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://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-leads-bicameral-letter-encouraging-city-hall-to-deploy-covid-19-0,Meng Leads Bicameral Letter Encouraging City Hall To Deploy COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits By Jan. 2,2021-12-30,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she led a bicameral letter with New York Members of Congress to City Hall encouraging them to distribute COVID-19 rapid test kits to public schools by January 2nd. The letter comes as nearly one million students and hundreds of thousands of educators are set to return to in-person classes on January 3rd. ""New York is seeing a rising tide in positive test results for COVID-19 due to the Omicron variant; as we enter the New Year, we must ensure everyone can get tested before school starts,"" said Meng. ""I applaud New York City and New York State for working together to source approximately 3.5 million rapid test kits for schools, but they must be available for families and students by January 2nd. If we are to help control the spread of COVID-19, we must test. I stand ready to assist."" On December 21, Meng led a letter to President Biden urging the administration to steer necessary COVID-19 testing kits to New York City. On December 28, City Hall announced its 'Stay Safe and Stay Open' plan for schools. A copy of the correspondence can be viewed here, and below. ------------------------------- Dear Mayor de Blasio and Mayor-elect Adams, We write to you both with profound concern as we face a rising tide of reported positive test results from COVID-19, due in part to the Omicron variant. On January 3rd, nearly one million public school students and hundreds of thousands of teachers will return to in-person classes. While we applaud your leadership in developing the ‘Stay Safe and Stay Open' plan, we encourage you to move urgently to deploy rapid COVID-19 test kits to public schools by January 2nd. We do not have a moment to lose. As you know, our nation is once again experiencing an unprecedented wave of COVID-19 infections. Our nation is posting new daily records that outpace last year's daily case rate; New York City's reported positive test rate has been the highest since the pandemic began. Unfortunately, we can expect more troubling data on test results, hospitalizations, and deaths as families return home from holiday travel. While the Omicron variant and Delta variant continue to spread, we know that rigorous testing and following other public health measures can help keep people, including students, safe. We applaud your leadership and steadfast efforts to secure approximately 3.5 million rapid test kits – including one million from Governor Hochul – for distribution at public schools. These kits, however, must be available by January 2nd. Parents, students, and educators should be able to test themselves before the start of school on January 3rd to reduce the transmission of the virus. We thank you for your leadership to keep New York City safe and encourage you to make rapid test kits available by January 2nd. If we are to help control the spread of COVID-19, we must test. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-issues-statement-on-the-passing-of-archbishop-desmond-tutu/,CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU,2021-12-26,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 26, 2021 MEDIA CONTACT: e: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov c: 202.480.5737 Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), issued the following statement on the passing of Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu: “Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the global Ambassador of humanity and human rights who helped usher in an era that united the world in a common cause: ending apartheid in South Africa. What a great loss for the world and mankind. The 1984 Nobel Peace Prize winner was the Commencement Speaker at my graduation from Oberlin College and a leader and true inspiration in the Global Racial Justice movement. I have powerful and indelible memories of Archbishop Tutu’s passion for justice as commencement speaker. This would be the first of several encounters with him over the years. He was truly an inspiring leader, said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “He is leaving behind a legacy that will not only shape generations to come, but continue to be transformative, as we advance the movement for a more just and equitable world. May he rest in peace.” ### Yvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York’s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-urges-biden-ramp-production-covid-treatments-therapeutics,"Malliotakis Urges Biden to Ramp Up Production of COVID Treatments, Therapeutics",2021-12-23,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,NY,Nicole Malliotakis,M000317,malliotakis.house.gov,malliotakis,https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(STATEN ISLAND, NY) - Today, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) sent a letter to President Biden urging the administration to turn its focus to increasing the supply and distribution of monoclonal antibody treatments and therapeutic medicines to treat COVID-19 infections. In New York City, hospitals are reporting shortages of the monoclonal antibody Sotrovimab, which is hindering their ability to adequately treat their patients. ""As you addressed the nation yesterday regarding the rise in COVID-19 infections attributed to the Omicron variant, you committed to upping the supply and availability of testing kits to the general public,"" Malliotakis wrote. ""While testing remains important, I was disappointed that your announcement did not also include a commitment from your administration to focus efforts on increasing the supply of monoclonal antibody treatments and therapeutic medicines to treat COVID-19 infections."" Malliotakis added: ""We are now two years and multiple variants into this pandemic. It is clear that COVID 19 is going to remain among us in one form or another, and the government mandates and restrictions have not been effective only increasing vaccine hesitancy and distrust of government. I urge you to turn the attention of your administration toward expanding our arsenal of therapeutic treatments that could both save lives and get us back to normalcy.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3517,Tonko Heralds Major Federal Grant to Develop Offshore Wind Manufacturing at Port of Albany,2021-12-23,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,tonko,https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Paul D. Tonko today cheered the awarding of $29.5 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation for a new offshore wind manufacturing facility at the Port of Albany, paving the way for the Capital Region’s leadership in this emerging industry and bringing good paying, clean energy jobs to the region. “Offshore wind presents a tremendous opportunity to lower energy costs and reduce pollution all while promoting regional job creation and economic growth,” Congressman Tonko said. “I’m spearheading the effort in Congress to capitalize on this opportunity, and am proud to have successfully fought for this historic investment in our local Port of Albany. This award ensures that New York State will help lead the way of innovation in this emerging industry as one of the nation’s first large-scale, offshore wind tower manufacturing centers. My congratulations to all involved in this worthy effort to green our ports and secure our nation’s strong clean energy future.” This $29.5 million investment will support the Port of Albany Offshore Wind Manufacturing Project, a historic clean energy and economic development program for the Capital Region. This massive achievement will make Albany home to one of the first large-scale offshore wind tower manufacturing facilities in the nation, creating more than 1,000 high-quality, clean energy jobs for the region. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://clarke.house.gov/rep-clarke-chairwoman-maloney-and-rep-ocasio-cortez-call-on-government-accountability-office-to-evaluate-the-impacts-of-peaker-power-plant-pollution/,"REP. CLARKE, CHAIRWOMAN MALONEY, AND REP. OCASIO-CORTEZ CALL ON GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE TO EVALUATE THE IMPACTS OF PEAKER POWER PLANT POLLUTION",2021-12-22,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 22, 2021 MEDIA CONTACT: e: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov c: 202.480.5737 Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Committee Member Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sent a letter to Comptroller General Gene L. Dodaro, head of the Government Accountability Office (GAO), requesting that GAO examine ​the impact of peaker power plant pollution on frontline communities and evaluate replacement strategies. Peaker plants, which burn dirty fuel when electricity demand peaks, are less efficient and more expensive than typical baseload power plants, and are more likely to be located in low-income neighborhoods and in communities of color. Millions of Americans across the country live near peaker plants. New York City alone has 89 peaker units, including 49 in Rep. Clarke’s home borough of Brooklyn​, 28 in the vicinity of Chairwoman Maloney’s district​, and 16 in Rep. Ocasio-Cortez’s district. “Addressing the use of peaker plants, which can emit twice the carbon and up to 20 times the nitrous oxides of a typical plant while operating significantly less efficiently, represents a high-impact opportunity to reduce climate risks and tackle a life-threatening environmental justice issue,” wrote the Members. “We request GAO’s assistance in reporting on key data to assess damage, uncover health burdens, calculate economic costs, and identify alternative solutions to the use of peaker power plants.” In their letter, the Members underscore that GAO’s evaluation will be critical ​to expose the health burdens associated with peaker power plants, calculate economic costs, and identify ​equitable alternatives to ​meet peak electricity demand. In July 2021, the Committee on Oversight and Reform held a hearing on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, a key White House environmental justice policy. One expert testified that 3,000 deaths per year in New York City are attributable to particulate matter and that peaker plant pollution is among the primary culprits. In August 2021, Rep. Clarke —original sponsor of the Promoting Energy Alternatives is Key to Emission Reductions (PEAKER) Act of 2021— and Chairwoman Maloney met with environmental justice leaders and “Asthma Alley” residents ahead of the Committee’s field roundtable on peaker power plants in Queens, New York. Immediately ​following the roundtable, Chairwoman Maloney provided testimony against a peaker plant proposal in Rep. Ocasio-Cortez’s district at a public hearing. In October 2021, New York State denied a Clean Air Act permit needed to go forward with the proposal. Click here to read the full letter. ### Yvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York’s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and a Senior Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-calls-for-vote-on-her-bill-to-establish-first-national-asian,Meng Calls For Vote on Her Bill to Establish First National Asian Pacific American Museum,2021-12-22,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, announced today that she led a letter to the Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee requesting that he hold a committee vote on her legislation that seeks to create the first national museum dedicated to preserving the history, culture, and accomplishments of Asian Pacific Americans (APA). Meng asked Chairman Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) to make her bill the first measure that the panel takes up in January 2022. If the legislation is approved by the Committee, it would then head for a vote on the floor of the House. ""The story of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) is interwoven within the history of America, but frequently our history is forgotten or ignored in the greater narrative of American history,"" the letter said. ""That is why we urge you to markup this bill as a first step to creating a national museum dedicated to the history and culture of AAPIs. Our experiences – both good and bad – provide an opportunity for us to celebrate our accomplishments, honor the challenges we have overcome, and press forward toward a more perfect union."" Meng's request follows her appearance earlier this month before a Natural Resources Subcommittee hearing where she testified in support of her bill. The hearing also included supportive testimony from journalist Lisa Ling and Stop AAPI Hate Co-Founder Dr. Russell Jeung. The House Natural Resources Committee is the panel that has jurisdiction over this issue. Entitled the ""Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act,"" Meng's legislation would create a panel of individuals with various expertise in museum planning or APA research and culture to look into the viability of establishing, maintaining, funding and operating such a facility in the nation's capital, possibly as part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., the world's largest museum and research complex. A copy of Meng's letter can be viewed here and the text of the correspondence is below. Those who signed the letter include members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. ------------------------------------------ The Honorable Raúl M. Grijalva Chairman House Committee on Natural Resources 1324 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 I write to request that you include my Commission to Study the Potential Creation of A National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act,H.R. 3525, in your first markup in January 2022. The story of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) is interwoven within the history of America, but frequently our history is forgotten or ignored in the greater narrative of American history. That is why we urge you to markup this bill as a first step to creating a national museum dedicated to the history and culture of AAPIs. Museums are gateways to learning about ourselves, our communities, and our history. They provide space to memorialize the accomplishments of ancestors, learn from the past, and be inspired by the richness of where our country can go. The history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is filled with immense contributions and sadly embedded with stories of disenfranchisement. From the thousands of Asian immigrants who helped build vital pieces of U.S. infrastructure, to the thousands who were denied entry and citizenship because of immigration laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act, AAPIs have shaped and been shaped by America for generations. My legislation is the first step in creating a national museum that is dedicated to interweaving AAPI history in the broader narrative of American history. Our experiences – both good and bad – provide an opportunity for us to celebrate our accomplishments, honor the challenges we have overcome, and press forward toward a more perfect union. That is why we urge you to take up this bill in your Committee markup and move it through the legislative process. We thank you for your leadership in ensuring that all components of our history are memorialized, and we look forward to working with you as we preserve the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ocasio-cortez-leads-bipartisan-letter-president-biden-calling-reopening,"Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Leads Bipartisan Letter to President Biden, Calling for Reopening of Yemen’s Sana International Airport",2021-12-22,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,O000172,ocasio-cortez.house.gov,ocasio-cortez,https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a recent letter, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called on President Biden to exert diplomatic pressure on Saudi Arabia to end their blockade of the Sana International Airport. Congresswoman Nancy Mace and Senators Elizabeth Warren and Rand Paul co-signed the letter. Yemen's major airport has been out of use since August 2016, due to an ongoing civil war, in which the Saudi-led coalition has instituted a blockade Yemen’s airspace—making it off limits for both commercial and humanitarian purposes. This blockade is especially devastating because nearly 80 percent of Yemen’s citizens are in need of humanitarian assistance and 16.2 million people are at risk of famine, including 400,000 children under the age of 5. The letter reads in part, “The United States must make clear that this cruel and senseless blockade is causing devastating harm to millions of innocent Yemenis and is harmful to diplomacy and the peace process. The Biden Administration should leverage all possible influence to pressure the Saudi-led coalition to end and decouple its blockade of the Sana’a International Airport from negotiations and allow for the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid through the airport.” The full letter is available here. New York’s 14th Congressional District is home to a large community of Yemeni families, and Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez is proud to stand with them in the fight for their loved ones.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-bowman-espaillat-lead-letter-to-biden-requesting-covid-19-testing,"Meng, Bowman, Espaillat Lead Letter to Biden Requesting COVID-19 Testing Kits Be Steered to NYC",2021-12-21,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – With COVID-19 cases spiking in New York, U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY), Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) and Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) led a letter to President Biden this afternoon thanking him for taking action to address the surge, and requesting that he steer much needed testing kits to New York City. ""We applaud your announcement to take new steps that keep Americans safe from Omicron, including using the Defense Production Act to further accelerate production of additional testing kits as quickly as possible,"" the lawmakers wrote. ""We respectfully encourage your Administration to steer the necessary testing kits to New York City as it will require additional testing kits in the months ahead to protect people and communities from severe illness. Friday marked the highest reported testing day in New York City since the beginning of the pandemic. In New York City, lines for testing have wrapped around city blocks. Our constituents report wait times well over an hour, upwards of six hours in some places. Others report traveling to upwards of three different testing sites as frustration continues to mount as test sites across the five boroughs are running out of tests. Building on your successes in the fight against the virus, we must ensure cities like New York City have access to a sufficient number of tests to meet the demands of the Omicron surge."" Members of Congress who joined the Meng-Bowman-Espaillat letter include New York Reps. Carolyn Maloney, Gregory Meeks, Nydia Velázquez, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ritchie Torres, Thomas Suozzi and Hakeem Jeffries. A copy of the letter can be viewed here, and the text of the correspondence is below. ------------------------------- Dear President Biden, Thank you very much for your leadership to address the COVID-19 pandemic. We applaud your announcement to take new steps that keep Americans safe from Omicron, including using the Defense Production Act to further accelerate production of additional testing kits as quickly as possible. We respectfully encourage your Administration to steer the necessary testing kits to New York City as it will require additional testing kits in the months ahead to protect people and communities from severe illness. From getting shots into arms, to requiring masking, your Administration has taken these steps and other actions to provide protection from the virus. Nevertheless, the Omicron variant presents us with new challenges. Last Friday, New York State reported 21,027 new positive cases of COVID-19, a new single-day record. Of those new cases, New York City represented almost half. With the rapid spread of the virus comes increased demand for COVID-19 testing. Friday marked the highest reported testing day in New York City since the beginning of the pandemic. In New York City, lines for testing have wrapped around city blocks. Our constituents report wait times well over an hour, upwards of six hours in some places. Others report traveling to upwards of three different testing sites as frustration continues to mount as test sites across the five boroughs are running out of tests. At-home COVID-19 testing kits are also becoming scarce at pharmacies, leaving New Yorkers with few testing options before holiday travel commences. Throughout this pandemic, New York City has served as the bellwether for the state of the pandemic, and an indicator of the steps we need to take to address a rise in cases nationally. As we head into a busy holiday season in which many New Yorkers are grieving someone they lost to the pandemic, the proactive, preventative steps we take now to make testing truly accessible can save lives and prevent a deadly repeat of 2020. We further emphasize the need to ensure at-home tests are made available free of charge to remove barriers that may otherwise prevent people from receiving the care they need and keeping our communities healthy and safe. We sincerely appreciate that the Administration invoked the Defense Production Act in February and has procured to date nearly $2 billion in rapid point-of-care and over-the-counter at-home COVID-19 tests from multiple COVID-19 test manufacturers. Building on your successes in the fight against the virus, we must ensure cities like New York City have access to a sufficient number of tests to meet the demands of the Omicron surge. Ensuring our communities have adequate COVID-19 testing stockpiles will ensure that those seeking to travel or spend time indoors can do so safely after securing a negative test result.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://clarke.house.gov/caribbean-caucus-co-chairs-clarke-waters-and-plaskett-meet-with-the-commission-for-a-haitian-solution-to-the-crisis/,"CARIBBEAN CAUCUS CO-CHAIRS CLARKE, WATERS AND PLASKETT MEET WITH THE COMMISSION FOR A HAITIAN SOLUTION TO THE CRISIS",2021-12-20,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 20, 2021 Media contact: e: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov (Clarke) c: 202.480.5737 Washington, D.C. – On December 16th, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), and Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (USVI), the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caribbean Caucus, held a virtual meeting with several representatives of the Commission for a Haitian Solution to the Crisis. Following the meeting, they released the following statement: “We met with representatives of the Commission for a Haitian Solution to the Crisis to discuss their efforts to respond to the extraordinary challenges facing Haiti. They described in detail their efforts to work towards a peaceful resolution of the current political and institutional crisis in Haiti and their plans for Haiti’s future. We were inspired by their courage, and we admire their commitment to dialogue and consensus. We appreciate their efforts to meet with Haitians representing diverse sectors of society and listen to their concerns, and we look forward to continuing our dialogue with them as they continue their work for a better future for the people of Haiti.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-local-colleagues-express-school-safety-concerns-incoming-nycdoe,"Malliotakis, Local Colleagues Express School Safety Concerns to Incoming NYCDOE Chancellor",2021-12-20,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,NY,Nicole Malliotakis,M000317,malliotakis.house.gov,malliotakis,https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(STATEN ISLAND, NY) - Following a meeting with officials from the NYC Department of Education (NYCDOE), NYPD, Susan Wagner High School, and the Office of School Safety to address a number of recent incidents that have occurred at Susan Wagner High School, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis led her local colleagues in sending a letter to incoming DOE Chancellor David Banks expressing concerns about school safety throughout New York City Schools. Of the concerns, the lawmakers specifically called on Banks to focus on addressing the shortage of school safety officers, develop a notification system to better communicate with parents, and reevaluate school discipline policies to establish consequences and interventions for negative behavior. Malliotakis added: ""What's been happening in and around our schools is extremely troubling, particularly for students, staff, and the surrounding community. We're collectively asking Chancellor Banks to reverse Mayor de Blasio's policies that have only exacerbated disruption and violence in our schools, establish policies to restore school safety immediately, and give power back to teachers and principals to control their classrooms.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-joined-by-borough-president-richards-highlights-federal,"Meng, Joined By Borough President Richards, Highlights Federal Infrastructure Bill and What It Stands to Provide to Queens",2021-12-20,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), joined by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, today hailed the recent enactment of the federal infrastructure bill, and called for funding from the measure to be directed toward improving local infrastructure in Queens. Meng helped pass the historic and bipartisan legislation through the House of Representatives last month (on November 5th), and she recently joined President Biden at the White House (on November 15th) when he signed the $1.2 trillion measure into law. It will provide billions for New York's roads, bridges, highways, mass transit, airports, high-speed internet, clean drinking water, clean energy and more. But the Congresswoman urged the city and state to make sure that funding flows to the borough, including to her congressional district, as they receive this federal money and decide where it will go. ""Over nearly two years, many of my constituents have had their lives turned upside down,"" Meng added. ""My congressional district was the heart of the epicenter when COVID-19 first struck our nation, and in September, areas I represent were hit hard by flooding from Hurricane Ida. Many families remain devastated and continue to struggle, and much of our local infrastructure failed them. Queens stands to benefit from the infrastructure bill. The city and state need to hear our calls for funding, and must step up and deliver for our borough and my district. I look forward to working with the Governor and incoming Mayor."" ""The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal is critical for Queens and a chance for our resilient future,"" said Borough President Richards. ""From housing our airports to recovering from Hurricane Ida's devastation, Queens has a real need for infrastructure investment and I am grateful for our partners in Congress, especially Congresswoman Grace Meng, for their advocacy."" The Borough President especially highlighted the need for funding for Queens following the devastation caused by Ida. Some of the key projects for which Meng is advocating include the rebuilding and reopening the shuttered Elmhurst Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station, funding for elevators and platform extensions at the LIRR stop in Forest Hills, electric vehicle charging stations in areas she represents, median replacements, road repairs and catch basin upgrades in her district, making local subway and train stops accessible to the elderly and disabled, replacing lead pipes, and connecting more constituents to the internet, among other initiatives.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-joins-bicameral-letter-to-biden-administration-requesting-answers,Meng Joins Bicameral Letter to Biden Administration Requesting Answers to Inconsistent Approach Adopted Toward Afghans Who Have Applied for Humanitarian Parole in the U.S.,2021-12-20,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, joined Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) and U.S. Senator Ed Markey's (D-MA) letter to President Biden, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Ur Jaddou requesting answers from the Administration regarding the high number of Afghan humanitarian parole applications that have been denied, and the inconsistent standards applied to applications from those in Afghanistan. ""We cannot turn our backs on those who remain in Afghanistan,"" said Congresswoman Meng. ""I have unfortunately heard from organizations seeking to help vulnerable Afghans leave the country that parole applications are being denied right and left, some due to a lack of ‘evidence' that they were in danger. The current situation in Afghanistan clearly meets the criteria of ‘compelling reasons' to quickly parole these vulnerable individuals into the United States. That is why this letter is so important. The Administration needs to take urgent action to create a special parole program for Afghans as previous administrations have done in the past to ensure we are addressing the unique urgency this situation demands."" The correspondence specifically asks the Biden Administration to answer a number of questions regarding the blanket parole denials, including: How many humanitarian parole applications related to the Afghanistan situation have been approved and how many have been denied? How many of these applications have been issued Requests for Evidence? To what extent are Afghan nationals who applied for humanitarian parole considered for inclusion in the Operation Allies Welcome parole pipeline? A copy of the full letter can be viewed here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-announces-laguardia-airport-to-receive-over-28-million-from,Meng Announces LaGuardia Airport to Receive Over $28 Million From Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,2021-12-18,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that $28.4 million from the recently enacted federal infrastructure bill is headed to New York to make much needed improvements to LaGuardia Airport. ""I was proud to help pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act because I knew it would make a difference in our city, and I am glad to see this vital funding coming to LaGuardia,"" said Meng. ""This money will go a long way toward needed infrastructure improvements and jobs for New Yorkers, and I look forward to this funding benefiting the airport for decades to come."" LaGuardia Airport will receive a similar tranche of funding from the historic bipartisan infrastructure law each year for the next five years, as part of a program for airport development. The tranche is likely to slightly vary from year to year, as the funding reflects annual enplanement totals. In addition to these guaranteed funds, LaGuardia can compete with other airports across the country for grants from an additional $5 billion nationally for terminal and landside improvements.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://clarke.house.gov/co-chairs-of-the-house-haiti-caucus-issue-statement-on-the-release-of-all-remaining-captured-missionaries-in-haiti/,CO-CHAIRS OF THE HOUSE HAITI CAUCUS ISSUE STATEMENT ON THE RELEASE OF ALL REMAINING CAPTURED MISSIONARIES IN HAITI,2021-12-17,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 17, 2021 Media contact: e: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov (Clarke) c: 202.480.5737 Washington, D.C. – Today, co-chairs of the House Haiti Caucus and Caribbean Caucus released the following statement regarding the release of the remaining 12 captured U.S. and Canadian missionaries in Haiti: “We are profoundly grateful and relieved to learn that the final 12 hostages held in Haiti, who were abducted more than two months ago, were safely found yesterday. With their release, all 17 of the missionaries representing Christian Aid Ministries are able to return to their homes. These individuals, five of whom are children, ventured into Haiti for a noble cause: helping people in need. We wish them well as they recover from the trauma of the past two months, and we thank them for their dedication,” said the co-chairs. “Though this terrible chapter has concluded, the tragic conditions that have struck Haiti throughout the past year and enabled lawlessness of this degree persist. U.S. policy concerning Haiti must be rooted in building upon a partnership that will continue to promote democracy, human rights, and security throughout the nation. It is our hope and intention that efforts to support a Haitian-led democratic government’s stabilization and reemergence take priority for this administration. To prevent further tragedies, it is paramount we reimagine our approach and policies to supporting our Haitian neighbors.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-calls-tiktok-remove-dangerous-content-and-act-protect,CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE CALLS ON TIKTOK TO REMOVE DANGEROUS CONTENT AND ACT TO PROTECT PUBLIC SAFETY,2021-12-17,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph D. Morelle,M001206,morelle.house.gov,morelle,https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Rochester, NY) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle called on the social media platform TikTok to better moderate dangerous content on its platform. Recent posts on TikTok have warned that schools in Rochester and across the country would face shooting and bomb threats today, December 17—significantly disrupting school activities and even forcing some schools to close for the day. ""Posts spreading on TikTok that incite violence are threatening the safety of educators, students, and families in our community. TikTok has a responsibility to moderate dangerous content—and they're failing,"" said Congressman Joe Morelle. ""This has become an alarming pattern of behavior that cannot continue. I'm calling on TikTok to publicly address this most recent incident and take immediate action to better moderate content on their platform and stop the spread of violence. At a time when students, teachers, and staff have to contend with the recent growth in dangerous incidents in school, including a school shooting three weeks ago in Michigan where four students were killed, these threats are particularly disturbing and must be taken seriously. Sadly, this is not the first instance of negligence by TikTok resulting in violence. Earlier this year, TikTok was misused to promote harassment and destructive acts within schools, including vandalism and physical assault, known as the ‘Devious Licks' challenge. This is the second time Rep. Morelle has called upon TikTok to take action addressing the spread of dangerous content on their platform. In response to Morelle's October 2021 letter, TikTok claimed the Devious Licks challenge was a ""hoax."" This is an unacceptable response that abdicates responsibility to protect public safety. In a letter sent today, Rep. Morelle requests a more substantive response that details their action to address this deeply troubling trend.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressional-gold-medal-bill-servicemembers-killed-afghanistan-signed-law,Congressional Gold Medal Bill For Servicemembers Killed In Afghanistan Signed into Law,2021-12-16,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,NY,Andrew R. Garbarino,G000597,garbarino.house.gov,garbarino,https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Joe Biden signed H.R. 5142 into law, which would posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021. Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) was proud to help introduce this bill as an original cosponsor, which was sponsored by Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI) in the House. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) sponsored the companion bill in the Senate. ""The loss of thirteen American servicemembers that day weighs heavily on us all,"" said Rep. Garbarino. ""I am glad these fallen heroes are finally receiving the recognition they deserve, and I hope that this serves as some solace to their families and loved ones. We will never forget their profound sacrifice."" The legislation will award the Congressional Gold Medal to Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Sgt. Nicole Gee, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Cpl. Daegan Page, Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, Cpl. David Lee Espinoza, Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, Hospitalman Maxton Soviak and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss. This legislation was cosponsored by 326 House members and 68 Senators. To read the full text of the bill, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-applauds-cancellation-plan-give-450k-payments-illegal-immigrants,Malliotakis Applauds Cancellation of Plan to Give $450k Payments to Illegal Immigrants,2021-12-16,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,NY,Nicole Malliotakis,M000317,malliotakis.house.gov,malliotakis,https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(WASHINGTON, DC) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), an outspoken leader in the fight against President Biden's border policies, and sponsor of legislation with Sens. McConnell and Cotton that would prevent $450,000 settlement payments to illegal immigrants, released the below statement following the Department of Justice's announcement that the Administration is calling off plans to give settlement payments: ""The Administration's plan to give $450,000 in settlement payments to those who entered our country illegally was a terrible idea, a slap in the face to hardworking citizens, and only further incentivized illegal migration. This is our second border security victory in two weeks. Shortly after I and other Republicans hammered the Biden Administration for not resuming the Supreme Court ordered 'Remain in Mexico' policy, the policy was fully reinstated. This is another win for taxpayers and proof that when Republicans stick together and fight we can stop bad policies from coming to fruition and protect the interests of American citizens. It's just a shame that we have to fight so hard for just a little commonsense.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-measure-demanding-iran-transparency-passes-house-senate-ndaa,Malliotakis Measure Demanding Iran Transparency Passes House & Senate in NDAA,2021-12-16,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,NY,Nicole Malliotakis,M000317,malliotakis.house.gov,malliotakis,https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(WASHINGTON, DC) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) today applauded the final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included her legislative language that would require the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to submit a report to Congress that details any Iran-backed kidnapping operations against United States citizens. The language also requires the DNI to devise a strategy to counter, dissuade, and hold Iran accountable for such actions. Earlier this year, the FBI successfully stopped an international kidnapping plot orchestrated by an Iranian intelligence network targeting Iranian-American journalist and Brooklyn resident Masih Alinejad. Malliotakis, who partly represents Brooklyn and sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, introduced the measure and pushed for it to become part of the NDAA shortly thereafter. ""With Iran preying on Americans like Alinejad, and the Biden Administration entertaining rejoining the flawed Iran Nuclear Deal, it's critically important that Congress and the public have full access to the facts on any nefarious activities Iran has conducted on American soil so we can work together to prevent them in the future,"" said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. ""This information will not only help us protect Americans, but it will allow us to push back on the Iran Deal and hold the Iranian regime accountable for their malign actions. I’m pleased to see my language included in the final version of the NDAA and urge the Biden Administration to think twice before making any deals with Iran.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morelle-takes-action-lower-cost-childcare-monroe-county-families,CONGRESSMAN MORELLE TAKES ACTION TO LOWER THE COST OF CHILDCARE FOR MONROE COUNTY FAMILIES,2021-12-16,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph D. Morelle,M001206,morelle.house.gov,morelle,https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Rochester, NY) - Today, Congressman Joe Morelle joined with community advocates to announce he has secured funding to lower the cost of childcare for Monroe County families. The provisions, passed as part of the Build Back Better Act, will expand federal cost assistance through Child Care Development Block Grants. ""Right now, New Yorkers are paying over twenty-three percent of their income on childcare costs—that places an enormous financial and emotional burden on parents, and it must change,"" said Congressman Morelle. ""Supporting the needs of working families has always been my top priority, which is why I'm proud to have taken action to significantly lower costs and save families upwards of $10,000 a year on childcare. This will be transformative for Monroe County families and will help set our children up for success from an early age."" The average annual cost of a childcare center in New York is $12,361. Through provisions in the Build Back Better Act, it is expected that a family of four making $68,000 will pay no more than $1,360 annually—a savings of $11,000.[1] Under the legislation, subsidized childcare will be available for families of children age 5 and younger who are not enrolled in kindergarten. Parents must be working or participating in work-related activities such as job training to qualify. Families earning incomes at and below 75 percent of State Median Income (SMI) will have no co-payment. Household SMI in New York State is approximately $68,000 annually. New York Families earning above 75 percent SMI will be charged copayments depending on their income level, as follows: Families earning above 75 percent and not more than 100 percent SMI (between $51,000 and $68,000) will have a copayment of more than 0 percent and not more than 2 percent of their family income. (Ex: Family making $68,000 would pay no more than $1,360 on childcare) Families earning above 100 percent and not more than 125 percent SMI (between $68,000 and $85,000) will have a copayment of more than 2 percent and not more than 4 percent of their family income. (Ex: Family making $85,000 would pay no more than $3,400 on childcare) Families earning above 125 percent and not more than 150 percent SMI (between $85,000 and $102,000) will have a copayment of more than 4 percent and not more than 7 percent of their family income. (Ex: Family making $100,000 would pay no more than $7,000 on childcare) Families earning above 150 percent and not more than 250 (between $102,000 and $170,000) percent SMI will have a copayment of no more than 7 percent of their family income. The benefit amount for families would be sufficient to purchase care in an accredited childcare facility. If a state can cover the required populations more quickly, it may use payments in the first three years to expand access to direct services that go beyond the income eligibility phase-in thresholds, but do not exceed 250 percent SMI or $170,000 in New York State. ""This is a welcomed relief for families, and organizations like us, that are committed to providing this critical community service,"" said George Romell, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Rochester. ""It strengthens our ability to support working families, and ultimately, provides a roadmap for children to succeed in life. We look forward to working with vital community partners to find 21st century solutions to deliver dynamic care and we are grateful to Congressman Morelle for his leadership on this initiative and longtime support of the Y."" ""Reducing the cost of high-quality childcare is a moral and necessary step towards economic and social justice,"" said Jerome H. Underwood, President & CEO of Action for a Better Community. ""Utilizing funding from the Build Back Better Act as a means to this end is one way to ensure that the unprecedent level of funding coming to Monroe County is allocated where it is most needed. We look forward to the day when affordable childcare is a priority item with sustainable funding. ABC fully supports lowering childcare costs for economically marginalized families as a viable path towards an inclusive recovery. With other community partners, we will continue to advocate for permanently affordable childcare."" ""It is both a moral imperative and an economic necessity for children to have safe and nurturing places to be while their parents work,"" said Larry Marx, CEO of The Children's Agenda. ""We are on the brink of a once in a generation opportunity to transform how our nation cares for children. Providing universal preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds and ensuring access to quality, affordable childcare are policies that will impact the health, education, and lifelong success of our children. The Children's Agenda thanks Congressman Morelle for his leadership on behalf of Monroe County's children, and we call on the US Senate to show the same kind of commitment by passing the Build Back Better Act, because there is no such thing as someone else's child."" ""As a single father with a daughter who is almost 2 years old, the passage of this act will have a huge impact on my family,"" said local parent, Dan Blumerick. ""Daycare expenses are tremendously high and the cost to send Cassidy full-time are higher than our housing costs, including mortgage and utilities. Often, I need to pay for daycare using credit cards and incur interest on the charges. Cassidy has thrived at daycare, showing tremendous social-emotional, cognitive and motor skill development. She is excited every day we go and her face lights up when we talk about daycare at home. We are incredibly grateful that Cassidy is able to have such a loving and nurturing environment to foster her growth."" Ann Marie Stephan, Executive Director of Rochester ChildfirstNetwork, said, ""If enacted into law, the childcare and pre-K provisions in the Build Back Better Act would provide much needed and long-awaited assistance for both families and childcare providers. As a local provider of childcare services, we often hear from families regarding the high cost of childcare. While existing subsidies help some families access childcare services, there are many who do not qualify, but still require financial assistance. The proposed changes in the Act would address the issue of more equitable access by providing affordable, high-quality childcare to eligible families, supporting them to either remain in or return to the workforce, which benefits our community. ""For too long, childcare centers have been hobbling along from year-to-year with inadequate and inconsistent funding streams. Rochester Childfirst Network, like other childcare centers, would benefit from receiving reimbursement rates that reflect the true cost of running a high-quality childcare program. This would, in turn, enable us to pay our valued childcare providers minimally a living wage and it would help us attract and retain childcare providers who are here consistently, which is important for children's social-emotional development. This Act prioritizes the needs of children and families and needed support to agencies that deliver these services. RCN extends our gratitude to Congressman Morelle and other local delegates for championing this bill."" The Build Back Better Act allocates $390 billion to make these historic investments. Each state will setup its own program to administer the funding it receives through Child Care Development Block Grants. In the first three years, states will receive a fixed amount of funding that they must use for specifics purposes. Estimates for New York State are as follows: $557 million which must be used to provide childcare subsidies to eligible families. $228 million which must be used for provider activity to expand supply and improve quality (which can include raising wages for childcare workers, renovating spaces to build capacity, hiring new staff, etc). $228 million for either of the above buckets and state administrative costs, depending on need. In the following three years, the state will receive as much money as it needs to provide subsidies to all eligible families.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3514,Tonko Cheers Biden-Harris Plan to Remove Lead from Homes & Water Systems,2021-12-16,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,tonko,https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Paul D. Tonko, Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee, today cheered the Biden-Harris Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan, which works to eliminate all lead contamination from communities and replace every one of the estimated 10 million lead service lines still in operation across the United States. “For years I have pushed to repair our crumbling water systems because I believe that no child should be drinking water from lead pipes,” Congressman Tonko said. “These contaminated water systems are not only dangerous for our families, they are terrible for our environment and our economy and drain precious resources from our budgets. Today’s announcement is a powerful step to make clean water a reality for all of our communities. I applaud President Biden for his strong leadership delivering this much needed action. I will do all I can to help execute a whole-of-government approach that ensures that every American can turn on their faucet and be confident that their water is clean and safe.” The Biden-Harris plan enlists funds from Tonko backed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which allocates billions to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to fund water infrastructure, including lead service line replacement. New York State is estimated to receive $428,072,000 in the first year of the program, including over $115 million dedicated to lead line removal. Further breakdown of that funding can be found HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases/garbarino-introduces-police-act-hold-migrants-accountable-violence-against-law,Garbarino Introduces The POLICE Act To Hold Migrants Accountable For Violence Against Law Enforcement,2021-12-15,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,NY,Andrew R. Garbarino,G000597,garbarino.house.gov,garbarino,https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) recently introduced H.R. 6264, the Protect Our Law enforcement with Immigration Control and Enforcement Act of 2021, also known as the POLICE Act of 2021. This bill would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to explicitly state that assaulting a law enforcement officer is a deportable offense. Original cosponsors of the bill include Representatives Elise Stefanik (R-NY), John Katko (R-NY), Lee Zeldin (R-NY), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Chris Jacobs (R-NY), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ), Kat Cammack (R-FL), Carlos Giménez (R-FL), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Michael Guest (R-MS), Randy Weber (R-TX), Dan Bishop (R-NC), and Ted Budd (R-NC). ""As the Biden Border Crisis rages on and illegal aliens continue to be granted access to this country at an alarming rate, I have serious concerns about the ramifications for law enforcement officers who are on the front lines dealing with these migrants,"" said Rep. Garbarino. ""Whether on Long Island or at the southern border, there should be no ambiguity that assaulting a police officer is a deportable offense. I introduced this bill to ensure that we can hold criminals accountable for violence against law enforcement officers who are simply doing their jobs. I am proud to stand with our men and women in blue."" Rep. Garbarino introduced this bill in the wake of reports earlier this month that two law enforcement officers were injured when responding to a disturbance at MercyFirst—the location of about 50 recently transferred undocumented minors on Long Island, NY. One officer suffered a concussion and the other had a broken hand. Previously, Rep. Garbarino called on the Biden Administration to provide answers about the undocumented migrants who had been relocated to New York, a portion of which were placed at MercyFirst, and later introduced legislation to that effect. Following the assault on local law enforcement, Rep. Garbarino chastised the Administration for its lack of response and reiterated his demand for transparency. ""Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line daily to keep our communities safe,"" Rep. Stefanik said. ""The Biden Administration’s open-border policies have incentivized illegal immigration, making our communities less safe and placing a greater burden on our officers working to uphold the law. Illegal immigrants must be held accountable for violent actions against law enforcement, which is why I am proud to support this legislation to make it a deportable offense to assault a law enforcement officer."" ""After holding a series of law enforcement roundtables in major cities across the country and speaking with law enforcement leaders, I continue to hear how the crisis at the southern border is fueling the crime crisis in states and cities not traditionally considered border communities,"" said Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member John Katko. ""The Biden Border Crisis continues to prop up drug and gang activity in American communities. As illicit drugs pour across the border, violent cartel and gang activity is re-emerging in neighborhoods and schools. As a former federal organized crime prosecutor, I’m incredibly proud of the work our law enforcement officers do under increasingly challenging circumstances. I am pleased to join Rep. Garbarino in this important effort and thank him for his leadership."" ""As violent crime continues rising throughout much of New York and the nation, it is as important as ever that we support our law enforcement officers more, not less, and do everything we can to ensure their safety, so that they can keep our communities safe,"" said Rep. Zeldin. ""I’m grateful to Congressman Garbarino for leading this effort to crack down on acts of violence against our men and women in Blue."" ""I’m proud to join Rep. Garbarino in cosponsoring the POLICE Act. This legislation protects our brave law enforcement officers and improves our border security by increasing penalties for illegal immigrants who assault officers,"" Rep. Jacobs said. ""President Biden's border crisis has created numerous criminal problems that threaten our nation's security. His continued avoidance of this crisis is unacceptable. We are a nation of laws – they must be followed and we must stand with those who keep our communities safe."" ""The Biden Administration is putting our law enforcement officers and every American citizen at risk by failing to secure our border and releasing thousands of illegal immigrants, smugglers and convicted felons into communities throughout our nation in the dead of night,"" said Rep. Malliotakis. ""I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing legislation that holds violent illegal immigrants accountable by requiring that the Immigration and Nationality Act explicitly state that assaulting a law enforcement officer is a deportable offense."" ""Under President Biden’s watch, over one million illegal immigrants have entered the country in 2021,"" said Rep. Tenney. ""Many of these individuals have been secretly resettled across the country, including to neighborhoods in New York State. Recently, in NYC, two police officers were assaulted by illegal immigrants when responding to a disturbance call. This should have never happened and it’s why the POLICE Act is so needed. This bill increases the penalties for illegal immigrants who break our laws and ensures that members of our law enforcement community are protected when fulfilling their duties. I’m honored to partner with Congressman Garbarino on this bill and to stand with our men and women in blue."" ""The chaos at our southern border opens the door to human traffickers, gang members and other dangerous criminals who enter our country with malicious intentions, threatening the safety of police officers serving as our first line of defense against crime,"" said Rep. Smith. ""We must provide the courageous men and women in law enforcement who put their lives on the line each and every day—and who are facing unprecedented threats and increasingly hostile working conditions—with the protections they need to keep our communities and families safe."" ""The recent assaults on law enforcement are just one of the many negative consequences of President Biden’s worsening border crisis,"" said Rep. Van Drew. ""It is imperative that we secure our borders and pass the POLICE Act to ensure the safety and security of our brave law enforcement officers and all Americans. Law-breaking illegal immigrants must be held accountable for their violent actions and I am proud to co-sponsor this critical piece of legislation."" ""I am proud to support the POLICE Act, which would make assaulting a law enforcement officer a deportable offense. I want to thank my friend Rep. Garbarino for introducing this bill to provide this much-needed update to our immigration laws,"" said Rep. Cammack. ""Our law enforcement officers need our support, now more than ever,"" said Rep. Miller-Meeks. ""Whether the Administration admits it or not, there is a crisis at our southern border and Americans are less safe because of it. While apprehensions are up, we have no idea how many individuals are evading border agents and making it into the interior of the United States. Making violence against law enforcement officers a deportable offense is a commonsense proposal that I am proud to support. The POLICE Act will help hold criminals accountable and keep our officers safe. Thank you to Congressman Garbarino for his leadership on this issue, I look forward to working with my colleagues to always support our heroic law enforcement officers."" ""A basic goal of our immigration system is screening and barring those individuals who could pose a threat to American citizens. Assaulting a law enforcement official is a violent offense and should be at the top of the list of offenses that prevents an individual from entering the greatest nation in history,"" Rep. Guest said. ""If we hope to remain a great country, we must ensure that those who enter our country, at the very least, respect the rule of law and the officers who uphold it."" ""Under the Biden Administration’s open border policies, hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants are trying to cross our border every month, including many with criminal records,"" said Rep. Hinson. ""This has made every single American less secure, and police officers across the country are on the frontlines of keeping us safe. Those coming to our country need to respect our laws and law enforcement, and violence against police officers should be a deportable offense. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the POLICE Act to ensure those who are violent toward U.S. law enforcement officers are not able to stay in this country and continue to pose a safety threat to our communities."" ""Supporting our police includes removing dangerous people who do them harm. If an illegal immigrant commits the crime of assaulting an officer, they should be subject to immediate deportation,"" said Rep. Budd. ""Our lawmakers must always back the men and women who protect and serve our communities. I’d like to thank Rep. Garbarino for leading this important bill."" ""I am proud to lend my support to the POLICE Act,"" said Rep. Bishop. ""This legislation makes explicit that assaulting a police officer is a deportable offense. Our men and women in uniform should not have to pay the consequences of Biden’s disastrous open border policies."" The text of the bill can be viewed here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-leads-bipartisan-letter-encouraging-nys-to-create-inventory-of-lead,Meng Leads Bipartisan Letter Encouraging NYS to Create Inventory of Lead Service Lines,2021-12-15,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) today led a letter to the Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health Mary Bassett and the department's Director of the Center for Environmental Health Gary Ginsberg, encouraging them work with public water systems and local stakeholders to expeditiously create an inventory of all lead service lines (LSLs) in New York State. New York State will receive billions in funds to help improve the state's infrastructure thanks to the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework that President Biden signed into law on November 15. Of those funds, New York State will receive over $428 million in 2022 to help upgrade the state's aging water system, replace lead service lines, and tackle PFAS. To address LSLs, the creation of an inventory would help ensure transparency and efficient use of funds. Some estimate the state may have 360,000 LSLs; an inventory would help identify where the pipes are and those affected. ""The money that the infrastructure bill will provide to our communities will not only help build us up, but also keep us healthy,"" said Meng. ""That is why we must do our due diligence and create an inventory of all lead pipes across the state that provide drinking water. This inventory will allow us to flag which pipes are in most need to be replaced and in turn provide those most at risk with access to clean drinking water."" A copy of the letter can be viewed here, and the text is below. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Acting Commissioner Bassett and Director Ginsberg: We write to you concerning a major provision of the recently enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, H.R. 3684 that provides funding for the replacement of lead service lines (LSL). We respectfully encourage the New York State Department of Health and its Center for Environmental Health to work closely with public water systems and other stakeholders to support work to expeditiously create an inventory of lead service lines within their communities to ensure this funding is used in a transparent and cost-effective manner. As you know, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, otherwise known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework (BIF), is a $1.2 trillion bill to improve physical infrastructure like roads and bridges in New York and around the country. It also provides over $50 billion to ensure people in the United States have access to clean water by replacing lead service lines. On December 2, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that New York will receive over $428 million in 2022 of those funds to upgrade the state's aging water system and address key challenges like this issue and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. This historic funding will help tackle the estimated 360,000 lead pipes in New York. Congress banned lead service lines in 1986 because of the threat they pose to public health, particularly for young children. Unfortunately, the ban did not address existing pipes, many of which are still in use today. Water contamination from lead pipes is one of the most significant contributors to a person's total lead exposure. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, published in 2018, suggests that slightly more than 6% of children under six years of age had blood lead levels above 5 micrograms per deciliter, which was the CDC's old standard. Under the CDC's new standard for blood lead levels of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter, we can tragically expect more children may test positive for poisoning. New York now has an invaluable opportunity to mitigate this public health threat with hundreds of millions of dollars in BIF funding for the replacement of lead pipes. New York must lead the nation by replacing all LSLs. Our concern is that without a database of existing LSLs, it will be nearly impossible to evaluate the effectiveness of that funding. In 2019, your department stated ""…a major obstacle to replacing LSLs is knowing their location. Most municipalities do not have an inventory of water service lines, and the ones that do are generally of limited accuracy. To overcome this obstacle, the first step of a statewide LSL replacement program should be the creation of a water service line inventory."" We agree with this assessment and believe an accurate accounting of all LSLs will ensure everyone in New York State has access to clean water. The historic infrastructure funding comes as the Environmental Protection Agency is expected to finalize implementation of the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations: Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) on December 16, 2021. It is anticipated that the LCRR will require public water systems to inventory LSLs by the end of 2024 to ensure we know the scope of the problem and for households to know their exposure. Given the funding from H.R. 3684 to address challenges in water infrastructure like replacing LSLs is already in the pipeline, we encourage you to expedite New York's compliance timetable and to work closely with the public water systems and other stakeholders to complete your inventory as required under the LCRR, and provide assistance as lines are identified to be replaced.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-pleads-with-state-department-to-bring-queens-constituent-home-with,Meng Pleads With State Department to Bring Queens Constituent Home With His Family After They Left Afghanistan,2021-12-14,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, announced today that she is pleading with the U.S. State Department to bring a Queens constituent back home with his family after they all left Afghanistan. Bilal Ahmad is a U.S. citizen who resides in Fresh Meadows. Over the summer, his wife and 5-year-old son were in Kabul, Afghanistan with loved ones when it fell to the Taliban. Ahmed traveled there to bring the two to Queens but was unable to get them out during the U.S. withdrawal. The family made it to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the three of them have been living in Abu Dhabi, Emirates Humanitarian City as Ahmad's wife and child continue to wait for temporary visas. Meng has intervened with the State Department urging the agency to accelerate the issuing of the visas, and she is calling for Ahmad to not lose his job after his employer told him that he had to be back at work by a certain date this month. He is also in jeopardy of losing his apartment and a part-time job as a driver if he is not back in New York soon. ""My heart aches for this family and my staff and I are pushing the State Department to get them to Queens,"" said Meng. ""Bilal went to Afghanistan to ensure the well-being of his family and to bring them to safety here. Months later, they should still not be stuck overseas, and his livelihood should not be at risk because he sought to keep his wife and child out of harm's way. We will continue to stay on top of the State Department to help get him home with them.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3509,"Tonko, Ellzey Introduce Microelectronics Research Legislation",2021-12-14,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,tonko,https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC—Representatives Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and Jake Ellzey (TX-6) today introduced the bipartisan Microelectronics Research for Energy Innovation Act (Micro Act) that would empower the Department of Energy to drive up research and development of microelectronics. “Manufacturing microelectronics has proven an essential industry in the push to establish a 21st century economy,” Congressman Tonko said. “Investing in this innovative technology will not only spur economic growth, it will strengthen our global competitiveness, domestic supply chain and national security. With the global semiconductor shortage—spurred on by the COVID-19 crisis—investing in microelectronics is more critical than ever. My legislation seizes on the opportunity to ensure our nation is a global leader in this growing industry. I urge my colleagues to join in support of this commonsense bill, and will continue pushing for legislation that secures our strong economic and technological future.” “Today, I had the great honor to be an original co-sponsor of the Microelectronics Research for Energy Innovation Act,” Rep. Ellzey said. “This bill will leverage the Department of Energy’s world-leading research and development capabilities to accelerate U.S. leadership in the microelectronics industry. As our economy becomes more dependent on microchips, this legislation will take key steps in revitalizing our domestic production base and spurring innovation. It is critical that the U.S. leads in microelectronics in all aspects, from design to fabrication. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with my colleague Paul Tonko, of New York, on this much needed investment.” Tonko is helping lead the charge in Congress to shore up American supply chains. Earlier this year, he called on the Biden Administration to invest in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing under the CHIPS for America Act. The Microelectronics Research for Energy Innovation Act: Requires the DOE to establish a program on the development, demonstration, and commercial application of microelectronics to drive the nation’s global competitiveness in the field of microelectronics. Establishes up to four Microelectronics Science Research Centers to conduct mission driven research to address foundational challenges in the design, development, and fabrication of microelectronics and to facilitate the translation of research results to industry.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3510,"Tonko, Upton, Axne Introduce Bill to Help Strengthen U.S. Manufacturing Supply Chain",2021-12-14,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,tonko,https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC—Representatives Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Fred Upton (MI-6), and Cindy Axne (IA-03) introduced the Manufacturing.gov Act today, bipartisan legislation already passed in the Senate that would establish a website to serve as a hub to connect manufacturers with federal manufacturing programs. U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Todd Young (R-IN) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the Senate bill, which was passed in October 2021. “Supporting our domestic manufacturing industry will immensely benefit our economy, job growth and global competitiveness,” Congressman Tonko said. “With the COVID crisis putting added strain on the industry, it is critical that we strengthen our domestic supply chain by supporting American manufacturers. The Manufacturing.gov Act helps deliver that key support by making federal programs and resources more accessible to manufacturers in New York and across the country. I applaud the work of Senator Peters to pass this legislation in the Senate and urge my colleagues in the House to come together in bipartisan fashion to bolster U.S. manufacturing.” “Now more than ever, we need to take steps today to secure our supply chain and bring manufacturing jobs back to Michigan and the United States,” said Rep. Fred Upton. “This bipartisan legislation will give our local manufacturers in Southwest Michigan another ‘tool in the toolbox’ to optimize their daily operations, build products that Americans use every day, and create good-paying jobs. Strengthening domestic manufacturing, which has unfortunately declined over the last couple decades, is a top priority for me and a critical mission as we look to compete with China and emerge as a global and economic leader in the 21st Century.” “This bipartisan measure will help Iowa in three distinct and important ways: it will connect Iowa manufacturers with new opportunities, it will create jobs in our communities, and it will strengthen our supply chains by creating more here at home,” said Rep. Axne. “By streamlining the ways that our local manufacturers can connect with federal programs, we ensure good opportunities don’t go unutilized because of government bureaucracy.” “This commonsense, bipartisan bill will make it easier for manufacturers in Michigan and across the country to navigate federal resources that can help them grow and succeed,” said Senator Peters, member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. “I’m proud to have passed this bill in the Senate, and applaud Congressman Tonko’s work to champion this effort in the House to give our domestic manufacturing capabilities a critical boost. I look forward to passing the Manufacturing.gov Act into law.” This bill addresses a Government Accountability Office report that found the federal government maintains 58 different manufacturing programs across 11 federal agencies—creating unnecessary hurdles and making it more difficult for manufacturers to access these programs.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morelle-senator-schumer-senator-gillibrand-announce-more-45,"CONGRESSMAN MORELLE, SENATOR SCHUMER, SENATOR GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $45 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING AWARDED TO L3HARRIS",2021-12-13,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph D. Morelle,M001206,morelle.house.gov,morelle,https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, DC) - Today, Congressman Joe Morelle, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that L3Harris Technologies Inc. has been awarded a $45.8 million Department of Defense contract for manpack radio development at their Rochester, New York, manufacturing facility. ""L3Harris is a major regional employer and global leader in innovative defense technology, and I'm proud that this significant award—which I have long advocated for—will allow them to not only enhance radio capabilities to better protect our warfighters, but also help further strengthen our local economy,"" said Congressman Joe Morelle. ""As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I'm committed to ensuring our military has the technology they need to execute successful missions and keep Americans safe. I look forward to continuing to work alongside L3Harris and my partners in Congress to deliver investments like this and support our Armed Forces."" L3 Harris Technologies, Inc. is the industry leader in defense communication technology, employing 3,900 people in Rochester and more than 5,000 across New York state last year. Their man pack software programmable digital radios will ensure servicemembers have the encryption and communication capabilities necessary for operational security and overall force readiness. ""This well-earned contract will support jobs at L3Harris, boosting the recovery of the entire Rochester-Finger Lakes economy,"" said Senator Schumer. ""L3Harris has proven time and time again that it can make superior radios for the U.S. military and our allies around the world. I'm proud to continue to work hard on behalf of this world-class producer of radios, and will always fight for investments that both protect our troops and provide a shot in the arm to the Rochester-Finger Lakes economy."" ""L3Harris' cutting-edge research in defense communications technology helps keep our servicemembers safe by ensuring that they have what they need to communicate safely on the front lines,"" said Senator Gillibrand, chair of the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee. ""This federal funding will allow L3Harris to continue to invest in and develop advanced programmable radios and help maintain thousands of good-paying jobs in Rochester and throughout New York State. I am proud to work with Senator Schumer and Congressman Morelle to secure federal resources for critical defense technology and will continue to do everything I can to ensure that Rochester remains at the forefront of military technology development and manufacturing.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/vel-zquez-outlines-infrastructure-law-funding-priorities-new-york-s-7th,Velázquez Outlines Infrastructure Law Funding Priorities for New York’s 7th Congressional District,2021-12-13,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Nydia M. Velázquez,V000081,velazquez.house.gov,velazquez,https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.— On the heels of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill becoming law and the impending billions in federal funding for New York, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has sent a letter to New York Governor Kathy Hochul to highlight her priorities for the funding to go towards local projects and upgrades. The recent law marks the largest investment in infrastructure in American history with New York state poised to receive $13.5 billion over five years in federal highway funds, $11.2 billion over five years to improve public transportation, $6 billion to advance vision zero plans, $14 billion in expanded INFRA grants for freight infrastructure aid, and $23 billion in expanded Capital Investment Grants. ""Across Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens, the needs throughout my congressional district are significant,"" said Velázquez. ""I am proud to have supported the legislation's passage, which brings federal investment to meet our communities' needs. However, this is only the beginning of the process. In light of the law's recent passage, we must work together to ensure that infrastructure funding is allocated appropriately across the board. The state has a unique role now that the federal government has done its part. From bridges and tunnels to public housing, I intend to advocate for equitable distribution of funds to meet the most challenging and immediate needs."" The projects that Velázquez is pressing for federal infrastructure funding for are: . Provide Brooklyn-Queens Expressway rehabilitation and associated improvements; Support New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) repairs and upgrades; Construct or rehabilitate accessible transit stations to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards; Improve resiliency and protection of coastal areas, especially in areas exhibiting needs (i.e. Red Hook), that may be addressed by initiatives similar to the Red Hook Coastal Resiliency project; Begin projects to improve stormwater and sewage infrastructure, with an emphasis on reducing backups; Foster improvements and rehabilitation of terminals, ports, piers, docks, and warehouses to support New York's participation in supply chain resiliency projects, similar to the East Coast Marine Highway Initiative's M95 study. Such projects under this category may also include the use of shore power and other infrastructure at Red Hook Terminals, to reduce diesel emissions and pollution; Emphasize the importance of pedestrian-centered projects, including the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway, to increase transportation alternatives; Reduce congestion and pollution on local streets, specifically in local areas connecting major transit arteries to the outer boroughs (i.e. Canal Street corridor connecting Holland Tunnel and the Brooklyn/Manhattan/Williamsburg bridges); Advance vision-zero and Safe Route to Schools-related projects, including the use of traffic calming techniques, to ensure pedestrian safety; and Increase availability of broadband access, including areas and populations identified by both New York State and New York City lacking broadband access.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-resolution-condemning-turkey-reported-out-house-foreign-affairs,Malliotakis Resolution Condemning Turkey Reported out of House Foreign Affairs Committee,2021-12-10,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,NY,Nicole Malliotakis,M000317,malliotakis.house.gov,malliotakis,https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis' (NY-11) resolution ""Condemning Turkey for its repeated aggression toward Cyprus,"" was reported out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee with bipartisan support. Currently, Turkish aggression in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean regions threatens the partnership between Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Malliotakis has been a relentless advocate for Cyprus' independence and has called on the Biden Administration to make resolving this issue a top foreign policy priority. In 1974, the Turkish government ordered its military to invade the Republic of Cyprus. Since then, Turkey, led by authoritarian President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has tolerated or abetted the desecration of more than 500 Orthodox Christian churches in Cyprus, brought over 200,000 illegal settlers to the geographic area, and despite having agreed to do so, failed to support international efforts to find and identify the remains of persons, including four U.S. citizens who have been missing since 1974. In October 2020, Turkish President Erdogan illegally reopened parts of the Varosha beachfront and the Turkish Cypriots, with President Erdogan's support, announced the partial reopening of the town of Varosha on July 20, 2021, both of which are inconsistent with United Nations Security Council resolutions. ""Turkey has been illegally occupying Cyprus for nearly 50 years, violating several international treaties, including the North Atlantic Treaty and the Treaty of Guarantee, which established and guaranteed Cyprus' independence,"" said Congresswoman Malliotakis. ""With Turkey only becoming more aggressive towards Cyprus and our allies in the Eastern Mediterranean, it's critically important for the United States to stand with our allies in support of freedom and democracy. I'm pleased to see my colleagues stand with me in condemning Turkey's illegal acts and will continue to push for the reunification of Cyprus and the return of Varosha to its native Greek Cypriot inhabitants."" “We applaud the passing of the bipartisan amendment of Resolution H.R.376 and express appreciation to Congresswoman Malliotakis for bringing collective action to condemn the numerous human rights violations by Turkey,"" said Philip Christopher, a Greek-American Community Leader. “We call on President Erdogan to stop the aggressive actions and end the 47-year illegal occupation of one-third of the Republic of Cyprus, member of the United Nations, European Union, and a strong partner of the United States.” ""We are grateful to have worked with Congresswoman Malliotakis on House Resolution 376 both before and after its introduction in May 2021,"" said Nick Larigakis, President, American Hellenic Institute (AHI). ""Congresswoman Malliotakis has been an integral partner of the AHI since joining Congress, and for that, we are deeply appreciative. We commend her for introducing and shepherding this important resolution. The Congresswoman's legislation is important and necessary, at a time when Turkey is threatening Cyprus with a ""two-state"" solution and taking actions towards that end. AHI will continue to work with the Congresswoman and like-minded allies in Congress to both elevate the U.S.-Cyprus relationship and hold Turkey accountable."" Specifically, Malliotakis' resolution:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-gottheimer-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-recognize-bahrains,"Malliotakis, Gottheimer Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize Bahrain's Independence",2021-12-09,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,NY,Nicole Malliotakis,M000317,malliotakis.house.gov,malliotakis,https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), led Reps. Crenshaw (R-TX), Meuser (R-PA), Cole (R-OK), Jackson (R-TX), Issa (R-CA), Wilson (R-SC), and McMorris-Rodgers (R-WA), in introducing a resolution to recognize Bahrain on the 50th anniversary of its independence. Bahrain has served as a strategic partner and ally of the United States since 1971 by bringing political stability to the Middle East and North Africa and providing the United States with a naval station in the Gulf. Bahrain also provided critical assistance to the United States by helping to evacuate American citizens from Afghanistan in the final days of our country's withdrawal from the country. “Our friend and ally Bahrain is an unwavering partner in a region of critical importance,” said Congresswoman Malliotakis. “The ideals upon which our constitutions were formed serve as the foundation of our shared relationship. From Bahrain’s leadership in spearheading the Abraham Accords with Israel to its generous hosting of major U.S. military installations, the people of Bahrain deserve our recognition now more than ever.” “Bahrain serves as an important ally in maintaining security in the Gulf region – particularly as Iran continues their malign activity in the region and in the world. Bahrain is a regional leader in countering terrorism financing and promoting peace – most recently by establishing full diplomatic relations between our historic ally, Israel,” said Congressman Gottheimer. “Now, we recognize Bahrain on the 50th anniversary of their independence, and continue our work in Congress to further strengthen our bilateral relationship.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-vows-fight-against-non-citizen-voting-new-york-city,Malliotakis Vows Fight Against Non-Citizen Voting in New York City,2021-12-09,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,NY,Nicole Malliotakis,M000317,malliotakis.house.gov,malliotakis,https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) blasted the New York City Council for passing a measure that will allow more than 800,000 non-citizens to vote in municipal elections. With the passage of this bill, New York City will become the largest city in the United States to allow non-citizens to vote. ""There is nothing more important than preserving the integrity of our election system,"" said Congresswoman Malliotakis. ""The government should be working to create more trust in our elections, not less. The right to vote is a sacred right given only to United States citizens. This careless legislation dilutes the voices of American citizens and is not in line with the views of the vast majority of our city. My local colleagues and I pledge to take the city to court and challenge this legislation.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morelle-takes-action-protect-americas-elections-and-strengthen,CONGRESSMAN MORELLE TAKES ACTION TO PROTECT AMERICA’S ELECTIONS AND STRENGTHEN DEMOCRACY,2021-12-09,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph D. Morelle,M001206,morelle.house.gov,morelle,https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, DC) - Today, Congressman Joe Morelle took action to protect America's elections and strengthen our democratic institutions by passing the Protecting Our Democracy Act. Rep. Morelle is a co-sponsor of the legislation which seeks to enhance transparency and accountability and protect American elections from foreign interference. ""Free and fair elections are the bedrock of our democracy and we must ensure they are protected from any interference, be it foreign or domestic,"" said Congressman Joe Morelle. ""In the words of my dear friend, the late Rep. John Lewis: ‘Democracy is not a state—it is an act.' That is why my colleagues and I have repeatedly taken action to protect our democratic institutions, and we'll continue fighting to ensure our democracy remains strong for generations to come."" The Protecting Our Democracy Act is takes important steps to restore the checks-and-balances, accountability, and transparency our Founding Fathers envisioned to protect against abuse of power. The legislation stands as a complement to other vital voting rights legislation passed by the House of Representatives this year, including H.R. 1, the For The People Act, and H.R. 4, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Specifically, the Protecting Our Democracy Act will: Prevent abuses of the Presidential pardon power. Ensure no president is above the law by suspending the statute of limitations for any federal offense committed by a sitting president or vice president. Strengthen tools for Congress to enforce lawfully-issued subpoenas. Impose a limit on Presidential declarations of emergencies and any powers triggered by such declarations unless extended by a vote of the Congress. Enhance protections for federal whistleblowers, including measures to protect the anonymity of whistleblowers. Protect against foreign interference in elections by requiring that political committees report to the FBI and the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) certain foreign contacts. For more information on the Protecting Our Democracy Act, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/four-amendments-protecting-our-democracy-act-offered-rep-ocasio-cortez-pass,Four Amendments to Protecting Our Democracy Act Offered by Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Pass the House,2021-12-09,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,O000172,ocasio-cortez.house.gov,ocasio-cortez,https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the House of Representatives passed the Protecting Democracy Act, which included four amendments offered by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Her first amendment expands the definition of nepotistic practices to include the executive office of the president. Currently, the definition only applies to federal agencies. Her second amendment codifies the ‘Biden Ethics Pledge,’ as laid out in the President’s Executive Order, here. This executive order was unprecedented in its strength and the amendment ensures no future president can revoke it. Rep. Lynch also co-lead this amendment. The third amendment would regulate legal defense funds, specifically directing the Office of Government Ethics to promulgate regulations banning certain fundraising practices and outlining transparency requirements for legal expense funds in the executive branch. While legal defense funds are regulated for Members of Congress, they are currently not regulated at all for the executive branch. Her fourth amendment aims to increase regulation of inaugural committees - imposing disclosure requirements; prohibiting donations from foreign nationals, shadow entities, and corporations; and prohibiting conversion of committee resources for personal use or for personal benefit.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-statement-on-no-vote-in-support-of-the-768-billion-ndaa/,CLARKE STATEMENT ON NO VOTE IN SUPPORT OF THE $768 BILLION NDAA,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 8, 2021 MEDIA CONTACT: e: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov c: 202.480.5737 Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement on her no vote in support of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 Conference Report: “Last night, I voted against the National Defense Authorization Act. I cannot vote for a $768 billion defense authorization bill that goes $25 billion above what was requested by the Biden Administration while key priorities in our efforts to recover from the pandemic remain unfunded. Our bloated Pentagon budget cannot come at the cost of American lives,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “Additionally, I am disappointed that the NDAA does not include cyber incident reporting legislation. While this legislation does include important provisions such as my amendment to provide additional funding for the Department of Homeland Security’s CyberSentry Program, which allows us to more rapidly detect vulnerabilities and identify malicious activity on the networks of industrial control systems and strengthens our defenses against the increasing number of cyber-attacks, it fails to meaningfully respond to repeated requests from our partners in the federal government related to improving situational awareness on cyber-attacks in order to better understand trends in adversary behavior. One year after the initial public reports of the SolarWinds supply chain attack, it is inexcusable that dysfunctional Senate Republican leadership delayed and ultimately prevented the inclusion of critical infrastructure cyber incident reporting language that could arm us with information essential to preventing the next SolarWinds-level attack. Without cyber incident reporting provisions, we are leaving ourselves ill-equipped to prevent and respond to future cyber-attacks.” “Further, legislation, especially of this magnitude, must reflect our values. This NDAA falls short in promoting justice and equality. Though negotiators were able to find bipartisan support for the authorization of billions of additional dollars to further enrich the military industrial complex, provisions to address racial disparities in military law and growing extremism in the ranks were callously tossed aside. This NDAA represents a lost opportunity to meaningfully address persistent racial inequity and the increasing threat of extremism,” Congresswoman Clarke said. ### Yvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York’s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases/garbarino-proposals-pass-house-final-annual-defense-spending-package,Garbarino Proposals Pass House in Final Annual Defense Spending Package,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,NY,Andrew R. Garbarino,G000597,garbarino.house.gov,garbarino,https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last night, the House of Representatives passed S.1605, the bipartisan and bicameral text of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (NDAA). Included in the NDAA were two of Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino's Amendments and seven Amendments which he was proud to cosponsor. ""I am pleased to announce that the final NDAA has passed the House, including several of my Amendments which I firmly believe will strengthen our national cyber preparedness,"" said Rep. Garbarino. ""Make no mistake, cybersecurity is national security and the inclusion of my proposals in the final defense funding bill will serve to improve our ability to mitigate and respond to cyber attacks against this country."" Garbarino Amendments passed in NDAA include: U.S.-Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation Act: This Amendment will establish a Department of Homeland Security grant program to support U.S.-Israel cooperation on cybersecurity research and development, and the demonstration and commercialization of cybersecurity technology. This program will help facilitate a stronger cyber partnership with Israel and ultimately develop more sophisticated cybersecurity technologies in order to thwart future cyber attacks. Cyber Incident Response Plan: This Amendment will ensure CISA updates its National Cyber Incident Response Plan (NCIRP) at least every two years. It will also require CISA to coordinate with relevant Sector Risk Management Agencies and the National Cyber Director to educate critical infrastructure stakeholders on cyber incident response. By updating the NCIRP biennially, CISA will be able to incorporate lessons learned from cyber exercises and incidents to protect the safety, security, and prosperity of the American people. Additional Amendments cosponsored by Rep. Garbarino include: To establish a memorial dedicated to the 13 service members who lost their lives in the attack on the Hamid Karzai International Airport on August 26, 2021 H.R. 1833 - DHS Industrial Control Systems Capabilities Enhancement Act H.R. 396 - Transit Security Grant Program Flexibility Act (Underlying bill originally introduced by Rep. Garbarino) H.R. 3264 - Domains Critical to Homeland Security Act H.R. 1850 - Supporting Research and Development for First Responders Act H.R. 3223 - CISA Cyber Exercise Act CyberSentry ICS Authorization",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-applauds-passage-usa-greece-military-partnership-legislation,Malliotakis Applauds Passage of USA-Greece Military Partnership Legislation,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,NY,Nicole Malliotakis,M000317,malliotakis.house.gov,malliotakis,https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(WASHINGTON, DC) - Yesterday, H.R. 4129, legislation introduced by Congressman Bilirakis (R-FL) and Deutch (D-FL) and cosponsored by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) that strengthens the defense partnership between the United States and Greece, was included in the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA passed the House with a 363 to 70 vote last night and has been sent to the Senate for final passage. “I'm proud to join Representatives Deutch and Bilirakis in supporting legislation that strengthens the USA-Greece military partnership, supports the modernization of Greece's military along with a multilateral security cooperation between Cyprus, Greece, Israel, and the United States,” said Congresswoman Malliotakis. “This legislation is critical to ensuring stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and I'm pleased to see it pass the House in a bipartisan fashion."" More specifically, this legislation: Provides assistance to Greece to meet its defense needs and help the country move away from Russian-produced military equipment. Provides assistance for Greece to train future leaders, foster a better understanding of the United States, establish rapport between the U.S. Armed Forces and Greece's military, enhance interoperability, focus on professional military education and protect human rights. Provides direct loans to Greece for the procurement of defense articles, defense services, and design and construction services to further develop its military program. Expedites delivery of any future F–35 aircraft to Greece once Greece is prepared to move forward with such purchase under terms set by the President of the United States.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-leads-new-york-republican-delegation-introducing-bill-defund,Malliotakis Leads New York Republican Delegation in Introducing Bill to Defund Supervised Injection Centers,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,NY,Nicole Malliotakis,M000317,malliotakis.house.gov,malliotakis,https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) led the New York State Republican delegation in introducing the 'Defund de Blasio's Injection Sites Act of 2021,' legislation that would withhold federal funding from city, state, tribal, or private entities that operate supervised injection centers in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. Washington Heights Corner Project (WHC) and New York Harm Reduction Educators (NYHRE) have partnered together to form ""OnPoint NYC,"" and are operating the two injection facilities in New York City. WHCP has received over $600,000 from the Small Business Administration (SBA), while NYHRE has received over $770,000 from the SBA. In 2019, NYHRE received over $1.1 million from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and lists HHS, the CDC, and HRSA, as their past and current federal funders. Malliotakis' legislation would have prevented these funds from being dispersed. In 2018 as a State Legislator, Malliotakis introduced legislation and sent a letter to former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to stop New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's original Supervised Injection Center plans. In response, the DOJ committed to stopping the mayor's plans if they were to proceed given its clear violation of the Controlled Substances Act. Last week, Malliotakis called on the Biden Administration to make the same commitment. Today, Malliotakis also sent a letter to New York State Attorney General Letitia James calling on her office to enforce state law and immediately shut down the sites. ""In 2018, the Department of Justice committed to me that it would intervene if Mayor de Blasio proceeded with his illegal scheme to open heroin injection centers in New York City,"" said Congresswoman Malliotakis. ""Now that Mayor de Blasio has gone forward with these plans, I've called on the Biden Administration to take the same course of action. If they don't, I've introduced this legislation to ensure any federal funds sent to entities that operate these unlawful facilities are stripped for good. We've already identified millions of federal dollars that have been sent to these facilities. Gifting money to heroin shooting galleries that only encourage drug use and deteriorate our quality of life is an egregious abuse of taxpayer dollars."" “These ‘safe’ injection sites are yet another terrible idea being imposed by a lame duck mayor who New Yorkers can't wait to permanently get out of office,"" said Congressman Zeldin. ""Encouraging even more drug abuse has to be the stupidest idea that has ever been proposed to combat the addiction crisis. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Malliotakis for her leadership in pushing back on this boneheaded policy.” “Drug overdoses have devastated far too many Long Island families,” said Congressman Garbarino. “De Blasio’s illegal injection centers will only worsen the problem in NYC and set a dangerous precedent for the rest of New York. This bill would ensure that no federal dollars are used to subsidize government supervised drug use. I vehemently oppose these illegal injection centers and thank Congresswoman Malliotakis for her leadership on this issue.” “If Democrats were serious about combating the opioid epidemic, they would focus on securing our southern border to reduce the flow of illicit drugs and take responsible steps to expand access to treatment options,” said Congressman Katko. “Instead, Democratic politicians are supporting the proliferation of substance use by endorsing injection sites. These facilities are subverting federal law, and since they opened in New York City, we have already seen numerous overdoses. In response, I’m joining Republicans from New York State’s Congressional Delegation to introduce legislation to prevent injection sites from contributing to overdose deaths and rising rates of substance use.” “Mayor Bill de Blasio is opening up New York City for illegal drug consumption and it is astonishing that our Attorney General is also complicit in allowing this to happen,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “These injection sites stand in clear violation of federal law and it is now the responsibility of the federal government to intervene and put an end to this lawlessness. I’m honored to partner with my New York colleagues in standing for the rule of law and safe communities against the normalization of deadly and illegal drugs.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-testifies-about-her-bill-aiming-to-establish-first-national-asian,Meng Testifies About Her Bill Aiming to Establish First National Asian Pacific American Museum,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), alongside journalist Lisa Ling and Stop AAPI Hate Co-Founder Dr. Russell Jeung, testified before Congress in support of Meng's legislation that seeks to create the first national museum dedicated to preserving the history, culture, and accomplishments of Asian Pacific Americans (APA). Ling and Jeung joined Meng, who serves as Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, in appearing yesterday before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands where they backed Meng's bill that would establish a commission to examine the feasibility of establishing the museum. ""Thank you to the Natural Resources Subcommittee for holding a hearing on my bill and thanks to Lisa Ling and Dr. Russell Jeung for providing their valuable testimony,"" said Meng. ""Museums create space to memorialize the accomplishments of the past and inspire future generations of the greatness we can achieve. This hearing further underscores the need to build a national museum that tells the story of Asian Pacific Americans. As I've said, our story is the American story, and it's time for more Americans to know and understand all that Asian Pacific Americans have contributed to our country."" Entitled the ""Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act,"" Meng's Bill would create a panel of individuals with various expertise in museum planning or APA research and culture to look into the viability of establishing, maintaining, funding and operating such a facility in the nation's capital, possibly as part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., the world's largest museum and research complex. The House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands oversees the management of public lands and national parks. Meng's testimony can be viewedhere. Ling's testimony, immediately followed by Jeung's testimony, can be viewed here. Below is the text of Meng's testimony. ------------------------------------------------- ""Chair Porter, Ranking Member Rosendale, and distinguished members of this Committee, thank you for this opportunity to discuss my bill, H.R. 3525 – the ""Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act."" I would like to acknowledge the witnesses, Dr. Theodore Gonzalves, Ms. Lisa Ling, and Dr. Russell Jeung for their time and testimony today. I also want to recognize my colleagues Rep. DeSaulnier and Rep. Katko and encourage the movement of all of our bills through this hearing. I come before you today to emphasize why we should establish a national museum dedicated to AAPI history and culture in our nation's capital. Museums are gateways for Americans and the world to see our country's rich history, the challenges we overcame, and our potential for greatness. They offer space to reflect on the past, present, and future – a collage of all that has transpired and all that we continue to fight for. Indeed, a physical space located in the nation's capital is a powerful image that can inspire our youngest to pursue their dreams while educating visitors on our history. AAPI history is long and storied, and a national museum dedicated to it is overdue. As long ago as the 1700s, AAPIs have shaped the fabric of our country with contributions to our infrastructure, economy, selfless military service, and so much more. But, too often, our community is excluded or forgotten in history – our American history. Chinese Americans fought for the Union at the Battles of Antietam and Gettysburg during the American Civil War and Japanese Americans comprised the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II, which became the most decorated unit in the history of the U.S. Military. While Chinese and Japanese Americans have demonstrated valor and bravery, they have also faced institutionalized disenfranchisement that manifested in U.S. laws such as the Chinese Exclusion Act and Executive Order 9066 that ordered the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Yet, from the first wave of Southeast Asian refugees on our shores to the Filipino Americans who helped found the farmworker labor movement – AAPIs have left an indelible mark on our American story. From these Halls of Congress to every American classroom, our AAPI heroes such as Grace Lee Boggs – a human rights activist for seven decades; Larry Itliong – the quintessential leader for labor rights and justice; Dalip Singh Saund – the first Asian American elected to Congress; and Patsy Mink – the first woman of color elected to Congress, and the original champion of Title IX protections in the Higher Education Act, have fought for human and civil rights and social justice with their every breath. Shamefully, these stories are starkly missing from the narrative of American history. Chair Porter, Ranking Member Rosendale, this commission to study the creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American history is the first step in elevating AAPI experiences. Our stories provide an opportunity for us to celebrate our rich American history, remember the challenges we have overcome, and step forward in unity.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-passes-legislation-support-and-strengthen-national,CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE PASSES LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT AND STRENGTHEN NATIONAL DEFENSE,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph D. Morelle,M001206,morelle.house.gov,morelle,https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, DC)- Yesterday, Congressman Joe Morelle voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022. Congressman Morelle played a unique role in crafting this critical funding measure as a member of the House Armed Services Committee. ""I am working hard to ensure servicemembers and their families receive the protections and benefits they deserve while protecting and strengthening our national defense—and that is what we have delivered with this year's NDAA,"" said Congressman Joe Morelle. ""I am proud to have helped craft this important legislation that makes historic investments in support of our courageous servicemembers and their families, including childcare and mental health resources, as well as investments in the technology necessary to keep civilians safe now and in the future."" Highlights of the $768 billion legislation include: Wage increases and additional benefits, such as parental leave and expanded childcare, for our service members. A Basic Housing Allowance (BAH) increase for military families. Resources to prevent military suicide and expand mental health services. Support for Afghan SIV and Evacuee Efforts Support for women servicemembers, including improved coverage of contraceptives and post-partum care. Reforms to the Uniform Code of Military Justice to combat sexual assault in the military. Initiatives to expand diversity within the military. Establishes an Employment Fellowship Program for Military Spouses ""This year's NDAA fulfills our nation's responsibility to provide the tools our military needs to address national security threats while modernizing policies that will better support our servicemembers,"" said Congressman Joe Morelle. ""I will continue to support and advance legislation that seeks to uplift America's servicemembers and help them succeed.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/suozzi-gets-it-done-navy-grumman-plume-cleanup-will-have-access-millions-more,SUOZZI GETS IT DONE: NAVY GRUMMAN PLUME CLEANUP WILL HAVE ACCESS TO MILLIONS MORE IN FEDERAL FUNDS,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Thomas R. Suozzi,S001201,suozzi.house.gov,suozzi,https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Tom Suozzi announced he helped pass a Defense Spending Budget that provides an increase of over a hundred million dollars in funding for the Federal program that support clean-up of the Navy Grumman Plume. This money, which will go to the Navy Environmental Restoration Account, will increase to $465,550,000. It was previously at $355,000,000. This increase in funding means the Navy Grumman Plume, will have access to millions more in Federal Funding due to Suozzi’s career-long efforts of putting environmental cleanup front and center. The legislation is expected to pass the Senate later this week, where it will then be sent to the President’s desk for immediate signature. “This increase in access to Federal funds is a big victory for all of the people of Bethpage and Long Island that have been threatened by this plume for decades,” said Suozzi. “We still have a long-way to go for clean-up, but this additional financial support will further expedite the cleanup.” “From day one Congressman Suozzi has been by our side fighting for additional funding and to expedite the clean up process,” said Mike Boufis, superintendent of the BETHPAGE Water District. As a champion of environmental cleanup, Rep. Suozzi successfully brought funding and brought stakeholders together to finally clean-up the Navy Grumman Groundwater Plume. Through Suozzi’s advocacy, he has: Increased funding by hundreds of millions for the Navy’s Environmental Restoration account, thus increasing the funds available for cleanup in Bethpage; Has scheduled annual meetings that bring together all the stakeholders to accelerate remediation and facilitate cooperation between stakeholders; Has worked as a liaison between Bethpage Water District and the responsible parties, including the Navy and Grumman, to facilitate payments, clean up agreements, access information and examine options to accelerate/improve clean up; and Facilitated tours, meetings, exploration of site locations for cleanup and has made himself available to all concerned parties to expedite permitting and ultimate remediation of plume. In addition, Suozzi has fought tirelessly to protect Long Island and New York’s environment. In 2008, the New York State League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) named him “Environmentalist of the Year. As a Member of Congress, he has increased funding to protect the Long Island Sound by more than 800%, almost 800%fought to keep the U.S. in the Paris Climate Accord, supports the Green New Deal, and through his efforts as chair of the Long Island Sound Caucus, has helped drastically reduce the amount of nitrogen in the Long Island Sound.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://clarke.house.gov/chairs-clarke-and-thompson-statement-on-cyber-incident-report-language-excluded-from-ndaa/,CHAIRS CLARKE AND THOMPSON STATEMENT ON CYBER INCIDENT REPORT LANGUAGE EXCLUDED FROM NDAA,2021-12-07,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 7, 2021 MEDIA CONTACT: e: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov c: 202.480.5737 Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, and Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, & Innovation, released the following statement after the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 Conference Report was finalized without cybersecurity incident response language. Cybersecurity incident response legislation was included in the House NDAA which passed in September. “There were intensive efforts to get cyber incident reporting done but ultimately the clock ran out on getting it in the NDAA. There was dysfunction and disagreement stemming from Senate Republican leadership that was not resolved until mid-morning today – well past the NDAA deadline. This result is beyond disappointing and undermines national security. We had hoped to mark the one-year anniversary of the discovery of the SolarWinds supply chain attack by sending cyber incident reporting legislation to the President’s desk. Instead, Senate Republican leaders delayed things so significantly that the window closed on getting cyber incident reporting included in the NDAA. We are profoundly disappointed that the momentum we had coming into the NDAA did not yield success but are fully committed to working across the aisle and with the Senate to find another path forward. We thank Ranking Member Katko, Chairman Peters, and Ranking Member Portman for their continued support on this matter. Also, Speaker Pelosi has been a steadfast partner throughout this effort and has already communicated her continued interest in working with us to get cyber incident reporting legislation to the President’s desk.” ### Yvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York’s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-statement-on-senate-confirmation-of-jessica-rosenworcel-as-fcc-chairwoman/,CLARKE STATEMENT ON SENATE CONFIRMATION OF JESSICA ROSENWORCEL AS FCC CHAIRWOMAN,2021-12-07,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 7, 2021 MEDIA CONTACT: e: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov c: 202.480.5737 Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement congratulating Jessica Rosenworcel on her Senate confirmation as Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission, (FCC): “The newly confirmed FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel is the right person, at the right time, for the right leadership role as we embark upon a more inclusive era that considers the needs of all people in the digital landscape, and not just stakeholders. As a senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee I have had the distinct honor of working with Chairwoman Rosenworcel. Through our mutual advocacy and interest in consumer protection, especially as we go full speed ahead into the technological age, she will undoubtedly work to improve the agency,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “Chairwoman Rosenworcel knows what’s at stake when it comes to net neutrality and critical protections for broadband access and users, and its importance to small businesses, rural and tribal communities, students and marginalized people still struggling to keep up with a technological world. Chairwoman Rosenworcel understands the importance of not leaving anyone behind as we forge ahead and live our lives in a digital landscape. I have full faith in the Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission. Congratulations Chairwoman Rosenworcel, I look forward to our continued collaboration on broadband deployment, increasing equitable access to the internet, closing the digital divide, and working to improve this essential utility that impacts everyone in the world,” said Clarke.” ### Yvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York’s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/joyce-ocasio-cortez-introduce-hope-act-encourage-state-and-local-expungement,"Joyce, Ocasio-Cortez Introduce HOPE Act to Encourage State and Local Expungement Programs for Cannabis Offenses",2021-12-07,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,O000172,ocasio-cortez.house.gov,ocasio-cortez,https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14), who is a Co-Chair of the House Cannabis Caucus, and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) introduced the Harnessing Opportunities by Pursuing Expungement (HOPE) Act. This bipartisan bill aims to help states with expunging cannabis offenses by reducing the financial and administrative burden of such efforts through federal grants. Both lawmakers have advocated for cannabis reform on their respective sides of the aisle, with Congressman Joyce sponsoring the first Republican-led effort to decriminalize cannabis at the federal level in the U.S. House. “Having been both a public defender and a prosecutor, I have seen first-hand how cannabis law violations can foreclose a lifetime of opportunities ranging from employment to education to housing,” said Joyce. “The collateral damage caused by these missed opportunities is woefully underestimated and has impacted entire families, communities, and regional economies. By helping states establish and improve expungement programs for minor cannabis offenses, the HOPE Act will pave the way for expanded economic opportunities to thrive alongside effective investments to redress the consequences of the War on Drugs.” “As we continue to advocate for the decriminalization and legalization of marijuana, this bipartisan bill will provide localities the resources they need to expunge drug charges that continue to hold back Americans, disproportionately people of color, from employment, housing and other opportunity,” said Ocasio-Cortez. Prior to the introduction of the HOPE Act, Congress’ cannabis expungement efforts have focused solely on federal crimes. However, while a small number of individuals may qualify for the expungement of low-level, federal cannabis charges over the course of decades of enforcement, the reality is that the overwhelming majority of cannabis-related charges are handled by state and local law enforcement. In 2019, the federal government was only involved in a fraction of the 545,000 cannabis offenses charged in the United States. That year, the FBI charged only 5,350 individuals with a top-line charge for any drug offense, not just cannabis. Unfortunately, despite the fact that expungement programs for cannabis-related offenses have recently advanced in states and cities around the country, many criminal record keeping systems are not ready for or able to support these efforts. Many criminal records, especially ones from decades in the past, are not digitized. Paper records systems not only slow the expungement process but make it much more expensive and burdensome. The HOPE Act would address these complications by creating a new grant program under the U.S. Department of Justice, the State Expungement Opportunity Grant Program, and authorize it to be funded up to $20 million over the span of Fiscal Years 2023-2032. Through this grant program, the Attorney General would be authorized to make grants to states and local governments to reduce the financial and administrative burden of expunging convictions for cannabis offenses that are available to individuals who have been convicted of such offenses under the laws of the State. Funding provided by the State Expungement Opportunity Grant Program could be used: for technology to provide cost-effective legal relief at scale; to automate the process of expunging convictions for cannabis offenses; for clinics, including legal clinics, that assist individuals through the expungement process; to implement a notification process for those whose records are expunged as well as to publish publicly accessible information regarding the availability and process of expungement; to seal records of conviction for cannabis offenses if appropriate; and for other innovative partnerships to provide wide-scale relief to individuals who are eligible for the expungement of a conviction for a cannabis offense under the laws of the State. The bill would also require the Attorney General to conduct a study on the impact of cannabis offenses on an individual’s criminal record, including impacts related to housing, employment, recidivism, and how such effects differ based on demographics. The study must also include a report on the costs incurred by states for incarcerating an individual convicted of a cannabis offense. “Cannabis prohibition has saddled countless Americans, particularly people of color, with criminal histories that harm job prospects, limit housing options and close off educational opportunities,” said Steven Hawkins, CEO of U.S. Cannabis Council. “The HOPE Act can help provide desperately needed relief to millions of Americans by facilitating state and local expungement of nonviolent cannabis offenses. We applaud Reps. David Joyce and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for their leadership and strongly urge Congress to adopt their proposal.” “This bipartisan effort represents the growing consensus to reform marijuana policies in a manner that addresses the harms inflicted by prohibition,” said NORML Political Director Justin Strekal. “It provides cash assistance for state and localities that are wisely choosing to remove these stigmatizing records. There is no justification for continuing to prevent tens of millions of Americans from fully participating in their community and workforce simply because they bear the burden of a past marijuana conviction.” “At this point, most Americans live in a state that has legalized marijuana to some extent,” said Maritza Perez, Office of National Affairs Director for Drug Policy Alliance. “This bill will provide immediate relief to countless individuals who are still suffering the consequences of the war on drugs. An expungement will allow greater employment, education, and housing opportunities among other life-changing freedoms. The Drug Policy Alliance is proud to support this bill.” “Criminal and economic justice is the cornerstone of any federal cannabis reform effort,” said Andrew Freedman, Executive Director of the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation. “The bipartisan Harnessing Opportunities by Pursuing Expungement (HOPE) Act seeks to redress and restore communities negatively impacted by the disparate enforcement of drug laws. CPEAR welcomes the introduction of this proposal as part of a growing consensus for cannabis reform and applauds U.S. House Cannabis Caucus Co-Chair Dave Joyce and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for their leadership on this issue.” “Today, millions of Americans struggle to access housing, educational opportunities, and gainful employment simply because they have a cannabis criminal record,” said Sarah Gersten, Executive Director and General Counsel of Last Prisoner Project. “This means that for too many, something as small as a marijuana possession arrest has effectively sentenced them to a lifetime of poverty. These policies needlessly destroy lives and hurt all American communities. The HOPE Act will remove these unjust, arbitrary and counterproductive barriers by helping states expunge millions of low-level marijuana convictions. We’re grateful to Representative Joyce and Representative Ocasio-Cortez for working across the aisle to put forward this popular and commonsense cannabis criminal justice reform. We look forward to working with their offices to get the bill across the finish line.” “NCR is gratified to see this demonstration of bipartisan cooperation between Congressman Joyce and Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez,” said Saphira Galoob, Executive Director of National Cannabis Roundtable (NCR). “As lawmakers look for common ground to achieve comprehensive cannabis reform, incremental steps – such as the expungements that would be made possible by this bill – are critical to the lives of millions of Americans today. Too many Americans have suffered the lasting and harmful consequences of convictions for conduct that is now deemed lawful under their state’s laws. We applaud Mr. Joyce and Ms. Ocasio-Cortez for their leadership in addressing what is a real and tangible issue for so many.” “Most of the expungement conversations in Congress have focused on federal convictions, which is laudable but glosses over the fact that the vast majority of cannabis arrests occur at the state level,” said Aaron Smith, CEO, the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA). “Getting these charges expunged can be prohibitively expensive for both state governments and individuals hoping to clear their records and get their lives back. This funding legislation would be a great step toward both providing relief for many thousands of prohibition victims and aligning federal policies with the growing national consensus that no one should have been arrested for cannabis in the first place. We thank Reps. Joyce and Ocasio-Cortez for their leadership on this important criminal justice issue.” The bipartisan HOPE Act is endorsed by the U.S. Cannabis Council, NORML, CPEAR, National Cannabis Roundtable (NCR), Last Prisoner Project, NCIA, and Drug Policy Alliance.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-aoc-bowman-ask-fema-release-more-aid-hurricane-ida-victims,"Reps. AOC, Bowman Ask FEMA to Release More Aid to Hurricane Ida Victims",2021-12-07,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,O000172,ocasio-cortez.house.gov,ocasio-cortez,https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamaal Bowman sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) asking them to provide additional aid to victims of Hurricane Ida. This follows the release of data which shows that nearly 10,000 applications for disaster relief in Queens and The Bronx were denied. The full letter is available here. “We have heard from countless residents in New York’s 14th and 16th districts that the aid coming from FEMA has been insufficient, and in some cases, non-existent,” wrote Representatives Bowman and Ocasio-Cortez. “For example, a constituent in the Village of Pelham, NY suffered multiple damages to their property, including a broken boiler, water heater, washer/dryer system, and structural damage to their basement. They applied for FEMA relief but only received $5,500, which was vastly insufficient for repairing essential home infrastructure. Moreover, the approved fund would fail to ameliorate health and safety concerns. Another constituent in East Elmhurst was denied assistance after informing FEMA that she did not leave her home in the wake of the storm. Countless stories from constituents in our districts wondering about the limited relief. Many other constituents recount long processing times and automatic denials. Despite submitting applications in early September, some of our constituents have yet to receive a decision, let alone any funds to begin essential repairs.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/suozzi-announces-millions-federal-grants-protection-sound-long-island-sound,"SUOZZI ANNOUNCES MILLIONS IN FEDERAL GRANTS FOR PROTECTION OF THE SOUND: “THE LONG ISLAND SOUND IS OUR NATIONAL PARK, AND WE HAVE TO TREAT IT THAT WAY”",2021-12-07,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Thomas R. Suozzi,S001201,suozzi.house.gov,suozzi,https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Co-chair of the Long Island Sound Caucus, held a virtual press conference to announce that New York Third’s Congressional District will receive nearly $3 million in matching federal grants for projects to preserve and protect the Long Island Sound. “The Long Island Sound is our ‘National Park,’ and we have to treat it that way,” said Suozzi. “For 27 years, since entering public service, first as Mayor of Glen Cove in 1994 and then as Nassau County Executive in 2002, I have worked on restoring shellfishing beds and reseeding our harbors, cutting nitrogen from sewage treatment plants and stormwater runoff, and cleaning up pollution. As a Member of Congress, in the role of Co-chair of the Long Island Sound Caucus, I helped to increase federal funding to protect the Sound by nearly 900%.” When Suozzi came to Congress in 2017, federal funding for the Long Island Sound was merely $5 million. Since then, Suozzi has fought for and successfully increased federal funding to $30.4 million, an increase of 900%. The Long Island Sound is not only an environmental treasure, but also a revenue source to the area, generating upwards of $1 billion to the regional economy. “Over the last ten years, we have made significant progress to increase funding for the preservation and protection of the Long Island Sound, restoration of habitats, monitoring of water quality, and education of the public” said Suozzi. “We need to maintain and increase this momentum so that generations of New Yorkers can all benefit from our most precious natural resource.” Suozzi was joined on the press conference call by Long Island Sound and environmental advocacy groups including Curt Johnson, President, Save the Sound; Cecilia Venosta-Wiygul, Udalls Cove Preservation Committee, and Board Member, Douglaston Civic Association; Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment; Vanessa Pino Lockel, Executive Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk; Eric Swenson, Executive Director, Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee; Carol DiPaolo, Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor; and Heather Johnson, Executive Director, Friends of the Bay. “I grew up swimming and fishing in the Sound'"" said Suozzi. Thanks to the strong support and advocacy of environmental organizations such as Save the Sound, Douglaston Manor Environmental Association, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Friends of the Bay, Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee, Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor, and many others, these federal grants will go a long way in ensuring that future generations will be able to enjoy a clean Long Island Sound.” “Congressman Suozzi came to us last year to ask us what projects needed funding. He was adamant about ensuring we get what we need. It was an honor to bring the local environmental groups together to identify local environmental priorities and shovel-ready projects to secure funding in collaboration with Congressman Suozzi’s office. On behalf of the groups, we are grateful for Congressman Suozzi’s support and commitment to better the water quality and wildlife in the Little Neck Bay” said Cecilia Venosta-Wiygul, Udalls Cove Preservation Committee, and Board Member, Douglaston Civic Association. “Long Island Sound is the heart of our region—ecologically, economically, and culturally,” said Curt Johnson, president of Save the Sound. “Thanks to Congressman Suozzi and our other New York and Connecticut congressional champions, the projects made possible by Long Island Sound Futures Fund act as a deep breath that enlivens our urban sea with vibrant habitats, cleaner water, and good jobs. It truly funds Long Island Sound’s future.” “We are thrilled to be able to expand the Long Island Sound High School Summit! Last year we had 4 schools engaged and this year we have 8. This is the first program on Long Island that specifically engages high school students in protecting and restoring the Long Island Sound through hands-on research in various topics including microplastics, water quality, marine debris, social marketing, and much more. Students become more connected to the protection of the natural world when they understand the value it brings to their community and obtain resources and knowledge in how to protect it,” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “We are extremely thankful to Congressman Suozzi for his leadership in securing this federal funding which makes this whole program possible.” “On Long Island, our quality of life and our economy are directly linked to the quality of our surrounding bays and harbors. When local governments, environmental groups, and stakeholders share the goal of improving our waters and working together, there is a foundation to build on. Funding from the Long Island Sound Futures Fund along with support from elected officials like Tom Suozzi help make that goal a reality,” said Eric Swenson, Executive Director, Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee. “We are grateful for receiving the Long Island Sound Study Futures Fund grant and to Congressman Suozzi and our elected officials, who have vigorously advocated for this funding. The grant can play a pivotal role in helping to turn around the decline in the shellfish population in Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor. Shellfish sanctuaries are the key to a healthy bay system. Along with our partners, we are hopeful that these projects will have a big impact on the health of our waterways,” said Heather Johnson, Executive Director, Friends of the Bay. “Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County is grateful for the support from The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Long Island Sound Futures Fund as it ensures that our critical work to protect and enhance the environment continues. This funding enables our experts to work to restore the health of the Long Island Sound by removing floating debris and derelict lobster gear that negatively impact our waters. In addition, support for an innovative natural living shoreline restoration project utilizing cordgrass and ribbed mussels will enhance the coastal health and vitality around the Long Island Sound. We appreciate the shared commitment to our waters and the communities that enjoy this natural resource,” said Vanessa Pino Lockel, Executive Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County. The National Fish and Wildlife Federation announced that the Long Island Sound (both in Connecticut and New York) will receive $4.8 million in matching funds, providing a total conservation impact of $10.2 million. Of that amount, New York’s 3rd Congressional District will receive $1,540,437 in matching funds, bringing a total to $2,944,218 for Long Island Sound projects across the district. Areas of the district that will receive funding include Udalls Cove and Little Neck Bay in Queens, Roslyn, Hempstead Harbor, Oyster Bay, and Centerport and Northport Harbors. Details for each of the projects are below and attached:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-joins-local-advocates-to-stress-importance-of-keeping-paid-leave-in,Meng Joins Local Advocates to Stress Importance of Keeping Paid Leave in House-Passed Build Back Better Act,2021-12-06,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"QUEENS, NY – This afternoon, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) joined local advocates to highlight the importance of keeping paid leave in the House-passed Build Back Better Act. The Congresswoman joined Reshma Saujani, Founder of the Marshall Plan for Moms and Girls Who Code, PL+US (Paid Leave for the U.S.) Executive Director Molly Day, and many other advocates and advocacy organizations at a press conference in front of City Hall to underscore how critical it is to ensure that paid leave remains in the bill. The Build Back Better Act, a nearly $2 trillion spending bill that seeks to assist families and boost the nation's economy as the country works to rebound from the coronavirus crisis, passed the House on November 19th, and is now pending before the Senate. However, there are some Senators who want to remove the provision from the legislation. ""Paid leave would greatly help so many working families here in Queens and across New York and the nation,"" said Meng. ""Attempts to strip it from the House-passed Build Back Better Act are unconscionable and unacceptable. The Build Back Better Act is an historic and monumental piece of legislation that I was proud to help pass in the House, and among the crucial items in the measure is four weeks of paid leave, a provision that we fought hard to secure. As the working mom of two young kids, I know how important paid leave is. It allows people to take paid time off from their jobs to spend time and bond with their newborns, care for a sick child or family member or recover from an illness, all without worrying about their paycheck. The U.S. is the only industrialized country without it, and it's way past time for that to change. Nobody should be forced to choose between their job and their family. We must not let this once in a generation opportunity to enact paid leave slip away. As we work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we must make sure that we move forward with no one left behind, and that includes working families. Paid leave must remain in the Build Back Better Act!"" ""I am proud to stand alongside Congresswoman Grace Meng, a tireless champion of paid leave,"" said Reshma Saujani. ""We need paid leave in the United States now. Over the last two years, millions of women have left the workforce to care for their families. The only way we will restore the workforce is by providing policies that offer women choice: to care for loved ones and to move in and out of the workforce without penalty. We will never get to gender equality without paid leave. We must fight for the provision in the Build Back Better Act."" ""Thanks to champions like Congresswoman Meng, the paid leave program included in the House's version of the Build Back Better Act is an historic investment in working families across this country, at a time when the need for paid leave has never been more urgent,"" said Molly Day. ""Paid leave will make our families, businesses, and our national economy stronger and help us to truly build back better and more equitably. Every worker deserves to be there for the moments that matter. The U.S. Senate now has a historic opportunity to deliver transformative, once-in-a-generation change, and we're committed to working with Democratic leadership to get it done."" Also attending the event were Dee Poku, Founder and CEO of The WIE Suite; Elise Anderson from Vote Mama; Molly Weston Williamson from A Better Balance and other advocates. ""Paid leave would ensure that working people can care for their children, their aging parents and themselves without worrying about losing their job or paycheck,"" said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). ""It will make America more competitive in the global market and end our unacceptable reign as the only industrialized country in the world without a paid leave program. I strongly support the House proposal, and I will continue fighting to pass it in the Senate."" In addition to paid leave, the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376) provides child care and home care, universal pre-K, health care and lower prescription drug pricing, housing, internet access, immigration reform, combating the climate crisis and more. The bill passed 220 to 213. Meng has long advocated for paid leave and the above provisions.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-takes-action-lower-heating-costs-vulnerable-monroe,CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE TAKES ACTION TO LOWER HEATING COSTS FOR VULNERABLE MONROE COUNTY FAMILIES,2021-12-04,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph D. Morelle,M001206,morelle.house.gov,morelle,https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Rochester, NY – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced his action to support vulnerable Monroe County families by providing resources to reduce heating costs as we head into the winter months. Rep. Morelle helped secure millions in emergency funding for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) in the federal American Rescue Plan earlier this year ""When we passed the American Rescue Plan earlier this year, we made an investment to ensure no one is forced to choose between heating their home and putting food on their table,"" said Rep. Morelle. ""With winter upon us, I am proud to be able to deliver relief to Monroe County families when they need it most by helping them save money on their heating bills. I encourage everyone who qualifies to take advantage of these additional funds in the HEAP program, and I'll continue working every day in Congress to make investments like this that ease the burden on hardworking families in our community."" ""No one should have to question how they will keep themselves or their family warm during winter or have to choose between paying for heat and affording other necessities like food or medicine,"" said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. ""This funding is more important than ever for people struggling to make ends meet and gives crucial relief to our low-income families and seniors. Thank you, Rep. Joe Morelle, for ensuring our neighbors are taken care of as cold weather approaches and home heating bills increase."" ""In our climate, heating is not a luxury – it is a necessity,"" said Ann Marie Cook, President and CEO of Lifespan. ""Thousands of older adults will apply for heating assistance in Monroe County this year, many of whom rely on a fixed income to pay their bills. This year we are on pace to serve hundreds more older adults who are struggling to pay for the rising cost of heating. We applaud Congressman Morelle for supporting this critical program that helps thousands of people in our community receive this basic necessity."" ""Affording basic utilities each winter sadly remains a challenge for thousands of families in our community and underscores the importance of the Home Energy Assistance program,"" said Marlene Bessette, President and CEO of Catholic Family Center. ""The Catholic Family Center sees firsthand the relief HEAP provides our most vulnerable neighbors and will always work to ensure our families are supported. I am grateful to Congressman Morelle for his work to uplift this critical program and to all of those in our community who are committed to eliminating the burdens too many families face."" The American Rescue Plan, which was signed into law earlier this year, included nearly $536 million to help New Yorkers lower their heating bills through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). This critical investment comes in addition to over $340 million allocated to New York State through the Department of Health and Human Services this year. This is one of our community's most vital programs, serving over 70,000 homes last year across Monroe County to help families afford their heating costs. The HEAP program is currently accepting applications. Residents can apply through: Monroe County Department of Human Services 111 Westfall Road Rochester, NY 14620 (585) 753-6209 Lifespan 1900 South Clinton Avenue Rochester, NY 14618 Phone: (585) 244-8400 ext. 102 Note: Only for adults 60+ who are not Temporary Assistance and/or SNAP benefits Catholic Family Center 1460 Lyell Avenue Rochester, NY 14606 Phone: (585) 238-8620 ext. 13221 More information on the HEAP program can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-malliotakis-leads-house-mcconnell-cotton-lead-senate-bill-stop,"Congresswoman Malliotakis Leads House, McConnell, Cotton Lead Senate in Bill to Stop $450k Payments to Illegal Immigrants",2021-12-03,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,NY,Nicole Malliotakis,M000317,malliotakis.house.gov,malliotakis,https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) led 22 of her House Republican colleagues in introducing the 'Protect American Tax-payer Dollars from Illegal Immigration Act,' legislation that would prevent $450,000 settlement payments for migrants who broke our laws and came into the United States illegally. This legislation comes as the Biden Administration last month indicated it was considering giving payments of $450,000 per person for separated migrants and children. For perspective, if a service member is killed in action, their next of kin is given an insurance payment of $400,000. “My constituents work hard, pay taxes and expect the government to put them, not illegal immigrants, first,"" said Congresswoman Malliotakis. ""Not only does Biden’s plan to give $450,000 to those who broke our laws further incentivize illegal immigration, it’s a slap in the face to hardworking Americans and those immigrants, like my parents, who followed the rules and never expected anything except the opportunity to pursue their American Dream."" Additionally, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), along with Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) have introduced a companion bill in the Senate. “It would be unthinkable to pay damages to a burglar who broke into your home for the ‘psychological trauma’ they endured during the crime,” said Senator Cotton. “And yet the Biden administration wants to reward migrants who illegally entered our country with up to $450,000 each for just that reason. The Biden administration’s promises of citizenship and entitlement programs have already caused the worst border crisis in history—a huge cash reward will make it even worse. This is the height of insanity.” Reps. Miller (WV-03), Kelly (PA-16), Jacobs (NY-27), Meuser (PA-09), Harshbarger (TN-01), Gimenez (FL-26), Hern (OK-01), Mace (SC-01), Joyce (PA-13), Guthrie (KY-02), Moore (AL-02), Gosar (AZ-04), Norman (SC-05), Bergman (MI-01), Rogers (AL-03), Cawthorn (NC-11), Owens (UT-04), Smith (NE-03), McKinley (WV-01), Steube (FL-17), Simpson (ID-02), and Cline (VA-06) are all original cosponsors of the bill in the House.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-introduces-puppy-mill-bill-colleagues-aspca-applauds-legislation,Malliotakis Introduces Puppy Mill Bill with Colleagues; ASPCA Applauds Legislation,2021-12-02,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,NY,Nicole Malliotakis,M000317,malliotakis.house.gov,malliotakis,https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in introducing the Goldie's Act, legislation that amends the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), which is intended to protect dogs in puppy mills. This legislation is a needed response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) abject failure to enforce the AWA and consistent pattern of abdicating its duties, which has led to untold animal suffering. The bill will require more frequent and meaningful inspections, confiscation of dogs who are suffering, imposition of deterring monetary penalties against licensees who violate the law, and require the USDA to share information with law enforcement agencies. ""Protecting animal welfare has been a priority of mine since my time in the New York State Assembly,"" said Congresswoman Malliotakis. ""I'm proud to continue to protect those without a voice by joining my colleagues in introducing legislation that would require the USDA to publicly report all animal welfare violations, remove animals from abusive environments and hold animal abusers accountable once and for all with strict penalties."" This lifesaving bill comes on the heels of a particularly disturbing case in Seymour, Iowa, where the ASPCA recently assisted the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) with the rescue of more than 500 dogs and puppies who were living in horrific conditions at a USDA licensed dog breeding facility. Despite observing over 200 violations of the law – including dogs who were sick and dying from injuries and disease, dogs housed in cages that were too small to turn around, and dogs standing in waste – the USDA continued to permit the licensee, Daniel Gingerich, to operate. The agency never confiscated any dogs who were suffering and never issued any penalties against Gingerich. This case is part of an ongoing pattern of the USDA failing to enforce the AWA, even when the conditions are extremely poor and dogs are dying. Since 2017, the USDA has observed hundreds of violations of the AWA at licensed puppy mills, yet they have failed to take meaningful action or revoke the license of a single dog breeder, despite overwhelming evidence of cruelty. Goldie's Act is named in honor of Goldie, also known as ""female Golden Retriever #142,"" who was one of hundreds of dogs who endured prolonged and extreme suffering while in the care of Daniel Gingerich. Goldie's Story: the USDA issued a license to Daniel Gingerich in October 2019 but were denied access to inspect his facilities until April 2021. When they finally gained access to his property, USDA inspectors found – but did not record on the official inspection report – a Golden Retriever who was later described in a complaint by the U.S. Department of Justice as ""extremely emaciated."" Federal inspectors saw Goldie twice after that, and noted her deteriorating condition, but did nothing. In late July, Goldie was found in a barn, along with dead dogs. She had no water, her bones were protruding, she had sores on her body and zero body fat. According to state inspection reports, a veterinarian was called, and USDA inspectors allowed her to be euthanized on site. The USDA issued no penalties for this abhorrent cruelty, and Gingerich continued to buy, sell, and breed dogs while this was taking place. ""Goldie was left to endure prolonged and extreme suffering, and her tragic death is a direct result of the USDA's failure to fulfill its responsibility under the law to protect dogs who are bred and warehoused for the pet trade,"" said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA President & CEO. ""Thousands of other dogs are still living in horrific conditions without adequate access to food, water, veterinary care, and exercise, while the USDA stands idly by, allowing violations to go unreported and unpunished. We are grateful to Representatives Axne, Fitzpatrick, Quigley, Malliotakis, Wild, and Buchanan for introducing Goldie's Act to restore welfare to the Animal Welfare Act."" ""As a proud dog mom, I have made it my mission in Congress to hold those who abuse our animals accountable – especially in Iowa, where we have some of the worst examples of puppy mills in the entire country. I was appalled to see the images that came out of this Wayne County puppy mill, and even more disgusted to learn that these conditions were known to USDA for months – in clear violation of the laws we already have in place to protect our companion animals,"" said Rep. Axne. ""If one breeder can rack up nearly 200 violations of the Animal Welfare Act with impunity, then it's clear there are loopholes in current law that need to be addressed. With Goldie's Act, we make the puppies that suffered here in Iowa the face of this commonsense law that says there are no slaps on the wrist for breaking the law. We must ensure bad actors are held accountable by USDA and that our law is crystal clear on what should be done to promote animal welfare."" ""As a member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I have long championed legislation that promotes animal welfare,"" said Rep. Fitzpatrick. ""I am proud to join Rep. Axne in introducing this bipartisan legislation that will enforce protections under the Animal Welfare Act and hold animal abusers accountable, ensuring that they receive penalties equal to the animal cruelty violations they commit."" ""Time and time again, my office and I have been approached to intervene in situations of inhumane treatment of animals by breeders, handlers, and other USDA licensees who brazenly flout the legal requirements of the Animal Welfare Act,"" said Rep. Quigley. ""It is time to hold bad actors accountable and ensure the USDA has every tool necessary to enforce the AWA. I'm proud to join Representative Axne in cosponsoring Goldie's Act, which will strengthen AWA enforcement and will go a long way towards ending the worst animal welfare violations, ensuring all animals live in health and safety."" ""The Animal Rescue League of Iowa calls on the USDA to address the issues within their system that allows dogs to suffer like they did in the Gingerich case,"" said Tom Colvin, CEO at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. ""Local law enforcement with limited resources shouldn't be expected to step in to stop the suffering in a facility that conducts business under USDA regulations. We thank Representative Axne for introducing Goldie's Act to address and bring attention to this paralysis of federal oversight."" ARL and the ASPCA, with the support of many other organizations, worked tirelessly to remove hundreds of dogs and puppies from Daniel Gingerich's properties. Several of these dogs have already been placed with shelters and rescue groups across the country so that they can be made available for fostering and adoption, but many others remain in the care of ARL and the ASPCA, where they continue to receive specialized treatment and care and can be assessed by veterinary forensic and behavior experts. Such a significant expenditure of time and resources, by so many animal protection agencies and local shelters who are already stretched thin helping animals in need, was required due to the USDA's failure to enforce the law. With the passage of Goldie's Act, avoidable animal suffering and the diversion of urgently-needed rescue funds can be prevented in the future. The USDA is responsible for ensuring their licensees follow the law, and when they choose to allow violations to go unreported and unpunished, the agency contributes to animal suffering. Earlier this year, the ASPCA filed a lawsuit demanding that the USDA stop using misguided policies that protect licensees over the welfare of animals. About the ASPCA®",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-van-hollen-introduce-bill-to-protect-consumers-from-online-free-trial-scams/,"CLARKE, VAN HOLLEN INTRODUCE BILL TO PROTECT CONSUMERS FROM ONLINE FREE TRIAL SCAMS",2021-12-01,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"New “Consumer OPT-IN” Act would put the burden on companies – not consumers – in renewing contracts FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 1, 2021 MEDIA CONTACT: e: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov c: 202.480.5737 Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) introduced new bicameral legislation to protect consumers from online free trial scams and deceptive marketing tactics. The lawmakers’ new bill – the Consumer Online Payment Transparency and Integrity Act, or Consumer OPT-IN Act – puts the onus on companies, instead of consumers, in renewing or extending contracts. Too often, companies use free trial offers and unclear terms and conditions to trap consumers into subscriptions. From 2017-2019, the Better Business Bureau received 58,400 complaints related to free trials scams. Additionally, companies often use software and interfaces, called dark patterns that subtly trick users and make it harder for consumers to end these subscriptions and stop unwanted charges. To help prevent these practices, the Consumer OPT-IN Act would require companies to make a number of changes to better protect and inform consumers. “I am proud to introduce this important legislation with Senator Van Hollen that will protect consumers and create greater levels of transparency and accountability when it comes to subscription-based services,” said Congresswoman Clarke. “All too frequently, subscription services are taking advantage of people, particularly our most vulnerable populations, and trapping them into paying for goods and services they never intended to sign up for. Enough is enough. Our legislation will put an end to these deceptive practices and protect consumers from being misled into endless monthly payments without their expressly given consent.” “From fitness programs to music services, subscription-based companies have taken off. Unfortunately, the headaches that come with trying to cancel or get a refund on these subscriptions are just as prevalent. As far too many Americans know first-hand, the free-trials many companies offer often lead to a cumbersome, or near-impossible, process to opt-out. It’s time to take this burden off the American people. That’s why we’re introducing the Consumer OPT-IN Act to require companies to provide consumers their options clearly and transparently when it comes to a subscription. I look forward to working with Representative Clarke to enact these necessary and common-sense consumer protections,” said Senator Van Hollen. The Consumer OPT-In Act will protect consumers from deceptive free trials and marketing tactics by: Requiring companies to get express informed consent from consumers before converting free trials into automatically renewing contracts and charging consumers; Requiring companies to notify consumers of the first automatic renewal and obtain express informed consent from consumers before automatically renewing long term contracts; Requiring that companies offering contracts that automatically renew on a short term basis get express informed consent from consumers annually; Requiring companies that have knowledge that a consumer isn’t using their products or service for 6 months to get the consumer’s express informed consent to continue billing, and allowing consumers to request a refund for the remaining portion of the contract; Providing consumers with refunds when violations occur; Giving the FTC rulemaking authority over negative option contracts, automatic renewals, and dark patterns. A copy of the legislation can be found HERE. The Consumer OPT-In Act is endorsed by: Public Citizen, National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), US PIRG, the Consumer Federation of America, Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, Truth in Advertising, the National Association of Consumer Advocates, the Center for Digital Democracy, the Center for Economic Justice, Consumer Action and the National Consumers League. “The Van Hollen-Clarke bill stops unfair and deceptive auto-renewals and free-to-pay schemes designed to make online subscriptions harder to cancel than to sign up for. That’s not right; it’s wrong,” said Ed Mierzwinski, senior director for federal consumer programs, U.S. PIRG. “Too many consumers are roped into recurring charges when they try something for free or hit with auto-renewals they didn’t expect. This legislation will ensure that consumers don’t have to deal with surprise changes to their credit cards or bank accounts,” said Susan Grant, Director of Consumer Protection and Privacy at Consumer Federation of America. “This legislation directly addresses unfair schemes used to automatically subscribe and renew charges on unwitting customers for products, online services, and even memberships that they may never use,” said Christine Hines, legislative director at the National Association of Consumer Advocates. “It provides commonsense protections that would ensure we are aware of, and actively consent to, automatic renewals and repeat purchases.” “It’s unconscionable to use dark patterns to hook customers into long subscriptions and steep payments against their will, especially in the case of children and teens,” said David Monahan, Campaign Manager at Fairplay. “We applaud Senator Van Hollen and Congresswoman Clarke for standing up for consumers with this bill.” “Too many companies engage in stealth marketing tactics online to get consumers to pay for services they may not want or use. The public should not be subjected to unfair and deceptive practices that can threaten their financial well-being. Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Rep. Clarke’s bill would create a safer consumer marketplace online, and give individuals powerful new ways to protect themselves,” said Jeff Chester, executive director, Center for Digital Democracy. “Sen. Van Hollen and Rep. Clarke’s bill provides critical consumer protection in a digital era to address the use of dark patterns, like negative options, by sellers of goods and services to trick consumers into actions they don’t want to take. The bill promotes more competitive markets by empowering consumers to take the action they want,” said Birny Birnham of the Center for Economic Justice. “Consumers should not be duped into automatic obligations for services that they did not agree to, only to enrich companies that mislead them into unwanted binding agreements,” said Linda Sherry, Consumer Action’s Director of National Priorities. “Consumers need Senator Van Hollen and Congresswoman Clarke’s solution that would require companies to get consumers’ express consent before committing them to contracts.” “Negative options trick people into renewing automatic billing without their knowledge, and often for products or services that they do not even want or use. Sen. Van Hollen and Rep. Clarke’s bill will help restore transparency and fairness to online shopping,” said Lauren Saunders of the National Consumer Law Center. “NCL endorses Senator Van Hollen and Congresswoman Clarke’s bill to require free-to-pay conversions or negative option features requiring express affirmative consent before automatically renewing contracts or converting free-to-pay contracts to automatically renewing contracts. Consumers need these protections because contracts for free goods or services that automatically convert to monthly payments carry often hefty charges and terms – giving fair warning to consumers of these contracts and the right to cancel is essential. Thanks to Senator Van Hollen for his leadership,” said John Breyault of the National Consumers League. ### Yvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York’s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-introduces-legislation-oversee-spending-federal-dollars-given,Malliotakis Introduces Legislation to Oversee Spending of Federal Dollars Given to States and Major Cities,2021-12-01,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,NY,Nicole Malliotakis,M000317,malliotakis.house.gov,malliotakis,https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(WASHINGTON, DC) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) yesterday introduced the Special Inspector General for Major Metropolitan Areas (SIGMMA) Act and the Special Inspector General for State Spending and Waste (SIGSSAW) Act, bills that would create Special Inspectors General to oversee the spending of federal dollars given to state governments and governments of major cities with populations greater than one million people. Both bills are modeled after language that established the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction in 2008. ""My legislation aims to hold city and state governments accountable by establishing Inspectors General to conduct audits and investigations of programs and operations funded with federal dollars,"" said Congresswoman Malliotakis. ""New Yorkers need to look no further than programs like de Blasio's wasteful Thrive NYC, failed renewal schools program, or the state's decision to give unemployment, stimulus, and disaster relief aid to those in the country illegally. My goal is to ensure tax dollars are spent appropriately on their intended purpose and not squandered."" For decades, Congress has formed independent Officers of Inspectors General (OIGs) to oversee and monitor Executive Branch operations. Most recently, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) identified over $40 billion in taxpayer money was wasted, lost, or abused in Afghanistan between 2002 and July 2021, and, in June 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor OIG estimated $87.3 billion in federal unemployment program funds could have been paid improperly. OIG reports have even led to the criminal convictions of those responsible for abusing taxpayer dollars, including three men who were charged in a fraud scheme to obtain over $14 million in COVID-19 pandemic relief loans. Malliotakis added: ""Inspectors General have saved governments and taxpayers billions of dollars through their independent oversight work. Unfortunately, no such entity exists to oversee the spending of federal dollars in states or big cities, which is why taxpayer dollars have historically been wasted, abused, or defrauded. These bills would prevent further abuse by demanding transparency on the part of state and local governments.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-malliotakis-why-hasnt-biden-resumed-remain-mexico-supreme-court-ordered,Rep. Malliotakis: Why Hasn't Biden Resumed Remain in Mexico as Supreme Court Ordered?,2021-12-01,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,NY,Nicole Malliotakis,M000317,malliotakis.house.gov,malliotakis,https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis spoke on the House Floor to blast President Biden's open border policies that have led to record high illegal border crossings, increased crime, and increased fentanyl use in the United States. On October 3, 2021, following court orders, the Biden Administration said it would reinstate the 'Remain in Mexico' policy by mid-November, however, no such action has been taken. ""This Administration said it would reinstate the 'Remain in Mexico' policy by mid-November. We are now in December, and no such action has been taken,"" Malliotakis said. ""In October, CBP arrested over 680 individuals with criminal convictions and dozens of known gang members, including 23 members of MS-13. When is enough going to be enough for this Administration and my colleagues in the House?"" Additionally, Malliotakis expressed her concern over the rise of fentanyl streaming over the southern border. The Drug Enforcement Administration says 80% of fentanyl in the United States has come through our borders illegally. Malliotakis added: ""Last month CBP seized enough fentanyl to kill 236,775,024 people. American citizens. So I ask my colleagues: Whose side are you on? Are you on the side of the drug cartels? Or are you on the side of the American people?""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-clarke-torres-urge-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-to-rescind-or,"Meng, Clarke, Torres Urge Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Rescind or Amend Diversity Visa Program",2021-12-01,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (NY-06), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and Ritchie Torres (NY-15), as well as 46 of their colleagues, sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging him to either rescind or amend the Diversity Visa Program and remove the unnecessary restrictions of the Passport Rule: ""The Diversity Visa Program has been a long-standing initiative in our country, promoting a core value that our nation was founded on; that people from all backgrounds can come to the U.S. in search of a more prosperous life and to achieve their American Dream,"" said Congresswoman Meng. ""But the Trump administration, fueled by its anti-immigrant agenda, implemented the Passport Rule that placed massive financial burdens on immigrants by requiring applicants to obtain a passport before they are able to enter the Diversity Visa lottery. This Rule is unconscionable and antithetical to the original intent of the Diversity Visa Program. We are a nation founded by immigrants and a nation made stronger by its diversity. Requiring potential applicants to hold a passport prior to applying for the Diversity Visa lottery only acts as a deterrent to millions of potential new Americans. That is why the Secretary must take action on this rule. We eagerly await his response to our letter."" ""The Diversity Visa Program was originally created, within the State Department, to grant visas to countries with low immigration rates to the United States,"" said Congresswoman Clarke. ""The Trump Administration made many unsuccessful attempts to end the program all together, however, they were successful to include more restrictions and hurdles for applicants. By way of the unnecessary requirements of the Passport Rule, applicants from developing countries are too restricted and overburdened to participate in the Diversity Visa Program. This has significantly undermined access to the Diversity Visa Program, as well as tarnished the symbolism and spirit in which the program was enacted; to encourage ‘new seed' immigration from regions and nations that did not send many immigrants under our family or employment-based systems. That is why, I am urging Secretary Blinken to rescind or amend the 2019 Interim Final ‘Passport Rule' that requires applicants to invest in a passport before they are able to apply for the program. Because the chances of winning the lottery are very low and the financial burden is disproportionately high, this rule affects millions of applicants discouraged from applying due to the costs associated with obtaining a passport they may never get to use. We are a nation of immigrants and diversity is not just our strength, it is our superpower. It is a fundamental understanding of our commitment to human rights. And so, we must make it easier to accept newcomers, not harder."" ""The Trump Administration's xenophobic immigration policies have left a hateful stain on our nation's legacy,"" said Congressman Torres. ""It is incumbent upon the Biden Administration to rescind all of the last Administration's harmful policies. The repeal of the ‘Passport Rule' to the Diversity Visa Program is yet another important step in reversing racist policies and restoring our commitment to human rights. As a global leader we must enact policy that reflects our values of inclusivity and diversity.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-morelle-womens-health-protections,STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSMAN MORELLE ON WOMEN’S HEALTH PROTECTIONS,2021-12-01,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph D. Morelle,M001206,morelle.house.gov,morelle,https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Joe Morelle released the following statement: ""Every woman deserves the fundamental, inalienable right to choose what happens to her body. Unfortunately, those rights have repeatedly come under attack by states seeking to restrict access to women's healthcare—and today, they are being threatened once again in the Supreme Court. ""While I am hopeful the Supreme Court will act to uphold the protections established under Roe v. Wade, this challenge underscores why additional action is so necessary. That's why in September, I voted to pass the Women's Health Protection Act and ensure every woman has the right to make her own healthcare decisions, no matter what. I urge the Senate to join us in enacting this important legislation immediately. ""I am proud and honored to represent a community with a rich history of fighting for women's equality. I'll always fight to uphold that legacy by protecting and strengthening the essential rights all women should be able to rely on, including reproductive freedom.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3506,Tonko Addiction Treatment Legislation Clears Key Milestone in House,2021-12-01,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,tonko,https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Paul D. Tonko today announced that the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act—reintroduced in February this year—has garnered the official support of the majority of members in the House of Representatives with more than 218 representatives cosponsoring the legislation. This bipartisan bill would expand lifesaving addiction treatment by removing an antiquated requirement called the “x-waiver” that is blocking health professionals from prescribing the proven treatment buprenorphine to their patients. This news comes at a time when America’s opioid epidemic is deadlier than ever—with the nation surpassing 100,000 deaths by drug overdose for the first time ever in a 12-month period. “As our nation’s opioid crisis reaches scary new heights, buprenorphine stands as a tried-and-true medication that would help millions struggling with the disease of addiction, yet deployment of this safe, proven treatment continues to be hampered by unnecessary red tape,” Congressman Tonko said. “For years I have pushed to eliminate the outdated x-waiver and open the doors of access to this lifesaving drug with my Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, and I am deeply gratified to receive strong support from my colleagues both in the House and the Senate on this endeavor. This expansive, bipartisan support speaks to the incredible need of our communities. I urge Congress to move forward to advance this legislation immediately and bring hope and a path forward to those who need it most.” After France took similar action to make buprenorphine available without a specialized waiver, opioid overdose deaths declined by 79 percent over a four-year period. The MAT Act currently has 225 cosponsors. Original House cosponsors of the bill are Representatives Michael Turner (R-OH), Antonio Delgado (D-NY) and Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH), with partner legislation introduced in the Senate by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-issues-statement-on-the-commonwealth-of-barbados-becoming-a-new-republic-on-its-55th-anniversary/,CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE COMMONWEALTH OF BARBADOS BECOMING A NEW REPUBLIC ON ITS 55TH ANNIVERSARY,2021-11-30,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 30, 2021 MEDIA CONTACT: e: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov c: 202.480.5737 Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Co-Chair of the Congressional Caribbean Caucus issued the following statement on the Commonwealth of Barbados becoming a new Republic: “The Caribbean island of Barbados becoming a new Republic is the hope the entire world can believe in and I am deeply inspired by this new era of change and transformation. We are finally making measurable and significant progress toward building a world respectful of a people’s God-given right of self determination and sovereignty. This moment is a symbolic one that, I hope, will serve as a bellwether for all those determined to build a more just and equitable world for all people. Barbados, the first British commonwealth country in nearly 30 years to declare itself a republic on its 55th anniversary, is setting the course for a historic transformation. And how fitting that this change is being ushered in with the newly elected president of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason and Prime Minister Mia Mottley. This Caribbean nation has taken a giant step away from its colonial history to pursue a fruitful and prosperous destiny in its own right. These are indeed historic times. I congratulate President Mason and Prime Minister Mottley and wish them all the success in leading their countrymen into a bright and strong independent future, that will undoubtedly build upon the partnership with America and continued leadership in promoting democracy, human rights, and security throughout the Caribbean,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. ### Yvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York’s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-meng-torres-issue-joint-statement-urging-secretary-antony-blinken-to-amend-the-diversity-visa-program/,"CLARKE, MENG, TORRES, ISSUE JOINT STATEMENT URGING SECRETARY ANTONY BLINKEN TO AMEND THE DIVERSITY VISA PROGRAM",2021-11-30,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 30, 2021 MEDIA CONTACT: e: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov c: 202.480.5737 Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) joined by Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15), and 46 of their colleagues, sent a letter to Secretary Antony Blinken urging him to either rescind or amend the Diversity Visa Program and remove the unnecessary restrictions of the Passport Rule: “The Diversity Visa Program was originally created, within the State Department, to grant visas to countries with low immigration rates to the United States. The Trump Administration made many unsuccessful attempts to end the program all together, however, they were successful to include more restrictions and hurdles for applicants. By way of the unnecessary requirements of the Passport Rule, applicants from developing countries are too restricted and overburdened to participate in the Diversity Visa Program. This has significantly undermined access to the Diversity Visa Program, as well as tarnished the symbolism and spirit in which the program was enacted; to encourage “new seed” immigration from regions and nations that did not send many immigrants under our family or employment-based systems. That is why, I am urging Secretary Blinken to rescind or amend the 2019 Interim Final “Passport Rule” that requires applicants to invest in a passport before they are able to apply for the program. Because the chances of winning the lottery are very low and the financial burden is disproportionately high, this rule affects millions of applicants discouraged from applying due to the costs associated with obtaining a passport they may never get to use. We are a nation of immigrants and diversity is not just our strength, it is our superpower. It is a fundamental understanding of our commitment to human rights. And so, we must make it easier to accept newcomers, not harder, ” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “The Diversity Visa Program has been a long-standing initiative in our country, promoting a core value that our nation was founded on; that people from all backgrounds can come to the U.S. in search of a more prosperous life and to achieve their American Dream. But the Trump administration, fueled by its anti-immigrant agenda, implemented the Passport Rule that placed massive financial burdens on immigrants by requiring applicants to obtain a passport before they are able to enter the Diversity Visa lottery. This Rule is unconscionable and antithetical to the original intent of the Diversity Visa Program. We are a nation founded by immigrants and a nation made stronger by its diversity. Requiring potential applicants to hold a passport prior to applying for the Diversity Visa lottery only acts as a deterrent to millions of potential new Americans. That is why the Secretary must take action on this rule. We eagerly await his response to our letter,” said Congresswoman Meng. “The Trump Administration’s xenophobic immigration policies have left a hateful stain on our nation’s legacy. It is incumbent upon the Biden Administration to rescind all of the last Administration’s harmful policies. The repeal of the “Passport Rule” to the Diversity Visa Program is yet another important step in reversing racist policies and restoring our commitment to human rights. As a global leader we must enact policy that reflects our values of inclusivity and diversity, ” added Congressman Ritchie Torres. Click here for full text of the letter. ### Yvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York’s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-urges-biden-doj-halt-supervised-injection-sites-new-york-city,Malliotakis Urges Biden DOJ to Halt Supervised Injection Sites in New York City,2021-11-30,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,NY,Nicole Malliotakis,M000317,malliotakis.house.gov,malliotakis,https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(WASHINGTON, DC) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) today sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland following reports that New York City will open two ""Supervised Injection Centers"" in East Harlem and Washington Heights as soon as today. In 2018 as a State Legislator, Malliotakis introduced legislation and sent a letter to former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to stop New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's original Supervised Injection Center plans. In response, the DOJ committed to stopping the mayor's plans if they were to proceed given its clear violation of the Controlled Substances Act. The legislation introduced by Malliotakis in the State Assembly stripped state funding from organizations that established such injection centers. Now, as a member of Congress, Malliotakis is calling on the Biden Administration to make the same commitment and she intends to introduce similar legislation on the federal level. ""After I reached out to Attorney General Sessions in 2018, the DOJ committed to me that it would intervene if Mayor de Blasio proceeded with his unlawful plan to open heroin injection centers in our city,"" said Congresswoman Malliotakis. ""Now that President Biden is in power, Mayor de Blasio has rushed to put this illegal scheme back on track. I urge the current Administration and Attorney General Garland to make the same commitment and take swift action to enforce federal law."" On January 13, 2021, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled ""that it is a federal crime to open a supervised injection site or 'consumption room' for illegal drug use,"" after a nonprofit attempted to open supervised injection sites in Philadelphia. In agreeing with the government’s interpretation of the Controlled Substances Act, the Court explained, “[t]hough the opioid crisis may call for innovative solutions, local innovations may not break federal law.” Malliotakis added: ""Instead of focusing on the root cause of the drug epidemic, Mayor de Blasio is enabling drug cartels that continue to break our laws, smuggle illegal drugs over our border, and prey on our children. Crime and fentanyl use are at record highs because of open borders, botched bail reform, and anti-police policies that keep releasing criminal drug dealers back onto our streets. Opening taxpayer-funded heroin shooting galleries is not a proper solution. These centers not only encourage drug use but they will further deteriorate our quality of life.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-statement-on-menorah-vandalism-in-queens,Meng Statement on Menorah Vandalism in Queens,2021-11-30,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) today condemned the vandalizing of a public menorah in Hollis Hills, Queens located on Union Turnpike and 220th Street. ""I condemn this despicable act of vandalism as the Jewish community celebrates Hanukkah. There is no place anywhere in our society for anti-Semitism and hate, particularly here in Queens, where we welcome and embrace the great diversity throughout our borough. We will not tolerate this disgusting and cowardly behavior, and we must continue to call out these crimes. Those responsible must be held accountable.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-joins-colleagues-introducing-parents-bill-rights-act,Malliotakis Joins Colleagues in Introducing Parents Bill of Rights Act,2021-11-29,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,NY,Nicole Malliotakis,M000317,malliotakis.house.gov,malliotakis,https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(WASHINGTON, DC) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) joined Congresswoman Julia Letlow (R-LA) and nearly 80 of their Republican colleagues in introducing the Parents Bill of Rights Act that would put practices in place to facilitate dialogue between families and schools, allow parents to have more input throughout the learning process, and establish more transparency and accountability. This bill comes after the Department of Justice issued a memo to the FBI and federal prosecutors likening concerned parents to domestic terrorists. ""With divisive curriculum such as Critical Race Theory being taught in schools, and parents who are expressing concerns about curriculum and policy being treated as domestic terrorists by government agencies, it's critically important to protect parents' rights to transparency regarding their child's education,"" said Congresswoman Malliotakis. ""This legislation gives power back to parents by requiring accountability and transparency on the part of school districts, allowing parents to know what's being taught and push back on curriculum they believe is inappropriate or harmful to their child's education. Personal politics have no place in the classroom and this legislation seeks to prevent that."" The Parents Bill of Rights Act is built on five core principles that would apply to all schools nationwide that receive federal funding: Parents have the right to know what their children are being taught. School districts must make the curriculum publicly available and provide parents with a list of books and reading materials available in the schools' library. States must provide the public with a copy of any revisions to the state's academic standards or learning benchmarks. Parents must be given timely notice of any plan to eliminate gifted & talented programs. Parents have the right to be heard. Teachers must offer two in-person meetings with parents each year. Parents must be allowed to address the school board on issues impacting the education of their child. Educators and policymakers must respect the First Amendment right of parents as well as their right to assemble and have a say in their child's education. School districts should consider community feedback when making decisions. Parents have the right to see a school’s budget and spending. School district budgets must be publicly disclosed, including revenues and expenditures. Parents have the right to protect their child’s privacy. Schools must not share student data with tech companies without parental permission or sell data for commercial purposes. Parents must have a say when school districts develop or update student privacy policies and procedures. Parents must consent before any medical exam takes place at school, including mental health or substance abuse screenings. Parents have the right to keep their child safe. Schools must notify parents of violent activity occurring on school grounds or school-sponsored events while still protecting the privacy of the students involved in the incident.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3503,"Tonko, Blumenthal, Schumer & Luján Announce Bill to Stop Cyber Grinches from Stealing Christmas",2021-11-29,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,tonko,https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON D.C.—On Cyber Monday and with holiday shopping underway, Representative Paul Tonko (D-NY), Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) today announced the introduction of the Stopping Grinch Bots Act. Their bicameral bill will crack down on cyber Grinches using “bot” technology to quickly buy up whole inventories of popular holiday toys and resell them to parents at higher prices. These third-party sellers use bots to bypass security measures and manipulate online sales systems to buy toys, leading to some toys being almost impossible to buy online or in stores at retail prices, exacerbating shortages caused by stressed supply chains. “At a time when families should be able to spend time with their loved ones, digital “Grinch bots” are forcing Americans to scour online sites in the hopes of finding an affordable gift or paying exorbitant prices for a single toy,” said Tonko. “These bots don’t just squeeze consumers, they pose a problem for small businesses, local retailers and other entrepreneurs trying to ensure they have the best items in stock for their customers. Our Grinch Bots Act works to level the playing field and prevent scalpers from sucking hardworking parents dry this holiday season. I urge my colleagues to join me in passing this legislation immediately to stop these Grinch bots from stealing the holidays.” “This bill seeks to stop Cyber Grinch greed from ruining kids’ holidays,” said Blumenthal. “New tools are needed to block cyber scammers who snap up supplies of popular toys and resell them at astronomic prices. Price gouging hot toys by Grinch bots should have zero tolerance.” “The average holiday shopper is unable to compete with the light speed of the all-too-common Grinch bot and are then held at ransom by scalpers and third-party resellers when trying to buy holiday presents. After a particularly trying year, no parent or American should have to fork over hundreds - or even thousands - of dollars to buy Christmas and holiday gifts for their children and loved ones,” said Majority Leader Schumer. “It is of upmost importance that these Grinch bots are thwarted in their attempts to steal Christmas - and money - from hardworking Americans.” “The rush of the holiday season leaves far too many Americans vulnerable to the malicious practices of Grinch bots that manipulate the market and drive up prices,” said Luján. “This is a sacred time to be spent with family and loved ones. Americans should not be stressed financially by online algorithms that hoard high-demand toys and goods and resell them at huge margins. This critical legislation will protect New Mexico's consumers during the holidays and year round.” The legislation is supported by a number of consumer organizations, including Consumer Reports, Consumer Federation of America, and the National Consumer League. “Shoppers shouldn't have to compete with unscrupulous cyber Grinches who use automated bots to snatch up hundreds of products in a matter of seconds and re-sell them at outrageous prices,” said Chuck Bell, Advocacy Program Director at Consumer Reports. “This bill will help stop this predatory practice and create a more level playing field so everyone has a fair chance of buying popular products at reasonable prices when shopping online.” “Consumers shouldn’t have to fight armies of bots to buy the products they want from the online retailers they want to do business with,” said Susan Grant, Director of Privacy and Consumer Protection at Consumer Federation of America. “We support outlawing sneaky tactics that shady operators use to corner the market on popular items and then charge consumers excessive prices for them.” “Finding the right gift this holiday season is going to be difficult enough as it is,” said John Breyault, Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud for the National Consumers League. “Shoppers shouldn’t have to also compete against resellers who use sophisticated software to buy up in-demand toys in an instant. The National Consumers League is proud to support the Stopping Grinch Bots Act, which would ensure that consumers have a fair shot at finding the right gifts for their loved ones.” Bots are software programs that can automatically spot and snap up inventory on sale online. In a matter of seconds, third-party vendors can purchase hundreds of items, squeezing out parents and children. In 2016, Blumenthal, Schumer, and Tonko’s Better Online Ticket Sales Act (BOTS Act) was signed into law to ban “ticket bots” that intentionally bypass security measures on online ticketing websites to unfairly outprice individual fans. This new legislation would apply the mechanism of the BOTS Act to e-commerce sites to ban bots bypassing security measures on online retail sites.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-joins-central-family-life-center-leadership-students-celebrate-12,Malliotakis Joins Central Family Life Center Leadership & Students to Celebrate $1.2 Million Federal Grant Award,2021-11-23,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,NY,Nicole Malliotakis,M000317,malliotakis.house.gov,malliotakis,https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(STATEN ISLAND, NY) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) today joined leadership and students from the Central Family Life Center on Staten Island in highlighting a $1.2 million federal grant award from the U.S. Department of Labor for the Center's YouthBuild IMPACT (Innovative Multiservice Programming and Activities for Community Togetherness) Program. The Central Family Life Center was the recipient of a competitive $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The funding will go towards its YouthBuild IMPACT program that helps youth ages 17-24 obtain their high school equivalency diploma while also earning industry-recognized vocational training certifications in construction and healthcare. Students in the YouthBuild IMPACT program also provide community service through the construction of housing and rebuilding efforts following natural disasters for their neighbors. ""Everyone who knows Dr. Carolina knows that he is committed to lifting our community up and the Central Family Life Center has provided critical educational, social, and vocational programs for youth on Staten Island for 30 years,"" said Congresswoman Malliotakis. ""Through its YouthBuild program, they are providing real opportunity for vulnerable youth in our community. As a big believer in vocational training, I'm pleased to see this fantastic organization be able to continue giving young people the education, skilled trade, and employment opportunities to keep them off the streets, out of trouble, and on a path to bright and rewarding future.” Since federal funding for YouthBuild began in FY93, more than 180,000 YouthBuild students in 46 states participated in the programs, built more than 35,000 units of affordable housing, and performed nearly 50 million hours of community service. Additionally, a recent study found that, compared with their peers who received alternative services, YouthBuild students earned more GEDs, enrolled in college and vocational school in higher numbers, and earned approximately 20 percent higher weekly earnings. “The work of educating our youth is one of the most challenging and rewarding endeavors one can achieve,"" said Dr. Demetrius Carolina, Executive Director of the Central Family Life Center. ""YouthBuild IMPACT has demonstrated a sincere interest in improving the lives of Staten Island youth. With the help of community partners, educators and businesses we plan to reach more and achieve more together to benefit the lives of all communities.” “YouthBuild is a proven program that helps to build the skillsets and mindsets that lead to employability, community leadership, and positive change,"" said Elizabeth Morgan, M.Ed., Director of YouthBuild IMPACT. ""IMPACT is ready to engage and reconnect youth to bring out what is already in them and help them take control of their lives and enjoy financial self-sufficiency.” About YouthBuild IMPACT: YouthBuild IMPACT is a program under the Central Family Life Center which is dedicated to changing the trajectory of our opportunity youth on Staten Island’s North Shore by addressing the core issues facing low-income communities: housing, education, employment, crime prevention, and leadership development. At YouthBuild IMPACT, young men and women, ages 17-24, work towards their TASC High School Equivalency Diploma while gaining hands-on career skills necessary to secure long-term employment. YouthBuild IMPACT is an affiliate of YouthBuild USA, a non-profit support center that supports programs across the USA and internationally. There are 290 local YouthBuild programs in 18 countries, with 233 programs in 46 U.S. states and territories and 57 programs in 17 other countries. About the Central Family Life Center: The Central Family Life Center, Inc. (CFLC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that seeks to improve the lives and environment of Staten Island residents. The CFLC was established in 1991 under the aegis of the First Central Baptist Church, led by Rev. Dr. Calvin Rice, and it continues today under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Demetrius Carolina. The 10,000 square foot facility is the only minority-led community center of its kind in Staten Island, and it houses many critical social services programs for the borough's diverse residents.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3501,Tonko Cheers Investments for Kids & Families in Build Back Better Act,2021-11-23,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,tonko,https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Paul D. Tonko is celebrating key investments for Capital Region children and families this holiday season with the House advance of the Build Back Better Act. This transformative legislation cuts costs for families by making child care more affordable and extending the Child Tax Credit, a vital benefit that delivered $30.8 million in total payments to Capital Region families in the month of November alone. “Investments in our kids have unparalleled benefits for our communities, our economy and the future of our nation,” Congressman Tonko said. “In the richest country in the world, there is simply no excuse for us to abandon any of America’s children, and with the strong investments House Democrats passed under Biden’s Build Back Better Act, we are ensuring no kid is left behind. I was proud to vote to pass this legislation that will put money back in the pockets of middle- and low-income parents so they can pay for child care, put food on the table, pay for utilities, and spend money at our local businesses. I’ll continue pushing for these critical investments that enable Americans to support and grow our local economy while building better lives for their families.” The Build Back Better Act expands on Democrats' work to support families including extending the successful Child Tax Credit. Analysis based on data from the Census Bureau shows that, following the July payments, there were significant declines in the share of households with children reporting financial hardship and food insufficiency. Families continue to use the expanded CTC tax cuts to meet the needs of their household. Among those who responded to the Census Bureau’s survey: 56% spent their CTC tax cuts on food, 33% spent it on internet and other utilities, 30% spent it on mortgage/rent, 30% spent it on clothing and 11% spent it on child care. Investments in the Build Back Better Act: Give more than 35 million families a major tax cut by extending the Biden Child Tax Credit, including supporting an estimated 120,000 Capital Region kids. Save most families more than half their current spending on child care, ensuring most families will have to pay no more than 7 percent of their income for child care. Establish universal preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds with expanded access to pre-K for more than 6 million children Establish a universal and permanent paid family and medical leave program, providing four weeks of paid parental, family caregiving, and medical leave. Cut the cost of postsecondary education, with such steps as increasing the maximum Pell Grant. Extend the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to ensure that low-income children will always have access to quality, affordable health insurance. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-and-malliotakis-call-on-head-of-fema-to-address-low-amounts-of-aid,Meng and Malliotakis Call on Head of FEMA to Address Low Amounts of Aid Provided to New York Ida Victims,2021-11-22,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-Queens) and Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) today urged the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to address the low amounts of disaster aid that the agency has provided to New Yorkers who sustained extensive damage from the recent flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. In a letter to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, the Congresswomen said they have been contacted by constituents who have received extremely low payouts for major devastation that the storm caused to their homes. These FEMA payments do not even come close to meeting their repair needs. In just two of the many cases, a local resident received just $5,000 for $30,000 in damages, and another got only $5,500 for $50,000 in damages. ""The remnants of Hurricane Ida wreaked havoc on our region with my congressional district among the hardest hit by the unprecedented flooding,"" said Congresswoman Meng. ""Many of those I represent continue to struggle with making repairs and replacing their belongings, and the small payouts by FEMA are only making it harder for these individuals to get back on their feet. FEMA must do better. We call on the agency to immediately fix this problem so that constituents can move forward with recovering from the storm and getting their lives back on track."" ""The remnants of Hurricane Ida caused serious damage to residents in my community and the current FEMA payouts don't even come close to covering the cost of their repairs,"" said Congresswoman Malliotakis. ""I urge FEMA to immediately address this issue and review appeals more thoroughly to provide residents the aid they deserve."" The letter by Meng and Malliotakis also asks FEMA to reduce barriers that Limited English Proficient communities have faced in seeking disaster relief, specifically requesting that the agency hire an individual with appropriate language skills help with the process. A copy of the correspondence can be viewed here, and the text is below. ------------------------------------------ The Honorable Deanne Criswell Administrator Federal Emergency Management Agency 500 C St. SW Washington, D.C. 20024 Dear Administrator Criswell: Thank you for leading the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) efforts in response to the effects of Tropical Depression Ida that struck New York on September 1. FEMA's disaster relief programs—specifically the Individuals and Households Program (IHP)—are essential for New Yorkers in the wake of the natural disaster that claimed dozens of lives and destroyed billions of dollars of property. Yet, we write with concern that FEMA's IHP assistance has been painfully short of meeting our constituents' needs as they rebuild their lives. As you know, Tropical Depression Ida caused enormous economic damage, and some estimate the total cost could be as high as $95 billion for all states impacted; given the immense destruction the flooding caused, New York City's share of this number is certain to be high. As our City continues to rebuild, it is crucial that New Yorkers have enough funding to repair their homes and restore their possessions. Yet, this has not been the case as many of our constituents have reached out to us about receiving low payouts from FEMA. One constituent who applied for assistance received approximately $5,500, but their receipts and repair proposals of damages were in the range of at least $50,000. There are other stories like this and it is deeply concerning that families continue to struggle. Low payouts have forced them to file more paperwork to appeal those decisions and to stretch a few thousand dollars to cover tens of thousands of dollars of damage. For Limited English Proficient communities, they have additional barriers to seeking relief. This is troubling and we seek answers to the following questions: Without access to granular data on IHP registration, determination, and appeals, what programmatic policies and values are applied in determining awards? What level of damage provides larger awards or ranges of awards? FEMA has 90 days to respond to an appeal. What is FEMA's average response rate in this disaster and how does this compare with prior disasters? FEMA responds to appeals in English and Spanish, but this leaves out other communities who speak languages like Mandarin or Korean. Hence, those individuals must find someone or service to help process their appeals application with FEMA. What can FEMA do to help reduce this barrier and simplify the process? Could FEMA hire someone with the appropriate language skills to help with the registration process? As we approach the holiday season, it is imperative that we work together to fix the issue of low payouts. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to working with you to address this situation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-rice-fischbach-mast-luria-zeldin-lead-bipartisan-letter-in-support,"Meng, Rice, Fischbach, Mast, Luria, Zeldin Lead Bipartisan Letter in Support of Israel’s Participation in Visa Waiver Program",2021-11-22,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (NY-06), Kathleen Rice (NY-04), Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), Brian Mast (FL-18), Elaine Luria (VA-02) and Lee Zeldin (NY-01) today sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas in support of Israel's participation in U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Israel is under consideration to be added to the program after it was discussed in a bilateral meeting between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in August. In their letter, the Members urged the expeditious addition of Israel to the VWP and requested an update to Congress on the status of current negotiations. If accepted, Israel would join a group of allies who already benefit from participation in the program, including Australia, South Korea, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, Singapore, Taiwan, France, and Greece. ""Israel's participation in this program would grow the U.S. economy, strengthen national security at each of our borders, and increase opportunities for people-to-people exchange, which bolsters our already unique bilateral relationship,"" the Members wrote in their letter. In addition to Meng, Rice, Fischbach, Mast, Luria and Zeldin, the letter was signed by the following 52 Members of Congress: Auchincloss (MA-04), Bacon (NE-02), Banks (IN-03), Bilirakis (FL-12), Brown (MD-04), Budd (NC-13), Cammack (FL-03), Costa (CA-16), Craig (MN-02), Deutch (FL-22), Diaz-Balart (FL-25), Garbarino (NY-02), Gonzalez (OH-16), Gottheimer (NJ-05), Graves (LA-06), Griffith (VA-09), Jacobs (NY-27), Joyce (OH-14), Keller (PA-12), Kim (CA-39), Kustoff (TN-08), Lamb (PA-17), Mann (KS-01), Manning (NC-06), McKinley (WV-01), Meijer (MI-03), Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-02), Moolenaar (MI-04), Murphy (FL-07), Pallone Jr. (NJ-06), Panetta (CA-20), Phillips (MN-03), Quigley (IL-05), Reschenthaler (PA-14), Salazar (FL-27), Schrader (OR-05), Sherman (CA-30), Smith (NE-03), Smith (NJ-04), Strickland (WA-10), Suozzi (NY-03), Timmons (SC-04), Titus (NV-01), Torres (CA-35), Torres (NY-15), Trone (MD-06), Van Drew (NJ-02), Wagner (MO-02), Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Weber (TX-14), Wenstrup, D.P.M. (OH-02) and Wexton (VA-10). A copy of the letter can be found here, and the text is below: Dear Secretary Blinken and Secretary Mayorkas: We write to you in support of Israel's participation in U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows citizens and nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. We are encouraged by Secretary Mayorkas' remarks last month confirming that Israel is in the ""pipeline"" to be added to the program. These remarks follow a bilateral meeting in August between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, where Israel's participation in the VWP was discussed. According to the U.S. Travel Association, visits from Israel to the United States averaged 418,000 people per year for three years preceding the COVID-19 pandemic. Israeli travelers account for $1.2 billion in spending annually, with an average $4,000 in personal spending per trip. CBP's Visa Waiver Program allows expedited entry upon arrival to the United States for pre-approved, low-risk travelers using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program. The VWP utilizes a risk-based, multi-layered approach to detect and prevent high-risk individuals from traveling to the United States and incorporates national-level risk assessments.Israel's participation in this program would grow the U.S. economy, strengthen national security at each of our borders, and increase opportunities for people-to-people exchange, which bolsters our already unique bilateral relationship. Israel would join a group of forty other allies who benefit from participation in the Visa Waiver Program. We know you share in the goal of ensuring that the benefits that the Visa Waiver Program promises to U.S. tourism, to our country's national security, and to the U.S.-Israel relationship are realized. We therefore urge you to expediently add Israel to the Visa Waiver Program, and provide an update to Congress on the status of the current negotiations.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-aoc-celebrates-inclusion-civilian-climate-corps-green-new-deal-public,"Rep. AOC Celebrates Inclusion of Civilian Climate Corps, Green New Deal for Public Housing, Limiting of Faircloth Amendment, and High Speed Rail Funding in Build Back Better",2021-11-22,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,O000172,ocasio-cortez.house.gov,ocasio-cortez,https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — On Friday, the House of Representatives passed the President’s Build Back Better Act, which included several pieces of legislation that Representative Ocasio-Cortez has introduced and has tirelessly advocated for— including the Civilian Climate Corps, the Green New Deal for Public Housing, limiting the Faircloth Amendment, and funding for high speed rail. More details on these projects can be found below. Civilian Climate Corps Back in April, Representative Ocasio-Cortez introduced the Civilian Climate Corps with Senator Ed Markey. Over the past several months, Representative Ocasio-Cortez has been fighting to ensure that key provisions from the bill were included in the Build Back Better Act. Build Back Better funds Civilian Climate Corps through a combined investment of $30 billion in both personnel and project funding. The creation of a new Civilian Climate Corps would create 300,000 green jobs aimed at conserving our public lands, bolstering community resilience, and addressing the changing climate, all while putting good-paying union jobs within reach for more Americans. Green New Deal for Public Housing Representative Ocasio-Cortez also introduced the Green New Deal for Public Housing in April with Senator Sanders, in partnership with public housing residents, affordable housing advocates, and climate change activists. Build Back Better includes $65 billion for public housing which can be used to clear NYCHA’s maintenance backlog. The funds made available may also be used for green retrofits and resilience building, a hallmark of the Green New Deal for Public Housing. Learn more about the bill here. Limiting the Faircloth Amendment The Faircloth Amendment was passed in 1998 and prevents the building of public housing in the United States. In 2020, Representative Ocasio-Cortez led a successful vote to repeal the Faircloth Amendment in the House, which is critical to the expansion of affordable housing. Due to the leadership of Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez and Chairwoman Waters, new housing funding available through BBB will not be subject to the Faircloth Amendment. The full bill text can be found here. Additional Funding for High Speed Rail Representative Ocasio-Cortez secured $10 billion for high-speed rail corridor assistance to support planning and development of a public high-speed rail project. This comes after Representative Ocasio-Cortez called for additional funding for high speed rail back in June along with Senators Ed Markey and Kirsten Gillibrand, and Representatives Jim Costa and Seth Moulton. This federal commitment to these modern and proven transportation systems will dramatically improve our environment, reduce inequity, and help grow cities and sustain vibrant downtowns across the nation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-aoc-leads-100-members-urging-senate-reinstate-pathway-citizenship-build,Rep. AOC Leads 100 Members in Urging the Senate to Reinstate a Pathway to Citizenship in Build Back Better,2021-11-22,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,O000172,ocasio-cortez.house.gov,ocasio-cortez,https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC — Today, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) led a letter along with Representatives Lou Correa (CA-46), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Grace Meng (NY-06), and 86 additional members urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate President Pro Tempore Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin (D-IL) to reinstate a pathway to citizenship in the Build Back Better Act. The full letter including a full list of Members is available here. ""The House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act — a historic piece of legislation. While the House bill secured protections and work authorization for undocumented individuals, the bill does not include a permanent pathway to citizenship. Our community has made clear that this is not acceptable. Throughout these past few months, Bronx and Queens families, as well as our grassroots immigrant advocates, have been united and unfaltering in their message: Democrats promised a pathway to citizenship, and we must deliver one,” said Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “As this bill heads to the Senate, we must fight to ensure that we do not squander this once-in-a-generation opportunity. The Senate must establish a pathway to citizenship and finally provide Dreamers, TPS holders, farm workers, and essential workers with the stability and equal recognition they deserve."" “I am proud to lead with my colleagues in calling on Senate leadership to include a pathway to citizenship in the Build Back Better Act. While the immigration provisions in the bill the House passed go a long way to reducing the most severe harms that millions of undocumented immigrants face, we are not abandoning this fight. More than that, we are vigorously making the argument to our colleagues that we can’t truly ‘Build Back Better’ if the people who will do so much of the building are left out of the blueprint,” said Congressman Lou Correa. “Undocumented immigrants have been the backbone of our country—from growing our crops, processing our food, taking care of our children, and looking after our elderly. Yet, they have seen their dreams of becoming citizens shattered again. Through our continued advocacy efforts, we are saying the time is now. The Senate must include a pathway to citizenship in the Build Back Better Act. Eight years ago, 68 Senators—including 14 Senate Republicans—voted for a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants in this country. We don’t have another eight years, five years, two years, or even two months to wait. We are urging our colleagues to understand the positive impact a pathway to citizenship will have on the American economy, working families, and future generations of Americans. While the Build Back Better Act is a monumental achievement, as Cesar Chavez said, ‘We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about the progress and prosperity for our community.” “The Build Back Better Act makes historic investments in communities around the nation, providing immediate relief and support for individuals and working families,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat. “We fought hard during negotiations to ensure that immigrant communities were not left behind and that undocumented individuals who have contributed significantly to helping our nation recover would be included. Following last night’s House passage, we now urge our colleagues in the Senate to further this work by reinstating a pathway to citizenship for the millions of Dreamers, TPS holders, farm workers, and essential workers who are counting on us to do the right thing. We understand that much work remains in our efforts to fix our broken immigration system, and if our nation is to fully recover from the challenges and disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the time to provide comprehensive reform and ensure our immigrant communities are unequivocally included in our relief efforts.” “Though this bill delivers urgently needed relief to undocumented immigrants, it falls short of the pathway to citizenship that I’ve been fighting for and that immigrants deserve. It means families separated for decades can finally be reunited, workers can speak out against abuses without fear of retaliation, and immigrants can wake up every morning with some peace of mind,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García. “Still, immigrants who keep our country running deserve to call America home. Senate Democrats must find the courage to deliver permanent solutions and include a pathway to citizenship in the Build Back Better Act.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-issues-statement-on-the-passage-of-the-build-back-better-act/,CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE PASSAGE OF THE BUILD BACK BETTER ACT,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement on the passage of H.R. 5376; the Build Back Better Act: “History was just made and I am tremendously proud and grateful for the leadership that brought us to this moment in America. We passed the Build Back Better Act to deliver unprecedented investments that will help all Americans find solid ground again. Folks are getting the support to rebuild their lives and communities after the devastating impact of the on-going pandemic, and a more equitable economy that has favored the wealthy since the Reagan era. The Build Back Better Act will lower costs for families such as prescription drugs, health care premiums, child care, and home care for seniors. Collectively, these unprecedented investments represent a significant step in advancing President Biden’s economic plan to create jobs, reduce costs, tackle the climate crisis, make our nation more competitive, and rebuild the middle class. All Americans will benefit, it is now time for the Senate to do it’s part,” said Congresswoman Clarke. The Build Back Better Act will usher in generational change. They include: $150 billion federal investment in housing, the largest in our history, for one million new and improved affordable housing units as well as housing vouchers; Universal preschool for 3 and 4 year-olds in the largest expansion of public education since the K-12 system was originally created; High-quality child care, where no family pays more than 7 percent of their income; A half-trillion dollar investment in taking on climate change, with meaningful reductions in carbon emissions and Justice 40 measures that get us on the path to a clean energy future; A Civilian Climate Corps to create green jobs in communities most impacted by climate change; Improved health care through Medicare expansion of hearing aids, as well as subsidies for low-income families in states that have not expanded Medicaid; Provisions to cap insulin costs, allow Medicare to negotiate down the prices of some of the most expensive drugs, limit out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors, and penalties for pharma companies that increase prices faster than inflation; Funding for home-based care for seniors and people with disabilities, and to raise the wages of in-home care workers; Four weeks paid family and medical leave, the first national investment in paid leave in American history; Provisions to provide Dreamers, TPS holders, essential workers, and farmworkers protection from deportation, work permits, access to benefits, and freedom to travel. “These are sincere and historic investments in our future. And it’s about time. In the coming days I will host information sessions on the specifics of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Build Back Better Act for my Brooklyn community,” Clarke said. ### Yvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York’s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases/garbarino-announces-150000-federal-grant-farmingdales-republic-airport,"Garbarino Announces $150,000 Federal Grant for Farmingdale's Republic Airport",2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,NY,Andrew R. Garbarino,G000597,garbarino.house.gov,garbarino,https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino announced that Republic Airport in Farmingdale, NY will be receiving a nearly $150,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to the grant notice provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the grant will provide economic relief funds for costs related to operations, personnel, cleaning, sanitization, janitorial services, debt service payments, and combating the spread of pathogens at the airport. ""Long Island airports like Republic are an integral part of Long Island's infrastructure and I am pleased to see federal dollars being allocated to provide much needed relief,"" said Rep. Garbarino. ""Federal investment in infrastructure assets is critical to the economic growth of our community which is why I proud that my recent vote for infrastructure funding means that an additional $3.7 million will soon be available to Republic Airport as part of nearly $1 billion coming to New York to modernize, repair and upgrade our airports."" Details of the grant are as follows: Title: Republic: General ARPA DOT Agency Disbursing Funds: Federal Aviation Administration Project Name/Number: Republic Award Recipient: State of New York City/County/State: Farmingdale, Suffolk, NY Total Grant Amount: $ 148,000.00 Republic Airport is a general aviation airport, designated as national, as defined in the FAA's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) report. The grant notification to Congress can be viewed here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-blasts-pelosi-jamming-through-socialist-package-vows-fight-ensure,Malliotakis Blasts Pelosi for Jamming through Socialist Package; Vows Fight to Ensure it Never Becomes Law,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,NY,Nicole Malliotakis,M000317,malliotakis.house.gov,malliotakis,https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Perpetuates labor shortage: This bill continues welfare benefits without work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents at a time where there are 10.4 million job openings—more openings than there are people looking for work. Violates Americans’ financial privacy: This bill gives an $80 billion slush fund to the IRS to hire an 87,000 agent army that would be used to carry out the Biden administration’s plan to review every account with more than $10,000 worth of transactions in a year. The plan includes hiring 5,000 new armed criminal agents. Pushes Green New Deal in our universities: Democrats included a $10 billion “environmental justice” higher education credit program to indoctrinate college students and advance Green New Deal policies. Includes new incentives for illegal immigration: Unde this bill, illegal immigrants would be eligible for federal student aid and the enhanced child tax credit. Subjects small business to reckless tax penalties: The bill subjects small businesses with over $600 in transactions to backup tax withholding requirements if they fail to comply with IRS regulations Imposes crushing taxes on small businesses: This bill will hammer small businesses that file as individual tax earners with Obamacare’s 3.8% tax on net investment income. Increases out-of-pocket costs for those who rely on prescription drugs: The bill will repeal the Trump era Rebate Rule which passes through rebates directly to consumers at the point of sale. Makes it easier for the IRS to target taxpayers: The bill would make it easier for the IRS to issue penalties against taxpayers by removing the requirement that each penalty assessment be approved by a supervisor. Instead, the bill would merely require supervisors to provide quarterly reports on whether IRS employees are following the proper guidelines and requirements. Drives up costs on Americans’ utility bills: This bill includes a tax on natural gas eventually up to $1,500 per ton that could cost the American economy up to $9.1 billion, 90,000 Americans their jobs, and increase utility bills. Increases taxes on Americans at every income level: The bill’s trillions of dollars in tax hikes will be felt by those making under $400,000 per year, contrary to what the White House says. Includes legislative hull for Biden’s vaccine mandate: Increases OSHA penalties on businesses that fail to implement the mandate up to $700,000 per violation and includes nearly a billion dollars in funding for the Department of Labor to increase enforcement of these penalties. Lowers wages for working families and moves jobs overseas: The 15% minimum tax on book income is a double tax on investment. This would raise taxes on American companies by hundreds of billions of dollars, kill 25,000jobs, and reduce wages by 0.1%, all in the name of complying with Biden’s desire to appease global elites through a global minimum tax. Increases energy dependence on OPEC, Russia, and China. provisions included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that authorized energy production in the Arctic that will resultin 130,000 Americans losing their jobs and $440 billion in lost federal revenue.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-issues-statement-on-passage-of-build-back-better-act,Meng Issues Statement on Passage of Build Back Better Act,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) tonight issued the following statement after voting to pass the Build Back Better Act. ""The Build Back Better agenda is a once in a generation opportunity for the revitalization we need to deliver real change to working families and boost our economy. It is critical to invest in the vital areas addressed in the Build Back Better Act: child care and home care, paid leave, universal pre-K, health care and lower prescription drug pricing, housing, internet access, immigration reform, combating the climate crisis and more. I am particularly pleased with the inclusion of the $300 million that I and Senators Markey and Van Hollen fought to secure for connecting more students to the internet. All of these crucial investments will move our country forward and strengthen our nation's economy. My congressional district was the heart of the epicenter when COVID-19 struck our nation, and two-and-a-half months ago, Queens was hit hard by flooding from Hurricane Ida. Over the past year-and-a-half, many of my constituents have had their lives turned upside down, and many families continue to struggle. As we seek to move past these extremely difficult and challenging times, going backwards is not an option. We have to rebuild better, stronger, more equitably, and with greater resiliency than ever before. The Build Back Better Act would help many in our country and in my district, from kids and families to seniors. However, there are many immigrants who are still left without protections and more work that needs to be done to ensure local hospitals and healthcare providers have the means to deliver the best possible care to underserved and vulnerable communities. While I was proud to vote for this legislation, the fight to build back better cannot end here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morelle-takes-action-provide-critical-relief-support-monroe-county,"CONGRESSMAN MORELLE TAKES ACTION TO PROVIDE CRITICAL RELIEF, SUPPORT FOR MONROE COUNTY FAMILIES",2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph D. Morelle,M001206,morelle.house.gov,morelle,https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Image November 19, 2021 Votes to enact comprehensive legislation that delivers the largest middle-class tax cut in history, reduces costs for families, increases access to childcare, and lowers the cost of prescription drugs (Washington, DC) - Today, Congressman Joe Morelle voted to pass comprehensive legislation to meet the urgent needs of Monroe County families. The Build Back Better Act takes action to lower the costs that burden families in our community and makes investments to set them up for a successful future. ""The pandemic has left too many families struggling and that is why we made a promise to provide them with support and relief they need. Today, we are making good on that promise,"" said Congressman Morelle. ""These are real, impactful solutions that will strengthen our economy and create good paying jobs, reduce healthcare costs, and support Monroe County families at a time when they need it most. I'm proud of the long overdue investments this legislation makes in the future of our community, and I'm committed to continuing to deliver results like this for the people of Rochester."" The $1.75 trillion legislation marks a momentous investment in working families and enacts the largest middle-class tax cut in history. Highlights of the legislation include: Childcare: Saves most American families more than half of their spending on childcare. Ensures that middle-class families pay no more than 7 percent of their income on childcare. Helps states expand access to high-quality, affordable childcare for almost 20 million children per year – covering 9 out of 10 families with young children. Will enable New York to provide access to childcare for about 1,000,000 young children (ages 0-5) per year from families earning under 2.5 times the New York median income (about $250,942 for a family of 4). Prescription Drugs: Lowers the cost of prescription medication, like Insulin, that many Americans need to survive. Ensures Americans with diabetes don't pay more than $35 per month for their insulin. Creates a new, out-of-pocket cap of $2,000 on what seniors pay for their drugs in Medicare Part D. Allows the Department of Health and Human Services to set up a drug negotiation program to lower prices. Child Tax Credit: Continues progress toward reducing child poverty by giving more than 35 million families a major tax cut by extending the expanded Child Tax Credit. In Monroe County, 124,000 children benefit from the expanded Child Tax credit: Provides monthly payments to the parents of almost 90 percent of children for 2022. Up to $300 per month per child under six and $250 per month per child ages 6 to 17. Includes permanent refundability for the Child Tax Credit. Universal PreK: Enables states to expand access to free preschool and gives parents options for high-quality preschool in the setting of their choice – from public schools to childcare providers to Head Start. Covers more than 6 million children per year, including nearly 300,000 additional 3-and-4-year-olds in New York State Delivers two years of free preschool for every 3- and 4-year-old. Increases the quality of preschool for children already enrolled. Tax Cuts: Extends the American Rescue Plan's tripling of the credit for childless workers, benefiting 17 million essential, low-income earners, like cashiers, food preparation workers, and childcare providers. This tax cut of up to $1,500 will benefit nearly 1 million low-wage workers in New York State. Jobs: Helps get Monroe County back to work with workforce development and small business assistance. $3.36 billion to create regional innovation clusters, as envisioned in Congressman Morelle's original legislation H.R.476 — the Innovation Centers Acceleration Act. $1 billion over a 10-year period to establish a national network of uplift incubators to spur economic development in underrepresented communities. $35 million for the creation grants to assist veteran small business contractors. $70 million over 8 years to invest in initiatives through Women Business Centers, Small Business Development Centers, and other entities for formally incarcerated individuals. Drives our local workforce development by enabling community colleges to provide training for hundreds of thousands of workers using proven approaches like Registered Apprenticeships and programs to support underserved communities. Healthcare: Reduces premiums for more than 9 million Americans who buy insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace by an average of $600 per person per year. More than 3 million people who would otherwise be uninsured will gain health insurance, including 163,000 New Yorkers. Delivers health care coverage through ACA premium tax credits for up to 4 million uninsured people. Expands Medicare to cover hearing coverage giving older Americans access to affordable care they need. Child Nutrition: Works towards eliminating child hunger by expanding free school meals. Expands free school meals to 8.7 million children during the school year, including an additional 220,000 students in New York. Expands resources to purchase food over the summer for over 2 million students in New York. Provides a $65 per child per month benefit to the families of 29 million children to purchase food during the summer months. Housing Assistance: Reduces families' housing costs and expands housing options, with a major housing initiative. $10 billion for the HOME program to preserve, create or retrofit affordable homes for low-income families. $15 billion to support creation and preservation of affordable rental homes for the lowest income households. $1 billion to support to develop affordable housing for seniors and people with disabilities. $2 billion in investments in rural rental housing. $2 billion to establish a grant program for property owners of federally assisted housing make energy efficiency upgrade and improve property resiliency. Community Violence Intervention: Dedicates funding to support evidence-informed intervention strategies to reduce community violence. $2.5 billion in funding for the CDC to support public health interventions to reduce community violence and trauma. $2.5 billion in the Judiciary Committee title for community violence reduction efforts. Veterans: Rebuilds the physical infrastructure of the VA system by investing in VA's workforce and providing much-needed updates to the support structures that serve our local veterans. Invests $2.3 billion to update VA clinics and medical facilities. Allocates $1.8 billion for major medical facility leases improving veterans access to care. Increases the number of health professions residency positions at VA medical facilities by up to 500 positions over 7 years. Secures $150 million to address the backlog of unscanned veteran records. Climate: This $555 billion investment represents the largest single investment in our clean energy economy in history. Starts cutting climate pollution now to reduce greenhouse gas pollution by well over one gigaton in 2030. Saves local families hundreds of dollars per year in energy costs with the enhancement and expansion of existing home energy and efficiency tax credits, as well as the creation of a new, electrification-focused rebate program. Targets incentives to grow domestic supply chains in solar, wind, and other critical industries in communities on the frontlines of the energy transition.p Pay-Fors: The plan is fully paid for with a 15% minimum tax on the income that large corporations—with over $1 billion in profits—report to shareholders. It also includes a new surtax on the income of multi-millionaires and billionaires–-the top 0.02%. No one making under $400,000 will pay a penny more in taxes.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/suozzi-delivers-major-step-towards-victory-salt-relief,SUOZZI DELIVERS MAJOR STEP TOWARDS VICTORY ON SALT RELIEF!,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Thomas R. Suozzi,S001201,suozzi.house.gov,suozzi,https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, as a result of his relentless efforts to right the wrong when Republicans imposed a $10,000 cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D – Long Island, Queens) announced that the United States House of Representatives has successfully passed much-needed relief to middle-class families in New York. In the House, Suozzi was one of the lead negotiators who struck the deal to increase the SALT cap to $80,000. New York State was one of the hardest hit from the $10,000 SALT cap. Now, it must pass the Senate. “This agreement to substantially raise the cap from $10,000 to $80,000 will help millions of New Yorkers keep billions of dollars in their own pockets” said Suozzi. ""If passed in the Senate, New York's families will see this immediate relief when they file their 2021 income tax in April. This is a major step forward in our relentless pursuit to protect New York taxpayers."" “On behalf of the nation's mayors, I want to commend Congressman Suozzi for his hard work on this issue. He never stopped fighting to restore the state and local taxes for middle-income families in all states. Without his outstanding leadership, this relief would never have been possible,” said Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of the United States Conference of Mayors. “The International Association of Firefighters applauds Rep. Tom Suozzi for his dedication to strengthening local funding for fire departments by restoring the state and local income tax deduction...Through the Build Back Better Act and Rep. Suozzi’s leadership, the restoration of the SALT cap will allow local governments to have the funds needed to attain these critical public safety improvements,” said General President Edward Kelly, International Association of Fire Fighters “…I applaud leaders like Rep. Tom Suozzi who are fighting to right this wrong as part of the Build Back Better Act and make sure that our tax code once again works for middle-class families and communities committed to funding good schools and services,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers. “Trump’s SALT cap was a deliberate attack on Democratic states like New York and its working families, impeding our State’s ability to fund progressive priorities in education, infrastructure, and housing. Raising the cap to $80,000 is a move in the right direction and I am glad to have partnered with my friend Congressman Suozzi in this effort – the benefits of this policy change will provide immediate relief for New Yorkers and allow our State to better plan for our shared future,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks. “…This is a win for homeowners, our communities, and for the first responders who work every day to keep those communities safe. We thank Representative Suozzi for his leadership and commitment to addressing the SALT cap,” said Bill Johnson, Executive Director, National Association of Police Organization. “The state and local tax deduction, as one of six original deductions in the 1913 federal tax law, was imposed to prevent federal intrusion and dominance over state and local tax decisions and resources,” said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. “We thank Congressman Tom Suozzi…for...efforts to restore the SALT deduction…” New York State Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen Acquario said, “Counties applaud Congressman Suozzi for his leadership in restoring the deductibility of state and local taxes, known as SALT. New Yorkers pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation…We call on Congress and the President to support this measure to restore fairness to the tax code.” “The more than 1.5 million members of the National Association of REALTORS® thank Representative Suozzi for his tireless work on legislative solutions to address the imbalances and loss of incentives caused by limiting the deduction for state and local taxes (SALT). From launching the bipartisan SALT Caucus to repeatedly pushing to repeal or alleviate the cap, Representative Suozzi has championed this crucial issue,” said National Association of Realtors President, Charlie Oppler. “…Thanks to Representative Suozzi's leadership, more homebuyers will be able to achieve their American Dream.” Below are the details of the SALT relief that Suozzi negotiated into the Build Back Better bill: Would raise the deduction cap to $80,000 for a nine-year period through 2030. It would then return to the current $10,000 level in 2031, and then phase out entirely. Below is a breakdown of how many filers in different regions across New York claimed the SALT deduction before the $10,000 cap was placed. The $80,000 SALT cap will provide relief to these hardworking taxpayers: Queens County: 361,840 New York City: 1,388,120 Nassau County: 366,910 Suffolk County: 369,060 New York State: 3,418,170 Suozzi’s efforts since the unfair cap on the SALT deduction was imposed is found below: 2017: Reps. Suozzi, King, and Zeldin Stand in a Bipartisan Call on Long Island for the 2017 tax bill to NOT include a cap on the SALT deduction 2019: Suozzi Appointed to the House Ways and Means Committee, the chief tax writing committee, where he continues his staunch advocacy for the repeal of the SALT cap 2019: House Passes Suozzi’s Bipartisan legislation to repeal the SALT cap (then Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refuses to act on this legislation which would provide relief to middle class families in high cost of living states) 2020: Rep. Suozzi and then Minority Leader Chuck Schumer Stand Together with Long Island Families unfairly targeted by the SALT cap calling for full repeal (during the event, Schumer said: “When we get in the majority we’ll do it permanently,” referencing repeal on the SALT cap) 2021: Rep Suozzi and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer introduce dual legislation to repeal SALT cap (legislation has over 100 bipartisan cosponsors across both chambers and is supported by major unions and middle-class advocacy groups) 2021: Suozzi Leads 10 Ways and Means Members of Congress in a letter to the White House requesting a meeting on SALT to urge that the next major legislative package includes SALT deduction relief 2021: After continuing to hear from middle-class constituents hurting from the SALT cap, Suozzi leads three other members in ‘No SALT, No Deal’ pledge and will oppose any changes to the tax code without restoration of the SALT deduction 2021: Suozzi and Rep. Nadler lead nearly the entire NY Delegation in which they say they stand ready to oppose any tax legislation that does not fully restore the SALT deduction 2021: Suozzi’s efforts to repeal SALT Cap goes noticed by New York media as Suozzi fights for middle class families 2021: Suozzi forms the Bipartisan SALT Caucus to advocate for restoration of the SALT Cap; Caucus gains over 30 members in 24 hours 2021: Suozzi organizes press event with Police, Teacher, and Firefighter Unions to highlight how the SALT cap unfairly targeted union families 2021: Suozzi organizes press event with national groups of mayors, county executives, and cities to highlight how the SALT cap has undermined the ability of local governments to effectively govern Bloomberg: Mr. SALT' and N.J. Ally Fight Ocasio-Cortez to Revive Tax Break Groups Suozzi organized with as part of his successful effort to repeal the SALT cap include:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3499,Tonko Votes to Deliver Build Back Better Agenda,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,tonko,https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Paul D. Tonko today celebrated the House passage of the Build Back Better Act, transformational legislation that dovetails the recently enacted bipartisan infrastructure framework by lowering costs for American families, tackling the climate crisis, supporting children and expanding health care all while ensuring any American making less than $400,000 doesn’t pay a penny more. “For far too long, families in our Capital Region and across the nation have been held back by soaring costs, from housing and education to child and health care, all while the worsening climate crisis continues to threaten communities and destroy lives and livelihoods,” Congressman Tonko said. “Inaction can no longer be the answer. Today, I joined Democrats in the House to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to build back better. Our legislation will create millions of good-paying jobs, bring historic middle-class tax cuts, lower family and health care costs and forge a path to a cleaner, stronger future. I’m proud to help deliver these long-awaited investments that will unleash the full potential of every worker and family while ensuring the wealthiest corporations pay their fair share.” The Build Back Better Act: Lowers families’ health care costs by strengthening the Affordable Care Act, closing the coverage gap, and improving the benefits of Medicare, including allowing Medicare to negotiate proves for high-cost prescription medication, directly lowering drug costs for seniors Includes Tonko’s Medicaid Reentry Act to expand access to addiction treatment and other health services for incarcerated individuals transitioning back into the community Saves most families more than half their spending on child care Delivers free pre-K for every 3- and 4-year-old in America Gives more than 35 million families a major tax cut by extending the expanded Child Tax Credit Expands access to high-quality home care for older adults and those with disabilities Delivers more than $550 billion to support clean energy development and fight climate change, including clean energy tax credits that support the growth of good family-supporting jobs, domestic manufacturing and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure Expands offshore wind development in federal waters in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, Southeast Atlantic and the U.S. territories. Provides $150 billion in affordable housing investments to expand rental assistance for hundreds of thousands of households and preserve public housing for millions of residents ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3500,Tonko Cheers House Advance of Historic Climate & Clean Energy Investments,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,tonko,https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Paul D. Tonko, Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee, cheered the passage of a number of clean energy provisions he pushed to include in the Build Back Better Act, which advanced out of the House today. Key investments championed by Tonko include advancing offshore wind development, delivering clean energy tax incentives, supporting EV infrastructure and more. “With each passing day, the climate crisis grows more dire, and the window to avoid its most devastating impacts grows smaller,” Congressman Tonko said. “Today the House took strong action to protect our communities from the worst of this climate crisis and chart a course for a more sustainable, competitive, prosperous and just America. The passage of our Build Back Better agenda will create jobs through development of our clean energy industries, protect our kids from dangerous contaminants in our air and water, build out our national EV infrastructure network and so much more. The work to address climate change and protect our environmental and public health is far from over. But I stand ready to work alongside the president to build on the vital action taken today and deliver the whole-of-government response that our planet and the American people need.” The Build Back Better Act: Extends and expands numerous tax incentives for clean energy technologies, including wind, solar, electric vehicles, energy efficiency technologies, and more Includes legislation, authored by Tonko, to allow the Department of the Interior to hold offshore wind energy lease sales in federal waters in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico. Invests $29 billion in nonprofit, state, and local climate finance institutions that support the rapid deployment of low- and zero-emission technologies, including EV charging infrastructure Supports development of innovative technologies and American manufacturing of zero-emission transportation technologies with more than $15 billion invested in Department of Energy (DOE) loan and grant programs Improves residential energy use with $12.5 billion in home energy efficiency and appliance electrification rebates Includes an additional $10 billion to replace drinking water lead service lines and other lead remediation projects Reduces transportation-related air pollution by investing $3.5 billion at ports and $5 billion for heavy-duty vehicles Supports environmental justice with $3 billion for community-led projects Establishes a Methane Emissions Reduction Program to control excess methane pollution ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/vel-zquez-and-menendez-introduce-bicameral-bill-stop-predatory-small,Velázquez and Menendez Introduce Bicameral Bill to Stop Predatory Small Business Loans,2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Nydia M. Velázquez,V000081,velazquez.house.gov,velazquez,https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. –Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez, the Chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, and Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) introduced the bicameral Small Business Lending Disclosure Act. This bill aims to protect small business borrowers from predatory lenders and loans carrying unfair terms and conditions and would ensure safeguards already required in consumer lending, through the Truth in Lending Act. The bill would bolster the role of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in policing small business lending and bring enhanced transparency to small commercial loans. ""Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic immoral lenders sought to prey on small businesses with unfair and unsustainable loans, said Velázquez. ""Once we were in the midst of the worst public health crisis in over a century these predatory lenders would take aim at business and entrepreneurs trying to stay afloat. This legislation is a critical step in extending many of the protections in consumer lending law to small firms, bringing needed transparency to small business credit markets and ensuring entrepreneurs understand their obligations and rights when they sign up for a loan."" ""It's time to strengthen consumer protections for our small businesses, especially after what many of them had to endure to keep their doors open and employees paid during the pandemic,"" said Sen. Menendez. ""The lack of disclosure requirements leaves small business borrowers at risk of making decisions without access to the best information, and at the mercy of predatory lenders who go out of their way to take advantage of those in need of critical funds. I'm proud to join Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez in leading this effort to extends safeguards already required in consumer lending to the small business credit market."" ""Small businesses are the lifeblood of communities in Ohio and across the country. Right now, many of these businesses are desperate for loans to keep their doors open and their workers on payroll, leaving them vulnerable to predatory lenders who want to trap them in an endless cycle of debt,"" said Sen. Brown, Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. ""I'm proud to support the Small Business Lending Disclosure Act, which would help protect small business owners by extending consumer protections to Main Street."" ""Too many small and minority-owned businesses have been preyed upon by predatory lenders that use unclear pricing and confusing terms to rip borrowers off,"" said Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA), Chairwoman of the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services. ""And we know too well, Black and Latinx businesses were the hardest hit by the pandemic and faced challenges accessing support programs like the Paycheck Protection Program. So, as small businesses recover from the pandemic, they deserve to have the same basic protections consumers have had for decades under the Truth in Lending Act to ensure they have a clear understanding of the loans they receive, and that it will help their business grow."" ""Entrepreneurs' livelihoods are often intertwined with their small businesses. The Truth in Lending Act has been protecting borrowers and ensuring transparency in lending for consumers for more than 50 years, and it's time for the same level of transparency and fairness to be afforded to small businesses. This legislation will better protect small business borrowers and ensure a level playing field as small businesses work to recover from the pandemic and grow their business,"" saidRep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO). Small businesses make-up almost half of private sector jobs in the United States and play a key role in local communities. In recent years, online lending for entrepreneurs and small businesses has grown, while many of these financial products are fair and help meet entrepreneurs' capital needs, some carry enormous interest rates that can exceed 80% or even rise above triple digits without the rates being fully disclosed to borrowers. Under Velázquez's bill, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) would be granted the same oversight authority with respect to small business financing as the agency has with respect to consumer financial products and services. Moreover, small business lenders would need to make additional information readily available to borrowers including: the annual percentage rate; financing charges for loans; loan terms; payment amounts and collateral requirements. This bill is co-sponsored in the House of Representatives by Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) and Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA). This bill is co-sponsored in the Senate by Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) The Small Business Lending Disclosure Act earned praise and support from a wide range of small business, financing, microenterprise and other advocacy groups. ""Small businesses count on us to help them make financial decisions. As we face the reality of the racial wealth gap in this country, this bill helps countless Black-owned small businesses gain greater financial assurance that they're obtaining accurate lending terms and fair rates. This gives them the opportunity to see for themselves and make informed decisions without the worry of predatory lending fees,"" said Lenwood V. Long, Sr., President & CEO of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs. ""Entrepreneurs of color bore the brunt of COVID-19's economic fallout, with more than 19% of Black-, 10% of Latinx-, and 10% of Asian-owned businesses closing permanently, and they will continue to face an uphill battle in the months ahead. This is a critical time for small businesses to start rebuilding, and accessing capital will be crucial in this effort. The Small Business Lending Disclosure Act of 2021 is much-needed to provide transparency, giving small business owners, especially entrepreneurs of color, a fair opportunity to make informed financial decisions for their businesses,"" said Luz Urrutia, CEO of Accion Opportunity Fund. ""Small businesses deserve common sense transparency in evaluating financing options so they can make well-informed financial decisions and play a key role in rebuilding our economy--and this bill delivers that. In the face of our current economic crisis, entrepreneurs desperate to keep their doors open are vulnerable to predatory lenders at the worst possible time. We all have a stake in the financial health of our small business community and should rally around national legislation to protect their basic rights to responsible and transparent financing,"" said Jacob Haar, Managing Partner of Community Investment Management. ""We believe a free and fair market operates most efficiently when there is transparency in pricing, terms and conditions. When a small business has all of the necessary information up front including the annual percentage rate (APR), they can comparison shop and make informed decisions that are best for their business. Funding Circle supports one national uniform small business financing disclosure law because it is in the best interests of small businesses and they need our support now more than ever,"" said Ryan Metcalf, Head of U.S. Public Policy at Funding Circle U.S. ""Commonsense transparency standards promote innovation by enabling small businesses to comparison shop. This groundbreaking bill will create healthy competition, lowering prices for small businesses and encouraging responsible lending,"" said Louis Caditz-Peck, Director of Public Policy at LendingClub. ""At a time when many small business owners need capital to stabilize their businesses, this legislation is critical to helping small businesses access affordable, responsible financing and avoid high-cost predatory loan products. Requiring lenders to disclose key information including the annual percentage rate (APR) ensures entrepreneurs have the knowledge they need to make financial decisions that grow and strengthen their business,"" said Lisa Mensah, Opportunity Finance Network President and CEO. ""Unregulated, predatory lenders come with the promise of fast cash for small businesses; however, these lenders often use bait and switch tactics that can send a business into financial ruin. For years predatory lenders have been able to skirt transparency and trick small business owners into repaying a loan at exorbitant rates—sometimes as high as 350% APR. As small businesses face a long road to recovery from COVID-19, we cannot allow them to be taken advantage of any longer. Having access to clear and accurate lending terms will be critical to aiding small business recovery in the months and years ahead. We commend Senator Menendez and Congresswoman Velázquez for leading this charge in Congress and urge all Members to join them in providing America's entrepreneurs with the financial transparency they rightly deserve,"" said John Arensmeyer, Founder and CEO of Small Business Majority. ""Accompany Capital frequently encounters entrepreneurs who have become trapped in cycles of payday-like, expensive debt that can quickly drain all of the business' resources. Too many of New York's small businesses are at risk for taking out predatory financing unknowingly, because finance companies are not required to clearly disclose the price and terms to borrowers. Small businesses need the annual percentage rate (APR) and other key terms in order to compare different financing options available to them and make informed decisions. We applaud Congresswoman Velázquez and Senator Menendez's leadership to give our small businesses the transparency they deserve"" said Yanki Tshering, Executive Director of Accompany Capital. ""We are excited that Congresswoman Velázquez and Senator Menendez are working to close a loophole for small business lending. Many business owners act like consumers when it comes to lending and look at their financing options like they would a car loan or a mortgage. This bill is of special importance to entrepreneurs of color as they are more likely to find financing online, where most of the predatory lenders operate and tend to hide the true costs of their products,"" said Carolina Martinez, CEO of CAMEO (California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity). ""Fair and honest lenders have nothing to fear regarding transparency and the adoption of standard terms to describe the cost of business loans. Our legislature passed the NYS Small Business Truth in Lending Act with overwhelming bipartisan support last year. We thank Rep. Velázquez and Senator Menendez for their commitment to deliver similar protections at the federal level through universal disclosure standards,"" said Linda MacFarlane, Chair of the New York State CDFI Coalition. ""While immigrant and Latino entrepreneurs are drivers of US innovation their economic contributions can be stifled by predatory financial practices and a lack in access to capital. NALCAB applauds the introduction of the Small Business Lending Disclosure Act, legislation that will help guard against unsafe lending products and ensure these entrepreneurs have the responsible capital needed to help them spur economic growth and great jobs,"" said Marla Bilonick, President and CEO of NALCAB, the National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders. ""For far too long unregulated, predatory lenders come with the promise of fast cash for small minority businesses. However, these lenders often use deceiving tactics that can send a business into financial strain or even shutdown. For years, predatory lenders have been able to manipulate transparency and mislead small minority business owners into repaying a loan at exorbitant rates, sometimes as high as 350% APR. Now, as our nation builds back after the unprecedented global pandemic which caused the worst financial crises in American history, we cannot allow small minority businesses to be taken advantage of. Having access to clear and accurate lending terms will be critical to assisting the more than 32 million small businesses and five million Hispanic-owned businesses in America with their recovery. The USHCC supports the efforts of Senator Menendez and Chairwoman Velázquez for introducing the Small Business Lending Disclosure Act of 2021 and leading this charge in Congress to help America's entrepreneurs and small minority businesses with the financial transparency they rightly deserve,"" said C. LeRoy Cavazos-Reyna, Vice-President of Government and International Affairs, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC). ""Black entrepreneurs in New York often struggle to secure the financing resources needed to start or grow businesses. Our community members encounter predatory lenders charging rates and fees that are not presented in a straightforward way. This lack of transparency can trap small businesses in high-cost debt that harms their bottom line or risks taking down their business completely. Hard-working entrepreneurs deserve to receive the necessary information to be able to avoid costly products and make the best financing decisions for their businesses. Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez and Senator Bob Menendez's legislation will bring much-needed sunshine by requiring clear disclosures in small business lending. If knowledge is indeed power, this bill will empower business owners with better information to assist them in making better-informed decisions,"" said Anthony Gaddy, Co-Founder/President and CEO of the UpState New York Black Chamber of Commerce (USNYBCC). ""For far too long, the small business lending industry has been plagued by predatory lenders who have targeted our nation's most vulnerable entrepreneurs by imposing high interest rates, hidden fees, unfair terms, and more. The Small Business Lending Disclosure Act of 2021 takes a bold step to protect borrowers by requiring transparency, access to information, and other tools that would allow entrepreneurs to make informed financial decisions. The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) fully supports the bill and encourages its passage,"" said Marjorie Nemes-Galarza, MSc, Interim Executive Director & CEO of Latino Economic Development Center. ""Small businesses are the economic and cultural lifeblood of low income neighborhoods and communities of color. Accountability and transparency about how they are financed is critical to how these vital community assets are supported. The Small Business Lending Disclosure Act gets us a long way toward our shared goal of equitable and prosperous communities for all,"" said Frank Woodruff, Executive Director of the National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations (NACEDA). ""Predatory lenders have long exploited the gap in lending protections for small businesses. Small businesses deserve the same protections in the lending market as consumers,"" said Didier Trinh, Director of Policy and Political Impact for Main Street Alliance. ""Representative Velázquez and Senator Menendez's bill will extend these common sense protections, and protect Main Street. Many Black and brown business owners are particularly targeted for unregulated loans, and lending protections would help to address inequality in lending interest rates that contribute to disparities in access to capital and long term wealth building. Especially coming out of one of the worst economic recessions in recent memory, small businesses need to be protected when accessing credit and capital so that a short term cash flow issue does not lead to a long term financial crisis."" The Small Business Lending Disclosure Act also received endorsements from: Accompany Capital, African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, California Association for Micro, Enterprise Opportunity (CAMEO), Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce, Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC), Main Street Alliance, National Alliance of Community, Economic Development Associations (NACEDA), National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB), National Urban League, New York State, CDFI Coalition, UpState NY Black Chamber of Commerce, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Woodstock Institute, Responsible Business Lending Coalition (RBLC) and members, Accion Opportunity Fund, The Aspen Institute, Community Investment Management, Funding Circle, LendingClub, Opportunity Finance Network (OFN), Small Business Majority.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/vel-zquez-remarks-build-back-better-act,Velázquez Remarks on the Build Back Better Act,2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Nydia M. Velázquez,V000081,velazquez.house.gov,velazquez,https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington D.C.— Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) delivered remarks on the House floor on the Build Back Better Act. Below are her remarks as prepared for delivery: ""Madam Speaker, I rise is strong support of this legislation that will help our country build back better. Because working families DESERVE a government that will make their lives better. ""First off, to build back better, we must invest in our nation's entrepreneurs. ""And that's exactly what this bill does. It will make a $5 billion investment in SBA programs that go beyond recovery and provide transformative long-term solutions and economic stimulus. It will create millions of new jobs on top of the millions already added under the Biden Administration. ""Furthermore, federal disinvestment in public housing has forced many residents of public housing across the country to live in accelerating substandard living conditions. In my home city of New York, residents suffer from consistent lack of hot water, insufficient heat during the winter months, rodent and insect infestations, broken elevators, and widespread and recurring lead and mold problems. ""This legislation includes the largest single one-time investment ever made to HUD's Public Housing Capital Fund will go a long way to clearing the backlog of repairs around the country. ""This bill will also create universal pre-K, extend the Child Tax Credit; and finally mandate paid parental leave. ""On climate, we are including a focus on environmental justice and frontline communities like those I represent. ""Now this bill does not include everything we wanted. ""But here is what I can guarantee—because of this bill, millions of working families will see their lives improved by a federal government that we are showing today has their back. ""While this is not the end of the fight, it is what progress looks like and that is why I'm proud to vote yes.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/vel-zquez-statement-censuring-rep-paul-gosar,Velázquez Statement on Censuring Rep. Paul Gosar,2021-11-17,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Nydia M. Velázquez,V000081,velazquez.house.gov,velazquez,https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington D.C.—Today, Representative Nydia M. Velázquez released the following statement on censuring Rep Paul Gosar: ""Representative Gosar is a member of this institution as am I and as is Representative Ocasio-Cortez and so are roughly fifty other women of color. ""We all walk the same hallways and took the same oath of office. We are here to serve our districts and the American people. The graphic video that Rep. Gosar posted violates every sense of mutual respect that we should have for one another. Not only that, but it also dangerously promotes violence towards a sitting member of Congress who is a powerful Latina. It's exactly the type of misogynistic and racist recklessness that the previous President deployed, and social media companies eventually stripped him of his accounts. ""Rep. Gosar needs to be held accountable for this and that's what we are doing today. We need to deliver a message that in the people's house, this dangerous behavior will not be tolerated.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3497,Tonko Leads Hearing on Strengthening U.S. Clean Energy Supply Chain,2021-11-16,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,tonko,https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC—Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee Chairman Paul D. Tonko co-led a hearing today on the need for investments in U.S. manufacturing and clean energy supply chains in wind, solar, battery, Electric Vehicle (EV) and other technologies to ensure American competitiveness abroad and take critical steps to address the climate crisis. Watch Rep. Tonko’s opening remarks HERE and read his statement as prepared for delivery: The Biden Administration and Democratic members of this Committee have proposed ambitious climate targets—at least 50% economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions reductions from 2005 levels by 2030, at least half of new vehicles sales are electric by 2030, and a carbon-free electricity system by 2035—as well as the policies that will ensure these targets are met. Achieving these goals will require serious commitment and immediate action. It will also require building an immense amount of new infrastructure and manufacturing capacity. Production of clean energy technologies, including wind turbines, solar panels, batteries, advanced vehicles, charging equipment, and electric appliances, will need to be ramped up significantly. And we will need low-emissions construction materials, like steel and cement, to support clean energy deployment. The sustainable economy of the future will need to be built and manufactured. The question that remains to be seen is whether it will be manufactured by Americans. In recent years, we have heard bipartisan concerns about our increasing reliance on China and other foreign competitors for clean energy technologies. This is especially true of certain critical minerals. Today, some foreign sources of lithium, cobalt, and nickel involve environmentally harmful practices and unsafe and unethical labor conditions. In order for the United States to fully seize the opportunities of the clean energy economy, we need to develop our own resilient supply chains. This may include domestic sources of critical minerals, as well as processing, manufacturing, and recycling capabilities. Ambitious climate action requires nothing less than fundamental changes to our economy and our energy system. Any change on this scale will have its challenges. I acknowledge that. These challenges, including the need to develop domestic supply chains, are not reasons not to act, but rather reasons to discuss how to best overcome these issues in a way that benefits America’s workers and entrepreneurs. Members of Congress have two options: Use this as an excuse to oppose our domestic energy transition and guarantee that our foreign competitors dominate the global economy of the future, or do something about it. We can support Federal policies that will enable American workers to benefit from the transition, ensuring that we are researching, developing, and deploying the next generation of clean energy technologies in the United States, and exporting them around the world. This effort is already underway in Congress. Last year, I worked with Congressman Curtis on a Science Committee bill to authorize a battery and critical mineral recycling research program at DOE, which was enacted in the Energy Act of 2020. These R&D efforts can make batteries more recyclable, and future breakthroughs could support development of alternative materials and chemistries that are less reliant on critical minerals. And yesterday President Biden signed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law. This bill included billions of dollars to support the development of domestic clean energy supply chains, particularly for battery manufacturing. And similarly, the Build Back Better Act, if enacted, would refresh the 48-C tax credit for investment in clean energy manufacturing facilities. Our Committee’s title of Build Back Better includes billions of dollars for DOE grant and loan programs that will support manufacturing of zero-emission vehicles, charging equipment, and other innovative technologies and their components, as well as financial assistance to decarbonize energy-intensive manufacturing. These investments will help revitalize American manufacturing, making us less dependent on foreign nations with inadequate worker and environmental protections. But this alone will not be sufficient. We must also enhance the recycling and reuse of critical minerals and these clean energy systems. In Europe, more than 60% of the lithium in the economy is recovered through recycling. Today, only 5% of lithium-ion batteries are recycled in the United States. For comparison, the U.S. recycles 97% of traditional lead-acid batteries. Recycling policies and investments, as proposed in the CLEAN Future Act, would reduce our reliance on foreign nations’ resource extraction, growing our own supply of these minerals, while creating American jobs. As we will hear today from Dr. Switzer, there is a strong business case for this work. We know trillions of dollars will be invested in clean energy in the years ahead, and supporting every stage of clean energy technology development will be necessary to position the United States to be the leader of the global clean energy economy. By understanding the future needs and challenges of this transition, Congress can develop Federal policies that will enable us to build resilient, domestic clean energy technology supply chains and support millions of American manufacturing jobs. I look forward to our witnesses’ testimony, and I hope this might be an area where we can work together to support emerging American industries while reducing our reliance on foreign materials and products. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://clarke.house.gov/for-immediate-release/,CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE OFFICIAL SIGNING OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT,2021-11-15,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"November 15, 2021 MEDIA CONTACT: e: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov c: 202.480.5737 Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement on the official signing of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the benefits for New Yorkers: “This is truly a historic and symbolic moment for our country, and it’s all possible because of the commitment from the Biden administration. The official signing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is ushering in an era that will have generational impacts on all Americans, especially New Yorkers who have been hardest hit by COVID-19. The BIF is reaching back and pulling up all those historically left behind in the pursuit of the American Dream, and I’m grateful for this progress. I look forward to continuing this progress with the eventual passage of the Build Back Better Act,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is the largest long-term investment in our infrastructure and competitiveness in nearly a century. The benefits include: Repair and rebuild our roads and bridges with a focus on climate change mitigation, resilience, equity, and safety for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians. $175 million over five years to support the expansion of an EV charging network to facilitate long-distance travel and provide convenient charging options. A minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to New Yorkers who currently lack it. 5,375,000 or 28% of people in New York will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access. Prepare more of our infrastructure for the impacts of climate change, cyber attacks, and extreme weather events. Deliver clean drinking water to every New Yorker. $685 million for infrastructure development for airports over five years. “The president is right, we will Build Back Better stronger and together. In the coming days I will host additional information sessions on the BIF’s specific benefits for my Brooklyn community,” Clarke said. ### Yvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York’s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-attends-biden-infrastructure-bill-signing,Meng Attends Biden Infrastructure Bill Signing,2021-11-15,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– This afternoon, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) joined President Biden at the White House as he signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law. ""It was an honor to join the President at the White House for this historic bill signing,"" said Meng. ""This bold and bipartisan legislation will repair, overhaul, and modernize our nation's crumbling and aging infrastructure. And it will deliver for New York, providing billions for our roads, bridges, mass transit, airports, high-speed internet, clean drinking water and so much more."" ""These investments will improve safety, enhance travel and quality of life, create jobs, and strengthen our economy, and I'm proud to have championed provisions in the bill,"" added Meng. ""Here in Queens and across New York, we depend heavily on our infrastructure, and this type of federal funding is vital for our communities and neighborhoods. It is overdue and will elevate New York and the nation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/photo-release-suozzi-joins-biden-white-house-signing-bipartisan-infrastructure,PHOTO RELEASE: SUOZZI JOINS BIDEN AT WHITE HOUSE FOR SIGNING OF BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LEGISLATION,2021-11-15,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Thomas R. Suozzi,S001201,suozzi.house.gov,suozzi,https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY) issued the following statement after he joined President Joe Biden at the White House for the signing of the bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Act. The legislation will create millions of high-paying union jobs and send billions of dollars to repair New York’s highways, roads, bridges, airports, waterways and sewers – as well as to install hundreds of electric vehicle charging ports. Photos and video from event are found here. “The past four presidents have tried, but President Biden and this Congress got this bipartisan deal done!” said Suozzi. “It takes bipartisanship to get things done, and the signing of this once-in-a-generation legislation will rebuild New York and put millions to work. This is about jobs, this is about rebuilding our country, and it’s about showing that we can get things done that have real-life impacts.” Below is a list of specific funding New York will receive from the once in a generation bipartisan infrastructure package: Highway Funding: $12.5 billion specifically for New York $11.5 billion for surface transportation (roads, highways, etc.) $1.9 billion from a new vehicular bridge repair formula program $142 million for EV charging infrastructure Airport Funding: nearly $1 billion for New York JFK $294,682,575 LGA $ 150,008,970 Long Island MacArthur $21,595,630 Republic $ 3,735,000 East Hampton $1,480,000 Brookhaven $1,480,000 New York Rail $16 Billion for Amtrak National capital backlog needs - $688 million: will save NYS its contribution to replacing the Amtrak railcars that operate upstate $6 Billion for Amtrak - Northeast Corridor (NEC) – capitol backlog of the NEC including the Gateway project $24 billion for Norther East Corridor Modernization – competitive grants that Gateway, Metro-North Penn Access, and East River tunnels are eligible for. $12 billion for Intercity passenger rail including upgrades for high speed rail. New York Water At least 90 billion for water infrastructure including $14.7 billion for the EPA’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund which provides capitalization grants to states for loans supporting water infrastructure projects. $55.4 billion in supplemental emergency appropriations for both the EPA state for capitalization grants through the Clean Water State Revolving Funds and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds Public Transportation $9.8 billion for Clean Buses and Mass Transit Broadband",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3494,"Tonko, McKinley Introduce Bill to Drive Clean Hydrogen Development",2021-11-15,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,tonko,https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC—Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) and David B. McKinley (R-WV) today announced the introduction of the Clean Hydrogen Deployment Act of 2021, legislation that would strengthen American competitiveness and address climate change by incentivizing use of low-emissions hydrogen. “Throughout my time in Congress, I have pushed to advance meaningful legislation that will tackle climate change while supporting strong development of American industries,” Congressman Tonko said. “Clean hydrogen offers us an opportunity to secure a clean energy future, and in particular plays a powerful role greening difficult-to-decarbonize sectors including heavy-duty transportation and chemical and metals production. These promising results will not come to fruition without federal investment and support, which is why I’m proud to introduce the Clean Hydrogen Deployment Act alongside my friend Congressman McKinley. I urge my colleagues to join us in advancing this bipartisan legislation that will drive us to become a stronger, healthier nation.” “Innovation is key to reducing emissions, and developing hydrogen as an energy source will be a key tool in reducing emissions. This legislation is critical for West Virginia and Appalachia as our region is positioned to be at the forefront of developing hydrogen solutions for the future,” said Rep. McKinley. The Clean Hydrogen Deployment Act of 2021 Establishes a pilot program—authorized at $370 million for Fiscal Year 2022 and $250 million annually for Fiscal Years 2023 through 2026—at the Department of Energy that: Uses a contract for difference model to offset increased costs and support clean hydrogen users Focuses on difficult-to-decarbonize sectors by requiring at least one project each in the power sector, transportation sector, an industrial feedstock, and as an industrial fuel Promotes innovative, high impact projects by requiring projects use hydrogen produced with 80% fewer greenhouse gas emissions & funding at least 2 zero-emission hydrogen projects Prioritizes projects that encourage wider commercial use of clean hydrogen in the future, mitigate NOx emissions, and reduce process-wide total greenhouse gas emissions Allows additional support for capital investment in hydrogen utilization, transport, and storage A fact sheet of the legislation can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3496,Tonko Cheers Advance of Limo Safety Legislation in Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill,2021-11-15,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,tonko,https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) cheered the advance of provisions he authored as part of his comprehensive limousine safety legislation included as part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that President Biden signed into law today. These provisions were championed by Tonko alongside the families who lost loved ones in a tragic limousine crash in Long Island and families of the victims of the Schoharie limousine crash that took the lives of 20 people on October 6, 2018. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) spoke on the triumph of this legislation and the courageous advocacy of the families during his remarks today at the White House. “The families who lost their loved ones to a preventable limousine crash have shouldered the burdens of grief and responsibility without federal resolution for too long,” Congressman Tonko said. “I was honored to work beside these families as they turned their unimaginable pain into a resounding call for reform—guiding the development of lifesaving, commonsense legislation to get unsafe limos off the road and raise the bar on safety nationwide. The passage of these limo safety measures is a testament to their strength and commitment. I am proud that after three years pushing for these provisions, they have at last been enshrined in law to ensure no family ever has to suffer this heartbreaking loss again.” The infrastructure legislation included provisions from Tonko’s SAFE Limos Act (Safety, Accountability, and Federal Enforcement of Limos Act of 2021) and the Take Unsafe Limos Off the Road Act, which were supported by Senator Schumer along with Congressman Antonio Delgado (NY-19) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). The legislation covers: Impoundment: Establish a program to provide funding for states to impound unsafe vehicles; Safety Belt Standards for Limousines: Requires each new limousine to have lap and shoulder belts that meet minimum safety requirements for each designated seating position. Require the Secretary of Transportation to evaluate the feasibility of retrofitting existing limousines with lap and shoulder belts and seat systems that meet minimum safety requirements; Seating System Standards for Limousines: Require each new limousine to meet safety requirements for seat strength and integrity; Safety Research: Conduct formal research and rulemaking on limo side-impact protection, roof crush assistance, and airbag systems; Evacuation Research and Rulemaking: Conduct formal research and rule making on how to evacuate limo passengers more easily and safely in emergency situations; Disclosure: Mandate limo operators conspicuously share their vehicle inspection history with prospective customers; Limo definition: Create a formal definition of a limousine in federal statute, making it easier to create safety standards for this type of vehicle; and Annual Inspection: Mandate that the Department of Transportation (DOT) establish a mandatory annual inspection regime. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-and-rozic-announce-november-15-deadline-to-seek-child-tax-credit,Meng and Rozic announce November 15 Deadline to Seek Child Tax Credit,2021-11-14,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows) announced today that November 15 is the last day for families to seek the expanded Child Tax Credit this year. Eligible families who filed taxes in 2019 or 2020 began receiving the monthly payments automatically in July. But those who have not filed a tax return or used the IRS non-filer portal to claim stimulus payments in 2020, must take action by the deadline in order to obtain the money. Click herefor details. The expanded Child Tax Credit is a critical tax cut to help working families as the nation recovers from the COVID-19 crisis. It was established in March by Congressional Democrats and President Biden as part of the American Rescue Plan which is the most recent coronavirus relief package that Meng helped to pass through Congress. It provides advanced monthly payments of up to $300 per month per child through December. The first payments started on July 15. In October, there were an estimated 70,000 payments totaling $29.6 million that were sent to families in Meng's congressional district in Queens, according to the Joint Economic Committee. Approximately 117,000 kids in the Congresswoman's district qualified for the payments. In New York, 3,309,000 children qualified, and households in the state received 2,011,000 payments totaling $838.1 million. ""The expanded Child Tax Credit has provided working families with critical relief as we continue our efforts to move past the pandemic,"" saidCongresswoman Meng. ""Many families across the nation and throughout New York, including those in Queens, have benefited from these monthly payments which has put money back in their pockets to help with expenses so they can pay for child care, put food on the table, cover school costs or pay for many other necessities. Eligible families that have not received payments should act before the upcoming November 15 deadline.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/suozzi-leads-bipartisan-letter-standing-against-human-rights-abuses-northern,SUOZZI LEADS BIPARTISAN LETTER STANDING UP AGAINST HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES IN NORTHERN IRELAND,2021-11-14,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Thomas R. Suozzi,S001201,suozzi.house.gov,suozzi,https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Tom Suozzi (D – NY03) led a bipartisan group of Members of Congress in addressing a letter to United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging him to speak out against proposed amnesty for human rights abuses committed by both state and non-state actors during the “troubles” in Northern Ireland. The “troubles” was a 30-year violent sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland that ended with the signing of the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. This past summer, the United Kingdom announced plans to introduce legislation that would result in de facto amnesty, ending all prosecutions for troubles-related killings up to April 1998. The proposed amnesty represents a major setback for thousands of victims seeking justice for nearly 50 years. “As Co-Chairman of the Friends of Ireland Caucus in the U.S. Congress, I am pleased to join a bipartisan group of Members of Congress in signing this important and timely letter. Like every political party on the island, we are strongly opposed to proposed UK legislation that would give amnesty to human rights abuses committed during the Troubles. I look forward to Secretary Blinken’s response, “said Chairman Richatd E. Neal. “We strongly welcome this intervention from Members of Congress which adds to the noisy chorus of opposition to the UK Government’s plans to permanently deny justice to victims of the ‘Troubles’,” said Grainne Teggart, Northern Ireland Campaigns Manager for Amnesty International UK In the letter to Secretary Blinken, the Members of Congress express their concern “at the continual undermining of the rule of law, Good Friday Agreement and the ongoing process of peace and reconciliation.” The letter, which is supported by Amnesty International, was led by Suozzi, Congressman Richard Neal and Congressman Mike Kelly, co-chairs of the Friends of Ireland Caucus, and signed by a bipartisan group of 21 lawmakers, urged Blinken to call on the UK government “to abandon this unilateral action and establish mechanisms to deal with the legacy issues of the past that will discharge the UK’s human rights obligations.” The letter can be found here and below: The Honorable Antony Blinken Secretary of State U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street NW Washington, D.C. 20520 Dear Secretary Blinken, We write to express our concerns regarding the United Kingdom’s plans, announced on July 14, 2021, to introduce legislation that will result in de facto amnesty for human rights abuses committed by both state and non-state actors during the Northern Ireland ‘troubles’ and call on you to urgently make a public statement of opposition to these proposals. The UK Government plans for dealing with the legacy of the conflict in Northern Ireland will close all paths to justice for victims denying them the truth, justice and accountability to which they are entitled. The recently published UK government command paper indicates legislation will end all Northern Ireland conflict-related ‘judicial activity’ - i.e., current and future prosecutions, inquests, civil actions, and investigations. These proposals breach the UK’s international and domestic human rights obligations, unduly interfere in the justice system, undermine the rule of law and dismiss victims’ suffering. We note the unequivocal rejection of the United Kingdom’s plans by the Irish Government, Northern Ireland political parties, human rights organizations including Amnesty International, victims and victims’ groups and many others. For decades, victims of human rights abuses, and their families in Northern Ireland, have been failed denied justice by a piecemeal approach to dealing with the past. Human rights monitors, activists and victims’ families have long pressed authorities to institute credible mechanisms capable of vindicating the rights of victims. Instead, the UK Government have declared their intent to remove all remedies available under the law. It is clear that the UK Government’s primary motivation is to ensure security forces are placed beyond accountability for the human rights abuses committed during the ‘Troubles’. We wish to express deep concern at the continual undermining of the rule of law, Good Friday Agreement and ongoing process of peace and reconciliation. People in Northern Ireland have been clear in their rejection of a de facto amnesty. Victims’ families have had decades of justice delayed and now, if these plans become law, they will have justice denied - permanently. Given the role the US has, and continues to play, in supporting the Good Friday Agreement through peace and reconciliation, we urge you to make a public statement of unequivocal rejection of these proposals and work with your counterparts in the United Kingdom and Ireland to resolve this matter and ensure the past is dealt with in a victim centered, rights respecting way. The time to act is now; the UK Government is expected to progress legislation in the near future in the UK Parliament. Together, we urge you to call on the UK Government to abandon this unilateral action and establish mechanisms to deal with the legacy issues of the past that will discharge the UK’s human rights obligations. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-announces-23-million-richmond-university-medical-center,Malliotakis Announces $2.3 Million for Richmond University Medical Center,2021-11-10,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,NY,Nicole Malliotakis,M000317,malliotakis.house.gov,malliotakis,https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(STATEN ISLAND, NY) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) today announced the Department of Health and Human Services will award the Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) $2,387,311 in federal grants. The funds are part of the Head Start and Early Start Programs and will be used for educational resources and healthcare services. In Congress, Malliotakis has been focused on expanding healthcare services and advocated for this funding appropriation. ""RUMC is such an important institution in our community, focusing on bringing health, wellness, and prevention services to Staten Islanders,"" said Congresswoman Malliotakis. ""I'm happy to have secured this funding for the doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals at RUMC so that they can better service children and their families in the areas of health, nutrition, and education.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-introduces-legislation-to-increase-language-access-and-mental,Meng Introduces Legislation to Increase Language Access and Mental Health Services at Community Health Centers,2021-11-09,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This afternoon, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) introduced the Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act, a bill that seeks to increase language access to mental health services at community health centers. ""The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of so many of my constituents in New York and individuals across the country, escalating the demand for mental health professionals,"" said Congresswoman Meng. ""The fear of coronavirus-related hate crimes against many communities – such as the Asian American community – has only underscored this urgent need for assistance. But for those who may not possess English language proficiency, help is often out of reach. This lack of access is unacceptable and must change. Our nation's community health centers are struggling to hire mental health professionals who speak their community's language or understand their culture. The Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act is a must pass bill to ensure that our community health centers have the resources they need to hire mental health professionals so that language barriers are never an obstacle to anyone's emotional well-being. Our communities need these life-saving services."" According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, about 4 in 10 adults in the U.S. have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder, up from one in ten adults who reported these symptoms in 2019. As 1 in 12 people across the United States rely on community health centers for care, this phenomenon has been acutely felt at these facilities. Representative Meng's bill would ensure that community health centers have access to the resources they need in order to attract the qualified behavioral health talent that fits their community's needs. Her legislation would: Establish a four-year pilot program to provide additional benefits to mental health professionals who commit to serving in specific Federally Qualified Health Centers. This pilot initiative would be unique in that it seeks to match mental health professionals with community health centers, preferably at which at least 20% of the patients are best served in a language other than English. Mental health professionals who participate in the program would receive additional annual loan repayment compensation. Even greater loan repayment compensation would be available to those who are fluent in a language other than English, needed by the health center at which they commit to serve. Establish a new grant program that would provide federal grants to community health centers to help them recruit, hire, and employ qualified mental health professionals who are fluent in a language other than English. Community health centers around the country are struggling to hire mental health clinicians as they cannot offer competitive salaries, compared to private hospitals. This grant would be key in helping the health centers close that gap. Any community health center would be eligible to apply, however the bill specifies that preference is given to those health centers at which at least 20% of the patients are best served in a language other than English. The bill would also direct that a portion of the grants be made available for outreach purposes to inform communities about the mental health services available at community health centers. ""Given that 80% of the individuals and families who turn to us for their primary healthcare and mental health needs are better served in a language other than English, improving language access is key to serving them effectively, said Kaushal Challa, Chief Executive Officer of the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center which operates a facility in Flushing, Queens. ""With provider shortages impacting community health centers across the country, the incentives provided in this bill will help in our recruitment efforts to meet the rising tide of mental health challenges we face today. We commend Congresswoman Meng for her leadership on this critical issue."" ""Accessing in-language services is essential for patients to get the help and support they need,"" said Adam Carbullido, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO). ""Nearly 7 million patients, including many Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, who get care at community health centers are best served in a language other than English. AAPCHO applauds Rep. Meng for introducing the Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act to strengthen and support community health centers' capacity to recruit, hire, and retain multilingual mental health professionals. We urge Congress to pass this bill."" ""The Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA) enthusiastically supports the Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act of 2021,"" said the Asian American Psychological Association. ""Asian Americans have historically had among the lowest rates of mental health service utilization across all racial/ethnic groups and continue to face systemic barriers to access mental health services. The COVID-19 pandemic and surge in anti-Asian racism have raised mental health as a priority concern in many Asian American communities, with 4 in 10 Asian Americans experiencing acute psychological distress at this time. Improving language access to mental health services, particularly in trusted community-based settings, is a key pathway to getting Asian Americans the mental health services they need and deserve now and into the future."" A copy of the Mental Health Workforce and Language Access Act can be viewed here. The measure includes 23 original cosponsors.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-morelle-takes-action-combat-devastating-cycle-gun-violence,CONGRESSMAN MORELLE TAKES ACTION TO COMBAT DEVASTATING CYCLE OF GUN VIOLENCE,2021-11-09,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph D. Morelle,M001206,morelle.house.gov,morelle,https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Rochester, N.Y.) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced action he is taking to combat the devastating cycle of gun violence plaguing our community. This includes a $5 billion investment in Community Violence Intervention, an evidence-based model to confront the cycle of violence our community faces, as well as legislation to get illegal guns off our streets and strengthen trauma-informed resources for at-risk communities. ""Every day, my heart breaks for the growing number of families losing children, neighbors, and friends to the devastating cycle of gun violence,"" said Congressman Joe Morelle. ""We have a responsibility to work together with law enforcement, faith leaders, grassroots organizations, and families to provide healthy outlets that keep young people off the streets and illegal guns out of the wrong hands. That's why I'm taking action by investing in programs like Community Violence Intervention to make our community safer and empower young people to lead healthy, successful lives."" Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs are a proven model that utilize trusted messengers who work directly with individuals most likely to commit gun violence, intervening in conflicts, and connecting people to social, health and wellness, and employment services to reduce the likelihood of violence. Studies have shown that CVI programs can reduce violence by as much as 60% and that a multifaceted approach – combining the efforts of CVI programs and law enforcement, for instance – can reduce the chance of retaliatory violence to less than 1%. Many of these programs exist in Rochester but lack reliable funding to be effective. That is why Rep. Morelle has fought to include $5 billion in the Build Back Better plan to fund CVI initiatives in our community for 10 years and leverage the following strategies: Street outreach and violence interruption Group Violence Intervention Hospital-based violence intervention Trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy Record-high spikes in gun violence have plagued our community and demand our immediate action. In addition to investing in CVI programs, Rep. Morelle is also working to pass legislation to stem the flow of illegal weapons onto our streets and strengthen trauma-informed resources for those impacted by gun violence to prevent the cycle from continuing: The Gun Theft Prevention Act: Original legislation written by Rep. Morelle that sets security standards for firearms dealers to prevent deadly weapons from flowing onto our streets. The Firearm Retailer Code of Conduct Act: Would establish basic business practices and certification requirements for gun shop owners and employees to ensure illegal weapons do not end up in the hands of criminals. Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act: Establish an interagency council to ensure those impacted by gun violence can get the support they need to prevent the cycle of violence from continuing. ""Over the past year, too many people, especially young people, have lost their lives to violence. Community Violence Intervention programs are vital to quell the senseless deaths we have seen due to violence,"" said Mayor-Elect Malik Evans. ""I applaud Congressman Morelle for working to secure funding for programs and strategies that will put an end to the violence and create a stronger, safer community."" ""The safety of our residents is my highest priority – that means reducing gun violence in Rochester and Monroe County. This is a job for our entire community: every branch and level of government must work in tandem with community based organizations, religious institutions, neighborhoods and families to keep our communities safe,"" said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. ""The historic investment being made through the $5 Billion investment in Community Violence Intervention initiatives will be essential in funding violence prevention, providing support and services to victims, reduce retaliation rates, and keep illegal guns off our streets. The gun violence in our community has reached emergency levels, and we must treat it as such."" ""The bloody scourge of gun violence is destroying young lives in our community and leaving many families devastated with inconsolable grief,"" said Reverend Lewis Stewart, President, United Christian Leadership Ministry. ""The Community Violence Intervention program designed to save lives, stop the flow of illegal firearms and break the cycle of violence is a reliable and effective investment in a solutions-oriented strategy backed by Congressman Joseph Morelle, a leader who has demonstrated his love, and concern for the wellbeing of our community by taking action to combat gun violence by advocating for this $5 billion investment in the Community Violence Intervention initiative. Thank you, Congressman Morelle for caring and showing not just talk, but courageous action and visionary leadership."" ""Our families have been challenged by so much this past year, from the COVID-19 pandemic, job insecurity, figuring out home-schooling, to paying the rent and providing food for their children, and now we have the added dimension of a dramatic increase in violence, including crimes involving guns,"" said Assemblymember Harry Bronson. ""We in government at all levels must partner together with community and faith leaders to take every step possible to address violence in our neighborhoods. I thank Congressmember Morelle for securing this funding which will help in our efforts. I know that there are many programs and people in our community ready to address gun violence, assist at-risk youth, develop conflict resolution alternatives and to make violence prevention programs work for our community and our families. This funding will help to effectively implement violence prevention programs and fund the support services many of our families so desperately need."" ""With over 300 shooting victims this year alone, we cannot afford to ignore the reality in front of us,"" said Assemblymember Demond Meeks. ""Gun violence is an epidemic that continues to claim the lives of our sisters and brothers on a daily basis. It is essential that we address this crisis with effective leadership and practical solutions that protect members of our community. I would like to thank Congressman Morelle for his commitment and delivering critical investments toward violence prevention services throughout our community. Together, it is our responsibility to take back our community."" ""We know that law enforcement alone cannot correct the uptick in violence we are seeing in communities like ours. We must identify and address the root causes of violence,"" said Senator Samra Brouk. ""This means we must invest in youth development, behavioral health, and social supports to help lift families out of poverty and ensure they have the resources they need to survive. I thank Congressman Morelle for his work in securing $5 billion in Community Violence Intervention funding through the Build Back Better plan. These funds, once in the hands of local organizations, will address violence before it can happen. As Chair of the New York State Senate Committee on Mental Health, I look forward to finding additional opportunities to address violence in our communities."" ""Sadly, Rochester's young people have become accustomed to violent acts in our neighborhoods,"" said Senator Jeremy Cooney. ""Real action must be taken to address the dramatic rise in gun violence that has devastated our neighborhoods. It is up to leaders to create new economic opportunities and youth-development programs that provide mentorship and assistance. I am grateful to Congressman Morelle for his work to ensure that adequate funding for Community Violence Intervention Programs is made available for Rochester."" ""The losses we have suffered from gun violence reverberate across our entire community,"" said Assemblymember Jen Lunsford. ""That is why I join with my colleagues from across the county, from all levels of government, from community groups and neighborhood associations, to band together to fight this scourge. Investments like those made today with federal dollars, joining with those we made in this year's state budget, will help fund the trauma-informed, community centered, evidence-based programs we know will work to reduce gun violence on our streets."" ""We all have a role to play in reducing violence in our community, and prevention is a key part of that,"" said Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter. ""We need to help families and young people before they fall into the cycle of violence, which is exactly what Community Violence Intervention programs will do. I am grateful to Congressman Morelle for his leadership in addressing gun violence and look forward to the continued partnership between law enforcement, elected officials, and the community to create safer neighborhoods for everyone."" ""We are thankful to Congressman Morelle for taking this aggressive action aimed at curbing gun violence in our community,"" said Dwayne Mahoney, Executive director, Boys & Girls Club of Rochester. ""Our community is under siege and every time someone is the victim of violence the impact it has on families and friends is devasting. This past week our community lost 15-year-old Ja'Mere Wade, a Club kid whose friends, families, and community are devasted by his loss of life. Any additional resources that can be brought to aid in this fight are welcomed."" ""Ibero strongly believes that community-based violence intervention programs are critical to reducing gun violence and building resilience in our communities,"" said Angelica Perez-Delgado, President & CEO of Ibero-American Action League. ""Ibero has a long-standing history and commitment in the El Camino Neighborhood. We have worked diligently to create spaces throughout the neighborhood that help our residents feel safe. The Community Violence Initiative will provide the resources required to build on that work and sustain evidence informed models, like the one used by Ibero, to transform neighborhoods plagued by gun violence."" ""We must invest in prevention out on the streets, and it has to be full time work,"" said Councilmember Miguel Meléndez. ""By investing in credible community messengers, we are giving young people hope and an opportunity to see their world differently. The community has a critical role to play in violence intervention and these resources will meet people where they are at. I am thankful for the advocacy to get this done."" ""With the push for $5 billion in support for the Community Violence Intervention initiatives, Congressman Joe Morelle has shown he is committed to ending violence,"" said Mike Bader, Vice President, Rochester Building & Construction Trades Council. ""Something must be done to break the cycle of gun violence in our communities. This problem will not go away unless we properly fund this initiative and get illegal guns off the street."" ""The value of a job goes beyond the financial security of a steady paycheck, it's also the sense of purpose and identity that comes with it,"" said Dave Seeley, Executive Director, RochesterWorks. ""We look forward to continuing our work with our community partners to create pathways for economic independence that help people to break out of generational poverty, helping them to find a sense of belonging in the workforce and stop the cycle of gun violence plaguing our neighborhoods. I applaud Congressman Morelle for working to secure this additional funding for Community Violence Programs.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3492,Tonko Applauds Key Transportation Investments in Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework,2021-11-08,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,tonko,https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Paul D. Tonko announced a number of major infrastructure provisions that he helped successfully push to include in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed out of the House. “For decades, we have put investments in critical infrastructure on the backburner, leaving communities unequipped to deal with crumbling roads and bridges, insufficient public transit, and countless other issues,” Congressman Tonko said. “At long last, these needs are being addressed. I was proud to join with my colleagues to advance the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that will help us build a 21st century clean economy, create good jobs and establish a more competitive nation. More work lies ahead, but with this strong step and President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda, we can chart a course for a stronger, more resilient America for decades to come.” Provisions passed in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act include: $110 billion for roads, bridges, and major infrastructure projects, the largest bridge investments since the construction of the interstate highway system in the 1950s $11 billion for transportation safety, particularly for cyclists and pedestrians $66 billion to eliminate Amtrak’s maintenance backlog, modernize the Northeast Corridor line, and expand rail service in unserved and underserved areas – the largest investment in rail since Amtrak’s creation 50 years ago $39 billion to modernize public transit by repairing existing infrastructure and making it cleaner and more accessible for all $17 billion to modernize and green our ports and waterways $65 billion to improve broadband infrastructure, lower prices, and boost competition in underserved and unserved communities $25 billion to address repair and maintenance backlogs at our nation’s airports ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://clarke.house.gov/washington-d-c-congresswoman-yvette-d-clarke-ny-09-issued-the-following-statement-regarding-the-passage-of-the-bipartisan-infrastructure-investment-and-jobs-act/,CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT,2021-11-06,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement regarding the passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: “We have seized the moment in our fight to rejuvenate the crumbling and outdated infrastructure of our nation by passing the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Democrats fought to address the climate crisis, expand broadband access and affordability, and modernize our public transit to ensure all communities can succeed in the 21st Century. However, we still have work to do for the American people, ” Congresswoman Clarke said. “I now look forward to passing the Build Back Better Act in the coming weeks to deliver generational investments and relief that our communities so desperately need. I stand ready to advance this critical and transformative legislation that Brooklyn is counting on. The passage of the Infrastructure bill was one giant step forward, and now it’s time to bring on the other good foot to allow our country to stand firm in support of all of her people, and continue to Build Back Better,” Clarke continued. ### Yvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York’s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and a Senior Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Media Contact Jeanette Lenoir 202.480.5737 | Jeanette.Lenoir@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/suozzi-delivers-billions-infrastructure-funding-long-island-queens-and-new,"SUOZZI DELIVERS BILLIONS IN INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING TO LONG ISLAND, QUEENS AND NEW YORK UNDER BIDEN’S BUILD BACK BETTER AGENDA",2021-11-06,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Thomas R. Suozzi,S001201,suozzi.house.gov,suozzi,https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Tom Suozzi released the following statement after the House passed a bold infrastructure package, delivering on President Biden’s promise to the American people. As the Vice-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, Suozzi helped negotiate the bipartisan infrastructure package that will create millions of high paying union jobs and send billions of dollars to repair New York’s highways, roads, bridges, airports – as well as to install hundreds of electric vehicle charging ports. “I was proud to help negotiate and help pass a once in a generation bipartisan infrastructure bill that will be delivered to President Biden’s desk,” said Suozzi. “This bold legislation will actually help real people address some of the real problems that they face. A major infrastructure bill has eluded the past four presidents, and we finally got it done with 215 Democrats and 13 Republicans!"" Below is a list of specific funding New York will receive from the once in a generation bipartisan infrastructure package: Highway Funding: 12.5 $billion specifically for New York $11.5 billion for surface transportation (roads, highways, etc.) $1.9 billion from a new vehicular bridge repair formula program $142 million for EV charging infrastructure Airport Funding: nearly $1 billion for New York JFK $294,682,575 LGA $ 150,008,970 Long Island MacArthur $21,595,630 Republic $ 3,735,000 East Hampton $1,480,000 Brookhaven $1,480,000 New York Rail $16 Billion for Amtrak National capital backlog needs - $688 million: will save NYS its contribution to replacing the Amtrak railcars that operate upstate $6 Billion for Amtrak - Northeast Corridor (NEC) – capitol backlog of the NEC including the Gateway project $24 billion for Norther East Corridor Modernization – competitive grants that Gateway, Metro-North Penn Access, and East River tunnels are eligible for. $12 billion for Intercity passenger rail including upgrades for high speed rail. New York Water At least 90 billion for water infrastructure including $14.7 billion for the EPA’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund which provides capitalization grants to states for loans supporting water infrastructure projects. $14.7 billion for the EPA’s Clean Water State Revolving Funds which provides loans to states for water quality improvement projects. $55.4 billion in supplemental emergency appropriations for both the EPA state for capitalization grants through the Clean Water State Revolving Funds and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds Public Transportation $9.8 billion for Clean Buses and Mass Transit Broadband",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-garbarino-issues-statement-following-his-vote-bipartisan-infrastructure,Rep. Garbarino Issues Statement Following His Vote on Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill,2021-11-05,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,NY,Andrew R. Garbarino,G000597,garbarino.house.gov,garbarino,https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) voted in favor of the Senate Amendment to H.R.3684, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. Rep. Garbarino issued a statement following his vote: “After months of being held hostage by Progressive Democrats, the House was finally able to vote on the bipartisan infrastructure bill. Make no mistake, tonight’s vote was about roads, bridges, and clean water. It was about real people, and the tangible action Congress could take to better their lives by rebuilding and revitalizing our nation’s crumbling infrastructure. “The bipartisan infrastructure bill will not raise taxes or increase costs to American families. What it will do is allocate $24.9 billion for New York highways, bridges, and transit, provide $15 billion to replace lead service lines for New York drinking water, grant $470 million to New York’s MacArthur, Republic, LaGuardia, and JFK airports, and fund many other vital infrastructure projects that Long Island residents desperately need. This means local priorities such as fixing the Oakdale Merge, addressing sewer overflow and other wastewater issues, and upgrading the LIRR can finally come to fruition. “There has been a great deal of partisan rhetoric being thrown around in recent weeks and months, but as a statement of fact this bipartisan infrastructure bill is completely separate from the Democrats’ radical tax and spend reconciliation package, which I adamantly oppose. Rhetoric aside, this bipartisan infrastructure legislation will deliver results directly to my district to improve our physical infrastructure which is why I was proud to cast my vote in favor of this crucial bill.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-votes-secure-27b-ny-infrastructure-against-advancing-socialist,Malliotakis Votes to Secure $27B+ for NY Infrastructure & Against Advancing of Socialist Spending Spree,2021-11-05,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,NY,Nicole Malliotakis,M000317,malliotakis.house.gov,malliotakis,https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Image November 5, 2021 (WASHINGTON, DC) - Today Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) released the following statement regarding her vote for the bipartisan infrastructure package that delivers a minimum of $27 billion of hard infrastructure funding to New York State every year over the next five years. ""I proudly voted for the bipartisan infrastructure package that will improve the safety and prosperity of communities across America and make the necessary improvements to bring our infrastructure into the 21st century. For far too long, our local, state, and federal leaders have neglected to modernize New York City's aging infrastructure to keep pace with economic and population growth. The funding stream we are providing today will be used by states and cities to modernize roads, highways, bridges, sewer systems, and flood resiliency projects, including right here on Staten Island and in Southern Brooklyn. ""This funding could be used for new fast ferry lines connecting the city’s five boroughs, upgrading our subway system’s pre-WWII signals, or completing the High-Occupancy Vehicles lane on the Staten Island Expressway. The city could afford to fortify neighborhoods along our coastline with resiliency projects like the East Shore Seawall and expand our sewer systems to deal with the next Superstorm Sandy or Hurricane Ida. Additionally, this funding would reduce the need for the MTA to raid operating funds to pay off debt incurred for capital improvements. Simply put, it’s this type of investment that will not only save city residents’ time and money, but also their properties and lives. ""While the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure package is an undisputable victory for New York, it's only the first step in the long process of addressing our city and state's infrastructure needs. It is now up to our city and state governments to allocate and prioritize this funding and I will continue to work to ensure they do so appropriately."" Additionally, in a separate vote, Malliotakis voted against advancing President Biden's socialist spending package: ""President Biden's reconciliation package, inappropriately named ‘Build Back Better’ by Democrats, is nothing more than an unsustainable socialist wishlist that will bankrupt the economy with increased spending and higher taxation, give government handouts to illegal immigrants, and grow bureaucracy and government control with the largest federal government expansion in 50 years. The day I vote for any budget thrown together in the dead of night by Senator Bernie Sanders and the socialist squad is the day I purchase a one-way flight to Cuba. It is my hope that now that the bipartisan infrastructure bill has passed, we have weakened the socialist’s negotiating hand and perhaps even killed this radical socialist spending spree once and for all.” Background on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Package that Rep. Malliotakis voted for and the current state of New York City's Infrastructure: Estimates suggest our country is currently operating at a nearly $2.6 trillion infrastructure investment gap that will cost $10 trillion in lost GDP by 2039 if unaddressed. Many of New York City's water mains, bridges, and subway lines are approaching 100 years old. In its 2021 Infrastructure Report Card, the American Society of Civil Engineers identified that ten percent of New York’s bridges are structurally deficient, and its substandard roads cost drivers $625 a year. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates the bipartisan infrastructure package will create 20 million jobs, repair 45,000 structurally deficient bridges, deliver clean drinking water to 10 million families, connect 14 million Americans to reliable, high-speed internet and upgrade our country’s energy grid. The bipartisan infrastructure package delivers a minimum of $27 billion to New York State for local infrastructure projects, including: $11.6 billion for highways. $9.8 billion to upgrade public transportation like the New York City subway system. $2.6 billion for waterways & coastal resiliency projects like the East Shore Seawall. $1.9 billion to retrofit bridges. $1 billion investment for other projects including broadband internet, airports, and protection against cyber-attacks. Below are the worst provisions included in Biden's Socialist Spending Package that Malliotakis opposes: Perpetuates labor shortage: This bill continues welfare benefits without work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents at a time where there are 10.4 million job openings—more openings than there are people looking for work. Violates Americans’ financial privacy: This bill gives an $80 billion slush fund to the IRS to hire an 87,000 agent army that would be used to carry out the Biden administration’s plan to review every account with more than $10,000 worth of transactions in a year. The plan includes hiring 5,000 new armed criminal agents. Pushes Green New Deal in our universities: Democrats included a $10 billion “environmental justice” higher education credit program to indoctrinate college students and advance Green New Deal policies. Includes new incentives for illegal immigration: Unde this bill, illegal immigrants would be eligible for federal student aid and the enhanced child tax credit. Obamacare Propaganda: The bill would require HHS to advertise the expanded Obamacare tax credits in states that haven’t expanded Medicaid directly to “racial and sexual minorities,” among others, and claims that they are “hard-to-reach.” Subjects small business to reckless tax penalties: The bill subjects small businesses with over $600 in transactions to backup tax withholding requirements if they fail to comply with IRS regulations Imposes crushing taxes on small businesses: This bill will hammer small businesses that file as individual tax earners with Obamacare’s 3.8% tax on net investment income. Increases out-of-pocket costs for those who rely on prescription drugs: The bill will repeal the Trump era Rebate Rule which passes through rebates directly to consumers at the point of sale. Makes it easier for the IRS to target taxpayers: The bill would make it easier for the IRS to issue penalties against taxpayers by removing the requirement that each penalty assessment be approved by a supervisor. Instead, the bill would merely require supervisors to provide quarterly reports on whether IRS employees are following the proper guidelines and requirements. Drives up costs on Americans’ utility bills: This bill includes a tax on natural gas eventually up to $1,500 per ton that could cost the American economy up to $9.1 billion, 90,000 Americans their jobs, and increase utility bills. Increases taxes on Americans at every income level: The bill’s trillions of dollars in tax hikes will be felt by those making under $400,000 per year, contrary to what the White House says. Includes legislative hull for Biden’s vaccine mandate: Increases OSHA penalties on businesses that fail to implement the mandate up to $700,000 per violation and includes nearly a billion dollars in funding for the Department of Labor to increase enforcement of these penalties. Lowers wages for working families and moves jobs overseas: The 15% minimum tax on book income is a double tax on investment. This would raise taxes on American companies by hundreds of billions of dollars, kill 25,000 jobs, and reduce wages by 0.1%, all in the name of complying with Biden’s desire to appease global elites through a global minimum tax. Increases energy dependence on OPEC, Russia, and China: The bill includes mineral and energy withdrawals on federal lands and overturns pro provisions included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that authorized energy production in the Arctic that will result in 130,000 Americans losing their jobs and $440 billion in lost federal revenue. Furthers radical abortion agenda: The bill would also further Democrats’ radical pro-abortion agenda by allowing taxpayer money to fund elective abortions, subsidizing plans that cover them, and creating new ways taxpayer money could be spent on pro-abortion facilities. Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act Myth v Fact Issues: Congress Economy",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-announces-passage-historic-infrastructure-investment,CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE ANNOUNCES PASSAGE OF THE HISTORIC INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT,2021-11-05,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph D. Morelle,M001206,morelle.house.gov,morelle,https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, DC) - Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced House passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, landmark legislation to strengthen and modernize our national infrastructure that includes several key provisions Rep. Morelle helped secure. ""The COVID-19 pandemic has shined a stark light on the inequities that plague our nation, including woefully under-resourced infrastructure that demands our immediate attention,"" said Congressman Morelle. ""As a member of the House Budget Committee, I'm proud to have played an important role in delivering big investments for New York that will result in good-paying jobs, and upgrades for critical infrastructure including roads and bridges, broadband internet, and public transit—all without raising taxes on working families."" The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will make transformational investments in America's infrastructure that will uplift families and strengthen our economy, including: $65 billion to ensure every American has access to reliable high-speed internet with an historic investment in broadband infrastructure deployment. $39 billion over five years to provide a record investment in public transit. $7.5 billion to support and bolster electric vehicle (EV) and alternative charging infrastructure, which will help fight the climate crisis and create good-paying jobs. $65 billion in funds to increase energy grid reliability and resiliency and add supply chains for clean energy technology, key technologies like carbon capture, hydrogen, and direct air capture. $10 billion to help communities address emerging water contaminants like PFAS and PFOA that threaten the safety of our drinking water. $1 billion in funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), to address the ecological and economic wellbeing of the Great Lakes basin, including invasive species, pollution, and toxic contamination. ""Now we can create jobs and accelerate our path out of this pandemic while making investments that grow our economy for years to come,"" said Congressman Joe Morelle. ""I'm proud to be delivering on the promises we made to the American people, and I will continue to remain focused on delivering real results.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-suozzi-sherrill-gottheimer-statement-inclusion-salt-relief-build-back,"REPS. SUOZZI, SHERRILL, GOTTHEIMER STATEMENT ON INCLUSION OF SALT RELIEF IN BUILD BACK BETTER ACT",2021-11-05,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Thomas R. Suozzi,S001201,suozzi.house.gov,suozzi,https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representatives Suozzi, Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) released the following statement on the agreement to include SALT relief in the Build Back Better Act: “We have been fighting this unfair, targeted tax since its inception in 2017. This agreement to address the cap on our State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction will effectively eliminate the undue burden for nearly all of the families in our districts who’ve been unfairly double taxed for the last four years. This fix will put money back in the pockets of hardworking, middle-class families in our districts and help ensure that our local communities can continue making the investments that we need. We’re confident that with this agreement, we can move forward on this crucially important package and we will continue working to ensure that this tax cut gets signed into law to deliver this relief to our constituents as soon as possible.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3491,Tonko Lauds Advance of Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill & Build Back Better Agreement,2021-11-05,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,tonko,https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Paul D. Tonko voted tonight to advance the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, bipartisan legislation critical to President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda that includes investments to fix America’s crumbling infrastructure including roads, bridges and ports, and make investments to protect drinking water and develop clean energy. Tonko also cheered the agreement to take up the Build Back Better Act, transformational legislation that tackles the growing climate crisis, supports middle- and low-income families and lowers costs for hard working Americans, all while making the wealthiest pay their fair share. “Today is a historic day for the people. The House just advanced momentous legislation that will make a meaningful difference in the daily lives of those I serve in the Capital Region and across the nation,” Congressman Tonko said. “We came together to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that tackles some of our nation’s most pressing infrastructure needs—devoting significant funding to fix our roads and bridges, upgrading transit systems and pedestrian infrastructure, expanding broadband access, building out electric vehicle charging stations, and finally removing lead pipes that poison our children. These investments will create tens of thousands of good paying jobs and support our 21st century economy. “Additionally, and most critically, the House came to an agreement to advance the Build Back Better Act pending a final analysis from the Congressional Budget Office. The Build Back Better Act secures our nation’s clean energy future, delivers critical support to families and bolsters our health care system during this crisis and beyond,” Tonko continued. “This Build Back Better agenda takes sweeping climate action at a moment when our nation needs it most. With each passing day, the climate crisis grows worse and the need for immediate investments becomes more dire. I asserted that we cannot make strong investments in infrastructure without determining a clear path to a clean energy future. President Biden has marked that path with this agreement, and I have full faith and confidence that, under his leadership, we will get it done. This is action that the American people want and need, and I will continue fighting in Congress to deliver these investments for the people.” The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Implements lifesaving limo provisions authored by Tonko alongside families of the victims of the tragic limousine crashes in Long Island and Schoharie, NY Makes the largest federal investment in public transit ever Makes the largest federal investment in passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak Makes the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system Secures clean water for children with $55 billion to fix the nation’s crumbling water infrastructure, including $15 billion to replace lead pipes Ensures every American has access to reliable high-speed internet Helps tackle the climate crisis by making investments in clean energy transmission and EV infrastructure; electrifying thousands of school and transit buses across the country; and creating a new Grid Deployment Authority to build a resilient, clean, 21st century electric grid ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-issues-statement-on-nys-assemblyman-nick-perrys-appointment-as-u-s-ambassador-to-jamaica/,CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON NYS ASSEMBLYMAN NICK PERRY’S APPOINTMENT AS U.S. AMBASSADOR TO JAMAICA,2021-11-03,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement regarding the appointment of New York State Assemblyman Nick Perry as U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica: “I wholeheartedly welcome the exciting news of the appointment of New York State Assemblyman Nick Perry as the new U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica. Mr. Perry brings a host of experience and the cultural background necessary to successfully fulfill his new mission. He possesses the utmost integrity, a commitment to service, and a unique perspective and personal understanding of the Jamaican socio-political landscape that will further strengthen the ties between both our nations,” Congresswoman Clarke said. “Mr. Perry’s deep cultural and political ties to his Jamaican roots as well as the broader Caribbean communities makes his appointment as U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica the right choice at the right moment in our progressive trajectory as a nation. I was honored to nominate him for this important service to the country, and I am confident he will represent the United States and Jamaica well. This is certainly a proud moment, not only for New Yorkers, but for all those rooted in the rich heritage of Jamaica. On behalf of everyone I represent in New York’s 9th District, congratulations Mr. Ambassador.” ### Yvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York’s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and a Senior Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Media Contact Jeanette Lenoir 202.480.5737 | Jeanette.Lenoir@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-garbarino-bill-strengthen-small-business-cyber-defenses,House Passes Garbarino Bill To Strengthen Small Business Cyber Defenses,2021-11-02,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,NY,Andrew R. Garbarino,G000597,garbarino.house.gov,garbarino,https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Moments ago, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4515, the Small Business Development Center Cyber Training Act of 2021 which was introduced by Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) in July 2021. H.R. 4515 passed the House with strong bipartisan support by a vote of 409 – 14. Earlier today, Rep. Garbarino spoke on the House Floor in support of his bill, saying in part, ""Cyberattacks are on the rise and small businesses are increasingly vulnerable. Nearly fifty percent of cyberattacks are directed at small businesses, which can result in devastating financial, intellectual property, and reputational loss. Small businesses are targeted because they often lack the resources or technical knowledge needed to implement and maintain cybersecurity defenses. This bill combats this by helping Small Business Development Centers become better equipped to assist small businesses with their cybersecurity and cyber strategy needs. ""Combating cyberattacks and putting small businesses in the best position to prevent and respond to cyberattacks has become one of my top priorities as a Member of Congress. As both a member of the Small Business Committee and Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security’s Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation, I have seen how difficult it is for small businesses to arm themselves against these kinds of attacks. This bill provides much needed resources to help small businesses improve their cyber preparedness in the face of rising threats. I urge my colleagues to support and pass H.R. 4515."" The Small Business Development Center Cyber Training Act would help Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) become better trained to assist small businesses with their cyber security and cyber strategy needs by establishing a cyber counseling certification program. This legislation would authorize the SBA to reimburse SBDCs for employee certification costs up to $350,000 per fiscal year. It would amend section 21 of the Small Business Act and utilize existing federal resources to cover the reimbursement costs. Cosponsors of the bipartisan legislation include Representatives Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), Steve Chabot (R-OH-01), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Dean Phillips (D-MN-03), Claudia Tenney, (R-NY-22), Antonio Delgado (D-NY-19), Tom Rice (R-SC-07), and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-and-johnson-issue-joint-statement-on-upcoming-vote-to-recommend,Meng and Johnson Issue Joint Statement on Upcoming Vote to Recommend Hepatitis B Vaccines for Adults,2021-11-02,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY) and Hank Johnson (D-GA), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Hepatitis Caucus, issued the following statement on thevote to recommend hepatitis B vaccines for all adults, which is set to be held tomorrow by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. ""Tomorrow, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will vote on a recommendation to allow hepatitis B vaccinations for all adults in the United States. As co-chairs of the Congressional Hepatitis Caucus, we cannot overstate the importance of this vote. Hepatitis B is a liver infection that can cause cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death in extreme cases. But these are preventable with the vaccine. Up to 2.4 million Americans are currently living with hepatitis B and 65-75% remain undiagnosed. Science and experience demonstrate vaccines to be a crucial step in complete eradication of certain viruses. Eliminating hepatitis B for the millions of people who suffer and contract it every year would be monumental for our country. Current guidelines state that only people who are at high risk are eligible for the hepatitis B vaccine. However, it is critical for all adults to be vaccinated against hepatitis B. Our resolution to recognize April 30 as National Adult Hepatitis B Vaccination Awareness Day underscores our dedication to the elimination of hepatitis B. The U.S. is on the path to eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030. Achieving universal adult hepatitis B vaccinations is a significant step toward reducing health disparities, reducing new infections, and working toward complete elimination of hepatis B.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-reps-suozzi-gottheimer-and-sherrill-salt,"STATEMENT FROM REPS. SUOZZI, GOTTHEIMER, AND SHERRILL ON SALT",2021-11-02,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NY,Thomas R. Suozzi,S001201,suozzi.house.gov,suozzi,https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressmembers Tom Suozzi (NY-3), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), and Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) issued the following statement on the status to repeal the SALT cap: “The cap on the SALT deduction remains a punishing blow to our home states of New York and New Jersey as we work to recover from the pandemic and get our economies on strong footing and our constituents back to work. Today’s news is encouraging for a SALT cap repeal to be included in the final reconciliation package. We will continue to work with House and Senate leadership to ensure the cap on the SALT deduction is repealed. No SALT, no deal. No SALT, no dice.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z