF ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN PEACE PROCESS Schumer, Graham: U.S Should Publicly State That They Will Veto Any Effort to Bypass Direct Negotiations With Israel U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer (D-New York) and Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today urged that the State Department veto any United Nations Security Council resolution that imposes a peace agreement on Israel, outside of direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.The Senators sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry. There are multiple efforts in the United Nations Security Council to set parameters for final status negotiations, effectively imposing terms on our ally Israel in matters that are vital to its security and national interests, wrote Graham and Schumer. We strongly urge you to make clear to all parties that the United States strongly opposes, and if need be will veto, any effort to bypass direct negotiations and impose peace terms on Israel through the United Nations. A failure to decisively announce that we will veto any resolution from the United Nations that dictates the peace process runs counter to decades of American foreign policy and only gives momentum to these counterproductive proposals, concluded the senators. The text is below: ##### Dear Secretary Kerry: We write to express concern about ongoing efforts to impose the terms of a peace agreement on our friend and ally Israel outside of direct negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians. We urge you to make clear that the United States will veto any United Nations resolution and would oppose any efforts to bypass direct negotiations and impose peace terms on Israel through the United Nations Security Council and other international bodies. For decades, the United States has consistently opposed efforts to bypass direct negotiations and impose terms on Israel through the United Nations Security Council. As President Obama said to the United Nations General Assembly in 2011, I am convinced that there is no short cut to the end of a conflict that has endured for decades Peace will not come through statements and resolutions at the United Nations Ultimately, it is the Israelis and the Palestinians, not us, who must reach agreement on the issues that divide them; on borders and on security, on refugees and Jerusalem. We strongly agree with this sentiment. Yet there are multiple efforts in the United Nations Security Council to set parameters for final status negotiations, effectively imposing terms on our ally Israel in matters that are vital to its security and national interests. We strongly urge you to make clear to all parties that the United States strongly opposes, and if need be will veto, any effort to bypass direct negotiations and impose peace terms on Israel through the United Nations. A failure to decisively announce that we will veto any resolution from the United Nations that dictates the peace process runs counter to decades of American foreign policy and only gives momentum to these counterproductive proposals. We thank you for your continued dedication to this issue and we look forward to supporting our government's efforts to bring both parties back to the negotiating table without preconditions. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://chriscollins.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/governor-cuomo-s-fracking-decision-eliminates-job-opportunities-and,Governor Cuomos Fracking Decision Eliminates Job Opportunities and Crushes Economic Growth,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,NY,Chris Collins,C001092,chriscollins.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Chris Collins today released the following statement on Governor Cuomo’s decision to ban fracking. “Governor Cuomo has just denied the people of New York a tremendous economic opportunity in order to appease far left environmentalists for his own political gain,” said Congressman Collins. “The Governor continues to hide behind Albany bureaucrats and controversial scientific studies to stand against hardworking New Yorkers who deserve the job opportunities and economic growth fracking has clearly produced in other states, including neighboring Pennsylvania.  This is a sad day for the future of the economy in Upstate New York.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/crowley-statement-republicans-failure-reauthorize-terrorism-risk-insurance-act,Crowley Statement on Republicans Failure to Reauthorize the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, issued the following statement after Congress adjourned for the year without reauthorizing the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA), a law that provides economic protections to both employers and employees working in areas at high risk of a terrorist attack: “I am extremely disappointed Congress adjourned for the year without reauthorizing the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act. Federally-backed terrorism risk insurance was established in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks to provide the certainty needed to allow for new investments and reconstruction in areas that may be at greater threats of a terrorist attack. The risk factors that led to the program’s creation are, unfortunately, as real today as they have been over the last 13 years. “Terrorism risk insurance has never cost taxpayers a dime. What it has done is put in place a much-needed mechanism to ensure large-scale projects, such as the reconstruction of the World Trade Center, can move forward. Priority number one right now is growing our economy and creating more good-paying jobs. However, without the continuation of TRIA, we could very well see some needed private investments in our economy, particularly in New York City, left in limbo as developers weigh whether the financial risks are too great. “The fact is, TRIA did not get reauthorized this year because of the unwillingness of House Republicans to act on this issue in a timely fashion, coupled with Senate Republicans blocking the legislation in the final hours of this congressional session – in short, a failure of Republicans to lead. I urge Republicans, who next year will control both chambers in Congress, to make the reauthorization of TRIA a top priority when Congress reconvenes in January.” In the aftermath of the September 11th terror attacks, Congress enacted the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) to ensure commercial terrorism insurance was both available and affordable. Enactment of the law helped to foster and ensure continued real estate and economic development in the United States, particularly in Lower Manhattan as New York City rebuilt from the attacks. In the 14 months after September 11, 2001 and before enactment of TRIA on November 26, 2002, $15 billion in real estate-related transactions were delayed or cancelled, and over 300,000 American jobs were lost. TRIA helped stabilize our economy by providing economic certainty without costs to taxpayers over the past 12 years. It has been reauthorized by widespread bipartisan agreement twice since its enactment, but is now set to expire on December 31, 2014. Congressman Crowley is the eight-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 http://maloney.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/maloney-applauds-normalized-relations-with-cuba,Maloney applauds normalized relations with Cuba,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) today released the following statement, applauding President Obama’s announcement of normalized relations with Cuba: “I applaud President Obama for having the courage to normalize relations with Cuba. This decision is long overdue and it will be mutually beneficial to the United States and Cuba. “We gave the strategy of isolation and embargo more than five decades to work, and it provided no utility in achieving our objectives. “As we begin to normalize relations, I hope that the last vestiges of dictatorship and communism will melt away, allowing freedom and liberty to once again prosper for the people of Cuba.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://maloney.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/maloney-applauds-ny-fracking-ban,Maloney applauds NY fracking ban,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) today applauded Governor Cuomo’s decision to ban fracking in New York State. “I applaud Governor Cuomo’s decision to ban fracking in New York State. The Governor based his decision on the science – not the demands of oil and gas drillers looking for a quick buck. The public health risks posed by contamination of our air, land and water are too great to allow high-volume, horizontal fracking in our beautiful state.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://maloney.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/maloney-decries-senate-failure-to-renew-tria,Maloney decries Senate failure to renew TRIA,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) today released the following statement on the failure to renew the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act. “The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act is essential to New York City’s economy and the economies of other cities that continue to be terrorist targets. The failure to extend it will have a very harmful effect. “Without TRIA, new development projects will be stalled, and there will be substantial financial uncertainty for current policy holders. Since banks often require ‘all risk’ policies in order to provide financing, the elimination of TRIA could place property owners in default on their loans. Sporting and other entertainment events at major venues could be canceled. “The vast majority of Senate and House members strongly supported extending this program. But it will not be extended, because Tea Party politicians, who lack the will or ability to compromise, stood in the way. Their obstructionism will reap negative economic consequences on businesses throughout our country. “From the very beginning, I believed a clean TRIA bill, lacking unnecessary and unproductive riders, was the best strategy. I hope that the House and Senate will make this legislation a top priority in the new Congress, and will quickly pass a long-term reauthorization of this vital program in January.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://meeks.house.gov/press-release/us-rep-gregory-w-meeks-statement-regarding-president-s-new-cuba-policy,U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks Statement Regarding The Presidents New Cuba Policy,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Gregory Meeks,M001137,meeks.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks Statement Regarding The President’s New Cuba Policy WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Gregory W. Meeks released the following statement regarding the release of Alan Gross, and American contractor who has been detained in Cuba for the past five years and the Administration’s new Cuba policy: “I applaud President Obama for successfully negotiating the release of Alan Gross, an American contractor who had been detained in Cuba for the past five years, and for taking critical steps to normalize U.S.-Cuba relations. I also applaud the negotiated release of a U.S. intelligence agent who had been imprisoned in Cuba for nearly 20 years.  “This is a historic moment which will take both our countries in a new and more positive direction after over five decades of severed diplomatic relations.  American policy toward Cuba since 1961 has left us out of sync with our neighbors in the region, has blocked investment and trade opportunities for U.S. businessmen and farmers, has kept families apart, and has done nothing to change Cuba’s politics.  Today, that is all changing, and America is stronger for it. We will be closer to our allies in the region who have been open to Cuba while we have not. “I have visited Cuba many times and have worked tirelessly throughout my years in Congress to foster improved relations between the United States and Cuba, and I believe the President’s actions today are good for both our countries, and our hemisphere.  American businesses will benefit, U.S. citizens will be able to travel to Cuba and send remittances to their relatives, and, by re-opening an embassy in Havana, we will all be safer.  Likewise, Cubans will receive new freedoms as a result of today’s negotiations, they will have greater access to the internet, and they will be less isolated from the democratic and humanitarian ideals we champion here in America and throughout the region. “The world often looks to the United States to be a leader militarily.  Today, the world can look to us as a champion of diplomacy.  We have shown our neighbors in the Western Hemisphere and indeed the rest of the “world that we are committed to building new partnerships, that we are not beholden to antiquated policies, and that we are optimistic about what is possible through dialogue and diplomacy. “I look forward to supporting continued advancements as the Obama Administration reestablishes diplomatic relations.”  [End]",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-announces-765000-federal-grant-purchase-college-green,"Lowey Announces $765,000 Federal Grant to Purchase College for Green Infrastructure Project",2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Nita Lowey,L000480,lowey.house.gov,,,legacy,"EPA funds to help Purchase College implement green infrastructure and retrofit campus pavement PURCHASE, NY Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland), the Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, today announced a $765,000 federal grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to Purchase College to implement green infrastructure when retrofitting campus pavement. We must do all we can to create a sustainable environment and pass along a greener planet to the next generation, said Lowey. These federal dollars are helping communities across New York and right here in Purchase maintain our natural surroundings, create safer communities, and reduce our carbon footprint. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue to protect funding that enhances our ability to create a sustainable future for the Lower Hudson Valley. Funded by EPA, the grant was awarded through the New York State Clean Water Revolving Fund's Green Innovation Grant Program, and will allow Purchase College to implement green infrastructure practices as a living laboratory for students and the general public. Bioretention and porous pavement retrofits will be used to demonstrate how green infrastructure can be incorporated through the larger campus and improve water quality of Blind Brook, which flows into the Long Island Sound. We look forward to the environmental benefits that the grant accrues, said Tom Kelly, Senior Energy Manager at Purchase College. We plan to put in two green infrastructure projects. One is porous pavement so that when the water flows, rather than it go down the storm drain, it will permeate the surface, water the grass, alleviating ponding on the sidewalks, and the earth will get much needed water. The other is a bioswale to divert water away from the hardscape and letting the earth take care of it. Everyone here is happy to have the ability to give back to the college and to the environment. Congresswoman Lowey is a leader in the fight to protect America's air, land, and water, and to stop global climate change. She is consistently among the Members of Congress rated highest by the League of Conservation Voters (LVC). As former Co-Chair of the Long Island Sound Caucus and a founder of the Hudson River Congressional Caucus, Lowey has secured tens of millions of dollars to protect and rehabilitate these fragile ecosystems. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/-senate-confirms-gillibrand-recommended-judge-joan-azrack-to-sit-on-federal-bench-for-us-district-court-eastern-district-of-new-york,"Senate Confirms Gillibrand Recommended Judge Joan Azrack To Sit On Federal Bench For U.S. District Court, Eastern District Of New York",2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 17, 2014 Senate Confirms Gillibrand Recommended Judge Joan Azrack To Sit On Federal Bench For U.S. District Court, Eastern District Of New York Joan Azrack Confirmation Adds Another Exceptional Female Jurist to Federal Bench Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced today that the U.S. Senate has confirmed Ms. Joan Azrack to serve as a U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern District of New York. Gillibrand recommended her for the Central Islip seat to President Obama in September, in an effort to add another exceptional female jurist to the federal bench. With Gillibrand's push, the Senate Committee confirmed Ms. Azrack in April and her nomination was confirmed by the full Senate last night. Judge Azrack is currently a United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of New York. She also serves as the Supervising Program Judge for the U.S. Pretrial Services Agency, is a judicial member of the Eastern District of New York Budget Committee and a judicial member of the William C. Conner Intellectual Property Court. Joan Azrack is well-suited to serve as the Eastern District of New York's U.S. District Court judge, said Senator Gillibrand. I am pleased that President Obama chose to act on my recommendation and that she has been confirmed by the full Senate. Ms. Azrack is a woman with impeccable credentials, incredible intellect, and exactly the kind of fair-minded judgment we need on the federal bench. I am confident she will serve the Eastern District of New York well, as a federal judge. I look forward to her appointment adding yet another superb female jurist to the federal bench. Judge Azrack has long served the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. She has served as a U.S. Magistrate Judge since 1990 and from 1981 until her first judicial appointment, served as Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District. In her role as Attorney, she was the Deputy Chief of the Narcotics Section; Chief of the Business and Securities Fraud Section; and Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division. Azrack has received many accolades for her work as a former prosecutor and has been honored with the Eastern District Association Award. She has also been awarded for her work by Merrill Lynch for credit card fraud prosecutions in 1988 and the International Association of Credit Card Investigators in 1987. She has been recognized by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Judge Azrack has a Bachelor's of Science degree from Rutgers University and a Juris Doctor degree from New York Law School. Previously, Ms. Azrack worked in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and has also served as a visiting Instructor at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy at Harvard Law School. According to the American Bar Association Commission on Women in the Profession, over the last several years, the number of women in the federal judiciary has stagnated hovering at roughly 500. That's less than a third of the federal bench. In March of 2012, the U.S. Senate confirmed Senator Gillibrand's very first judicial nominee, Ms. Ronnie Abrams, to serve as a U.S. District Court Judge for the Southern District of New York. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/at-gillibrand-and-gibsons-urging-department-of-labor-will-provide-trade-adjustment-assistance-for-laid-off-oak-mitsui-technologies-workers,"At Gillibrand & Gibsons Urging, Department Of Labor Will Provide Trade Adjustment Assistance For Laid-Off Oak-Mitsui Technologies Workers",2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 17, 2014 At Gillibrand & Gibson's Urging, Department Of Labor Will Provide Trade Adjustment Assistance For Laid-Off Oak-Mitsui Technologies Workers Federal Funds Will Provide Laid-Off Workers Support, Resources to Find New Jobs Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) today announced the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has approved a much-needed Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) certification for laid off workers at Oak-Mitsui Technologies in Hoosick Falls. Former employees will now be able to apply for critical TAA benefits. This trade adjustment assistance will help ease the burden for our laid-off Oak-Mitsui workers as they look for new jobs, said Senator Gillibrand. While we work with local officials to attract new private sector jobs to the area, we must also ensure that workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own have the support and resources they need to get back on their feet and secure good jobs. This is a small piece of good news for hard-working people who have been through a lot this year and are facing a difficult beginning to the New Year, said Congressman Gibson. We will continue our advocacy for these families and for this community as we seek new opportunities for workforce development and employment in northeastern Rensselaer County. Earlier this month, Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Gibson wrote U.S. Labor Secretary Thomas Perez urging him to support the TAA petition filed on behalf of the 29 Oak-Mitsui Technologies workers who were notified in November that they would be laid off. Oak-Mitsui Technologies has played an important role in the Hoosick Falls area for over 40 years, and with the recent announcement that the company would be closing its local plant in February, workers will now be able to apply for TAA benefits following the approval of this petition. TAA is a federal program established under the Trade Act of 1974. Workers whose employment is adversely affected by increased imports and shifts in production outside the U.S. may apply for TAA, which provides a range of benefits and reemployment services, such as: Training for Employment in another Job or Career. Workers are eligible for training in occupational skills, basic or remedial education, or training in literacy or English as a second language. Workers may also receive employment services such as case management, skills assessment, and job search assistance. Income Support. Workers can receive weekly cash payments called trade readjustment allowances (TRA) after a worker's unemployment compensation benefit is exhausted and during the period in which a worker is participating in an approved full-time training program. Job Search Allowance. Workers can get reimbursed for expenses incurred in seeking employment outside their normal commuting area. Relocation Allowances. Workers can receive reimbursement for approved expenses if they are successful in obtaining employment outside their normal commuting area and they need to relocate. Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Gibson's letter to the Department of Labor is attached. Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) today announced the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has approved a much-needed Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) certification for laid off workers at Oak-Mitsui Technologies in Hoosick Falls. Former employees will now be able to apply for critical TAA benefits. This trade adjustment assistance will help ease the burden for our laid-off Oak-Mitsui workers as they look for new jobs, said Senator Gillibrand. While we work with local officials to attract new private sector jobs to the area, we must also ensure that workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own have the support and resources they need to get back on their feet and secure good jobs. This is a small piece of good news for hard-working people who have been through a lot this year and are facing a difficult beginning to the New Year, said Congressman Gibson. We will continue our advocacy for these families and for this community as we seek new opportunities for workforce development and employment in northeastern Rensselaer County. Earlier this month, Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Gibson wrote U.S. Labor Secretary Thomas Perez urging him to support the TAA petition filed on behalf of the 29 Oak-Mitsui Technologies workers who were notified in November that they would be laid off. Oak-Mitsui Technologies has played an important role in the Hoosick Falls area for over 40 years, and with the recent announcement that the company would be closing its local plant in February, workers will now be able to apply for TAA benefits following the approval of this petition. TAA is a federal program established under the Trade Act of 1974. Workers whose employment is adversely affected by increased imports and shifts in production outside the U.S. may apply for TAA, which provides a range of benefits and reemployment services, such as: Training for Employment in another Job or Career. Workers are eligible for training in occupational skills, basic or remedial education, or training in literacy or English as a second language. Workers may also receive employment services such as case management, skills assessment, and job search assistance. Income Support. Workers can receive weekly cash payments called trade readjustment allowances (TRA) after a worker's unemployment compensation benefit is exhausted and during the period in which a worker is participating in an approved full-time training program. Job Search Allowance. Workers can get reimbursed for expenses incurred in seeking employment outside their normal commuting area. Relocation Allowances. Workers can receive reimbursement for approved expenses if they are successful in obtaining employment outside their normal commuting area and they need to relocate. Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Gibson's letter to the Department of Labor is attached. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-major-new-york-tax-benefit-priorities-included-in-just-passed-extenders-package_mass-transit-benefit-teachers-tax-break-and-new-markets-tax-credit-all-extended-for-one-year,"SCHUMER ANNOUNCES MAJOR NEW YORK TAX BENEFIT PRIORITIES INCLUDED IN JUST-PASSED EXTENDERS PACKAGE MASS TRANSIT BENEFIT, TEACHERS TAX BREAK & NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT ALL EXTENDED FOR ONE YEAR",2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.17.14 SCHUMER ANNOUNCES MAJOR NEW YORK TAX BENEFIT PRIORITIES INCLUDED IN JUST-PASSED EXTENDERS PACKAGE MASS TRANSIT BENEFIT, TEACHER'S TAX BREAK & NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT ALL EXTENDED FOR ONE YEAR Schumer Highlighted that A Variety of Critical Tax Benefits Had Expired on January 1, 2014, And NYers Have Been Left Without Vital Savings All Year Senator Fought to Include One Year Extension of These Benefits So That They Can Be Collected Retroactively for 2014 Schumer Also Highlighted That The ABLE Act Which Will Allow Creation of Tax Advantaged Savings Accounts for Children With Disabilities Was PassedInto LawWith This Package; Entire Bill of Almost 50 Tax Benefits Will Go to President's Desk This Week for Signature Schumer: These Critical Tax Breaks Will Help Stretch Every Dollar Earned By New Yorkers Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that a number of vital tax benefits for New Yorkers were passed by Congress last night in the Tax Increase Prevention Act (HR 5771), also known as the tax extenders package, including the mass transit benefit, the teacher's tax break and more. Schumer also highlighted that one of his major priorities, the ABLE Act, which creates tax advantaged savings accounts for children with disabilities, was included in this passage, which will be officially signed into law by President Obama this week. Schumer explained that this tax extenders legislation extends all of these tax benefits, which expired on January 1, 2014, for the year 2014, and can be collected retroactively in many cases. These critical tax breaks for teachers, commuters and others will help stretch every dollar earned by New Yorkers, and that's why I pushed so hard to make sure they were extended for 2014,said Senator Schumer. This bill includes the extension of the mass transit benefit to keep more money in mass transit commuters' pockets and the extension of the teacher tax break that will make out-of-pocket investments for classroom supplies tax deductible. Schumer continued,The just-passed ABLE Act will allow the creation of tax-advantaged savings accounts for children with disabilities, and its passage means that families of children with special needs won't have to choose between paying for day-to-day expenses and saving for the future. I am pleased that Congress recognized the importance of this legislation and of other key tax benefits for New Yorkers. Specifically, Schumer highlighted a number of key tax benefits that now have been extended for 2014: Restored Benefits for New York Commuters:Senator Schumer successfully pushed to restore a tax benefit which will give mass transit commuters the same tax break that those who commute by car receive for parking costs as part of the recently passed Tax Increase Prevention Act (HR 5771). Parity for the parking and mass transit benefit expired on January 1st, 2014, lowering the benefit for mass transit users to $130 a month. With Senator Schumer's successful push, mass transit commuters will be able to receive up to $250 in tax benefits each month for the 2014 tax year. In 2013, 700,000 commuters in the Greater New York Metropolitan Area, and 2.7 million commuters nationwide took advantage of the benefit. This benefit is available to commuters who receive employer offered transportation benefits and ride the bus, take the LIRR, take the subway or use another form of public transportation to commute to work. Restored Teacher Tax Break: Senator Schumer successfully pushed to restore a tax benefit which enables thousands of New York teachers to deduct up to $250 per year from their tax bill. This deduction is needed to help offset the $485 on average that New York State teachers spend each year out-of-pocket to provide additional supplies for their students. Teachers receive this small benefit for the money they spend out of their own pocket to purchase books, lesson plans, computer equipment and other supplies to teach children in both private and public schools. The tax benefit went into effect in 2002, but expired on January 1, 2014. With Senator Schumer's push, it was restored in the Tax Increase Prevention Act. ABLE ACT:Schumer successfully passed the ABLE Act which allows individuals with disabilities, or their beneficiaries, to create an ABLE savings account similar to the 529 College Savings Account to save for long term care. These accounts will help thousands of New Yorkers and their families with long-term disabilities, like Down Syndrome, Autism and Fragile-X, better afford the cost of care and save for the future. An ABLE account will allow families who have children with disabilities to save and spend money tax free to cover critical education, medical care, support services, employment training, housing, and transportation services, without losing key government disability services and benefits that they need. Anyone could contribute into an individual's ABLE account, and the principle would accrue tax-free throughout the lifetime of the individual who is disabled. Because investments grow tax-deferred and distributions for qualified expenses are tax free, these plans reduce the overall tax burden for individuals with disabilities and their families, making care significantly more affordable. Restored New Markets Tax Credit:Senator Schumer fought successfully to restore the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC). The New Markets Tax Credit has been critical for many development projects in Buffalo, including Roswell's new Clinical Sciences Center a $42 million project that will add additional chemotherapy treatment chairs, additional breast cancer screening and treatment space, and new cancer research and clinical space. Senator Schumer urged several entities that distribute New Market Credits, including the National Development Council and Wells Fargo Bank, to fund Roswell's application for $25 million in tax credits, along with other projects to develop the region's infrastructure. The NMTC program was established in 2000 in order to spur new or increased business investments into projects in eligible urban communities. In exchange for investing in qualifying projects, individual investors and corporations can receive a tax credit on their federal income tax return, creating an incentive for individuals to invest. Between 2003 and 2010, NMTC investments created over 500,000 jobs across the country. This tax benefit expired on January 1, 2014, but with Senator Schumer's push, was restored in the Tax Increase Prevention Act. Restored IRA Charitable Rollover:Senator Schumer authored the IRA Charitable Rollover and has fought successfully for its extension this year. This tax benefit allows individuals who have reached age 70 to donate up to $100,000 to qualifying charitable organizations directly from their Individual Retirement Account (IRA), without treating the distribution as taxable income. An extension of this provision will eliminate the uncertainty caused by IRA holders over 70 need to make minimal disbursements out of their IRAs every year. This provision is also important New York's many charities, who depend on donations from IRAs. This tax benefit expired on January 1, 2014, but with Senator Schumer's push, was restored in the Tax Increase Prevention Act. Restored Short Line Rail Tax Benefit:Senator Schumer successfully pushed to restore a tax benefit which enables Short Line Rail roads to receive a tax benefit for repairs and capital improvements. The Short Line Rail tax credit expired on January 1st, 2014, but was restored with Senator Schumer's push in the recently passed Tax Increase Prevention Act. This credit is critically important for maintaining the safety and efficiency of New York's short line railroads, which represent over 50% of rail track in New York. The tax credit is valued at fifty percent of the cost of track maintenance and improvements, up to $3,500 per mile. This tax credit offsets $436,000 in costs annually for the Finger Lakes Railway and $300,000 annually for the Saratoga and North Creek Railway. The New York Susquehanna and Western Railway (NYSW) has saved over $7.5 Million over the course of the tax credit. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://higgins.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/housing-visions-ywca-of-niagara-city-of-niagara-falls-nys-homes-and,"Housing Visions, YWCA of Niagara, City of Niagara Falls, NYS Homes and Community Renewal & NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Host Ground Breaking for Walnut Avenue Homes",2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Brian Higgins,H001038,higgins.house.gov,,,legacy,"Niagara Falls, NY, December 16, 2014 – Housing Visions today joined with the YWCA of Niagara, City of Niagara Falls, NYS Homes and Community Renewal and NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance for the official ground breaking of Walnut Avenue Homes. Walnut Avenue Homes will provide 41-units of quality, affordable housing to low and very-low income households in addition to individuals with disabilities. The project will inject $12.2 million into the local economy in Niagara Falls. “This is a great example of how federal funding, provided through the Community Development Block Grant Program and additional HUD resources, can support efforts to breathe new life into our city neighborhoods,” said Congressman Brian Higgins. “Through this collaborative effort the project partners are providing quality living opportunities for local residents and transforming property from vacant to vibrant.” Paul A. Dyster, Mayor of the City of Niagara Falls stated “The Walnut Avenue Homes project is transforming vacant, government owned properties into quality in-fill housing. Not only are these properties back on the tax roll, they will actually become an asset to the neighborhood for the first time in a generation.” Assemblyman John D. Cerreto, District 145th stated “New Yorkers deserve a safe, decent and affordable place to call home. I am proud that I was able to support the legislation to help make this project possible.” Kenyon Craig, President and CEO of Housing Visions stated “Housing Visions is proud to partner with NYS HCR, NYS OTDA, The City of Niagara Falls, and the YWCA of Niagara to bring much needed neighborhood revitalization though the development of affordable housing with the Walnut Avenue Homes project. We truly appreciate all of our partners in Western New York and look forward to continued success in the years to come.” The $12.2 million, 41-unit project is designed to meet LEED for HOMES and NYSERDA Energy Star certifications. The 8 building project features seven new construction buildings and the historic rehabilitation of a long vacant school administration building. Unit configurations include 12 one-bedroom units, 18 two-bedroom units, and 11 three-bedroom units, as well as resident amenities including a resident community center, computer lab, off-street parking, washer and dryer hook-ups and green space. This new affordable development in the City of Niagara Falls will be a catalyst to the Walnut Avenue area by eliminating substantial blight and building new homes to further encourage existing residents to invest in the neighborhood. In 2014 New York State Homes and Community Renewal awarded $2.15 million in Housing Trust Fund financing and $727,055 in annual Low Income Housing Tax Credits as part of the Governor’s initiative to build affordable housing and revitalize communities. About Housing Visions: Housing Visions mission is to be the catalyst for sustainable positive change in neighborhoods through real estate development and community collaboration. The organization was borne out of a community-based effort in 1990 to rehabilitate and stabilize a declining neighborhood on the east side of Syracuse, NY. Since then, the non-profit development, construction, and property management company has expanded its scope of work to include 11 cities and more than 1,100 units of affordable housing across Upstate New York. Our diverse group of residents includes families, special populations, and senior citizens",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://meng.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/meng-applauds-us-senate-confirmation-of-dr-vivek-murthy-as-surgeon,Meng Applauds U.S. Senate Confirmation of Dr. Vivek Murthy as Surgeon General,2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) today hailed the Senate’s confirmation of Dr. Vivek Murthy as U.S. Surgeon General.   ""Dr. Murthy will make an outstanding Surgeon General and I applaud the Senate for confirming him,” said Meng. “Although the vote was long overdue and never should have taken this long, I am happy that it finally occurred. I now look forward to him getting to work to address the important health needs of Americans.”   “I am also excited to share this historic moment with the Indian-American community,” Meng added. “Less than a week after the Senate approved Richard Verma as the first American of Indian descent to serve as Ambassador to India, Dr. Murthy was confirmed as the first Indian-American to be Surgeon General. These outstanding, back-to-back accomplishments illustrate the continued growth and influence of Indian-American community, and highlights the exceptional contributions that Indian-Americans make to our nation.”   “I am proud to congratulate Dr. Murthy,” said Meng “and cannot wait to work with him to improve the lives of Americans.”   Meng called on the Senate to confirm Dr. Murthy in June after she met with him on Capitol Hill where the two discussed the nomination process, and what his priorities would be as Surgeon General, specifically mentioning obesity, tobacco and mental health issues in diverse communities.   President Obama nominated Dr. Murthy in November 2013 and the Senate confirmed him this evening.   See below photo of Meng meeting with Dr. Murthy this past June.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://seanmaloney.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/maloney-secures-final-investment-for-construction-of-barracks-at-west-1,Maloney Secures Final Investment for Construction of Barracks at West Point,2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Sean Maloney,M001185,seanmaloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington – Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) announced that Congress has passed the third and final installment for construction of new barracks at the United States Military Academy at West Point, which began construction in November 2013. The Fiscal Year 2015 Omnibus Appropriations bill now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Cadets are currently living in overcrowded and outdated facilities, some dating back to 1895. “This important investment at the U.S. Military Academy is not only the right thing to do for our cadets, but it creates good jobs for my neighbors and grows our local economy. West Point has been educating and training our nation’s next generation of military leaders since 1802, and many of the facilities there are nearly as old,” said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, son of a Navy veteran. Specifically, this legislation includes $58 million for construction barracks at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Last week, Maloney announced that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), also headed to the President’s desk, includes the authorization of this final installment. Rep. Maloney previously secured partial funding for this $192 million project, which began construction in November 2013.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://seanmaloney.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/maloney-statement-in-celebration-of-the-first-night-of-hanukkah-0,Maloney Statement in Celebration of the First Night of Hanukkah,2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Sean Maloney,M001185,seanmaloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Newburgh, NY  – Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) released the following statement today in celebration of the first night of Hanukkah, which begins on the evening of December 16th: “As families across the Hudson Valley gather together to observe the eight nights of Hanukkah, we celebrate the immense resiliency and strength of spirit of the Jewish people. During the Jewish Festival of Lights, let us give thanks for the blessings we enjoy, remain mindful of those still suffering and work together towards a brighter future for all New Yorkers. My family and I wish all a Happy Hanukkah.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/2014/12/16/jeffries-gillibrand-schumer-announce-passage-of-study-to-review-adding-the-prison-ship-martyrs-monument-as-a-unit-of-the-national-park-service-in-national-defense-bill-1,"Jeffries, Gillibrand, Schumer Announce Passage Of Study To Review Adding The Prison Ship Martyrs Monument As A Unit Of The National Park Service In National Defense Bill",2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 16, 2014 Jeffries, Gillibrand, Schumer Announce Passage Of Study To Review Adding The Prison Ship Martyrs Monument As A Unit Of The National Park Service In National Defense Bill Brooklyn Monument Honors Prisoners of American Revolutionary War Washington, D.C. U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries, and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer today announced a measure they pushed for, to require the Secretary of the Interior to study making the Prison Ship Martyrs monument a unit of the National Park Service, has passed Congress in the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation passed the House on December 4, 2014, passed the Senate on December 12, 2014 and now heads to the President's desk for signature. The legislation requires the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress within one year on the results of the study. ""Sitting atop a hill in Fort Greene Park, the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument pays homage to brave American Revolutionary War heroes and patriots who lost their lives fighting for our nation's independence, said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY08). They died so that we could be free. I greatly appreciate the leadership and effort of Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand with respect to this important bill. The passage of this legislation is a strong and meaningful step toward securing national parks designation for the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument, and according it the dignity and respect it deserves. Making the Prison Ship Martyrs monument a national monument pays tribute to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during America's Revolutionary War, said Senator Gillibrand. This recognition is long overdue and has the potential to greatly enhance tourism and economic activity in the surrounding area. With this designation, the Prison Ship Martyrs monument will have more exposure on a national stage and I look forward to this legislation being signed into law. The Prison Ship Martyrs monument in Fort Greene memorializes the thousands of American prisoners of war who tragically died in captivity during the Revolutionary War while held in fetid hulks moored in nearby Wallabout Bay. It is our sacred responsibility to their sacrifice that we make sure all generations of Americans learn about America's history and our great soldiers' bravery, and this study will help better guide us on how to do that, said Senator Schumer. The Prison Ship Martyrs Monument stands as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices thousands of Americans made to ensure our freedom, said Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx). Designating the monument as a unit of the National Park Service would further protect its historical significance and I thank Congressman Jeffries and Senators Gillibrand and Schumer for spearheading the effort of this study and ensuring that these lives lost during the Revolutionary War aren't forgotten. More than 11,500 American prisoners of war, known as prison ship martyrs, died in captivity during the American Revolutionary War against Great Britain. The 149-foot monument was built in Brooklyn's Fort Greene Park in 1908 near the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where many were buried in a tomb. When the threat of war passed, the grounds were used for recreation and relaxation. Today, Fort Greene Park is a community gathering space with a basketball court, playground, majestic trees, and the prison ship martyr, which is a constant reminder of the brave Americans. The Prison Ship Martyr's Monument Preservation Act was sponsored by Senators Gillibrand and Schumer in the Senate and Representative Jeffries sponsored the legislation in the House. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-thunderbirds-will-return-to-2015-jones-beach-air-show,SCHUMER ANNOUNCES THUNDERBIRDS WILL RETURN TO 2015 JONES BEACH AIR SHOW,2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.16.14 SCHUMER ANNOUNCES THUNDERBIRDS WILL RETURN TO 2015 JONES BEACH AIR SHOW Initially, Federal Budget Cuts in 2013 Forced Cancellations of All Military Air Show Performances Until Blue Angels Returned in 2014 The Thunderbirds Have Been Absent From the Show Since 2011 & Schumer Has Urged the USAF to Return Schumer Announces U.S. Air Force Has Committed to Bringing the Thunderbirds Back to Air Show in 2015 U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the United States Air Force (USAF) has committed to bringing the Thunderbirds back to the 2015 Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach over Memorial Day weekend. Federal budget cuts, part of sequestration, prohibited the Air Force from fulfilling its scheduled performances in 2013. However, while the Blue Angels returned to the Air Show in 2014, after a one-year hiatus, the Thunderbirds flying team had yet to schedule a performance. With the squadron's notable absence at the Air Shows since 2011, Schumer led a campaign through both letters and phone calls to have the Thunderbirds return to Long Island for this annual tradition. Schumer today announced that the Thunderbirds will return to the Air Show. The Thunderbirds performance is the cherry on top when it comes to the Jones Beach Air Show and I'm pleased that the U.S. Air Force has committed to bringing them back in 2015, said Senator Schumer. The Air Show is one of the greatest events on Long Island and now with the return of the Thunderbirds, I am especially looking forward to next year's event. Historic Jones Beach State Park is the most popular and heavily visited beach on the east coast. Each year, approximately 6 million people visit the park. Built in the 1920s, under the Robert Moses administration, the park gained an outdoor theater, a two mile boardwalk and iconic art deco bathhouses and structures. Every Memorial Day weekend, Long Island's Jones Beach hosts the Bethpage Air Show, a celebratory event that has drawn as many as 400,000 people and generates a large revenue stream for Long Island. This year, approximately 86,000 people attendedSaturday'sshow and nearly 231,000 people attendedSunday'sshow. In 2011, the Thunderbirds missed the Air Show because of an air show in Turkey. That year, with neither the Thunderbirds nor the Blue Angels present, the event saw a dramatic drop in weekend attendance from 357,000 in 2010 to 251,000. The 2012 show included both the Blue Angels and World War II-era bombers, leading to a rebound in attendance from the previous year to 384,000. Schumer has called on the United States Air Force to have the Thunderbirds headline since the 2013 Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach. In the past, Blue Angels and Thunderbirds have alternated each year at the air show. A copy of Schumer's original letter is below: Dear Secretary James, I am writing to request that the United States Air Force Thunderbirds participate in the Jones Beach Air Show in New York in 2015. For the past 11 years, thousands of people have gathered to watch the annual Jones Beach Air Show, featuring aerial demonstrations from all four branches of the service, both past and present, along with an impressive array of civilian acts, parachute teams, and static displays. With over 350,000 people expected to attend this iconic Long Island Memorial Day event next year, it would be an honor to have the USAF Thunderbirds participate in the 12thannual Jones Beach Air Show. Every year, the Thunderbirds put together spectacular aircraft performances for the public, demonstrating the precision, flight skills, and aerial capabilities of members of our nation's Air Force. Events such as this, with the history, support, and attendance volume of Jones Beach, help connect the general public with the servicemen and women of whom they are so proud and provide a great kickoff to the summer season. I look forward to you strongly considering this request. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance. Sincerely, Charles E. Schumer United States Senator ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-higgins-collins-reed-announce-small-business-administration-has-issued-disaster-declaration-for-6-wny-counties-devastated-by-november-snowstorm,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, HIGGINS, COLLINS, REED ANNOUNCE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION HAS ISSUED DISASTER DECLARATION FOR 6 WNY COUNTIES DEVASTATED BY NOVEMBER SNOWSTORM",2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.16.14 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, HIGGINS, COLLINS, REED ANNOUNCE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION HAS ISSUED DISASTER DECLARATION FOR 6 WNY COUNTIES DEVASTATED BY NOVEMBER SNOWSTORM Schumer, Gillibrand, Higgins, Collins, Reed Wrote to SBA Urging Fed Agency To Assess the Damage & Be Ready To Act On a Disaster Declaration To Assist WNY Homeowners, Renters & Businesses Dealing with the Aftermath of Massive Snowstorm Now, Erie, Cattaraugus, Niagara, Chautauqua, Wyoming & Genesee Counties Will Be Immediately Eligible for SBA Loans to Help Recover From Severe Damage To Many Homes & Businesses, Including Special Low-Interest Disaster Loans Schumer, Gillibrand, Higgins, Collins, Reed: SBA Support for WNY Homeowners, Renters, Businesses Damaged By Historic Snowfall is Critical Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Representatives Brian Higgins, Chris Collins, and Tom Reed announced that the Federal Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved primary and contiguous physical disaster designations for six Western New York counties, due to losses caused by excessive snow, flooding, freeze, and high winds that occurred from November 19 through November 26, 2014. The SBA disaster declaration will apply for the following counties: Erie, Cattaraugus, Niagara, Chautauqua, Wyoming and Genesee Counties. This declaration will officially make homeowners, renters and businesses in these six counties eligible for special low-interest disaster loans. These six counties were deemed eligible for SBA loans because they reached a specific damage threshold physical damage to at least 25 homes or business structures in excess of 40 percent of the uninsured value. SBA will now offer low-interest loans to renters, homeowners, and businesses to repair or replace household and business items. In November, following the storm, Schumer, Gillibrand, Higgins, Collins, and Reed urged the SBA to assess damage and be ready to issue this declaration so that emergency loans could be made available to the homeowners, renters and local businesses that suffered as a result of this historic November snowstorm. Many communities across Western New York were devastated by last month's snowstorm, and residents and business owners are still recovering from some of the worst snow they have ever faced. That is why these disaster loans through the Small Business Administration are so important. With this designation, Erie, Cattaraugus, Niagara, Chautauqua, Wyoming and Genesee Counties will be provided the support they need to recover and rebuild after this severe weather, saidSenator Schumer. These disaster loans represent a light at the end of the tunnel for those who were affected by the historic snowstorm in Western New York, and I applaud the SBA for swiftly coming through with this disaster designation for the sake of homeowners, renters and businesses throughout the region. ""The SBA disaster declaration is welcome relief for the many businesses, homeowners, and renters across Western New York that were hurt by the unprecedented November lake effect storm, saidSenator Gillibrand. When I toured the region in the days after the storm, I saw businesses and residences with collapsed roofs, crushed walls, and broken glass; the funds that will now be available with this SBA disaster declaration will give the region a significant boost in its recovery efforts. Local businesses and employees took a hit in the November storm, with record breaking snow responsible for lost business and economic activity in our region, saidCongressman Higgins. Disaster loans provided through the Small Business Administration are a critical bridge for businesses and will provide needed assistance to help these companies and their employees recover. Hundreds of small businesses in Western New York were unable to operate during the historic weather disaster that hit our community, saidCongressman Collins. I understand the catastrophic impact an unforeseen weather event can have on a business. These disaster loans will provide businesses and their owners the critical relief they desperately need to stay open. Providing relief for the communities impacted by the devastating storms is the fair thing to do to care for our constituents,Congressman Tom Reedsaid. This assistance will help get residents and businesses in the area back on their feet quickly so we can move forward. On November 19, New York declared a state of emergency for ten counties in advance of the severe snowstorm which ended up causing nearly $50 million in damage to Western New York and the North Country. Areas in South Buffalo and the surrounding communities received a historic seven feet of snow. The storm caused damage to many businesses' and residents' property, including some roofs that caved in under the weight of the snow. This damage is all in addition to the economic injury that many small businesses suffered after being closed for a week. The Senators and Congressmen explained that, with this physical disaster declaration, the SBA will be able to provide qualified recipients with low interest loans of up to $40,000 to renters and homeowners to repair or replace personal property; up to $200,000 to homeowners to repair or replace damaged homes; and up to $2 million to business owners to repair damaged businesses, or meet financial obligations that could have been met had the storm not occurred. Interest rates can be as low as 1.938 percent for homeowners, as low as 4 percent for businesses, and as low as 2.625 percent for non-profit organizations. The loans available with a SBA disaster declaration are as follows: Home and Personal Property Loans: Homeowners may apply for up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may also borrow up to $40,000 to replace or repair personal property that was damaged or destroyed in a disaster. Business Physical Disaster Loans: Businesses and most private non-profit organizations may apply for up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged property, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery, and equipment. Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private non-profit organizations may apply for up to $2 million to meet ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a result of the disaster. These loans are only available to entities that cannot provide for their own recovery from non-governmental sources. A business may receive a maximum of $2 million total from both Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Business Physical Disaster Loans. The physical loan application deadline isFebruary 13, 2015, and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan application deadline isSeptember 15, 2015. The delegation's initial letter to the SBA Administrator is included below: Dear Administrator Contreras-Sweet: We write in strong support of New York State's request for Small Business Administration disaster assistance as a result of the severe winter storm that impacted the state between November 18 and November 26, 2014. On November 19, New York declared a state of emergency for ten counties in advance of the severe snowstorm which ended up causing nearly $50 million in damage to Western New York and the North Country. Areas in South Buffalo and the surrounding communities received a historic seven feet of snow. Some school districts were closed for more than a week, causing districts to use all of their yearly allotted snow days, and travel bans kept many residents home from work, many of whom will not be paid for their time away. The storm also caused damage to many businesses' and residents' property, including some roofs that caved in under the weight of the snow. This damage is all in addition to the economic injury that many small businesses suffered after being closed for a week. It is for these reasons, in the most dire of circumstances, that we ask the SBA to approve a physical disaster declaration. Such a declaration will help members of the community rebuild and repair damages that are not fully covered by private insurance policies. SBA will be able to provide qualified recipients with low interest loans of up to $40,000 to renters and homeowners to replace personal property; up to $200,000 to homeowners to repair or replace damaged homes; and up to $2 million to business owners to repair damaged businesses, or meet financial obligations that could have been met had the storm not occurred. Thank you for your immediate consideration of this disaster declaration request. The people of Western New York and the North Country cannot wait to begin applying for low-rate direct loans from the SBA as they begin the rebuilding process. ### Press Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/congressman-crowley-applauds-confirmation-vivek-hallegere-murthy-next-us-surgeon,Congressman Crowley Applauds Confirmation of Vivek Hallegere Murthy as the Next U.S. Surgeon General,2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus and Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, released the statement below following the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Vivek Hallegere Murthy as the next surgeon general: “I congratulate Dr. Murthy on his confirmation as our nation’s next surgeon general. He is a dedicated fighter for public health and I know he will work tirelessly to improve the health of all Americans. I was proud to stand with him during his confirmation process, and I look forward to working with him in his new role. “I’m glad that this nomination didn’t fall victim to partisan bickering and pressure from special interests, but this is more than a political victory.  The confirmation of the first surgeon general of Indian descent is a victory for the entire Indian-American community, whose young children will grow up knowing that anything is within their reach. “It’s a victory for our medical community, with a dynamic and skilled physician leading our public health policies as our nation’s top doctor. “And, this is a victory for the American people and ensuring better health for all.” Congressman Crowley is the eight-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 http://higgins.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/senator-gillibrand-congressman-higgins-announce-congress-passes-measure,SENATOR GILLIBRAND & CONGRESSMAN HIGGINS ANNOUNCE CONGRESS PASSES MEASURE REAUTHORIZING ERIE CANALWAY NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR,2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Brian Higgins,H001038,higgins.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced that Congress has approved reauthorization of the Erie Canal as a National Heritage Corridor. Through this legislation, the federal designation, which was set to expire in 2015, will be renewed through 2021. The bill passed the House of Representatives on December 4th and passed the Senate on December 12th.  “The Canalway Corridor is one of New York and the nation’s great treasures,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The reauthorization of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor will help the region's tourism industry continue to grow as visitors from all over come to learn about our state’s great history.” “Proximity to the Erie Canal is uniquely ours and holding this piece of history provides great opportunities for the communities that share this national treasure,” said Congressman Higgins. “Renewal of the federal commitment to promote and preserve the Erie Canalway provides great economic returns and reaffirms the significance of this unique asset.” The measure, included the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015, was introduced by Senator Gillibrand, Congressman Higgins, and Congressman Chris Gibson earlier this year as the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Act (HR 4641).  The Erie Canal was designated a National Heritage Corridor by Congress in 2000. Under this designation, a federally appointed Canalway Commission, in conjunction with the National Park Service and U.S. Department of Interior, is tasked with promoting the Corridor as a tourism destination and ensuring that the historical and natural features of the Canal and its communities are preserved.  First opened 189 years ago, the Erie Canal was quickly recognized as a defining public works and civil engineering achievement. By connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, the canal facilitated the movement of people and goods in a way that had previously been restricted by the difficult conditions of overland routes. Today the Erie Canal continues its role as an economic driver, supporting the transport of close to 100,000 tons of cargo and serving as one of New York’s largest tourism magnets, providing recreational opportunities, events, and telling the story of the Canal’s role in the Underground Railroad.  The Corridor covers 4,834 square miles across 23 counties, extending from Tonawanda to Whitehall at the bottom of Lake Champlain, and includes Buffalo, Rochester and the Finger Lakes, Oswego, Syracuse, Albany, Saratoga National Historic Park, and Glens Falls. For more information about what there is to see and do along the Erie Canal, visit www.eriecanalway.org.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://seanmaloney.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/maloney-announces-nea-award-to-local-artist-melissa-mcgill,Maloney Announces NEA Award to Local Artist Melissa McGill,2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Sean Maloney,M001185,seanmaloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Beacon, NY—  Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) announced that local artist Melissa McGill, through a partnership with the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT), has been selected to receive an National Endowment for the Arts grant for $20,000 to support her Constellation project. Constellation is a large-scale sculptural installation installed around the ruins of Bannerman's Castle on Pollepel Island in the section of the Hudson River that passes through the Hudson Highlands. Every evening, as the sun goes down, 17 starry lights (solar powered LEDs) will emerge one by one with the stars of the night sky, creating a new constellation and connecting past and present through this inspiring light-based public art project. The project is currently scheduled to be launch in June of 2015 and remain on the island for two years. Constellation will have many varied vantage points including the Amtrak and Metro-North commuter trains, nearby hiking trails, and heavily trafficked roads on both sides of the river. “This investment in the arts will highlight the Hudson Valley’s natural beauty and serve millions of visitors who travel through our region each year,” said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney. “I look forward to joining my neighbors and enjoying the Constellation project as starry lights emerge above Bannerman Castle.” NEA Chairman Jane Chu said, ""I'm pleased to be able to share the news of our support through Art Works including the award to Melissa McGill. The arts foster value, connection, creativity and innovation for the American people and these recommended grants demonstrate those attributes and affirm that the arts are part of our everyday lives."" “I’m honored to receive this support from the NEA,” said McGill. “This award brings us closer to being able to launch Constellation this summer, creating a free community-building public art work on the site of Pollepel Island in the Hudson River.” The Natural Heritage Trust is a public benefit corporation that leverages public and private funding to enhance programs and activities in New York State Parks. “Much like the Walkway Over The Hudson State Historic Park and the Copake Gateway Project, two other recent Hudson Valley projects that we were pleased to partner with, Constellation is a very exciting and unique project taking place in one of our most unique State Parks,"" said Allen Payne, Executive Director of the Natural Heritage Trust. ""Between the Metro-North railway; riverside roads such as Route 9D; and hiking trails along Breakneck Ridge, Storm King Mountain, Mt. Taurus and other peaks in the Hudson Highlands State Park; Bannerman Island is already viewed by more than two million people a year. We expect Constellation to even further increase the Park’s visibility and prominence as visitors from all over the world journey to the Hudson Highlands to watch the stars light up at dusk every evening.” Art Works grants support the creation of art, public engagement with art, lifelong learning in the arts, and enhancement of the livability of communities through the arts.  The NEA received 1,474 eligible applications, under the Art Works category, requesting more than $75 million in funding. Of those applications, 919 are recommended for grants for a total of $26.6 million.  For a complete listing of projects recommended for Art Works grant support, please visit the NEA website at arts.gov. Follow the conversation about this and other NEA funded projects on Twitter at #NEAFall2014. For more information about Constellation, visit https://melissamcgillconstellation.com/, or one of the project’s social media channels: https://instagram.com/mm_constellation https://www.facebook.com/constellationbymelissamcgill https://twitter.com/mmconstellation A brief video introduction to the project can be viewed at https://melissamcgillconstellation.com/endorsements/. For more information on the Natural Heritage Trust please click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://seanmaloney.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/unprecedented-provisions-to-hold-ferc-accountable-for-rate-hikes-pass,Unprecedented Provisions to Hold FERC Accountable for Rate Hikes Pass Congress & Head to Presidents Desk,2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Sean Maloney,M001185,seanmaloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington –  Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), Representative Chris Gibson (NY-19) and Senator Charles E. Schumer announced Congress has passed unprecedented provisions to hold the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) accountable to ratepayers in the Hudson Valley. Specifically, the provision, which passed as part of the Fiscal Year 2015 Omnibus Appropriations bill, reasserts Congressional authority over FERC by requiring it to report quarterly on actions and costs to consumers related to the new capacity zone in New York’s Hudson Valley.  Historically, FERC has had little obligation to report on the impacts of its decisions to elected leaders and ratepayers – and this provision will help ensure that these bureaucrats are held accountable. Republican House leadership also committed to working with Reps. Gibson and Maloney to further address the issue in the 114th Congress. The bill now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. “We cannot let FERC make unilateral decisions that result in unwarranted rate hikes for already hard-hit Hudson Valley ratepayers,” said Senator Schumer. “And this provision helps us keep better tabs on FERC moving forward. Together with Reps. Maloney and Gibson, I will keep fighting FERC to roll back its harmful plan.” “Finally getting some accountability from FERC is an encouraging first step, but make no mistake, this fight continues. Congressman Gibson, Senator Schumer, and I have been partnering on this from day one, and we will not back down until we get relief for struggling neighbors and businesses facing this reckless price hike,” said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney. “This is a shot across FERC’s bow – they must once and for all listen to the concerns of Congress and the New Yorkers we’re fighting for, and go back to square one to reverse this reckless hike.” “The federal regulators who decide whether to raise our electric rates, causing significant impacts on hardworking families, need to be held accountable,” said Congressman Gibson. “This legislation is a positive step forward, but we will continue this fight in 2015 to see that FERC reverses these rate hikes and proceeds with a transparent, common-sense approach to improving our energy infrastructure in New York.” “FERC has clearly demonstrated its disdain for transparency and open government.   As I have stated previously, I have never interacted with a less accessible, less accountable government entity, seemingly impervious to legislative and public scrutiny.   Congressmen Maloney’s and Gibson’s efforts, in partnership with Senator Schumer, to force FERC to report on its actions and its costs on our citizens is a necessary step and I commend their efforts.    The fight against FERC’s energy capacity zone is not a fight we will walk away from.   We will ensure the  concerns of the Hudson Valley are heard and addressed,” said Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro. “The FERC mandate raises energy prices with no corresponding benefit to our Orange County residents and zero accountability from federal bureaucrats. Now, thanks to the efforts of our partners in the House and Senate, FERC would for the first time operate openly and transparently. I look forward to continuing our work with Senator Schumer, Congressman Maloney, and Congressman Gibson to eliminate the new capacity zone and reduce energy prices for consumers in this still-uncertain economic climate,” said Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus. In the only directive for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the report states: “The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) recently approved a request by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) for a new capacity zone (Docket N. ER13-1380-000). Concerns persist regarding the effect of the capacity zone on consumer costs. The FERC is not currently required to take further action in fiscal year 2015. However, should the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals remand the order during 2015, the Commission would be required to issue an order in response to the decision. The FERC is directed to report to the Committees of the House and the Senate on a quarterly basis, beginning not later than 30 days after enactment of this Act, on the status of the court case, actions taken by FERC, and estimates of additional planned capacity and consumer costs.” In 2011, FERC and the New York State Independent System Operator (NYSIO), which operates the state power grid, proposed a new capacity zone in the Lower Hudson Valley in an attempt to alleviate power constraints in the area by increasing prices to attract new power generation capacity.  The zone took effect in May 2014, and immediately after Hudson Valley residents and businesses saw their electric rates spike. Sen. Schumer and Reps. Maloney and Gibson have been actively fighting to halt these rate hikes, working closely with Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro, and local partners like Dutchess County Chamber of Commerce. In July, the House passed legislation to prohibit funds from enforcing FERC’s new capacity zone overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives as part of the FY 2015 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill. In September, Rep. Maloney and Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) led a bipartisan letter supported by Governor Andrew Cuomo and signed by Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, and Congressman Eliot Engel calling on Federal Energy Regulatory Agency (FERC) to immediately reverse its decision creating a new “capacity zone” in the Hudson Valley. Maloney has hand delivered letters from folks across the Hudson Valley to FERC headquarters, written numerous letters, called, and met personally with FERC Chairman Cheryl LaFleur in an effort to get FERC to reverse course.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/2014/12/15/senator-gillibrand-and-congressman-higgins-announce-congress-passes-measure-reauthorizing-erie-canalway-national-heritage-corridor-1,Senator Gillibrand & Congressman Higgins Announce Congress Passes Measure Reauthorizing Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor,2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 15, 2014 Senator Gillibrand & Congressman Higgins Announce Congress Passes Measure Reauthorizing Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Federal Designation Preserves Canal History & Plans for Future Washington, DC U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced that Congress has approved reauthorization of the Erie Canal as a National Heritage Corridor.Through this legislation, the federal designation, which was set to expire in 2015, will be renewed through 2021. The bill passed the House of Representatives on December 4th and passed the Senate on December 12th. The Canalway Corridor is one of New York and the nation's great treasures, said Senator Gillibrand. The reauthorization of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor will help the region's tourism industry continue to grow as visitors from all over come to learn about our state's great history. Proximity to the Erie Canal is uniquely ours and holding this piece of history provides great opportunities for the communities that share this national treasure, said Congressman Higgins. Renewal of the federal commitment to promote and preserve the Erie Canalway provides great economic returns and reaffirms the significance of this unique asset. The measure, included the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015, was introduced by Senator Gillibrand, Congressman Higgins, and Congressman Chris Gibson earlier this year as the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Act (HR 4641). The Erie Canal was designated a National Heritage Corridor by Congress in 2000.Under this designation, a federally appointed Canalway Commission, in conjunction with the National Park Service and U.S. Department of Interior, is tasked with promoting the Corridor as a tourism destination and ensuring that the historical and natural features of the Canal and its communities are preserved. First opened 189 years ago, the Erie Canal was quickly recognized as a defining public works and civil engineering achievement.By connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, the canal facilitated the movement of people and goods in a way that had previously been restricted by the difficult conditions of overland routes. Today the Erie Canal continues its role as an economic driver, supporting the transport of close to 100,000 tons of cargo and serving as one of New York's largest tourism magnets, providing recreational opportunities, events, and telling the story of the Canal's role in the Underground Railroad. The Corridor covers 4,834 square miles across 23 counties, extending from Tonawanda to Whitehall at the bottom of Lake Champlain, and includes Buffalo, Rochester and the Finger Lakes, Oswego, Syracuse, Albany, Saratoga National Historic Park, and Glens Falls. For more information about what there is to see and do along the Erie Canal, visit www.eriecanalway.org. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-more-than-16-million-for-brooklyn-navy-yard,"Schumer, Gillibrand Announce More Than $1.6 Million For Brooklyn Navy Yard",2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 15, 2014 Schumer, Gillibrand Announce More Than $1.6 Million For Brooklyn Navy Yard Federal Funds Would Be Used to Support Repairs for the Brooklyn Navy Yard Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced a federal grant of $1,687,002.30 to help improve infrastructure at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy.Sandy caused unprecedented levels of damage and destruction across New York City. This award will specifically assist the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation (BNYDC) in performing permanent repairs to docks and berths that were damaged during Superstorm Sandy. This federal investment will help repair the Sandy-damaged Brooklyn Navy Yard, the lynchpin of the economic renaissance of the Brooklyn waterfront, said Senator Schumer. I am pleased to announce over $1.6 million for repairs to the infrastructure at the Navy Yard, which will help retain and attract more jobs. Investing in infrastructure has to be a top priority,said Senator Gillibrand. I am pleased the Brooklyn Navy Yard has been awarded this FEMA funding to make repairs. These repairs are essential towards keeping this important economic center thriving and helping to grow our local economy."" ""The Brooklyn Navy Yard is an economic engine for our borough and beyond, producing the jobs of today and the innovations of tomorrow. I am pleased that Senators Gillibrand and Schumer have recognized the importance of this industrial park by securing over $1.6 million in federal funding to restore key infrastructure that was damaged by Superstorm Sandy, said BrooklynBoroughPresident EricAdams. This is not only a commitment to Brooklyn's comeback from this natural disaster, but a commitment to its future as part of our commercial and industrial landscape. ""Our ability to quickly recover from the devastating impact of Superstorm Sandy was only possible because of the support we have had from our elected officials, and our partnership with the public sector. These funds will help us improve our infrastructure so that an even more resilient Navy Yard can house businesses with good paying jobs, saidDavid Ehrenberg, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation. As one of the nation's oldest naval installations, the 300-acre industrial park on the Brooklyn waterfront is now part of the Brooklyn Tech Triangle and home to several diverse industries including art restoration, maritime ship repair, and design and manufacturing of high-end home goods. The FEMA funding will specifically assist with the permanent repairs of Berth 6B at the Brooklyn Navy Yard between Dry-docks #2 and #4 damaged as a direct result of Hurricane Sandy. Funding for Disaster Relief is administered by the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA's primary purpose comprises of coordinating disaster relief efforts within the United States and its territories. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/senators-warren-feinstein-and-gillibrand-ask-interagency-task-force-about-efforts-to-combat-antibiotic-overuse-in-food-animals,"Senators Warren, Feinstein and Gillibrand Ask Interagency Task Force About Efforts to Combat Antibiotic Overuse in Food Animals",2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 15, 2014 Senators Warren, Feinstein and Gillibrand Ask Interagency Task Force About Efforts to Combat Antibiotic Overuse in Food Animals WASHINGTON, DC United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) today sent a letter to Secretaries Hagel, Vilsack, and Burwell, co-chairs of the newly formed interagency Task Force for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria, to ask about how the Task Force plans to address critical gaps in current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policies to address the public health threat posed by the overuse of antibiotics in food animals. In today's letter, the senators raised concerns that the FDA may lack the authority to ensure veterinarians adhere to the criteria laid out in its guidance documents for determining an appropriate preventive use, that the FDA may not have the authority to collect the data necessary to evaluate whether its policies effectively reduce the public health threat, and that the administration has no clear metrics or benchmarks that will be used to determine success or a need for future action. The senators previously wrote to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Margaret Hamburg in July to request information about how the agency plans to address these gaps. In his September 18th Executive Order, the President created the Interagency Task Force and charged it with developing a National Action Plan to implement the National Strategy for Combatting Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria. In their letter, Senators Warren, Feinstein and Gillibrand asked the Interagency Task Force to answer questions about how the National Action Plan will address gaps in enforcement, data collection, and evaluation of FDA policies. The way antibiotics are used in animal agriculture poses a clear threat to human health, the Senators wrote, and it is critical that the National Action Plan directly addresses gaps in current policies designed to curb such misuse and over-use. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-1224-million-in-federal-funds-heading-to-canandaigua-va-in-bill-that-just-cleared-congress_funds-will-help-move-construction-forward,SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $122.4 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS HEADING TO CANANDAIGUA VA IN BILL THAT JUST CLEARED CONGRESS FUNDS WILL HELP MOVE CONSTRUCTION FORWARD,2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.15.14 SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $122.4 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS HEADING TO CANANDAIGUA VA IN BILL THAT JUST CLEARED CONGRESS FUNDS WILL HELP MOVE CONSTRUCTION FORWARD Schumer Fought to Protect & Secure More Funds for Canandaigua VA Campus Schumer Helped Secure Over $36M in 2010 and Helped Make Canandaigua VA One of Only Four National Priorities in This Year's VA Budget Schumer: Funds Get Long-Awaited Construction at Canandaigua VA Campus Underwa Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced the Canandaigua VA Medical Campus will receive $122,400,000 to use for construction as part of the Omnibus Bill that passed Congress over the weekend. The Canandaigua VA is one of only four VA construction projects in the country that Senate appropriators have recommended receive funds. The $122 million appropriation for the Canandaigua VA represents a substantial portion of Canandaigua's estimated $300 million redevelopment plan; which includes a modern outpatient clinic, additional housing and services. Schumer has been a longtime supporter of the Canandaigua VA Medical campus including securing the land lease needed to break ground on the Cadence Square housing development. With the President's signature, construction will be able to move forward on this critical project as soon as the fall of 2015. This major reconstruction project was originally announced seven years ago in 2007, following efforts by Schumer and the community in 2004 to convince the federal Capital Asset Realignment for Enhancement Services (CARES) Commission to not only keep the VA Campus open, but to modernize it for future generations of veteran use, and safeguard it from any future efforts to close the facility. To begin the redevelopment project, Schumer secured $36.58 million in FY10 to complete a new campus master plan, begin the project's preliminary design work, and complete environmental assessments. In 2013, Schumer successfully pushed VA Secretary Shinseki to include funding for the site in their budget request. With this funding, we are well on our way to upgrading and modernizing the Canandaigua VA Campus so it can better care for our veterans. This investment is long overdue and will build the new modern, cutting-edge facilities that Rochester and Finger Lakes area veterans deserve after having served our country. Our vets have protected and defended us and it is our job to care for them when they come home, saidSenator Schumer. The request is heading straight to the President's desk and I urge him to sign it so we can better serve these brave men and women when they return home to the country they served. Specifically, this $122 million will build the new modern Outpatient clinic by renovating Building #2 as well as building a new structure on now-empty land between Building #1 and Building #2. Additionally, Building #3 will be renovated to add new rehabilitation and behavioral health services and Building #1 will be renovated for new administrative support departments. The Canandaigua VA is one of only four VA construction projects throughout the country that Senate appropriators have recommended receive funds. The VA anticipates construction could begin as soon as fall 2015. The Senators highlighted the urgent need for redevelopment of the Canandaigua VA to facilitate the center's care for the aging veterans in the region in addition to reducing the staggering prevalence of homelessness and addiction among veterans who have recently returned home. The Canandaigua VA Medical Center has provided services for veterans in the Rochester-Finger Lakes area since 1933 and has been recognized as a Center for Excellence. The facility houses the national VA Suicide Prevention/Crisis Hotline call center which has fielded 600,000 calls since opening in 2007. The campus is the only one in New York State and is one of 20 in the country to offer the Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) program to afford veteransthe opportunity to fully access their benefits. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-68-million-in-funding-for-rochester-laser-lab-has-passed-congress_urges-president-to-sign-off-and-make-funds-a-reality,SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $68 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR ROCHESTER LASER LAB HAS PASSED CONGRESS URGES PRESIDENT TO SIGN-OFF & MAKE FUNDS A REALITY,2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.15.14 SCHUMER ANNOUNCES $68 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR ROCHESTER LASER LAB HAS PASSED CONGRESS URGES PRESIDENT TO SIGN-OFF & MAKE FUNDS A REALITY Schumer Has Long Fought to Keep U of Rochester At The Cutting Edge of High Tech Energy Research Rochester Laser Lab Will Now Receive Boost in Funding, $68 Million, $4 Million More than Last Year Federal Funds Will Go to Critical Programs that Protect Nation, Secure & Protect Over 300 Jobs in New York Schumer: Funding Will Help Keep Rochester at the Forefront of Laser Technology and Guarantees It Plays A Role In Solving Critical Problems for Our Nation Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Omnibus spending bill including $68 million for the University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE)has passed in both the House and Senate. The bill has cleared Congress and will head to the President's desk for his final signature.Schumer continued his multi-year effort of advocating for increased funding for LLE during the appropriations process this year and this funding will allow the University of Rochester to continue the critical work being done at its lab. This allocation is an increase of $4 million over the $64 million allocated to the Lab in Fiscal Year 2014 and over $9 million more than the $58.75 million allocated to the Lab last year under sequestration. 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 funding will allow the University of Rochester laser lab to continue its world-class research in fusion power. It will also ensure that the lab is not forced to lay off scientists and engineers and that their partnerships with national laboratories do not suffer, saidSenator Schumer. This worthwhile funding will keep the University of Rochester at the cutting edge of high-tech innovation and maintain Rochester as a job-creating center of laser innovation. Established in 1970, the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) of the University of Rochester is a unique national resource for research and education in science and technology and a major asset of the University not found at any other university in the country. Both the Rochester area and the University have a history of innovation that provides a singular environment for LLE within a technologically sophisticated scientific community. LLE is home to the OMEGA laser, which is the second most powerful ultraviolet fusion laser in the world, and the OMEGA EP (Extended Performance) laser, a high-intensity, high-energy short-pulse laser, and serves as the principal laser research facility for three national laboratories. The center's primary goal is to investigate the interaction of intense radiation with matter and to support the National Ignition Campaign (NIC) using OMEGA and OMEGA EP as well as validate advanced concepts for ICF to be used on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in order to demonstrate ignition and energy gain. It is a vital component of our nation's scientific capital and leadership, and key to strategic work on an independent energy future. As one of the leading institutions training the next generation of leaders in the fields of physics, optics, and material science, LLE is an economic development magnet that bolsters local high tech jobs and attracts scientific talent to Rochester. The LLE currently employs 316 full-time staff members, 20 University Faculty members and 5 contract employees. Since its inception, the LLE has attracted almost $2 billion to New York State to support cutting edge research, and more than 1,000 individuals are currently involved in the program. Through the LLE's mission, the University also attracts as many as 300 additional visiting scientists each year to Rochester from national laboratories, universities, and companies and currently hosts over 141 students (graduate, undergraduate, and high school). Last year, the University of Rochester requested funding under the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill for its Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE). The funding was used to develop new laser and materials technologies, provide education in electro-optics, and conduct research and development in advanced technology related to high-energy-density physics. In 2009, Schumer urged his colleagues in Congress to support additional funding so the Laser Lab could avoid drastic budgets cuts and layoffs. In 2010, Senator Schumer announced that President Obama's proposed budget for fiscal year 2011 included $62.5M in funding for Rochester University's Laser Lab and pledged to continue to work for funds to strengthen this first-class institution. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-over-468-million-in-fed-funds-for-lockheed-martin-owegos-combat-rescue-and-marine-one-helicopter-programs-has-cleared-congress_urges-president-to-sign-off--make-funds-a-reality,SCHUMER ANNOUNCES OVER $468 MILLION IN FED FUNDS FOR LOCKHEED MARTIN OWEGOS COMBAT RESCUE & MARINE ONE HELICOPTER PROGRAMS HAS CLEARED CONGRESS URGES PRESIDENT TO SIGN-OFF & MAKE FUNDS A REALITY,2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.15.14 SCHUMER ANNOUNCES OVER $468 MILLION IN FED FUNDS FOR LOCKHEED MARTIN OWEGO'S COMBAT RESCUE & MARINE ONE HELICOPTER PROGRAMS HAS CLEARED CONGRESS URGES PRESIDENT TO SIGN-OFF & MAKE FUNDS A REALITY Funding Will Keep Helicopter Programs on Track Bill Includes $368 Million in Funding for New Fleet of Presidential Helicopters & $100 Million in Funding for New Fleet of Combat Search & Rescue Helicopters, Both Set To Be Partly Produced By Lockheed Martin in Owego Schumer: At The Forefront Of Two of The Most Important Helicopter Programs In World, This Funding is Critical for Lockheed Martin Owego And Will Keep It Going Strong Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that the Omnibus spending bill including $368,086,000 for the Presidential Helicopter program and $100 million for the Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH) program, two major helicopter construction projects being undertaken by a team of Sikorsky Aircraft and Lockheed Martin Owego has passed in both the House and Senate. The bill has cleared Congress and will head to the President's desk for his final signature. These two appropriations come on the heels of July's announcement by the United States Air Force (USAF) that it had awarded a $1.28 billion contract which could rise as high as $8 billion to Sikorsky Aircraft and Lockheed Martin Owego to begin building a new fleet of 112 CRHs and the announcement in May that the U.S. Navy had awarded a $1.24 billion contract to Sikorsky Aircraft and Lockheed Martin Owego to begin building a new fleet of 21 Presidential Helicopters. This appropriation will help enable Lockheed to keep both programs on or ahead of schedule. This funding will help keep these state-of-the-art helicopter fleets moving down the assembly line right here in Owego and support hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs throughout the region, saidSchumer. These programs are not only vital to Lockheed Martin and the entire Southern Tier economy, but they also help keep our President safe and support our troops serving around the world. Combat Rescue Helicopter In June, 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 a new fleet of 112 CRHs, which are used by the military to extricate troops from dangerous situations and bring them home safely. The contract is expected to sustain a large portion of the workforce at Lockheed Martin Owego for the next decade and create hundreds of other indirect jobs at local vendors and suppliers. Schumer fought for years to ensure that building a new fleet of CRHs continued to be a priority for the USAF, after the program's future and a potential major contract for Lockheed Martin Owego was brought into doubt due to an internal USAF restructuring debate. Lockheed Martin Owego will be specifically tasked with developing the defensive systems, data links, mission computers, adverse weather sensors, mission planning systems and system integration of the CRH. Schumer explained that the new CRH fleet is necessary as the current fleet of rescue aircraft dates back to the 1970s, and is now outdated after years of chronic use and combat damage. The USAF announced in 2010 that it would replace its aging and increasingly outdated combat rescue helicopter fleetcalled the HH-60G PAVE HAWK helicopterswith new aircraft capable of performing demanding personnel recovery missions, including combat rescue and casualty evacuation. Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin Owego then offered a proposed helicopter design the CRH-60 that would modernize the USAF's aging combat rescue helicopter fleet and support all services needed in combat. This new CRH program will eventually replace the aging HH-60G legacy fleet with 112 new combat rescue helicopters. This new aircraft features increased internal fuel capability and additional internal cabin space. Last year, Schumer visited Lockheed Martin Owego, called the Former Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to publicly support the CRH program, explaining that the current fleet of aircraft for the mission were outdated and the military needed new and more capable helicopters. In January, Schumer announced that, after his continued efforts with top defense officials, the FY2014 Appropriations Bill included funding for the Air Force's CRH, which is now part of the allocation going to Lockheed Martin. In February, Senator Schumer sent a letter to Secretary Hagel urging him to support the next generation CRH and to fully fund it across the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP). Earlier this year, Schumer urged the current Secretary of the Air Force Deborah James to award this contract and get the program running, as it will help the Air Force recover downed aircrew and isolated personnel in hostile environments. The 106th Rescue Wing of the New York Air National Guard, located in Westhampton Beach, is a combat search and rescue unit, using combat rescue helicopters to complete their vital mission. Presidential Helicopter In May, the U.S. Navy announced it had awarded a $1.24 billion contract to Sikorsky Aircraft and Lockheed Martin Owego to build a new fleet of Marine One helicopters that are used to transport the President of the United States. Lockheed Martin Owego is being tasked with manufacturing and installing the helicopters' mission communications systems and will also provide the maintenance training device and procedures trainer. Additionally, the presidential helicopters will receive executive paint in Owego. The contract is expected to create or sustain high-skilled jobs in Owego. In 2009, Schumer secured a continuance to support Lockheed Martin's involvement in Naval Helicopter Programs and visited Lockheed Martin Owego last year to support the Sikorsky-Lockheed Martin bid for the new fleet of Marine One helicopters. The current fleet of presidential helicopters is comprised of Sikorsky Black Hawk/Sea King models that are 35 and 40 years old, and they are in desperate need of replacing. The Navy contract is for a fleet of 23 new presidential helicopters, 21 for use and 2 for testing. In 2009, as the previous presidential helicopter program was canceled, Schumer worked with leaders in the Administration and appropriators to mitigate damage and negative job impact by negotiating a compromise that provided $100 million in funding to Lockheed Martin for mission systems and other technology work. As a result, 250 engineer jobs were saved at the Lockheed Martin Owego location, which helped minimize job losses. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-maloney-announce-3-year-extension-of-critical-funding-for-highland-falls-school-district-and-millions-in-fed-aid-which-would-have-otherwise-been-lost-passes-congress_heads-to-presidents-desk,"SCHUMER, MALONEY ANNOUNCE 3-YEAR EXTENSION OF CRITICAL FUNDING FOR HIGHLAND FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT & MILLIONS IN FED AID, WHICH WOULD HAVE OTHERWISE BEEN LOST, PASSES CONGRESS & HEADS TO PRESIDENTS DESK",2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.15.14 SCHUMER, MALONEY ANNOUNCE 3-YEAR EXTENSION OF CRITICAL FUNDING FOR HIGHLAND FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT & MILLIONS IN FED AID, WHICH WOULD HAVE OTHERWISE BEEN LOST, PASSES CONGRESS & HEADS TO PRESIDENT'S DESK For Years, Schumer & 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 Federal Impact Aid Is Now Secured For District, Aid Formula Is Extended For Additional Three Years Omnibus Spending Bill Provides $3.5 Million in Federal Aid To Highland Falls School District For FY2015 & Defense Bill Extends Additional $2 Million in Federal Aid For Three Years Schumer, Maloney: Legislation A Big Win For Highland Falls Taxpayers Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and Representative Sean Patrick Maloney announced that a provision that allows the Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery School District to receive $3.5 million in annual funding that would have otherwise been eliminated as well as a provision that provides a three-year extension for the critical funding formula that provides Highland Falls with $2 million in federal funding each year has passed Congress. Both of these provisions are a victory for the school district, which is in a unique position because the land within its district is approximately 93% exempt from property taxation due to wholly exempt federal and state-owned land. Highland Falls therefore has a very small tax base and, to make matters worse, has been drastically and constantly shortchanged by the state and federal government. These provisions 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. Schumer and Maloney explained that the school district relies on this federal funding to operate its schools because approximately 93% of the land within the district is exempt from property taxation due to the fact that it is federal and state-owned land. As a result, Highland Falls has a very small tax base to fund its schools. The Impact Aid program helps local school districts make up for a funding shortfall caused by having such a large percentage of land exempt from taxation. The Impact Aid 8002 provision included in the omnibus bill provides the overall $3.5 million in annual funding Highland Falls needs to operate that would have otherwise been eliminated. The larger Impact Aid 8002 program received $66.8 million in Fiscal Year 2014 and, in early 2014, the President released his FY15 budget proposal that zeroed out this account. This would have devastated Highland Falls and Schumer and Maloney fought to secure the funding in this Fiscal Year 2015 Omnibus Appropriations bill. Additionally, prior to 2013, Highland Falls had been shortchanged by the Impact Aid 8002 funding formula. This was when Schumer and Maloney stepped in and authored a two-year funding formula change that included a fix for Highland Falls in the 2013 NDAA. This provision was set to expire this year until all three fought to ensure that a three year extension wasincluded in this year's NDAA. This will provide Highland Falls with an additional $2 million it needs to operate. The passage of these provisions is great news for the Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery School District, enabling us to secure the critical federal funding that the district desperately needs to provide a consistent and robust learning environment for its students, saidSenator Schumer. I commend my colleagues for passing these provisions and look forward to seeing it on the President's desk. These provisions help us fund a school district that relies on federal dollars to operate and educates, among others, the children of our public servants who work at West Point Military Academy. These back to back victories for the Highland Falls school district will allow them to keep property taxes low while educating our next generation of leaders. This investment will keep class sizes small while providing a quality education to children both in and out of the classroom, saidRepresentative Sean Patrick Maloney. Senator Schumer has always fought for this critical aid, and I applaud his continued leadership. The support from Senator Schumer and Representative Sean Patrick Maloney is invaluable to our local community - especially our children. It means we can strategically plan ahead and support our military impacted children while keeping our commitment to our taxpayers, saidDr. Debra Jackson, Superintendent of Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central School District. Schumer and Maloney have fought to extend Federal Impact Aid funding for FY15 to Highland Falls as well as the new funding formula for an additional three years. The senators said that, without this extension, Highland Falls would have lost out on millions in annual funding. The Senators were successful in getting a temporary two-year fix that provides the Highland Falls school district $2 million per year into the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, but this fix would have expired at the end of this fiscal year. The language in this year's NDAA extends this funding another three years and avoids a return to the days of chronic underfunding for the Highland Falls school district. The Impact Aid Program is designed to directly compensate local school districts for local revenue lost due to the presence of federally owned, and therefore tax-exempt property, as well as costs incurred due to ""federally connected"" students, such as the children of armed services personnel working at a nearby military base. These school districts face special challenges they must provide a quality education to the children living on Indian and other federal lands while often operating with less local revenue than is available to other school districts, because their federal property is exempt from local property taxes or the presence of larger numbers of federally connected students. Established in 1950, the Impact Aid Program is a major general aid source for over 1,300 school districts nationwide, or almost 10 percent of all districts. For some school districts, Impact Aid supplies as much as 75 percent of the local education operating budget. Highland Falls has received money from Impact Aid for years, but until the Senators stepped in in 2013, the program had an artificial cap that prevented the Highland Falls district from getting its full share of aid, shortchanging it by approximately $2 million. The legislative language included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 changed the federal funding formula to lift this cap. However, the language was set to expire at the end of this year, which is why the Senators urged their colleagues in the Senate to pass this three-year extension as part of the NDAA. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-tonko-announce-1238-billion-in-fed-funding-secured-for-naval-reactors-provides-funding-capital-regions-kesselring-needs-to-keep-training-program-running,"SCHUMER, TONKO ANNOUNCE $1.238 BILLION IN FED FUNDING SECURED FOR NAVAL REACTORS; PROVIDES FUNDING CAPITAL REGIONS KESSELRING NEEDS TO KEEP TRAINING PROGRAM RUNNING",2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.15.14 SCHUMER, TONKO ANNOUNCE $1.238 BILLION IN FED FUNDING SECURED FOR NAVAL REACTORS; PROVIDES FUNDING CAPITAL REGION'S KESSELRING NEEDS TO KEEP TRAINING PROGRAM RUNNING Schumer & Tonko Have Fought to Protect & Secure More Funds to Keep Kesselring Site in West Milton & Knolls Atomic Power Lab in Niskayuna Thriving Schumer Wrote to Appropriations Committee Asking for Full Funding Schumer Recently Pushed Appropriators Working on 2015 Energy and Water Bill to Consider Funding Program At Highest Level In May, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory's (KAPL) Kesselring Site in West Milton, Which Employs 700 & Trains 1,000+ Navy Personnel, Was At Risk of Having to Shut Down One of Its Training Reactors Due To Major Funding Gap Schumer, After Personal Calls with DOE Secretary Moniz & Navy Secretary Mabus, Secured An Additional $16 Million in FY14 Funds to Keep The Facility Open Schumer, Tonko: The Kesselring Program Is Officially Off the Chopping Block Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and Representative Paul Tonko announced that the Omnibus budget bill, which includes $1.238 billion in funding for the Naval Reactors program, has passed Congress and now heads to the President's desk. This funding will help maintain and grow sites like the Kenneth A. Kesselring site in West Milton, which is operated by Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory (KAPL), and KAPL in Niskayuna. The bill also includes a special provision that specifically says the Kesselring site should receive the full amount requested for operations and maintenance of the prototype reactors. 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 previously urged the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development 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. Schumer urged appropriators to consider the higher funding level being requested by the House, $1.215 billion; the amount being requested by the Senate was $1.208 billion. The final amount included in the bill is $1.238 billion, which will greatly benefit all naval reactors sites. This federal funding is critical for keeping sites like Kenneth A. Kesselring in West Milton and KAPL in Niskayuna growing and thriving. This funding goes a long way toward helping us avoid a situation like the one we faced back in May, where the future of this program in the Capital Region, and the jobs that go with it, were in doubt, saidSenator Schumer. I am pleased that, with this funding, we will be able to maintain and expand these programs. Our local economy and national security depend on the work done in Niskayuna and Saratoga County, and this funding will ensure that work will continue. I thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their work in the Senate and with the administration on this integral program. Together, we made sure decision makers were aware that the research, development, support and training that takes place in these Capital Region facilities are critical to our fleet's readiness and operation success as well as millions of dollars of economic activity in our area. I will continue to work across the aisle and with Secretaries Moniz and Mabus to make sure Kesselring and KAPL continue to play a role in our region's and nation's success and security, saidRep. Paul Tonko. Schumerand Tonko have long been proponents of ensuring KAPL has the necessary funding to keep its vital nuclear training reactor on line. The program, which trains over 1,000 cadets per year on how to operate the 97 nuclear reactors that provide propulsion to Navy aircraft carriers and submarines, was at risk of having to shut down one of its nuclear training reactors on October 1, 2014 due to a $151 million cut in the budget for the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP). In May, Schumer placed personal phone calls to both Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE) Ernest Moniz, asking them to provide an additional $16 million in FY14 needed to keep the Naval Reactor at the Kesselring site open. After Schumer's push, the Navy and DOE eventually agreed to provide the funding. Schumerand Tonko said that the funding included in the Omnibus Bill will help keep operations running smoothly and critical infrastructure sustainment work from being deferred, all of which will help the Kesselring site preserve 700 jobs and 1,000 Navy trainees who were at risk of being relocated earlier this year. KAPL is a world-class research and development facility dedicated to support of the United States Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP). KAPL's more than 2,600 employees develop advanced nuclear propulsion technology, provide technical support for the safe and reliable operation of existing naval reactors and provide training to naval personnel who operate them. Schumerand Tonko vowed to continue to fight for funding for this program during future appropriation rounds. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://meeks.house.gov/press-release/white-house-thanks-representative-gregory-w-meeks-support-avoid-government-shutdown,The White House Thanks Representative Gregory W. Meeks for Support to Avoid Government Shutdown,2014-12-13,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Gregory Meeks,M001137,meeks.house.gov,,,legacy,"The White House Thanks Representative Gregory W. Meeks for Support to Avoid Government Shutdown Washington, D.C. - Congressman Gregory W. Meeks voted in favor of funding the government through 2015. The vote occurred as government came within hours of a shutdown that would have furloughed 4.23 million federal workers this holiday season.  ""This week's vote represents the willingness of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to put the partisanship of the 113th Congress behind us and move forward to advance the interests of the nation. Members in both parties disagreed with provisions of the bill. But, these differences pale in comparison to the importance of returning America's economy to full strength, getting all able bodied Americans well paying jobs, and restoring the American dream of prosperity across our great land."" After the successful passage of the funding measure President of the United States, Barack Obama's Office of Legislative Affairs issued the following statement, “We thank Congressman Meeks for his vote to pass a bipartisan bill that funds the government and supports many of the President’s primary domestic and national security priorities. We’ve seen real progress in our economy this year, and this bill is an important compromise to avoid a government shutdown and keep up that progress.” Congressman Meeks also stated, ""While I stand by this vote, my decision was not easy. The Department of Homeland Security was only funded through February of 2015. I disapprove of law makers in Washington putting our nation's security at risk to score political points. It is reprehensible that funding to operate security functions at John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia Airports and elsewhere fell victim to partisan acrimony. With our nation's economic hopes rising, unemployment rate falling, and many economic indicators signaling positive growth over the next year, this bill's passage sends a clear signal to those who would benefit from a divided Washington. We, Congress, are committed to doing what it takes to help Americans and our great union succeed.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://chriscollins.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/collins-votes-to-keep-government-funded-through-september-2015,Collins Votes to Keep Government Funded Through September 2015,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,NY,Chris Collins,C001092,chriscollins.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Chris Collins today released the following statement after passage of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act for FY 2015. “This legislation is a tremendous win for Western New York,” said Congressman Collins. “It holds the line on discretionary spending ensuring continued deficit reduction, while fully funding vital government programs. In politics it is crucial not to let perfect be the enemy of good, and although people on both sides have their concerns, I'm proud of what this accomplishes for Western New York.” Here are highlights from the bill that directly affect Western New Yorkers. · Provides $122 Million for the improvement and expansion of the VA Medical Facility in Canandaigua, N.Y. · Provides $68 Million for OMEGA at the University of Rochester to expand their nuclear fusion laser lab facility. · Increases funding for the National Institutes of Health grant programs that help fund research centers like the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, N.Y. · Eliminates funding for the Race to the Top Initiative, reducing the incentive for States to continue the implementation of the Common Core Standards. · Blocks the EPA from applying the Clean Water Act to certain farm ponds and irrigation ditches. · Allows more flexibility to school districts implementing new whole grain nutrition standards in school lunches. · Cuts EPA funding for the fifth consecutive year and brings staffing to the lowest level since 1989. · Cuts IRS funding by $345.6 Million and bans the agency from targeting organizations seeking tax-exempt status based on their ideological beliefs. · Provides $300 Million to improve and restore the Great Lakes. ·Increases funding for the Harbor Maintenance Trust fund by $100 Million.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/crowley-statement-consolidated-and-further-continuing-appropriations-act-2015,Crowley Statement on the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Vice Chair for the Democratic Caucus, issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 83, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015, which will fund the majority of the federal government through September 2015 and avoid a government shutdown:   “Time and time again, the Republican majority has taken us to the brink of a government shutdown due to a failure of leadership and a lack of direction for how to strengthen America. These man-made crises are unnecessary and destructive. “Last night, I voted to put yet another false crisis behind us. I voted for the bill because we need to make critical investments in our transportation infrastructure and ensure our hospitals remain prepared to fight Ebola. I voted for the bill because it's time to increase funding for criminal background checks for those trying to purchase a gun and to expand affordable housing options. I voted for investments like these, and to keep the doors of the federal government open, because it will put us on track to reversing the damage caused by years of budget cuts and sequestration. I want to be clear, however, I did not support the majority’s process and I do not support jamming controversial provisions in at the last minute that are completely unrelated to the business of funding the government.   “What I care about is creating jobs, growing our economy and strengthening America’s middle class. We won’t accomplish any of these things if we keep playing political games and threatening to shut down the government. I only hope Republicans, who next year will have the responsibility of controlling both chambers in Congress, share these goals and will put forward a positive agenda that will build an economy that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.” Congressman Crowley is the eight-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 http://higgins.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/higgins-announces-over-212-million-for-niagara-county-head-start,Higgins Announces Over $2.12 Million for Niagara County Head Start,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Brian Higgins,H001038,higgins.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the award of over $2.12 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services for Niagara County Head Start. “When we provide children with the tools to learn at an early age, it opens doors to education and opportunity for years to come,” said Congressman Brian Higgins. Niagara County Head Start, Inc. Executive Director Geraldine Donovan noted that the organization has been in the business of Head Start since 1977 and currently serves 470 children.  Head Start is based on a national model that promotes school readiness among low-income families with a particular focus on language and literacy, as well as cognition and development.  When compared to their peers, children who participated in Head Start are more likely to compete academically in high school and attend college after they graduate.  A study conducted in California showed that for every dollar invested in Head Start we create $9 in return through increased earnings, employment, family stability, decreased government assistance, crime, and special education costs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://maloney.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/maloney-votes-against-omnibus-spending-bill,Maloney votes against omnibus spending bill,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) last night voted against the omnibus spending package, which passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 219-206. Maloney opposed the inclusion of a campaign finance provision that would provide for a ten-fold increase in maximum allowable donations to a political party committee. She also opposed the inclusion of funding to train anti-ISIS rebels, and was deeply concerned by a provision that will cause benefit cuts to retirees with multi-employer pension plans. “Although there were some important provisions in the omnibus spending bill, like the inclusion of an additional $41 million in funding to help eliminate the rape kit backlog, I was deeply troubled by other pieces of the bill,” said Maloney. “At a time when money is flooding our political system, I can’t in good conscience support a ten-fold increase in campaign contribution limits to political parties. I have been consistently opposed to spending taxpayer money on training Syrian opposition forces—an unprecedented scenario in which the U.S. is trying to re-invent a substantially degraded rebel army to act as our boots on the ground in a religious civil war. I am also troubled by the pension cutback rider, which could cut pensions for working class people by more than half.” Campaign finance provision: The bill included a provision that would allow campaign donors to increase their contributions to political parties from $32,400 to $324,000 per year, bringing the maximum amount a married couple can contribute to $1,296,000 in a two-year election cycle. The campaign finance provision also increases the amount an individual can give to the Democratic or Republican congressional campaign committees. Current limits are set at $32,400 per year, but the Omnibus would allow donors to also contribute $97,200 per year to each campaign committee’s building fund and another $97,200 per year for recount and legal funds. If the change moves forward, a donor would be able to donate a total of $324,000 each year to the DNC or RNC, $226,800 to a party’s Senate campaign committee, and another $226,000 to a party’s House campaign committee. Thus, the total amount an individual could donate would increase to $1,553,200 per two-year election cycle ($3,106,400 per couple) up from $97,200 ($194,400 per couple). Syrian opposition forces provision: The agreement includes $3.4 billion for Department of Defense operations targeting ISIL, as well as funds to train and equip Iraqi security forces and the Syrian opposition. Maloney has previously opposed funding to train the Syrian opposition.   Pension cutback provision: The multiemployer pension provision allows certain pension plans to cut benefits of retirees, including some current retirees. In some cases the cuts could exceed 60 percent of a participant’s benefit. There currently are more than 1,400 multiemployer plans covering about 10 million, mostly working class, people. Among the most common industries using these pensions are: mining, trucking, retail trade and service industries and entertainment (film, television and theater).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://maloney.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/national-women-s-history-museum-bill-heads-to-president-s-desk-after-16,National Womens History Museum bill heads to Presidents desk after 16 year legislative effort,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – After 16 years of work, a bill to form a commission on the creation of a National Women’s History Museum (H.R. 863/S. 398) will soon become law. Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) hailed the achievement as a major victory for women. “When I first introduced legislation to form a National Women’s History Museum, I never dreamed it would take 16 years to get this commission passed,” said Rep. Maloney. “It seemed like an easy lift – it’s hard to see who can be opposed to a museum dedicated to chronicling the achievements of women. Women gained the right to vote in 1920. I hope that a century later, in 2020, the efforts and accomplishments of women throughout our history will be chronicled in a museum that both our daughters and sons can learn from and enjoy.” “The legacies of women who paved the way before us and helped shape our nation deserve to be preserved and shared with our citizens,” said Rep. Blackburn. “I am honored to have worked with Rep. Maloney and Senators Collins and Mikulski to push this legislation across the finish line so that these stories can inspire future generations by illustrating how the bravery, patriotism, and perseverance of our nation’s women can truly make a difference. We look forward to this bill being signed into law by the President.” “American women have made invaluable contributions to our country in such diverse fields as government, business, medicine, law, literature, sports, entertainment, the arts, and the military. The need for a museum recognizing the contributions of American women is long overdue, and the Commission approved today is an important first step towards that goal,” said Senator Collins.  “A National Women’s History Museum would help ensure that future generations understand what we owe to the many generations of American women who have helped build, sustain, and advance our society.  This can and should be done at no expense to American taxpayers.”   “Women’s history is American history,” said Senator Mikulski. “Women have been trailblazers throughout our history, using grit, passion, and determination to seize the day and to make a difference. We must not only honor the past – we must learn from it. A National Women’s History Museum will be a fitting tribute to recognize their lasting legacy while inspiring future generations of women and girls.” “Surely, American women deserve a museum to showcase their significant contributions that have been indispensable to our country,” said Rep. Norton.  “That is why I have been working to establish this museum in my district, the nation’s capital, with Rep. Maloney and other women in the House and Senate for many years.  The museum seeks only to help ensure that the contributions women have made to our nation are understood as part of our history and collective conscience.  We look forward to the report, and to moving forward with a museum that encourages and empowers even more women to make contributions and to take on leadership roles.” The law will establish a privately-funded commission to prepare a report containing recommendations for establishing and maintaining a National Women’s History Museum in Washington, D.C. The 8-member commission would have 18 months to produce the report and submit it to Congress for approval. Members of the commission will be appointed by Speaker of the House John Boehner, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid. This bipartisan legislation passed by a vote of 383 to 33 in the House on May 7, 2014. The Senate legislation introduced by Collins and Mikulski was cosponsored by 39 Senators, including all 20 women Senators. The legislation was added to a package of Natural Resources bills, which was later attached as a separate title of the National Defense Authorization Act, which cleared the House on December 4 and the Senate today. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the commission and the museum would have no significant impact on federal spending. The bill authorizes the commission to accept and spend monetary gifts and a 501(c)3 organization, National Women’s History Museum, is already raising the funds necessary to fund the commission. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://seanmaloney.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/gibson-maloney-schumer-announce-unprecedented-provisions-to-hold-ferc,"Gibson, Maloney, Schumer Announce Unprecedented Provisions to Hold FERC Accountable for Rate Hikes",2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Sean Maloney,M001185,seanmaloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington –  Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), Representative Chris Gibson (NY-19) and Senator Charles E. Schumer announced unprecedented provisions in the government funding bill to hold the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) accountable to ratepayers in the Hudson Valley. Specifically, the provision part of the government spending bill, expected to be signed into law, reasserts Congressional authority over FERC by requiring it to report quarterly on actions and costs to consumers related to the new capacity zone in New York’s Hudson Valley.  Historically, FERC has had little obligation to report on the impacts of its decisions to elected leaders and ratepayers – and this provision will help ensure that these bureaucrats are held accountable. Republican House leadership also committed to working with Reps. Gibson and Maloney to further address the issue in the 114th Congress. The House passed the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015 on Thursday and the Senate is expected to act by Saturday. “We cannot let FERC make unilateral decisions that result in unwarranted rate hikes for already hard-hit Hudson Valley ratepayers,” said Senator Schumer. “And this provision helps us keep better tabs on FERC moving forward. Together with Reps. Maloney and Gibson, I will keep fighting FERC to roll back its harmful plan.” “Finally getting some accountability from FERC is an encouraging first step, but make no mistake, this fight continues. Congressman Gibson, Senator Schumer, and I have been partnering on this from day one, and we will not back down until we get relief for struggling neighbors and businesses facing this reckless price hike,” said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney. “This is a shot across FERC’s bow – they must once and for all listen to the concerns of Congress and the New Yorkers we’re fighting for, and go back to square one to reverse this reckless hike.” “The federal regulators who decide whether to raise our electric rates, causing significant impacts on hardworking families, need to be held accountable,” said Congressman Gibson. “This legislation is a positive step forward, but we will continue this fight in 2015 to see that FERC reverses these rate hikes and proceeds with a transparent, common-sense approach to improving our energy infrastructure in New York.” In the only directive for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the report states: “The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) recently approved a request by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) for a new capacity zone (Docket N. ER13-1380-000). Concerns persist regarding the effect of the capacity zone on consumer costs. The FERC is not currently required to take further action in fiscal year 2015. However, should the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals remand the order during 2015, the Commission would be required to issue an order in response to the decision. The FERC is directed to report to the Committees of the House and the Senate on a quarterly basis, beginning not later than 30 days after enactment of this Act, on the status of the court case, actions taken by FERC, and estimates of additional planned capacity and consumer costs.” In 2011, FERC and the New York State Independent System Operator (NYSIO), which operates the state power grid, proposed a new capacity zone in the Lower Hudson Valley in an attempt to alleviate power constraints in the area by increasing prices to attract new power generation capacity.  The zone took effect in May 2014, and immediately after Hudson Valley residents and businesses saw their electric rates spike. Sen. Schumer and Reps. Maloney and Gibson have been actively fighting to halt these rate hikes, working closely with Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro, and local partners like Dutchess County Chamber of Commerce. In July, the House passed legislation to prohibit funds from enforcing FERC’s new capacity zone overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives as part of the FY 2015 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill. In September, Rep. Maloney and Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) led a bipartisan letter supported by Governor Andrew Cuomo and signed by Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, and Congressman Eliot Engel calling on Federal Energy Regulatory Agency (FERC) to immediately reverse its decision creating a new “capacity zone” in the Hudson Valley. Maloney has hand delivered letters from folks across the Hudson Valley to FERC headquarters, written numerous letters, called, and met personally with FERC Chairman Cheryl LaFleur in an effort to get FERC to reverse course.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/2014/12/12/at-schumer-and-gillibrands-urging-fema-awards-owego-apalachin-central-school-district-with-funding-to-build-two-new-facilities-project-expected-to-be-valued-at-more-than-23-million-1,"At Schumer & Gillibrands Urging, FEMA Awards Owego Apalachin Central School District With Funding To Build Two New Facilities; Project Expected To Be Valued At More Than $23 Million",2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 12, 2014 At Schumer & Gillibrand's Urging, FEMA Awards Owego Apalachin Central School District With Funding To Build Two New Facilities; Project Expected To Be Valued At More Than $23 Million Funding will be used to Rebuild the School District's Administration Building and Storage Facility Outside of the Floodplain Washington, D.C. At U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand's urging, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the Owego Apalachin Central School District with funding to relocate the administration building and maintenance and storage facilities that were severely damaged during Tropical Storm Lee. There were several issues over whether funding would be used to repair the facilities in their current locations or rebuild new facilities outside of the floodplain. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand have been working with FEMA in support of the school district's application to rebuild these facilities outside of the floodplain. In March of 2014, with the support of both Senators, FEMA attended a meeting to discuss the project and review the proposal. In separate letters to FEMA, Schumer and Gillibrand urged the relocation of damaged school facilities away from the flood plain. In November, Schumer again petitioned Administrator Fugate to support the facilities relocation under the 428 procedure, which authorizes alternative procedures for debris removal and repair, restoration, and replacement of disaster-damaged public and private nonprofit facilities under the Public Assistance (PA) program, giving applicants more flexibility to complete their project. I am pleased that FEMA has stepped up to the plate and finally awarded the Owego Apalachin Central School District the funding its needs to relocate and rebuild facilities that were severely damaged in Tropical Storm Lee. These long-awaited federal funds will now allow the school district to provide a better, safer learning environment for students, teachers, and administrators without pushing the financial burden to local taxpayers, said Senator Schumer. After disaster strikes, it is the federal government's obligation to help local communities repair and rebuild local infrastructure, and I have worked over the past two years to cut through the bureaucratic red tape that was holding up this process. Now we have the funding this district needs to get back on its feet. This is great news for the Owego Apalachin Central School District, and long overdue said Senator Gillibrand. Tropical Storm Lee devastated communities throughout New York and Tioga County was hit hard. Homes, schools and businesses suffered unprecedented damage and were left in dire need of repair. This is an important investment for the community that will allow the school district to rebuild two new facilities outside the floodplain, preventing further devastation from future flooding. After district staff worked over two years to provide the appropriate documentation, I am pleased FEMA has finally taken action and has recognized the importance of relocating the school district's facilities outside of flood prone areas. This new funding agreement will allow us to build new administration and maintenance/storage facilities on locations outside the floodplain, said Dr. William Russell, Owego Apalachin Superintendent of Schools. We have been engaged in a long, often frustrating negotiation with FEMA for nearly two years over this issue. It's very gratifying that, following intervention at the very highest level of FEMA, we were able to reach a satisfactory conclusion that will provide full funding for our new buildings. We are especially grateful for the continued support and intervention from our two U.S. Senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand. They have been strong advocates for our full recovery from the first weeks after the flood disaster. Schumer and Gillibrand have long fought to secure the funds necessary to allow the Owego Apalachin Central School District to rebuild after Tropical Storm Lee. In letters sent in January and March 2014, Senator Gillibrand wrote to FEMA Region II Administrator Jerome Hatfield, urging FEMA to quickly resolve the request by the school district to relocate its administration building and storage facility outside of the floodplain, which led to meetings between the District, FEMA, New York State and other stakeholders that ultimately resulted in FEMA granting the request. In April 2012, Schumer called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to step up to the plate and improve its lackluster recovery efforts in Tioga County from Tropical Storm Lee. Schumer said the County's rebuilding plans had met delays and roadblocks at the hands of FEMA. In May 2012, Schumer hosted a meeting in his Washington D.C. office with FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate in order to ensure that FEMA stepped up to the plate and improved its inconsistent recovery efforts in Tioga and Broome Counties from Tropical Storm Lee. In the meeting, Schumer highlighted that the Southern Tier communities' rebuilding plans had met delays and roadblocks at the hands of FEMA, including buildings throughout the Owego Apalachin School District. In June 2012, Schumer announced that, after his urging, FEMA made plans to fund the replacement of the flood-ridden Owego Apalachin School District facilities, including the elementary school, with built-in mitigation efforts. The Owego Apalachin Central School District's facilities were severely damaged after Tropical Storm Lee, leaving half of the district's school buildings and facilities beyond repair. The funding awarded today by FEMA is an additional award for the school district that will allow it to relocate its administration building and storage facility. The school district previously received a FEMA award to replace the Owego Elementary School. Today's award is an important resource as the district works toward final stages of recovery from Tropical Storm Lee. Tropical Storm Lee wreaked havoc on Tioga County and its public facilities in September 2011, causing severe damage to public infrastructure and creating over 300 public assistance projects costing a total of over $30 million. The Owego Apalachin School district was particularly damaged, with five of its seven buildings badly damaged, and four rendered uninhabitable, including the Owego Elementary School and the District's administration building. The high school, middle school and athletic complex and fields also suffered major damage. The full text of Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand's most recent letters are attached. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/2014/12/12/at-schumer-and-gillibrands-urging-fema-awards-owego-apalachin-central-school-district-with-funding-to-build-two-new-facilities-project-expected-to-be-valued-at-more-than-23-million-2,"At Schumer & Gillibrand's Urging, FEMA Awards Owego Apalachin Central School District with Funding to Build two New Facilities; Project Expected to be Valued at More Than $23 Million",2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 12, 2014 At Schumer & Gillibrand's Urging, FEMA Awards Owego Apalachin Central School District with Funding to Build two New Facilities; Project Expected to be Valued at More Than $23 Million Funding will be used to Rebuild the School District's Administration Building and Storage Facility Outside of the Floodplain Washington, D.C. At U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand's urging, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the Owego Apalachin Central School District with funding to relocate the administration building and maintenance and storage facilities that were severely damaged during Tropical Storm Lee. There were several issues over whether funding would be used to repair the facilities in their current locations or rebuild new facilities outside of the floodplain. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand have been working with FEMA in support of the school district's application to rebuild these facilities outside of the floodplain. In March of 2014, with the support of both Senators, FEMA attended a meeting to discuss the project and review the proposal. In separate letters to FEMA, Schumer and Gillibrand urged the relocation of damaged school facilities away from the flood plain. In November, Schumer again petitioned Administrator Fugate to support the facilities relocation under the 428 procedure, which authorizes alternative procedures for debris removal and repair, restoration, and replacement of disaster-damaged public and private nonprofit facilities under the Public Assistance (PA) program, giving applicants more flexibility to complete their project. I am pleased that FEMA has stepped up to the plate and finally awarded the Owego Apalachin Central School District the funding its needs to relocate and rebuild facilities that were severely damaged in Tropical Storm Lee. These long-awaited federal funds will now allow the school district to provide a better, safer learning environment for students, teachers, and administrators without pushing the financial burden to local taxpayers, said Senator Schumer. After disaster strikes, it is the federal government's obligation to help local communities repair and rebuild local infrastructure, and I have worked over the past two years to cut through the bureaucratic red tape that was holding up this process. Now we have the funding this district needs to get back on its feet. This is great news for the Owego Apalachin Central School District, and long overdue said Senator Gillibrand. Tropical Storm Lee devastated communities throughout New York and Tioga County was hit hard. Homes, schools and businesses suffered unprecedented damage and were left in dire need of repair. This is an important investment for the community that will allow the school district to rebuild two new facilities outside the floodplain, preventing further devastation from future flooding. After district staff worked over two years to provide the appropriate documentation, I am pleased FEMA has finally taken action and has recognized the importance of relocating the school district's facilities outside of flood prone areas. This new funding agreement will allow us to build new administration and maintenance/storage facilities on locations outside the floodplain, said Dr. William Russell, Owego Apalachin Superintendent of Schools. We have been engaged in a long, often frustrating negotiation with FEMA for nearly two years over this issue. It's very gratifying that, following intervention at the very highest level of FEMA, we were able to reach a satisfactory conclusion that will provide full funding for our new buildings. We are especially grateful for the continued support and intervention from our two U.S. Senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand. They have been strong advocates for our full recovery from the first weeks after the flood disaster. Schumer and Gillibrand have long fought to secure the funds necessary to allow the Owego Apalachin Central School District to rebuild after Tropical Storm Lee. In letters sent in January and March 2014, Senator Gillibrand wrote to FEMA Region II Administrator Jerome Hatfield, urging FEMA to quickly resolve the request by the school district to relocate its administration building and storage facility outside of the floodplain, which led to meetings between the District, FEMA, New York State and other stakeholders that ultimately resulted in FEMA granting the request. In April 2012, Schumer called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to step up to the plate and improve its lackluster recovery efforts in Tioga County from Tropical Storm Lee. Schumer said the County's rebuilding plans had met delays and roadblocks at the hands of FEMA. In May 2012, Schumer hosted a meeting in his Washington D.C. office with FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate in order to ensure that FEMA stepped up to the plate and improved its inconsistent recovery efforts in Tioga and Broome Counties from Tropical Storm Lee. In the meeting, Schumer highlighted that the Southern Tier communities' rebuilding plans had met delays and roadblocks at the hands of FEMA, including buildings throughout the Owego Apalachin School District. In June 2012, Schumer announced that, after his urging, FEMA made plans to fund the replacement of the flood-ridden Owego Apalachin School District facilities, including the elementary school, with built-in mitigation efforts. The Owego Apalachin Central School District's facilities were severely damaged after Tropical Storm Lee, leaving half of the district's school buildings and facilities beyond repair. The funding awarded today by FEMA is an additional award for the school district that will allow it to relocate its administration building and storage facility. The school district previously received a FEMA award to replace the Owego Elementary School. Today's award is an important resource as the district works toward final stages of recovery from Tropical Storm Lee. Tropical Storm Lee wreaked havoc on Tioga County and its public facilities in September 2011, causing severe damage to public infrastructure and creating over 300 public assistance projects costing a total of over $30 million. The Owego Apalachin School district was particularly damaged, with five of its seven buildings badly damaged, and four rendered uninhabitable, including the Owego Elementary School and the District's administration building. The high school, middle school and athletic complex and fields also suffered major damage. The full text of Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand's most recent letters are attached. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/2014/12/12/gillibrand-and-maloney-announce-measure-to-renew-the-hudson-river-valley-national-heritage-area-designation-passes-congress-1,Gillibrand And Maloney Announce Measure To Renew The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Designation Passes Congress,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 12, 2014 Gillibrand And Maloney Announce Measure To Renew The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Designation Passes Congress Area to Have Access to Matching Federal Funding For Projects Through 2021 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) today announced a measure to reauthorize the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area designation has passed the Senate in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This reauthorization through 2021 keeps the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area operating to promote recreation and tourism, as well as enables the area to access federal funding for local projects. The legislation passed the House on December 4, 2014 and passed the Senate today; and now heads to the President's desk for signature. The Hudson River Valley is truly one of America's richest treasures, and holds enormous potential that we are still unlocking, Senator Gillibrand said. From the Adirondacks to the busy ports of New York City, the Hudson River Valley helps fuel our economy, inspires our artists, and provides New Yorkers with miles of adventure and endless recreation. As New York's first Senator from upstate in nearly 40 years, I will always work to preserve the beauty and tradition of the Hudson River Valley."" The Hudson Valley's scenic, historic, agricultural, and natural resources have inspired and captivated for generations - by working together, we will make a long-term investment to protect these gifts for generations to come, said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, who introduced the legislation in the House in 2013. This legislation is a true collaboration to boost tourism, invest in our local economy, create jobs, and preserve our region's heritage. This reauthorization ensures that our ability to be a catalyst for partnership projects that protect and promote the Hudson River Valley's unparalleled natural, cultural, and historic resources continues well into the future, said Mark Castiglione, Acting Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway and Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. A recent study showed that this work generates nearly $90 million in economic impact annually. What's more, these federal resources complement the significant investment in heritage tourism New York State is making under the leadership of Governor Cuomo through the Path Through History initiative. We are deeply grateful to Senator Gillibrand for her leadership, and thank the entire Hudson River Valley Congressional delegation for their unwavering support for the important work of the National Heritage Areas. Stretching from Saratoga to Westchester Counties, the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area links over 100 individual sites that promote tourism and recreation in the region, while showcasing the Hudson Valley's unique role in American history and development. First authorized in 1996, the National Heritage authorization expired in 2012. The authorization was extended in two, short one-year terms, once in 2013 and in 2014. Senator Gillibrand and Representative Sean Patrick Maloney both introduced legislation for a 10-year reauthorization. This legislation renews the designation and eligibility to apply for matching federal funding to be used to help preserve and promote historical, cultural, recreational, and natural sites in the region. The authorization will be extended through 2021. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/2014/12/12/gillibrand-announces-senate-passage-of-dod-pilot-program-to-bring-high-tech-innovation-to-the-marketplace-3,Gillibrand Announces Senate Passage Of DOD Pilot Program To Bring High-Tech Innovation To The Marketplace,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 12, 2014 Gillibrand Announces Senate Passage Of DOD Pilot Program To Bring High-Tech Innovation To The Marketplace Standing at Stony Brook's Calverton Business Incubator in June, Gillibrand and Local Officials Advocated for Federal Support of Commercialization to Ensure Next High-Tech Industry Starts Right Here on Long Island Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that Congress passed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) a provision to extend and enhance a Department of Defense (DOD) Proof of Concept Commercialization Pilot Program based on key provisions from her legislation to help accelerate the commercialization of basic research. This provision authorizes military departments across DOD to make competitive awards to universities, non-profit research institutions, and federal laboratories, like Brookhaven National Laboratory, to carry out programming to help translate more of the estimated $1 billion a year of research funding secured by Long Island research institutions into successful small businesses and science and technology jobs on Long Island and across New York. The NDAA passed the House of Representatives last week and passed the Senate today. There are often few resources available to help researchers who work with federal laboratories or who are based at universities or non-profit research organizations to translate their scientific discoveries into marketable products and companies. There is a particular need for proof of concept funding, which is aimed at helping researchers prove that their research can be practically and concretely used, better positioning the technology for private investment critical to launching a company.New York State currently ranks second in the nation in university research funding securing approximately $6 billion in total federal investment across research institutions each year but only attracts 7 percent of the nation's venture capital needed to grow successful companies. To help close this gap, Gillibrand joined local leaders at Stony Brook's Calverton Business Incubator in June of this year to announce the introduction of the Technology and Research Accelerating National Security and Future Economic Resiliency (TRANSFER) Act, which would create a competitive grant program for universities, colleges, federal laboratories and non-profit research institutions to help scientists and researchers secure valuable business resources to bring their discoveries to the marketplace and create new high-tech companies and jobs. New York is home to some of the world's brightest minds and best ideas to grow our economy, said Senator Gillibrand. This important provision will help bring high-tech innovation into the marketplace, producing cutting-edge small businesses and new jobs. Equipping our scientists and students with support and access to much-needed gap funding will go a long way towards creating the next high-tech industry and a new generation of innovative leaders who are critical to the future of our economy. I thank Senator Gillibrand for providing the opportunity for proof of concept funding through theDepartment of Defense (DOD) Proof of Concept Commercialization Pilot Program and for her support for the commercialization of high-tech startups on Long Island and in New York State. The proof of concept stage is critical time for early stage high-tech startup companies and it is very difficult for startups to secure funding at this stage. The Proof of Concept Commercialization Program provision in theNational Defense Authorization Actwill assist researchers and entrepreneurs with commercializing university-based technologies andsupport thegrowth of our innovation economy, said Mark Lesko, Executive Director of Accelerate Long Island. Federal investment in commercializing the research conducted at our country's world-class universities, institutions and laboratories will create high-tech jobs and boost the economy, and thus the Long Island Association commends Senator Gillibrand for her efforts to enhance this innovative pilot program, said Kevin Law, President & CEO of the Long Island Association. The need to support basic science research is greater than ever, said Samuel L. Stanley, Jr., M.D.,President, Stony Brook University. I thank Senator Gillibrand for her leadership on this issue andapplaud Congress for taking a proactive approach and passing this significant piece of legislation. The worldhasbeentransformed byfederal support of research and I'm confident that the TRANSFER Act will leverage both Stony Brook and Brookhaven National Laboratory to continue to advance technology transfer in the STEM fields, which in turnwill lead to opportunities forfuture innovators and creators of our region."" Under the NDAA Proof of Concept Commercialization Pilot Program, military departments across DOD are authorized to establish a competitive grant program to help universities, federal laboratories and other non-profit research institutions identify and grow the development and commercialization of initial discoveries, making potential products more attractive to state, local and private investment, and providing important technology for use by the military. Winning institutions are eligible for up to $1 million in federal funding. This investment would help create or strengthen proof of concept funds and technology transfer programs. Universities and institutions would be able to use grants for important technology development activities like evaluating the commercial potential of existing discoveries, including technical validations, market research, clarifying intellectual property rights, and investigating commercial and business opportunities. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/2014/12/12/gillibrand-announces-senate-passage-of-dod-pilot-program-to-bring-high-tech-innovation-to-the-marketplace-4,Gillibrand Announces Senate Passage Of DOD Pilot Program To Bring High-Tech Innovation To The Marketplace,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 12, 2014 Gillibrand Announces Senate Passage Of DOD Pilot Program To Bring High-Tech Innovation To The Marketplace Standing at NYC Urban Future Lab in August, Gillibrand and Local Officials Advocated for Federal Support of Commercialization to Ensure Next High-Tech Industry Starts Right Here in Brooklyn Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that Congress passed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) a provision to extend and enhance a Department of Defense (DOD) Proof of Concept Commercialization Pilot Program based on key provisions from her legislation to help accelerate the commercialization of basic research. This provision authorizes military departments across DOD to make competitive awards to universities, non-profit research institutions, and federal laboratories to carry out programming to help translate more of the estimated $2.3 billion a year of research funding secured by New York City university research institutions into successful small businesses and science and technology jobs in Brooklyn and across New York. The NDAA passed the House of Representatives last week and passed the Senate today. There are often few resources available to help researchers who work with federal laboratories or who are based at universities or non-profit research organizations to translate their scientific discoveries into marketable products and companies. There is a particular need for proof of concept funding, which is aimed at helping researchers prove that their research can be practically and concretely used, better positioning the technology for private investment critical to launching a company.New York State currently ranks second in the nation in university research funding securing approximately $6 billion in total federal investment across research institutions each year but only attracts 7 percent of the nation's venture capital needed to grow successful companies. To help close this gap, Gillibrand joined local leaders at the Urban Future Lab located at NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering's Downtown Brooklyn campus in August of this year to announce the introduction of the Technology and Research Accelerating National Security and Future Economic Resiliency (TRANSFER) Act, which would create a competitive grant program for universities, colleges, federal laboratories and non-profit research institutions to help scientists and researchers secure valuable business resources to bring their discoveries to the marketplace and create new high-tech companies and jobs. New York is home to some of the world's brightest minds and best ideas to grow our economy, said Senator Gillibrand. This important provision will help bring high-tech innovation into the marketplace, producing cutting-edge small businesses and new jobs. Equipping our scientists and students with support and access to much-needed gap funding will go a long way towards creating the next high-tech industry and a new generation of innovative leaders who are critical to the future of our economy. ""Brooklyn is one of the country's leaders in higher educational institutions, and has increasingly maximized the cooperation between its brain trust with business and government partnerships, said State Senator Velmanette Montgomery. It's a great fit, and the ideas coming out of these incubators will literally change the marketplace and the world. I am very grateful to Senator Gillibrand and my partners in government for their foresight and perseverance that is paying such great rewards already, with many more to come!"" ""I thank Senator Gillibrand for fighting in Washington to foster Brooklyn's innovation economy, said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. Our borough's researchers and scientists are on the cutting edge of their fields, and the commercialization of their discoveries will enrich our economy, benefit our consumers and advance opportunities at our universities and laboratories. The bipartisan TRANSFER act is a blueprint for success, in Brooklyn and beyond, to bring our high-tech industry to the next level."" New Yorkers are extremely fortunate to have somebody in the U.S. Senate who truly understands the direct connection between university-based research and the development of new technologies, jobs, and the growing economy, said Kurt Becker, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at the New York University Polytechnic School of Engineering. We are thankful for Senator Gillibrand's leadership role in spearheading the TRANSFER Act, which will greatly enhance university efforts to transform new ideas and research into commercial products. ""Some of the best and brightest minds in the world of science and technology are right here in Brooklyn, and SenatorGillibrand's legislation will now allow them to turn their great ideas into successful businesses and new jobs,"" says Carlo Scissura, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. ""New York has always been a center of innovation, and thanks to this bill, we will provide a new boost to our economy by growing our technology sector even further. I want to thank Senator Gillibrand for introducing this legislation, and for all of her work to help Brooklyn's businesses flourish. We are grateful for the support of our federal partners in advancing New York City's innovation economy,"" said New York City Economic Development Corporation President Kyle Kimball. ""The TRANSFER Act builds upon the momentum of the City's investments to support the growth of hundreds of companies and tens of thousands of good jobs, ensuring New York's prominence as a global capital of cutting-edge technology."" Under the NDAA Proof of Concept Commercialization Pilot Program, military departments across DOD are authorized to establish a competitive grant program to help universities, federal laboratories and other non-profit research institutions identify and grow the development and commercialization of initial discoveries, making potential products more attractive to state, local and private investment, and providing important technology for use by the military. Winning institutions are eligible for up to $1 million in federal funding. This investment would help create or strengthen proof of concept funds and technology transfer programs. Universities and institutions would be able to use grants for important technology development activities like evaluating the commercial potential of existing discoveries, including technical validations, market research, clarifying intellectual property rights, and investigating commercial and business opportunities. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/2014/12/12/gillibrand-announces-senate-passage-of-dod-pilot-program-to-bring-high-tech-innovation-to-the-marketplace-5,Gillibrand Announces Senate Passage Of DOD Pilot Program To Bring High-Tech Innovation To The Marketplace,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 12, 2014 Gillibrand Announces Senate Passage Of DOD Pilot Program To Bring High-Tech Innovation To The Marketplace Standing at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Manufacturing Innovation Learning Laboratory in July, Gillibrand and Local Officials Advocated for Federal Support of Commercialization to Ensure Next High-Tech Industry Starts Right Here in the Capital Region Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that Congress passed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) a provision to extend and enhance a Department of Defense (DOD) Proof of Concept Commercialization Pilot Program based on key provisions from her legislation to help accelerate the commercialization of basic research. This provision authorizes military departments across DOD to make competitive awards to universities, non-profit research institutions, and federal laboratories to carry out programming to help translate more of the estimated $520 million a year of research funding secured by Capital Region research institutions into successful small businesses and science and technology jobs in the region and across New York. The NDAA passed the House of Representatives last week and passed the Senate today. There are often few resources available to help researchers who work with federal laboratories or who are based at universities or non-profit research organizations to translate their scientific discoveries into marketable products and companies. There is a particular need for proof of concept funding, which is aimed at helping researchers prove that their research can be practically and concretely used, better positioning the technology for private investment critical to launching a company.New York State currently ranks second in the nation in university research funding securing approximately $6 billion in total federal investment across research institutions each year but only attracts 7 percent of the nation's venture capital needed to grow successful companies. Of this amount, Upstate areas like the Capital Region only receive about 3 percent of venture capital that comes to the state, holding back the potential to grow new businesses from the research done at institutions across Upstate New York. To help close this gap, Gillibrand joined local leaders at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Manufacturing Innovation Learning Laboratory in the Low Center for Industrial Innovation in July of this year to announce the introduction of the Technology and Research Accelerating National Security and Future Economic Resiliency (TRANSFER) Act, which would create a competitive grant program for universities, colleges, federal laboratories and non-profit research institutions to help scientists and researchers secure valuable business resources to bring their discoveries to the marketplace and create new high-tech companies and jobs. New York is home to some of the world's brightest minds and best ideas to grow our economy, said Senator Gillibrand. This important provision will help bring high-tech innovation into the marketplace, producing cutting-edge small businesses and new jobs. Equipping our scientists and students with support and access to much-needed gap funding will go a long way towards creating the next high-tech industry and a new generation of innovative leaders who are critical to the future of our economy. ""The approval of this TRANSFER Act pilot program, spearheaded by Senator Gillibrand, will provide university researchers, including those at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, with greater opportunities to further new discoveries and develop new technologies that result in better processes and more competitive products,"" saidJonathan S. Dordick, Ph.D., RensselaerVice President for Research. ""The pilot program has the potential to benefit all Americans by enhancing the commercial potential of innovations and new ventures and lead to new companies and new jobs."" ""Funding from this effort could be an important catalyst in the New York Capital Region's entrepreneurial ecosystem, said Center for Economic Growth President F. Michael Tucker. We have a rich array of higher education institutions and a growing start-up culture, but new capital resources are necessary to bolster the pipeline of research to commercialization that we need to see from an economic development perspective."" Under the NDAA Proof of Concept Commercialization Pilot Program, military departments across DOD are authorized to establish a competitive grant program to help universities, federal laboratories and other non-profit research institutions identify and grow the development and commercialization of initial discoveries, making potential products more attractive to state, local and private investment, and providing important technology for use by the military. Winning institutions are eligible for up to $1 million in federal funding. This investment would help create or strengthen proof of concept funds and technology transfer programs. Universities and institutions would be able to use grants for important technology development activities like evaluating the commercial potential of existing discoveries, including technical validations, market research, clarifying intellectual property rights, and investigating commercial and business opportunities. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/2014/12/12/gillibrand-statement-on-tonights-vote-on-annual-defense-bill-1,Gillibrand Statement On Tonight's Vote On Annual Defense Bill,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 12, 2014 Gillibrand Statement On Tonight's Vote On Annual Defense Bill Senator Fought for Proposals to Ensure Critical Care for Military Children With Developmental Disabilities, Track Progress on Opening Combat Roles for Women, and Better Train and Recruit Cybersecurity Experts Washington, DC U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today after voting against the FY'15 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the Senate earlier this evening: While there are priorities of mine that I have fought hard for in this bill, and I am proud they are in the final bill, I could not in good conscience vote in favor of this bill authorizing the arming of Syrian rebels, said Senator Gillibrand. I remain unconvinced this is the correct approach, and previous history suggests that arming Syrian rebels will be an ineffective solution with potentially serious unintended consequences in the long-term. Gillibrand pushed hard for aseries of measures aimedatbetter assessing sexual assault in the military, in addition to protecting sexual assault survivors' mental health records to ensure that victims aren't afraid to seek care because their records will likely be used in courts martial. Gillibrand also secured, among others, approval of a measure ensuring critical care for military children with developmental disabilities, a measure tracking the services' progress on combat integration, and a measuredirecting the services to create cyber career tracks. The following is background information of Gillibrand-led highlights in the FY'15 NDAA: Included New Sexual Assault Measures Protecting Survivors' Mental Health Records and Better Assessing Assault in the Department of Defense: Gillibrand included language she wrote requiring a modification of the therapy records rule in the Military Rules of Evidence to ensure that victims aren't afraid to seek care because their records will likely be used in courts martial. The modifications will require the military to either clarify or eliminate the current exception to the privilege when the admission or disclosure of a communication is constitutionally required. Senator Gillibrand also included language requiring a biennial survey of Department of Defense civilians to solicit information on issues relating to sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination, and the climate within the Department of Defense. It also requires the Department to report back on the feasibility of establishing similar surveys for contractors and military dependents. Senator Gillibrand also included a requirement that the Secretary of Defense establish a Defense Advisory Committee on Investigation, Prosecution, and Defense of Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces to serve as a watchdog that assesses sexual assault cases on a yearly basis and provides its analysis in reports to the Secretary of Defense and Armed Services Committees. Tracking Progress on Opening Combat Roles for Women Gillibrand got in a requirement for a Comptroller General of the United States review of the progress of developing and validating gender-neutral standards, including the effectiveness of the services' evaluation and testing processes, and the Defense Department's monitoring of whether the services will meet the January 2016 deadline for integration. The bill also included a requirement that the Secretary of Defense direct the service secretaries to validate gender-neutral occupational standards as well as a requirement that the Secretary direct the service secretaries to ensure that properly designed and fitted combat equipment is available to and distributed to female members of the Armed Forces. The bill also requires the Comptroller General to review military service outreach programs and recruitment efforts focused on accessing women into the Armed Forces and to report to Congress on the results of this review. New Effort to Ensure Health Coverage, Long-Term Care For Military Children with Developmental Disabilities Gillibrand also fought for a provision that would protect long-term care for military children with disabilities, giving them the same access to care that non-military children currently have. Under this measure, anyservicememberwho invests in a Survivor Benefit Plan would be able to transfer their benefit to a Special Needs Trust. This trust would allow special needs children of deceasedservicemembersto access funds for treatment without losing federal benefits that are critical to their care, such as Social Security Disability and Medicaid.This language is based onS.1076the Disabled Military Child Protection Act of 2013which was offered by Senator Gillibrand and Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC). Closing Cybersecurity Skills Gap - Recruit & Train Cybersecurity Experts In an effort to put the U.S. at the forefront of defense against cyber-attacks by recruiting and training cybersecurity experts for the Department of Defense, Gillibrand directed the services to help close the cybersecurity skills gap by examining ways to improve the recruitment and retention of cybersecurity professionals. Currently, there is no clear career track or incentive for either servicemembers or civilians to grow and progress in the cyber field. Studying How the Department of Defense Works with Small Businesses on cybersecurity In response to a report about the cybersecurity vulnerabilities of small business defense contractors, the Government Accountability Office will now issue a report identifying the gaps and weaknesses in the area of cybersecurity infrastructure and education. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/cardin-mikulski-schumer-gillibrand-celebrate-final-approval-of-harriet-tubman-national-historical-parks,"Cardin, Mikulski, Schumer, Gillibrand Celebrate Final Approval of Harriet Tubman National Historical Parks",2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 12, 2014 Cardin, Mikulski, Schumer, Gillibrand Celebrate Final Approval of Harriet Tubman National Historical Parks Tubman is the First African-American Woman and First Individual Woman Honored with a National Historical Park WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (Both D-Md.), along with Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand (Both D-NY), praised Senate approval late Friday of legislation that will finally send approval of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park in Maryland and the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in New York to the President to be signed into law. The creation of these two national historical parks honors the life of Harriet Ross Tubman, the most famous conductor on the Underground Railroad. The official designation of the national historical parks is included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Harriet Tubman was a true American hero and patriot, for whom liberty and freedom were not just ideas. More than one hundred years after her death, we are properly honoring the legacy of this remarkable woman's life, work, and contributions to our nation's history, said Senator Cardin (video).This is a great day for the Eastern Shore and our country. ""Today's hard-fought bipartisan action to establish a Harriet Tubman National Historical Park on Maryland's Eastern Shore is a fitting tribute to honor her lasting legacy in Maryland and to our nation that will inspire future generations of women and girls,"" Senator Mikulski said. Harriet Tubman was a courageous fighter and abolitionist who delivered scores of slaves to freedom on the Underground Railroad. She was tireless in her commitment to fight for those who could not fight for themselves. Harriet Tubman was a true American hero, and this bill will finally allow us to honor and preserve her home in Auburn as a National Historic Park so that future generations may be inspired by her legacy and service. Born a slave, Harriet Tubman threw off her chains to forge a path of freedom for herself. But compelled by her commitment to justice, she returned again and again and again to the South to free countless others, earning the nickname Moses' for her exploits. This site in Auburn will serve as a monument to her bravery and compassion and to the freedom and equality that we cherish as a nation. I am pleased to announce that this long-awaited recognition has passed both the chambers in Congress and is now headed straight for the President's desk, said Senator Schumer. Harriet Tubman left an indelible mark on America, and this National Park will be a true testament to her life's work and all that is best about our country. Harriet Tubman risked her life to rescue others from slavery and oppression, and for that, she is one of American history's greatest heroes, said Senator Gillibrand, who toured Harriet Tubman's home and the Home for the Aged that she established in the Auburn-Fleming area. With this new National Historical Park designation, Harriet Tubman's life and legacy will continue to live on, and her story will continue to inspire so many people for generations to come. She led countless others in the journey for freedom and equality, and I am pleased there will now be a national park in her honor, where people from across the country can reflect on her life and legacy. The National Historical Park in Maryland will trace Tubman's early life on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, where she was born and later escaped from slavery to become one of the leaders on the Underground Railroad. The National Historical Park in New York will be located in Auburn and commemorates the later years of Tubman's life where she was active in the women's suffrage movement and established a rest home that provided for the welfare of aged African Americans. In 2013, President Barack Obama established the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument in Dorchester County on Maryland's Eastern Shore, setting the stage for National Historical Park designation. Together, the national historical park and monument will preserve the unique landscape associated with Harriet Tubman's life on the Eastern Shore and her legacy as the most famous conductor on the Underground Railroad. The park is also expected to increase tourism, create jobs and strengthen Dorchester County's local economy. In 2010, tourism represented one-fifth of Dorchester County's employment, generating more than $132 million for the local economy. Harriet Tubman was born in Dorchester County, Md., where she spent nearly 30 years as a slave. She escaped slavery in 1849, but returned to the Eastern Shore several times over the course of 10 years to lead hundreds of African Americans to freedom in the North. Known as Moses by African-American and white abolitionists, she reportedly never lost a passenger on the Underground Railroad. The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park would include historically important landscapes including: Upon enactment, the portion of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument that is owned and managed by the National Park Service will become the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park. This parcel contains the home site of Jacob Jackson, a free black man who used coded letters to help Tubman communicate with family and others and who also offered up his house as one of the first safe houses along the Underground Railroad leading out of Maryland's Eastern Shore. The Conservation Fund donated the 480-acre property, adjacent to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, to the National Park Service for the purposes of establishing the National Monument. The bill authorizes the National Park Service to acquire, through deed transfer or through conservation easement on private land, seven non-contiguous parcels of land in Maryland that hold historical significance to the life of Harriet Tubman. The total acreage composition of these parcels is 775 acres in Talbot County, 2,200 in Caroline County, and 2,775 in Dorchester County (this includes the 480 acres that the National Park Service already owns). These parcels are significant sites in Harriet Tubman's life, including her likely birthplace, the Brodess Plantation parcel where she worked as a young girl; the Cook Plantation parcel, where as a teenager she worked as a seamstress; and Poplar Neck plantation, where Harriet Tubman escaped slavery in 1849. The bill clarifies that the existing federal lands owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, which are also part of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument, will remain under the management of the USFWS and part of the national monument. In Auburn, N.Y., The Harriet Tubman National Historical Park would include important historical structures. They include Tubman's home, the Home for the Aged that she established, the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion Church, and the Fort Hill Cemetery, where she is buried. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/gillibrand-secures-impact-aid-for-north-country-in-ndaa-which-passed-senate,"Gillibrand Secures Impact Aid For North Country In NDAA, Which Passed Senate",2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 12, 2014 Gillibrand Secures Impact Aid For North Country In NDAA, Which Passed Senate Gillibrand Secured $30 Million for Department of Defense Impact Aid Nationwide Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which the Senate passed today, includes funding for the Department of Defense Impact Aid programs and extends the Impact Aid Improvement Act of 2012 for an additional three years. Senator Gillibrand secured $25 million for the Department of Defense Impact Aid Supplemental Program and an additional $5 million for the Department of Defense Impact Aid for Children with Severe Disabilities Program.The legislation also extends a series of amendments to the Department of Education Impact Aid Program that improve the program's efficiency and requires that payments to school districts be made in a timely fashion. Families near Fort Drum rely on this funding to keep their schools strong, giving our children the education and services they need, said Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Armed Services Committee. This is an important investment in our community that will help our students grow and learn. The North Country is home to Fort Drum, a major training center for reserve component forces and units of the New York Army National Guard. Fort Drum occupies more than 107,000 acres of the North County and houses the 10th Mountain Division and more than 1,500 additional military personnel. Impact Aid is a federal programthat provides funding to school districts across the United States that include within their boundaries parcels of land that are owned by the federal government or that have been removed from the local tax rolls by the federal government.Congress has provided critical funding to 1,400 school districts across the country through this program. The Impact Aid programs through the Department of Defense serve military-connected school districts where at least 20-percent of the student population is military dependent. In Fiscal Year 2014, Congress provided funding to 121 military-connected school districts nationwide through the Department of Defense Impact Aid programs, including five school districts in New York, all of which are located near Fort Drum. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/senate-passes-gillibrand-legislation-requiring-mental-health-professional-on-military-review-board,Senate Passes Gillibrand Legislation Requiring Mental Health Professional On Military Review Board,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 12, 2014 Senate Passes Gillibrand Legislation Requiring Mental Health Professional On Military Review Board Local Long Island Veteran Prompted Gillibrand to Introduce Bill Ensuring Service Members with Mental Health Injuries Get Treated Fairly Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a Senate Armed Services Committee member, announced today that the Senate has passed her legislation that would require the panel that reviews military discharges to have either a mental health professional or a doctor with a mental health certification on its board. After hearing from Kristofer Goldsmith, a local Long Island veteran who was discharged from the military as the result of an undiagnosed mental health condition, Gillibrand introduced the Military Mental Health Review Board Improvement Act in April, which would ensure these service members' appeals are expertly reviewed and that the records of service members who were improperly discharged for an incorrect reason, or with a less than honorable rating, can be corrected. The legislation passed the Senate today as part of the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act and now heads to the President for signature. Nearly one million current or former service members were diagnosed with a mental health condition between 2001 and 2011, including at least 30,000 who were diagnosed with Personality Disorder or Adjustment Disorder. It was later found that many of these men and women, who were discharged from the military without access to care or benefits, were improperly diagnosed and unjustly denied access to the services, care and benefits they had earned. A Discharge Review Board is a military panel with the legal authority to review military discharges. Service members who receive a less than Honorable discharge can be denied access to many of the services, care and benefits to which they could be entitled, including G.I. Bill benefits, and can encounter various obstacles when looking for work or housing. We must ensure that the men and women of our military who risk their lives to protect our countryreceive the care they earned, said Senator Gillibrand. Too many of our service members have been discharged as a result of an undiagnosed or improperly diagnosed mental health condition. It is important that a mental health professional be included at all review board hearings, ensuring that our service members receive a correct diagnosis and treatment for mental health injuries like PTSD, TBI and MST. ""Thanks to Senator Gillibrand's legislation, from now on, every veteran can be confident that they'll have the benefit of a properly trained review board, said Kristofer Goldsmith. Justice is finally within reach for the countless veterans who, like me, have been inappropriately discharged from the military due to improperly or undiagnosed service-related illnesses and injuries."" After graduating Mepham high school in 2003, Kristofer Goldsmith, president of Student Veterans of Nassau Community College, enlisted with the Army as a Forward Observer and was trained to direct artillery fire. He deployed to Iraq in 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III, where his primary duties were focused on intelligence reporting from the field. These duties included the photo documentation of victims of torture found by his unit in a mass grave. Kris was diagnosed with Chronic Depression, Personality Disorder and Adjustment Disorder when he sought mental health treatment while on active duty. He left the Army in 2007 with a General Discharge, with a narrative reason for separation listed as ""Misconduct: Serious Offense"" after he attempted to take his own life. This type of Discharge status made him ineligible for the Post-9-11 GI Bill, and his mental state left him unemployable for years after leaving the Army. Kris was properly diagnosed with severe PTSD just two months after his discharge by VA doctors. With seven years of treatment from the VA, heis now in the process of recovery from severe PTSD and is going to Nassau Community College under the Voc Rehab program. Kris is the president of Student Veterans of NCC, and is working to help to build a strong network of veterans on Long Island. He has applied twice to the Army Discharge Review Boardto have his discharge upgraded to Honorable, and his appeal has been denied both times. At his last discharge review hearing, a physician with no background in mental health was called as an expert witness by the Army Discharge Review Board to review his mental health files. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/senate-passes-gillibrand-secured-measure-in-ndaa-bill-requiring-air-force-to-provide-timeline-on-c-130s-return-to-niagara-falls-air-force-reserve-base,Senate Passes Gillibrand Secured Measure In NDAA Bill Requiring Air Force To Provide Timeline On C-130s Return To Niagara Falls Air Force Reserve Base,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 12, 2014 Senate Passes Gillibrand Secured Measure In NDAA Bill Requiring Air Force To Provide Timeline On C-130s Return To Niagara Falls Air Force Reserve Base Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today announced a measure she pushed for that would require the U.S. Air Force to provide information about the return of the C-130H3s to the 914th Air Force Reserve unit at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, was passed by the Senate today in the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Senator Gillibrand successfully passed this measure out of the Senate Armed Services Committee in May. The language included in the Senate-passed version of NDAA expands on the provision, prohibiting funding for the transfer of C-130s until the Secretary of the Air Force submits a report to Congress that explains how, if at all, the plan for moving C-130s deviates from the total force structure proposal described in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, its cost, and what potential benefits may exist. Senator Gillibrand has long advocated for the 914th Air Force Reserve unit at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. She has written several letters to the Air Force since this plan was revealed, asking for an expedited return of these airframes to the 914th Airlift Wing. The language included in the FY15 National Defense Authorization Act instructs the Air Force to report back to Congress on its recommended basing alignment for all C-130 models, and to identify any deviation from the plan agreed to in FY2013, the reasons for the changes and their impact. ""As the sole military installation in Western New York, the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station is vital to our national defense and our region's economy, said Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. After the mission change for the Air National Guard unit also stationed at Niagara, I asked the Air Force for an update on the return of the newer C-130H3 models to the 914th Airlift Wing. I am pleased we will now be able to get a concrete information about when we can expect them home. As a result of the 2005 BRAC round, the 914th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve and the 107th Airlift Wing of the Air National Guard were realigned to form an association. At that time, the Air Force removed the newer model C-130H3 airframes that were flown by the 914th and add additional older C-130H2 models that were being flown by the 107th AW. As part of the FY2013 National Defense Authorization Act, the association between the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve at the base was dissolved, and the 107th Airlift Wing began a conversion to an MQ-9 RPA mission. The full text of the letters to the Air Force are attached Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/at-schumer-and-gillibrands-urging-fema-awards-owego-apalachin-central-school-district-with-funding-to-build-two-new-facilities-project-expected-to-be-valued-at-more-than-23-million,"AT SCHUMER & GILLIBRANDS URGING, FEMA AWARDS OWEGO APALACHIN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WITH FUNDING TO BUILD TWO NEW FACILITIES; PROJECT EXPECTED TO BE VALUED AT MORE THAN $23 MILLION",2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.12.14 AT SCHUMER & GILLIBRAND'S URGING, FEMA AWARDS OWEGO APALACHIN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WITH FUNDING TO BUILD TWO NEW FACILITIES; PROJECT EXPECTED TO BE VALUED AT MORE THAN $23 MILLION Funding will be used to Rebuild the School District's Administration Building and Storage Facility Outside of the Floodplain At U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand's urging, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the Owego Apalachin Central School District with funding to relocate the administration building and maintenance and storage facilities that were severely damaged during Tropical Storm Lee. There were several issues over whether funding would be used to repair the facilities in their current locations or rebuild new facilities outside of the floodplain. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand have been working with FEMA in support of the school district's application to rebuild these facilities outside of the floodplain. In March of 2014, with the support of both Senators, FEMA attended a meeting to discuss the project and review the proposal. In separate letters to FEMA, Schumer and Gillibrand urged the relocation of damaged school facilities away from the flood plain. In November, Schumer again petitioned Administrator Fugate to support the facilities relocation under the 428 procedure, which authorizes alternative procedures for debris removal and repair, restoration, and replacement of disaster-damaged public and private nonprofit facilities under the Public Assistance (PA) program, giving applicants more flexibility to complete their project. I am pleased that FEMA has stepped up to the plate and finally awarded the Owego Apalachin Central School District the funding its needs to relocate and rebuild facilities that were severely damaged in Tropical Storm Lee. These long-awaited federal funds will now allow the school district to provide a better, safer learning environment for students, teachers, and administrators without pushing the financial burden to local taxpayers, saidSenator Schumer. After disaster strikes, it is the federal government's obligation to help local communities repair and rebuild local infrastructure, and I have worked over the past two years to cut through the bureaucratic red tape that was holding up this process. Now we have the funding this district needs to get back on its feet. This is great news for the Owego Apalachin Central School District, and long overdue saidSenator Gillibrand. Tropical Storm Lee devastated communities throughout New York and Tioga County was hit hard. Homes, schools and businesses suffered unprecedented damage and were left in dire need of repair. This is an important investment for the community that will allow the school district to rebuild two new facilities outside the floodplain, preventing further devastation from future flooding. After district staff worked over two years to provide the appropriate documentation, I am pleased FEMA has finally taken action and has recognized the importance of relocating the school district's facilities outside of flood prone areas. This new funding agreement will allow us to build new administration and maintenance/storage facilities on locations outside the floodplain, saidDr. William Russell, Owego Apalachin Superintendent of Schools. We have been engaged in a long, often frustrating negotiation with FEMA for nearly two years over this issue. It's very gratifying that, following intervention at the very highest level of FEMA, we were able to reach a satisfactory conclusion that will provide full funding for our new buildings. We are especially grateful for the continued support and intervention from our two U.S. Senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand. They have been strong advocates for our full recovery from the first weeks after the flood disaster. Schumer and Gillibrand have long fought to secure the funds necessary to allow the Owego Apalachin Central School District to rebuild after Tropical Storm Lee. In letters sent in January and March 2014, Senator Gillibrand wrote to FEMA Region II Administrator Jerome Hatfield, urging FEMA to quickly resolve the request by the school district to relocate its administration building and storage facility outside of the floodplain, which led to meetings between the District, FEMA, New York State and other stakeholders that ultimately resulted in FEMA granting the request. In April 2012, Schumer called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to step up to the plate and improve its lackluster recovery efforts in Tioga County from Tropical Storm Lee. Schumer said the County's rebuilding plans had met delays and roadblocks at the hands of FEMA. In May 2012, Schumer hosted a meeting in his Washington D.C. office with FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate in order to ensure that FEMA stepped up to the plate and improved its inconsistent recovery efforts in Tioga and Broome Counties from Tropical Storm Lee. In the meeting, Schumer highlighted that the Southern Tier communities' rebuilding plans had met delays and roadblocks at the hands of FEMA, including buildings throughout the Owego Apalachin School District. In June 2012, Schumer announced that, after his urging, FEMA made plans to fund the replacement of the flood-ridden Owego Apalachin School District facilities, including the elementary school, with built-in mitigation efforts. The Owego Apalachin Central School District's facilities were severely damaged after Tropical Storm Lee, leaving half of the district's school buildings and facilities beyond repair. The funding awarded today by FEMA is an additional award for the school district that will allow it to relocate its administration building and storage facility. The school district previously received a FEMA award to replace the Owego Elementary School. Today's award is an important resource as the district works toward final stages of recovery from Tropical Storm Lee. Tropical Storm Lee wreaked havoc on Tioga County and its public facilities in September 2011, causing severe damage to public infrastructure and creating over 300 public assistance projects costing a total of over $30 million. The Owego Apalachin School district was particularly damaged, with five of its seven buildings badly damaged, and four rendered uninhabitable, including the Owego Elementary School and the District's administration building. The high school, middle school and athletic complex and fields also suffered major damage. The full text of Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand's most recent letters are attached. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-senate-passage-of-justice-against-sponsors-of-terrorism-actlong-sought-after-by-9/11-families-senator-calls-on-house-to-pass-legislation,SCHUMER ANNOUNCES SENATE PASSAGE OF JUSTICE AGAINST SPONSORS OF TERRORISM ACTLONG SOUGHT AFTER BY 9/11 FAMILIES; SENATOR CALLS ON HOUSE TO PASS LEGISLATION,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.12.14 SCHUMER ANNOUNCES SENATE PASSAGE OF JUSTICE AGAINST SPONSORS OF TERRORISM ACT'LONG SOUGHT AFTER BY 9/11 FAMILIES; SENATOR CALLS ON HOUSE TO PASS LEGISLATION Schumer Announces That The Senate Has Passed His Bipartisan Legislation- JASTA- Which Will Allow Victims of 9/11 and Other Terrorist Acts to Sue Foreign Countries That Funded Terrorists Groups Like Al Qaeda, ISIS and Others For Months, Schumer Has Rallied With 9/11 Families For Final Passage of JASTA', Which Addresses An Injustice for Americans Victims of Terror Recent Unfair Court Decisions Have Prevented Them From Suing Groups & Countries That Funded The Terror That Took Their Loved Ones Schumer: We Are One Step Closer to Holding Those That Fund Terrorist Acts Financially Accountable House Must Act U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) has passed the Senate by Unanimous Consent, a massive step towards allowing victims of 9/11 and other terrorist acts to sue foreign countries that funded terrorist groups like Al Qaeda, ISIS and others. Schumer has rallied with families of victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks to pass this legislation, which works to deter international terrorism and guarantee access to financial justice for those who have suffered at terrorists' hands, and now calls on the House of Representatives to pass this legislation. Schumer co-sponsored this legislation with Senator Cornyn (R-TX). Since the 9/11 attacks, some court decisions have improperly blocked terrorism-related claims that Congress intended to permit. Based on the rulings, without Schumer's legislation, Americans may have no recourse against the foreign states and groups that sponsor terrorist attacks. Schumer said that JASTA, if passed into law, will finally help the victims of 9/11 achieve justice by allowing them to sue countries that fund terrorist groups, like Al Qaeda. JASTA would also allow a family member to sue those that fund ISIS, Hamas and other groups, should they kill an American in an act of terrorism. No amount of compensation will ever repair the broken hearts of a family that lost a loved one to mindless hate on September 11th, but without passage of JASTA these families are being denied the ability to hold accountable foreign sponsors of terrorism because of a major loophole in our legal system. I am very proud that the Senate has passed the bipartisan Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, and I urge that the House also amend the Foreign Sovereign Immunity Act to allow victims and their families to hold accountable the sponsors of heinous acts like 9/11. Several court decisions since September 11thhave improperly blocked terrorism-related claims that Congress intended to permit. For example, the second CircuitIn re Terrorist Attacks of September 11th, 2001,has held that sovereign immunity protected foreign government charities from 9/11 victims' claims regarding support for those attacks and that aiding and abetting theories are unavailable under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1991 (ATA). That court further ruled that terror victims pursing ATA claims must satisfy a strict proximate causation test. As current law stands, the families of Americans who were injured or killed in terrorist attacks, like those who were tragically struck on September 11th, 2001, may have no recourse against the foreign states and groups that sponsor such attacks. JASTA allows terrorism victims, like victims ofthe September 11thattacks, the right to pursue foreign states and sponsors of terrorism in federal court. The bill allows Americans to direct financial damage claims against those who funded the attacks. The legislation would also afford this right to families of other American victims of terrorism, that have occurred since September 11, 2001. Specifically, Senator Schumer's legislation amends the Foreign Sovereign Immunity Act by ensuring: that victims of terrorinsidethe United States receive the same protections as victims of terroroutsidethe United States; that liability clearly exists for aiders and abettors of terrorism; and that foreign states that commit terrorist acts in the United States can be held accountable under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Senator Schumer's Senate floor statement calling for Unanimous Consent to pass this legislation is available upon request. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://chriscollins.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/jim-kelly-and-chris-collins-lead-the-way-on-legislation-to-enhance,Jim Kelly and Chris Collins Lead the Way on Legislation to Enhance Newborn Screening,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,NY,Chris Collins,C001092,chriscollins.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today released the following statement after H.R. 1281, Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act, passed the House and was sent to the President’s desk to sign into law. “Simply put, this legislation will save lives,” said Congressman Collins.  “This bipartisan effort answers the need for enhanced newborn screenings to give every baby born in this country the best chance at a healthy life.  I want to thank Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame Quarterback Jim Kelly - a leading advocate for newborn screening – for fighting so hard for the reauthorization of this legislation on behalf of his late son Hunter and children all across this country.” ""My wife Jill and I understand firsthand the devastation of learning that your child has a fatal disease after it’s too late for lifesaving treatment,” shared NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame Quarterback, Jim Kelly.  “Today, newborn screening for diseases like Krabbe gives children like my son, Hunter, the chance for the healthy life they deserve.”  “It’s clear that Congressman Collins is committed to making our children’s health a priority from the very start,” Kelly stated.  “It takes a team to really make a difference and we’re so thankful for the Congressman’s help in getting this important bill all the way to the President’s desk.” H.R. 1281 will continue to ensure infants receive comprehensive and effective screening by: Reauthorizing Health Resources and Services Administration grants to assist states’ efforts to improve their screening programs, educate parents and health care providers, and improve follow-up care for infants with conditions detected through newborn screening; Renewing the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children, which maintains and updates the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel that states adopt and implement; Authorizing a grant program to provide technical assistance to state newborn screening programs to track outcomes of infants identified through newborn screening and reauthorizing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Newborn Screening Quality Assurance Program, and; Reauthorizing the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Hunter Kelly Newborn Screening program, which funds research aimed at identifying new treatments and new screening technologies.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/congressman-crowley-testifies-house-judiciary-committee-hearing-humanitarian-crisis,Congressman Crowley Testifies At House Judiciary Committee Hearing on Humanitarian Crisis at the Border,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Citing NYC’s Proud Tradition of Welcoming Immigrants, Crowley Speaks to NYC’s Efforts to Help Children Fleeing Violence in Home Countries Crowley Urges Communities to Join NYC and “Rise to Challenge” (Washington, D.C.)  – On Wednesday, December 10, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, testified before the House Judiciary Committee’s Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee on how New York City is setting an example in welcoming and caring for the unaccompanied children at our border. Rep. Crowley’s written testimony submitted for the record to the committee is below: Good afternoon. My name is Congressman Joseph Crowley, and I represent the 14th District of New York, which includes the Bronx and Queens in New York City. My district has been called the “most ethnically diverse congressional district in the nation,” and for generations, it’s been home to new immigrants. New York City has always been proud to welcome immigrants, whether through Ellis Island, JFK Airport, or the Port Authority bus terminal. We welcome immigrants who are coming here to make a better life for themselves and their children, but we also welcome those who are fleeing danger and violence. In recent months, we’ve seen a lot of attention turned to children from Central America who are coming here in desperation. Despite what you might hear from cynics about why these children came here, these children have endured unimaginable struggle and danger to come here for the chance at not just a better life, but a chance at life at all. That’s what this is about – it’s a life or death situation for these children. At home they face a constant barrage of violence and murders. And gang activity becomes not just a possibility, but a near certainty. These gangs are increasingly targeting children – who are put in harm’s way not just if they join, but even if they resist. So like refugees all around the world always have, they take the only imaginable step – the desperate step of a dangerous journey to a place where they can be safe. Oftentimes the journey itself puts them in great danger from smugglers and traffickers, but they are willing to take on these risks to escape the greater ones at home. The United States has long stood with those who are fleeing persecution and violence. We’ve stood alongside them, so they know they’re not alone. We’ve stood behind them, to give them the ability to make a new life here. And we’ve stood up for them, to make it clear that there is no place in this world for the atrocities that drive people to leave their homes. That’s who we are and what we do. And it’s what we need to continue to do, with not just words, but resources. I was disappointed that this summer we didn’t see that same commitment from my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, and an important opportunity was missed to help meet the needs of these children. Fortunately, communities like my home in New York City have been stepping up to welcome these children. The New York City region has been one of the areas receiving the largest numbers of child migrants in the country. In New York City, about 2,000 child migrants were placed with family members or other sponsors in Fiscal Year 2014. More than 3,000 children were placed in the surrounding areas of Long Island, and hundreds more in other counties just outside New York City. But instead of looking for any avenues to block these children, or to withhold needed resources out of spite and anger, New York City has looked and said, “what can we do to help smooth the way for these children?” I know that my colleagues here with me on this panel today have raised concerns about the impact of these children on their own communities – that’s understandable. It impacts us all when a humanitarian crisis like this happens. But more specifically, there is an impact on logistics, resources, community engagement. There have been a number of bills introduced that focus on notifying state and community officials when the federal government looks to house or place children in locations within that state. Let me say that I certainly don’t think any of us would argue against greater communication between federal and local authorities. But it has to be done in a smart and reasonable way that makes sense. It has to give enough flexibility to actually meet the needs of the situation. And it has to ensure that there’s adequate confidentiality for not just the children themselves, but also their sponsors and family members when they are released. If notification and information sharing becomes a way to target innocent children, or the family members that are taking them in while they wait for resolution to their case, then we’ve done everyone a disservice. And it shouldn’t be used a way to block needed response efforts, leaving children out in the cold to score political points. That’s not what we need, and it’s not what’s helpful. These children have real needs. Yes, there was an immediate need of identifying facilities that could house them during initial screenings. But their needs continue, and their needs shift in a way that would benefit from a well-planned effort. To be clear, these children aren't just placed in communities indiscriminately. Under the law, they must be “promptly placed in the least restrictive setting that is in the best interest of the child.” They are then transferred to family members or approved sponsors while they wait for their day in immigration court. When children leave the federal government’s custody to stay with sponsors, their needs don’t just end there. The legal process alone is an example of the need these children have and how cities are doing their best to meet it. In New York City, nonprofit legal service provider organizations have worked with the city to determine their capacity to perform legal screening and representation for all the child migrants, and the immigration courts have developed ""surge dockets"" to move these cases through in a more timely manner. As they go through the court process, there is a critical need for these children to have legal representation. Nearly $2 million over the next year in funding for legal screening and representation has been provided by a combination of the city and private funders, including the Robin Hood Foundation and New York Community Trust. I and many of my congressional colleagues welcomed this announcement. While we've worked at the federal level to extend these protections, it's local areas that are on the front lines. Cities like New York, states like California, and others have looked to take this mission on and be willing to commit funds to help defend the children. But it shows how much more of an effort is needed. Past experience has shown that over half of these children may be eligible for relief to permit them to remain in the United States, such as being granted asylum or visas for victims of trafficking. Clearly, many of these children will have legitimate claims - yet without lawyers, their chances of making this argument successfully drops significantly. It pains me to think of children being put at risk of being sent back to the very danger and fear that drove them to come here, just because the civil immigration system doesn’t offer them the same guaranteed protection of legal representation as the criminal justice system. I applaud the legal professionals who have offered their assistance with these efforts, and the city and private entities that have made it possible. Being responsive to the needs of these children goes beyond just the courthouse. New York City has formed an inter-agency task force that includes representatives from a wide variety of agencies that play roles in helping these children. The task force includes representatives of the Department of Education, Department of Youth and Community Development, Administration for Children’s Services, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Department of Homeless Services, Human Resources Administration, Department of Probation, as well as the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, and the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. The task force has sought to assess the children’s needs, identifying target neighborhoods and schools for outreach, and working with city agencies to coordinate their responses to children and families they serve. What New York City has recognized is that everything works better if they can identify and provide needed services early on. That's why they worked with the Department of Education, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and Administration for Children's Services to place city representatives at the immigration courts, so that while the children's cases work their way through the legal system, they can enroll in school or Head Start programs and get health care. Local immigrant groups have welcomed this level of involvement. It also makes sure that children are aware of the services available to them and their rights. Education and health care are services that children have a legal right to under state and city law, as well as under legal decisions made over the years. What we absolutely have to recognize is that our communities are best served when the children living here are in school and are healthy. It does us no good to drive them further into the shadows and deny them access to these services. So New York City has decided to be proactive and use the opportunities they have to improve the situation. They’ve also aimed to pair with social service providers on the ground in the community, who form the other critical piece of this effort. The City has sought to make their resources more easily available, such as by producing a comprehensive guide of New York City resources and referral information on legal, medical, mental health, and social services, for City agencies and service providers to use. They’ve made it available online and in print in multiple languages. I believe this kind of partnership helps the service providers in our community to do more and do it well. I've heard from numerous local providers in my community, such as Lutheran Social Services of New York, that are taking on these cases, providing services like legal help or support with family reunification and releasing the children to sponsors and relatives in a safe and productive way. As another example, the New York Immigration Coalition, a coalition of 200 member organizations, worked with the City to hold Youth Assistance Fairs that pair legal screening clinics with information tables from city agencies and other social service and community groups. These community-based clinics are held throughout the city, and provide direct services to recently-arrived immigrant children and families, to bring services to the communities where these children live. The clinics have been held regularly since the summer, including as recently as this past weekend, and will continue into next year. It might be easy for some to pretend that the urgency of this issue has somehow diminished, as the number of children arriving in recent months has decreased. But there's more that has to be done. In many ways, this is a microcosm of the broader debate on immigration reform. For everyone who would prefer to just militarize our border and pretends that solves the problem, I would remind you that immigrants are living and working in our communities, and going to our schools and relying on our health care facilities. To think we somehow can't or shouldn't look at this side of the issue is a fallacy. It's a matter of responsibility. We have a responsibility to address these issues in a way that makes sense and doesn’t cause even more harm. And that's true in this situation as well. Yes, it may be a challenge, and it may not be easy. But it is a challenge that is best served by addressing it head on, as New York City has done. Let’s not shy away from challenges. Let’s rise to them. Congressman Crowley is the eight-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 http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/crowley-lance-chair-congressional-rare-disease-caucus,"Crowley, Lance To Chair Congressional Rare Disease Caucus",2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"Caucus has served as platform for countless advocates, clearinghouse for ideas and solutions WASHINGTON, D.C. --- U.S. Representatives Leonard Lance (R-NJ) and Joe Crowley (D-NY) today announced they will continue to serve as the bipartisan Co-Chairs of the Congressional Rare Disease Caucus in the 114th Congress that will begin in January.  The duo has chaired the caucus for four years.  The Congressional Rare Disease Caucus is a forum for Members of Congress to voice constituent concerns, collaborate on ideas, facilitate conversations between the medical and patient community and build support for legislation that will improve the lives of people with rare diseases. “I have a great interest in the work of the Rare Disease Caucus.  I am impressed and humbled continually by the tireless advocates and their commitment to those suffering from challenging diseases – many without any treatments or cures.  Our job in the Rare Disease Caucus is to help them meet with our Nation’s leaders, question the decision makers in both the public and private sector and connect with the best minds in innovation.  I look forward to building on our success in the new Congress,” said Rep. Lance.  “Congressman Crowley has been a great partner and together we will continue to work toward results that make a positive difference in the lives of many.”  “Patients and families affected by a rare disease have been without a light at the end of the tunnel for far too long,” said Rep. Crowley. “With one out of every 10 Americans suffering from a rare disease, it is absolutely critical that we do all we can to identify research opportunities, therapy options, and treatment. I look forward to partnering with Congressman Lance once again in leading the Rare Disease Caucus and continuing our efforts to build awareness of rare diseases and identify solutions to help the many Americans who are suffering.” The Rare Disease Caucus seeks ideas from those in the public and private sector to build bipartisan, realistic and effective solutions that might yield better treatments, safer therapies and - for some - even cures.  The Caucus held nearly a dozen forums in the past year focusing on the cycle of disease, building a support network, innovative medical research and biomedical improvements and how the discovery and development of new treatments for chronic and rare diseases is changing lives every day.  The bipartisan caucus has over 80 members.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/crowley-roskam-announce-new-india-caucus-co-chairs-bera-holding,"Crowley, Roskam Announce New India Caucus Co-Chairs Bera, Holding",2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC–Today, Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY), and Congressman Peter Roskam (R-IL), the co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans for the 113th Congress, announced that Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA) Congressman George Holding (R-NC) will serve as the new co-chairs for the 114th Congress:                                                “Ami is an accomplished physician, a staunch advocate for his constituents, and is a go-to member when it comes to working constructively in Congress,” said Crowley. “His passion for the issues is impressive, and there is no question the Caucus will be in excellent hands. The Indian-American community has a wonderful partner in Ami Bera, and I look forward to working with him, and the entire India Caucus, as we continue our efforts to strengthen relations between the U.S. and India.” “George is the perfect person for this role and I know that the caucus will be in good hands,” said Roskam. “As Republican Chair of the India Caucus, George will focus in on growing the relationship between our two democracies, emphasizing our nations’ shared interests from global security to trade and international prosperity. At over 180 members, our caucus is the largest in the House dedicated to a single country. Among so many of his colleagues, and with an unmatched work ethic and understanding of the issues, George will absolutely thrive.” “As the only Indian American serving in Congress, I’m honored to have been voted co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans,” said Bera. “I'd like to express my gratitude to Congressmen Crowley and Roskam for their years guiding the Caucus. Under their leadership the India Caucus has grown to one of the largest caucuses in the House. I’m excited to take on this new role at a critical time for the partnership between the U.S. and India. Building on Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the U.S. in September and President Obama’s upcoming trip to India, I look forward to working with Congressman Holding and our colleagues in the Caucus to continue to grow the economic and strategic relationship between our countries and to advocate for the Indian American community.” “As I have said before, the United States-India bilateral relationship can be one of the defining partnerships of this century,” said Holding. “I’m honored to follow Congressmen Roskam and Crowley and thank them for their commitment to this important relationship. I look forward to advancing the efforts of the Caucus as co-chair with Rep. Ami Bera. With a shifting geopolitical situation in Asia, unwavering cooperation between the U.S. and India is essential to promoting peace and stability.” Bera represents Sacramento County in Congress. Born and raised in California, Bera is a physician and only the third Indian American ever to serve in Congress. A member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Bera is a proponent of strengthening United States' strategic and economic ties with India and Asia and is working to open Asian markets to California products to create new  jobs. He is also fighting for equal rights for the Indian American community. Crowley has served as co-chair of the India Caucus in the 112th and 113th Congresses. Formed in 1993, the India Caucus is a bipartisan group of members that is dedicated to championing strong ties between the U.S. and India and supporting the Indian-American community. During his term, Crowley has helped grow the India Caucus to become one of the largest caucuses in the House and initiated several key events, including the first-ever Congressional Diwali celebration in 2013. Crowley led the Democratic whip effort as part of the Congressional push to secure the enactment of the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Agreement, a landmark agreement that brought U.S.-India relations into the century after decades of distance during the Cold War. A recognized leader in Congress on issues related to the Sikh-American community, Crowley spearheaded a multi-year, successful effort to convince the federal government to begin collecting data on hate crimes committed against Sikh-Americans and Hindu-Americans, an important issue brought to the national spotlight by the massacre of Sikhs worshipping at a temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. He is also the leading voice calling for an end to the presumptive ban on Sikhs serving in the U.S. military. George Holding (NC-13) is a former U.S. Attorney and currently serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. As a testament to Congressman’s Holding’s unique understanding of a strong U.S.-India relationship, he was chosen to lead a Congressional Delegation to India last year. In the 114th Congress, Representative Holding looks forward to strengthening U.S.-India relations as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://maloney.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/maloney-applauds-fhfa-for-finally-funding-federal-housing-trust-fund,Maloney applauds FHFA for finally funding Federal Housing Trust Fund,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) today released the following statement applauding the Federal Housing Finance Agency for directing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to allocate funds to the Housing Trust Fund and Capital Magnet Fund pursuant to the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA). Maloney repeatedly urged the Federal Housing Finance Agency to comply with the law. The move will provide hundreds of millions of dollars for affordable housing development. “I applaud FHFA Director Mel Watt for his tremendously important decision to fund the National Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund, which will ensure a steady, dedicated source of funding for crucial affordable housing programs. As our country has climbed out of the Great Recession, finding affordable housing remains a huge problem for families, young adults, and seniors across the country and especially in New York City. Thanks to this action, millions of sorely needed dollars will now be available to tackle this pressing national problem.” Background: On July 21, 2014, Reps. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Keith Ellison (D-MN) and Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) wrote to FHFA Director Mel Watt urging him to fund the Housing Trust Fund and Capital Magnet Fund. The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA) requires Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the GSEs) to set aside 4.2 basis points for each dollar of the unpaid principal balance of its total new business purchases to fund the Housing Trust Fund and Capital Magnet Fund. The requirement provided a dedicated source of revenue for the construction and preservation of affordable housing for extremely low income families. HERA also gave the Director of the FHFA the authority to temporarily suspend these contributions in certain circumstances. On November 13, 2008, then-Director of the FHFA James B. Lockhart III directed the GSEs to suspend the contributions to the Housing Trust Fund and Capital Magnet Fund, citing the financial instability at the GSEs during the fall of 2008. The GSEs have repaid all of the investment provided to them during the Great Recession. ​​​The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to begin setting aside and allocating funds to the Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund pursuant to the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA).  More from FHFA: https://www.fhfa.gov/Media/PublicAffairs/Pages/FHFA-Statement-on-the-Housing-Trust-Fund-and-Capital-Magnet-Fund.aspx",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://nadler.house.gov/press-release/rep-nadlers-statement-fy15-omnibus-appropriations-act,Rep. Nadler's Statement on FY15 Omnibus Appropriations Act,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Jerrold Nadler,N000002,nadler.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-10) delivered the following statement on the floor of the House of Representatives: ""Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to FY15 Omnibus spending bill. This bill undercuts spending levels for critical federal programs and includes egregious, non-germane policy provisions we simply cannot support. ""This legislation is packed with anti-choice provisions that systematically deny women access to safe, legal abortions. It defunds critical clean air and water regulations, and forces EPA staffing to the lowest levels since 1989. The measure also includes language to defund a District of Columbia referendum legalizing recreational use of marijuana despite the fact that more than 70 percent of DC voters supported the referendum. ""But most egregiously, while cutting funding for those who need it most, this spending bill includes several shocking, non-germane policy provisions solely designed to protect and promote special interests. The bill includes startling changes to campaign finance that will allow even more special interest money to flood our elections. Wealthy donors will now be able to give TEN TIMES the current limit to political parties. For the first time, the bill provides for severe cuts to guaranteed benefits to current retirees who worked for decades to secure their pensions. The bill even includes language authored by bank lobbyists to roll back an absolutely critical component of the Dodd-Frank Act specifically intended to prevent future bailouts for risky banks gambling with taxpayer money. Each of these provisions should have been separately debated on this floor, not slipped into a massive bill with the hope that no one would notice. ""But even without these provisions, I would oppose the bill. Don’t be fooled by the appearance of flat-funding for critical programs in this bill. Simply continuing to fund the government at the same level year after year without any increase for inflation is the same as a cut and leaves already underfunded agencies with no hope of recovering the ground lost under sequestration. For example, the funding level for Section 8 will allow public housing agencies to maintain their current load of vouchers but is so low that when families leave the program, agencies cannot transfer that voucher to a new tenant. Over time, as these low funding levels persist, we are providing fewer and fewer families access to safe, affordable housing. ""Meanwhile, this bill appropriates $490 billion for our military and an additional $63 billion on top of that for overseas wars.   At a time when we are scraping together funding for housing, education, and infrastructure, we are continuing to spend billions on war planes, air craft carriers, and missile defense above and beyond even what the Pentagon says it needs.  ""We owe it to our constituents to do our jobs – to separately debate and discuss drastic changes in policy here on the House floor and be held accountable for our votes. We owe it to our constituents to provide adequate funding for housing, education, infrastructure, and health care. We owe it to the American people to vote NO on this bill. ""Thank you, and I yield back the balance of my time.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-over-47-million-in-federal-funding-for-sandy-damages-and-hazard-mitigation-at-rockaways-cross-bay-bridge,"Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $4.7 Million in Federal Funding for Sandy Damages & Hazard Mitigation at Rockaway's Cross Bay Bridge",2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 11, 2014 Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $4.7 Million in Federal Funding for Sandy Damages & Hazard Mitigation at Rockaway's Cross Bay Bridge Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Millions in FEMA Funding for MTA; Funding Will be Used to Repair Sandy Damages, Including Repairs at the Electrical Room, Service Building & Hazard Mitigation, Including Dry Flood Proofing & Raising Transformer Equipment U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand today announced $4,712,320.36 in federal funding to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for the permanent repairs of the Cross Bay Bridge as a result of Superstorm Sandy. The funding is being provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under authority of Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. Superstorm Sandy damaged Rockaway's critical infrastructure like the Cross Bay Bridge, which connects the community with the rest of Queens and beyond, said Senator Schumer. I am pleased to announce $4.7 million in FEMA funding which will help repair and protect the Cross Bay Bridge in the event of a future storm. This funding to support critical repairs and hazard mitigation for Rockaway's Cross Bay Bridge is important for Rockaways families, saidSenator Gillibrand. This bridge is a key link for the Rockaways community to the rest of New York City. We saw how Superstorm Sandy tore through the Rockaways and damaged the Cross Bay Bridge and we must now help strengthen the bridge's eroded and decaying structure. The Cross Bay Bridge is one of only three evacuation routes for Rockaway families and an important part of our evacuation plans. I applaud Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for securing federal funding to repair the bridge and ensure the continued safety and mobility of our families in Rockaway and Broad Channel, said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder. The Cross Bay Bridge is a half mile, six-lane bridge which connects the Rockaway peninsula to the rest of Queens, the Belt Parkway and the Southern State Parkway. Superstorm Sandy caused severe flooding and wind damage at the Cross Bay Bridge and its support building facilities owned, operated and maintained by the MTA Bridges and Tunnel Agency. Flooding and storm surge caused erosion at the North bridge abutment as well as flood damage to the Ramp D Transformer Vault and Electrical Room, Service Building, Female Bridge and Tunnel Officers Trailer, Internal Security and Clerk Trailer Complex and North Toll Plaza. Funding will be used for permanent repairs and hazard mitigation. Specifically, funding will be used to repair damages to the roadway approach fore slope and bridge abutment fore slope on the north end of the Cross Bay Bridge, including slope stabilization, fill and rip rap with hazard mitigation of additional riprap and gabions to protect the damaged fore slope areas. Additionally, repairs at the Ramp D Transformer Vault and Electrical Room include switchgear, low voltage cabinet, control panel, transformer and electrical components with hazard mitigation to raise electrical equipment above flood elevation. Funding will also be used to clean, repair and replace damaged elements at the Service Building, Internal Security and Clerk Trailer Complex, and North End Toll Plaza. Funding will be used for hazard mitigation at the Service Building, including dry flood proofing to protect the mechanical equipment and raising the substation transformer to above flood elevation. Lastly, funding will be used to replace the Female Bridge and Tunnel Officers Trailer and facility fencing repair and replacement. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-applauds-fhfa-director-mel-watt-for-ordering-the-capitalization-of-the-national-housing-trust-fund,SCHUMER APPLAUDS FHFA DIRECTOR MEL WATT FOR ORDERING THE CAPITALIZATION OF THE NATIONAL HOUSING TRUST FUND,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.14 SCHUMER APPLAUDS FHFA DIRECTOR MEL WATT FOR ORDERING THE CAPITALIZATION OF THE NATIONAL HOUSING TRUST FUND Schumer Authored Legislation to Create National Housing Trust Fund in 2008 Now This Fund Will Be Capitalized & Funded Through Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Housing Trust Funding To Help Build Much-Needed Affordable Rental Housing In New York City; Will Help Rebuild & Revitalize Low-Income Communities Through Construction, Rehab & Preservation of Rental Housing U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today applauded the decision by FHFA Director Mel Watt to order Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to begin capitalizing the National Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund. This critical investment will help rebuild and revitalize low-income communities by providing funds for the construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of rental housing to extremely low-income families. New Yorkers know painfully well that it is becoming extremely difficult to afford the rising cost of rent. The decision by the FHFA to fund the National Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund will bring millions of dollars to New York for rental housing and is a step in the right direction to help ensure that hardworking New York families have safe and affordable places to live, said Senator Schumer. The NHTF was established in July 2008 as part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA). This law required that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pay 4.2 basis points of their annual volume of business to the two funds. The requirement that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac contribute to the two funds was suspended when the companies were taken into conservatorship in September 2008 during the financial crisis. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have since fully repaid the taxpayers. In addition to being one of the authors on the legislation to create the National Housing Trust Fund, Senator Schumer along with 32 of his Senator Colleagues wrote to FHFA Director Mel Watt urging him to fund the National Housing Trust Fund and The Capital Magnet Fund. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/congressman-crowley-applauds-confirmation-richard-verma-us-ambassador-india,Congressman Crowley Applauds Confirmation of Richard Verma as U.S. Ambassador to India,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.)  – Today, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, released the statement below following the U.S. Senate's confirmation of Richard Verma as U.S. Ambassador to India: ""I'm thrilled the Senate confirmed Richard Verma as our next ambassador to India. Rich is a skilled and accomplished professional who brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise. He is fully committed to strengthening U.S.-India ties, and I look forward to continuing to work with Rich as we move this important relationship forward."" Congressman Crowley is the eight-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 http://maloney.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/maloney-helps-secure-terrorism-risk-insurance-act-extension,Maloney helps secure Terrorism Risk Insurance Act extension,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – After months of debate and negotiation, the House of Representatives today passed a bill to extend the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act for an additional six years by a vote of 417-7. Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), the lead Democratic author on legislation to extend the law, and a key participant in the negotiation of the final bill, hailed the legislation as essential to New York’s economy. “After September 11, it was impossible for businesses to buy the terrorism insurance they needed to move forward with major construction projects,” said Maloney. “Development came to a halt, money for new projects dried up and our economy suffered a devastating blow. Nowhere was that more true than in New York. The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act was the solution, and it remains the solution. By providing a government backstop, it ensures that terrorism insurance is available and affordable, and the program works at no cost to taxpayers. After months of negotiations, I am so pleased we were able to pass this essential legislation.” Maloney, a senior Democratic member of the House Financial Services Committee, was the lead Democratic cosponsor of the TRIA Reauthorization Act of 2013, which would have extended the program without any changes. Similar legislation proposed by Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) passed the Senate in October by a resounding vote of 93-4. The Senate bill raises the share of losses that insurers have to pay in the event of a terrorist attack, increasing the industry’s “co-share” under TRIA from 15 percent to 20 percent. Republican leaders proposed several changes to the program, which would have made terrorism insurance unaffordable and less available. The changes included increasing the program’s trigger, or the point at which the government steps in to help cover losses in the event of an attack, by 500 percent. Republicans leaders also proposed bifurcating the program by providing less insurance for conventional terrorist attacks than for nuclear, chemical, biological, or radiological attacks (NBCR). The final deal, which passed the House today increased the program trigger from $100 million to $200 million and discarded the bifurcation provisions. Democrats, including Maloney, opposed the inclusion of a small tweak to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform law, which she had argued should be passed as a standalone measure. The original TRIA program was created by Congress in 2002, extended for two additional years in 2005, and for seven additional years in 2007. TRIA has operated at no cost to taxpayers. RAND Corp. found that eliminating the program could increase federal spending by as much as $7 billion in the event of a major attack. Even in a worst-case scenario, the total exposure to taxpayers is predictable and limited, and any federal funds spent would ultimately be recouped.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://maloney.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/maloney-praises-inclusion-of-41-million-to-cut-dna-rape-kit-backlog-in,Maloney praises inclusion of $41 million to cut DNA Rape Kit backlog in House Appropriations Bill,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) today praised the members of the House Appropriations Committee for including in the 2015 Omnibus Appropriations bill an additional $41 million to eliminate the national backlog in DNA Rape Kit Analysis. The funding is in addition to $117 million provided through the Debbie Smith Act—legislation Maloney authored and worked to reauthorize earlier this year, which has provided grants to state and local governments for rape kit analysis since 2004. “I have fought for more than a decade to eliminate the rape kit backlog, but not a week goes by that we don’t hear of another serial rapist being put behind bars using DNA evidence that should have been tested long ago,” said Maloney. “This additional funding, in concert with the Debbie Smith Act grants already being provided, will help eliminate the backlog once and for all. No woman should be victimized simply because the DNA evidence needed to take her rapist off the streets was never tested.”  The enhanced funding was included in the Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bills, which passed in the House and Senate earlier this year. These bills were not signed into law because Congress opted to pass a continuing resolution instead of regular appropriations bills. The $41 million will be used to establish a competitive grant program to support multi-disciplinary community response teams tasked with a comprehensive approach to sexual assault cases. The goal of the grant program will be to address the growing backlog of sexual assault kits at law enforcement agencies. Additional details on the new grant program: The Justice Department, through the National Institute of Justice, will develop a comprehensive model to address the underlying issues that led to the backlogs. Grant funding may be used to inventory the existing backlog of rape kits, test backlogged kits, develop ""cold case"" units to pursue new investigative leads and to support victims throughout the investigation and prosecution process. Grants may also be used to develop evidence-tracking systems, train law enforcement on sexual assault investigations, and conduct research on outcomes in sexual assault cases. The National Institute of Justice is also required to brief Congress within 45 days of the appropriations bill becoming law to outline the design and evaluation criteria for the program, ideal grant size and the number of jurisdictions where this intervention is needed. Background: Rep. Maloney authored the original “Debbie Smith Act” after rape survivor Debbie Smith testified before the House Government Reform Committee in June 2001 about using DNA evidence to solve rape cases.  Debbie was raped near her home in 1989, and for six and a half years she lived in fear that her attacker would return to kill her.  Debbie was finally able to live without fear when she learned that her rapist had been identified because of DNA evidence and was already in prison.    The Debbie Smith Act was signed into law in 2004 as part of “The Justice for All Act”, comprehensive legislation that ensured that DNA evidence could be used to convict the guilty and free the innocent. Since then, millions of dollars of federal funding have been appropriated under the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program to process the thousands of unprocessed DNA evidence kits - including rape kits - across the country. When signed into law, the Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of 2008 provided $151 million annually and extended the program through FY 2014. In 2013, language Congresswoman Maloney authored to require that 75 percent of Debbie Smith Act funds be used to process the backlog of untested rape kits, was included in the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act that was signed into law. The language mirrored the Sexual Assault Forensic Reporting Act (SAFER Act, H.R. 354) Maloney cosponsored with Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX). The law also provides grants to conduct audits of unprocessed kits so that the backlog of hundreds of thousands of untested rape kits sitting in labs across the country can be tracked.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://maloney.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/maloney-wins-fight-to-increase-pentagon-cancer-research-funding,Maloney wins fight to increase Pentagon Cancer Research Funding,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) today lauded the inclusion of $50 million in funding for the Department of Defense Peer-Reviewed Cancer Research Program. The funding level represents a doubling of the previous year’s funding level of $25 million. The program, created by Congress in 2009, fosters groundbreaking research on cancers relevant to service members and their families. Maloney and Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA) led 20 other members in writing to congressional appropriators to request the increased funding. “Proactive investments in cancer research will help improve prevention, detection and treatment of cancers that affect military personnel and their families,” said Maloney. “We know that certain diseases and cancers affect members of the military disproportionately because of exposure to hazardous environments during military service. This investment in the Peer-Reviewed Cancer Research program will benefit the health and well-being of our service members and their families. I am thankful that Congress will provide this important funding.” The Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program facilitates innovative medical research that can advance our understanding of cancers that overtly affect service members and their families. I am encouraged by this important funding increase and look forward to working with my colleagues to further improve military medical care” said Fitzpatrick. The text of Maloney and Fitzpatrick’s letter to appropriators follows: October 31, 2014   Dear Chairman Frelinghuysen and Ranking Member Visclosky, We write to respectfully request that the Committee adopt the $50 million funding level passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee for the Peer-Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) in as part of any omnibus spending bill for Fiscal Year 2015. Created by Congress in Fiscal Year 2009, the PRCRP fosters groundbreaking cancer research relevant to service members and their families. Longitudinal studies of cancer incidence have found that cancer incidence among service members and their families differ substantially from the overall population. For example, Department of Defense-published data shows that the military population has a higher incidence of melanoma, likely due to hazardous environments and intense sun exposure during deployments. High costs for military medical care—projected to rise from $48 billion in 2014 to $70 billion in 2028—necessitate proactive investment in research to improve prevention, detection, and treatment of cancers that affect military personnel and their families. We know that the PRCRP has been effective in examining these issues through past research, and $50 million in funding will surely build on important progress. We thank you for your consideration of this important request and would greatly appreciate your support in providing $50 million for the Peer-Reviewed Cancer Research Program.                                                               Sincerely,   CAROLYN B. MALONEY Member of Congress   MIKE FITZPATRICK Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-announces-570000-federal-grant-new-york-medical-college-valhalla,"Lowey Announces $570,000 Federal Grant to New York Medical College in Valhalla",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Nita Lowey,L000480,lowey.house.gov,,,legacy,"HHS grant money will fund study on chemotherapy's effects on ovaries and treatments to prevent damage and preserve fertility Nine percent of young population may benefit from this research VALHALLA, NY Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland), the Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, today announced a $571,274 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to New York Medical College (NYMC) in Valhalla to study the effect of chemotherapy on ovaries. These federal investments could help put an end to the cycle of suffering caused by cancer, said Lowey. I'm immensely proud of the Lower Hudson Valley's medical research sector, which is hard at work improving the quality of life for people suffering from debilitating diseases while growing our regional economy. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for increased medical research funding that helps women and children overcome cancer. The NYMC research project, led by Professor Kutluk Oktay, M.D., will seek to reveal the mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage and medical treatments to prevent such damage and preserve fertility. Up to nine percent of the young population may potentially benefit from this research. I am pleased to receive this funding enabling important research to be done on the effects chemotherapy has on fertility,"" said Dr. Oktay.By understanding how chemotherapy damages ovaries, medical treatments can be developed to preserve fertility during cancer treatments. According to NYMC, between two and nine percent of children and reproductive-aged people will be exposed to fertility-damaging side effects of cancer treatment. While various fertility preservation methods have been developed, medical professionals still do not fully understand how chemotherapy damages ovaries. A fuller understanding could lead to the preservation of fertility during cancer treatment without a need for expensive and invasive assisted reproduction techniques later. Congresswoman Lowey, as Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, has fought to increase investments in medical research. She is a longtime member of the subcommittee that funds medical research, and funding to National Institutes of Health has nearly tripled since she joined the committee. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=472,Tonko Highlights Full Funding for Scotia Navy Depot in Omnibus Bill,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) highlighted today the inclusion of $15.78 million in critical federal funds in the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act (H.R. 83), aimed at cleaning up the former Scotia Navy Depot in Glenville, New York. In April, Tonko joined Senator Schumer in urging both the House and Senate to fulfill the President's original funding request for this proposal, which Congress is expected to do with the passage of this omnibus bill. The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote Thursday on H.R. 83, which is also known as the ""CROmnibus"" and would fund the federal government through the next fiscal year. share: f t Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) highlighted today the inclusion of $15.78 million in critical federal funds in the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act (H.R. 83), aimed at cleaning up the former Scotia Navy Depot in Glenville, New York. In April, Tonko joined Senator Schumer in urging both the House and Senate to fulfill the President's original funding request for this proposal, which Congress is expected to do with the passage of this omnibus bill. The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote Thursday on H.R. 83, which is also known as the CROmnibus and would fund the federal government through the next fiscal year. This long overdue funding is critical to our efforts to boost economic development in Schenectady County, and I am glad we are close to winning our fight to invest in this important cleanup effort, said Congressman Tonko. Local, state and federal officials have long shared a goal of redeveloping this site for expanded economic development opportunities and make it an attractive location for businesses to hire and expand locally. The Scotia Naval Depot was built in 1942 as a storage and supply location for naval forces along the Atlantic coast and Europe. In March 2010, at the urging of local and federal officials, the General Services Administration (GSA) acknowledged lingering environmental issues at the site that were preventing the marketability and redevelopment of the site. In October 2011, the GSA agreed to a cleanup proposal from NYS DEC, which involves constructing a barrier to contain and clean up contaminants present in the groundwater located at the site. Under terms of the agreement, the federal government is responsible for cleaning up the environmental issues caused when the depot was in operation. Most Navy functions at the site ended after the Vietnam War. In April, local leaders stressed the importance of the Scotia Navy Depot cleanup: Tony Jasenski, Chairman of the Schenectady County Legislaturesaid, Schenectady County can always count on Senator Schumer and Congressman Tonko. Both have pushed hard to get the GSA to clean up the former Scotia Navy Depot because it's the right thing for the federal government to do and because this federal funding will protect our water supply which is one of Schenectady County's greatest assets. This cleanup will also be a major boost to our efforts to bring jobs and investment to the Glenville Business and Technology Park. Ray Gillen, Chair of the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authoritysaid, We are so grateful to Senator Schumer and Congressman Tonko for their tireless efforts to clean up the former Scotia Navy Depot. This funding is critical to both our environment and our economy. Chris Koetzle, Glenville Town Supervisor said, I want to thank Senator Schumer and Congressman Tonko for their leadership in helping to get this project funded. This cleanup will help us continue the county and town's efforts to revitalize our technology park and will help ensure that we can continue its redevelopment. For years, this redevelopment has been a priority of the town and a crucial part of our economic development plan. I am glad that it's finally moving forward. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=473,"Tonko Highlights Support for Local Projects, Manufacturing, and Alzheimer's Research in Federal Funding Bill",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) highlighted today in a federal funding bill major support for the Capital Region economy, the local growth of quality jobs, and language he introduced in the House to fight Alzheimer's. Announced late last night, legislation that funds the federal government through the end of the fiscal year includes: share: f t Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) highlighted today in a federal funding bill major support for the Capital Region economy, the local growth of quality jobs, and language he introduced in the House to fight Alzheimer's. Announced late last night, legislation that funds the federal government through the end of the fiscal year includes: funding for the previously endangered Kesselring Site in West Milton as well as the Knolls Atomic Power Lab (KAPL) in Niskayuna, full funding to clean up the Scotia Navy Depot in Glenville, a provision that would create the first-ever national network of manufacturing hubs, and the exact legislative language Tonko introduced in April of this year with Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) in the Alzheimer's Accountability Act (H.R. 4351).The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote Thursday on H.R. 83, which is also known as the CROmnibus and would fund the federal government through the next fiscal year.KESSELRING, KAPL FUNDING: H.R. 83 provides $1.239 billion dollars for Niskayuna's Knolls Atomic Power Lab and the Kesselring Site in Saratoga County, which represents an increase of $144 million from fiscal year 2014 funding. Congressman Tonko has worked with members of the House and Senate including Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee leaders, as well as Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and Navy Secretary Ray Mabus to make the case for continued support of these programs. Through this education campaign, leaders in Washington finally understand the importance of these facilities' work to our national security, shown through budget cuts being reversed this year and the enhanced 2015 budget put forth this week.These Navy and Department of Energy investments are critical to the local economy. According to a Fiscal Year 2009 Navy Economic Impact Report, Navy investments have a total economic impact of $1.354 billion and 9,971 total jobs in the Capital Region.Our local economy and national security depend on the work done at KAPL and Kesselring, and this funding will ensure that work will continue. I thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their work in the Senate and with the administration on this integral program. Together, we made sure decision makers were aware that the research, development, support and training that takes place here in the Capital Region are critical to our fleet's readiness and operation success as well as millions of dollars of economic activity in our area. I will continue to work across the aisle and with Secretaries Moniz and Mabus to make sure Kesselring and KAPL continue to play a role in our region's and nation's success and security, said Rep. Tonko.ALZHEIMER'S ACCOUNTABILITY ACT: The federal funding bill includes the full language of the Alzheimer's Accountability Act, legislation introduced in April by Congressmen Tonko and Guthrie to support research and development a cure for Alzheimer's. The language requires the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to submit an annual research budget proposal directly to Congress and the President, specifying the resources needed to fully implement a National Alzheimer's Plan without political and budgetary restrictions. It allows scientists to provide a complete and undistorted view of what they believe is needed each year in order to effectively prevent and treat Alzheimer's by 2025, helping Congress to make more informed funding decisions.The incorporation of the Alzheimer's Accountability Act into the 2015 Omnibus Appropriations Bill is a huge step forward for our nation as a whole, and especially for the 5 million of us living with Alzheimer's disease. We commend Congressman Tonko for his sponsorship of this bill, and for his unwavering efforts to ensure that appropriate research funding levels are met. Our thanks to Mr. Tonko, and to our supporters in the House and Senate, for allowing the experts at the NIH to specify the resources it needsto bring the Alzheimer's epidemic to an end, said Elizabeth Smith-Boivin, Executive Director and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York.This is a big step forward finding a cure for a disease that affects more than 5 million Americans and their families. In 2014 alone, the total cost of Alzheimer's will be $214 billion, which includes a $150 billion hit to Medicare and Medicaid. Only 0.25% of that total includes research, which is the only path to reducing this costs and preventing future illness. I thank Rep. Guthrie for his work on this important issue and look forward to our continued fight to end Alzheimer's by 2025, said Rep. Tonko.SCOTIA NAVY DEPOT CLEANUP: The Scotia Naval Depot was built in 1942 as a storage and supply location for naval forces along the Atlantic coast and Europe. In March 2010, at the urging of local and federal officials, the General Services Administration (GSA) acknowledged lingering environmental issues at the site that were preventing the marketability and redevelopment of the site.In October 2011, the GSA agreed to a cleanup proposal from NYS DEC, which involves constructing a barrier to contain and clean up contaminants present in the groundwater located at the site. Under terms of the agreement, the federal government is responsible for cleaning up the environmental issues caused when the depot was in operation. Most Navy functions at the site ended after the Vietnam War.Earlier this year, Congressman Tonko and Senator Schumer praised the President's funding request for this project and worked to see its inclusion in House and Senate budget legislation.This long overdue funding is critical to our efforts to boost economic development in Schenectady County, and I am glad we are close to winning our fight to invest in this important cleanup effort. Local, state and federal officials have long shared a goal of redeveloping this site for expanded economic development opportunities and make it an attractive location for businesses to hire and expand locally, saidRep. Tonko.NNMI AUTHORIZATION: H.R. 83 includes a provision that would create the first-ever national network of manufacturing hubs, or National Network of Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI). Tonko has worked with local leaders, educators, administration officials, U.S. Senators, and his colleagues in the House to bring advanced manufacturing jobs to the Capital Region and promote a robust public-private partnership of industry leaders that would be centered in Albany.The creation of this network would provide the Capital Region yet another area in which to compete for high-quality, high-paying jobs.Our nation's renewed desire to invest in high-tech manufacturing and an innovation economy is tailor-made for facilities like RPI, CNSE, and GE to give domestic manufacturing a boost. The Capital Region is the hottest real estate in the country for cutting edge innovation and manufacturing, and I am pleased to see this opportunity to fight for high-paying local jobs with Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, who have been champions for the high-tech industry in our region, said Rep. Tonko.# # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/2014/12/10/following-tour-of-schenectady-youthbuild-site-in-june-gillibrand-announces-over-79-million-in-federal-funding-for-youthbuild-program-in-just-unveiled-omnibus-bill,"Following Tour Of Schenectady Youthbuild Site In June, Gillibrand Announces Over $79 Million In Federal Funding For Youthbuild Program In Just-Unveiled Omnibus Bill",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 10, 2014 Following Tour Of Schenectady Youthbuild Site In June, Gillibrand Announces Over $79 Million In Federal Funding For Youthbuild Program In Just-Unveiled Omnibus Bill Gillibrand Pushed Hard For Funding To Provide Education And Training To Place Youth On A Successful Career Path Washington, DC US Senator 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 $79.689 million in funding for the YouthBuild program, which is an increase of more than $2 million from last year's funding level. Senator Gillibrand had already successfully fought for reauthorization of the program, which was included in the bipartisan, bicameral Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which was passed by Congress and signed into law in July of this year by President Obama. I saw the incredible transformation that the YouthBuild students brought to a Schenectady neighborhood, and how the program helped the students achieve their full potential, said Senator Gillibrand. Through the YouthBuild program, young people around the state can work to improve their communities, and learn valuable skills that will stay with them throughout their lives. I am pleased that funding for this successful program has been increased so more young people can benefit from this important program. Senator Gillibrand has been an active leader in advocating for youth educational and job training programs. She worked to secure the YouthBuild authorization in WIOA, which was bipartisan, bicameral legislation to reauthorize federal job training programs that was enacted earlier this year. In April, Senator Gillibrand led a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee along with 31 of her colleagues requesting an increase in funding for YouthBuild for Fiscal Year 2015. It is estimated that there are more than 3 million youth in the United States who are disconnected, low-income, and without a high school diploma. Increased funding for DOL's YouthBuild Program would help more disconnected youth benefit from these critical job training and educational services. In New York State, YouthBuild has 17 chapters and YouthBuild's DOL-funded centers have served 2,259 students since 2007. At the Schenectady center, 179 students have been served with DOL funding since 2007, with 92 percent of students receiving their high school diploma or equivalent, and 72 percent of students gaining employment or enrolling in college. YouthBuild has been in existence since 1992 and is operated by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). They provide job training and educational programs to low-income youth between the ages of 16 to 24 who have not graduated from high school or received an equivalent degree. Program participants are engaged in year-long education and job training courses with a focus on training in the construction and carpentry fields. Counseling, mentoring, and leadership development programs are also offered to participants. Nationwide, they serve more than 130,000 students in 46 states, and have built more than 28,000 affordable housing units for homeless and low-income individuals. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/2014/12/10/following-tour-of-schenectady-youthbuild-site-in-june-gillibrand-announces-over-79-million-in-federal-funding-for-youthbuild-program-in-just-unveiled-omnibus-bill-1,"Following Tour of Schenectady Youthbuild Site in June, Gillibrand Announces Over $79 Million in Federal Funding for Youthbuild Program in Just-Unveiled Omnibus Bill",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 10, 2014 Following Tour of Schenectady Youthbuild Site in June, Gillibrand Announces Over $79 Million in Federal Funding for Youthbuild Program in Just-Unveiled Omnibus Bill Gillibrand Pushed Hard For Funding To Provide Education And Training To Place Youth On A Successful Career Path Washington, DC US Senator 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 $79.689 million in funding for the YouthBuild program, which is an increase of more than $2 million from last year's funding level. Senator Gillibrand had already successfully fought for reauthorization of the program, which was included in the bipartisan, bicameral Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which was passed by Congress and signed into law in July of this year by President Obama. I saw the incredible transformation that the YouthBuild students brought to a Schenectady neighborhood, and how the program helped the students achieve their full potential, said Senator Gillibrand. Through the YouthBuild program, young people around the state can work to improve their communities, and learn valuable skills that will stay with them throughout their lives. I am pleased that funding for this successful program has been increased so more young people can benefit from this important program. Senator Gillibrand has been an active leader in advocating for youth educational and job training programs. She worked to secure the YouthBuild authorization in WIOA, which was bipartisan, bicameral legislation to reauthorize federal job training programs that was enacted earlier this year. In April, Senator Gillibrand led a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee along with 31 of her colleagues requesting an increase in funding for YouthBuild for Fiscal Year 2015. It is estimated that there are more than 3 million youth in the United States who are disconnected, low-income, and without a high school diploma. Increased funding for DOL's YouthBuild Program would help more disconnected youth benefit from these critical job training and educational services. In New York State, YouthBuild has 17 chapters and YouthBuild's DOL-funded centers have served 2,259 students since 2007. At the Schenectady center, 179 students have been served with DOL funding since 2007, with 92 percent of students receiving their high school diploma or equivalent, and 72 percent of students gaining employment or enrolling in college. YouthBuild has been in existence since 1992 and is operated by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). They provide job training and educational programs to low-income youth between the ages of 16 to 24 who have not graduated from high school or received an equivalent degree. Program participants are engaged in year-long education and job training courses with a focus on training in the construction and carpentry fields. Counseling, mentoring, and leadership development programs are also offered to participants. Nationwide, they serve more than 130,000 students in 46 states, and have built more than 28,000 affordable housing units for homeless and low-income individuals. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/2014/12/10/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-1,"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",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 10, 2014 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 Federal Funds Will Go to Critical Programs that Protect Nation, Maintain Over 300 Jobs in New York Today, 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 $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, will 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 and over $9 million more than the $58.75 million allocated to the Lab under sequestration. 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 is a major milestone in our quest to secure the funding needed to allow the University of Rochester laser lab to continue its world-class research in fusion power. The inclusion of this provision in the omnibus bill will ensure that the lab is not forced to lay off scientists and engineers and that their partnerships with national laboratories do not suffer, said Senator Schumer. All we need now is for this bill to pass both the House and the Senate, and then the legislation heads straight to the President's desk. I am urging my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers of Congress to vote for this bill and help us secure the $68 million needed for the lab - $4 million more than last year - and keep the University of Rochester at the cutting edge of high-tech innovation and maintain Rochester as a job-creating center of laser innovation. This critical funding for the Laboratory for Laser Energetics will help keep Rochester at the forefront of our nation's scientific leadership and quest to find affordable and efficient sources of energy, said Senator Gillibrand. I am so pleased that this money is going to the brilliant and hardworking researchers at the University of Rochester, and I look forward to seeing the continued role the Lab plays in launching new start-up companies and supporting New York's high-technology sector. Established in 1970, the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) of the University of Rochester is a unique national resource for research and education in science and technology and a major asset of the University not found at any other university in the country. Both the Rochester area and the University have a history of innovation that provides a singular environment for LLE within a technologically sophisticated scientific community. LLE is home to the OMEGA laser, which is the second most powerful ultraviolet fusion laser in the world, and the OMEGA EP (Extended Performance) laser, a high-intensity, high-energy short-pulse laser, and serves as the principal laser research facility for three national laboratories. The center's primary goal is to investigate the interaction of intense radiation with matter and to support the National Ignition Campaign (NIC) using OMEGA and OMEGA EP as well as validate advanced concepts for ICF to be used on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in order to demonstrate ignition and energy gain. It is a vital component of our nation's scientific capital and leadership, and key to strategic work on an independent energy future. As one of the leading institutions training the next generation of leaders in the fields of physics, optics, and material science, LLE is an economic development magnet that bolsters local high tech jobs and attracts scientific talent to Rochester. The LLE currently employs 316 full-time staff members, 20 University Faculty members and 5 contract employees. Since its inception, the LLE has attracted almost $2 billion to New York State to support cutting edge research, and more than 1,000 individuals are currently involved in the program. Through the LLE's mission, the University also attracts as many as 300 additional visiting scientists each year to Rochester from national laboratories, universities, and companies and currently hosts over 141 students (graduate, undergraduate, and high school). Last year, the University of Rochester requested funding under the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill for its Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE). The funding was used to develop new laser and materials technologies, provide education in electro-optics, and conduct research and development in advanced technology related to high-energy-density physics. In 2009, Schumer urged his colleagues in Congress to support additional funding so the Laser Lab could avoid drastic budgets cuts and layoffs. In 2010, Senator Schumer announced that President Obama's proposed budget for fiscal year 2011 included $62.5M in funding for Rochester University's Laser Lab and pledged to continue to work for funds to strengthen this first-class institution. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/following-tour-of-poughkeepsie-youthbuild-site-in-october-gillibrand-announces-over-79-million-in-federal-funding-for-youthbuild-program-in-just-unveiled-omnibus-bill,"Following Tour of Poughkeepsie Youthbuild Site in October, Gillibrand Announces Over $79 Million in Federal Funding for Youthbuild Program in Just-Unveiled Omnibus Bill",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 10, 2014 Following Tour of Poughkeepsie Youthbuild Site in October, Gillibrand Announces Over $79 Million in Federal Funding for Youthbuild Program in Just-Unveiled Omnibus Bill Gillibrand Pushed Hard For Funding To Provide Education And Training To Place Youth On A Successful Career Path Washington, DC US Senator 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 $79.689 million in funding for the YouthBuild program, which is an increase of more than $2 million from last year's funding level. Senator Gillibrand had already successfully fought for reauthorization of the program, which was included in the bipartisan, bicameral Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which was passed by Congress and signed into law in July of this year by President Obama. I saw the incredible transformation that the YouthBuild students brought to a Poughkeepsie neighborhood, and how the program helped the students achieve their full potential, said Senator Gillibrand. Through the YouthBuild program, young people around the state can work to improve their communities, and learn valuable skills that will stay with them throughout their lives. I am pleased that funding for this successful program has been increased so more young people can benefit from this important program. Senator Gillibrand has been an active leader in advocating for youth educational and job training programs. She worked to secure the YouthBuild authorization in WIOA, which was bipartisan, bicameral legislation to reauthorize federal job training programs that was enacted earlier this year. In April, Senator Gillibrand led a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee along with 31of her colleagues requesting an increase in funding for YouthBuild for Fiscal Year 2015. It is estimated that there are more than 3 million youth in the United States who are disconnected, low-income, and without a high school diploma. Increased funding for DOL's YouthBuild Program would help more disconnected youth benefit from these critical job training and educational services. In New York State, YouthBuild has 17 chapters, and YouthBuild's DOL-funded centers have served 2,259 students since 2007. At the Poughkeepsie center, 67 students have been served by federally-supported YouthBuild programming since 2011, with 80 percent of students receiving their high school diploma or equivalent, and 70 percent of students gaining employment or enrolling in college. YouthBuild has been in existence since 1994 and is operated by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). They provide job training and educational programs to low-income youth between the ages of 16 to 24 who have not graduated from high school or received an equivalent degree. Program participants are engaged in year-long education and job training courses with a focus on training in the construction and carpentry fields. Counseling, mentoring, and leadership development programs are also offered to participants. Nationwide, the program serves more than 130,000 students in 46 states, and has built more than 28,000 affordable housing units for homeless and low-income individuals. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-23-million-in-federal-funding-for-new-army-reserve-training-center-in-mattydale-in-just-unveiled-omnibus-bill,"Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $23 Million in Federal Funding for New Army Reserve Training Center in Mattydale in Just-Unveiled Omnibus Bill",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 10, 2014 Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $23 Million in Federal Funding for New Army Reserve Training Center in Mattydale in Just-Unveiled Omnibus Bill Schumer & Gillibrand Worked To Secure This Important Funding for New, Improved Facilities Washington, DC US Senators Charles 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 $23 million in funding to build a new Army Reserve Training Center in Mattydale, New York. The training facility will include administrative, education, assembly, library, and physical fitness areas for fifteen Army Reserve units, including the 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion, a Training Brigade, and several Detachments of Training Battalions. This funding for a new Army Reserve Training Center in Mattydale is great news for the brave men and women in Central New York who serve our nation in the Army Reserves, said Senator Schumer. I am urging my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers of Congress to vote for this bill and give our men and women in uniform, active duty and reservists, the top-notch facilities and training programs they deserve. This is great news for our troops stationed in Mattydale, said Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. With this funding, the Army Reserve will have the resources and cutting-edge equipment to train our soldiers for the many challenges they might face overseas. Our men and women in uniform deserve the best facilities and opportunities, and this new federal funding will help make sure they get it. Funding will also be used to construct a maintenance shop with work bays and maintenance administrative support. Currently, these units are training in a building that is over 50 years old and is smaller than the size necessary for these units to effectively train for their missions. The maintenance shop is also too small to maintain the wheeled vehicle fleet necessary for the forward deployment of several of these units. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-27-million-in-federal-funding-for-fort-drums-unmanned-aerial-vehicle-hangar-in-just-unveiled-omnibus-bill,"Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $27 Million in Federal Funding for Fort Drums Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Hangar in Just-Unveiled Omnibus Bill",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 10, 2014 Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $27 Million in Federal Funding for Fort Drum's Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Hangar in Just-Unveiled Omnibus Bill Schumer & Gillibrand Worked To Secure This Important Funding Washington, DC US Senators Charles 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 $27 million in funding to build an unmanned aerial vehicle hangar at Fort Drum. Schumer and Gillibrand both wrote to Senate and House appropriators urging them to include funds for this hangar investment in the omnibus spending bill. The inclusion of funding for a brand new hangar for Fort Drum's cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle program will house the systems used for critical reconnaissance and support missions, said Senator Schumer. I am urging my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers of Congress to vote for this bill and give Fort Drum and its brave soldiers some great news before the holidays. This federal funding for Fort Drum's unmanned aerial vehicle program is an important investment not just for the local community, but for our entire country, said Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Our national defense capabilities will benefit greatly from this significant improvement at Fort Drum. The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) deployed by the Army to execute Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Security, Attack, and Command and Control missions. Other infantry divisions have also been assigned Gray Eagle companies to support the soldiers as they deploy overseas. The funding will be used to create a hangar to house a fleet of ten Army MQ-1C Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft and 128 employees at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-58-million-in-federal-funding-to-build-new-barracks-at-west-point-in-just-unveiled-omnibus-bill,"Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $58 Million in Federal Funding to Build New Barracks at West Point in Just-Unveiled Omnibus Bill",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 10, 2014 Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $58 Million in Federal Funding to Build New Barracks at West Point in Just-Unveiled Omnibus Bill Schumer & Gillibrand Worked To Secure Funding For First New Barracks At West Point Since 1972 Washington, DC US Senators Charles 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 $58 million in funding to build new barracks at West Point. This is the third federal funding installment for the barracks, which will be the first constructed at the United States Military Academy since 1972. Schumer and Gillibrand both wrote to Senate and House appropriators urging them to include funds for the barracks construction in the omnibus spending bill. The Cadets who choose to serve our country deserve the best facilities and education that West Point can offer. That is why I have always fought for the funding that will allow West Point to overhaul dilapidated buildings on its campus and provide better living conditions for Cadets, which in turn will impact retention, quality of study, and overall quality of life. This third federal installment of $58 million will be an investment in the best military institution in America and it will preserve the Hudson Valley's reputation as the place where our best soldiers come to learn and where the values of service, honor and sacrifice are instilled, said Senator Schumer. West Point is the heart of America's military tradition, said Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and West Point Board of Visitors. These new barracks at West Point will help the Academy reduce overcrowding and improve living conditions. These federal funds couldn't have a better destination. The new West Point barracks would provide housing for 650 cadets, adding new space to help alleviate overcrowding, which can reach up to 40 percent at the beginning of the academic year. The military construction project would also support much needed ongoing and future renovations of the existing barracks, some dating back to 1895. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/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",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 10, 2014 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 Boost in Funding, $68 Million, $4 Million More than Last Year Today, 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 $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, will 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 and over $9 million more than the $58.75 million allocated to the Lab under sequestration. 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 is a major milestone in our quest to secure the funding needed to allow the University of Rochester laser lab to continue its world-class research in fusion power. The inclusion of this provision in the omnibus bill will ensure that the lab is not forced to lay off scientists and engineers and that their partnerships with national laboratories do not suffer, said Senator Schumer. All we need now is for this bill to pass both the House and the Senate, and then the legislation heads straight to the President's desk. I am urging my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers of Congress to vote for this bill and help us secure the $68 million needed for the lab - $4 million more than last year - and keep the University of Rochester at the cutting edge of high-tech innovation and maintain Rochester as a job-creating center of laser innovation. This critical funding for the Laboratory for Laser Energetics will help keep Rochester at the forefront of our nation's scientific leadership and quest to find affordable and efficient sources of energy, said Senator Gillibrand. I am so pleased that this money is going to the brilliant and hardworking researchers at the University of Rochester, and I look forward to seeing the continued role the Lab plays in launching new start-up companies and supporting New York's high-technology sector. Established in 1970, the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) of the University of Rochester is a unique national resource for research and education in science and technology and a major asset of the University not found at any other university in the country. Both the Rochester area and the University have a history of innovation that provides a singular environment for LLE within a technologically sophisticated scientific community. LLE is home to the OMEGA laser, which is the second most powerful ultraviolet fusion laser in the world, and the OMEGA EP (Extended Performance) laser, a high-intensity, high-energy short-pulse laser, and serves as the principal laser research facility for three national laboratories. The center's primary goal is to investigate the interaction of intense radiation with matter and to support the National Ignition Campaign (NIC) using OMEGA and OMEGA EP as well as validate advanced concepts for ICF to be used on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in order to demonstrate ignition and energy gain. It is a vital component of our nation's scientific capital and leadership, and key to strategic work on an independent energy future. As one of the leading institutions training the next generation of leaders in the fields of physics, optics, and material science, LLE is an economic development magnet that bolsters local high tech jobs and attracts scientific talent to Rochester. The LLE currently employs 316 full-time staff members, 20 University Faculty members and 5 contract employees. Since its inception, the LLE has attracted almost $2 billion to New York State to support cutting edge research, and more than 1,000 individuals are currently involved in the program. Through the LLE's mission, the University also attracts as many as 300 additional visiting scientists each year to Rochester from national laboratories, universities, and companies and currently hosts over 141 students (graduate, undergraduate, and high school). Last year, the University of Rochester requested funding under the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill for its Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE). The funding was used to develop new laser and materials technologies, provide education in electro-optics, and conduct research and development in advanced technology related to high-energy-density physics. In 2009, Schumer urged his colleagues in Congress to support additional funding so the Laser Lab could avoid drastic budgets cuts and layoffs. In 2010, Senator Schumer announced that President Obama's proposed budget for fiscal year 2011 included $62.5M in funding for Rochester University's Laser Lab and pledged to continue to work for funds to strengthen this first-class institution. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-over-468-million-in-fed-funds-for-lockheed-martin-owegos-combat-rescue-and-marine-one-helicopter-programs-is-included-in-just-unveiled-omnibus-spending-bill,"Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $468 Million in Fed Funds for Lockheed Martin Owegos Combat Rescue & Marine One Helicopter Programs is Included in Just-Unveiled Omnibus Spending Bill",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 10, 2014 Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $468 Million in Fed Funds for Lockheed Martin Owego's Combat Rescue & Marine One Helicopter Programs is Included in Just-Unveiled Omnibus Spending Bill Funding Would Keep Helicopter Programs on Track - Bill Includes $368 Million in Funding for New Fleet of Presidential Helicopters & $100 Million in Funding for New Fleet of Combat Search & Rescue Helicopters, Both Set To Be Partly Produced By Lockheed Martin in Owego Today, 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 $368,086,000 for the Presidential Helicopter program and $100 million 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 bill, along with the funding allotment for these two helicopter programs, will 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. These two appropriations come on the heels of July's announcement by the United States Air Force (USAF) that it had awarded a $1.28 billion contract which could rise as high as $8 billion to Sikorsky Aircraft and Lockheed Martin Owego to begin building a new fleet of 112 CRHs and the announcement in May that the U.S. Navy had awarded a $1.24 billion contract to Sikorsky Aircraft and Lockheed Martin Owego to begin building a new fleet of 21 Presidential Helicopters. This appropriation would help enable Lockheed to keep both programs on or ahead of schedule. This is a major milestone in our quest to secure the funding needed to build these state-of-the-art helicopter fleets in Owego. These programs are vital to Lockheed Martin and the entire Southern Tier economy. The inclusion of this provision in the omnibus bill will give Lockheed the funding it needs to get these helicopters moving down the assembly line, said Senator Schumer. All we need now is for this bill to pass both the House and the Senate, and then the request heads straight to the President's desk. I am urging my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers of Congress to vote for this bill and help us create and maintain hundreds of jobs in the Southern Tier, keep our President safe, and support our troops serving around the world. This important funding will support hundreds of good-paying manufacturing jobs for New Yorkers, said Senator Gillibrand. Upstate New York's proud manufacturing tradition put us on the map and helped give flight to the Marine One and Combat Rescue Helicopters. And by securing strong investments like this, we can continue to attract new businesses and new jobs that can support a family, and strengthen our economy and our national security. This is how we can see more Made in America' manufacturing again. Combat Rescue Helicopter In June, 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 a new fleet of 112 CRHs, which are used by the military to extricate troops from dangerous situations and bring them home safely. The contract is expected to sustain a large portion of the workforce at Lockheed Martin Owego for the next decade and create hundreds of other indirect jobs at local vendors and suppliers. Schumer fought for years to ensure that building a new fleet of CRHs continued to be a priority for the USAF, after the program's future and a potential major contract for Lockheed Martin Owego was brought into doubt due to an internal USAF restructuring debate. Lockheed Martin Owego will be specifically tasked with developing the defensive systems, data links, mission computers, adverse weather sensors, mission planning systems and system integration of the CRH. Schumer and Gillibrand explained that the new CRH fleet is necessary as the current fleet of rescue aircraft dates back to the 1970s, and is now outdated after years of chronic use and combat damage. The USAF announced in 2010 that it would replace its aging and increasingly outdated combat rescue helicopter fleetcalled the HH-60G PAVE HAWK helicopterswith new aircraft capable of performing demanding personnel recovery missions, including combat rescue and casualty evacuation. Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin Owego then offered a proposed helicopter design the CRH-60 that would modernize the USAF's aging combat rescue helicopter fleet and support all services needed in combat. This new CRH program will eventually replace the aging HH-60G legacy fleet with 112 new combat rescue helicopters. This new aircraft features increased internal fuel capability and additional internal cabin space. Last year, Schumer visited Lockheed Martin Owego, called the Former Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to publicly support the CRH program, explaining that the current fleet of aircraft for the mission were outdated and the military needed new and more capable helicopters. In January, Schumer announced that, after his continued efforts with top defense officials, the FY2014 Appropriations Bill included funding for the Air Force's CRH, which is now part of the allocation going to Lockheed Martin. In February, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand sent a letter to Secretary Hagel urging him to support the next generation CRH and to fully fund it across the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP). Earlier this year, Schumer urged the current Secretary of the Air Force Deborah James to award this contract and get the program running, as it will help the Air Force recover downed aircrew and isolated personnel in hostile environments. The 106th Rescue Wing of the New York Air National Guard, located in Westhampton Beach, is a combat search and rescue unit, using combat rescue helicopters to complete their vital mission. Presidential Helicopter In May, the U.S. Navy announced it had awarded a $1.24 billion contract to Sikorsky Aircraft and Lockheed Martin Owego to build a new fleet of Marine One helicopters that are used to transport the President of the United States. Lockheed Martin Owego is being tasked with manufacturing and installing the helicopters' mission communications systems and will also provide the maintenance training device and procedures trainer. Additionally, the presidential helicopters will receive executive paint in Owego. The contract is expected to create or sustain high-skilled jobs in Owego. In 2009, Schumer secured a continuance to support Lockheed Martin's involvement in Naval Helicopter Programs and visited Lockheed Martin Owego last year to support the Sikorsky-Lockheed Martin bid for the new fleet of Marine One helicopters. The current fleet of presidential helicopters is comprised of Sikorsky Black Hawk/Sea King models that are 35 and 40 years old, and they are in desperate need of replacing. The Navy contract is for a fleet of 23 new presidential helicopters, 21 for use and 2 for testing. In 2009, as the previous presidential helicopter program was canceled, Senator Schumer worked with leaders in the Administration and appropriators to mitigate damage and negative job impact by negotiating a compromise that provided $100 million in funding to Lockheed Martin for mission systems and other technology work. As a result, 250 engineer jobs were saved at the Lockheed Martin Owego location, which helped minimize job losses. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-higgins-collins-announce-usda-has-issued-secretarial-disaster-declaration-for-7-wny-counties-devastated-by-november-snowstorm,"Schumer, Gillibrand, Higgins, Collins Announce USDA Has Issued Secretarial Disaster Declaration For 7 WNY Counties Devastated By November Snowstorm",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 10, 2014 Schumer, Gillibrand, Higgins, Collins Announce USDA Has Issued Secretarial Disaster Declaration For 7 WNY Counties Devastated By November Snowstorm Schumer, Gillibrand, Higgins, Collins: USDA Support for WNY Agriculture Industry Damaged By Historic Snowfall is Critical Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Representatives Brian Higgins and Chris Collins announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved primary and contiguous disaster designations for seven Western New York counties, due to losses caused by excessive snow, flooding, freeze, and high winds that occurred from November 17 through November 24, 2014. The Secretarial natural disaster declaration will apply for the following counties: Genesee, Erie, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming. In November, following the storm, Schumer, Gillibrand, Higgins and Collins urged the USDA to assess damage and be ready to issue this declaration so that emergency loans could be made available to the farmers, flower growers, and local producers that suffered as a result of this historic November snowstorm. The lawmakers said that USDA assistance is available to farmers who experience severe crop, livestock and business loss. After weathering several days of brutal weather and record-high snowfall, the USDA's decision to provide emergency disaster assistance to farmers and growers across seven Western New York counties is welcome news. I visited many communities and saw the damage the snow caused firsthand. Thankfully, this disaster declaration means our Upstate farmers and growers will have access to critical emergency loans and more, at a time when they need it the most, said Senator Schumer. I applaud the U.S. Department of Agriculture for swiftly assessing the damage to farms, flower growers, vineyards, wineries and orchards throughout the region following the historic snowfall in November, and coming through with disaster designation. ""I saw firsthand the severe losses Western New York's agriculture community faced after last month's unprecedented snowfall. The stories I heard were powerful. This declaration will enable those who lost greenhouses, barns, processing facilities, harvesting equipment, animals, trees, vines, and crops to access resources that will help them as they recover and begin planning for a new growing season. I thank Secretary Vilsack and the dedicated staff of the Farm Service Agency who worked so hard to make sure the voices of our famers were heard and that this much-needed aid is being made available,"" said Senator Gillibrand, the first New York Senator to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in nearly 40 years. Farm communities in Western New York were hit hard by the November snowstorm, and the federal government has an obligation to respond, said Congressman Higgins. This disaster caused loss of crops and business impacting the livelihood of local farmers. We applaud the USDA's willingness to provide much needed relief to those struggling to recover from damages caused by the storm. Western New York's agriculture community took a huge hit during the historic November snowstorm and our local farmers and growers need help, said Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27). I am pleased that our bipartisan push worked and the USDA is taking action necessary to provide needed disaster assistance. The Senators and Congressmen explained that this Secretarial disaster designation will make farm operators eligible to be considered for Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. Farmers in these eligible counties will have eight months from the date of the Secretarial disaster declaration to apply for such emergency loans. The programs available with a USDA disaster declaration are as follows: Emergency Farm Loans - low interest loans. Disaster Set-Aside Program - borrowers located in designated disaster areas or contiguous counties who are unable to make their scheduled payment on any FSA debt can set-aside of one payment after a disaster. Additionally, the following programs are available through the USDA without a disaster declaration: Tree Assistance Program (TAP) - provides financial assistance to qualifying orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes and vines damaged by natural disasters. Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) - provides benefits to livestock producers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather. Forest Restoration Program (FRP) - helps the owners of non-industrial private forests restore forest health damaged by natural disasters. Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, & Farm-raised Fish (ELAP) - provides emergency relief to producers of livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish from other natural disasters that are not adequately covered by any other disaster program. In their letter to Secretary Vilsack last month, Schumer, Gillibrand, Collins and Higgins wrote: We urge USDA to dedicate all available resources to complete a damage survey in the most timely manner to assess the need for a USDA disaster declaration to prevent the delay of any needed emergency relief. Additionally, we request that FSA field officers work with farmers to help them accurately document losses, which will enable them to apply for USDA disaster programs. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-slaughter-announce-more-than-67-million-in-federal-funding-for-rochester-institute-of-technologys-national-technical-institute-for-the-deaf-in-just-unveiled-omnibus-bill,"Schumer, Gillibrand, Slaughter Announce More Than $67 Million in Federal Funding for Rochester Institute of Technologys National Technical Institute for the Deaf in Just-Unveiled Omnibus Bill",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 10, 2014 Schumer, Gillibrand, Slaughter Announce More Than $67 Million in Federal Funding for Rochester Institute of Technology's National Technical Institute for the Deaf in Just-Unveiled Omnibus Bill Schumer, Gillibrand & Slaughter Pushed Hard For Funds That Would Help Deaf And Hard-Of-Hearing New Yorkers Find Jobs Washington, DC U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Louise Slaughter today announced that the Omnibus spending bill a must-pass bill that funds the federal government through the end of the fiscal year includes $67.016 million in funding for Rochester Institute of Technology's National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), which is a much-needed increase of $725,000 from last year's funding level. NTID provides a college education to deaf and hard-of-hearing students from around the country, and gives them skills and training to find jobs and advance their careers. Federal funding allows NTID to invest in critical areas such as instruction, sign language, and captioning services. With this higher funding level, NTID will be able to increase its grants in aid for students, reducing the costs of receiving a degree, as well as propose new technical programs that would offer specialized training for employment in high-tech industries. Rochester's Institute of Technology's National Technical Institute for the Deaf is well-known as one of the best schools in the country for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The NTID is truly one of the region's bright spots; it adds to the local economy and creates a brighter future for the thousands of students that walk through its doors each year. The inclusion of this funding will allow the NTID to invest in programs that better prepare students for future employment and better equip teachers with the training needed to be successful in the classroom, said Senator Schumer. This funding will help deaf and hard-of-hearing New Yorkers continue to receive a phenomenal education at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf in Rochester, ensuring they have the opportunity to achieve their full potential, said Senator Gillibrand. The programs at NTID teach critical skills that directly translate to good jobs after graduation. This is a smart investment and great news for Rochester. ""NTID has cemented its legacyasthe premier educational institution in the U.S. for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, and I have been proud to support the school year after year, Rep. Slaughter said. The promise of America lies in giving everyone an opportunity to succeed, and this funding will help NTID and our entire community fulfill that promise. NTID is grateful to its longtime friends and supporters in Congress, including Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Congresswoman Slaughter, for their tireless advocacy on behalf of our students, faculty and staff, said NTID President Gerard J. Buckley.The additional funding in this FY 2015 omnibus bill, if approved, will aid us in furthering our primary mission of preparing deaf and hard of hearing students for success in a rapidly changing global workforce, by continuing to provide them with outstanding state-of-the-art technical and professional education programs. For more than 45 years, NTID has been a federal investment that truly works, and we are fortunate to have leaders who recognize and support our efforts. In Fiscal Year 2013, 94 percent of NTID's graduates were placed in jobs commensurate with their education level, consistent with NTID's average employment rate of 93 percent over the last 10 years. Using data from the Social Security Administration, NTID can show that its graduates over their lifetimes are employed at a much higher rate, earn substantially more, and participate at a much lower rate in government support programs like Social Security Insurance and Social Security Disability Insurance than students who withdraw from NTID or earn degrees from other institutions of higher education. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-23-million-in-federal-funding-for-new-army-reserve-training-center-in-mattydale-in-just-unveiled-omnibus-bill,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $23 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR NEW ARMY RESERVE TRAINING CENTER IN MATTYDALE IN JUST-UNVEILED OMNIBUS BILL",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.10.14 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $23 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR NEW ARMY RESERVE TRAINING CENTER IN MATTYDALE IN JUST-UNVEILED OMNIBUS BILL Schumer & Gillibrand Worked To Secure This Important Funding for New, Improved Facilities Washington, DC US Senators Charles 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 $23 million in funding to build a new Army Reserve Training Center in Mattydale, New York. The training facility will include administrative, education, assembly, library, and physical fitness areas for fifteen Army Reserve units, including the 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion, a Training Brigade, and several Detachments of Training Battalions. This funding for a new Army Reserve Training Center in Mattydale is great news for the brave men and women in Central New York who serve our nation in the Army Reserves, saidSenatorSchumer. I am urging my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers of Congress to vote for this bill and give our men and women in uniform, active duty and reservists, the top-notch facilities and training programs they deserve. This is great news for our troops stationed in Mattydale, saidSenator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. With this funding, the Army Reserve will have the resources and cutting-edge equipment to train our soldiers for the many challenges they might face overseas. Our men and women in uniform deserve the best facilities and opportunities, and this new federal funding will help make sure they get it. Funding will also be used to construct a maintenance shop with work bays and maintenance administrative support. Currently, these units are training in a building that is over 50 years old and is smaller than the size necessary for these units to effectively train for their missions. The maintenance shop is also too small to maintain the wheeled vehicle fleet necessary for the forward deployment of several of these units. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-27-million-in-federal-funding-for-fort-drums-unmanned-aerial-vehicle-hangar-in-just-unveiled-omnibus-bill,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $27 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR FORT DRUMS UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE HANGAR IN JUST-UNVEILED OMNIBUS BILL",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.10.14 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $27 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR FORT DRUM'S UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE HANGAR IN JUST-UNVEILED OMNIBUS BILL Schumer & Gillibrand Worked To Secure This Important Funding Washington, DC US Senators Charles 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 $27 million in funding to build an unmanned aerial vehicle hangar at Fort Drum. Schumer and Gillibrand both wrote to Senate and House appropriators urging them to include funds for this hangar investment in the omnibus spending bill. The inclusion of funding for a brand new hangar for Fort Drum's cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle program will house the systems used for critical reconnaissance and support missions, saidSenator Schumer. I am urging my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers of Congress to vote for this bill and give Fort Drum and its brave soldiers some great news before the holidays. This federal funding for Fort Drum's unmanned aerial vehicle program is an important investment not just for the local community, but for our entire country, saidSenator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Our national defense capabilities will benefit greatly from this significant improvement at Fort Drum. The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) deployed by the Army to execute Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Security, Attack, and Command and Control missions. Other infantry divisions have also been assigned Gray Eagle companies to support the soldiers as they deploy overseas. The funding will be used to create a hangar to house a fleet of ten Army MQ-1C Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft and 128 employees at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-58-million-in-federal-funding-to-build-new-barracks-at-west-point-in-just-unveiled-omnibus-bill,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $58 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO BUILD NEW BARRACKS AT WEST POINT IN JUST-UNVEILED OMNIBUS BILL",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.10.14 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $58 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO BUILD NEW BARRACKS AT WEST POINT IN JUST-UNVEILED OMNIBUS BILL Schumer & Gillibrand Worked To Secure Funding For First New Barracks At West Point Since 1972 Funding Is Third Federal Installment Of Funding To Construct New Cadet Barracks Washington, DC US Senators Charles 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 $58 million in funding to build new barracks at West Point. This is the third federal funding installment for the barracks, which will be the first constructed at the United States Military Academy since 1972. Schumer and Gillibrand both wrote to Senate and House appropriators urging them to include funds for the barracks construction in the omnibus spending bill. The Cadets who choose to serve our country deserve the best facilities and education that West Point can offer. That is why I have always fought for the funding that will allow West Point to overhaul dilapidated buildings on its campus and provide better living conditions for Cadets, which in turn will impact retention, quality of study, and overall quality of life. This third federal installment of $58 million will be an investment in the best military institution in America and it will preserve the Hudson Valley's reputation as the place where our best soldiers come to learn and where the values of service, honor and sacrifice are instilled, saidSenator Schumer. West Point is the heart of America's military tradition, saidSenator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and West Point Board of Visitors. These new barracks at West Point will help the Academy reduce overcrowding and improve living conditions. These federal funds couldn't have a better destination. The new West Point barracks would provide housing for 650 cadets, adding new space to help alleviate overcrowding, which can reach up to 40 percent at the beginning of the academic year. The military construction project would also support much needed ongoing and future renovations of the existing barracks, some dating back to 1895. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",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",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.10.14 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 Boost in Funding, $68 Million, $4 Million More than Last Year 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 Today, 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 $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, will 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 and over $9 million more than the $58.75 million allocated to the Lab under sequestration. 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 is a major milestone in our quest to secure the funding needed to allow the University of Rochester laser lab to continue its world-class research in fusion power. The inclusion of this provision in the omnibus bill will ensure that the lab is not forced to lay off scientists and engineers and that their partnerships with national laboratories do not suffer, saidSenator Schumer. All we need now is for this bill to pass both the House and the Senate, and then the legislation heads straight to the President's desk. I am urging my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers of Congress to vote for this bill and help us secure the $68 million needed for the lab - $4 million more than last year - and keep the University of Rochester at the cutting edge of high-tech innovation and maintain Rochester as a job-creating center of laser innovation. This critical funding for the Laboratory for Laser Energetics will help keep Rochester at the forefront of our nation's scientific leadership and quest to find affordable and efficient sources of energy, saidSenator Gillibrand. I am so pleased that this money is going to the brilliant and hardworking researchers at the University of Rochester, and I look forward to seeing the continued role the Lab plays in launching new start-up companies and supporting New York's high-technology sector. Established in 1970, the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) of the University of Rochester is a unique national resource for research and education in science and technology and a major asset of the University not found at any other university in the country. Both the Rochester area and the University have a history of innovation that provides a singular environment for LLE within a technologically sophisticated scientific community. LLE is home to the OMEGA laser, which is the second most powerful ultraviolet fusion laser in the world, and the OMEGA EP (Extended Performance) laser, a high-intensity, high-energy short-pulse laser, and serves as the principal laser research facility for three national laboratories. The center's primary goal is to investigate the interaction of intense radiation with matter and to support the National Ignition Campaign (NIC) using OMEGA and OMEGA EP as well as validate advanced concepts for ICF to be used on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in order to demonstrate ignition and energy gain. It is a vital component of our nation's scientific capital and leadership, and key to strategic work on an independent energy future. As one of the leading institutions training the next generation of leaders in the fields of physics, optics, and material science, LLE is an economic development magnet that bolsters local high tech jobs and attracts scientific talent to Rochester. The LLE currently employs 316 full-time staff members, 20 University Faculty members and 5 contract employees. Since its inception, the LLE has attracted almost $2 billion to New York State to support cutting edge research, and more than 1,000 individuals are currently involved in the program. Through the LLE's mission, the University also attracts as many as 300 additional visiting scientists each year to Rochester from national laboratories, universities, and companies and currently hosts over 141 students (graduate, undergraduate, and high school). Last year, the University of Rochester requested funding under the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill for its Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE). The funding was used to develop new laser and materials technologies, provide education in electro-optics, and conduct research and development in advanced technology related to high-energy-density physics. In 2009, Schumer urged his colleagues in Congress to support additional funding so the Laser Lab could avoid drastic budgets cuts and layoffs. In 2010, Senator Schumer announced that President Obama's proposed budget for fiscal year 2011 included $62.5M in funding for Rochester University's Laser Lab and pledged to continue to work for funds to strengthen this first-class institution. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-higgins-collins-announce-usda-has-issued-secretarial-disaster-declaration-for-7-wny-counties-devastated-by-november-snowstorm,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, HIGGINS, COLLINS ANNOUNCE USDA HAS ISSUED SECRETARIAL DISASTER DECLARATION FOR 7 WNY COUNTIES DEVASTATED BY NOVEMBER SNOWSTORM",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.10.14 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, HIGGINS, COLLINS ANNOUNCE USDA HAS ISSUED SECRETARIAL DISASTER DECLARATION FOR 7 WNY COUNTIES DEVASTATED BY NOVEMBER SNOWSTORM Schumer, Gillibrand, Higgins, Collins Wrote to USDA Urging Fed Agency To Assess the Damage & Be Ready To Act On a Disaster Declaration To Assist WNY Farmers, Flower Growers & Local Producers Dealing with the Aftermath of Massive Snowstorm Now, Genesee, Erie, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans & Wyoming Counties Will Be Immediately Eligible for USDA Assistance to Help Cover Crop, Livestock, Business Loss Costs Schumer, Gillibrand, Higgins, Collins: USDA Support for WNY Agriculture Industry Damaged By Historic Snowfall is Critical Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Representatives Brian Higgins and Chris Collins announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved primary and contiguous disaster designations for seven Western New York counties, due to losses caused by excessive snow, flooding, freeze, and high winds that occurred from November 17 through November 24, 2014. The Secretarial natural disaster declaration will apply for the following counties: Genesee, Erie, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming. In November, following the storm, Schumer, Gillibrand, Higgins and Collins urged the USDA to assess damage and be ready to issue this declaration so that emergency loans could be made available to the farmers, flower growers, and local producers that suffered as a result of this historic November snowstorm. The lawmakers said that USDA assistance is available to farmers who experience severe crop, livestock and business loss. After weathering several days of brutal weather and record-high snowfall, the USDA's decision to provide emergency disaster assistance to farmers and growers across seven Western New York counties is welcome news. I visited many communities and saw the damage the snow caused firsthand. Thankfully, this disaster declaration means our Upstate farmers and growers will have access to critical emergency loans and more, at a time when they need it the most, saidSenatorSchumer. I applaud the U.S. Department of Agriculture for swiftly assessing the damage to farms, flower growers, vineyards, wineries and orchards throughout the region following the historic snowfall in November, and coming through with disaster designation. ""I saw firsthand the severe losses Western New York's agriculture community faced after last month's unprecedented snowfall. The stories I heard were powerful. This declaration will enable those who lost greenhouses, barns, processing facilities, harvesting equipment, animals, trees, vines, and crops to access resources that will help them as they recover and begin planning for a new growing season. I thank Secretary Vilsack and the dedicated staff of the Farm Service Agency who worked so hard to make sure the voices of our famers were heard and that this much-needed aid is being made available,"" saidSenator Gillibrand, the first New York Senator to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in nearly 40 years. Farm communities in Western New York were hit hard by the November snowstorm, and the federal government has an obligation to respond, saidCongressman Higgins. This disaster caused loss of crops and business impacting the livelihood of local farmers. We applaud the USDA's willingness to provide much needed relief to those struggling to recover from damages caused by the storm. Western New York's agriculture community took a huge hit during the historic November snowstorm and our local farmers and growers need help, saidCongressman Chris Collins(NY-27). I am pleased that our bipartisan push worked and the USDA is taking action necessary to provide needed disaster assistance. The Senators and Congressmen explained that this Secretarial disaster designation will make farm operators eligible to be considered for Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. Farmers in these eligible counties will have eight months from the date of the Secretarial disaster declaration to apply for such emergency loans. The programs available with a USDA disaster declaration are as follows: Emergency Farm Loans- low interest loans. Disaster Set-Aside Program- borrowers located in designated disaster areas or contiguous counties who are unable to make their scheduled payment on any FSA debt can set-aside of one payment after a disaster. Additionally, the following programs are available through the USDA without a disaster declaration: Tree Assistance Program (TAP)- provides financial assistance to qualifying orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes and vines damaged by natural disasters. Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP)- provides benefits to livestock producers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather. Forest Restoration Program (FRP)- helps the owners of non-industrial private forests restore forest health damaged by natural disasters. Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, & Farm-raised Fish (ELAP)- provides emergency relief to producers of livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish from other natural disasters that are not adequately covered by any other disaster program. In their letter to Secretary Vilsack last month, Schumer, Gillibrand, Collins and Higgins wrote: We urge USDA to dedicate all available resources to complete a damage survey in the most timely manner to assess the need for a USDA disaster declaration to prevent the delay of any needed emergency relief. Additionally, we request that FSA field officers work with farmers to help them accurately document losses, which will enable them to apply for USDA disaster programs. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-slaughter-announce-more-than-67-million-in-federal-funding-for-rochester-institute-of-technologys-national-technical-institute-for-the-deaf-in-just-unveiled-omnibus-bill,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, SLAUGHTER ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $67 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYS NATIONAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE FOR THE DEAF IN JUST-UNVEILED OMNIBUS BILL",2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.10.14 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, SLAUGHTER ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $67 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY'S NATIONAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE FOR THE DEAF IN JUST-UNVEILED OMNIBUS BILL Schumer, Gillibrand & Slaughter Pushed Hard For Funds That Would Help Deaf And Hard- Of-Hearing New Yorkers Find Jobs Washington, DC U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Louise Slaughter today announced that the Omnibus spending bill a must-pass bill that funds the federal government through the end of the fiscal year includes $67.016 million in funding for Rochester Institute of Technology's National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), which is a much-needed increase of $725,000 from last year's funding level. NTID provides a college education to deaf and hard-of-hearing students from around the country, and gives them skills and training to find jobs and advance their careers. Federal funding allows NTID to invest in critical areas such as instruction, sign language, and captioning services. With this higher funding level, NTID will be able to increase its grants in aid for students, reducing the costs of receiving a degree, as well as propose new technical programs that would offer specialized training for employment in high-tech industries. Rochester's Institute of Technology's National Technical Institute for the Deaf is well-known as one of the best schools in the country for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The NTID is truly one of the region's bright spots; it adds to the local economy and creates a brighter future for the thousands of students that walk through its doors each year. The inclusion of this funding will allow the NTID to invest in programs that better prepare students for future employment and better equip teachers with the training needed to be successful in the classroom, saidSenator Schumer. This funding will help deaf and hard-of-hearing New Yorkers continue to receive a phenomenal education at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf in Rochester, ensuring they have the opportunity to achieve their full potential, saidSenator Gillibrand. The programs at NTID teach critical skills that directly translate to good jobs after graduation. This is a smart investment and great news for Rochester. ""NTID has cemented its legacyasthe premier educational institution in the U.S. for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, and I have been proud to support the school year after year,Rep. Slaughtersaid. The promise of America lies in giving everyone an opportunity to succeed, and this funding will help NTID and our entire community fulfill that promise. NTID is grateful to its longtime friends and supporters in Congress, including Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Congresswoman Slaughter, for their tireless advocacy on behalf of our students, faculty and staff, saidNTID President Gerard J. Buckley.The additional funding in this FY 2015 omnibus bill, if approved, will aid us in furthering our primary mission of preparing deaf and hard of hearing students for success in a rapidly changing global workforce, by continuing to provide them with outstanding state-of-the-art technical and professional education programs. For more than 45 years, NTID has been a federal investment that truly works, and we are fortunate to have leaders who recognize and support our efforts. In Fiscal Year 2013, 94 percent of NTID's graduates were placed in jobs commensurate with their education level, consistent with NTID's average employment rate of 93 percent over the last 10 years. Using data from the Social Security Administration, NTID can show that its graduates over their lifetimes are employed at a much higher rate, earn substantially more, and participate at a much lower rate in government support programs like Social Security Insurance and Social Security Disability Insurance than students who withdraw from NTID or earn degrees from other institutions of higher education. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z