url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/icymi-gillibrand-in-buffalo-news-stock-act-20-will-require-new-transparency-in-congress,ICYMI: Gillibrand In Buffalo News: Stock Act 2.0 Will Require New Transparency In Congress,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 31, 2020 ICYMI: Gillibrand In Buffalo News: Stock Act 2.0 Will Require New Transparency In Congress In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand penned an op-ed in theBuffalo Newstoday, calling for passage of her new legislation, theSTOCK Act 2.0. The legislation will require that whenever a member of Congress, a high-ranking staff member in a position to make policy, the president, the vice president, or other executive branch officials apply for or receive a benefit of value from the government, they must report it in the same way they would report the sale of a stock. The legislation was prompted in part by the fact that several wealthy members of Congress have received millions in PPP loans, while small businesses have continued to struggle. TheSTOCK Act 2.0is the latest push for transparency for Senator Gillibrand, who had made government accountability a top priority throughout her career. Gillibrand led Senate passage of the STOCK Act in 2012, and was the first member of Congress to post her official meetings, personal financial disclosures, earmark requests, and taxes online. Gillibrandalso supports banning members from buying or selling individual stocks, particularly in light of several recent scandals. Clickhereor see below for the op-ed Another Voice: STOCK Act 2.0 will require new transparency in Congress | Buffalo News Senator Kirsten Gillibrand December 31, 2020 Over the past year, Congress has allocated trillions of dollars of relief money to respond to the pandemic and economic crisis. While more remains to be done, the American people must be able to trust their government to make responsible, unbiased decisions about their tax dollars. Unfortunately, as is too often the case, their faith in government has not been rewarded. The fact is that millions of relief dollars have gone right back into the hands of members of Congress who wrote and voted for the relief packages. When the Paycheck Protection Program was rolled out, many small businesses were denied relief. Meanwhile, auto dealerships, franchises and family businesses with ties to some of the wealthiest members of Congress received millions of dollars in PPP loans. Nearly all of them were able to get relief before the first round of funding ran out. This isn't a new phenomenon. For decades, the same members of Congress who write and pass bills, and oversee their implementation, have collected millions in federal farming subsidies without requirements for these payments to be reported to taxpayers. The worst part is, the only way Congress or the public can learn about these insider dealings is from news reports. It's unacceptable. We need transparency. We need the STOCK Act 2.0. I passed the original STOCK Act in the Senate in 2012, following investigative reports revealing that members of Congress were making investments using nonpublic information. In one instance, lawmakers who received closed-door briefings on the 2008 financial crisis from the Treasury secretary and chair of the Federal Reserve traded using that information. In another egregious example, during the debate over the Affordable Care Act, then-House Minority Leader John Boehner bought health insurance stock, while leading the opposition to the public option. The STOCK Act makes it illegal for members of Congress and government officials to buy or sell stocks based on information learned in committee hearings or other non-public briefings and requires high-ranking officials to quickly disclose financial transactions. In short, it says that no one in government should be able to profit from inside information. My bill, the STOCK Act 2.0, will do the same for federal loans, grants, contracts, subsidies and other types of items of value. The STOCK Act 2.0 will require that whenever a member of Congress, a high-ranking staff member in a position to make policy, the president, the vice president, or other executive branch officials apply for or receive a benefit of value from the government, they must report it in the same way they would report the sale of a stock. Those reports would be added to a public website where the information is easily accessible, searchable and downloadable. I believe public officials should be accountable to you for their actions. But not everyone shares my view. I can only assume that's why several of the members of Congress who cashed in on PPP loans voted against legislation that would have required public disclosure of the program's recipients. These transactions shouldn't happen in the dark. Sunlight is an extremely effective antiseptic and the STOCK Act 2.0 will provide it.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-helps-make-housing-co-ops-eligible-for-coronavirus-relief-funds,Meng Helps Make Housing Co-ops Eligible for Coronavirus Relief Funds,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she helped make housing cooperatives eligible to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which is the Small Business Administration's (SBA) signature coronavirus relief initiative to assist struggling small businesses during the national health crisis. This change was included in the $900 billion coronavirus relief package that was signed into law on December 27. In March, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act created PPP which provides forgivable loans provided certain conditions are met, but SBA subsequently rendered housing co-ops ineligible to participate in the program. Since then, Meng worked with her congressional colleagues and the President's Co-op & Condo Council to reverse this omission. ""Financial relief is finally available to housing cooperatives in Queens that have faced declining revenues and increasing costs during COVID-19. I am relieved that they will soon be able to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program and get the assistance they need,"" said Meng. ""COVID-19 has placed an unprecedented strain on the affordable cooperative housing units in New York City alone. Leaving out co-ops from PPP was a disservice to them despite their economic hardship. I was proud to press the Administration on this issue, and to help secure language in the Heroes Act and Heroes Act 2.0, which passed the House in May and October, respectively. While the Senate Republicans needlessly held up for months any relief for working families, I am glad that we finally secured eligibility for co-ops in the recent coronavirus relief package. Cooperatives remain a critical source of affordable housing for Queens and New York families and they must be made whole in the midst of this unprecedented public health and economic crises. Opening up the PPP to these entities will give them this lifeline. I want to thank my congressional colleagues and the President's Co-op & Condo Council for their partnership on this issue. I encourage all to apply once the program resumes, and I will continue to push for more assistance to help families and workers in Queens in the coming months."" ""NCBA CLUSA greatly appreciates the leadership of Congresswoman Meng to provide much needed certainty for housing cooperatives to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program,"" said Doug O'Brien, President and CEO of the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International. ""Housing co-ops, like all cooperatives, are businesses owned and controlled by their member owners. Like other small businesses weathering the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, these co-ops keep employees on payroll for critical ongoing operations such as maintenance, safety, and other essential needs vital to the member-owners. The co-op community is grateful for leaders in Congress like Congresswoman Meng, who understands the important role that housing co-ops play in their communities and the local economy. We applaud the efforts of Congresswoman Meng who, alongside members of the NY delegation including Chairwoman Velázquez and Leader Schumer, have tirelessly worked on this issues since the Paycheck Protection Program launched in April."" ""The inclusion of co-ops eligibility for forgivable PPP loans in the stimulus package will have a profound impact on the co-op community. The many co-op groups partnering with Congresswoman Meng on this important issue was a model of how good government is supposed to work,"" said Geoffrey Mazel, Esq., Legal Advisor, President's Co-op & Condo Council (PCCC). In April, Meng and Rep. Suozzi led members of the New York congressional delegation in a letter to Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and SBA Administrator Carranza urging them to make co-ops and condominiums eligible to participate in PPP. In May, Meng along with Senator Schumer, Reps. Velázquez and Engel, and other New York lawmakers called on SBA to clarify guidance on PPP eligibility for co-ops. The House passed the Heroes Act in May and the updated Heroes Act 2.0 in October that expanded PPP eligibility to include co-ops. PPP provides forgivable loans if 60 percent is used for payroll and 40 percent is used for non-payroll expenses like rent, mortgage interest payments, or utilities. The program closed on August 8 despite over $130 billion remaining. The $900 billion coronavirus relief measure reopens PPP and expands eligible expenses to also include personal protective equipment, supplier costs, and business operations software and human resources needs.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-over-22-million-in-federal-funding-for-northwell-health-incs-covid-19-response-and-emergency-management,"Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $22 Million In Federal Funding For Northwell Health Inc.’s COVID-19 Response And Emergency Management",2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 30, 2020 Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $22 Million In Federal Funding For Northwell Health Inc.'s COVID-19 Response And Emergency Management U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $22,207,274.93 in federal funding forNorthwellHealth Inc. in New York City. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and will be used to coverprevious COVID-19 response and operational costs. Specifically, the funding will be used tocover the costs of cleaning suppliesfor facility sanitization,medical supplies and PPE includingmasks, gloves, gowns, coveralls, face shields, shoe covers and testing supplies. I'm proud to deliver these vital federal funds to help cover the massive costs of increased protective measures needed to safely care for COVID-19 patients throughout the pandemic,saidSenator Schumer. We must continue to support our local hospitals and health centers as we work to mitigate the spread of coronavirus and recover from this health and economic crisis. I will continue to prioritize the safety of our healthcare workers and facilities when fighting for federal funding. New York City's frontline workers, hospitals, and health centers continue to be stretched thin by the surge of COVID-19 cases and need immediate federal aid,saidSenator Gillibrand.This federal funding will provideNorthwellHealth Inc. with the PPE and equipment needed to increase the safety of both patients and providers, and help mitigate further spread of COVID-19. I'm proud to fight for funding that will help New York's health care professionals keep our communities safe during this unprecedented health crisis. NorthwellHealth, Inc. is New York's largest healthcare provider, employing over 74,000 employees in over 800 hospitals and healthcare centers.NorthwellHealth Inc. played a critical role in executing New York State's COVID-19 testing plan early in the pandemic and has provided resources and support including medical supply distribution, medical care for management control, and reduction of immediate threats to public health and safety. This Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. 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-her-push-gillibrand-announces-150-million-in-breast-cancer-research-funding-included-in-fy-2021-bipartisan-appropriations-package,"Following Her Push, Gillibrand Announces $150 Million In Breast Cancer Research Funding Included In FY 2021 Bipartisan Appropriations Package",2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 29, 2020 Following Her Push, Gillibrand Announces $150 Million In Breast Cancer Research Funding Included In FY 2021 Bipartisan Appropriations Package U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Armed Services Committee, today announced that the recently-passed government funding package authorized $150 million for the Department of Defense peer-reviewed Breast Cancer Research Program (DoD BCRP), enabling the program to continuemakingscientific breakthroughs inbreast cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. Earlier this year, Senator Gillibrand, a leader in the fight against breast cancer and for women's health care, led a bipartisan letter to the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee to maintain the level of funding for this vital program. Support for the Breast Cancer Research Program can help change the lives of millions of people fighting this devastating disease,saidSenator Gillibrand.This program has been at the forefront of breast cancer research and care since its inception at the DoD and the continued funding is essential to life saving scientific advancements. I'm proud to have secured this funding to provide support and care for those fighting breast cancer. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, with nearly 1 in 8 women estimated to be diagnosed in their lifetime. Research has shown that breast cancer rates among female service members are significantly higher than in the general civilian population. The DoD BCRP provides transformative breast cancer research, support to individuals and their families through and after breast cancer treatment, and primary prevention. Over 90% of the funds go directly to grants that perform breakthrough research. The flexibility and efficiency of the DoD BCRP allows the program to support scientific advances and fill knowledge gaps by focusing on research that is traditionally under-funded. Full text of Senator Gillibrand's letter to appropriators can be foundhereand below. Dear Chairman Shelby and Ranking Member Durbin: The Department of Defense peer-reviewed Breast Cancer Research Program (DOD BCRP) has established itself as a model medical research program. The DOD BCRP's progress in the fight against breast cancer has been made possible by this Committee's investment in breast cancer research.We thank you for your past support, and ask that you provide funding $150 million for fiscal year (FY) 2021 for the DOD BCRP in the Department of Defense Appropriations bill. The critical work of this program must be continued at this level of funding because: It is a demonstrated success: Ground-breaking discoveries that offer insights into the biology of breast cancer have come as a result of the program, including revolutionary work that led to the development of the innovative drug Herceptin. From new methods of extracting breast cancer cells at their earliest stages, to unprecedented research into gene/environment interaction and quality of life issues, the DOD BCRP leads the way in generating new approaches to breast cancer prevention, treatment, and detection. The Institute of Medicine, in two analyses of the program, overwhelmingly supports continued investment in the DOD BCRP, stating the program fills a unique niche among public and private funding sources for cancer research. It is not duplicative of other programs and is a promising vehicle for forging new ideas and scientific breakthroughs in the nation's fight against breast cancer. It is innovative and unique:The DOD BCRP has a unique grants structure that allows it to be more flexible and to fund innovative, high-risk, high-return research, enabling it to quickly respond to current scientific advances and to fill gaps by focusing on areas of research that are promising but otherwise underfunded. It is efficient:Approximately 90 percent of the appropriated funds go directly to competitive, peer-reviewed research grants awarded only on the basis of scientific merit. It is transparent and accountable to the public:This is evidenced by the inclusion of consumer advocates at both the peer and programmatic review levels. The consumer perspective helps the scientists understand how the research will affect the breast cancer community and allows for funding decisions based on the concerns and needs of patients and the medical community. Each researcher who receives funds from the program must present their results to the American people online and at public meetings called Era of Hope. The transparency of the DOD BCRP allows scientists, consumers, and the American public to see the exceptional progress made in breast cancer research. While the prevention and cure of breast cancer is not yet within our grasp, with the proper investments, we can win the fight against breast cancer. In 2020, it is estimated that 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among U.S. women and approximately 2,620 new cases among U.S. men and more than 42,000 will die of the disease this year. In addition to invasive cancers, 62,930 new cases of in situ breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the U.S. in 2018. Notably, research has also shown that breast cancer rates among female service members are significantly higher than in the general civilian population. Despite tremendous efforts to combat this terrible disease, we still have work to do to learn how to prevent, treat, and cure breast cancer. The DOD BCRP is a critical tool in this effort. The Appropriations Committee has shown great determination and leadership in the search for answers in continuing to fund the DOD BCRP and by continuing to maintain the integrity of this model program of research.We thank you for your longstanding leadership with respect to the DOD BCRP and ask that you provide funding of $150 million for fiscal year (FY) 2021 for the DOD BCRP in the Department of Defense Appropriations bill. Sincerely, 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-calls-on-leader-mcconnell-to-allow-the-senate-to-vote-on-2000-emergency-checks,"Gillibrand Calls On Leader McConnell To Allow The Senate To Vote On $2,000 Emergency Checks",2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 29, 2020 Gillibrand Calls On Leader McConnell To Allow The Senate To Vote On $2,000 Emergency Checks Today, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement calling on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to allow the Senate to vote on House-passed legislation to deliver $2,000 direct payment checks to Americans facing economic hardship due to the Covid-19 pandemic: Yesterday, the House passed bipartisan legislation to send $2,000 direct payment checks to Americans weathering an unprecedented public health and financial crisis. Now, the Senate must do the same. Along with every Senate Democrat, several Republicans senators support these emergency checks, which will provide a crucial lifeline to millions of American families, who are struggling to keep food on the table and make ends meet. Leader McConnell must end the obstruction and let the Senate vote to deliver this much-needed relief to American families. Background: Throughout relief package negotiations, Senator Gillibrand has pressed for the inclusion of robust direct payments. As noted in a December 29Washington Postcolumn, If not for progressives such as independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and both Democratic senators of Massachusetts and Oregon (who wanted $1,200 checks), there would not be any direct payments in the bill at all. 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-hace-llamado-al-lder-mcconnell-para-que-permita-un-voto-en-el-senado-sobre-los-cheques-de-emergencia-de-2000,"Gillibrand Hace Llamado Al Líder Mcconnell Para Que Permita Un Voto En El Senado Sobre Los Cheques De Emergencia De $2,000",2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 29, 2020 Gillibrand Hace Llamado Al Lder Mcconnell Para Que Permita Un Voto En El Senado Sobre Los Cheques De Emergencia De $2,000 Hoy la Senadora Kirsten Gillibrand emiti las siguientes declaraciones en las que insta al Lder de la Mayora del Senado Mitch McConnell permitir que el Senado vote sobre un proyecto de ley aprobado en la Cmara de Representantes que le proporcionara a los estadounidenses pagos directos por cheque de $2,000 por las dificultades econmicas que enfrentan debido a la pandemia de la Covid-19: Ayer la Cmara de Representantes aprob un proyecto de ley bipartidista que le dara a los estadounidenses pasando por una crisis de salud pblica y financiera sin precedentes pagos directos por cheque de $2,000. Ahora el Senado debe hacer lo mismo. Hay varios senadores republicanos que junto a cada demcrata en el Senado respaldan la aprobacin de estos cheques de emergencia, los cuales sern una ayuda vital para millones de familias estadounidenses que luchan por alimentarse y cubrir sus gastos mensuales. El Lder McConnell debe dejar la obstruccin y dejar que el Senado vote para dar alivio financiero necesario a las familias estadounidenses. Antecedentes: A lo largo de las negociaciones para el paquete de alivio, la Senadora Gillibrand ha presionado para incluir pagos directos robustos. Como se seal en unartculo de opinin publicadoel 29 de diciembre en el diario Washington Post, Si no fuera por progresistas como el senador independiente por Vermont, Bernie Sanders; la senadora demcrata por Nueva York,Kirsten Gillibrand, y ambos senadores demcratas por Massachusetts y Oregon (quienes queran cheques por $1,200), no se hubiera incluido ningn pago directo en el proyecto de ley. 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-82-million-in-funding-for-rochester-laser-lab-in-the-fy-2021-bipartisan-appropriations-package_,"Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $82 Million In Funding For Rochester Laser Lab In The FY 2021 Bipartisan Appropriations Package",2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 29, 2020 Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $82 Million In Funding For Rochester Laser Lab In The FY 2021 Bipartisan Appropriations Package Following Their Push, Senators Secured $575 Million for National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) program; Bipartisan Funding Will Help Support Nearly 900 Jobs In New York State U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced their successful push to secure $82 million in funding for the OMEGA Laser Facility at University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE). The funding comes as part of $575 million that the senators fought to deliver to the National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) program in the bipartisan FY 2021 appropriations package. The funding will help achieve scientific milestones laid out in the current five-year Cooperative Agreement between LLE and the NNSA and will provide resources to help support the science-based stewardship of the nation's nuclear weapon stockpile. This funding will support nearly 900 jobs for scientists, engineers, technicians, and support staff, helping to drive economic growth throughout New York State. The inclusion of $82 million in funding for the U of R'S OMEGA Laser Facility will ensure that the nearly 900 workers employed thanks to the Rochester Laser Lab can stay on the job keeping our nuclear weapon stockpile safe and reliable while pushing the frontiers of energy research at a time when countries like China and Russia are working to beat the U.S. to new technological advances,said Senator Schumer. I'm such a staunch supporter of the University of Rochester Laser Lab because it plays a paramount role in our national security and is vital to our regional economy, employing hundreds of scientists and bringing millions into the Rochester area. The United States of America has always taken pride in our scientific achievements, and with the U of R Laser Lab responsible for so many of them, I'll always fight relentlessly to ensure it has the resources necessary to keep innovating on behalf of the American people. The partnership between OMEGA Laser Facility atUniversity of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is key to our national security and will keep the United States at the cutting edge of nuclear fusion research,saidSenator Gillibrand.This world-renowned research is also an important part of New York State's work force and community, bringing scientists from around the world to the Rochester-Finger Lakes region and creating nearly 900 jobs statewide. The funding is great news for New York and the entire nation, and I am pleased that it has been included in this year's government funding bill. We are deeply grateful to Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for their longstanding leadership in support of the LLE and the integral role it plays in enhancing our national security, maintaining global competitiveness, driving economic growth and innovation across New York, and training the next generation of scientists. With this federal support, LLE will continue to make critical contributions to the science-based Stockpile Stewardship Program and build on its 50 year history of transformational leadership in laser innovation,said Sarah C. Mangelsdorf, President, University of Rochester. Established in 1970, the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) of the University of Rochester is a unique and cost effective national resource for research and education in science and technology. LLE is the largest U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) university-based research program in the entire nation and is home to the OMEGA lasers (Omega and Omega EP) two of the largest and most capable at any academic institution in the world. The funding will allow LLE to support facility operations and experiments on OMEGA in order to make progress on the three most viable approaches to fusion, as well as support the research programs of the three NNSA laboratories. With this support, LLE will also be able to provide the needed scientific and technical support for external users, including the national laboratories (LLNL, LANL, and SNL) and more than 400 scientists from over 50 universities, that conduct research at the OMEGA facility. Lastly, this funding will improve cyber infrastructure and enhance the security of new high-performance computing capabilities, accelerate development and deployment of state-of-the-art diagnostics and next-generation laser technologies that have long-distinguished the University. NNSA's ICF Program helps to maintain the OMEGA Laser Facility. The ICF program is critical to maintaining safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent maintained through the Stockpile Stewardship Program. This program establishes the United States as a leader in technology and attracts talented scientists, engineers, and students dedicated to achieving controlled fusion laboratory, one of the grand scientific and engineering challenges for the 21st century. Schumer and Gillibrand have long fought for Rochester's Laser Lab. They helped secure $80 million in funding in the Fiscal Year 2020 spending bill and $75 million in 2018. In Fiscal Year 2019, the senators secured another $80 million in funding through the Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Bill. The senators will continue their efforts to help grow the laser lab, which is a key driver of Rochester's optics and photonics industry and in maintaining the nation's nuclear weapon stockpile while developing new clean energy sources. 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-82-million-in-funding-for-rochester-laser-lab-in-the-fy-2021-bipartisan-appropriations-package,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $82 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR ROCHESTER LASER LAB IN THE FY 2021 BIPARTISAN APPROPRIATIONS PACKAGE",2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.29.20 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $82 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR ROCHESTER LASER LAB IN THE FY 2021 BIPARTISAN APPROPRIATIONS PACKAGE Following Their Push, Senators Secured $575 Million for National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) program Bipartisan Funding Will Help Support Nearly 900 Jobs In New York State Washington, D.C. U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced their successful push to secure $82 million in funding for the OMEGA Laser Facility at University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE). The funding comes as part of $575 million that the senators fought to deliver to the National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) program in the bipartisan FY 2021 appropriations package. The funding will help achieve scientific milestones laid out in the current five-year Cooperative Agreement between LLE and the NNSA and will provide resources to help support the science-based stewardship of the nation's nuclear weapon stockpile. This funding will support nearly 900 jobs for scientists, engineers, technicians, and support staff, helping to drive economic growth throughout New York State. The inclusion of $82 million in funding for the U of R'S OMEGA Laser Facility will ensure that the nearly 900 workers employed thanks to the Rochester Laser Lab can stay on the job keeping our nuclear weapon stockpile safe and reliable while pushing the frontiers of energy research at a time when countries like China and Russia are working to beat the U.S. to new technological advances, said Senator Schumer. I'm such a staunch supporter of the University of Rochester Laser Lab because it plays a paramount role in our national security and is vital to our regional economy, employing hundreds of scientists and bringing millions into the Rochester area. The United States of America has always taken pride in our scientific achievements, and with the U of R Laser Lab responsible for so many of them, I'll always fight relentlessly to ensure it has the resources necessary to keep innovating on behalf of the American people. The partnership between OMEGA Laser Facility atUniversity of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is key to our national security and will keep the United States at the cutting edge of nuclear fusion research,saidSenator Gillibrand.This world-renowned research is also an important part of New York State's work force and community, bringing scientists from around the world to the Rochester-Finger Lakes region and creating nearly 900 jobs statewide. The funding is great news for New York and the entire nation, and I am pleased that it has been included in this year's government funding bill. We are deeply grateful to Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for their longstanding leadership in support of the LLE and the integral role it plays in enhancing our national security, maintaining global competitiveness, driving economic growth and innovation across New York, and training the next generation of scientists. With this federal support, LLE will continue to make critical contributions to the science-based Stockpile Stewardship Program and build on its 50 year history of transformational leadership in laser innovation, said Sarah C. Mangelsdorf, President, University of Rochester. Established in 1970, the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) of the University of Rochester is a unique and cost effective national resource for research and education in science and technology. LLE is the largest U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) university-based research program in the entire nation and is home to the OMEGA lasers (Omega and Omega EP) two of the largest and most capable at any academic institution in the world. The funding will allow LLE to support facility operations and experiments on OMEGA in order to make progress on the three most viable approaches to fusion, as well as support the research programs of the three NNSA laboratories. With this support, LLE will also be able to provide the needed scientific and technical support for external users, including the national laboratories (LLNL, LANL, and SNL) and more than 400 scientists from over 50 universities, that conduct research at the OMEGA facility. Lastly, this funding will improve cyber infrastructure and enhance the security of new high-performance computing capabilities, accelerate development and deployment of state-of-the-art diagnostics and next-generation laser technologies that have long-distinguished the University. NNSA's ICF Program helps to maintain the OMEGA Laser Facility. The ICF program is critical to maintaining safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent maintained through the Stockpile Stewardship Program. This program establishes the United States as a leader in technology and attracts talented scientists, engineers, and students dedicated to achieving controlled fusion laboratory, one of the grand scientific and engineering challenges for the 21st century. Schumer and Gillibrand have long fought for Rochester's Laser Lab. They helped secure $80 million in funding in the Fiscal Year 2020 spending bill and $75 million in 2018. In Fiscal Year 2019, the senators secured another $80 million in funding through the Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Bill. The senators will continue their efforts to help grow the laser lab, which is a key driver of Rochester's optics and photonics industry and in maintaining the nation's nuclear weapon stockpile while developing new clean energy sources. ### 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-brindisi-just-signed-bipartisan-end-of-year-omnibus-legislation-includes-278-million-for-rome-lab-federal-funding-will-be-used-to-further-revolutionize-uas-and-quantum-technology,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, BRINDISI: JUST-SIGNED, BIPARTISAN END-OF-YEAR OMNIBUS LEGISLATION INCLUDES $278 MILLION FOR ROME LAB; FEDERAL FUNDING WILL BE USED TO FURTHER REVOLUTIONIZE UAS & QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY",2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.29.20 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, BRINDISI: JUST-SIGNED, BIPARTISAN END-OF-YEAR OMNIBUS LEGISLATION INCLUDES $278 MILLION FOR ROME LAB; FEDERAL FUNDING WILL BE USED TO FURTHER REVOLUTIONIZE UAS & QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY The Air Force Research Laboratory In Rome Will Receive Over $278M In Funding For Fiscal Year 2021 More Than $37M Above The President's Budget Request & $6M More Than Fiscal Year 2020 Reps Directly Secured Funding For Rome Lab To Advance Groundbreaking Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) & Quantum Tech; Say Funding Boost Will Supercharge World-Class Capabilities Reps: Funding Will Keep Rome Lab At The Military's Epicenter Of UAS & Quantum Technology, While Boosting Mohawk Valley's Economy Continuing their fierce advocacy for scientific innovation in Upstate New York, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Congressman Anthony Brindisi today announced that they have secured $278,889,000 in federal funding for the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome (Rome Lab) in the just-signed end-of-year omnibus legislation. The total amount includes specific provisions the reps pushed for, including $10 million to further develop a Department of Defense (DoD)/Federal Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) testbed and prototype in collaboration with the NY UAS Test Site, $10 million for the initial design and construction for a first-of-its-kind large wide area Quantum Wide Area Network (QWAN), and $10 million in funding to the Quantum Information Science Innovation Center,' also known as The Innovare Advancement Center in Rome. This federal funding is a green light for DoD to supercharge its investment in just the kind of cutting-edge UAS and quantum technology that is happening at Rome Lab. The nation that innovates fastest and best in these technologies will be the superpower of the next century and I am beyond excited to help make Rome Lab a central part of that effort, said Senator Schumer. Not only has Rome Lab delivered real results in developing and enhancing our nation's defense capabilities through tech, they have shown a commitment to employing local residents with good-paying jobs and partnering with local business to advance their work. This infusion of funding will ensure that the talented people that work there will help our nation stay ahead of our international competitors in these critically important fields. This federal funding will enable Rome Lab to continue developing ground-breaking technologies to support our nation's defense, support the Mohawk Valley economy, and bolster more than one thousand local jobs, said Senator Gillibrand. The people who work at Rome Lab represent the best of New York ingenuity and I'm excited to support them as they continue making America a worldwide leader in technological innovation. Rome Lab, the Mohawk Valley, and New York's 22nd district at large play a crucial role in maintaining a strong national defense, Congressman Brindisi said. I worked with Democrats and Republicans to pass bipartisan legislation that includes a significant investment in Rome Lab and Central New York's defense industry. With this bill's help, we can keep our country safe, build upon our reputation as an industry leader, and create good-paying jobs along the way. I will continue to fight to bring taxpayer dollars back to this community. Rome Lab is one of the nation's premier research facilities leading cutting edge research in quantum computing, neuromorphic computing, machine learning, artificial intelligence, cyber security and unmanned aerial systems. Senator Schumer is a super charged advocate driven by the impact the lab's work has on our Nation's strength and resilience, saidMC Chruscicki, CNY Defense Alliance Executive Director. The funding is critical to the development of the CNY high tech-eco-system and innovation led by the men and women at Rome Lab. Located in Oneida County, one of Rome Lab's primary focuses is gathering and processing cyber intelligence. Since 1997, it has been the USAF's Superlab and is considered the nation's premier research organization for Command, Control, Communications, Cyber and Intelligence (C4I) technologies. The lab focuses on developing information technology for air, space and ground systems, in addition to partnering with other federal agencies, universities, private industry and other state and local governments. Schumer, Gillibrand, and Brindisi have been especially supportive of the Lab's quantum computing research in recent years, helping secure tens of millions of dollars that helped fund the Quantum Information Science Innovation Center' in Rome, which opened earlier this year. The open campus, also known as The Innovare Advancement Center, is a collaboration between researchers from the Air Force, Department of Defense (DOD), government, industry, small business community, and academia. Additionally, Schumer announced last year that Rome Lab would serve as DOD's leading representative on an initiative tasked with promoting the quantum computing industry nationwide. Rome Lab is also a source of growth for the regional economy and a major source of employment. According to the U.S. Air Force's 2019 economic impact analysis, Rome Lab employed nearly 1,200 workers with an annual payroll of over $145 million and generated over $460 million in regional economic activity last year. The U.S. Air Force's economic impact study can be found here. Because of Rome Lab's strong commitment to excellence in developing and enhancing this nation's cybersecurity infrastructure, as well as its commitment to employing local residents with good-paying jobs, Schumer, Gillibrand, and Brindisi have long fought to ensure Rome Labs has what it needs to succeed and maintain its strong workforce. Earlier this year, the representatives helped to secure a $13.15 million Army Corps contract to construct perimeter security at Rome Lab. In the Fiscal Years 2018 and 2019 defense budgets, the representatives helped deliver $243 million and $245 million for Rome Lab's operations and personnel, respectively. That funding included over $13 million directly secured by the senators for Rome Lab to establish critical components of its Quantum Information Science Innovation Center,'. In the 2020 defense budget, representatives secured $272 million for Rome Lab, a $27 million increase over 2019's level and $34 million above the president's budget request. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3357,"BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL GROUP 908 COALITION TO PRESIDENT TRUMP: SIGN RELIEF PACKAGE OR VETO IT IMMEDIATELY",2020-12-27,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) again urged President Trump to sign the COVID-19 emergency relief package. Mr. President, we are asking you to please sign the emergency relief bill. This act will show your support for the American people who are in need of emergency lifelines like food, shelter, unemployment benefits and small business relief during these challenging times. However, if your objection to the COVID-19 relief bill will prevent you from signing, please veto it immediately. You've made your position clear and rejecting it quickly will allow those in favor to act before it is too late. Never before in your personal, professional, or political life have you been characterized as a man of inaction. Now is not the time to sit idly by - please do the right thing and sign or veto this bill immediately.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3358,STATEMENT FROM PSC CO-CHAIRS REED & GOTTHEIMER ON PRESIDENT TRUMP SIGNING EMERGENCY RELIEF PACKAGE,2020-12-27,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"STATEMENT FROM PSC CO-CHAIRS REED & GOTTHEIMER ON PRESIDENT TRUMP SIGNING EMERGENCY RELIEF PACKAGE f t # e Corning, December 27, 2020 CORNING, NY- Today, Sunday, December 27, 2020, Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Tom Reed (NY-23) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the followingstatement in response to President Trump signing the bipartisan COVID-19 emergency relief package into law: -- ""It's an understatement to say that, after a long journey, we are relieved for the American people that the bipartisan emergency COVID-19 relief package has been signed into law. Help will finally get to millions of struggling American families, small businesses, and communities. We are proud of the critical role that the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus played, working alongside our Senate partners, to help make this possible."" f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3359,REP. REED VOICES SUPPORT FOR INCREASED STIMULUS CHECKS AS PART OF COVID RELIEF,2020-12-27,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"REP. REED VOICES SUPPORT FOR INCREASED STIMULUS CHECKS AS PART OF COVID RELIEF f t # e Washington, December 27, 2020 CORNING, NY-Today, Rep. Tom Reed voiced his support for increased stimulus checks as highlighted by President Trump to provide the American people with direct financial relief. ""The American people are hurting. Economic stagnation and lockdowns have left many in difficult financial situations, said Reed. I've communicated to the President my support for his directive to increase the total size of stimulus checks to $2,000 per individual and will be voting in favor of theCASH Acttomorrow to do so. It is only fair that we act decisively now to deliver the comprehensive relief individuals desperately need. Working with partners in the Senate, Reed and the Problem Solvers Caucus developed bipartisan, bicameral legislation that helped to break the gridlock and shape the final COVID-19 emergency relief package.Earlier today, the bicameral group again urged the President to sign the underlying relief package into law without delay. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/feliz-navidad-y-felices-fiestas,Feliz Navidad y Felices Fiestas,2020-12-24,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Adriano Espaillat,E000297,espaillat.house.gov,,,legacy,"Gracias por su apoyo inquebrantable en este ao que termina, uno que ha estado lleno de desafos insuperables que enfrentan las personas y las familias en nuestras comunidades y en todo el pas. Sigo inspirado y animado por la resiliencia que he presenciado a lo largo de estos tiempos de dificultades, y prometo continuar mis esfuerzos en Washington luchando en su nombre. Como comunidad, hemos soportado un ao extraordinario y hemos demostrado a travs de nuestra destreza que estamos en el camino para reconstruir mejor y ms fuerte que nunca. El vnculo familiar que compartimos ahora es inquebrantable. En nombre de mi familia, les deseo a usted y a los suyos felicidad en estas fiestas, mientras cada uno de nosotros mantenemos vivas las tradiciones de la familia, las fiestas y la comunidad en nuestros corazones mientras celebramos y creamos nuevos recuerdos de la manera ms segura posible. Mis mejores deseos y espero la salud y la curacin que traer el nuevo ao. Sinceramente, Adriano Espaillat Miembro del Congreso Sirviendo orgullosamente al 13 distrito congresual de Nueva York",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/merry-christmas-and-happy-holidays,Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,2020-12-24,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Adriano Espaillat,E000297,espaillat.house.gov,,,legacy,"Thank you for your unwavering support this past year one that has been filled with insurmountable challenges faced by individuals and families throughout our communities and around the nation. I remain both inspired and galvanized by the resilience I have witnessed throughout these times of hardship, and I vow to continue my efforts in Washington fighting on your behalf. As a community, we have endured an extraordinary year and have shown through our dexterity that we are on the road to build back better and stronger than ever before. The familial bond we now share is unbreakable. On behalf of my family to yours, I wish you happiness this holiday season as we each keep the traditions of family, holidays and community alive in our hearts as we celebrate and create new memories as safely as possible. Best wishes, and I look forward to the health and healing that the new year will bring. Sincerely, Adriano Espaillat Member of Congress Proudly serving New York's 13th congressional district",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3356,"BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL 908 COALITION URGES PRESIDENT TRUMP TO SIGN COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF PACKAGE",2020-12-24,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) urged the President to sign the COVID-19 emergency relief package: As members of the bipartisan, bicameral 908 Coalition,' we urge the President to sign the COVID relief package. The legislation would bring desperately needed help to struggling families, unemployed workers, hard-hit small businesses, an overburdened health care system, stressed schools, and so many others. It would provide robust funding for testing and vaccine distribution at a critical time. By signing the bill, the President would be providing the best possible Christmas gift to the American people.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ocasio-cortez-recognizes-congressional-app-challenge-winner-runner,"Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Recognizes Congressional App Challenge Winner, Runner-Up",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,O000172,ocasio-cortez.house.gov,ocasio-cortez,https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"""Michael's application was unique, useful, navigable and had a real potential to scale-up. He also thoughtfully considered behavioral psychology when designing a points system that would incentivize users to observe COVID-19 public health guidelines,"" said Rep. Ocasio-Cortez. ""I commend him and all the other challenge participants for seeking out this opportunity. The skills they have demonstrated - empathy, innovation, creativity, initiative - speak volumes about the next generation of young leaders."" The runner-up from NY-14 was the ‘Ability Tester' app by Christopher Schack. Ability Tester is a website with five tests that measure the user's short-term memory, vision, hand-eye coordination, motor skills and reflex. A video Every year, students from across the country participate in the Congressional App Challenge by creating a software application, or ""app"", for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice. Each Congressional office that participates in the Challenge selects a winner from their district. The students are then traditionally recognized at a reception in D.C. - which this year will be held virtually due to COVID-19. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/following-her-push-gillibrand-announces-snap-increase-and-p-ebt-eligibility-expansion-included-in-coronavirus-relief-package_,"Following Her Push, Gillibrand Announces Snap Increase And P-EBT Eligibility Expansion Included In Coronavirus Relief Package",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 23, 2020 Following Her Push, Gillibrand Announces Snap Increase And P-EBT Eligibility Expansion Included In Coronavirus Relief Package As COVID-19 Has Exacerbated The Nation's Hunger Crisis, Senator Gillibrand Has Fought For 15% Increase In SNAP Benefits And Legislation To Expand Eligibility For The P-EBT Program For Low-income Children Who Were Previously Left Out; Relief Package Also Includes Funding For Senior Nutrition Services U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, announced that following her push, a vital 15% increase in SNAP benefits and her proposal to expand the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) program are included in the latest coronavirus relief package. Senator Gillibrand also secured $175 million forOlder Americans ActNutrition Services to support efforts to deliver nutritious meals for older adults. Food banks across New York and the country have experienced growing and unprecedented demand since March. In New York 13% of rural families depend on SNAP while 15% of those in metro areas rely on the program. Although the need for SNAP has drastically increased as many Americans have lost their jobs and are struggling to put food on the table due to the COVID-19 crisis, the 15% increase has not been included in previous coronavirus response packages. Senator Gillibrand's proposals will not only increase SNAP benefits for each family, they will expand eligibility by removing harmful barriers to access, and will put healthy and nutritious food on the table for families in need. As the country experiences another dangerous wave of coronavirusinfections,and the economy continues to suffer,it's critical that hardworking Americans have the resources to keep their families fed. For months I have fought to increase SNAP benefits and I'm proud that this vital increase is finally included in this current package,saidSenator Gillibrand.In this time of uncertainty we must ensure that SNAP and P-EBT can respond to growing demand and reach as many Americans as possible. The investments in these programs will provide a vital lifeline and prevent more hungry children from slipping through the cracks. There's more work to be done, and I will continue working across the aisle to help New Yorkers keep food on the table during this crisis and beyond. Senator Gillibrand has been a leader in the fight to combat the growing hunger crisis since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the summer, Gillibrand visited food banks across New York State and repeatedly urged congressional leadership to include the 15% increase in SNAP benefits. Gillibrand also proposed theEnsuring Nutrition for America's Students Act, and called on Congress to pass the bill in order to expand eligibility for P-EBT,make the program more responsive to changes in virtual and in person learning, and ensure low-income children who have been previously left out of the program have access to nutritious meals throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/espaillat-asegura-aumentos-importantes-de-financiaci-n-y-triunfos-en-pol-ticas,ESPAILLAT ASEGURA AUMENTOS IMPORTANTES DE FINANCIACIN Y TRIUNFOS EN POLTICAS CLAVE EN LEGISLACIN APROBADA EN LA CMARA QUE SE CONVERTIR EN LEY,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Adriano Espaillat,E000297,espaillat.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Hoy, el congresista Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) anunci una serie de victorias en polticas clave y financiamientos importantes en la legislacin que establece el gasto federal. El proyecto de ley, que se convertir en ley como parte de un paquete de financiamiento del gobierno de fin de ao, incluye miles de millones de dlares para programas y prioridades que Espaillat ha avanzado en los ltimos aos. Por ejemplo, el proyecto de ley incluye $14.4 millones adicionales para cmaras corporales para agentes fronterizos a fin de garantizar una mayor transparencia y supervisin de las agencias de control de inmigracin a lo largo de la frontera sur de nuestra nacin. Espaillat consigui 21 millones de dlares el ao pasado para la primera partida de compras de cmaras. Esta financiacin adicional garantizar que todos los agentes estn equipados con una cmara corporal. Espaillat tambin asegur un aumento de fondos para la Iniciativa de Seguridad de la Cuenca del Caribe (CBSI) en casi $15 millones, llevando ese proyecto a casi $75 millones en total, para combatir el trfico de drogas, promover la justicia social y aumentar la seguridad pblica en la regin. Espaillat asegur la aprobacin de su Ley de Autorizacin de la Iniciativa de Seguridad de la Cuenca del Caribe en la Cmara de Representantes a principios de este ao, que codificara este aumento en la ley y expandira las actividades para promover la resiliencia al clima. El paquete incluye $2 mil millones para el programa Capital Investment Grants, que proporcionar la porcin federal de fondos para el proyecto de Extensin de la Fase II del Subway de Segunda Avenida. Espaillat ha brindado un apoyo constante para llevar el sistema de metro de la ciudad de Nueva York a East Harlem, y esta financiacin ayudar a hacer realidad el proyecto. Espaillat tambin tuvo xito en sus esfuerzos para ayudar a las universidades de dos y cuatro aos (HSI) que sirven a los hispanos a expandir sus programas de ciencia, tecnologa, ingeniera y matemticas. El proyecto de ley incluye $46.5 millones adicionales para un programa de subvenciones de la National Science Foundation (Fundacin Nacional de Ciencia) especficamente para HSI, un aumento de $1.5 millones con respecto al ao pasado. Adems, Espaillat encabez a miembros de la Delegacin bipartidista de Congresistas de Nueva York en la solicitud de un apoyo slido para los Institutos Nacionales de Salud (NIH), cuyos programas de investigacin y apoyo a las instituciones han sido un recurso esencial para la ciudad de Nueva York y el Distrito Congresual 13 de Nueva York durante esta pandemia de COVID-19. Esta legislacin aumenta los fondos de los NIH para el ao fiscal 2021 en un momento en que nuestra comunidad cientfica y de salud pblica necesita el mayor apoyo y tambin incluye fondos para una variedad de programas de investigacin especializados. Esto incluye el Fondo de Innovacin de los NIH para el Instituto Nacional del Cncer (NCI) para la investigacin del cncer; Instituto Nacional de Trastornos Neurolgicos y Accidentes Cerebrovasculares (NINDS); Instituto Nacional de Salud Mental (NIMH) para la Iniciativa BRAIN; la Iniciativa de Medicina de Precisin, y la Iniciativa Beau Biden Cancer Moonshot. Estos programas de investigacin especializados estn a la vanguardia de los descubrimientos cientficos cuyo trabajo e investigacin en asociacin tiene lugar en el Distrito Congresual 13 de Nueva York. Espaillat tambin ha liderado los esfuerzos para financiar el Programa de Nutricin del Mercado de Agricultores, que ayuda a aquellos a travs del Programa de Nutricin del Mercado de Agricultores para WIC a comprar productos frescos de los mercados de agricultores de origen local. El proyecto de ley proporciona un total de $21 mil millones para el programa, un aumento de $2.5 mil millones. Adems de la financiacin, el proyecto de ley incluye una serie de directivas del Congreso que Espaillat asegur. Por ejemplo, requiere que el Servicio de Inmigracin y Control de Aduanas desarrolle un programa piloto de cmara corporal similar al creado para los agentes fronterizos, y ordena al ICE que se abstenga de realizar operativos en lugares sensibles como escuelas y juzgados. Finalmente, se incluy una enmienda de Espaillat que brindara un mayor apoyo a las agencias de educacin locales para la Adquisicin del Idioma Ingls. Especialmente ahora, mientras miles de estudiantes se preparan para una nueva forma de aprendizaje remoto, es fundamental que las escuelas tengan los recursos para garantizar que los estudiantes de ingls no se queden atrs. # # # Elegido por primera vez al Congreso en 2016, el congresista Adriano Espaillat est cumpliendo su segundo mandato en el Congreso, donde se desempea como miembro del influyente Comit de Asuntos Exteriores, del Comit de Transporte e Infraestructura, y del Comit de Pequeos Negocios de la Cmara de Representantes de los Estados Unidos. Sirve como coordinador superior (Senior Whip) del Caucus Demcrata de la Cmara y es miembro del Caucus Hispano del Congreso (CHC) en el cual desempea un papel de liderazgo como coordinador (Whip) del CHC. Tambin es presidente del Grupo de Trabajo sobre Transporte, Infraestructura y Vivienda del CHC. El Distrito Congresual del Rep. Espaillat incluye Harlem, East Harlem, el Norte de Manhattan y el Noroeste de El Bronx. Para obtener ms informacin sobre el congresista Espaillat, visite la pgina de internet https://espaillat.house.gov/. Preguntas de los medios: Candace Randle Person a Candace.Person@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/espaillat-secures-key-funding-increases-policy-wins-house-funding-bills-will,"ESPAILLAT SECURES KEY FUNDING INCREASES, POLICY WINS IN HOUSE FUNDING BILLS THAT WILL BECOME LAW",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Adriano Espaillat,E000297,espaillat.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) announced a series of key policy and funding wins in legislation setting federal spending. The bill, which is slated to become law as part of a year-end government funding package, includes billions of dollars for programs and priorities Espaillat has advanced over the past few years. For example, the bill includes an additional $14.4 million for body-worn cameras for border agents to ensure greater transparency and oversight of immigration enforcement agencies along our nation's southern border. Espaillat secured $21 million last year for the first tranche of cameras. This additional funding will ensure all agents are equipped with a body-worn camera. Espaillat also secured an increase in the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) by nearly $15 million, bringing that project to nearly $75 million total, to combat drug trafficking, promote social justice, and increase public safety and security in the region. Earlier this month, Espaillat secured passage of his Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Actin the House, which would codify this increase in law and expand activities to promoting climate resiliency. The package includes $2 billion for the Capital Investment Grants program, which will provide the federal portion of funding for the Second Avenue Subway Phase II Extension project. Espaillat has provided unrelenting support for bringing New York City's subway system into East Harlem, and this funding will help make the project a reality. Espaillat was also successful in his efforts to help Hispanic-serving colleges and universities (HSIs) expand their science, technology, engineering and math programs. The bill includes an additional $46.5 million for a National Science Foundation grant program specifically for HSIs, a $1.5 million increase over last year. Additionally, Espaillat led members of the bipartisan New York Delegation urging robust support for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) whose research programs and support of institutions have been a critical resource to New York City and New York's 13th Congressional District during this COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation increases FY2021 NIH funding at a time when our scientific and public health community needs the most support and also includes funding for an array of specialized research programs. This includes the NIH Innovation Fund for the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for cancer research; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS); National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH) for the BRAIN Initiative; Precision Medicine Initiative, and Beau Biden Cancer Moonshot Initiative. These specialized research programs are at the fore of scientific discovery whose work and research in partnership takes place in New York's 13th Congressional District. Espaillat has also led efforts to fund the Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which helps those through the WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program to purchase fresh produce from locally sourced farmers markets. The bill provides a total of $21 billion for the program, a $2.5 billion increase. In addition to funding, the bill includes a number of congressional directives that Espaillat secured. For example, it requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement to develop a body-worn camera pilot program similar to the one created for border agents, and it directs ICE to refrain from conducting enforcement actions at sensitive locations like schools and courthouses. Finally, an Espaillat amendment was included that would provide for greater support to local education agencies for English Language Acquisition. Especially now, as thousands of students prepare for a new form of remote learning, it is critical that schools have the resources to ensure English learners are not left behind. # # # First elected to Congress in 2016, Rep. Adriano Espaillat is serving his second term in Congress where he serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the House Small Business Committee. He serves as a Senior Whip of the House Democratic Caucus and is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) where he also serves in a leadership role as CHC Whip. He is also chairman of the CHC Task Force for Transportation, Infrastructure and Housing. Rep. Espaillat's Congressional District includes Harlem, East Harlem, northern Manhattan and the north-west Bronx. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/. Media inquiries: Candace Person atCandace.Person@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/nys-covid-19-rent-relief-program-accepting-applications-through-february-1-2021,"NYS COVID-19 Rent Relief Program Accepting Applications Through February 1, 2021",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Adriano Espaillat,E000297,espaillat.house.gov,,,legacy,"NEW YORK, NY -- The New York State Division of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has reopened the COVID Rent Relief Program and will be accepting new applications through Monday, February 1, 2021. The program's eligibility criteria have been expanded to provide rent relief to more New Yorkers. Individuals who applied during the previous application window and were denied, do not need to apply again. Those applications are being reviewed again. Additionally, applications from individuals who have not received a response from the HCR are being reviewed under the new criteria. If approved, applicants will receive a subsidy for the difference between a household's rent burden on March 1, 2020 and the household's rent burden in the months of April, May, June, and July 2020. The subsidy is a one-time payment available for a maximum of four months of rent, up to 125% of the Fair Market Rents (FMR) for that household's area. HCR will send payments directly to the applicant's landlord. To qualify, applicants must meet all of the eligibility requirements: You must be a renter with primary residence in New York State. Before March 7, 2020, and at the time of application, your household income (including unemployment benefits) must have been below 80% of the area median income, adjusted for household size. You can find your county's area median income, based on your household size, here. Households must be rent-burdened during the months they are applying for assistance between April 1 to July 31, 2020. A household is rent-burdened if they are paying more than 30 percent of their income towards housing costs. You must have lost income during the period of April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020. Detailed information about the program, including eligibility criteria, the application process, the documents that will be requested as part of the application process, and answers to frequently answered questions are available on HCR's website. Additionally, HCR is operating a special helpline to answer questions and provide assistance with the application process. For help, applicants can contact HCR's COVID Rent Relief Extension Program Call Center for assistance at 1-833-499-0318 or covidrentrelief@hcr.ny.gov. Call Center representatives are available Monday through Friday 8:30am 5:00pm. If you are chosen to receive a rental subsidy through this program, New York State will cover the difference between your household's rent burden on March 1, 2020 and your household's increase in rent burden during the period your household is applying for assistance. Households can apply for up to four months of assistance for the months of April 2020 through July 2020. Tenants do not have to be behind in their rent to receive assistance. Tenants who are current on their rent payments can have funds applied towards a credit for future months. The rent subsidy payment will go directly to your landlord. Deadline to submit your application is Monday, February 1, 2021. Apply online today or visit NYS Homes and Community Renewal for more information. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kathleenrice.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1600,Rice Votes for Bipartisan COVID Relief and Government Funding Bill,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kathleen Rice,R000602,kathleenrice.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rice Votes for Bipartisan COVID Relief and Government Funding Bill Bipartisan agreement provides new stimulus checks, expanded unemployment, and reauthorizes the PPP program for small businesses f t # e Washington, December 22, 2020 WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice (NY-04) released the following statement after voting last night in favor of the bipartisan COVID relief and government funding agreement, H.R. 133, The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The legislation passed the House of Representatives and the Senate last night. This agreement is far from perfect, but in this case something is absolutely better than nothing and I am pleased we have finally passed new relief for our constituents and avoided a government shutdown after months of inaction by the Senate, said Rep. Kathleen Rice. This bill will provide new direct payments to individuals and families, expanded unemployment insurance, and provide new resources to help small businesses that are struggling to stay afloat. Unfortunately, it does not provide enough resources for state and local governments who are also in desperate need of relief. Our communities will need further federal assistance as we continue to combat this virus, and I will keep fighting for the resources Long Island needs to recover when Congress returns in the New Year. Key relief items in H.R. 133 include: Economic Impact Payments of $600 for individuals ($1,200 for joint filers), as well as a $600 payment for each child dependent. An additional $300 per week for all workers receiving unemployment benefits, through March 14, 2021. Authorizes $138 billion in unallocated funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and expands the program to increase eligibility. Includes $20 billion in new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Grants for businesses in low-income communities. $69 billion to fight the virus, including $20 billion for vaccine development and procurement, $9 billion for vaccine distribution, $3 billion for the Strategic National Stockpile, and $300 million to get the vaccine to high-need areas, including communities of color. $13 billion to increase SNAP benefits by 15 percent, provide additional funding for food banks and programs that serve seniors, and ensure college students have access to SNAP. The full text of H.R. 133 can be found here. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3355,ICYMI: REED SPEARHEADS PASSAGE OF EMERGENCY RELIEF PACKAGE,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"ICYMI: REED SPEARHEADS PASSAGE OF EMERGENCY RELIEF PACKAGE f t # e Washington, December 22, 2020 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Rep. Tom Reed spearheaded the passage of a COVID-19 emergency relief package and voted in favor of the FY21 Omnibus Appropriations bill that passed the House and the Senate. The vote comes after months of hard work between the Problem Solvers Caucus and a bipartisan group of Senators to craft a relief framework that broke the gridlock and laid the parameters for a final deal. We care about prioritizing the needs of the American people; thanks to the hard work of the Problem Solvers Caucus and our colleagues in the Senate, we were able to do just that with this emergency COVID-19 relief package, said Rep. Tom Reed. Separately, we're also proud to see how our tireless advocacy for the 23rd district helped to ensure key resources will continue to flow to our communities. Our work has never been more critical as we look to reform Washington so the American people are once again the priority. The $900 billion COVID-19 emergency relief package will help millions of Americans by specifically providing: Enhanced Unemployment Insurance (UI) - $300 per week Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and small business support - $325 billion Direct stimulus checks - $600 per individual, including children +200,000 households for NY23 Support for Vaccine Development/Distribution, Testing, Health Care Providers, and Health Care Workers - $57.1 billion $1.6 billion for New York Education Funding - $82 billion Rental Assistance and Eviction Moratorium - $25 billion $1.3 billion for New York Nutrition/Agriculture - $26 billion $800 million specific to dairy Child Care - $10 billion $465 million for New York Dedicated Broadband Funding - $7 billion Mental Health & Opioid Treatment - $4.3 billion Transportation (Airlines, Airports, Buses, Transit) - $45 billion While the omnibus includes some partisan spending lines, the end-of-year spending legislation included key victories for New York and the 23rd District: West Valley - $13 million increase in annual funding, up to a record total of $88 million. Great Lakes Restoration Initiative - $330 million, which will ensure our region's lake infrastructure and ecosystem are supported. Special Diabetes Program -Extended for 3 years, which ensures innovative diabetes research can continue. End To Surprise Billing - Ends the practice of surprise medical billing, which ensures the American people have access to a more fair, transparent, and affordable medical system. New Markets Tax Credits - Extended for five years, which ensures the program can continue to encourage investment in underserved communities that are typically overlooked. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/following-her-push-gillibrand-announces-6-billion-in-wic-funding-included-in-the-fy-2021-bipartisan-appropriations-package,"Following Her Push, Gillibrand Announces $6 Billion In WIC Funding Included In The FY 2021 Bipartisan Appropriations Package",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 22, 2020 Following Her Push, Gillibrand Announces $6 Billion In WIC Funding Included In The FY 2021 Bipartisan Appropriations Package Senator Gillibrand Urged Appropriations Leaders To Invest $6 Billion In The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program For Women, Infants, And Children (WIC) As 1 In 5 Parents Struggle To Feed Their Children U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that the bipartisan FY 2021 appropriations package includes $6 billion in funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to address the growing hunger crisis. Nationwide,1 in 5 parents do not have enough money to feed their children. Millions of Americans, especially women, continue to be affected by widespread business closures and subsequent job loss and more low-income households are relying on social safety nets to feed themselves and their families.WIC providers have reported increased need due to the pandemic and economic crisis, including in New York, where they have experienced a 3% increase in cases since February. With full funding forWICincluded in this year's government funding bill, providers across the country will have more resources to keep low-income women, infants, and children fed. The pandemic and economic crisis have led many mothers to turn to social services for the first timeprograms likeWICprovide a vital lifeline for mothers to keep food on the table and makes healthy food and a healthy start to life accessible for all,saidSenator Gillibrand.I am proud to have fought for this important funding to support states as they work to combat the growing hunger crisis and I am especially pleased that this legislation includes $90 million to continueWIC's essential breastfeeding education and support program. At a time when families are facing historic levels of hunger, fundingWICis one of the most importantinvestments we can make. Senator Gillibrandled a pushfor $6 billion in funding -- including $90 million to continueWIC's highly successful Breastfeeding Peer Counselor program, which provides vital peer-to-peer support, especially in underserved areas, and $14 million for program infrastructure. Fully fundingWICwill protect eligible applicants from being turned away and provide resources to adjust for rising food costs. Additionally, funding is essential for timely and responsible program management and reasonable staffing levels to meet growing demand and the rising costs of operating during a pandemic including modifying clinic spaces and purchasing additional technology to provide remote services. 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-announces-passage-of-her-horseracing-integrity-and-safety-act,Gillibrand Announces Passage Of Her Horseracing Integrity And Safety Act,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrandtoday announced thepassage of theHorseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA),which was included in the bipartisan FY 2021 appropriations funding bill. Gillibrand successfully led Democrats in pushingfor this bipartisan legislation, which will create an independent regulatory authority to set national standards and increasesafety protocols for thoroughbred racing, including medication use, track safety, and anti-doping measures. Horseracing has a long and rich tradition in New York. TheHorseracing Integrity and Safety Actensures that the sport will be safer for both horses and jockeys, have higher regulatory standards and oversight, and increasestransparency,saidSenator Gillibrand.This legislation will improve New York horseracing and usher in a new era in the sport. TheHorseracing Integrity and SafetyActwas modeled from legislation previouslyintroduced by Senator Gillibrand, theHorseracing Integrity Act. The House of Representatives passed HISA in September,led by U.S. Congressmen Andy Barr (KY-06) and Paul Tonko (NY-20). Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) were original cosponsors in theSenate,along with Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY). The landmark bipartisan legislation is supported by almost 300 cosponsors in the House and Senate, and will directly address the safetyand welfare of both racehorses and jockeys.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/icymi-in-el-diario-op-ed-gillibrand-outlines-tools-to-fight-senior-fraud-this-holiday-season,"ICYMI: In El Diario Op-Ed, Gillibrand Outlines Tools To Fight Senior Fraud This Holiday Season",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 22, 2020 ICYMI: In El Diario Op-Ed, Gillibrand Outlines Tools To Fight Senior Fraud This Holiday Season In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Special Committee on Aging, wrote an op-ed forEl Diariooutlining tactics and strategies for families to use against the threat of fraud this holiday season.Scam calls have beenon the risethroughout the pandemic, capitalizing on people's interest in COVID treatments and their need for stimulus checks. The full text of the op-ed can be foundhereand below: EN ESPANOL: Protejamos a nuestros seres queridos contra el fraude a los adultos mayores durante esta temporada festiva En tiempos mejores celebraramos las fiestas de fin de ao alrededor de la mesa de nuestras abuelas. Generacin tras generacin de familias compartiran la cena, se reiran y festejaran. Pero este ao es diferente. A medida que navegamos por una crisis de salud pblica desoladora que ha devastado a familias neoyorquinas, estamos tomando medidas nuevas para mantener seguras a las personas que amamos. Sabemos que una manera con la que podemos ayudar a proteger a nuestros seres queridos mayores es celebrar con distanciamiento fsico a travs de una llamada telefnica o una videollamada. Sin embargo, tambin debemos hacer planes para mantener a nuestros seres queridos informados sobre cmo identificar y combatir el fraude durante las fiestas de fin de ao. Darles a nuestros familiares mayores las herramientas necesarias para mantenerse alertas nos ayudar a asegurarnos de que el fraude a adultos mayores no se suma a la desdicha econmica que la COVID-19 ha trado consigo. Comience con la regla general de que nunca se debe compartir por telfono el nmero de Seguro Social, la informacin de cuentas bancarias o cualquier otra informacin personal sensitiva. El gobierno nunca llamar por un cheque de estmulo o una devolucin de impuestos. Tampoco va a pedirle informacin personal por telfono. Djele saber a sus familiares que deben tener cuidado con las personas que llaman pidiendo tomar decisiones inmediatas o con amenazas de acciones policacas. Tambin deberan estar pendientes de personas que llaman y los presionan para que no decirle a sus amistades o familiares acerca de la llamada. La Divisin de Proteccin al Consumidor del Departamento de Estado de Nueva York tieneuna lista de algunos de los tipos de fraudes ms comunesque hay que tener presente. Recurdele a sus seres queridos que si creen que una llamada es sospechosa o si estn sintindose presionados para brindar informacin o dinero, simplemente pueden cortar la llamada. Cualquier persona que tenga una necesidad legtima para procurar su informacin tendr otra manera de establecer el contacto. Tambin es importante que nuestros seres queridos sepan que no deben sentir vergenza si son vctimas de un fraude. Estos estafadores constantemente inventan tcticas diseadas para confundir a las personas y le han sacado ventaja a toda la incertidumbre que ha causado esta crisis. Las llamadas fraudulentashan incrementadodurante la pandemia, aprovechndose del inters que tiene la gente en los tratamientos contra la COVID-19 y la necesidad que tienen de recibir un cheque de estmulo. Por eso es importante saber las reglas bsicas y recordar que siempre puede colgar la llamada. Por ltimo, si su familiar piensa que alguien ha intentado estafarlo, debe pedir ayuda inmediatamente. Por favor, dgale que si posible, que le informe a la FTC de la estafa. Esta agencia recopila los informes de fraudes, los cuales pueden someterse en lnea ahttps://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/o por telfono al 1-877-382-4357. Estos son tiempos difciles, pero juntos podemos asegurarnos de que nuestros abuelos, nuestras mams y paps, as como las generaciones mayores, puedan sentir que tienen las herramientas para detener el fraude a adultos mayores. Seguir luchando por estos esfuerzos en Washington con medidas como laLey de Empoderamiento Financiero para Personas Mayores. Este proyecto se asegurara de que los adultos mayores y sus cuidadores tengan acceso a informacin crucial sobre el abuso econmico. Esta ley estandarizara y mejorara la manera en la que se reporta el abuso econmico a personas mayores, establecera una lnea de llamadas nacional para orientar sobre dnde y cmo reportar el fraude, y proveera ms recursos para combatir la explotacin econmica de nuestros adultos mayores, incluso antes de que ocurra. Por favor, tmese unos breves momentos para compartir esta importante informacin con sus parientes mayores. La paz mental que sentirn ser uno de los mejores obsequios que pueda regalar en esta temporada festiva. ## Protecting Our Loved Ones Against Senior Fraud this Holiday Season During the best of times, we would celebrate the holiday season by gathering around our grandmothers' tables, and generations of families would be sharing meals, laughter, and joy. But this year is different. As we navigate a heartbreaking COVID public health crisis that has devastated families across New York, we are all taking new steps to keep our loved ones safe. We know that one way we can help protect our older family members is to make plans to celebrate from a distance and connect over the phone or a video call. But we should also make plans to keep our elderly loved ones informed about how best to identify and combat fraud this holiday season. Giving our older relatives the tools they need to stay vigilant will help make sure that senior fraud doesn't add to the economic fallout that COVID-19 has wrought on our pocketbooks. Start with the general rule that you should never give out your Social Security number, your bank account information or any other valuable personal information over the phone. The government will never call you about a stimulus check or a tax refund or request your personal information over the phone. Remind your family members to beware of callers who force them to make decisions quickly or threaten them with police action. They should also be on the lookout for callers who pressure them not to tell their friends or family about the call. The New York State Department's Division of Consumer Protection hasa list of some of the most common types of scamsto watch out for. Remind your loved ones that if they think a call is suspicious or they are feeling pressured to give information or money that they should just hang up the phone. Anyone with a legitimate need for their information will have another way to reach them. It's important that our loved ones know that they shouldn't feel ashamed if they fall prey to a scam. These fraudsters are constantly coming up with new tactics that are designed to confuse the people they are calling, and they are ready to prey on all of the uncertainty this crisis has created. Scam calls have beenon the risethroughout the pandemic, capitalizing on people's interest in COVID treatments and their need for stimulus checks. That's why knowing the basic rules and remembering you can always hang up is especially important. Lastly, if your relative thinks someone has tried to scam them, they should ask for help immediately. And, if they're able to, please have them report the scam to the FTC. The agency collects scam reports, which can be submitted online athttps://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/or by phone at 1-877-382-4357. These are difficult times, but together, we can make sure that our grandparents, moms and dads, and older generations are empowered to stand up against senior fraud. I will continue to champion those efforts in Washington with legislation like theSenior Financial Empowerment Act.That bill would ensure that older adults and their caregivers have access to critical information regarding financial abuse. It would standardize and improve the way senior financial abuse is reported, establish a national hotline that would advise seniors on where and how to report fraud, and provide more resources to combat financial exploitation of seniors before it happens. Please take a few moments to arm your older relatives with this important information. The peace of mind both of you will feel is one of the greatest gifts you can give this holiday season.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jacobs.house.gov/media/press-releases/jacobs-helps-pass-bipartisan-covid-19-relief-package,Jacobs Helps Pass Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Chris Jacobs,J000020,jacobs.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington D.C.) Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) helped pass a targeted, bipartisan COVID-19 relief package today in the House of Representatives. After months of deliberation, countless calls for targeted aid from my Republican colleagues and me, and hours of hard work, we have finally passed a bipartisan COVID-19 relief package through the House of Representatives, Jacobs said. This relief has been long overdue, and I am disappointed in the last-minute, rushed process that got us here. But I am glad this necessary aid is finally making its way to the people of NY-27. Notably, this relief includes key provisions I strongly advocated for the past few months, including more small business relief through the successful Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and tax-deductibility for PPP loan-covered expenses. For months, $138 billion in appropriated funding has sat waiting to be used. Now, that money and more will be available to millions of small businesses and employees. This aid comes at a critical time when New York small businesses are facing new restrictions and arbitrary shutdowns, Jacobs said. We are also tackling key priorities like funding for the safe reopening of our schools, direct assistance to families in need, supporting farmers, and ensuring Americans receive safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. The bipartisan COVID-19 Package includes important the priorities: $284 billion to extend the Paycheck Protection Program and allow for both first and second-time borrowers to receive loans. $15 billion in aid for entertainment venues, movie theaters, zoos, and museums. Makes Paycheck Protection Program loan-covered expenses tax deductible. $48 billion for the purchase and distribution of vaccines and state testing assistance. $600 stimulus checks for both adults and dependents. $300 per week in supplemental unemployment benefits. $92 billion to support the safe re-opening and operating of universities, schools, and childcare centers. $7 billion for high-speed internet development, including $300 million in rural broadband funding. $13 billion in funding to support American farmers, including funding for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Finally, although regrettably not included in this package I remain committed to fighting for aid for local governments, Jacobs said. There is still work left to do in the new Congress, but this legislation is a major step toward supporting the American people and bipartisan cooperation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-secures-record-amount-of-federal-funding-to-help-houses-of-worship,Meng Secures Record Amount of Federal Funding to Help Houses of Worship and Nonprofits Improve Security,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced today that she secured a record breaking $180 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, the federal initiative that provides houses of worship (synagogues, churches, mosques, temples) and nonprofit entities such as educational institutions and community facilities with funding to protect their properties against threats and attacks. Meng secured the funds in the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill which is expected to soon be passed by the House and Senate as part of the omnibus spending package. The surge in funding would be for fiscal year 2021. It is a $90 million increase – doubling the funding from fiscal year 2020. Meng has consistently worked to increase funding for the grant program over the last several years including a record $90 million for fiscal year 2020. ""This funding is greatly needed to ensure the security of houses of worship, schools, non-profits and other facilities, and it will go a long way towards keeping our communities safe,"" said Meng. ""With government resources tight this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I'm pleased to have still been able to obtain these critical federal dollars. We can never take a backseat to safety. It must remain our top priority, especially following recent acts of violence and hate that have occurred across our nation. I urge houses of worship and nonprofits in New York and across the country to apply for these important grants, and I will continue to champion funding for this crucial initiative. I look forward to its upcoming passage."" The grants, which are administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), cover target-hardening and other physical security enhancements such as barriers, gates, safety gear, surveillance equipment, and other safety measures. The program is comprised of two streams of funds: the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) which consists of money for urban areas and the State Homeland Securities Program (SHSP) which consists of funding for non-urban areas. Under the funding increase, both have received $90 million each. The House Appropriations Committee funds all U.S. government agencies, programs, and projects. In addition to serving on the full Appropriations Committee, Meng sits on the panel's Subcommittee on Homeland Security which decides funding levels for the grants. Facilities may apply for up to $100,000.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-statement-on-end-of-year-coronavirus-relief-package-and-government,Meng Statement on End of Year Coronavirus Relief Package and Government Spending Bill,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed a massive package that included $900 billion in coronavirus relief funds and $1.4 trillion to fund the government. ""It's been nearly nine months since American families received any COVID-19 relief from the federal government. In fact, since the last time the American people received any relief, over 326,000 people have died from this deadly pandemic, and nearly 18.5 million people have been infected. I am furious and deeply disappointed that this agreement falls so shamefully short of what millions of families need in this unprecedented crisis. But with this continued surge in cases and deaths, millions still unemployed; families on the cusp of eviction; and an untold number of families struggling to put food on the table, I had to vote for this relief package. People are suffering right now, and they need immediate help. It's beyond infuriating that the Senate Republicans kept any relief at bay – even though House Democrats passed COVID-19 relief packages in May and October, both of which would have been more meaningful than this Band-Aid of relief. This latest round of coronavirus relief does not even begin to go far enough. The $600 stimulus checks and unemployment benefits of up to $300 are a mere drop in the bucket for the millions of families that are in desperate need of help. There is no hazard pay. Our New York State and City – which was previously the epicenter of COVID-19 – needs critical funding. Shame on the Senate Majority Leader for refusing to consider those measures, and for waiting seven months to vote on additional aid. Our families and communities need and deserve so much more. I am glad to see, however, several provisions that I fought to include in this package: additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program which are forgivable loans to small businesses; funding for schools and child care to help parents get back to work and keep child care providers open; rental assistance for families struggling to stay in their homes and an extension of the eviction moratorium; stimulus payments to mixed status families; funding for the MTA; unemployment coverage to contract and gig workers; reduced price internet access devices to help students connect to the internet for remote learning; and increased SNAP funding and child nutrition programs. I am also relieved this package includes the necessary funding for vaccine distribution – because we must defeat this coronavirus once and for all. In the coming months, Congress must pass a stronger relief bill – one that truly reflects and acknowledges the hardships that millions of Americans are facing. We cannot let those who have passed – to have died in vain. The only way we will rise above this crisis is to meet it head on with a comprehensive package that puts American families and workers first. With respect to the government spending bill, I was proud to vote for funding to improve education, affordable housing, clean air and water, resources for our veterans, and measures to address gun violence and the climate crisis. But I refused to support more than a $1 billion for constructing President Trump's reckless and ineffective wall along the southern border, as well as nearly $700 billion in bloated funding for the Department of Defense.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-joe-morelle-omnibus-and-coronavirus-relief-legislation,STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE ON OMNIBUS AND CORONAVIRUS RELIEF LEGISLATION,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph D. Morelle,M001206,morelle.house.gov,morelle,https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"December 21, 2020 (Washington, D.C.) – ""Today, Congress took action to fully fund our government while making necessary investments to expand unemployment assistance, provide more direct payments to Americans, and support our small businesses. This package also takes steps to end surprise medical billing—a burden that no patient with COVID-19 or any other disease should have to bear, and an issue I have worked closely on since being elected to Congress. ""I also know that this is not nearly enough. We are facing the greatest health and economic crisis of our generation, and we must do more to provide the support our families, workers, and businesses need to survive. I am hopeful that working alongside the Biden-Harris administration, we can expand upon these actions and provide the real, meaningful relief the American people deserve."" Specifics of the package are outlined below. Relief for Everyday Americans This package secures a new round of direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child, also ensuring that mixed-status families receive payments. Will provide Unemployment Insurance benefits for millions and added a $300 per week UI enhancement for Americans out of work. These benefits will extend to March 14, 2021 and also increases the number of weeks individuals can claim the benefit from 39 to 50 weeks. The package enhances the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to help increase affordable housing construction and provide greater certainty to new and ongoing affordable housing projects. The agreement helps ensure that families who faced unemployment or reduced wages during the pandemic are able to receive a strong tax credit based on their 2019 income, preserving these vital income supports for vulnerable families. Secures $25 billion in critically needed rental assistance for families struggling to stay in their homes and an extension of the eviction moratorium. The agreement provides a tax credit to support employers offering paid sick leave, based on the Families First framework. Secures $13 billion in increased Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and child nutrition benefits to help relieve the historic hunger crisis that has left up to 17 million children food insecure. Increases monthly SNAP benefit by 15 percent through June 2021. Support for Small Businesses The agreement includes over $284 billion for first and second forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, expanded PPP eligibility for nonprofits and local newspapers, TV and radio broadcasters, key modifications to PPP to serve the smallest businesses and struggling non-profits and better assist independent restaurants, and includes $15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions. The agreement also includes $20 billion for targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Grants which are critical to many smaller businesses on Main Street. The agreement includes dedicated PPP set-asides for very small businesses and lending through community-based lenders like Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs); $9 billion in emergency U.S. Treasury capital investments in CDFIs and MDIs to support lending in low-income and underserved communities, including persistent poverty counties, that may be disproportionately impacted by the economic effects of the COVID–19 pandemic; and $3 billion in emergency support for CDFIs through the CDFI Fund to respond to the economic impact of the pandemic on underserved low-income and minority communities. The agreement extends and improves the Employee Retention Tax Credit to help keep workers in the jobs during coronavirus closures or reduced revenue. Head to the Small Business Administration website to learn more. Also included in this package: Accelerating vaccine distribution and crushing the coronavirus: The bipartisan COVID relief package finally recognizes that we cannot get our economy working unless we can get the coronavirus under control. The package provides billions in urgently need funds to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of safe vaccines to as many Americans as possible as soon as possible, to implement a strong national testing and tracing strategy with billions reserved specifically for combating the disparities facing communities of color, and to support our heroic health care workers and providers. Ends surprise billing: The package includes bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will end surprise billing for emergency and scheduled care. Education and child care: The agreement provides $82 billion in funding for colleges and schools, including support for HVAC repair and replacement to mitigate virus transmission and reopen classrooms, and $10 billion for child care assistance to help get parents back to work and keep child care providers open. Historic expansion of Pell Grants: The package includes the largest expansion of Pell Grant recipients in over a decade, reaching 500,000 new recipients and ensuring more than 1.5 million students will now receive the maximum benefit. Broadband access: The agreement invests $7 billion to increase access to broadband, including a new Emergency Broadband Benefit to help millions of students, families and unemployed workers afford the broadband they need during the pandemic. Fights the climate crisis: The agreement includes sweeping clean energy reforms, R&D enhancements, efficiency incentives, and extends clean energy tax credits to create hundreds of thousands of jobs across the clean economy. The package also phases out superpollutant hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), positioning the U.S. to lead the world in avoiding up to 0.5 degree Celsius of global warming. WRDA: The agreement includes the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2020, creating good-paying jobs strengthening and improving the vital water infrastructure that Americans rely on while unlocking the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. Global Health: Secures an additional $3.36 billion for a total of $4 billion for Gavi, the international vaccine alliance, recognizing that we are not truly safe until the whole world is safe from the coronavirus.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394487,Congressman Nadler Statement on Congressional COVID-19 Relief Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Jerrold Nadler,N000002,nadler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) issued the following statement: Today, I will vote in support of the Congressional coronavirus relief package. While I will vote for the bill to deliver American families the desperately needed relief that Senate Republicans have been holding up for months, I remain deeply concerned by its shortcomings. Senate Republicans' inaction and complacency have plunged millions of Americans into dire financial straits and their refusal to include funding for struggling state and local governments is inexcusable. I will vote for this package for the meaningful, immediate aid it provides to many in need, but I expect Congress to continue to work to fund the state and local governments hardest hit by this pandemic. There is much in this relief package that will help Americans better weather this unprecedented public health and economic crisis. As we enter what will likely be the darkest winter in American history, this relief package invests billions in expanded COVID-19 testing and vaccine distribution. It also delivers substantive relief to the millions of American small businesses and workers who have been economically impacted by the pandemic, including $300 billion in funds for small businesses, supplemental weekly unemployment benefits, and a new round of direct stimulus payments. That said, simply providing one time, $600 direct payments is little more than an affront. Working families both need and deserve more and I'll keep fighting on their behalf. I have consistently said that any federal aid package must prioritize the Americans most profoundly impacted by the economic consequences of COVID-19, not monied interests and corporate powers. Whether it be the more than $25 billion in rental assistance included within this relief package or its sizeable investment in SNAP, I'm glad to see that working Americans are put first in many of this package's most vital provisions. This aid package also includes key provisions to facilitate New York's recovery. I fought hard to ensure that this package provides funding for public transit agencies like the MTA, which have been decimated by COVID-19. New York's long term recovery is inextricably linked to the survival of the MTA and I'm proud that this relief package includes those urgently needed funds.I am also pleased this package provides immediate and substantial relief for our colleges and schools by providing over $80 billon in emergency assistance. This funding includes support for HVAC repair and replacement to help reduce the rates of COVID-19 transmissions and reopen New York's classrooms. While this package will allow us to meet many of the challenges of the moment, it simply does not do enough. Most crucially, despite Democrats' best efforts, Senate Republicans refused to provide funds to state and local governments, heavying the already staggering burden on the governments which have borne so much of the cost of responding to COVID-19. This is a time for pragmatism, not politics, so I am deeply disappointed that Senate Republicans are playing at just that. In doing so, they're straining our state and local governments to the breaking point. Whether it be simple callousness or a dangerous lack of understanding of the dire situations facing so many, Senate Republicans have forced millions of Americans to wait months for relief. It should come as no surprise that the predominant emotion felt by millions today is one of desperation. I will cast my vote today with them and their struggles at the front of my mindthey deserve the financial support that this package delivers, despite its many shortcomings. With nearly twelve million Americansincluding over one million New Yorkersset to see their unemployment benefits expire on December 26th, relief simply needs to be provided immediately and directly. But make no mistake: I will continue to fight for state and local government funding, for further public transit support and expanded direct payments, and to amplify the interests and the voices of the voiceless.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/velazquez-house-passage-covid-19-relief-and-government-funding-bill,Velazquez on House Passage of COVID-19 Relief and Government Funding Bill,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Nydia M. Velázquez,V000081,velazquez.house.gov,velazquez,https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington,DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement on the House passage of the Omnibus and Coronavirus Relief bill. ""Over 315,000 Americans are dead. 3 out of every 4 small businesses have seen their revenues fall, and thousands have shut their doors for good. Food insecurity has doubled for families with children, and millions of Americans are turning to food banks for the first time. In most states, 1 in 5 households are behind on rent. More than 10 million people are unemployed. ""But it's been over six months since the House passed the Heroes Act, comprehensive legislation to address these issues months ago. And all this time, Republicans have refused to lift a finger to provide relief to struggling families. It is shameful that it took this long for my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to come to the table. ""And let me be clear—$600 in direct payments and an additional $300 per week in unemployment is not enough—in fact, it's just half of the aid that we passed in the CARES Act. ""So, while I am disappointed in my Republican colleagues and recognize this bill is not ideal or as comprehensive as the Heroes Act—it will provide some much-needed relief to the American people until we can pass a more robust stimulus under the Biden Administration. ""I'd particularly like to thank all the staff from member offices, to committee offices, to leadership and floor staff, who worked long hours and through the weekend to help put this package together. ""For small businesses, this bill takes action to authorize a second round of PPP loans to the hardest hit businesses. Importantly, it will set-aside funding reserved for small businesses with 10 or fewer employees and those in underserved communities. It also utilizes small banks and mission-based community lenders to guarantee fair access to small employers. ""And finally, this bill provides for what we have been hearing on the ground from small businesses—the need for cash infusions through grants. By establishing new guardrails and allocating $20 billion to the EIDL grant program, we are targeting the hardest hit small businesses to receive these grants. ""Meanwhile, as shuttered entertainment venues, including our cultural institutions and movie theaters, that depend on large crowds to survive have been closed by the pandemic and faced difficulties accessing PPP and other SBA programs, this bill creates a new $15 billion dollar grant program to target these establishments that have experienced a dramatic decline in revenue. ""But our efforts do not end here. We will continue to seek more assistance next year because Main Street, especially our independent restaurants, and working families deserve for us to come back to the table to provide a lifeline while we await vaccine distributions. ""So today, I'm voting yes but I urge my fellow members, let's not stop here. Let's come back in January and pass more relief for the American people."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-following-meeting-with-secretary-of-agriculture-nominee-tom-vilsack_-,Gillibrand Statement Following Meeting With Secretary Of Agriculture Nominee Tom Vilsack,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 21, 2020 Gillibrand Statement Following Meeting With Secretary Of Agriculture Nominee Tom Vilsack Following her meeting with Secretary of Agriculture nominee Tom Vilsack, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement: Today I had a productive meeting with Secretary of Agriculture nominee Tom Vilsack about the incoming Biden administration's plans to address hunger and food security, and the challenges facing our nation's farmers, all of which have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Having previously served in this position, Tom is eminently qualified and is committed to helping farmers weather the current crisis, combatting food insecurity and to rebuilding our rural communities. During our conversation, I urged Tom to focus on policies that will increase SNAP benefits to keep Americans fed, strengthen the farm to food bank supply chain, help farmers overcome their debt, and stabilize milk pricing. Tom will be a strong leader in the face of the country's growing challenges and I look forward to working with him to build a stronger and more equitable agriculture industry. 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-statement-on-senate-passage-of-900-billion-relief-package-and-omnibus,Gillibrand Statement On Senate Passage Of $900 Billion Relief Package And Omnibus,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 21, 2020 Gillibrand Statement On Senate Passage Of $900 Billion Relief Package And Omnibus Following Senate passage of a $900 billion coronavirus relief packageand omnibus, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, released the following statement: While I am disappointed that Senator McConnell continues to oppose funding for state and local governments, I voted for the $900 billion aid package and omnibusin order to get urgent relief to New York families. This bill has many important provisions that will help families and small businesses, including enhanced unemployment benefits, direct payments, small business aid, SNAP benefits, and funding for vaccine distribution, hospitals and schools. More aid will be needed to help families make it through this crisis and I will be working hard with the incoming Biden administration to deliver it. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3353,"FINAL COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF PACKAGE BASED ON ORIGINAL BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL LEGISLATION",2020-12-20,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"FINAL COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF PACKAGE BASED ON ORIGINAL BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL LEGISLATION f t # e Washington, December 20, 2020 Washington, DC Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) applauded the final COVID-19 emergency relief package. Following months of deadlock in Congress while millions of Americans were at risk of losing their lifelines, we put our heads down and worked around the clock for nearly a month to produce a bipartisan, bicameral bill to address the emergency needs of our country. We are relieved Congress has finally agreed on a COVID-19 emergency relief package. Our consensus bill was the foundation of this final package and we applaud Congressional leadership for finishing what we started. Workers, businesses, and families need help right now and we urge our colleagues to quickly pass this bill and President Trump to immediately sign the legislation to provide Americans with relief. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3354,"Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Statement on Final COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package Based on Original Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation",2020-12-20,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Statement on Final COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package Based on Original Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation f t # e Washington, December 20, 2020 WASHINGTON, DC Today, Sunday, December 20, 2020, Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Tom Reed (NY-23) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the followingstatement on the announcement of a final COVID-19 emergency relief package: What started months ago as bipartisan, bicameral negotiations led by the Problem Solvers Caucus and our Senate partners will now be heading to the House floor. For the American people, this deal means there's now some hope on the horizon. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jacobs.house.gov/media/press-releases/jacobs-applauds-usda-investment-new-york-rural-communities,Jacobs Applauds USDA Investment into New York Rural Communities,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Chris Jacobs,J000020,jacobs.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is applauding the Department of Agriculture (USDA) on their substantial investments into rural New York communities. Rural communities comprise the majority of NY-27, and I commend the USDA and the President for their commitment to making the health, prosperity, and future of rural communities a priority,Jacobs said.This commitment will translate into a strong, thriving economy in these communities and deliver new opportunities to students and younger generations. Overall, the USDA invested $40 billion in rural communities throughout the United States in FY20 - $434 million of that was invested directly into New York State. Notable highlights include $16.8 million in rural broadband funding, $112 million to deliver safe drinking water supplies, and $1.6 million for small and emerging businesses. To read more about USDA investment, click here. NY-27 Highlights: $17,235,000 into the towns of Byron, Pavilion, Byron, and Dansville Village. These loans and grants were used to enhance water storage and access, as well as clean up contaminated water supplies. $269,900 to the Springville Volunteer Fire Company to update their facilities to better respond to emergencies in the surrounding community. $99,900 United States Department of Agriculture Grant (USDA) for the Village of Perry to improve local trail mapping, bolster tourism, and create jobs. The Farmers to Families Food Box Program developed in response to COVID-19 supported producers and processors throughout NY-27, including HH Dobbins in Lyndonville. I was proud to announce these significant investments into our Western New York communities, and I remain committed to maintaining a strong partnership with the USDA to ensure NY-27 rural communities are supported,Jacobs said.Furthermore, I am going to be fighting for increased investment in the new Congress, especially to support rural broadband development to connect our communities the urgency of this need has grown substantially with COVID-19 as small businesses, schools, and medical visits have moved online. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394484,Nadler & Murphy Introduce Legislation to Restore the DOJ Office for Access to Justice,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Jerrold Nadler,N000002,nadler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) announced the introduction of the Office for Access to Justice Establishment Act of 2020, bicameral legislation to re-establish the Office for Access to Justice within the Department of Justice. The Office for Access to Justice was closed by former Attorney General Jeff Sessions in 2018. The Office for Access to Justice would promote fair and just outcomes in the justice system that are accessible to all, irrespective of wealth or status. Under this new legislation, the Office for Access to Justice would both promote criminal defense and support the use of civil legal aid. The bill formally authorizes the already-existing Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable to promote civil legal aid and defense, to improve coordination and promote federal programs that support vulnerable populations, and to develop recommendations for federal funded programs and policies that will improve access to justice. The Office for Access to Justice was built on the principles of creating a fairer and more just criminal justice system by ensuring those most in need had the same access to legal aid as everyone else, said Chairman Nadler. The Trump Administration shuttered this office and curtailed this important work. I am proud to introduce this legislation to reestablish this office within the Department of Justice and to restore efforts to ensure everyone has equal access to representation. This legislation is supported by a broad coalition of organizations from across the political spectrum. The Biden-Harris Administration must make this office a top agency priority. 2020 has shown us just how deep systemic racism runs across all our institutions, especially in our justice system, and it's critical we do more to address it. That's exactly why I'm teaming up with Chairman Nadler to introduce legislation that would reestablish the Office for Access to Justice at the DOJ that the Trump administration shuttered, and authorize the Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable to promote civil legal aid and litigant defense. It's clear that our justice system is too often weighted against those without adequate resources to navigate it, which is why we must improve legal resources for all Americansregardless of their socioeconomic background, said Senator Murphy. Under this legislation, the Office for Access to Justice would: Provide legal and policy advice to the Attorney General on the issue of ensuring access to justice for low-income and other under-represented groups in the civil and criminal justice system. Serve as the Executive Director of the Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable. Coordinate with other divisions of DOJ to ensure each is properly considering issues of access to justice, including on grant and funding decisions. Consult with the Secretary of State and serving as the authority on access to justice before international and multilateral organizations. The Office for Access to Justice Establishment Act of 2020 is endorsed by more than 40 access to justice organizations from across the country, including, the Center for American Progress,R Street Institute, Fair and Just Prosecution, Fines and Fees Justice Center, Human Rights Watch, Juvenile Law Center, American Civil Liberties Union, and Christian Legal Society. The full bill text is available here. A section-by-section is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394485,"ICYMI: Nadler, Jackson Lee Applaud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to End FGM",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Jerrold Nadler,N000002,nadler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) applauded the Senate passage of H.R. 6100, theStrengthening the Opposition to Female Genital Mutilation (STOP FGM) Act of 2020, legislation introduced by Representatives Jackson Lee and Don Bacon (R-NE) which ensures that the horrific practice of female genital mutilation of minors is prohibited under federal law. TheSTOP FGM Act of 2020was favorably reported out of the Judiciary Committee in March and passed unanimously by the House of Representatives in September. The legislation now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. ""It is critical that Congress take action to put an end to the heinous crime of female genital mutilation,"" said Chairman Nadler. ""The STOP FGM Act will take the long-overdue steps necessary to protect all women and girls from the practice of FGM and would provide the Justice Department with an effective means of prosecuting those who commit this terrible act. I want to thank Representatives Jackson Lee and Bacon for all their help in getting this bill passed, and I hope to see this important bipartisan legislation signed into law."" ""I applaud the Senate for expediting the passage of H.R. 6100 and recognizing the life saving measures that are in the STOP FGM Act. Also, I would like to thank Chairman Jerrold Nadler for his leadership in helping to move this legislation through the Judiciary Committee and on to the House floor. As a lifelong advocate for women, I have worked on initiatives that would eliminate this heinous act all together. FGM has been internationally recognized as a human rights violation which has been performed on at least 200 million girls and women in 31 countries across three continents. Some may think of FGM as occurring only in foreign nations, but this portrayal is completely inaccurate, and we must set the record straight: FGM is practiced right here in the United States and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately half a million women and girls in the United States have already suffered from FGM or are at risk of being subjected to FGM in the future. These girls and women will now have the protection they deserve and justice will finally be done to those who exercise this violent practice in the United States,""stated Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. TheStrengthening the Opposition to Female Genital Mutilation (STOP FGM) Act of 2020 will: Adopt a definition of FGM that mirrors the definition adopted by the World Health Organization; Overturn the misguided decision in United States v. Nagarwala by explicitly stating the constitutional basis for banning FGM, primarily the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution; Makes it a federal crime to knowingly: Perform, attempt to perform, or conspire to perform, FGM on a minor; For parents, guardians, or caretakers to consent to FGM being performed on a minor; or; To transport a minor for the purpose of the performance of FGM on the minor; Increase the statutory maximum term of imprisonment for a violation of the statute, from 5 years to 10 years; and Require the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Education, to submit an annual report to Congress which includes: An estimate of the number of women and girls in the United States at risk of female genital mutilation or who have been subjected to it; The protections available and actions taken by Federal, State, and local agencies to protect such women and girls; and The actions taken by Federal agencies to educate and assist communities and key stakeholders about female genital mutilation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394486,Chairman Nadler Urges Deputy AG Rosen to Halt Remaining Federal Execution Orders,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Jerrold Nadler,N000002,nadler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) sent a letter to Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, who is expected to become Acting Attorney General following the departure of Attorney General Barr, requesting that he rescind the execution orders for the three individuals whose executions have been scheduled to take place in January. Full text of the letter can be found below and here: December 18, 2020 Jeffrey Rosen Deputy Attorney General Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20530 Dear Deputy Attorney General Rosen: With the expectation that you will become the Acting Attorney General upon the departure of Attorney General William P. Barr, I write to request that you rescind the execution orders for the three individuals whose executions have been scheduled to take place in January. These are to be the last executionsof 13carried out by the Trump Administration since this past July. My hope is that you recognize the extraordinary nature of the circumstances that have brought us to where we are now with these planned executions and that you exhibit better judgment than Attorney General Barr by rescinding these last three. The executions are set to take place at the U.S. Penitentiary (USP) in Terre Haute, Indiana. As you are likely aware, executions mobilize hundreds of people to the location where the execution is held. Prison staff, reporters, spiritual advisors, family members, and witnesses from disparate parts of the country congregate for federal executions in Vigo County, where USP Terre Haute is located. In response to a recent lawsuit, the Bureau of Prisons admitted that eight members of the execution team for the November 19, 2020 execution of Orlando Hall had tested positive for COVID-19. A few days after Mr. Hall's execution, his spiritual advisorwho had been exposed to at least two maskless executioners while in the execution chamberalso tested positive for COVID-19. This information is alarmingand calls into question the ability of USP Terre Haute to keep staff, prisoners, and others safe while carrying out the extraordinary step of an execution during a pandemic, much less three executions all within three days of each other. As you know, the federal government had not carried out any executions for over 17 years, until Attorney General Barr decided to resume executions last July. Since then, 10 men have been put to death under Attorney General Barr's watch. In a sharp break from the norm that has governed the scheduling of executions for well over a century, three men have already been executed by the outgoing President. And three remaining individuals are scheduled to die roughly in the week before President Elect Joseph Biden's inauguration. But an outgoing president has not executed anyone since 1889. This norm has existed this long for a reason: the incoming president deserves deference, particularly in carrying out the most severe punishment available in our laws. Moreover, it is particularly egregious for the outgoing Administration to be carrying out executions when, as it has been widely reported, it has completely sidelined the Office of the Pardon Attorney in the process of evaluating clemency applications from prisoners. For those on death row, the Office of the Pardon Attorney is their final stop, their final prayerand this, they have been denied. As the Supreme Court has reminded us, death is different and exercising its machinery under the present circumstances is not only problematic, it is unconscionable. I implore you to refuse to carry out these executions, which will not make us safer. Sincerely, Jerrold Nadler Chairman c: The Honorable Jim Jordan, Ranking Member, Committee on the Judiciary",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-ocasio-cortez-holds-december-town-hall-ny-14-constituents,ICYMI: Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Holds December Town Hall for NY-14 Constituentshere,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,O000172,ocasio-cortez.house.gov,,,legacy,"Video available here Queens, NY - On Thursday evening, Representative Alexandria OcasioCortez held her monthly town hall for the constituents of New York's 14th Congressional District. The Congresswoman used the bulk of the virtual event to provide an update on negotiations around a COVID-19 relief bill. Folks in our community are on the brink of eviction. We have just an insane amount of food instability in our community. And, it just feels like the Republican Party in the Senate just doesn't care, said Rep. OcasioCortez at the town hall. What we were able to do is that at the beginning of the week there were no stimulus payments at all - there was zero dollars. And now, we've clawed our way to $600. I think $600 is even still an insulting low amount, and we're going to have to figure things out from there. What the name of the game is right now is survival until January 20th [the presidential inauguration] and reassessing our situation from there. The Congresswoman also took questions from constituents on the MTA funding crisis, economic relief for catering halls, Spanish-language outreach around the COVID-19 vaccine, oversight of the PPP program, Page 2 of 3 student debt forgiveness, and the Green New Deal. Additionally, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez answered questions from local and national media on the Georgia Senate races, her plans for her district in 2021, and whether or not she would vote for a COVID-19 relief bill that included just a $600 stimulus check. In her final town hall of her first term, the Congresswoman also reviewed some of the progress she made over the last two years. To date, she has introduced 23 pieces of legislation and saw two amendments pass into law - shifting $5 million from the failed war on drugs to treatment for opioid addiction, and securing $10 million to clean up toxic bombardment sites in Vieques, Puerto Rico. In the House, the Congresswoman led a successful vote to repeal the Faircloth Amendment, which is critical to the expansion of affordable housing and to the execution of the Green New Deal. The Congresswoman also introduced The Loan Shark Prevention Act, to cap credit card interest rates at 15%, and The Green New Deal for Public Housing, which would invest up to $180 billion over ten years to create a quarter million jobs per year nationwide. Additionally, she introduced the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Act, which would help families cover funeral expenses, and called for a bailout of taxi cab rivers. The Congresswoman also introduced the Just Society suite of bills, which collectively would raise the federal poverty line, include immigrants in social safety net programs, require federal contractors to pay a living wage, strengthen renters' rights, and decrease recidivism. Overall, the Congresswoman had more amendments made in order than 90 percent of the freshmen class. In committee hearings, the Congresswoman earned a reputation as a fierce, prepared questioner whose lines of inquiry delivered real results. She pressured a major pharmaceutical company into lowering the price of a drug that reduces HIV transmission, and worked with her colleagues to force a defense contractor to return $16.1 million in federal funding. The Congresswoman also got Michael Cohen to state on the record that President Donald Trump was engaging in tax fraud and to divulge other information that helped the New York Attorney General open an investigation into the Trump Organization. The Congresswoman's questioning also helped overturn the unjust citizenship question on the Census. In the district, over the last two years, Representative Ocasio-Cortez hosted 25 town halls, all of which provided language translation services and Page 3 of 3 accessibility for the hearing impaired. The District Office also opened cases for over 1,400 constituents, assisting with everything from immigration visas and Social Security payments to small business loans and veterans benefits. Additionally, staff answered over 19,000 calls and provided 2,800 written responses to constituents. Various institutions in NY-14 also received $470 million in federal grant money during the Congresswoman's first term. The full video of the virtual town hall can be viewed here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-ocasio-cortez-holds-december-town-hall-ny-14-constituents-0,ICYMI: Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Holds December Town Hall for NY-14 Constituents,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,O000172,ocasio-cortez.house.gov,ocasio-cortez,https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Video available here Queens, NY - On Thursday evening, Representative Alexandria OcasioCortez held her monthly town hall for the constituents of New York's 14th Congressional District. The Congresswoman used the bulk of the virtual event to provide an update on negotiations around a COVID-19 relief bill. ""Folks in our community are on the brink of eviction. We have just an insane amount of food instability in our community. And, it just feels like the Republican Party in the Senate just doesn't care,"" said Rep. OcasioCortez at the town hall. ""What we were able to do is that at the beginning of the week there were no stimulus payments at all - there was zero dollars. And now, we've clawed our way to $600. I think $600 is even still an insulting low amount, and we're going to have to figure things out from there. What the name of the game is right now is survival until January 20th [the presidential inauguration] and reassessing our situation from there."" The Congresswoman also took questions from constituents on the MTA funding crisis, economic relief for catering halls, Spanish-language outreach around the COVID-19 vaccine, oversight of the PPP program, Page 2 of 3 student debt forgiveness, and the Green New Deal. Additionally, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez answered questions from local and national media on the Georgia Senate races, her plans for her district in 2021, and whether or not she would vote for a COVID-19 relief bill that included just a $600 stimulus check. In her final town hall of her first term, the Congresswoman also reviewed some of the progress she made over the last two years. To date, she has introduced 23 pieces of legislation and saw two amendments pass into law - shifting $5 million from the failed war on drugs to treatment for opioid addiction, and securing $10 million to clean up toxic bombardment sites in Vieques, Puerto Rico. In the House, the Congresswoman led a successful vote to repeal the Faircloth Amendment, which is critical to the expansion of affordable housing and to the execution of the Green New Deal. The Congresswoman also introduced The Loan Shark Prevention Act, to cap credit card interest rates at 15%, and The Green New Deal for Public Housing, which would invest up to $180 billion over ten years to create a quarter million jobs per year nationwide. Additionally, she introduced the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Act, which would help families cover funeral expenses, and called for a bailout of taxi cab rivers. The Congresswoman also introduced the Just Society suite of bills, which collectively would raise the federal poverty line, include immigrants in social safety net programs, require federal contractors to pay a living wage, strengthen renters' rights, and decrease recidivism. Overall, the Congresswoman had more amendments made in order than 90 percent of the freshmen class. In committee hearings, the Congresswoman earned a reputation as a fierce, prepared questioner whose lines of inquiry delivered real results. She pressured a major pharmaceutical company into lowering the price of a drug that reduces HIV transmission, and worked with her colleagues to force a defense contractor to return $16.1 million in federal funding. The Congresswoman also got Michael Cohen to state on the record that President Donald Trump was engaging in tax fraud and to divulge other information that helped the New York Attorney General open an investigation into the Trump Organization. The Congresswoman's questioning also helped overturn the unjust citizenship question on the Census. In the district, over the last two years, Representative Ocasio-Cortez hosted 25 town halls, all of which provided language translation services and Page 3 of 3 accessibility for the hearing impaired. The District Office also opened cases for over 1,400 constituents, assisting with everything from immigration visas and Social Security payments to small business loans and veterans benefits. Additionally, staff answered over 19,000 calls and provided 2,800 written responses to constituents. Various institutions in NY-14 also received $470 million in federal grant money during the Congresswoman's first term. The full video of the virtual town hall can be viewed here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-katko-announce-senate-passage-of-bill-to-rename-fayetteville-post-office-to-honor-cny-wwii-veteran,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, KATKO ANNOUNCE SENATE PASSAGE OF BILL TO RENAME FAYETTEVILLE POST OFFICE TO HONOR CNY WWII VETERAN",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schumer, Gillibrand, Katko: Designating the Fayetteville Post Office, the Corporal George H. Bacel Memorial Postal Facility,' Will Serve as Lasting Memorial to Bacel's Life & Legacy WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and U.S. Representative John Katkotoday announced the U.S. Senate has passed bipartisan legislation to designate the Fayetteville Post Office, the Corporal George H. Bacel Memorial Postal Facility.' This bill, which now heads to the President's desk, was announced last year in Fayetteville, NY by Rep. Katko alongside Bacel's four children and extended family, as well as representatives for ClearPath for Veterans and Mayor of Fayetteville Mark Olson. As one of the thousands of young men who enlisted the day after Pearl Harbor, Corporal George H. Bacel always went above and beyond, both to serve his country and his community,said Senator Schumer. This week's Senate passage of legislation to dedicate the Fayetteville Post Office as the Corporal George H. Bacel Memorial Postal Facility' memorializes the lasting impact Corporal Bacel had on his community and honors the generous love he had for his fellow Central New Yorkers. I thank Congressman Katko for leading this effort as we pay tribute to a man who dedicated his whole life to serving others. George H. Bacel represented the best of Fayetteville, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to his neighbors through military service, as a small business owner, and as a postal worker at the very post office we are renaming in his honor,said Senator Gillibrand.This legislation is a testament to the contributions of hard-working and dedicated New Yorkers like George, who make our state and country a better place to live, work, and dream. Corporal George H. Bacel had deep roots in our Central New York community and was a beloved WWII veteran, small business owner, and postal worker, said Rep. Katko. To honor his life and legacy, I'm pleased to announce the bill I introduced to designate the Fayetteville Post Office, the Corporal George H. Bacel Memorial Postal Facility,' has passed the U.S. Senate. The passage of this measure marks an important step forward in our pursuit to pay tribute to Corporal Bacel's contributions to Central New York and this nation. I thank Senators Gillibrand and Schumer for their work to advance this legislation through the Senate. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-schumer-gillibrand-announce-final-2020-water-resource-development-act-includes-authorization-of-critical-provisions-for-new-york,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE FINAL 2020 WATER RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT ACT INCLUDES AUTHORIZATION OF CRITICAL PROVISIONS FOR NEW YORK",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.17.20 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE FINAL 2020 WATER RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT ACT INCLUDES AUTHORIZATION OF CRITICAL PROVISIONS FOR NEW YORK Includes: Authorization of New Studies and Projects to Address Lake Ontario Flooding, Restore Hudson River Ecosystems, Protect the Rockaways and Long Island From Future Storms and Flooding, and More WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today announced that, following their push, essential provisions to protect and harness New York's water resources are included in the final 2020 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). In the legislation, called America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2020, the senators secured language that would authorize new studies and projects to protect communities across New York and restore critical ecosystems in the Hudson River Estuary.This includes authorization for a new feasibility study for Lake Ontario coastal resiliency, as well as authorization to construct the Hudson-Raritan Estuary Ecosystem Restoration Project, the Army Corps East Rockaway Inlet to Rockaway Inlet and Jamaica Bay Hurricane Sandy Reformulation Project, the Hashamomuck Cove coastal storm risk management project, and several projects critical to New York's water resources, navigation and watershed restoration. The bill also includes language to expedite completion of many new projects, including the Lake Montauk Harbor Navigation Project, key to New York's water restoration, risk management, and navigation. Schumer and Gillibrand secured a report on emergency flood protection for lakes in the new legislation, a critical piece to improving the use of existing Army Corps authorities for Lake Ontario flood protection. In order to protect our communities from flooding, preserve our shorelines, and restore New York's precious water ecosystems, it is imperative that we properly rehabilitate our invaluable resources through the Water Resources Development Act every year, said Senator Schumer. I am proud to have secured so many vital projects this year that will help preserve and improve water resources in New York, including addressing harmful algal blooms, mitigating Lake Ontario flooding, protecting the Hudson River, and restoring Jamaica Bay. These projects are vital to ensuring New York's long-term water resource viability, and I will work tirelessly to get the WRDA across the finish line. Throughout the year I have fought to secure important projects to protect New York's water resources in this year's Water Resources Development Act. I'm pleased that so many new projects have been authorized, including a key study to improve shoreline resiliency and flood protection along Lake Ontario, which has experienced repetitive flooding in recent years,said Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Army Corps of Engineers.These projects will make our state more resilient to the impacts of climate change and restore important ecosystems like the Hudson River Estuary and Jamaica Bay. I'm proud to have secured these critical provisions for our state in this bill and I will continue working until it is signed into law. Riverkeeper is grateful for the leadership of Senators Schumer and Gillibrand in securing improvements to fully incorporate sea-level rise in the Army Corps' studies to protect New Yorkers,said Jeremy Cherson, Legislative Advocacy Manager for Riverkeeper.These changes ensure that as we confront the challenges of climate change together, we will not sacrifice the health of the Hudson River or leave disadvantaged communities behind. WRDA authorizes water resources studies and projects and sets policies for navigation, flood control, hydropower, recreation, water supply, and emergency management for the U.S Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps). The final legislative text, which passed in the House and is set to appear on the Senate floor for votes incoming days, includes the following provisions for New York State following successful pushes from Senators Schumer and Gillibrand: Authorization for a new feasibility study for Lake Ontario coastal storm resiliencywhich will specifically look at ways to improve shoreline resiliency and flood protection along Lake Ontario. The study will allow the Army Corps to identify specific actions needed to better protect the shoreline from flooding due to high water levels and coastal erosion both have caused significant damage for communities in Central and Western New York, as well as along the St. Lawrence Seaway. The senators also secured authorization for a new study of Wading River Creek. Authorization of the East Rockaway Inlet to Rockaway Inlet and Jamaica Bay Sandy Reformulation Project,which will give authority to the Army Corps to complete initial construction of the project at full federal expense. It will also authorize maintenance of the project once construction is complete. Following a push from Gillibrand and Schumer, the language ensures that if money runs out before construction is complete, the Corps can finish construction without having to seek a cost share from a local sponsor. Authorization of the Hashamomuck Cove Coastal Storm Risk Management Projectwhich will authorize the Army Corps to construct the project on Long Island to reduce coastal storm and erosion risks to critical infrastructure, including County Road 48. Authorization of a new Harmful Algal Bloom Demonstration Program to determine the causes of and implement measures to effectively detect, prevent, treat, and eliminate harmful algal blooms which can be toxic to humans and pets and threaten recreational economies. The program specifies focus areas for study that include the Great Lakes and the Allegheny Reservoir Watershed. Authorization of construction funding for projects including:Hudson-Raritan Estuary Ecosystem Restoration Project, Westchester County Streams Flood Risk Management Project, Fire Island to Montauk Point Reformulation Project (FIMP), Hudson River Habitat Restoration Project, and the NY-NJ Harbor Anchorages Project. Language to expedite completion of feasibility studies by the Army Corps, including: Lake Montauk Harbor Navigation Project, Goldsmith Inlet Navigation Project, rehabilitation of Lock E-32, Erie Canal, Pittsford, Navigation and shoreline stabilization for Reel Point Reserve, flood risk management for Rondout Creek-Wallkill River Watershed, and ecosystem restoration and hurricane and storm risk reduction for Howard Beach, Queens. Modification of the NY/NJ Harbor and Tributaries projectwhich would require the Army Corps to evaluate and address the impacts of low-frequency precipitation and sea-level rise on the study area and consult with the affected communities. Language requiring the Army Corps to provide technical assistance to the non-federal sponsors and stakeholders for the following projects in New Yorkas part of the Army Corps' process for recommending studies that are ready for authorization: Study of the resiliency of the Allegheny Reservoir, NY. Feasibility study for the rehabilitation of the tainter gates and guard gate, Caughdenoy Dam, NY. Project to repair the West Pier and West Barrier Pier, Little Sodus Bay. Project for the repair of sheet pile wall and east breakwater, Great Sodus Bay. Feasibility study for a navigation project for the Port of Oswego. Feasibility study for the potential projects for the rehabilitation of the Glens Falls Feeder Canal, which begins at the Feeder Dam intersection with the Hudson River in Queensbury, NY, and runs to the confluence of the Old Champlain Canal in Kingsbury, NY. Environmental assistance project for sanitary sewer upgrades for Village of Whitehall, NY. The Report on Emergency Flood Protection for Lakes,which will require a report on the extent to which the Army Corps' emergency fund for responding to natural disasters, typically river flooding, applies to lake flooding. The report will make recommendations on any statutory changes needed to ensure that lakes are eligible for the program. ### 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-nearly-892-million-in-federal-funding-for-new-yorks-hospitals-battling-second-wave-of-covid-pandemic,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE NEARLY $892 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR NEW YORK’S HOSPITALS BATTLING SECOND WAVE OF COVID PANDEMIC",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.17.20 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE NEARLY $892 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR NEW YORK'S HOSPITALS BATTLING SECOND WAVE OF COVID PANDEMIC Schumer Secured Tranche Of Funding For 4,941 NY Hospitals & Providers As Part Of COVID-19 Response Bills; Gillibrand Sheparded Legislation To Final Passage First Revenue-Based Tranche Will Make Up For At Least 87% Of Lost Revenue At All Hospitals And Providers Through Q2 Senators: More Help On The Way For NY Hospitals Still Fighting On The Frontlines U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand announced today that 4,941 hospitals across New York will receive a total of $891,935,762 designated through previous COVID relief bills. The funding comes from the Provider Relief Fund and will make up for at least 87% of lost revenue at all hospitals and providers through Q2. As New York battles a second wave in COVID cases, our hospitals are once again stepping up to the plate, making incredible sacrifices by putting public health above profit for months, and working ceaselessly to help New York beat back the virus, said Senator Schumer. Today's funding is critical to making up for lost revenues from the first wave and keeping our hospital doors open. New York and its hospitals have been amongst the hardest hit in the nation, and with this funding going out, the continuing frontline fight being waged by our health care system and its incredible workforce will receive the dollars they need, and so very much deserve, to keep saving lives. We have asked so much of our doctors, nurses, hospital workers, and public health professionals across New York, and they continue to give it their all on the frontlines, said Senator Gillibrand. But the fact remains that they are being stretched to the limit, and are in desperate need of more resources to battle another dangerous surge. Today's funding announcement is a great step in the right direction, but I won't stop fighting until Washington delivers critical relief to hospitals and health care providers. Schumer was the lead author and architect of the Marshall Plan for Healthcare', included in previous COVID relief legislation, securing hundreds of billions of dollars in support and relief for the health care system. The senators said the funding announced today is the first revenue-based tranche going out to New York's hospitals. Across the state, hospitals and health systems reported losing hundreds of millions of dollars per month because of cancelled elective procedures, increased staffing and overtime costs, expanded bed capacity, and increased spending on supplies and equipment to meet the surge in COVID patients. As New York experiences a second wave of COVID cases, hospitals are facing huge financial risks again. Schumer and Gillibrand said today's funding is imperative to keeping the state's hospitals open and able to serve COVID patients. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394483,Nadler Praises House Passage of Criminal Justice Reform Bills,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Jerrold Nadler,N000002,nadler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives unanimously passed two criminal justice reform bills within the Committee's jurisdiction:""Creating a more just and fair criminal justice system has long been a priority for the Judiciary Committee. The bipartisan legislation passed today will improve law enforcement's ability to resolve cases of missing persons,ensureincarcerated individuals get the holistic treatment they need, and reduce recidivism rates by providing individuals returning to society with the resources necessary to become productive members of their communities. I thank my colleagues for their steadfast work, and I look forward to seeing these important bills signed into law."" The House of Representatives passed the following bills: S. 2174, the Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains Act of 2019 The Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains Act of 2019, introduced by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Kamala Harris (D-CA) with similar legislation introduced by Representative Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX) and Will Hurd (R-TX),authorizes a grant program for State and local law enforcement, state medical examiners, and accredited crime and forensic laboratories to record and report missing persons and unidentified remains found along the U.S.-Mexico border. The bill was passed by a voice vote. S. 3312, the Crisis Stabilization and Community Reentry Act of 2020 The Crisis Stabilization and Community Reentry Act, introduced by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) with similar legislation introduced by Representative David Trone (D-MD),authorizes grant money for law enforcement to partner with mental health providers to provide support for mental health services for incarcerated individuals and those returning to society. The bill was passed by a voice vote.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3352,STATEMENT FROM THE PROBLEM SOLVERS CAUCUS CO-CHAIRS TOM REED & JOSH GOTTHEIMER,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today, Wednesday, December 16, 2020, Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Tom Reed (NY-23) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement: -- Both parties in both chambers are close to reaching a final deal. When it's inked, this will be a huge victory for the American people and for the way Congress should work Democrats and Republicans sitting at the table, putting country ahead of party. We're proud of the critical role the Problem Solvers Caucus played, working alongside our Senate partners, to make this possible. The package will likely mirror the bipartisan framework we crafted together, including key priorities that will benefit millions of Americans from unemployment to the Paycheck Protection Program, vaccine deployment, food and housing needs, and more. Of course, our work must continue to ensure our nation can get through this crisis and fully recover, and we commit ourselves to making that possible.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/as-coronavirus-surge-prompts-renewed-stay-at-home-orders-gillibrand-calls-for-extension-of-emergency-paid-leave-provisions,"As Coronavirus Surge Prompts Renewed Stay At Home Orders, Gillibrand Calls For Extension Of Emergency Paid Leave Provisions",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 16, 2020 As Coronavirus Surge Prompts Renewed Stay At Home Orders, Gillibrand Calls For Extension Of Emergency Paid Leave Provisions National Paid Sick Days And Family Leave Will Expire At The End Of December For Nearly 22 Million Americans, One-fifth Of The Workforce Will Be Forced To Choose Between Their Health Or Their Paycheck As COVID-19 Cases Surge Across The Country; Recent Study Shows Emergency Paid Leave Policies Reduced COVID-19 Infections; Gillibrand's PAID Leave Act Would Provide All Employees With 14 Emergency Paid Sick Days And 12 Weeks Emergency Paid Family And Medical Leave Today. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Senate lead on theFAMILY Act,called on Congress to extend the bipartisan paid sick days and family leave provisions, authorized in March under theFamilies First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA),in the next COVID relief package. The provisions are set to expire at the end of December, in the midst of a second wave of coronavirus that has prompted communities to renew stay at home orders and roll back business and school reopenings. The next relief package must include emergency paid leave provisions which have been a critical tool for keeping families safe and slowing the spread of this virus. As the second wave peaks and with possible renewed shutdowns, millions of workers will be forced, once again, to make impossible choices between caring for their family and earning a paycheckunless there is a national paid leave program,saidSenator Gillibrand.This policy received bipartisan support this spring because it not only protects jobs and the health and safety of workers, but it helps slow community spread and it is good for the economy. This crisis has shown that paid sick days and family leave is smart policy for the pandemic and our future. ""Paid leave is one of our most affordable and effective tools to fight the pandemic. It saves jobs and it saves lives, and it has been a lifeline to working families. Congress passed emergency paid leave this spring, and applauded its passage on both sides of the aisle; voters in states across the country have said this is their top relief policy. If Congress lets this protection expire right as we go into the holidays and the peak of the pandemic, it will be a profoundfailure,""saidDawn Huckelbridge, director of Paid Leave for All. While theFFCRArequired many employers to provide workers with two weeks of coronavirus-related sick leave at full pay, and up to 12 weeks of family and medical leave to care for family members at two-thirds pay, it is estimated that up to three-quarters of all workers were excluded from receiving these benefits. Despite excluding many workers, the provisionsgave 22 million workers nationwide the ability to stay home when they're sick, helping to slow the spread of coronavirus. A recent study in Health Affairs found that the introduction of the paid leave provisions helped reduce COVID infections by about 15 thousand cases per day. Now, as COVID-19 cases surge across the country and with paid sick and family leave set to expire, millions of workers are being forced to decide between their paycheck or the health of themselves and their families. The relief package currently being negotiated fails to provide an extension of emergency paid sick day and family leave provisions. In addition to the extension of current provisions Senator Gillibrand is calling on Congress to include thePAID Leave Act (Providing Americans Insured Days of Leave Act). The legislation would close current loopholes that left out millions of workers and provide all employees with 14 emergency paid sick days and 12 weeks emergency paid family and medical leave. ThePAID Leave Actwould also permanently enact a paid family and medical leave program and ensure workers can accrue 7 paid sick days. Senator Gillibrand has continuously fought to enact a federal paid leave programduring the COVID-19 crisisand throughout her career. In March, Senator Gillibrand, Senator Patty Murray, and Representative Rosa DeLauro successfully secured the national emergency paid leave program with the FFCRA. Gillibrand later introduced thePAID Leave Actalongside Senator Patty Murray, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. 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-announces-senate-passage-of-her-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-state-dept-role-in-combating-anti-semitism,Gillibrand Announces Senate Passage Of Her Bipartisan Legislation To Strengthen State Dept Role In Combating Anti-Semitism,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 16, 2020 Gillibrand Announces Senate Passage Of Her Bipartisan Legislation To Strengthen State Dept Role In Combating Anti-Semitism Today,U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrandannounced the Senate passage of theSpecial Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act of 2019(S.238, H.R. 221), a bipartisan and bicameral bill that would enhance the State Department's role in combating and monitoring anti-Semitism across the globe. Gillibrand was joined by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) as original co-sponsors of the bill. The bill now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. As we have seen far too often, anti-Semitism isanurgent threat inNew YorkState, our country, and across the world,said Senator Gillibrand.We must do everything in our power to confront, and end, this growingdanger. I am proud that we were able to pass this bipartisan bill to elevate the position of special envoy to the rank of ambassador in order to ensure that the State Department can monitor and help combat anti-Semitism across the globe. I will always stand with the Jewish community, and fight against hatred and prejudice in all its forms. Gillibrandrecentlyled a bipartisan push to increase funding to help protect nonprofit institutions against terror attacks,calling for up to $360 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Gillibrandpreviously secured$90 million in NSGP funding in 2019 and $60 million in NSGP funding in 2018.The funding allocated by this program will support non-profit organizations most at risk of terror attacks through the acquisition and installation of physical target hardening measures, related preparedness and prevention planning, training, and exercises, and contracted security personnel so that religious and community based organizations have the critical resources and tools they need to protect lives and property. According to a recent FBI report on hate crime statistics in 2019, 60.2% were victims of crimes motivated by offenders' anti-Jewish bias. TheSpecial Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Actwill: Elevate the position of special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism to the rank of ambassador; Direct the special envoy to report directly to the secretary of state; Prohibit the special envoy from being double-hatted with another portfolio of issues; Emphasize that the special envoy should be a person of recognized distinction in the field of combating anti-Semitism or religious freedom; and Clarify that the special envoy shall be the primary advisor and coordinator for U.S. government efforts to monitor and combat anti-Semitism and anti-Semitic incitement in foreign countries. 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-calls-for-16-million-in-funding-to-combat-the-invasive-spotted-lanternfly,Gillibrand Calls For $16 Million In Funding To Combat The Invasive Spotted Lanternfly,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 16, 2020 Gillibrand Calls For $16 Million In Funding To Combat The Invasive Spotted Lanternfly Destructive Spotted Lanternfly Threatens To Destroy Vineyards In Finger Lakes And Hudson Valley And Impede Region's Economic Recovery U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, is calling on Congress to deliver $16.066million in funding to combat the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive species that threatens specialty crops, including grapes, across the Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley. In a letter to appropriators, Gillibrand called for full funding of the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Specialty Crop Pest program in the final FY21 Agriculture Appropriations bill, and specifically provide $16.066 million for the spotted lanternfly,consistent with the House funding level. The spotted lanternflyhas proven to be an invasive and destructive pest that threatens New York State's specialty crops, especiallyvineyards throughout the Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley. If not contained, this pest will have devastating economic consequences on agriculture, tourism, and residential homes, at a time when our economy needs these industries for a strong recovery,saidSenator Gillibrand.Congress must ensure the Specialty Crop Pest program is fully funded to prevent further spread. Full text of the letter can be foundhereand below. ### Dear Chairman Shelby, Vice Chairman Leahy, Chairwoman Lowey, and Ranking Member Granger: I respectfully ask that you fully fund the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Specialty Crop Pest program in the final FY21 Agriculture Appropriations bill, and within that funding provide $16.066 million for the spotted lanternfly, which is consistent with the House funding level for FY 2021. Fully funding this pest initiative will help contain this invasive species that is devastating northeastern crops and has the potential to spread to further states. Spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, is an invasive species that is thought to have arrived in the United States in 2012. According to Cornell University, the first infestation was found in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014. Although quarantine measures were taken in the infested townships and efforts were taken to eradicate this pest, spotted lanternflyhas proved difficult to contain. Currently there are infestations of spotted lanternflyin nine states, including in my home state of New York. It is imperative that this pest is contained before it further invades the Eastern Seaboard and eventually makes its spread across the United States. This would have devastating effects on agriculture, tourism, and residential homes. Through their research, Cornell University has highlighted that the spotted lanternflyhas a strong preference for specialty crops such as grapes, decimating entire vineyards in Pennsylvania. If this pest is able to migrate out of its current location, it could prove to be devastating for all states with a strong specialty crop sector. In order to further manage the spread of this invasive species. I strongly urge you to include $16.066 million for the spotted lanternfly, within the APHIS Specialty Crop Pest program, in the final FY2021 Agriculture Appropriations bill. Thank you for consideration of this request. Sincerely, Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morelle-calls-usda-protect-critical-crops-america-s-brewers-and,CONGRESSMAN MORELLE CALLS ON USDA TO PROTECT CRITICAL CROPS FOR AMERICA’S BREWERS AND WINE MAKERS,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joe Morelle,M001206,morelle.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) Today, Congressman Morelle was joined by colleagues and stakeholders in our nation's beer and wine industry to call on U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Plant Health Inspection Service Administration Kevin Shea to take action in addressing the alarming spread of the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) across the northeastern, midwestern, and northwestern United States. This letter comes following Rep. Morelle's December 2nd letter to the USDA, emphasizing how dire the situation has become and how urgent mitigative efforts are needed. We know that this invasive species is prone to feed on grapevines and hop plants, potentially desecrating brewers' and wine makers' livelihood, said Congressman Joe Morelle. With more than 15 states having reported sightings of the SLF, inaction to address its spread risks the loss of thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in economic activity. I urge the USDA to act immediately and swiftly to protect our beer and wine industry from further damage. Invasive species are a constant problem for our environment and America's agricultural industry, said Rep. Mike Kelly (PA-16), Co-Chair of the House Small Brewers Caucus. The spotted lanternfly has become a particular challenge for our nation's hop and grape growers.In Pennsylvania alone, the SLF could cost hundreds of millions in economic damage and eliminate thousands of jobs. It is time to take the next step to protect our farmers and harvesters from this threat. New York State has become a national leader in both the wine and craft brewing industries and the Spotted Lanternfly is putting our industries in jeopardy if something more isn't done quickly, said Paul Leone, Executive Director of the New York State Brewers Association. The wine and brewing industry is a combined $12 billion economic impact and is responsible for over 92,000 jobs, we applaud Congressman Morelle's leadership and proactive effort for increased funding to fight this non-native invasive species. Spotted Lanternfly has the potential to decimate our state's vineyards, threatening the viability of New York's $6.65 billion wine and grape juice industry, said Benjamin Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. We cannot be fragmented in our approach to tackle this threat region by region. All resources to monitor, eradicate and develop solutions should be deployed, including support from Cornell CALS' research and outreach programs. I applaud Congressman Morelle and all members of Congress who are acknowledging the critical importance of this threat. Cornell CALS stands at the ready to leverage the expertise of our Integrated Pest Management Program and our researchers to partner with growers and implement sustainable solutions. Spotted lanternfly poses a serious threat to New York's grape growing industry and create an undue burden on grape growers who already experienced lower than expected yields in 2020 due to frost damage, said Sam Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. Additional support is needed from USDA to ensure the New York vineyards are properly prepared to protect themselves from this invasive species. ""We are very grateful that Representative Morelle has taken a proactiveleadership role in seeking to avoid potential damage to the American grape and wine industry from the invasive Spotted Lanternfly. This pest can quickly decimate entire grape crops, and spreads very quickly, with more than a dozen states having reported infestations. There are wineries in all 50 states, and the American wine industrycontributes more than $220 billion to the American economy, with much of that in rural areas where grapes are grown. This action can help protect the agricultural part of our industry."" Jim Trezise, President, WineAmerica (National Association of American Wineries). Rep. Morelle was joined by 44 bipartisan Members of Congress in sending the letter to the USDA. The full letter is below. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morelle-calls-usda-protect-critical-crops-americas-brewers-and,CONGRESSMAN MORELLE CALLS ON USDA TO PROTECT CRITICAL CROPS FOR AMERICA’S BREWERS AND WINE MAKERS,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph D. Morelle,M001206,morelle.house.gov,morelle,https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Morelle was joined by colleagues and stakeholders in our nation's beer and wine industry to call on U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Plant Health Inspection Service Administration Kevin Shea to take action in addressing the alarming spread of the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) across the northeastern, midwestern, and northwestern United States. This letter comes following Rep. Morelle's December 2nd letter to the USDA, emphasizing how dire the situation has become and how urgent mitigative efforts are needed. ""We know that this invasive species is prone to feed on grapevines and hop plants, potentially desecrating brewers' and wine makers' livelihood,"" said Congressman Joe Morelle. ""With more than 15 states having reported sightings of the SLF, inaction to address its spread risks the loss of thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in economic activity. I urge the USDA to act immediately and swiftly to protect our beer and wine industry from further damage."" ""Invasive species are a constant problem for our environment and America's agricultural industry,"" said Rep. Mike Kelly (PA-16), Co-Chair of the House Small Brewers Caucus. ""The spotted lanternfly has become a particular challenge for our nation's hop and grape growers. In Pennsylvania alone, the SLF could cost hundreds of millions in economic damage and eliminate thousands of jobs. It is time to take the next step to protect our farmers and harvesters from this threat."" ""New York State has become a national leader in both the wine and craft brewing industries and the Spotted Lanternfly is putting our industries in jeopardy if something more isn't done quickly,"" said Paul Leone, Executive Director of the New York State Brewers Association. ""The wine and brewing industry is a combined $12 billion economic impact and is responsible for over 92,000 jobs, we applaud Congressman Morelle's leadership and proactive effort for increased funding to fight this non-native invasive species."" ""Spotted Lanternfly has the potential to decimate our state's vineyards, threatening the viability of New York's $6.65 billion wine and grape juice industry,"" said Benjamin Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. ""We cannot be fragmented in our approach to tackle this threat region by region. All resources to monitor, eradicate and develop solutions should be deployed, including support from Cornell CALS' research and outreach programs. I applaud Congressman Morelle and all members of Congress who are acknowledging the critical importance of this threat. Cornell CALS stands at the ready to leverage the expertise of our Integrated Pest Management Program and our researchers to partner with growers and implement sustainable solutions."" ""Spotted lanternfly poses a serious threat to New York's grape growing industry and create an undue burden on grape growers who already experienced lower than expected yields in 2020 due to frost damage,"" said Sam Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. ""Additional support is needed from USDA to ensure the New York vineyards are properly prepared to protect themselves from this invasive species."" ""We are very grateful that Representative Morelle has taken a proactive leadership role in seeking to avoid potential damage to the American grape and wine industry from the invasive Spotted Lanternfly. This pest can quickly decimate entire grape crops, and spreads very quickly, with more than a dozen states having reported infestations. There are wineries in all 50 states, and the American wine industry contributes more than $220 billion to the American economy, with much of that in rural areas where grapes are grown. This action can help protect the agricultural part of our industry."" Jim Trezise, President, WineAmerica (National Association of American Wineries). Rep. Morelle was joined by 44 bipartisan Members of Congress in sending the letter to the USDA. The full letter is below.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/advisory-rep-ocasio-cortez-hosts-monthly-town-hall-0,UPDATED TIME: Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Hosts Monthly Town Hall,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,O000172,ocasio-cortez.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Bronx, NY - Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will host her monthly town hall for NY-14 constituents on Thursday, December 17. The event will now begin at 7:30 PM ET due to changes in the vote schedule in D.C. During the town hall, the Congresswoman will give an update on negotiations around a COVID-19 relief package and review accomplishments from her first term. Additionally, she will take questions from constituents. The Congresswoman will also take questions from members of the media at the conclusion of the event. Reporters must RSVP here to ask a question. WHAT: Representative Ocasio-Cortez will hold her monthly town hall meeting for NY-14 constituents. WHEN: Thursday, December 17 at 7:30PM ET. Press gaggle to start at approximately 8:45PM ET. WHERE: This is a virtual event. You must sign up here to receive log-in information.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/updated-time-rep-ocasio-cortez-hosts-monthly-town-hall,UPDATED TIME: Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Hosts Monthly Town Hall,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,O000172,ocasio-cortez.house.gov,ocasio-cortez,https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"The Bronx, NY - Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will host her monthly town hall for NY-14 constituents on Thursday, December 17. The event will now begin at 7:30 PM ET due to changes in the vote schedule in D.C. During the town hall, the Congresswoman will give an update on negotiations around a COVID-19 relief package and review accomplishments from her first term. Additionally, she will take questions from constituents. The Congresswoman will also take questions from members of the media at the conclusion of the event. Reporters must RSVP here to ask a question. WHAT: Representative Ocasio-Cortez will hold her monthly town hall meeting for NY-14 constituents. WHEN: Thursday, December 17 at 7:30PM ET. Press gaggle to start at approximately 8:45PM ET.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3350,"ICYMI: REPS. REED, SEWELL INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO EXPAND NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT TO SPUR ECONOMIC INVESTMENT",2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.- Yesterday, U.S. Reps. Tom Reed (NY-23) and Terri Sewell (AL-07) introduced the New Markets Stabilization Act, bipartisan legislation that will preserve access to the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) for underserved communities and ensure the credit continues to spur economic revitalization as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis continues. COVID-19 has impacted every corner of our economy, especially traditionally underserved communities and the financial organizations that support them. Given the critical role New Market Tax Credits can play in driving economic recovery and reducing poverty, it is only fair that we move to stabilize the program and provide investors with the additional flexibility they need to further incentivize emergency relief initiatives,said Rep. Reed. Historically underserved communities have faced tremendous economic hardship this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. As the economic crisis continues, it's critical that we expand the New Markets Tax Credits to help ensure our rural and underserved communities are not left behind,Rep.Sewell said.The New Markets Stabilization Act expands the credit and improves market efficiency and liquidity, which will facilitate additional investments in local businesses and community development projects. Rural and persistent poverty areas have been hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and, now more than ever, it's critical that we incentivize investment in our communities that are struggling to hang on. The NMTC has a proven track record of creating jobs and opportunities in the 7th Congressional District, and I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to help ensure the credit can be utilized in our communities' economic recovery. To be eligible for NMTC financing, businesses being financed must, at a minimum, be located in designated low-income communities, defined by U.S. Census data as census tracts with a poverty rate of at least 20 percent, or with median family incomes that do not exceed 80 percent of area median income. Specifically, the New Markets Stabilization Act will: Increase the NMTC allocation by $3.5 billion over four years; Allow investors to carryback these credits for five years; Exempt the NMTC from the 75 percent General Business Credit limitation; Provide relief from certain debt modification rules for NMTC issuers and borrowers; and Permanently exempt the credit from the alternative minimum tax. Reps. Sewell and Reed have also introduced legislation to make the NMTC permanent. Without congressional action, the NMTC will expire on December 31, 2020.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3351,"RELEASE: Problem Solvers Caucus Endorses New ‘Break the Gridlock’ House Rules Reforms Led by Rep. Taylor, Proposals Focus on Improving Effectiveness of Congress",2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.- The Problem Solvers Caucus has officially endorsed two proposed changes to the rules of the U.S. House spearheaded by Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) to make the House of Representatives a more effective and Member-driven legislative body. In backing this House rules reform proposal, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, led by Co-Chairs Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Rep. Tom Reed (NY-23), have come together to again support commonsense changes that break the gridlock and help make Congress more effective in passing new legislation. To increase collaboration between the House and Senate Chamber, the 290 Consensus Calendar for Senate Bills' rule would enable House members to formally support Senate measures with a cosponsorship tracked by the House Clerk and posted on Congress.gov. In doing so, this reform would enable Senate-passed measures to be expedited in the House by being placed on the House Consensus Calendar upon reaching 290 House cosponsors. The text of the 290 Consensus Calendar for Senate Bills' rule can be foundhere. Focused on empowering individual Members of Congress to advance their legislation, the Four-Fifths Committee, Two-Thirds Floor' proposal would require Committee Chairs to schedule a markup within 40 legislative days of a measure in their jurisdiction achieving the cosponsorship of 4/5 of the members on their committee. Under this proposal, Committee Chairs of committees of non-primary referral could discharge such measure in lieu of a markup. Furthermore, upon favorable markup or discharge in all committees of referral, the bill would be expedited to the House floor within 60 days for consideration under suspension of the rules, requiring a 2/3 vote. The text of the Four-Fifths Committee, Two-Thirds Floor' rule can be foundhere. A summary of both reform proposals can be foundhere. Since the 1980s, dysfunction in Congress has steadily worsened. During the 100th Congress (1987 -1988), nearly eight percent of all bills and joint resolutions introduced in either chamber were ultimately signed into law. When compared to a success rate of just 1.4% during the 116th Congress (2019 2020), the increased dysfunction is evident and demands action from Congress to correct course. Since we first formed the Problem Solvers, we've focused on breaking the gridlock and making Washington a place that prioritizes the needs of the American people. These common-sense reforms would build on our progress by incentivizing bipartisanship, improving how Congress functions, and restoring member's ability to push real solutions to the House floor,said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Tom Reed. Speaker Pelosi should include all of these critical changes in the 117th congressional rules package. ""These changes to the House rules willhelp move broadly-supported, bipartisan legislation to the House floor for a debate and vote. It's time to make getting things done easier, and to stand up to the same old obstructionism. To solve problems, we have to work together to actually govern and to deliver legislation that can get signed into law from lowering heath care costs, to fixing our infrastructure, to helping our nation through the COVID-19 pandemic,""said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer. Rep. Van Taylor said, For decades, the ability of leaders in Washington to work together in a productive manner has diminished. Inspired by the success of state legislatures across the country, these two rule reform proposals will create a culture shift in Congress, empowering individual Members to advance consensus legislation forward while increasing cooperation between Members from both Chambers and across the aisle. This Congress we saw numerous bipartisan bills reach the House floor thanks to the 290 Consensus Calendar, which was introduced in the most recent rules package. By instituting the same rule for Senate-passed bills, we can expect more good bills passing our chamber,said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. I am pleased to see the four-fifths committee, two-thirds floor rule be included in the Problem Solver's Rules Change 2.0 Proposal, which will give more power to the rank-and-file committee members. These proposals will give more members a say in the daily operations of the House, and I hope they are adopted in the 117th Congress. The Problem Solvers Caucus is a bipartisan group in Congress comprising 50 members equally divided between Democrats and Republicans who are committed to forging bipartisan cooperation on key issues. It is co-chaired by Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/velazquez-passing-local-tenants-leader-roberto-napoleon,Velazquez on Passing of Local Tenants Leader Roberto Napoleon,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Nydia M. Velázquez,V000081,velazquez.house.gov,velazquez,https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement following the passing of Roberto Napoleon, who served as the Lower East Side's Baruch Houses Resident Association president of over 50 years: ""The Lower East Side has lost a giant in Roberto Napoleon. Arriving to the neighborhood from Puerto Rico when he was just fourteen years old, Roberto spent his life advocating for his fellow tenants, neighbors, and community. ""Finding a growing Latino community on the Lower East Side, he fought to expand community services and public safety measures to promote an enriching and safe neighborhood for working families."" ""As the longtime President of the Baruch Houses Resident Association, Roberto gave voice to the needs of tenants, working to answer and advocate for the calls and concerns of each and every resident. ""Roberto never lost sight of his ties to the Island and was instrumental in bringing the history and spirit of Puerto Rico to the City. He served as President and General Coordinator of the first Puerto Rican Folklore Festival in Central Park and helped to coordinate the First Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City. ""His passing is felt by so many in our community, including all the tenants who will remember him as a leader and a friend. My heart goes out to his five children, Camille, Joann, Gilberto, Roberto Napoleon Jr., and Magda Ferrer; eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://jacobs.house.gov/media/press-releases/jacobs-statement-first-covid-19-vaccines-being-delivered,Jacobs Statement on First COVID-19 Vaccines Being Delivered,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Chris Jacobs,J000020,jacobs.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Erie County, N.Y.) Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) released the following statement in response to the first COVID-19 vaccine being administered in the United States. This is a historic day. Operation Warp Speed has lived up to its mission and is now delivering the first round of COVID-19 vaccines to high-risk Americans, including the brave men and women working on the frontlines in our nation's hospitals. I commend the President, the Operation Warp Speed team, and the thousands of American researchers who worked tirelessly to ensure this ambitious goal was achieved, Jacobs said. The administration is set to deliver millions of vaccines around the country over the next few months and make them available to any American who wants one. While we can finally see the light at the end of tunnel, I encourage Western New Yorkers to remain vigilant and continue to wear a mask and social distance we are approaching the end, let's finish strong. The federal government has an initial agreement with Pfizer for the purchase of 100 million doses of their vaccine. Furthermore, the FDA is set to consider Emergency Use Authorization of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine candidate on December 17th, 2020. For more information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, individuals can visit the CDC's website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect.html ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394482,Chairman Nadler Statement on Resignation of Attorney General William Barr,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Jerrold Nadler,N000002,nadler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Chairman Nadler Statement on Resignation of Attorney General William Barr Washington, D.C. Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) issued the following statement:From misleading the American public about the Mueller report to his dangerous efforts to overturn COVID safety measures, from his callous disregard for civil rights to his rampant politicization of the Justice Department, William Barr was willing to do the President's bidding on every front but one. Barr refused to play along with President Trump's nonsensical claims to have won the election. He is now out as Attorney General one month early. In 37 days, President-Elect Biden will be sworn into office. Whomever Joe Biden chooses as the new Attorney General will have a tremendous amount of work to do to repair the integrity of the Department of Justiceand I, for one, look forward to being a partner in that project. The work must begin without delay.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ocasio-cortez-asks-city-detail-covid-19-safety-measures-rikers-island,Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Asks City to Detail COVID-19 Safety Measures at Rikers Island,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,O000172,ocasio-cortez.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Bronx, NY - In a recent letter, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY14) asked the City to detail the safety measures they are taking at Rikers Island Correctional Facility, as New York faces another COVID-19 surge. The Congresswoman's office recently received calls from people detained at Rikers, detailing inadequate access to soap, facilities operating at high capacity, scarce healthcare resources, and poor air ventilation. The City has made valiant efforts to protect New Yorkers from COVID-19, particularly given they've received little help from the Trump administration. However, these disturbing calls necessitate further transparency, said Rep. OcasioCortez in a statement. Many at Rikers stand only accused, not convicted, of a crime. And none of the detained individuals were sentenced to death by a deadly virus. The City has a responsibility to provide for the health and safety of everyone at Rikers. Rikers Island is part of the Congresswoman's congressional district, New York's 14th. The text of the letter follows. **LETTER TEXT** Dana Wax Deputy Chief of Staff New York City Department of Correction 75-20 Astoria Blvd. East Elmhurst, NY 11370 Dear Ms. Wax, I am writing regarding conditions at the correctional facilities located on Rikers Island, in my district. Earlier this year, at the onset of the pandemic, my office wrote to your agency with questions regarding pandemic preparedness to ensure the health and safety of detained individuals on the Island. In response, you informed us that signs have been conspicuously posted, patients [are pre-screened] at prearraignment and upon admission, and that Correctional Health Services has adequate supplies of personal protective equipment. However, in the months that passed, we learned of several additional protective measures that must be in place to prevent an outbreak. These measures include wearing face coverings, washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, and avoiding close contact. Further, the EPA recommends increasing ventilation with outdoor air and air filtration in order to reduce the potential for airborne transmission of COVID-19. I am now writing to ascertain whether the Department of Corrections is adhering to this guidance. This inquiry comes after my office became privy to disturbing allegations of insufficient mitigation efforts and negligent management of the facilities. The messages we received recount inadequate access to soap, facilities that are operating at 96% capacity, scarce healthcare resources, poor air ventilation, and leaking roofs. I seek responses to the following concerns: Are detained individuals provided enough soap to thoroughly wash their hands multiple times a day? Are facilities, in fact, at 96% capacity? Do detained individuals have access to consistent and high quality healthcare? Are facilities adequately ventilated so as to decrease the likelihood of virus transmission per EPA guidelines? Finally, as cases rise throughout New York, please inform as to Testing and Tracing protocols on Rikers Island: How often are detained individuals tested? What quarantine arrangements are available to those who test positive? Please direct your response to my Deputy District Director, Naureen Akhter, via email at naureen.akhter@mail.house.gov. I look forward to hearing from you no later than November 24, 2020. Best regards, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez CC: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ocasio-cortez-asks-city-detail-covid-19-safety-measures-rikers-island-0,Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Asks City to Detail COVID-19 Safety Measures at Rikers Island,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,O000172,ocasio-cortez.house.gov,ocasio-cortez,https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Dana Wax Deputy Chief of Staff New York City Department of Correction 75-20 Astoria Blvd. East Elmhurst, NY 11370 Dear Ms. Wax, I am writing regarding conditions at the correctional facilities located on Rikers Island, in my district. Earlier this year, at the onset of the pandemic, my office wrote to your agency with questions regarding pandemic preparedness to ensure the health and safety of detained individuals on the Island. In response, you informed us that ""signs have been conspicuously posted,"" ""patients [are pre-screened] at prearraignment and upon admission"", and that Correctional Health Services has ""adequate supplies of personal protective equipment"". However, in the months that passed, we learned of several additional protective measures that must be in place to prevent an outbreak. These measures include wearing face coverings, washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, and avoiding close contact. Further, the EPA ""recommends increasing ventilation with outdoor air and air filtration"" in order to reduce the ""potential for airborne transmission of COVID-19"". I am now writing to ascertain whether the Department of Corrections is adhering to this guidance. This inquiry comes after my office became privy to disturbing allegations of insufficient mitigation efforts and negligent management of the facilities. The messages we received recount inadequate access to soap, facilities that are operating at 96% capacity, scarce healthcare resources, poor air ventilation, and leaking roofs. I seek responses to the following concerns: Are detained individuals provided enough soap to thoroughly wash their hands multiple times a day? Are facilities, in fact, at 96% capacity? Do detained individuals have access to consistent and high quality healthcare? Are facilities adequately ventilated so as to decrease the likelihood of virus transmission per EPA guidelines? Finally, as cases rise throughout New York, please inform as to Testing and Tracing protocols on Rikers Island: How often are detained individuals tested? What quarantine arrangements are available to those who test positive? Please direct your response to my Deputy District Director, Naureen Akhter, via email at naureen.akhter@mail.house.gov. I look forward to hearing from you no later than November 24, 2020. Best regards, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez CC: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/icymi-washington-post-editorial-board-calls-for-gillibrand-legislation-to-address-military-sexual-assault,ICYMI: Washington Post Editorial Board Calls For Gillibrand Legislation To Address Military Sexual Assault,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 14, 2020 ICYMI: Washington Post Editorial Board Calls For Gillibrand Legislation To Address Military Sexual Assault In case you missed it, yesterday, theWashington Postpublished an editorial detailing the armed services'failure to addressthedecades-long problem of sexual assault and harassment in the military. The editorial highlights U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's bipartisanMilitary Justice Improvement Act,which would reform how the military prosecutes serious crimes by moving the decision over whether to prosecute them to independent, trained, professional military prosecutors. The editorial calls on the incoming Biden administration to work with Congress to ensure this urgently needed reform is finally made law. The full text of the editorial can be foundhereand below: The military has promised many times to combat sexual assault. Biden must ensure that it finally does. Washington Post Editorial Board| December 13, 2020 THIS REPORT, without a doubt, will cause the Army to change our culture. That was the resolute promise of Army Secretary Ryan D. McCarthy about a damning investigation that found major failings with the command climate at Fort Hood in Texas, including tolerance of sexual harassment and assault. Strong words but since this is far from the first time that the military has vowed, and failed, to combat sexual assault in the wake of a scandal, they must be taken with many grains of salt. What is long overdue is a fundamental change in how sexual assault crimes are handled, removing them from a chain of command that is more inclined to cover up than prosecute wrongdoing. The decades-long problem of sexual assault and harassment in the military got renewed attention last week with the release of a sweeping report by independent investigators who examined the environment at Fort Hood, one of the country's largest military installations. The investigation was sparked by the murder of Vanessa Guilln, a 20-year-old Army specialist who disappeared in April after telling friends she had been sexually harassed. Her body was recovered in June, and the suspect in her death, a fellow soldier, killed himself as police attempted to arrest him. The report uncovered major flaws in the handling of sex crimes, concluding there was a business as usual' approach that caused female soldiers to go into a survival mode, where they were vulnerable and preyed upon, but fearful to report and be ostracized and re-victimized. Fourteen Army officials were fired or suspended but, as one member of the investigating committee made clear in subsequent congressional testimony, the problems were not the result of one commander or administration but really the result of years of benign neglect in the area of sexual harassment and sexual assault. And it is likely that the issues are not unique to Fort Hood but extend to other Army installations. Good for Mr. McCarthy for insisting on the unsparing review. But the chain of events scandal followed by public outcry followed by investigation followed by promises of change is reminiscent of the military's sad history in dealing with sexual misconduct. Recall 1991, the year of the Tailhook scandal, in which Navy pilots drunkenly assaulted women at a Las Vegas convention; or 1996, when numerous reports surfaced of drill sergeants at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland and other Army bases raping or harassing female trainees; or 2012, when investigation showed the abuse of women training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. Each time, there was a vow of change and zero tolerance. Some reforms have been instituted, but while they are laudable, problems persist. Advocates for survivors as well as some military experts say the fundamental issue lies with granting commanding officers, who have an inherent conflict of interest, the authority to investigate and prosecute wrongdoers. Legislation that would provide for investigation by independent units with special training has been championed by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), but despite bipartisan, majority support it has twice failed to overcome filibusters backed by fierce lobbying from the Pentagon. During the campaign, President-elect Joe Biden voiced support for possible changes in the military justice system relating to non-military crimes such as rape. One of the first steps he should take as commander in chief is initiating this desperately needed reform. 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-new-yorks-transit-system-is-desperate-for-cash-infusion-to-weather-pandemic-with-relief-negotiations-now-down-to-the-wire-senator-fights-to-secure-another-4-billion-in-mta-relief-funds-asap-,"SCHUMER: NEW YORK’S TRANSIT SYSTEM IS DESPERATE FOR CASH INFUSION TO WEATHER PANDEMIC; WITH RELIEF NEGOTIATIONS NOW DOWN TO THE WIRE, SENATOR FIGHTS TO SECURE ANOTHER $4 BILLION IN MTA RELIEF FUNDS ASAP",2020-12-13,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.13.20 SCHUMER: NEW YORK'S TRANSIT SYSTEM IS DESPERATE FOR CASH INFUSION TO WEATHER PANDEMIC; WITH RELIEF NEGOTIATIONS NOW DOWN TO THE WIRE, SENATOR FIGHTS TO SECURE ANOTHER $4 BILLION IN MTA RELIEF FUNDS ASAP With NEW Deadline For A Govt Funding Bill Set For Friday, Schumer Says Mass Transit & MTA/LIRR/NJT Funds Must Be Part Of Any Final Deal Schumer Already Delivered $4B To MTA Via CARES Act Months AgoBut With Pandemic Raging, Ridership Down & Costs Climbing, Billions More Will Be Needed Before President-Elect Biden Even Gets Sworn In Schumer: Without Transit Funds NOW, NYC, LI, Hudson Valley & NJ Will Face Even Harder Recovery On the heels of a now Friday, December 18th deadline to ink a spending deal, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said New York's transit system is in such a desperate need for a cash infusion because of the pandemic, that if transit funds are not included in the down-to-the-wire deal, New York City, Long Island, Westchester and New Jersey will face an even harder economic recovery when COVID crests. Schumer, today, said he is demanding the inclusion of another $4 billion dollars in fed funds for the MTAand overall transit funds for the countryas he made his push. I've said it before and I will say it again: mass transit is the lifeblood of New York and New York is the beating heart of the American economy, said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. I am hard at work trying to deliver a second $4 billion dollars for the MTA to keep the system flowing, workers working, riders riding and the economy running. Without transit funds now, and also into the Biden administration, NYC, LI, Westchester and New Jersey will face an even harder recoveryand reallyso will the nation. Schumer already delivered an original $4 billion in fed funds to the MTA as part of an earlier relief package this past March after the agency drew down on $1 billion in credit to keep the system afloat. Schumer said agency credit won't be enough for the agency to weather the coronavirus crisis and that billions more in fed funds will be needed during a Biden administration to overcome the full damage done to the MTA by the coronavirus. Schumer said $4 billion in additional relief funds are needed this year and right now. According to the Daily News, the MTA board will vote this week on an annual budget that could include 40% cuts to subway service and more than 9,300 layoffs if the kind of federal relief Schumer is fighting for is not passed. Moreover, daily subway ridership remains down 70% from last year, from 5.4 million trips per day to 1.6 million. The virus' hit on the system has also caused a collective $12 billion hole for the MTA and their $17 billion annual budget, according to reports. Schumer said, aside from supporting riders and the economy, federal transit relief will help prevent the furloughing of MTA employees, potentially thousands. In addition, the federal relief Schumer is fighting for would also help planned capital spending, needed to improve the system, continue. On Friday, December 11th, President Trump signed a short-term funding bill, which passed the Senate by a voice vote, to keep the government open for another week, allowing for negotiations on the longer-term package to continue. The new deadline to keep the government open is now Dec. 18. The spending bill would fund the government until Oct. 1, 2021. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-fda-authorization-of-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine_,Gillibrand Statement On FDA Authorization Of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine,2020-12-12,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 12, 2020 Gillibrand Statement On FDA Authorization Of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Following the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) authorization of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement: While we celebrate the FDA's authorization of a vaccine that puts us one step closer to eradicatingCOVID-19, we have to face reality states and localitiesneed federal support to ensure the vaccine is distributed efficiently and equitably to those who need it the most and our families and small businesses need immediate economic relief from their federal government. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-introduces-legislation-to-provide-relief-for-working-families-with,Meng Introduces Legislation to Provide Relief for Working Families with Young Children Participating in Optional Virtual or Hybrid Learning Models,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she introduced the Access To Home-based Options and More Ease with Learning Act – or the AT HOME Learning Act – to help families with young children balance work and remote learning responsibilities. The first COVID-19 relief package, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) that became law on March 18, 2020, created a temporary paid leave program for many working families. Under this initiative, employees could take up to two weeks of emergency paid sick leave and up to 12 weeks of emergency family medical leave. Specifically, under the FFCRA, eligible employees may take paid leave when a minor child's school or place of care are closed. On August 27, 2020, however, the Department of Labor published guidance which excludes families from accessing the FFCRA leave program if the family chooses virtual learning when given an option to send the child to in-person school or if the school is operating on an alternate or hybrid-attendance model. As such, the AT HOME Learning Act would: Amend the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) provisions to include leave for employees who are unable to work due to children being enrolled in optional virtual or hybrid learning environments; and, Extend these benefits through the end of the 2020-2021 academic year – to June 25, 2021. Current benefits are set to expire on December 31, 2020. ""As a mom of two young boys, I am extremely concerned about the stress and strain that this pandemic has on working families. It has forced parents, especially moms, to be a full-time worker, caregiver, and teacher,"" said Congresswoman Meng. ""These moms are bearing the burden of this pandemic. We have heard the heartbreaking realities of working moms, especially those with younger children, leaving the labor force in droves. The majority of women are facilitating remote learning for their younger children – which negatively impacts their careers. In fact, 80 percent of mothers of kids under 12 years of age have said they are the lead parent supervising remote learning. As I have heard from moms everywhere: something has to give, before something ultimately breaks. That is why my bill would provide relief to working parents who choose to opt for virtual learning if they have vulnerable household members, or their school operates in a hybrid learning model. It would increase parents' options to select the learning plan that best meets the health needs of their families. It would allow them to balance work responsibilities and schoolwork, while providing financial relief."" ""No parent should have to choose between the health of their family or the health of their child's education,"" added Meng. ""But we know that paid leave is one of the best tools to fighting the pandemic. That is why paid leave must be at the table of any COVID-19 negotiations. I urge support of my legislation, and call on my colleagues to not let paid leave expire for millions of working families."" ""We applaud Congresswoman Meng for her leadership in addressing the caregiving and remote learning challenges that mothers, who are more likely to shoulder the child care responsibilities, are facing during the pandemic,"" said Erika L. Moritsugu, Vice President for Congressional Relations at the National Partnership for Women and Families. ""The AT HOME Learning Act establishes critical paid leave and paid sick day policies to ensure that women who lack caregiving options can take the time off that they need to support their children without being forced to leave the workforce. This bill would go a long way towards helping the one in four women who have children at home and are struggling to meet the dual demands of work and family."" The AT HOME Learning Act is endorsed by the National Partnership for Women and Families.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/gillibrand-colleagues-push-to-boost-health-care-system-research-funding-amid-proposed-drastic-cuts,"Gillibrand, Colleagues Push To Boost Health Care System Research Funding Amid Proposed Drastic Cuts",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 11, 2020 Gillibrand, Colleagues Push To Boost Health Care System Research Funding Amid Proposed Drastic Cuts U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined her colleagues in urging Senate leadership to include at least $471 million in funding for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) in the omnibus spending bill.The most recent funding package for FY2021,unveiled by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies,includes adrastic 24 percent cut for the sole federal agency focused on generating research to advance health care delivery system efficiency, a function critical to our country's response to pandemics like COVID-19. Providing the agency with $471 million would restore its funding to 2010 levels, giving AHRQ the capacity to evaluate the U.S. health care system's response to the pandemic, pinpoint shortcomings, and improve national preparedness for future crises. Every dollar invested in the Agency on Healthcare Research and Quality helps save American lives,said Senator Gillibrand.AHRQ has already demonstrated their importance by publishing quality and reliable research on telehealth and vaccine efficacy in the COVID-19 erapulling any funding from this agency is a nonstarter. I will continue fighting for this vital funding to get us through this pandemic, and ensure that our country is prepared for any future public health crises. Gillibrand has been a vocal champion of increased funding for New York's health care system. On December 10, she sent aletterto congressional leadership urging them to pass comprehensive COVID-19 response legislation that includes funding for hospitals, healthcare workers, vaccine distribution, PPE,and testing. Led by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). Read the text of the letterhereor below. Dear Majority Leader McConnell, Minority Leader Schumer, Chairman Blunt, and Ranking Member Murray, We write today to reiterate the urgent need for increased funding for the Agency on Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) in Fiscal Year 2021. In March, many of us wrote you with the request of $471 million, equal to the agency's Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 appropriation. Unfortunately, the most recent Senate Labor Health and Human Services (Labor-HHS) package included a 24% cut for AHRQ. AHRQ is an essential element of the nation's health care ecosystem, charged with improving the quality and delivery of health care, and a critical part of our nation's COVID-19 response. As such, we ask that you reconsider this proposed cut and include at least $471 million in funding for AHRQ. AHRQ is the only federal agency whose sole focus is to generate reliable research on how to deliver the highest quality care, at the greatest value, with the best outcomes to all patients. It is the only agency that funds research on the real-world patientthe one who doesn't have diabetes alone, for example, but also has cardiovascular disease and renal disease; or the patient who has cancer, as well as heart disease. AHRQ-funded research and databases allow us to understand where waste, inefficiencies, and gaps exist within the health care system, and allows patients, payers, providers, and others to harness American innovation and make the health care system safer, more efficient, and more effective. Unfortunately, as the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated, AHRQ's work has never been more relevant or more necessary. Americans with multiple chronic conditions are at a greater risk of developing COVID-19, and as our healthcare heroes and hospitals continue to be stretched thin by a surge of COVID-19 cases, we must look for ways to make our health care system as efficient as possible. Furthermore, AHRQ, and AHRQ alone, has the tools to study our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure that those findings are reflected in pandemic responses now and in the future. AHRQ has already demonstrated their strength in newly published research on telehealth and vaccine efficacy in the COVID-19 era. It is critical that AHRQ receive the necessary funding to continue their work, during the pandemic and beyond. Every dollar we invest in AHRQ ensures that our health care system will continue to improve in efficiency and outcomes. We urge you to heed the call of public health experts and researchers in adequately funding AHRQ. Sincerely, 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-16-million-in-federal-head-start-funding-for-new-york-city-and-long-island-organizations_,"Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $16 Million In Federal Head Start Funding For New York City And Long Island Organizations",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 11, 2020 Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $16 Million In Federal Head Start Funding For New York City And Long Island Organizations Funding Will Be Used To Support Early Childhood Education and Care Services for Low-Income Children and Their Families U.S. Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $16,382,033 in Head Start funding for early childhood education providers in New York City and on Long Island. The funding was allocated through the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), andwill be usedto enhance early child development programs and foster productive learning for children in low-income families, with a focus on early learning and development, health, and family well-being. Study after study shows that the better we prepare and support our young children, through programs like Head Start, the better they perform in school later in life,saidSenator Schumer. This federal funding for organizations throughout New York City and on Long Island will bring real results to young students and their families by providing them with the resources they need to succeed. I am proud to support this essential funding and I will continue to fight to see that early childhood education remains a priority."" Early childhood education is the foundation forchildren's success,in and outside of the classroom,saidSenator Gillibrand.Funding for Head Start iskey to building a better future for every child in New York and makes it possible for low-income families to prepare their children with valuable life skillsto succeed inkindergarten and beyond. Head Start provides comprehensive child development programs for low-income children from birth to age five, as well as support and services for their families. Head Start programs primarily serve pregnant women, infants, and toddlers. The comprehensive services these programs offer include early education, health screenings, social and emotional health services, nutrition services, social services, and services for children with disabilities. A list of the organizations and respective funding awards can be found below: Organization Location Funding Amount BronxCare Health System Bronx $416,734 Brooklyn Chinese-American Association, Inc. Brooklyn $625,269 CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER OF THE MMCC Bronx $2,742,596 Harlem Children's Zone Manhattan $520,128 L. I. Child & Family Development Services, Inc. Long Island $8,691,462 Shira Association, Inc. Brooklyn $3,385,844 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-and-gillibrand-statement-on-us-taking-action-to-protect-new-yorks-dairy-farmers-by-filing-first-ever-usmca-enforcement-action,SCHUMER AND GILLIBRAND STATEMENT ON U.S. TAKING ACTION TO PROTECT NEW YORK’S DAIRY FARMERS BY FILING FIRST-EVER USMCA ENFORCEMENT ACTION,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.20 SCHUMER AND GILLIBRAND STATEMENT ON U.S. TAKING ACTION TO PROTECT NEW YORK'S DAIRY FARMERS BY FILING FIRST-EVER USMCA ENFORCEMENT ACTION After first raising concerns about Canada's allocation of tariff-rate quotas for U.S. exports of dairy products in June and again in September, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand applauded the U.S. Trade Representative's decision to file a USMCA enforcement action against Canada to protect New York's dairy farmers and ensure fairer market access: Schumer and Gillibrand said, Dairy is New York's primary agricultural product and our dairy farmers are the lifeblood of the Upstate economy. They have been hit especially hard and squeezed by the economic effects of the pandemic, and poor implementation of USMCA provisions by Canada over the past 5 months will only further hinder their ability to recover from this crisis. Yesterday's filing of the first-ever USMCA enforcement action by the U.S to protect New York's dairy farmers from Canada's unfair allocation of tariff-rate quotas is a necessary step to ensuring that the Upstate New York dairy industry fully benefits from the agreement's expanded market access opportunities, unimpeded by unreasonable trade barriers. New York's dairy industry must have Canada fully abide by its USMCA dairy pricing and export policy commitments. We must continue to hold Canada and our other trading partners accountable and ensure equitable trading practices to help New York's dairy farmers churn up profits that mitigate the huge losses they have suffered this year. ### 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-over-174000-in-federal-funding-for-public-housing-authorities,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $174,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITIES",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.20 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $174,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITIES Shortfall Grants Awarded to WestchesterCounty, The Cities of Geneva and Batavia Funding Will Assist Housing Agencies Experiencing Financial Insolvency Schumer, Gillibrand: Access to Affordable Housing Crucial to Public Health and Safety During Pandemic U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $174,305 in federal funding for Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) in Batavia, Geneva, and Sleepy Hollow. The funding was allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through Public Housing Operating Fund Shortfall grants. The grants will provide direct support to PHAs experiencing financial insolvency. Every New Yorker deserves a safe and secure place to call home, and this federal investment helps public housing authorities get one step closer to achieving that goal, saidSenator Schumer. As New York faces a rapidly-surging second wave of COVID, we need to do all we can to support affordable housing, especially for our most vulnerable residents. Access to safe and reliable housing will determine whether or not New Yorkers can socially distance and avoid tragedy this holiday season. I will always fight tirelessly for resources that keep New Yorkers safe, especially during these critical times. With COVID-19 cases spiking, New Yorkers need affordable housing they can rely on to stay home and stay safe, saidSenator Kirsten Gillibrand.So many people are facing housing and economic insecurities that have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Maintaining funding for PHAs will help ensurefamilies living in federally-assisted housing can continue to access safeand clean living through the pandemic and beyond. A breakdown of the funding appears below: PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY CITY/COUNTY AWARD AMOUNT Batavia Housing Authority Batavia $55,117 Geneva Housing Authority Geneva $18,539 North Tarrytown Housing Authority Sleepy Hollow $100,649 TOTAL $174,305 ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kathleenrice.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1598,"Rice, Curran, State Senators Call for Federal Investigation into Town of Hempsteads Use of CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funding",2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kathleen Rice,R000602,kathleenrice.house.gov,,,legacy,"GARDEN CITY, NY U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice (NY-04), Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, and New York State Senators Kevin Thomas, Todd Kaminsky, Anna Kaplan, and John Brooks today sent a letter urgently requesting the U.S. Department of Treasury to open an investigation into how the Town of Hempstead is spending the $133 million in federal funding it received through the Coronavirus Relief Fund under the CARES Act. Despite explicit Treasury Department guidance on how Coronavirus Relief Fund monies must only be allocated for COVID-19-related expenses, recent Town hearing documents show the Town allocated $43,649,245 of this funding to the Sanitation Operating Fund and $17,345,824 to the General Fund, without providing explanation to how these allocations will be used. The full text of the letter can be found here and below: The Honorable Justin Muzinich Deputy Secretary of the Treasury U.S. Department of Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC 20220 The Honorable Brian D. Miller Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery U.S. Department of Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC 20220 Dear Deputy Secretary Muzinich and Special Inspector General Miller: We write to you today with an urgent request that you open an investigation into how the Town of Hempstead (the Town) is spending the $133 million it received through the Coronavirus Relief Fund under the CARES Act (P.L. 116-136). The Town is located entirely within Nassau County, New York and due to an unanticipated quirk in the formula used to award the Coronavirus Relief Fund, the Town was the only township in the country to receive funding through this Fund. In fact, it received more funding than the county in which it is entirely located. Since May, when the Fund was disbursed, the Town of Hempstead Supervisor has been charged with the critical responsibility of ensuring this funding was distributed meaningfully and quickly to assist the Town's residents with surviving the COVID-19 pandemic. However, recent hearing documents have raised questions about how the Town of Hempstead is planning to use this funding. The Treasury Department's guidance explicitly states that the Coronavirus Relief Fund may be used to cover: expenditures incurred to allow the State, territorial, local, or Tribal government to respond directly to the emergency, such as by addressing medical or public health needs, as well as expenditures incurred to respond to secondorder effects of the emergency, such as by providing economic support to those suffering from employment or business interruptions due to COVID-19-related business closures. Specifically, on Tuesday, December 8, the Town allocated $43,649,245 of the CARES Act funding to the Sanitation Operating Fund and $17,345,824 to the General Fund, with little to no detail on what these allocations will be used for. Further, the hearing documents show that the Town has left more than one million dollars unbudgeted and is planning to use the funding to cover costs associated with ambiguous items like Parks Operating and Water Operating. The lack of transparency with regard to how the CARES Act funding is being spent by the Town and the length of time it has taken the Town to spend this money the deadline for expenditures is quickly approaching and these hearing documents were just made public necessitate an immediate investigation. As elected officials from the region, we implore your offices to provide much needed oversight here so that our communities, who have already been through so much, can survive the winter. We thank you for your consideration of this request and look forward to your response. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kathleenrice.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1601,Rep. Rice Congratulates Baldwin Native Selected for NASAs Artemis Team to Travel to the Moon,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kathleen Rice,R000602,kathleenrice.house.gov,,,legacy,"BALDWIN, NY Today, U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice (NY-04) congratulated Astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, a Baldwin native and graduate of Baldwin High School, on her selection by NASA to the team of astronauts who will go to the Moon as part of NASA's Artemis program. NASA selected 18 astronauts with a diverse range of backgrounds, expertise, and experience to form the Artemis Team and help pave the way for the next astronaut missions on and around the Moon. The announcement was made yesterday afternoon at a meeting of the National Space Council. TheArtemis program, which will send the first woman and the next man to the lunar surface, is NASA's effort to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon and continue deep space exploration in preparation to go to Mars. I want to extend my congratulations to Astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli on this truly incredible career achievement, said Rep. Kathleen Rice. Jasmin will be part of an historic mission that will strengthen American leadership in space exploration and expand our knowledge of the solar system. All of us back in New York are proud and extend our best wishes to the team as they begin their training. NASA's first Artemis program missions are slated to begin in 2021, with robotic precursor missions that will position scientific instruments and other supplies in preparation for human explorers. The Artemis III mission will land astronauts on the Moon in 2024, who will work to begin establishing a long-term presence.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3348,REP. REED LEADS 30+ HOUSE GOP LETTER URGING LEADERSHIP IN BOTH PARTIES TO GUARANTEE A VOTE ON EMERGENCY RELIEF,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Rep. Tom Reed and 31 other House GOP members joined together in a letter requesting congressional leadership in both chambers guarantee a vote on emergency relief will be held and notingthe importance of a bipartisan, bicameral package. The letter text is copied below and the full list of signatories can be foundhere: -- Dear Speaker Pelosi, Leader McCarthy, Leader McConnell, and Leader Schumer: The American people are suffering. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, the virus is devastating our public health systems, inflicting economic damage on the nation, and disrupting our communities. We, the undersigned, agree Congress must pass an emergency COVID-19 relief package before the end of the year. We also agree the path forward is a bipartisan, bicameral deal. The $908 billion emergency relief framework outlined by a bipartisan group of House members and Senators is the framework that can pass both chambers and reach the President's desk for a signature. We cannot leave Washington without reaching a bipartisan, bicameral deal. We respectfully request you guarantee a vote will be held on an emergency relief bill before Congress ends this legislative session. Let's get this done.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/following-push-senator-gillibrand-announces-bipartisan-amendment-to-end-military-connected-child-abuse-and-neglect-included-in-final-national-defense-bill,"Following Push, Senator Gillibrand Announces Bipartisan Amendment To End Military-Connected Child Abuse And Neglect Included In Final National Defense Bill",2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 10, 2020 Following Push, Senator Gillibrand Announces Bipartisan Amendment To End Military-Connected Child Abuse And Neglect Included In Final National Defense Bill Gillibrand Introduced The End Military-Connected Child Abuse and Neglect Act Earlier This Year And Successfully Pushed For Its Inclusion In The Senate And House Packages; Final Defense Bill Is Expected For Senate Vote This Week U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee,announced that, followingherpush, theEnd Military-Connected Child Abuse and Neglect Actwill be included in the finalFY21 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).The legislation will address shortcomings in the Department of Defense's (DoD) reporting of child abuse by codifying GAO recommendations to improve how the Department of Defense tracks and responds to incidents of child abuse and neglect occurring on military installations or involving military dependents.The annual must-pass defense bill is expected to be voted on in the Senate this week. Every year, there are numerous incidents of child abuse in military families, and we must do more to protect innocent victims,saidSenator Gillibrand.This legislation puts us one step closer to ending the scourge of child abuse in the military. With theEnd Military-Connected Child Abuse and Neglect Actincluded in the finalNDAA, our service members will soon be assured that, should their children suffer from abuse, DoD will act swiftly and deliberately to investigate and respond. Gillibrandpreviously introducedtheEnd Military-Connected Child Abuse and Neglect Actalongside U.S.Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) and U.S.Representatives Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (D-CA-39) and Brian Mast (R-FL-18) following aGAOreportthat outlined 23 recommendations for DoD to implement in order to improve the DoD's tracking and response to child abuse. During conference negotiations, Gillibrand, Rounds, Cisneros and Mast successfullypushed Senate and House Armed Services Committee leadership to maintain essential language in the final NDAA package.TheEnd Military-Connected Child Abuse and Neglect Actwill codify the GAO recommendations to protectthe approximately 1.2 million school-aged military dependents around the world, including tens of thousands in Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools, and assure U.S service members and their families that the DoD would have a strong response should their child suffer from child abuse and neglect. 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-brindisi-secure-additional-layer-of-protection-for-funding-and-jobs-at-dfas-rome-new-provision-adds-congressional-oversight-to-impede-any-effort-to-reduce-dfas-jobs-in-rome,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, BRINDISI SECURE ADDITIONAL LAYER OF PROTECTION FOR FUNDING AND JOBS AT DFAS ROME; NEW PROVISION ADDS CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT TO IMPEDE ANY EFFORT TO REDUCE DFAS JOBS IN ROME",2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.10.20 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, BRINDISI SECURE ADDITIONAL LAYER OF PROTECTION FOR FUNDING AND JOBS AT DFAS ROME; NEW PROVISION ADDS CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT TO IMPEDE ANY EFFORT TO REDUCE DFAS JOBS IN ROME Reps Have Been Staunch Advocates For DFAS Employees, Preventing Job Transfers & Losses Over The Years; Worked Tirelessly To Preserve Efficient, Productive, And Cost-Effective Workforce At DFAS, Which Anchors Nearly 1000 Good-Paying Jobs In Mohawk Valley Reps Say Legislation Will Require A DoD Report Submitted to Congressional Armed Services Committees Prior To Transitioning Any DFAS Functions Elsewhere; Report Would Require Justifications For Changes, Adding Another Layer Of Protection For DFAS Employees Reps: DFAS Protection Is Win-Win-Win For DoD, Employees, & Entire Regional Economy Following years of advocacy on behalf of Rome's Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS), U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand, and U.S. Congressman Anthony Brindisi today announced that the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference bill defers to language secured earlier this year in the Senate NDAA report that would provide congress with more oversight over DFAS personnel changesand adds an additional layer of protection for DFAS employees. Specifically, the representatives said, upon the president's signature, the legislation will require that prior to transitioning any DFAS functions to commercial or information technology alternatives that would result in a reduction or transferring of DFAS employees, the DoD must submit a report to congressional armed services committees providing justification that that the alternative would yield significant cost savings. DFAS Rome is an anchor for nearly a thousand good-paying jobs in the Mohawk Valley, so every year when Congress sets our defense budget, without hesitation I work overtime to protect those jobs, said Senator Schumer. Today, as they work through a global pandemic, we are one step closer to giving those world-class employees peace of mind that their jobs are a little safer. Extra protection for DFAS funding and jobs is a win-win-win for the DoD, which benefits from the efficient, productive, and cost-effective DFAS workforce, the employees, and the entire regional economy. DFAS workers are crucial to the DoD's financial management. Safeguarding the jobs of these hardworking men and women in this year's NDAA will provide stability to the Mohawk Valley's economy and to the families who rely on them, said Senator Gillibrand. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I have repeatedly fought alongside Senator Schumer and Rep. Brindisi to stave off threats that would hurt DFAS Rome. By protecting the workforce and funding in Rome, we can ensure that DFAS will maintain efficient and effective service to the DoD in support of our national defense. The hardworking men and women at DFAS do incredibly efficient and important work on behalf of the Department of Defense, said Congressman Brindisi. Using my seat on the House Armed Services Committee, and working with my partners Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, we were able to continue our fight to protect these jobs and deliver a little more certainty for the employees. These jobs, and the families they support, are crucial to our local economy and help make the Mohawk Valley a bedrock for our defense industry. This is a tremendous benefit to the ongoing automation initiatives that could directly impact employment at DFAS. We certainly appreciate the continued support We have received from our National elected representatives to stabilize and and expand the work done by our exceptional workforce. This inclusion will enable the our best possible service to always be a factor in keeping work in the community, said Ed Abounader, President AFGE/DFAS Rome Local 201. The representatives have long fought to preserve jobs at Rome's DFAS. Schumer and Gillibrand in 2018 went to bat for them in the Senate, successfully ensuring that the Senate version of that year's NDAA did not contain the 25% cut to agencies that employ civilian workers the House version did. In doing so, the senators save approximately 200 DFAS jobs. Additionally, in 2014, approximately 1,000 DFAS employees in Rome became concerned that their largest customer, the U.S. Army, would be restructuring and internalizing a portion of DFAS's functions. The concerns were related to the Army's new enterprise management system that is intended to make financial management more auditable and efficient, but could ultimately take job functions away from DFAS. When news broke, Schumer immediately got to work by calling then Secretary of the Army John McHugh and Undersecretary for Defense Bob Hale to directly make the case that Rome's workforce was cost-effective and efficient. Senator Schumer partnered with Senator Gillibrand in sending a letter to then Secretary of the Army, John McHugh, to request information about the pilot and to stand in support with the workers of Rome. After receiving assurances from McHugh and Hale that no immediate layoffs were looming, Schumer traveled to Rome on March 24, 2014 to hold a rally with employees and pledged to fight tooth and nail to protect their jobs. Schumer's advocacy continued in June of 2014 when he met with then Under Secretary of Defense, Mike McCord, who would serve as the comptroller of the U.S. Army and oversaw Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) in Rome, where he reiterated his support for DFAS Rome's workforce. Senator Gillibrand used her position on the Armed Services Committee to speak with nominees for Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) and Undersecretary of the Army to reinforce the importance of the work done at Rome DFAS and request full transparency as the Army worked on its pilot. With the pilot program ongoing and rumors still swirling about layoffs at DFAS Rome, Schumer and Gillibrand pushed for provisions and protections for DFAS to be included in the FY 15 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The senators were successfully able to include language in the FY15 NDAA that required a congressional briefing by DoD regarding any process that could alter activities carried out by DFAS. Specifically, the language required that no initiative proposed or pilot program aimed to transfer functions away from DFAS to anywhere else in the Defense Department be implemented until the Secretary of Defense certified that the plan would reduce costs, increase efficiencies, maintain the timeline for auditability of financial statements, and maintain the roles and missions of the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. It further required that the findings of these analyses would have to be reported to the Congressional Defense Committees before any proposed transfer is implemented. The legislation was passed in the House on December 5, 2014 and passed the Senate on December 12, 2014. Schumer and Gillibrand continued to push the Army and Department of Defense to disclose information on the pilot program until their announcement in 2017 that the pilot program had concluded and that there would be no changes or layoffs as a result of the program. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service was created in 1991 to standardize and improve accounting and financial operations for Department of Defense. They provide payroll services for Department of Defense military and civilian personnel, retirees and other major contractors and vendors. DFAS operates as a separate and unique entity in Department of Defense, to ensure transparency and accountability on behalf of Department of Defense financing and accounting. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kathleenrice.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1596,Rice Amendments Included in Passage of FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Conference Report,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kathleen Rice,R000602,kathleenrice.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Representative Kathleen Rice (NY-04) today voted in support of the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 6395, The William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included three amendments she led to increase oversight of border wall contracts, strengthen cybersecurity for vulnerable government agencies, and support survivors of sexual assault, sexual or gender harassment, and intimate partner violence. The annual defense authorization bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives today by a vote of 335-78. I was proud to support the FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report, which makes critical investments to strengthen our national defense and provides our military with a well-deserved pay raise, said Rep. Kathleen Rice. This year's defense authorization bill was agreed to by negotiators in the House and Senate, and it reflects the longstanding bipartisan tradition of supporting the needs of our troops and addressing the most pressing threats facing our nation. The President should sign this bill into law when it reaches his desk. The FY 2021 NDAA authorizes $731.6 billion in defense spending over the next year, and: Authorizes a 3percent pay raise for members of the military; Expands paid parental leave for certain federal civilian employees inadvertently omitted in last year's bill; Strengthens the military's ability to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for future pandemics; Requires all military bases and infrastructure named for individuals who served in the Confederacy to be changed and prohibits the display of the Confederate flag on any Department of Defense installation. Expands care for Vietnam-era veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Rice successfully sponsored and offered her support for amendments in the FY 2021 NDAA, which were included in the Conference Report, including: An amendment which would implement a recommendation from the Cyberspace Solarium Commission to authorize the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to provide cybersecurity services to smaller federal government agencies, upon request, who lack the bandwidth to run their own cyber operations. An amendment which would increase transparency of contracts issued in support of the border wall by broadening the requirements for the type of contract actions that the Department of Defense must report , and by requiring any modifications over $7 million to be made public. An amendment offered by Rep. Anthony Brindisi (NY-22) based on Rice's legislation to mandate that the VA portion of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) class contain information on care provided by VA for survivors of sexual assault, sexual or gender harassment, and intimate partner violence. With passage in the House today, the FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report must now be considered by the Senate before being sent to the President for enactment.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kathleenrice.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1599,Rep. Rice Congratulates Baldwin Native Selected for NASA’s Artemis Team to Travel to the Moon,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kathleen Rice,R000602,kathleenrice.house.gov,,,legacy,"BALDWIN, NY Today, U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice (NY-04) congratulated Astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, a Baldwin native and graduate of Baldwin High School, on her selection by NASA to the team of astronauts who will go to the Moon as part of NASA'sArtemis program. NASA selected 18 astronauts with a diverse range of backgrounds, expertise, and experience to form the Artemis Team and help pave the way for the next astronaut missions on and around the Moon. The announcement was made yesterday afternoon at a meeting of the National Space Council. TheArtemis program, which will send the first woman and the next man to the lunar surface, is NASA's effort to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon and continue deep space exploration in preparation to go to Mars. I want to extend my congratulations to Astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli on this truly incredible career achievement, said Rep. Kathleen Rice. Jasmin will be part of an historic mission that will strengthen American leadership in space exploration and expand our knowledge of the solar system. All of us back in New York are proud and extend our best wishes to the team as they begin their training. NASA's first Artemis program missions are slated to begin in 2021, with robotic precursor missions that will position scientific instruments and other supplies in preparation for human explorers. The Artemis III mission will land astronauts on the Moon in 2024, who will work to begin establishing a long-term presence.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-statement-on-2021-defense-spending-bill,Meng Statement on 2021 Defense Spending Bill,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act this week. ""COVID-19 has exposed deep fissures in our society between those that are safe and secure, and those who lack necessities like food, shelter, and even the internet. As I stated in July, I take oversight of our national security very seriously and believe we must have robust debate about the Pentagon's budget, policies, and priorities. Once again, Congress failed to do this. We failed to protect transgender members in the military who serve our country at home and aboard, failed to end the outdated Authorizations for the Use of Military Force that have been abused, and, did not go far enough to fully remediate PFAS/PFOA sites. I do not take this vote lightly, but I could not continue to support a bill that doesn't address these and other issues."" The NDAA passed the House by a vote of 335 to 78. It now goes to the Senate for consideration. While Meng voted against the final NDAA, she was pleased to have secured the following items: A permanent authorization of suicide prevention and resilience program for members of the National Guard and Reserves and their families. The program includes suicide prevention training and programming that facilitates healing for individuals and communities in response to suicide. This program was established in 2008 and was set to expire on October 1, 2025. Meng has worked to extend the program over the last several years. An assessment of barriers to English language learners' participation in the recruitment, accession, assessment, and training processes. This is part of a larger report that seeks to understand barriers minority's face in certain units of the Armed Forces, which is due January 1, 2022. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-statement-on-biden-nomination-of-katherine-tai-as-us-trade,Meng Statement on Biden Nomination of Katherine Tai as U.S. Trade Representative,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), first Vice-Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, issued the following statement after reports emerged that President-elect Biden has chosen House Ways and Means Committee Chief Counsel Katherine Tai as the United States Trade Representative. This position is at the cabinet level and serves the president as the chief advisor, negotiator and spokesperson on trade issues. ""I'm very pleased to learn this evening that President-elect Biden will nominate Katherine Tai as our nation's chief trade representative. I have been pushing the incoming administration to include Asian Americans in its search for top-level positions. Katherine is a dedicated and respected public servant who has years of experience on trade issues. She is an exceptional choice. If confirmed, she'll also be the first woman of color to lead this critical office. Tonight's announcement is a good step toward ensuring our community is represented at the highest levels of government. I congratulate Ms. Tai on her nomination and look forward to her continued public service."" # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394477,Chairman Nadler Applauds House Passage of 11 Judiciary Bills,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Jerrold Nadler,N000002,nadler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed 11 bills within the Committee's jurisdiction:""I am extremely proud of the bipartisan legislation passed by the House of Representatives today, including legislation that will reform our criminal justice system, increase transparency in the federal judiciary, protect the legal interest of servicemembers and veterans, improve our nation's bankruptcy laws, and ensure a more humane immigration system,"" said Chairman Nadler. ""The Judiciary Committee is committed to providing meaningful solutions to the challenges facing the American people, and the legislation passed today will do just that. I am grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their tireless work, and I look forward to seeing these bills signed into law."" The House of Representatives passed the following bills: H.R. 8161, the One Stop Shop Community Reentry Program Act of 2020 The One Stop Shop Community Reentry Program, introduced by Representatives Karen Bass (D-CA) and Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), authorizes grants to community organizations to create centralized reentry intake and coordination centers that would guide individuals recently released from correctional facilities through the difficult process of rejoining their communities. The bill was passed by a voice vote. S. 2258, the Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act of 2019 The Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act, introduced by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) with similar legislation introduced by Chairman Nadler and Representatives Joe Neguse (D-CO), David N. Cicilline (D-RI) and Jim Sensenbrenner (D-WI) establishes new whistleblower protections for employees who report a criminal antitrust violation to the federal government or a supervisor. The bill was passed by a voice vote. H.R. 683, the Puerto Rico Recovery Accuracy in Disclosures Act The Puerto Rico Recovery Accuracy in Disclosures Act or PRRADA, introduced by Representative Nydia M. Velzquez (D-NY), creates transparency requirements regarding compensation for bankruptcy cases initiated under the Puerto Rico Oversight Management and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA). The bill guarantees to the people of Puerto Rico the same transparency and disclosure practices required by law in U.S. mainland bankruptcies. The bill was passed by a voice vote. S. 134 , the Combat Online Predators Act The Combat Online Predators Act, introduced by Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Bob Casey (D-PA), increases criminal penalties for the stalking of children and ensures law enforcement officials evaluate and update practices to combat online harassment of children. The bill was passed by a voice vote. H.R. 8354, the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act of 2020 The Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act, introduced by Representative Veronica Escobar (D-TX), permanently establishes a Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative with the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice in order to promote the legal interests of servicemembers, veterans, and their families. It would also require the appointment of a liaison to the Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division to coordinate Federal prosecutions of cases involving fraud against servicemembers. The bill was passed by a vote of 400-1. H.R. 8235, the Open Courts Act of 2020 The Open Courts Act, introduced by Representative Henry C. Hank Johnson (D-GA) and Doug Collins (R-GA), would modernize the federal judiciary's court records systems and would eliminate the paywall (called PACER) that requires the public to pay more than $140 million each year to access these public records. The new system will provide a stable, secure, and easily searchable site to file and access court records, which will be available to the public free of charge. The bill was passed by a voice vote. S. 3703, the Promoting Alzheimer's Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act The Promoting Alzheimer's Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act, introduced by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) with similar legislation introduced by Representative Ted Deutch (D-FL), requires the Department of Justice to ensureelder abuse training materials take into account individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The bill was passed by unanimous consent. H.R. 631, For the Relief of Arpita Kurdekar, Girish Kurdekar, and Vandana Kurdekar This legislation, introduced by Representative Annie Kuster (D-NH), provides for the relief of Arpita Kurdekar, Girish Kurdekar, and Vandana Kurdekar. The bill was passed by unanimous consent. H.R. 4225, For the Relief of Maria Isabel Bueso Barrera, Alberto Bueso Mendoza, and Karla Maria Barrera De Bueso This legislation, introduced by Representative Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), provides for the relief of Maria Isabel Bueso Barrera, Alberto Bueso Mendoza, and Karla Maria Barrera De Bueso.The bill was passed by unanimous consent. H.R. 7146, For the Relief of Victoria Galindo Lopez This legislation, introduced by Representative Julia Brownley (D-CA), provides for the relief of Victoria Galindo Lopez. The bill was passed by unanimous consent. H.R. 7572 For the Relief of Median El-Moustrah This legislation, introduced by Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), provides for the relief of Median El-Moustrah.The bill was passed by unanimous consent.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394478,Nadler and Warren Introduce the Consumer Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2020,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Jerrold Nadler,N000002,nadler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) and United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) introduced the Consumer Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2020, bicameral legislation to simplify and modernize the consumer bankruptcy system to make it easier for individuals and families forced into bankruptcy to get back on their feet. This legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and House Antitrust Subcommittee Chairman David N. Cicilline (D-R.I.). ""Bankruptcy is an option of last resort, but it also promises a fresh start so that people can get back up and keep working and providing for their families,""saidChairman Nadler. ""Today that promise rings hollow for many people because the bankruptcy system has become complex, unfair, and even punitive for ordinary consumers. The Consumer Bankruptcy Reform Act ensures that the bankruptcy system works for the American people and not just big corporate creditors. Senator Warren and I have worked on this issue for many years, and I look forward to continuing our fight for consumers with this new legislation."" ""Our bankruptcy system too often fails to provide financially struggling individuals and families the relief they desperately need,"" said Senator Warren. ""The Consumer Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2020 will take long overdue steps to make it easier and less expensive for financially-strapped families and individuals to obtain meaningful bankruptcy relief and give Americans a better chance to get back on their feet."" ""As we grapple with the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, American families will continue facing serious financial pressures,"" said Senator Durbin. ""Whether it is finding ways to help families stay in their homes during bankruptcy, to restoring dischargeability of student loans, to addressing racial and gender disparities in the bankruptcy system; we must end years of delay and finally make our bankruptcy system fairer by passing this legislation."" ""Our bankruptcy system tends to put the profits of big corporations ahead of families fighting to stay afloat,"" said Senator Whitehouse. ""I'm proud to support this sensible bill to allow Americans facing financial hardship to free themselves of student loan and medical debt."" ""I'm proud to join Senator Warren and Chairman Nadler in introducing this important bill,"" said Chairman David N. Cicilline. ""Giving people a fresh start is the cornerstone of our bankruptcy code. But for too many, that relief is out of reach due to significant burdens and high costs. This bill will remove these barriers and bring much-needed reforms that give working Americans a fair shot and a second chance at economic opportunity."" The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis has left millions of Americans out of work, drowning in debt, and struggling under the weight of medical bills, student loans, mortgages, and car loans. Even before the pandemic hit, Americans were already hanging on by their fingernails. In the last 40 years, consumer credit skyrocketed as Americans, faced with stagnant wages, took on more debt to deal with the increasing costs of housing, education, medical care, and child care. For millions of households, a shock like a job loss or a family illness can send them tumbling over a financial cliff. Recent reports warn that a wave of bankruptcies is on the horizon. The bankruptcy system is supposed to be a lifeline of last resort; instead, individuals and families forced into bankruptcy encounter a broken system that too often fails to provide them with the financial relief they seek and benefits big corporate creditors. The Consumer Bankruptcy Reform Act will: Make it easier and less expensive for financially-strapped families and individuals to obtain financial relief by replacing the two separate consumer bankruptcy chapters with a single system available to all consumers, streamlining the filing process, and reducing filing fees. Ensure that filers can care for themselves and their families during the bankruptcy process by helping renters with back rent avoid eviction and continue to make payments, making student loan debt dischargeable in bankruptcy, and allowing people to protect their homes and cars during the bankruptcy process. Help address racial and gender disparities in the bankruptcy system by ending the special privilege that prevents people from discharging local government fines in bankruptcy; preventing individuals from obtaining relief from debts arising from civil rights violations; and exempting sources of income and assets traceable to alimony, child support income, the child tax credit, and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Close loopholes that allow the wealthy to exploit the bankruptcy system, including the ""Millionaire's Loophole"" and ""spendthrift clause loophole."" Crack down on predatory practices and hold corporate wrongdoers accountable by banning collection of debts that violate consumer protection laws, allowing lawsuits against creditors that attempt to collect previously discharged debt, and preventing creditors from pursuing consumers in mandatory arbitration. The Consumer Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2020 has been endorsed by Action Center on Race & the Economy (ACRE); Alliance for Retired Americans; American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); Americans for Financial Reform; Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO; Association of Young Americans (AYA); Consumer Federation of America; Demos; National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity; National Association of Consumer Advocates; National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO); National Consumer Law Center (NCLC); National Indian Education Association (NIEA); Progressive Change Campaign Committee; Public Citizen; Service Employees International Union (SEIU); Social Security Works; UnidosUS; U.S. PIRG; and Young Invincibles. ""The Association of Young Americans (AYA) is deeply appreciative of, and pleased to endorse, the Consumer Bankruptcy Reform Act introduced by Senator Warren and Chairman Nadler, which would help young Americans forced into bankruptcy get back on their feet,"" said Ben Brown, Founder, Association of Young Americans. ""This bill would create a less hostile financial relief environment for people struggling financially, especially at a time when millions of young people are being crushed by student debt, dealing with economic fallout from COVID-19, and experiencing intense job insecurity. Senator Warren's and Chairman Nadler's legislation is commendable as it would make it easier for people to obtain relief by streamlining the bankruptcy filing process, ensuring rent protections, making student loans dischargeable in bankruptcy, and protecting filers from predatory practices and exploitation. Along with student debt cancellation, these are the kinds of policies young Americans need to be enacted in order to stimulate a strong economy in which all young people are able to meaningfully participate. For these reasons, AYA advocates for the passage of this bill into law."" ""The National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, the membership and advocacy association for all HBCUs and PBIs, is grateful to Senator Warren and Congressman Nadler for introducing the Consumer Bankruptcy Reform Act, a comprehensive measure to fix our bankruptcy system, to give people forced into bankruptcy a second chance a lifeline of last resort,"" said Lezli Baskerville, President & CEO, National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education. ""This tremendous fix of the broken American bankruptcy system is especially needed at this time as millions of new people are filing for unemployment and millions more are under water with no foreseeable way out. People of color, women, the frontline workers we do not see on the evening news, and others who were thriving before we got mired in the worst pandemic since the 1819 epidemic, and the worst recession in recent years, are buried beneath unpaid rent and mortgages, car loans, medical bills, maxed out on credit cards being used for food, family, and other necessities. The Consumer Bankruptcy Reform Act will give people who fall down a way to get back up again."" ""In a time when millions of Americans have lost their jobs and livelihoods due to the ongoing COVID-19 health and economic crisis, it's clear our system needs a stronger financial safety net,"" said Christine Hines, Legislative Director at National Association of Consumer Advocates. ""Senator Elizabeth Warren's and Chairman Jerry Nadler's Consumer Bankruptcy Reform Act is a thoughtful and comprehensive package of protections that supports families struggling with burdensome debt and facilitates sustainable paths to help get them back on their feet."" ""Public Citizen enthusiastically supports this critical set of reforms from Senator Warren and Chairman Nadler,"" said Lisa Gilbert, Executive Vice President, Public Citizen. ""Modernizing and clarifying the consumer bankruptcy system is long overdue, and in this time of national economic crisis, making it easier for individuals and families forced into bankruptcy to get back on their feet is just the right thing to do."" ""U.S. PIRG supports the Consumer Bankruptcy Reform Act, which will re-balance consumer rights to a fairer bankruptcy process and will give them a better chance to reorganize their finances, especially during a pandemic,"" said Ed Mierzwinski, Senior Director for Federal Consumer Programs, U.S. PIRG. ""Importantly, the proposal includes protections for both homeowners and renters, prohibits and punishes illegal practices by debt collectors and others, addresses racial and gender disparities in the bankruptcy system and eliminates loopholes exploited by the wealthy. Finally, it also eliminates one of the cruelest provisions in U.S. law by removing the provision that makes private and federal student loans non-dischargeable."" ""Young people have struggled to obtain solid financial footing since the Great Recession, and the Covid-19 economic downturn only places a heavier burden on millions of Americans already hardest hit,"" said Dr. Kyle Southern, Policy and Advocacy Director for Higher Education and Workforce, Young Invincibles. ""We applaud Senator Warren's and Chairman Nadler's introduction of the Consumer Bankruptcy Reform Act, which would provide a more straightforward path for economically distressed Americans to move forward. In particular, the bill's provision to make student loan debt dischargeable would be a much-needed change in law to help struggling student borrowers. This bill's focus on racial and gender disparities in the bankruptcy system would also foster greater equity and strengthen the strained social safety net."" In the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys' (NACBA) letter of encouragement, NACBA President Colwell stated, ""We share Senator Warren's and Chairman Nadler's belief that now is the time to make the improvements to the Bankruptcy Code that have long been needed."" The full letter is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394479,Nadler Applauds New York Attorney General Letitia James and Federal Trade Commission for Filing Historic Antitrust Lawsuits against Facebook,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Jerrold Nadler,N000002,nadler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, more than 40 states attorneys general, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, and the Federal Trade Commission filed historic antitrust lawsuits alleging that Facebook has illegally maintained its monopoly through acquisitions of its competitorsincluding Instagram and WhatsAppamong other anticompetitive conduct. Since June 2019, the House Judiciary Committee has led a bipartisan congressional investigation into the state of competition in digital markets, which included an examination of Facebook's dominance online. In July, the House Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee held a hearing with Facebook's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, along with the CEOs of other major technology firms as part of the Committee's investigation. In October, the Committee published a comprehensive Majority staff report, which found that Facebook has abused its monopoly power in the social networking market. ""Rather than competing with Instagram and WhatsApp, it appears Facebook simply bought these firms to expand its dominance,"" said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY). ""As a result, Facebook has illegally maintained its monopoly, allowing it to engage in other abusive conduct. This should never have happened in the first place, and accountability is long overdue. I applaud New York Attorney General Letitia James and the Federal Trade Commission for their efforts to promote competition by filing today's complaints.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3345,"TWO BIPARTISAN, REP. REED-LED HEALTHCARE BILLS PASS THE HOUSE",2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.-Yesterday, Rep. Tom Reed spearheaded the passage of the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act of 2019and the HOSPICE Act, two critical pieces of healthcarelegislation, through the House of Representatives. The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act wouldwaive the five-month Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) waiting period for individuals with ALS, while the HOSPICE Act would increase transparency and oversight into hospice providers to prevent bad actors from providing poor quality care. Both bills passed unanimously withoutspoken support from Members on both sides of the aisle. ""We're proud to have championed two bills that will directly benefit so many Americans by improvingfair access to federal resourcesand increasingthe quality ofhospice care. At a time when many define Washington based on its disagreements and gridlock, we're working to demonstratethat Congress is capable of putting aside politics to getthings done for the American people,""said Rep. Reed. Reed spoke to the importance of both pieces of legislation yesterday afternoonon the House floor. ALS Disability Insurance Access Act of 2019 (click on photo for video) HOSPICE Act (click on photo for video) More information on the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act, including its endorsement by the Problem Solvers Caucus, can be foundhere. More information on the HOSPICE Act, which Rep. Reed and Rep. Panetta introducedin February of 2020, can be foundhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3346,REP. REED APPLAUDS ACTION BY USTR TO STAND UP FOR NY DAIRY & HOLD CANADA ACCOUNTABLE TO TERMS OF USMCA,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today, Rep. Tom Reed released the following statement in response to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer'sannouncementthat the office will launch formal challenges under the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) against Canada's implementation of the dairy tariff-rate quota. This action marks a new era in U.S. trade policy -- vigorous enforcement of our trade agreements to ensure all negotiated trade is open and fair for all parties,said Rep. Tom Reed. We applaud Trade Representative Lighthizer for taking this action and standing up for New York dairy farmers. It is only fair we use every lever at our disposal to ensure Canada is held to the full terms of the USMCA trade agreement. Congressman Reed helped deliver USMCA for New York's dairy farmers and farmer-owned cooperatives and now Rep. Reed is working hard in a bipartisan manner to hold Canada accountable to its trade promises. USMCA is designed to bring tangible benefits home to America's dairy industry, yet Canada has manipulated its market access commitments, threatening these hard-fought wins. I applaud Congressman Reed for his leadership on this critical issue,said Jim Mulhern, President & CEO, National Milk Producers Federation. In August, Reed spearheaded a bipartisan letter with over 100 House members urging the USTR to utilize enforcement mechanisms with USMCA to guarantee Canada and Mexico end their restrictive dairy trade practices. In June, Reed spoke with USTR Trade Lighthizer regarding the importance of supporting the American dairy industry abroad during the Ways & Means hearing on the United States' 2020 trade policy agenda.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/velazquez-announces-over-16-million-grants-local-health-and-education,Velazquez Announces over $16 Million in Grants for Local Health and Education Programs,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Nydia M. Velázquez,V000081,velazquez.house.gov,velazquez,https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"December 9, 2020 Velázquez Announces over $16 Million in Grants for Local Health and Education Programs Velázquez Announces over $16 Million in Grants for Local Health and Education Programs Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) announced the allocation of federal grant funding towards multiple local early education centers, as well as family health centers in New York's seventh congressional district. The education centers were awarded federal funds for their Head Start programs, which provide early childhood care and support services for young New Yorkers. The Sunset Park Health Council received funding for their Health Center Cluster Program. ""The benefits these programs provide to our city's working families are immeasurable,"" said Velázquez. ""As we prepare the next generation for the world awaiting them, we must provide each child with the opportunities they need to succeed. The Head Start program helps families cultivate a positive relationship to their child's education, fostering active involvement in the learning progress. The services provided at Sunset Park Health Council have also proven invaluable to the health and wellbeing of our district, providing healthcare for children and parents alike. These grants will help the programs continue to provide key services to aid New Yorkers for years to come."" The Brooklyn Chinese-American Association has two Head Start sites situated in Brooklyn that serve working families and children with special needs. The program targets children three to four years of age, with the intent of promoting early childhood literacy and language skills in preparation for standard schooling. In addition, they provide physical and mental health, and nutrition services to families. An HHS grant of $625,269 has been awarded to The Brooklyn Chinese-American to maintain their early education programs. Located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the Y.M. & Y.W.H.A. caters to children three to four years of age, providing multilingual staff and full day programs to working families in the neighborhood. The program provides additional mental health consultations, nurses, and dietitians on site. The Y.M. & Y.W.H.A. will receive $1,371,923 towards their program. Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services of Brooklyn has a longstanding relationship with the neighborhood's families, having actively provided early childhood care for over 100 years. Their Head Start program offers support services in English, Creole, and Spanish, providing a thorough and comprehensive education for all families who seek it. Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services will receive $6,424,059 for their Head Start Program. Yeshiva Kehilath Yakov, a Jewish school situated in Williamsburg, provides low-cost early childhood care for children as young as six weeks old up to four years of age. Yeshiva Kehilath Yakov will receive $1,410,899 towards their school's head start program. Grand Street Settlement partnered with NYU Lutheran Family Health Center, Traditional Day Care Center, and multiple additional childcare providers to offer families with infant and toddler care through their Head Start model. Grand Street Settlement offers family resources and support in English, Spanish, and Chinese, with over 60 years of experience. Grand Street Settlement will receive $2,896,858 in funding towards their Head Start programming. The Sunset Park Health Council's Health Center Cluster provides comprehensive primary and specialized care to families in New York's seventh congressional district, including obstetric, gynecologic, and pediatric care. The Center also provides informative health education for teenagers regarding their health and wellbeing. The Health Center Cluster will receive $7,809,204 for their continued operation. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-l3harris-to-make-radios-under-third-us-army-contract-worth-57-million-senator-says-army-recognizes-rochester-company-provides-the-most-durable-dependable-and-innovative-technology,"SCHUMER: L3HARRIS TO MAKE RADIOS UNDER THIRD U.S. ARMY CONTRACT WORTH $57 MILLION; SENATOR SAYS ARMY RECOGNIZES ROCHESTER COMPANY PROVIDES THE MOST DURABLE, DEPENDABLE AND INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY",2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.09.20 SCHUMER: L3HARRIS TO MAKE RADIOS UNDER THIRD U.S. ARMY CONTRACT WORTH $57 MILLION; SENATOR SAYS ARMY RECOGNIZES ROCHESTER COMPANY PROVIDES THE MOST DURABLE, DEPENDABLE AND INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY Federal Investment Is Critical To Economic Recovery Of Rochester & Growth of L3Harris Schumer: Contract Is A Win For Our Troops, L3Harris, And The Rochester-Finger Lakes Regional Economy U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that L3Harris Technologies, in Rochester, New York, has been selected by the U.S. Army to manufacture Falcon IV AN/PRC-163 two-channel handheld radios, along with related equipment and services. This is the third order of radios that L3Harris will produce under the Army's multi-year $3.9 billion Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Leader Radio contract. As a winner of the Army's Leader Radio contract, L3Harris is one of two vendors that the Army selected to provide an anticipated total of 100,000 two-channel Leader radios under the IDIQ contract. The company has provided the Army with next-generation handheld and manpack radios and two-channel AN/PRC-158 manpack radios so far under its previous two IDIQ contracts. This well-earned contract will support jobs at L3Harris, in addition to boosting the economic recovery of the entire Rochester-Finger Lakes economy. L3Harris has proven time and time again that it can make superior radios for the U.S. military and our allies around the world, saidSenator Schumer. I was proud to work hard on behalf of this world-class producer of radios, and will always fight for investments that both protect our troops and provide a shot in the arm to the Rochester-Finger Lakes economy. This announcement comes after Senator Schumer's successful multi-year push on behalf of L3Harris, urging a full and fair Army procurement process for the Leader Radio to ensure that companies like L3Harris would have an even playing field to compete. The Leader Radio is a versatile, two-channel, handheld radio that has the ability to transmit a wide variety of signals and communications by integrating two-channels within one device.The two-channel Leader radios have been replacing the Army's standard single-channel Rifleman Radio.The two-channel radios provide additional capabilities to enable Army forces to communicate and coordinate multiple missions in real time by having easy access to both radio channels at the same time on a single device. ### 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-statement-on-mlbs-announcement-of-team-affiliates-for-milb-confirming-the-valleycats-will-be-playing-without-an-affiliation-next-season,"SCHUMER STATEMENT ON MLB’S ANNOUNCEMENT OF TEAM AFFILIATES FOR MiLB, CONFIRMING THE VALLEYCATS WILL BE PLAYING WITHOUT AN AFFILIATION NEXT SEASON",2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.09.20 SCHUMER STATEMENT ON MLB'S ANNOUNCEMENT OF TEAM AFFILIATES FOR MiLB, CONFIRMING THE VALLEYCATS WILL BE PLAYING WITHOUT AN AFFILIATION NEXT SEASON Following hisadvocacyfor the ValleyCats this year , Schumer released the following statement regarding MLB's announcement of team affiliates for the MiLB, which did not include a major league affiliation for the Tri-City team: Senator Schumer said, I am very, very disappointed for Capital Region baseball fans and the ValleyCats organization. For 18 years the ValleyCats have delivered both good players and fan satisfaction that minor league franchises strive for. In return, fans turned out in droves always putting the team at the top of the league in attendance. The fans and the team deserved better. Still, baseball teaches us that if you keep swinging, a bitter disappointment one day can lead to success the next. And, I will keep advocating until affiliated baseball returns to the region. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jacobs.house.gov/media/press-releases/jacobs-supports-water-resources-development-act,Jacobs Supports Water Resources Development Act,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Chris Jacobs,J000020,jacobs.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) delivered a speech on the House Floor this afternoon in support of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA). Please find the transcript of the speech below. I rise in support of the Water Resources Development Act, which is critical to districts with significant shorelines like mine. I am especially pleased to see the Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study included in this bill. High water levels on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario are amajor concern to communities in our region. Homeowners and business owners along Lake Ontario have suffered significant flooding and devastating property damage over the last few years. This study will inform those projects and policies that will mitigate high water levels and hopefully prevent future flooding of the kind suffered recently. I'd also like to thank our leaders and House Ranking Member Sam Graves and Chairman Peter DeFazio for the bipartisan work they have done on this legislation, the bipartisan work on the committee on WRDA is always welcomed and a strong example of the way business can be conducted here. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of S.1811. Thank you. I yield back. Background: The Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study will be conducted by the Army Corps. of Engineers. It is a comprehensive study of the 5,300 miles of Great Lakes shoreline to identify vulnerable areas and provide guidance and recommendations on improving both natural and man-made resiliency measures, including further flood mitigation efforts. ### Floor Speech WRDA.mp4",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://nadler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394476,Nadler & Lofgren Statement on Full Restoration of DACA,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Jerrold Nadler,N000002,nadler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. On Friday, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York ordered the Trump Administration to fully restore Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). As of today,U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is accepting new initial and advance parole applications and extending protection terms from one to two years for all applicants. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship Chair Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) released the following statement in response: ""The recent federal ruling is a major victory for a program that provides relief from deportation and work authorization for thousands of young Dreamers. Today, for the first time since September 4, 2017, DACA is fully restored and open to new applicants. While we celebrate, we recognize that the fight is not over. Courts all over the country continue to weigh in on the legality of the DACA, and Dreamers' lives remain in limbo. ""Over a year ago, the House of Representatives passed the American Dream and Promise Act to provide young Dreamers with the certainty and stability that they deserve, but Senate Majority Leader McConnell failed to take up this critical legislation. More than 200,000 DACA recipients are essential workers, including nearly 30,000 who are healthcare workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic. The United States is their home, and it is long overdue that our laws reflect their contributions to our communities.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3344,STATEMENT FROM PROBLEM SOLVERS CAUCUS CO-CHAIRS JOSH GOTTHEIMER & TOM REED,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"STATEMENT FROM PROBLEM SOLVERS CAUCUS CO-CHAIRS JOSH GOTTHEIMER & TOM REED f t # e Washington, December 8, 2020 WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Today, Tuesday, December 8, 2020, Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and TomReed(NY-23) released the following statement: -- Now is not the time to walk away from the key pillars of our bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 emergency relief agreement. It's time to double down on finding a solution to the remaining obstacles. We are simply too close! With families and small businesseshurting, and our local communities running out of money as they fight the virus, we have to do whatAmericans hired us to do: find commonsensesolutions to get emergency relief out the door that include taking care of our state, local, and tribal governments and recognizes the importance of worker and liability protections. We can do this, we must, and we will. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/velazquez-house-passage-puerto-rico-recovery-accuracy-disclosures-act,Velazquez on House Passage of Puerto Rico Recovery Accuracy in Disclosures Act (PRRADA),2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Nydia M. Velázquez,V000081,velazquez.house.gov,velazquez,https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement after the House today passed legislation she authored, HR. 683, The Puerto Rico Recovery Accuracy in Disclosures Act of 2019: ""I am proud that today the House passed my bill to close a loophole in the Island's debt restructuring process, improve transparency, and restore confidence in the island's future. ""While we can have differing opinions on how effectively the Oversight Board is carrying out its mission, one thing should be clear—the island's residents should be entitled to the same rights and protections as any debtor on the mainland. ""By applying a robust disclosure requirement to all PROMESA Title III proceedings and eliminating the double standard facing the people of Puerto Rico, this bill will help to restore confidence that the Board's bankruptcy advisors do not have their ‘thumb on the scale' to favor certain debts where they have a self-interest. This bipartisan bill ensures integrity of the PROMESA process. ""I thank Chairman Jerrold Nadler of the House Judiciary Committee and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for bringing this legislation to the House floor today. I now urge the Senate to act in a timely manner to pass this bill."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://jacobs.house.gov/media/press-releases/jacobs-calls-increased-funding-rural-broadband,Jacobs Calls for Increased Funding for Rural Broadband,2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Chris Jacobs,J000020,jacobs.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) joined a bipartisan letter to the House and Senate appropriations committees calling for additional funding for the Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) ReConnect rural broadband grant program in the upcoming FY21 funding bill. I have long advocated for increased broadband investment in NY-27. The pandemic has only elevated that need,Jacobs said.With schools moved online, businesses increasingly relying on the internet, telemedicine services becoming more popular, and farm technology advancing the need for reliable high-speed internet access is urgent. The ReConnect Program is a sound investment that has helped connect our underserviced communities. Congress created the ReConnect Program in FY18 with a $600 million appropriation. $550 million and $555 million were appropriated in FY19 and FY20, respectively. To date, USDA has invested over $1.3 billion in high-speed broadband infrastructure. Currently, the proposed FY21 Senate budget for this program has been cut by $150 million relative to FY20 funding levels. Jacobs is asking for increased funding for this rural broadband program relative to recent years. Our children, families, farmers, and economy rely on access to high-speed internet we must ensure that we are making sufficient investments that set them up for success,Jacobs said. ### 201204_Letter to Appropriators_FY21 ReConnect.pdf",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-urges-trump-administration-to-not-undermine-coronavirus-0,Meng Urges Trump Administration To Not Undermine Coronavirus Vaccination Program,2020-12-05,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) called for changes to the Trump Administration's COVID-19 vaccination plan that would force states to sign an agreement in which the personal identification information of vaccine recipients would be shared with the federal government. In a letter Meng led to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Robert Redfield, the Congresswoman called for the agreement to not require the collection of personal identifiable information, such as Social Security, passport, and driver license numbers from those who receive the vaccine, and that it prohibit any individual identification data from being shared with non-health federal agencies. Under the current Data Use Agreement, HHS can share the personal information with other federal agencies including the Department of Homeland Security, which could use the data to target undocumented immigrants. ""All people, including immigrants, deserve to access the COVID-19 vaccine without fear or reservation of having their personal identification information shared with non-health-related federal agencies,"" said Congresswoman Meng. ""Sharing this data will instill fear in our immigrant communities, and deter immigrants from being vaccinated. Providing the vaccine must be free of politics, and we urge that revisions be made so that it is not mandatory for states to collect and share vaccinated individuals' personal identifiable information with the federal government. I await a response to our letter."" The correspondence, which was signed by a total of 48 Members of Congress, can be viewed here and the text of the letter is below. Earlier this week, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, joined by numerous advocacy organizations, sent a letter to Secretary Azar expressing the same concerns. ""To ensure the public health of every New Yorker, the COVID-19 vaccine must be accessible to all without any obstacles,"" saidMurad Awawdeh, interim Co-Executive Director of the New York Immigration Coalition. ""We are proud to join Congressmember Meng's call to protect immigrants and to ensure that no agenda but the nation's public health drives the vaccination program."" ""This pandemic has disproportionately affected immigrants and people of color in New York, and it is outrageous for the Trump Administration to continue to play politics with the lives of our communities,"" said Theo Oshiro, Deputy Director of Make the Road New York. ""Trump's disastrous attempt to request personal data when distributing a COVID-19 vaccine would jeopardize the health of the entire communities, especially that of low-income people of color. We must ensure that during this health crisis, all people are able to access a free vaccine and that it is readily accessible to everyone."" ""During one of the biggest health crisis our country has ever known, the priority should be to ensure that everyone, regardless of their immigration status, gets access to the COVID-19 vaccine,"" said Jo-Ann Yoo, Executive Director of the Asian American Federation. ""Requiring identification before getting a vaccine politicizes the very health solution that will get our country back on the road to recovery from this pandemic. We must not forget that in most cities, many of the essential workers were often undocumented workers who put their lives at risk to keep the rest of us safe. We cannot erase their contributions by creating unnecessary obstacles. It is cruel and unnecessary. We stand with Representative Meng in calling for HHS and CDC to drop the identification requirement."" ""Already too many undocumented immigrants and those in mixed status families avoid accessing healthcare and needed government services because they fear doing so will reveal their status and upend their lives,"" said Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of the Hispanic Federation. ""At a time when we need complete public confidence and participation to finally end this pandemic, our public health agencies and political leaders must send a clear signal that no one has anything to fear from the COVID-19 vaccination program. A failure to revise the Data Use Agreement will result in lower rates of participation in immigrant communities and undermine the success we all seek."" ""COVID-19 vaccines must be prioritized for the most vulnerable members of our communities, including essential workers and elderly Southeast Asian Americans. Many members of our communities continue to work day in and day out to assemble personal protective equipment, process and package our foods, and serve our hospitals. Like we have already seen through the efforts of the Trump Administration to include a citizenship question on the 2020 Census, requiring and sharing personally identifiable information across agencies creates fear and mistrust of the government and its services,"" said Katrina Dizon Mariategue, acting Executive Director of the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC). ""At the height of this pandemic, our country must prioritize public health and remove barriers to vaccination. We applaud Representative Grace Meng for her leadership and SEARAC echoes her request to Secretary Azar and Director Redfield to revise the current Data Use Agreement."" ""On behalf of Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, Inc. (KCS), we share Congresswoman Grace Meng's concern regarding the requirement for states to adhere to the Data Request Agreement in order to receive the vaccination,"" said Linda Lee, MSW, President and CEO of Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, Inc. (KCS). ""As a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping immigrant and marginalized communities, this would undermine both the protection of our clients as well as the prevention efforts of this virus. Placing these restrictions will instill fear in the immigrant population and deter them from seeking the vaccination. We strongly urge the CDC to revise these regulations, especially for Sanctuary States like New York who have promised to protect its people and keep them safe."" ""Immigrant communities throughout the United States have been disproportionately affected by this deadly virus and must have access to a potentially life-saving COVID-19 vaccine without fear or reservation that their personal identification will be shared with non-health related agencies,"" saidArturo Vargas, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund. ""It is critical for our public health and national recovery that all Americans, including immigrants, have access to the COVID-19 vaccine once it is available,"" said Diego Iñiguez-López, Policy and Campaigns Manager of the National Partnership for New Americans. ""The federal government should administer the vaccine in a way that does not infringe on Americans' privacy rights. It should not be requiring states to collect sensitive personal information, such as a person's social security number or a driver's license number, and sharing that information with non-health related federal agencies. Without privacy protections, too many immigrants and refugees will be deterred from getting the vaccine, effectively continuing the destruction and death that communities of color have disproportionately faced due to the pandemic. This is why the National Partnership for New Americans stands with Congresswoman Grace Meng in calling for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to administer the COVID-19 vaccine with privacy protections for all Americans."" ""Requesting states to provide vaccine recipients' personal information to the federal government would create panic among immigrant communities who are already fearful of how their information is used,"" said Eric Naing, Media Relations Officer of Muslim Advocates. ""Since COVID-19 has overwhelmingly and disproportionately devastated communities of color, such a requirement would be counterproductive to strengthening public health. We thank Congresswoman Meng for leading the fight against this dangerous data use plan. Immigrants have continually put their lives on the line in hospitals, schools, taxis, meatpacking plants, grocery stores and more to keep our country going during this pandemic. Any effort to prevent them from being vaccinated must be stopped."" ""We must roll out a national vaccine plan that ensures all--regardless of their immigration status--have free access, but the proposed requirement that states provide personal identification information to the federal government would undermine this public health goal,"" said Diana Konaté, Policy Director at African Communities Together. ""I applaud Congresswoman Meng for recognizing this problem and calling on Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to revise that requirement. No one should have to choose between their health and their immigration status."" ""We applaud Representative Meng's leadership in ensuring that all people in the U.S., regardless of their immigration status, receive a COVID vaccination when it is available,"" said John C. Yang, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC's President and Executive Director. ""We know that data collection can pose real and perceived threats to immigrant communities and their US citizen family members. The government should take all measures available to make sure that all members of our communities feel safe accessing health care, including COVID vaccines. The only way we can overcome this virus is by working in unity as a nation to protect the most at risk and vulnerable among us."" -------------------------------------------------------- Dear Secretary Azar and Director Redfield: We write to express our deep concern regarding the current Data Use Agreement to which states are required to commit in order to initiate their COVID-19 vaccination program, and urge you to: 1) revise this agreement; and 2) prohibit any individual data from being shared with other federal agencies. Failure to do so could dangerously undermine the entire vaccination process, and thereby jeopardize our national health and recovery from this pandemic. First, the current Data Use Agreement requires identification of each vaccinated person, and thereby suggests states to collect Social Security number, passport number, or driver license identification number. Suggesting these types of identification data is akin to disclosing one's immigration status. Just as COVID-19 does not distinguish one's immigration status, neither should the administration of COVID-19 vaccines. Second, it is our understanding that a provision in the Data Use Agreement would allow these identification data to be shared between federal agencies. Individuals must not fear their personal information being disclosed to the Department of Homeland Security, or any other non-health related entity. No one should have to choose between their health or their immigration status. Such provisions will instill fear in our immigrant communities; deter immigrants from being vaccinated; and upend the efficacy of any vaccination program or our country's ability to overcome this national public health emergency. As such, we urge you to promptly revise states' Data Use Agreement such that: (1) states are not required to collect recipient identification information, specifically Social Security number, passport number, and driver license number, for COVID-19 vaccination purposes; and (2) non-health-related federal agencies must be prohibited from accessing any identification information collected from vaccinated persons. As we continue our fight against this highly contagious and invisible enemy, we must keep in mind that immigrants make up a disproportionate number of essential workers who risk their own lives to save lives, keep our cities running, and ensure Americans have access to food. With record-breaking numbers of new COVID-19 cases across the U.S. and more projected through this holiday season, we urge you to swiftly make the necessary changes to the Data Use Agreement, so that all people – regardless of background and immigration status – will access the vaccines without fear or reservation. We look forward to hearing from you by Wednesday, December 9, 2020 on this urgent matter. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://jacobs.house.gov/media/press-releases/jacobs-calls-additional-support-small-businesses,Jacobs Calls for Additional Support for Small Businesses,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Chris Jacobs,J000020,jacobs.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) delivered a floor speech today calling on Democratic House Leadership to immediately consider additional relief for small businesses. Find a transcription of his speech below: I rise in support of extending the successful and bipartisan Paycheck Protection Program by making $138 billion in already appropriated funds available to help more businesses that are experiencing dire and desperate need. This week it was reported that almost 30% of small businesses in New York have closed for good due to the COVID-19 epidemic, and many more will face the same fate without further aid. $138 billion appropriated to the PPP is just sitting here in Washington, D.C., instead of helping our nation's small businesses. For months we have asked the Speaker to allow a vote on H.R. 8265, which simply enables the SBA to do another round of grant awards - getting this $138 billion out on the street before it's too late for many of these hard hit businesses. This legislation is targeted, addresses a dire need across the nation, and requires no additional federal funds. I urge the Speaker and her leadership to reconsider this tactic and allow this legislation to come to the floor for a vote. I'm confident it will receive bipartisan support. Thank you very much, I yield back. Background:H.R. 8265 The Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act would extend the application deadline for the Paycheck Protection Program, allowing for $138 billion in already appropriated funds to be made available to small businesses. The legislation was originally authored by Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH). ### 12.4.2020 PPP Speech.mp4",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3339,Rep. Tom Reed Delivers $2.8 Million For Finger Lakes Community Health,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"CORNING, NY- Today, Rep. Tom Reed is proud to announce a Health Center Cluster grant for Finger Lakes Community Health in Penn Yan. Finger Lakes Community Health will receive $2,847,908 in funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We care about making sure our constituents have fair access to the quality medical services they deserve, especially as we navigate this public health crisis, said Rep. Tom Reed. We were proud to support this funding and we will continue to fight for the care and resources our region needs to maintain our health care system. ""As a Community Health Center program with 8 health center sites across the region, this funding is critical to our ability to help our communities access quality health care services, said Mary Zalazny, Finger Lakes Community Health CEO. This funding allows us to offer low cost medical, dental, behavioral health and advocacy services to over 28,000 patients. Now with the COVID-19 pandemic, our communities are being hit hard with so many people facing such difficult challenges. We, along with our fellow Community Health Centers across Upstate New York, with help from this federal funding will be open and ready to help."" Health Centers are community-based, patient-directed organizations that provide primary health care services. Services they offer can include pharmacy, mental health, substance use disorder and oral health services. These services are offered in areas where barriers such as socioeconomic, geographic or cultural barriers limit access to affordable, quality health care services. The funds are disbursed by the Human Resources and Services Administration, which is a part of the U.S. Department of Health And Human Services. For more information, visitwww.HRSA.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jacobs.house.gov/media/press-releases/jacobs-leads-bipartisan-group-ny-lawmakers-calling-great-lakes-funding,Jacobs Leads Bipartisan Group of NY Lawmakers in Calling for Great Lakes Funding,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Chris Jacobs,J000020,jacobs.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Erie County, N.Y.) Representatives Chris Jacobs (NY-27), John Katko (NY-24), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Anthony Brindisi (NY-22), and Elise Stefanik (NY-21) have sent a letter to House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Members Granger and Rogers asking for the inclusion of funding for Phase II of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Adaptive Management Committee's expedited review of the International Joint Commission's Plan 2014 in any spending package being brought to the House Floor this month. Though a small investment from the American government, the importance of this study is significant for our constituents along the shore of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Communities along this watershed have experienced increasingly high water levels and subsequent flooding over the past several years, and many public and private property owners are still at risk of severe damage from high water levels,wrote Jacobs, Katko, Morelle, Brindisi, and Stefanik. Plan 2014 is the set of rules and regulations that governs outflows from Lake Ontario through the Moses-Saunders Dam located on the St. Lawrence River. The body that administers these outflows, the International Joint Commission (IJC), has initiated a two-phase expedited review of Plan 2014 through its Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Adaptive Management Committee (GLAM). This process has allowed the diverse stakeholders impacted by Plan 2014 to give substantive input toward the goal of comprehensively reviewing Plan 2014. In their letter, Reps. Jacobs, Katko, Morelle, Brindisi, and Stefanik specifically requested funding for Phase II of the IJC's expedited review of Plan 2014 through its Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Adaptive Management Committee (GLAM). Phase II will be a three-year study of Plan 2014 rules and operations under extreme conditions moving forward. Phase I of this review has already been funded by Congress and is currently underway. ### Letter - GLAM Phase II.pdf",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kathleenrice.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1595,"Kathleen Rice, Long Island Delegation Call Again on Treasury and IRS to Provide Relief for Commuters",2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kathleen Rice,R000602,kathleenrice.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Representatives Kathleen Rice (NY-04), Peter King (NY-02), Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Lee Zeldin (NY-01), and Tom Suozzi (NY-03) sent a letter to the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) following up on their September 28 letter to Commissioner Rettig urging the IRS to consider any available options within its regulatory authority to provide targeted relief for individuals who have accumulated unused transportation benefits due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In its response letter on November 12, the Treasury conveyed a willingness to keep the lawmakers' request in mind. However, no action has been taken. Many Long Island commuters are enrolled in transportation benefits programs where a certain amount per month of their pre-taxed wages are deducted from their paychecks to pay for commuting costs. With many industries instituting work from home policies during the pandemic, beneficiaries can no longer access or utilize these funds as intended. The Department's consideration of our request has been appreciated, but the need to address this issue is becoming more and more urgent, said Rep. Kathleen Rice. Long Island commuters responsibly enrolled in IRS programs to set aside transportation benefits, and then they responsibly stayed home. As the pandemic rages on and commuters continue working from home, they deserve access to their hard-earned money for other essential purposes. It's time for the Treasury and IRS to act and provide relief. Funds that would otherwise be used for commuter benefits are currently going unused as countless Americans work from home. As we now go through a third wave of COVID during this winter month, those funds should be used to help working families that could be in dire need of financial assistance, said Rep. Gregory W. Meeks. The Treasury and IRS must not allow those funds to go to waste, not when Americans are in desperate need of help. ""For hardworking Long Islanders, every penny counts, especially as wework toemerge from the outbreak of coronavirus,""said Rep. Lee Zeldin.""Long Islandcommutersutilized programs to responsibly put aside money they thought they would use for public transportation costs. Then, theyfound themselves working from home instead.Theydeserve guidance on accessing these unused fundsand theirhard-earnedmoney."" As more businesses continue to struggle, many workers are living with the real possibility of losing their jobs and in turn losing their commuter benefits,said Rep. Tom Suozzi.With thousands of workers in need of assistance, it's imperative we exhaust all options of relief. The IRS and Treasury Department providing direct relief to Long Islanders who may lose their unused commuter benefits will go a long way for those desperately in need. People need help, we must provide them with assistance. The full text of the letter can be found here and below: Dear Secretary Mnuchin and Commissioner Rettig: We are writing again to urge the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to consider additional relief for individuals who have accumulated unused commuting benefits due to the ongoing pandemic. We appreciate the Treasury Department's attention and response to our September 28, 2020 letter to Commissioner Rettig, which urged the IRS to issue further guidance related to unused qualified transportation fringe benefits and to consider additional relief for certain employees impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The Department's response conveyed a willingness to keep our request in mind as Treasury continues discussions with IRS regarding the effects of the pandemic. We appreciate your stated commitment to working with Congress to consider whether additional relief is necessary. However, as we near the end of the year, the need to address this issue has become increasingly time sensitive. As you know, many individuals and businesses continue to face disruptions due to the ongoing pandemic. COVID-19 cases in the United States are currently rising across all fifty states, and the possibility of a winter wave of the virus creates further uncertainty for businesses and employees. Additionally, certain relief measures enacted earlier this year to provide assistance in response to COVID-19 are set to expire at the end of 2020. As this crisis persists, more individuals are at risk of experiencing financial hardship and many continue to face uncertainty about their employment. Although current IRS regulations governing commuter benefits provide the flexibility to allow compensation reductions to be stopped or reduced before the beginning of a pay period, the COVID-19 national emergency has resulted in a number of cases where individuals have accumulated unused commuter funds. Current regulations also require that an employee must forfeit any unused benefits upon termination from employment. This is concerning for employees who have been terminated or may face termination due to COVID-19. In some cases, these individuals will soon be forced to forfeit a significant amount of unused funds that they are no longer able to access as a result of this ongoing crisis and at no fault of their own. Many workers and families are in critical need of financial assistance during these challenging economic times and could greatly benefit from direct access to their unused commuter funds for other essential purposes. Therefore, we urge you to consider any available options within the Department's regulatory authority to provide targeted relief for individuals who have accumulated unused transportation benefits due to the ongoing pandemic before the end of the year. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morelle-takes-action-protect-new-york-s-agricultural-economy,CONGRESSMAN MORELLE TAKES ACTION TO PROTECT NEW YORK’S AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY FROM INVASIVE SPECIES,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joe Morelle,M001206,morelle.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C) Today, Congressman Joe Morelle called on U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Administration Kevin Shea to take action in addressing the presence of the Spotted Lantern Fly (SLF), an invasive species that can wreak havoc on New York's agricultural economy. I am deeply concerned by the rate at which this invasive population is spreading across the state, as well as the catastrophic impact it will have on New York agriculture if not contained, wrote Congressman Morelle. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets estimates that the state produces about 30 million bushels of apples each year and that the annual harvest of grapes in New York is valued at $52.8 million. Given these extraordinary numbers, the establishment of this invasive species in New York will clearly have a devasting economic impact on the Finger Lakes region and throughout upstate New York. The USDA had previously committed $17.5 million to contain the spread of an SLF infestation in Pennsylvania in 2018. However, the SLF has continued to spread despite these mitigation efforts. What's more, the Administration has proposed to cut funding for the National Invasive Species Council, calling into question the agency's commitment to truly solving this looming concern New York farmers are facing. The full letter is attached. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morelle-takes-action-protect-new-yorks-agricultural-economy,CONGRESSMAN MORELLE TAKES ACTION TO PROTECT NEW YORK’S AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY FROM INVASIVE SPECIES,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph D. Morelle,M001206,morelle.house.gov,morelle,https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle called on U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Administration Kevin Shea to take action in addressing the presence of the Spotted Lantern Fly (SLF), an invasive species that can wreak havoc on New York's agricultural economy. ""I am deeply concerned by the rate at which this invasive population is spreading across the state, as well as the catastrophic impact it will have on New York agriculture if not contained,"" wrote Congressman Morelle. ""The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets estimates that the state produces about 30 million bushels of apples each year and that the annual harvest of grapes in New York is valued at $52.8 million. Given these extraordinary numbers, the establishment of this invasive species in New York will clearly have a devasting economic impact on the Finger Lakes region and throughout upstate New York."" The USDA had previously committed $17.5 million to contain the spread of an SLF infestation in Pennsylvania in 2018. However, the SLF has continued to spread despite these mitigation efforts. What's more, the Administration has proposed to cut funding for the National Invasive Species Council, calling into question the agency's commitment to truly solving this looming concern New York farmers are facing. The full letter is attached.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3337,REP. REED COSPONSORS LEGISLATION TO EXPAND ACCESS TO CRITICAL DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C-Today, Representatives Tom Reed (R-NY), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Tom Rice (R-SC), and G.K. Butterfield (D-CA) introduced The Promoting Responsible and Effective Virtual Experiences through Novel Technology to Deliver Improved Access and Better Engagement with Tested and Evidence-Based Strategies (PREVENT DIABETES) Act. ""By dramatically expanding virtual access to the Diabetes Prevention Program, a critical Medicare service, we will ensure more Americans can utilize the informational resources they need to make healthy decisions. As Co-Chair of the Diabetes Caucus, we know how important it is to reduce the incidence of diabetes in the United States and support those Americans battling the disease,""said Congressman Tom Reed, who serves as co-chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus. ""Nearly one-third of all adults in this country have either diabetes or prediabetes,""said Congressman DeGette, who serves as co-chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus.""Finding ways to prevent more Americans from developing this deadly disease must remain one of our top priorities. This legislation will help us expand access to important resources and make them more available to more Americans including our seniors, and those living in more rural areas, who may otherwise be unable to utilize them."" ""Today I introduced the PREVENT DIABETES Act. Approximately 500,000 South Carolinians have diabetes. This legislation will expand virtual suppliers in the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) to those in rural, minority, or medically undeserved communities to help address disparities and improve lives. My goal is to create policies that give South Carolinians and all Americans access to high quality, efficient health care services under Medicare. MDPP expansion will help empower residents and families to make healthier choices, so we can prosper as a community,""said Congressman Tom Rice. Background: According to the CDC, 13% of American adults have diabetes, including 26.8% of those aged 65 or older. Diabetes prevalence varies substantially by race/ethnicity, affecting 16.4% of Black adults, 14.9% of Asian adults, and 14.7% of Hispanic adults, versus 11.9% of White adults. Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in South Carolina. Inclusion of virtual suppliers in MDPP could help to address these disparities and improve outcomes for older Americans across the board. The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program expanded model is a structured intervention with the goal of preventing type 2 diabetes in individuals with an indication of pre-diabetes.The primary goal of the expanded model is at least 5 percent weight loss by participants. The study found that lifestyle changes resulting in modest weight loss sharply reduced the development of type 2 diabetes in people at high risk for the disease. This legislation is supported by American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM), American Diabetes Association (ADA), American Medical Association (AMA), Association of Diabetes Care+ Education Specialists (ADCES), Black Women's Health Imperative (BWHI), Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC), Endocrine Society, National Kidney Foundation, Novo Nordisk, Omada Health, Teladoc Health, YMCA of USA, Connected Health Initiative, and Noom.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3338,"PROBLEM SOLVERS CAUCUS PUSHES THEIR BICAMERAL, BIPARTISAN EMERGENCY COVID-19 RELIEF PACKAGE",2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today, Thursday, December 3, 2020, members of the Problem Solvers Caucus stood together to fight for their common-sense bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 emergency relief package. It is being supported by a rapidly growing group of Senators on both sides of the aisle,the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and others to help American families, small businesses, workers, and health care providers during this crisis. Leaders in both parties have stated support for the Problem Solvers Caucus' framework as the basis for immediate bipartisan, bicameral legislation. ""The bipartisan, bicameral relief package we've put forward with our Senate partners is already generating significant support from leaders across Washington because it is right in the range of reason,""said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Tom Reed. ""Millions of Americans don't have time for Congress to continue playing games; let's pass this common-sense emergency relief measure to ensure our communities receive the federal support they deserve."" We won't leave town until we pass a bipartisan COVID-19 relief package,said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer. Too many families, small businesses, and communities are suffering all across our country and that's why the momentum around our bipartisan, bicameral framework is continuing to grow by the hour. Vision without action is just a daydream, and we have had enough daydreaming in Congress. We need to show Americans and our allies across the world that the great experiment of America still works. The clock is ticking, but we can and must pass the Emergency COVID Relief Framework. Failure is not an option when Americans are suffering,said Rep. Dean Phillips. The effects of this pandemic have been cruelly uneven. While some individuals and businesses remain unscathed or even better off, others have been completely devastated. Only those living in a beltway fantasy land are immune from the cries for help to get through the winter. This bipartisan compromise is an essential lifeline that must be a starting point for Democratic and Republican leadership to demonstrate that the United States government can actually fulfill its obligation to serve the American people. We cannot, in good conscience, leave DC before the holidays without a relief package,said Rep. Tom Suozzi. While news about vaccines gives us hope for the future, right now Americans are suffering in even greater numbers as the COVID pandemic crisis deepens. This bipartisan, bicameral emergency relief plan formulated by the Problems Solvers Caucus and a bipartisan group of senators is our best hope for providing the emergency relief needed now by families, students, workers, small businesses, and health care providers. Democrats and Republicans, representatives and senators, Congress and the White House, all must come together to get this commonsense plan passed for the American people,said Rep. Dan Lipinski. As COVID cases skyrocket nationwide, Americans are struggling. It is getting more and more difficult for small businesses to keep their lights on and workers employed,said Rep. Kurt Schrader. Folks need relief now and it's time to put party aside and do what is right. This package is a bipartisan, bicameral solution, supported by House and Senate leadership and President-Elect Biden. It is the only one of its kind. I urge leaders of the House and Senate to put this package on the floor now and get aid into the hands of the American people. Our small business owners, teachers, workers, first responders, healthcare workers are doing everything they can to weather this crisis and they want to look to Washington and see that we are, too. There is no excuse for not passing a COVID relief package before the winter holidays. It is our fundamental responsibility as legislators. That's why I'm proud to join the Problem Solvers Caucus and a group of Senators from both sides of the aisle in putting forth this bipartisan, bicameral emergency relief proposal to take us through April 1st. Our group has been working diligently behind the scenes to get to this proposal. With support from Senators and 50 members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, we can, and must get this done,said Rep. Elissa Slotkin. This framework is the direct result of continued bipartisan collaboration between lawmakers from both chambers of Congress. Central New York and our nation desperately need additional COVID-19 relief. This bipartisan, bicameral framework represents an important step forward in delivering critical relief to the frontlines,said Rep. John Katko. The work being done by the Problem Solvers Caucus is bipartisan and bicameral. Our Caucus is working to deliver real results to the American people in their time of need,said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. Further delays in relief are unacceptable, and we need to provide real solutions that help the American people. We need to do our job and get America back to work. We must come together to deliver timely, targeted, and transparent COVID relief to the American people. We are still experiencing a historic pandemic. Our families, workers, communities and businesses need help to make it through. I'm proud to be a part of this bipartisan, bicameral effort to pass another relief package. Our framework includes expanded unemployment assistance, help for our hospitals and schools, state and local funding, and relief for small businesses. Importantly, it has the bipartisan support to pass into law. It's time to put political games aside and take action,said Rep. Kendra Horn. I am pleased to support a targeted relief package for the people of Pennsylvania and our country. This bicameral, bipartisan framework is focused on bolstering our economic recovery, supporting our schools, and distributing safe and effective vaccines in an efficient manner. I hope my colleagues in the House and Senate join the Problem Solvers to deliver immediate assistance for the millions of Americans who are counting on us,said Rep. Dan Meuser. Coronavirus cases are surging to unprecedented levels and millions of Americans have lost their jobs or their businesses to the pandemic. Sadly, many are now facing poverty, food insecurity, and eviction. The American people need immediate relief, and they are tired of waiting for Congress to do its job,said Rep. Salud Carbajal. Our proposal is a bipartisan down-payment, which is necessary to preserve the health and economic well-being of our country until the next Administration takes office. I'm proud of the bipartisan and bicameral package we've put forward and I urge my colleagues to pass this as soon as possible to deliver the immediate relief Americans need. With COVID-19 cases surging across the country, many Americans still out of work, small businesses continuing to struggle, and state and local governments teetering towards a fiscal cliff, Americans are desperate for more relief. This bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 relief package will see us through the worst of this crisis and give American families, small businesses, workers, and health care providers the support they need. Inaction is not an option any longer,said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Eight months after the CARES Act became law, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to devastate families and small businesses across our nation,said Rep. Elaine Luria. Congress must do its job by finding common ground and putting forth a realistic COVID-19 relief package. I am encouraged by this framework that presents the viable and bipartisan proposals our communities need during this unprecedented public health emergency and economic crisis. Right now, Americans are out of work, small businesses are closing their doors, and communities nationwide face incredible financial strain as they endure this bruising pandemic,said Rep. Jimmy Panetta. Our Problem Solvers Caucus bipartisan, bicameral package delivers relief to our nation's families, small businesses, workers, and health care providers, who have carried the burden of this pandemic for too long without comprehensive federal relief. It's time for Congress to step up, get back to the negotiating table, and provide the support the Central Coast and communities nationwide so desperately need. We cannot wait any longer for COVID relief. In addition to the heartbreaking loss from the pandemic, Washington inaction is hurting our communities. Our families, schools, small businesses, local governments, essential workers, and local economies need assistance. This compromise, led by members of both parties and both the House and Senate, needs to get done. With critical aid to small businesses, unemployment benefits, money for state and local governments, investment in education, child care, health care, and the postal service, we can get help to those who need it most. It's time to cut through the partisan politics and deliver much-needed relief,said Rep. Anthony Brindisi.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jacobs.house.gov/media/press-releases/jacobs-announces-families-can-now-schedule-burials-western-new-york-national,Jacobs Announces Families Can Now Schedule Burials at the Western New York National Cemetery,2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NY,Chris Jacobs,J000020,jacobs.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Erie County, N.Y.) Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is announcing that families can now schedule burial services at the Western New York National Cemetery. The Cemetery was dedicated Monday, November 30th, 2020. Western New York is honored to be home to thousands of veterans who put their lives on the line to protect our country. Now, they finally have access to a final resting place close to home, and the full memorial and burial benefits that they have earned, Jacobs said. This day is long overdue and the product countless hours of hard work by advocates, veterans, VA employees, and community members to ensure our veterans are properly honored. As with all VA National Cemeteries, funeral directors can call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 to schedule burial services at the Western New York National Cemetery. Furthermore, anyone seeking information regarding eligibility for internment in a VA National Cemetery can visit https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/eligibility/. ### To view Monday's press release from the dedication click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z