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://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-local-elected-officials-and-environmental-stakeholders,"Rep. Zeldin, Local Elected Officials and Environmental Stakeholders Celebrate New Federal Law to Save Plum Island",2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"SOUTHOLD, NY - On Tuesday, December 29, 2020, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), hosted a virtual press conference via Zoom with Southold Supervisor Scott Russell, Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski, Riverhead Supervisor Yvette Agular, Shelter Island Supervisor Gerry Siller and Deputy Supervisor Amber Brach-Williams, Southampton Supervisor Jay Schneiderman, Assemblywoman-Elect Jodi Giglio, John Turner of the Plum Island Coalition, Louise Harrison, Chris Cryder and Leah Schmalz of Save the Sound, Greg Jacob of The Nature Conservancy, Adrienne Esposito of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Bob DeLuca of Group for the East End, and others to celebrate the repeal of a 2008 federal law that required Plum Island to be sold to the highest bidder. Senator Ron Johnson (R, WI), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, had opposed reversing this federal law due to long standing opposition by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In the past three weeks, as Congressional funding was being negotiated, Congressman Zeldin worked closely with Senator Johnson and White House and DHS leadership to successfully advocate for their assistance to remove the opposition and get this extremely high priority over the finish line for the First Congressional District of New York. Due to Congressman Zeldin's efforts, the 2008 federal law has now been reversed. Congressman Zeldin also worked with Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D, NY) who maintained direct contact with Congressman Zeldin during this effort. ""Not only does Plum Island offer diverse wildlife, a precious ecosystem and critical habitat for migratory birds, marine mammals, and rare plants, but it is an essential cultural and historical resource as well, said Congressman Lee Zeldin following passage of this legislation. The law which mandated the sale of the island to the highest bidder was the wrong path forward. It's an honor to deliver this huge win that reversed that law and preserves Plum Island's rich history and taps into its limitless potential for generations to come. I would like to thank my colleagues in government for their support and the tireless Plum Island advocates throughout our region for their tenacity all along the way. It's been an honor to lead this fight, and I'm looking forward to continuing to fight for the future of Plum Island. In 2008, Congress created a new law to mandate the sale of Plum Island to the highest bidder. Since coming to Congress, Congressman Zeldin has secured House passage of 6 of his proposals to preserve Plum Island as a world-renowned research facility, historical site and conservation area, and secured $1.5 million in federal funds last year to stabilize and restore its iconic lighthouse. Last year, Congressman Zeldin authored and secured enactment of legislative language to halt the sale of the island for Fiscal Year 2020. Additionally, this Congress, he introduced the Plum Island Preservation Act of 2019, which would permanently repeal the law mandating the sale of Plum Island and require any further use of the island be for conservation, education and/or research purposes.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/reps-action-dec-29-2020,"Reps in Action: Dec. 29, 2020",2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 29th, 2020 Press Republican",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-votes-bigger-stimulus-checks-trump-veto-override,"Stefanik votes for bigger stimulus checks, Trump veto override",2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 28th, 2020 NCPR",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-votes-boost-stimulus-checks-override-trump-military-veto,"Stefanik votes to boost stimulus checks, override Trump military veto",2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 28th, 2020 WWNY",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-statement-house-vote-override-president-s-veto-fy21-ndaa,Stefanik Statement on House Vote to Override the Presidents Veto of FY21 NDAA,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has released the below statement following this afternoon's House vote to override President Trump's veto of the FY21 NDAA: As the number one advocate for Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division, I have spent the last several months working with my colleagues to pass a strong, bipartisan NDAA for FY21, said Congresswoman Stefanik. Today, I kept my promise to servicemembers, veterans, and military families across my district by voting to override President Trump's veto of this very important bill. I remain committed to delivering critical funding and resources to our nation's military in order to protect our troops, support military families, improve our military readiness, and strengthen our national security.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-votes-support-stimulus-check-increase-2000,"Stefanik Votes in Support of Stimulus Check Increase to $2,000",2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has released the below statement following this afternoon's House vote to increase the amount in government-issued stimulus checks from $600 to $2,000: After months of Nancy Pelosi's partisan games and politicization of COVID-19 relief that many hardworking families need, I voted to increase the amount ofdirect economic support for the hardworking families across my district, said Congresswoman Stefanik. I remain focused on providing critical relief for our hardworking families, small businesses, schools, hospitals, farms, and communities who need our support. I will continue to support efforts to deliver funding directly back to the North Country as we overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/2021-appropriations-package-passed-provide-support-north-country,"2021 Appropriations Package passed, to provide support for North Country initiatives",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 23rd, 2020 ABC 50 Now",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congress-passes-900-billion-covid-aid-package-without-local-government,"Congress passes $900 billion COVID aid package without local government funding, local leaders react",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 22nd, 2020 Watertown Daily Times",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/reps-action-dec-19-2020,"Reps in Action: Dec. 19, 2020",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"137 Margaret Street, Suite 100",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-introduces-bill-targeting-congressional-sexual-misconduct,Stefanik introduces bill targeting Congressional sexual misconduct,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 22nd, 2020 Sun Community News",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-secures-results-north-country-fy21-appropriations-package,Stefanik Secures Results for the North Country in FY21 Appropriations Package,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 22nd, 2020 Sun Community News",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-votes-favor-covid-relief-package-makes-its-way-senate,"Stefanik votes in favor of COVID relief package, makes its way to the Senate",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"137 Margaret Street, Suite 100",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-will-wait-receive-covid-vaccine-alongside-handful-fellow-congress,Stefanik will wait to receive COVID vaccine alongside handful of fellow congress members,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 22nd, 2020 Watertown Daily Times",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-katko-votes-pass-bipartisan-bicameral-pandemic-relief-bill,"Rep. Katko Votes to Pass Bipartisan, Bicameral Pandemic Relief Bill Spearheaded by Katko & Colleagues in Problem Solvers Caucus",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,John Katko,K000386,katko.house.gov,,,legacy,"Katko: Package Will Provide Continued Support for Local Pandemic Response & Direct Relief to Central New York Families, Small Businesses, Hospitals, Schools WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) today released the following statement after voting in support of COVID-19 relief legislation: Today, I voted in support of legislation to give necessary and long overdue relief to our communities. For the many local small businesses facing continued financial strain, this bill provides additional direct relief and extends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help them remain open and keep workers on payroll. It also includes significant relief for local schools, hospitals, and will help accelerate the distribution of newly approved COVID-19 vaccines. And importantly, the measure will provide a critical lifeline to individuals and families by extending enhanced unemployment, issuing a second round of stimulus checks, strengthening childcare assistance, and increasing nutrition benefits. It has taken far too long to reach a compromise and deliver this aid. Throughout this process, I worked with my fellow members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus to help re-ignite negotiations and push leaders in both the House and Senate to resume negotiations by crafting a COVID-19 relief package that formed the basis for the final package passed by the House tonight.While this package does not include everything we've advocated for, it is a substantial start in providing impactful, direct relief for Central New York to help us through these turbulent times. There is more Congress can do, and I remain firm in my commitment to partnering with local government officials and community leaders to address local need. Background: Earlier this year, Rep. Katko unveiled compromise COVID-19 relief frameworkwhich he helped author alongside the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. This framework laid the foundation for the relief legislation which passed the House tonight. Like the Problem Solvers Caucus's proposal, the bill includes relief for small businesses and healthcare providers, funds for the production and distribution of vaccines, direct aid for working families, and support for schools and childcare. The bill also includes the following initiatives led by Rep. Katko: Includes Katko-authored legislation to extend the Employee Retention Tax Credit(ERTC)into 2021 to strengthen the economy and save local jobs Ensures that business owners canclaim tax deduction for expenses covered by a forgiven PPP loan. $250 million for FCC COVID-19 Telehealth Program Increases Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP)benefits by 15% for six months to address rising food insecurity and high demand at local food banks Authorizes $250 million for Head Start to support local early education providers $20 billion for the Provider Relief Fund to support local healthcare providers $4.25 for mental health and substance use disorder treatment programs $82 billion for grants to provide emergency support to local school systems and higher education institutions to continue to provide educational services and support on-going functionality of school districts and institutions Extendstax provisionscovering sick and family leave policies and expanding job opportunities in underserved communities Includes Craft Beverage Modernization Act,legislation Rep. Katko cosponsored to permanentlyextend Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions for CNY breweries and wineries Extends the Work Opportunity Tax Credit through 2025, providing incentives to employers that hire individuals from underserved communities Provides $54.3 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund. $10 billion for State Transportation Departments ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-langevin-statement-regarding-dod-decision-split-nsacyber,"Stefanik, Langevin Statement Regarding DOD Decision to Split NSA/Cyber Command Appointment",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee's Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, respectively, released the following statement regarding the Department of Defense's reported plan to separate the dual-hat appointment of the Commander of United States Cyber Command serving concurrently as the Director of the National Security Agency. The dual-hat arrangement for the Commander of United States Cyber Command to serve jointly as the Director of the NSA allows for the joint command and sharing of critical resources and capabilities between two of the most important entities tasked with ensuring our nation's cybersecurity. The criticality of this relationship was reinforced through the FY2017 and FY2020 National Defense Authorization Acts, which requires the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to certify to Congress that the termination of such an arrangement would not pose a risk to U.S. cybersecurity and military effectiveness. Absence of such a declaration would make the separation illegal. In light of the recent, and ongoing, cyber intrusion into the critical networks of the United States Government and numerous private sector entities that public reporting indicates has been carried out by hostile foreign actors, now is not the time to terminate this arrangement. On the contrary, now is the time where continuity of command and coordination between our cyber agencies is paramount.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-announces-support-covid-19-relief-package,Stefanik Announces Support for COVID-19 Relief Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has announced that she will vote in favor of House passage of the 4th major legislative phase of Congress' emergency coronavirus response later this afternoon. This most recent package will provide economic relief to small businesses, individuals, and families across the North Country. Throughout the past several months, I have consistently advocated for direct federal support for our hospitals and community health centers, small businesses, farmers, schools, individuals and families who have faced significant challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Congresswoman Stefanik. I have spoken with countless local elected officials, community leaders, and constituents to identify their specific needs and raise their issues at the federal level. As a result, this package that I will vote in favor of today prioritizes small businesses and families who need relief. After months of long negotiations, and Speaker Pelosi repeatedly refusing to come to the negotiating table, these important legislative results should have happened months ago. I remain focused on delivering results to the North Country that address this public health crisis and fuel a strong economic recovery. Specifically, the bill provides: Support for Small Businesses $325 billion for small businesses, extending the Paycheck Protection Program and allowing small businesses to deduct expenses $284.5 billion for PPP while providing a second round of PPP loans for the hardest-hit small businesses Makes 501(c)(6) organizations, including local Chambers and destination marketing organizations, eligible for PPP Creates a simplified PPP loan forgiveness application for loans under $150,000 Ensures borrowers will not have to deduct their EIDL Advance from their PPP loan forgiveness amount $15 billion for live venues, movie theaters, and museums that are experiencing significant revenue loss, modeled after the Save our Stages legislation $20 billion for new EIDL grants Allows existing EIDL Advance grantees who received less than $10,000 to reapply for the difference between what they received and he maximum grant of $10,000 Direct Payments to Individuals and Families $600 direct payments to the American people and $600 per dependent child, with the payments phasing out for individuals who make over $75,000 and couples making over $150,000 Similar to the first round of payments, the vast majority of Americans will receive their payments automatically with the IRS basing payments on 2019 tax returns Support for Vaccine Distribution and Other Healthcare Items $68 billion for procurement and distribution of COVID-19 vaccine, testing and tracing, and mental health funding including: $20 billion for purchase of vaccines that will make the vaccine available at no charge for anyone who needs it $8 billion for vaccine distribution $20 billion to assist states with testing $20 billion distribution from existing provider relief fund Includes a version of Congresswoman Stefanik's Opioid Workforce Act to to provide 1,000 new residency positions at teaching hospitals to promote physician-focused partnerships between rural and urban hospitals Protects patients from surprise medical bills while enhancing price transparency for medical services Funding for Schools $82 billion for local school districts and higher education institutions to assist with safely restoring and continuing in-person learning. $54.3 billion for K-12 schools through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, which will be allocated to states and local school districts based on Title I allocations $22.7 billion for postsecondary institutions and students through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, to be distributed largely based on both an institution's FTE and total Pell Grant recipients $2.75 billion in separate funding designated for private K-12 schools Assistance for Working Families $10 billion for child care assistance to working families and support for child care providers as they safely reopen and operate through the pandemic Temporarily increases SNAP benefits by 15% for six months while providing additional funding for Older Americans Act home-delivered meals for seniors, addressing pandemic-related food insecurity Includes Congresswoman Stefanik's COVID-19 WIC Safety and Modernization Act, which will modernize the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program and address issues of accessibility caused by the pandemic. Tax relief for small businesses and working families through an expansion of the Employee Retention Tax Credit, an extension of the FFCRA paid leave tax credits, and provisions to preserve the Earned Income and Child Tax Credit for families financially impacted by the pandemic Extends Unemployment Insurance eligibility, including the PUA coverage for gig workers and the self-employed, with an added $300 per week through March 14, 2021 $25 billion for emergency rental assistance targeted to struggling families and an extension of the CDC eviction moratorium through January 31, 2021 Support for Farmers and Ag Businesses $13 billion in direct payments to farmers to help cover pandemic-induced losses Additional funding directed to programs that support local producers including new and beginning farmers, dairy producers, dairy processors via reimbursement for donated dairy products, small and medium size meat producers, and state departments of agriculture Funding for Infrastructure Needs $45 billion for Transportation funding, including direct support to the motorcoach sector and MTA $7 billion in broadband funding, including: Nearly $2 billion to replace foreign manufactured broadband equipment that poses national security threats $3.2 billion for an FCC initiative to connect low-income Americans $300 million to build out rural broadband $250 million for the FCC telehealth grant program Fully funds the Broadband DATA Act to improve FCC maps and precisely target areas that lack broadband access Check the Congresswoman's website here for a comprehensive overview of the package and for regular COVID-19 updates.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-joins-bipartisan-group-state-elected-officials-opposition,Stefanik Joins Bipartisan Group of State Elected Officials in Opposition to Cuomo Decision to Close Watertown Correctional Facility and Clinton Annex Facility,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has released the below statement following Governor Cuomo's decision to close the Watertown Correctional Facility and the Clinton Annex: In his latest misguided attempt to weaken our law enforcement and make New York less safe, Governor Cuomo is pulling the rug out from our correction officers, their families, and our North Country communities after an already challenging year,said Congresswoman Stefanik. First, the Governor passed harmful bail reform laws that released violent criminals back onto the streets causing the crime rates across our state to skyrocket. Instead of listening to our corrections officers and law enforcement leaders, Governor Cuomo has repeatedly ignored their concerns regarding the spread of COVID through our prisons and only relented after widespread bipartisan outcry. Now, he is taking it a step further in deciding to permanently close these two critical facilities that have the capacity to distance prisoners and staff and lower the risk of COVID-19 exposure. I am deeply opposed to the Governor's proposed closures. Our brave correction officers are an essential part of our Upstate law enforcement community. The timing of this announcement could not be worse right before the holidays and as crime rates in the state are on the rise and COVID-19 continues to spread throughout our prisons. Our correction officers have risked their health and personal safety throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. I am now calling on the Governor to immediately reverse this action and keep our corrections officers, their families, and our communities safe by keeping these essential facilities open.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-secures-results-north-country-fy21-appropriations-package,Stefanik Secures Results for the North Country in FY21 Appropriations Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik today voted in favor of the FY21 Omnibus Appropriations package that passed the House and the Senate. Alongside the much-needed COVID-19 relief for families and small businesses, this year-end package fully funds the government through September 2021 and includes key funding priorities I fought to secure for the North Country, said Congresswoman Stefanik. Communities across my district will benefit from the enhanced investments in regional economic development, expanding broadband connectivity, and putting rural students on the pathway to lifelong success. In addition, I was able to secure critical resources to maintain and improve Fort Drum's military readiness, provide our troops with a much needed pay raise, expand health care access for North Country seniors and veterans, and protect our region's environmental priorities. I am proud to deliver these results for the North Country. Advancing Economic Opportunity for Rural Communities $30 million for the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), while including a provision Congresswoman Stefanik championed to temporarily waive the matching funds requirement for grantees $10 million for a new Rural Postsecondary Education initiative to enhance opportunities for rural students to attain postsecondary credentials and excel in the workforce, modeled after Congresswoman Stefanik's legislation $635 million for the USDA's ReConnect Program to expand access to high-speed broadband in rural communities $60 million for distance learning and telemedicine grants $1.4 billion for Rural Water and wastewater Direct Loans and $50 million in guaranteed Water and wastewater loans within the Rural Utilities Service to support water infrastructure improvements and help finance numerous projects across the North Country $142 million for the Essential Air Service Program to help rural airports boost air service $150 million for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, our nation's only network of public-private partnerships in every state that provides small and medium-sized manufacturers technology-based services they need to create well-paying manufacturing jobs Expanding Access to Healthcare and Supporting North Country Seniors $1.7 billion for Community Health Centers in the Department of Health and Human Services to provide comprehensive health services to vulnerable and underserved communities Over $1.5 billion for Older Americans Act nutrition programs, family caregiver support programs, and community-based support services, delivering critical resources to North Country seniors $3.75 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and $310 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program, key funding sources that help reduce energy costs for seniors and low-income families $3 billion for Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias research by the National Institutes of Health $16 million for Lyme and Other Tick-Borne Diseases in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention $5 million for the State Partnership Initiative to combat violence against women in the Office of Women's Health Report language highlighting the need for increased focus on research in women's health at the NIH Protecting Environmental Priorities and Historic Sites $15 million for the Lake Champlain Basin Program, which coordinates and funds efforts that benefit the Lake Champlain Basin's water quality, fisheries, wetlands, recreation and cultural resources Over $21 million for the Acid Rain Clean Air Allowance and Trading Programs, protecting critical funding streams that support long term research, monitoring, and restoration of acid rain impacted waters and terrains, while including specific funding to direct the EPA to complete detailed reporting on acid rain deposition trends $10.8 million in Funding for the International Joint Commission, including dedicated funding to complete phase II of their expedited review of Plan 2014 and ensure necessary adjustments are made to mitigate the impact of high water levels on communities along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River $20 million for the Battlefield Land Grant Acquisition and Restoration Grant program, which has benefitted battlefield sites in Sackets Harbor and Fort Ann $110 million for the Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Wind Energy program to support domestic wind production Supporting North Country Farmers and the Food Supply Chain $635 million for U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Specialists to screen passengers and cargo at our nation's borders and stop foreign animal and plant pests and diseases $80 million to support research initiatives for specialty crop producers at USDA $10 million for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network within the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture Full funding for crucial USDA Farm Conservation programs, including $734 million for the Natural Resources Conservation Service Keeping our Communities Safe $237 million for Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring program to ensure state and local law enforcement agencies have the personnel necessary to protect and serve their local communities Retains language on coordination between Customs and Border Protection and the United States Postal Service on innovative technologies to combat mail interdiction of heroin and opioids $40 million for the Regional Information Sharing Systems Program to support law enforcement efforts to combat major crimes, apprehend and prosecute offenders, resolve criminal investigations, and ensure officer and public safety $90 million for Child Abuse State Grants in the Administration for Children and Families, delivering funding to states and community-based organizations for prevention and evidence-based support to victims of child abuse and neglect $102 million for the Office of National Drug Control Policy Drug Free Communities program and $290 million for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program to help federal state, and local drug task forces disrupt trafficking organizations and promote drug free communities $2.5 million for the Firefighter Cancer Registry, an important resource in understanding and preventing the growing occurrence of cancer among our nation's firefighters Key Defense Wins Funds a 3% pay increase for our troops Provides the requested $2.5 million to fund the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence established by Congresswoman Stefanik Provides funding for 96 F-35 aircraft to maintain U.S. air superiority over China and Russia Provides $10.4 billion for the Missile Defense Agency and $1.5 billion for the modernization of our ground-based nuclear weapons Funds two new Virginia Class Submarines, and provides $2.9 billion for the Columbia-class nuclear submarine program Support for our Veterans and Military Families Fully funds veterans' healthcare, including over $10 billion for mental health programs, $1.9 billion to prevent veteran homelessness, and $661 million for gender-specific care for women veterans $2.63 billion for the continued implementation of the VA Electronic Health Record System $3.18 billion for operations at the Veterans Benefits Administration Over $8 billion for military construction and family housing projects Wins for Fort Drum and the Community Fully funds the JAG Corps to assist victims of sexual assault within the military A $50 million increase for Impact Aid Programs and a $20 million increase for children with severe disabilities $48 million for Procurement Technical Assistance (PTAP) to provide outreach and support for small businesses to help them navigate the federal procurement process A $340 million increase for the General Dynamics Stryker Program to support the Stryker supply chain in NY-21 A $110 million increase in funding for the Army to purchase additional MQ-1 Gray Eagle Aircraft to provide ISR capabilities for the warfighter in units like the 10th Mountain Division $191 million for the Energy Resiliency and Conservation Investment Program to help the armed services mitigate growing climate change risks Provides $43.2 million for the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), providing financial support for CAP Squadrons throughout NY-21",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congress-new-covid-19-relief-and-annual-appropriations-bill-contains-key,Congress New COVID-19 Relief and Annual Appropriations Bill Contains Key Local Wins for NY-1,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"Op-ed by Congressman Lee Zeldin Throughout December, as Congress' new COVID-19 relief and annual appropriations legislation was being negotiated, I worked closely with House and Senate leadership, and the White House and other officials in the Administration, to secure important local prioritiesforLong Island to save Plum Island and multiple local sewer projects, as well as advance six Army Corps of Engineers projects located in our Congressional District. I secured long awaited historic language to permanently repeal the federal law to sell Plum Island to the highest bidder. Senator Ron Johnson (R, WI), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, had opposed reversing this federal law due to long standing opposition by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). As Congressional funding was being negotiated, I worked closely with Senator Johnson and White House and DHS leadership to successfully advocatefortheir assistance to remove the opposition and get this extremely high priority over the finish lineforthe First Congressional District of New York. I also worked with Senator Schumer who played an important role as well to support this effort. Not only does Plum Island offer diverse wildlife, a precious ecosystem and critical habitatformigratory birds, marine mammals, and rare plants, but it is an essential cultural and historical resource as well. The current law, which mandates the sale of the island to the highest bidder, is the wrong pathforward. It's an honor to deliver this huge win that will reverse that law and help preserve Plum Island's rich history and tap into its limitless potentialforgenerations to come. Additionally, I saved three local sewer projects, Carlls River, Patchogue River andForge River, by securing an extension of the deadline to use Community Development Block Grant Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) funding.The coronavirus outbreak has impacted so many aspects of our way of life, and our response must include saving local infrastructure projects that have experienced unexpected delays as a result of the pandemic. These local projects are critical to our quality of life in Suffolk County, and I'm honored to deliver this huge win to ensure these projects get across the finish line. Also in the upcoming Congressional spending bill is authorizationforsix NY-1 coastal infrastructure priorities, including the Fire Island to Montauk Point (FIMP) Project, which is an over $1 billion project that includes fundingforessential dredging and shoreline projects spanning 83 miles of coastline, 80% of which is in the First Congressional District. It includes a variety of coastal and wetland restoration projects that will use the natural environment to reduce flooding, erosion, and storm damage, while also preserving the natural environment and habitatforwildlife and provides various coastal management initiativesforthe bay side of the barrier beaches. Also included is Coastal Storm Risk ManagementforHashamomuck Cove in Southold, where right now local residents, businesses and first responders are paralyzed during even a severe thunderstorm. Additionally, this legislation authorizes a feasibility studyfora project at Wading River Creek in Riverhead and expedites feasibility studiesforprojects at Reel Point Preserve in Shelter Island, Goldsmith Inlet in Southold, and Lake Montauk Harbor in Montauk. All of these important local victories come on top of additional coronavirus relief to assist struggling small businesses, individuals and families, and schools, while ramping up vaccine distribution to help us get back to our way of life. The progress included in this new Congressional legislation is critical to Long Islanders' way of life, and it's an honor to have delivered these vital winsforour community. I lookforward to continuing to fightforthe priorities most important to our communities. Congressman Lee Zeldin represents New York's First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/coronavirus-relief-bill-keeps-paycheck-protection-program-expenses-tax,Coronavirus Relief Bill Keeps Paycheck Protection Program Expenses Tax Deductible,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) issued the following statement in support of language in Congress' new coronavirus relief bill to ensure that recipients of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) can deduct expenses covered using PPP's forgivable loans: ""Our communities' small businesses have been hit hard in the last year. If state and local governments are going to shutter a business because of a pandemic through no fault of that business, then the government has the responsibility to ensure that business survives the government imposed restriction. The Paycheck Protection Program has helped provide relief to so many of these small businesses, which have either been shut down by the government or are otherwise struggling, and we must ensure that the small business owners who desperately need this funding to survive do not go under thanks to a surprise tax bill caused by the very relief that's supposed to keep them afloat."" Congress enacted the Paycheck Protection Program in March 2020 to provide small businesses with loans that have a generous loan forgiveness provision, to help keep employees on payroll and allow recipient businesses to survive the pandemic. Since March, over 5 million loans have been made to businesses in all fifty states. On April 30, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released Notice 2020-32 disallowing the deduction of expenses forgiven under the PPP. Without this Congressional action, small businesses would be estimated to pay over $120 billion in taxes on forgivable PPP loans. On December 9, 2020, Congressman Zeldin and over 170 bipartisan Members of Congress urged Congressional leadership to fix this issue in upcoming coronavirus relief legislation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/don-t-break-t-band-act-included-new-congressional-spending-bill,Dont Break Up the T-Band Act Included in New Congressional Spending Bill,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) announced the Don't Break up the T-Band Act has been included in Congress' upcoming spending bill. This legislation repeals the provision of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, which mandates the sale of the T-Band spectrum, therefore allowing law-enforcement, fire officials, and EMS to continue using the T-Band spectrum to operate their radios for day-to-day life saving operations. Our first responders bravely and selflessly put their lives on the line each and every day to protect our communities, and our first priority must be ensuring they have the resources they need to safely and effectively do their jobs, said Congressman Zeldin. From hurricanes to fires, in the most dire situations, the T-band spectrum provides critical communication between first responders. Even when cell phones, internet, and electricity cease to function, T-band is the last line of defense, and selling off this spectrum would not only be a disservice to our nation's first responders and the millions of Americans they serve, but to our nation's taxpayers. I thank my colleagues from both sides of the aisle for their efforts to ensure our first responders have the tools they need and getting this important victory over the finish line. Currently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is required to reallocate and auction the T-Band spectrum by 2021, which would endanger public safety communications in major metropolitan areas across the United States. The T-Band is a portion of spectrum used in 11 heavily populated metropolitan areas, including New York, covering over 90 million Americans, to support critical public safety communications (i.e. police, fire and other first responder's radios) and provide regional interoperability among first responders. Public safety agencies have spent numerous years and hundreds of millions of dollars of federal, state and local funds to plan and build out these T-Band networks. The result is battle-tested public safety networks that provide resilient coverage, reliability and regional interoperability. This spectrum is essential to public safety and for many public safety entities there is nowhere else to move. In February 2018, Congressman Zeldin introduced the Don't Break Up the T-Band Act with Congressmen Eliot Engel (D, NY-16) and Peter King (R, NY-2). In June 2018, Congressman Zeldin was joined by Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Suffolk County Police Chief Stu Cameron, Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services Commissioner Joe Williams, other local elected officials and first responders to urgently call on Congress to pass the Don't Break Up the T-Band Act. In July 2019, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that relocating users from the T-Band spectrum would cost $5 billion to $6 billion and recommended Congress consider legislation allowing the continued use of the spectrum. In December 2019, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai joined the call for Congress to repeal the mandate to auction the T-Band spectrum and allow public safety officials to continue saving lives using T-Band communications. In March 2020, Congressman Zeldin, Congressman Engel, Senator Ed Markey (D, MA) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D, NY), along with first responders from New York, Massachusetts, and across the country, urged passage of the Don't Break Up the T-Band Act following its passage through the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fimp-plan-included-new-congressional-spending-bill,FIMP Plan Included in New Congressional Spending Bill,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) announced authorization for construction of the Fire Island to Montauk Point (FIMP) Project on Long Island's south shore and Hashamomuck Cove Coastal Storm Risk Management Project in Southold, as well as authorization for feasibility studies for Wading River Creek in Riverhead, Reel Point Preserve on Shelter Island, Goldsmith Inlet in Southold and Lake Montauk Harbor in Montauk have been included in Congress' upcoming spending bill. On the East End of Long Island, we have a unique responsibility to safeguard our local waterways, from bolstering our local maritime infrastructure to managing future storm risks, said Congressman Zeldin. Working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the Army Corps team at its New York District office, this bill prioritizes local projects that are vital to my Congressional District. Continuing to safeguard and invest in our maritime infrastructure will help preserve Long Island's way of life for generations to come. Congress' upcoming spending bill provides authorization for construction of the: Fire Island to Montauk Point Project, which includes essential dredging and shoreline projects spanning 83 miles of coastline, 80% of which is in the First Congressional District. The massive FIMP project, with an initial construction cost currently estimated at $1.5 billion, includes a variety of coastal and wetland restoration projects that will use the natural environment to reduce flooding, erosion, and storm damage, while also preserving the natural environment and habitat for wildlife and provides various coastal management initiatives for the bay side of the barrier beaches. Federal funding was previously appropriated for completion of the reformulation study and initial construction at 100% federal cost. Additional federal funding will be provided as needed. Hashamomuck Cove Coastal Storm Risk Management Project in Southold, which will help reduce coastal storm damage to residents who live along the Long Island Sound. The project is expected to play a key role in protecting County Road 48 - a major transportation route used for hurricane evacuation, while also protecting critical infrastructure including nursing homes and hospitals. The initial federal funding contribution estimate of $11,549,000 for this project is now eligible for funding by the Army Corps of Engineers as part of its upcoming annual work plan. This project also requires an initial contribution of $6,218,000 from a non-federal sponsor. It directs the Secretary of the Army to expedite the completion of the feasibility study and, if justified, may proceed directly to preconstruction for: Reel Point Preserve on Shelter Island, which will focus on navigation and shoreline stabilization; Goldsmith Inlet in Southold, which will focus on improving navigation; and Lake Montauk Harbor in Montauk, which will focus on improving navigation. Additionally, it authorizes a feasibility study for: Wading River Creek in Riverhead, which will focus on hurricane and storm damage risk reduction, flood risk management, navigation, and ecosystem restoration.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-statement-fiscal-year-2021-spending-legislation-and,Rep. Zeldin Statement on Fiscal Year 2021 Spending Legislation and Coronavirus Relief Bill,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Lee Zeldin issued the following statement following House passage of the Senate Amendment to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (H.R. 133), which includes government funding through September 30, 2021, and additional coronavirus relief: Throughout December, as Congress' new COVID-19 relief and annual appropriations legislation was being negotiated, I worked closely with House and Senate leadership, and the White House and other officials in the Administration, to secure important local priorities for Long Island and desperately needed coronavirus relief. It's an honor to have delivered on these vital wins for Long Island and help ensure our communities get back to a normal way of life as soon as possible in the wake of coronavirus, and I look forward to continuing to fight for the priorities most important to our communities. However, moving forward, there must be a better way to legislate rather than 5,500+ page spending bills released just hours before a vote. The American people deserve nothing less than a thoughtful and deliberative budget process defined by transparency and open debate. The Senate Amendment to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (H.R. 133) includes: Long Island Priorities, such as: Plum Island: Language to permanently repeal the 2008 federal law that required Plum Island to be sold to the highest bidder; Carlls River, Patchogue River and Forge River Sewer Projects: A one-year extension of the deadline for the use of Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding, saving these three local sewer projects; Fire Island to Montauk Point Project (FIMP): Provides authorization for the construction of this project, which includes essential dredging and shoreline projects and spans 83 miles of coastline; Hashamomuck Cove Coastal Storm Risk Management Project in Southold: Provides authorization for the construction of this project, which will reduce coastal storm damage; Reel Point Preserve on Shelter Island: Directs the expedited completion of the feasibility study and, if justified, the preconstruction of this project, which will focus on navigation and shoreline stabilization; Goldsmith Inlet in Southold: Directs the expedited completion of the feasibility study and, if justified, the preconstruction of this project, which will focus on improving navigation; Lake Montauk Harbor in Montauk: Directs the expedited completion of the feasibility study and, if justified, the preconstruction of this project, which will focus on improving navigation; Wading River Creek in Riverhead: Authorizes a feasibility study for this project, which will focus on hurricane and storm damage risk reduction, flood risk management, navigation, and ecosystem restoration; Preserves T-Band for Local First Responders: Allows law-enforcement, fire officials, and EMS to continue using the T-Band spectrum to operate their radios for day-to-day life saving operations, by repealing the provision of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, which mandates the sale of the T-Band spectrum; Long Island Sound Program: Provides $30.4 million for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Long Island Sound Geographic Program. This is an over seven fold increase beyond the level of this program's appropriation when Representative Zeldin, Co-Chair of the Long Island Sound Caucus, first entered Congress; National Estuary Program: Provides $31.88 million for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Estuary Program which includes $700,000 per estuary, supporting two NY-1 estuaries: Long Island Sound and Peconic Estuary; National Sea Grant Program: Provides $75 million for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Sea Grant College Program. Representative Zeldin and Representative Joe Courtney D, CT-2) have led the annual appropriations request in the House; Brookhaven National Laboratory: Provides $7.03 billion for the Department of Energy Office of Science and $427 million for the Department of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) program; Veterans: Provides $661 million for gender-specific care for women veterans at VA facilities, including $1 million for peer support programs for women veterans and $7.5 million for the Airborne Hazards and Burn Pits Center of Excellence to assist veterans with burn pit claims at the VA; and Community Health Centers (CHCs): Provides authorization for CHCs for three years, including Sun River Health (formerly HRHCare), which has 6 locations throughout NY-1. Critical coronavirus relief, such as: Vaccines: Includes $20 billion for the purchase of vaccines that makes the vaccine available at no charge for anyone who needs it; Paycheck Project Program (PPP): Tax Deductibility for Small Businesses: Ensures recipients of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) can deduct expenses covered using PPP's forgivable loans; Extends the first round of PPP for businesses that have not previously received a loan; Provides a second round of PPP for businesses with less than 300 employees experiencing more than a 25% reduction in revenue; Expands the eligibility for PPP to 501(c)(6) entities, such as Discover Long Island and the Hauppauge Industrial Association (HIA-LI); Fishing Industry: Includes $300 million in assistance to fisheries participants to help mitigate coronavirus-related economic impacts; and Assistance for Individuals and Families: Provides direct stimulus checks, rental assistance, unemployment assistance, food assistance and more.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-secures-vital-cdbg-dr-extension-congressional-spending-bill,Rep. Zeldin Secures Vital CDBG-DR Extension in Congressional Spending Bill to Save 3 Local Sewer Projects,2020-12-20,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - In the past two weeks, as Congressional funding was being negotiated, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) worked closely with House and Senate leadership, as well as White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows to secure an extension of the September 30, 2022 deadline for the use of Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to September 30, 2023. This will save three local sewer projects in Suffolk County: Carlls River, Patchogue River and Forge River. The coronavirus outbreak has impacted so many aspects of our way of life, and our response must include saving local infrastructure projects that have experienced unexpected delays as a result of the pandemic, said Congressman Zeldin. These local projects are critical to our quality of life in Suffolk County, and I'm honored to deliver this huge win to ensure these projects get across the finish line. I'm grateful for the help of White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for doing their parts as well to make this a reality. The CDBG-DR program was established by the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013 to provide billions of dollars to improve disaster preparedness in communities in the aftermath of SuperStorm Sandy. Under current law, there is a hard deadline of September 30, 2022 for the expenditure of CDBG-DR. Several of the projects funded through these programs broke ground, while others were expected to begin construction soon, according to the timelines that existed prior to the onset of COVID-19. Many of these projects were on track to meet the requirements to utilize federal funds in full by the 2022 deadline. However, COVID-19 resulted in unexpected delays. Labor contracts and supply chains have further complicated the long lead times needed to implement these large-scale infrastructure projects, putting the funding of these projects at risk because they are unlikely to be able to meet the current deadline. In Suffolk County, the Forge River, Patchogue and Carlls River sewer projects are part of the Suffolk County Coastal Resiliency Initiative (SCCRI), which has been allotted $67 million in CDBG-DR funds in addition to $243 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds. While the Forge River project itself is to be constructed with FEMA/HMGP funds, the Forge River, Patchogue and Carlls River sewer projects that are part of the SCCRI are tied together and interdependent because the Benefit Cost Assessment (BCA) that justifies use of HMGP funds for the Forge River project relies on the higher BCA rankings of the Carlls River and Patchogue projects. Those projects rely in significant part on CDBG-DR funds, but their higher BCA ranking elevates the cumulative BCA ranking of the three projects, making the use of HMGP funds for the Forge River project possible. For this reason, it is critically important to the Forge River project that the CDBG-DR funding for the other 2 projects be protected. In July, Congressman Zeldin and Congressman Bill Pascrell (D, NJ-9) urged the House Committee on Appropriations to extend the use of funds for CDBG-DR, which was subsequently passed by the House in H.R. 7617.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/katko-gillibrand-schumer-announce-senate-passage-bill-rename,"Katko, Gillibrand, Schumer Announce Senate Passage of Bill to Rename Fayetteville Post Office to Honor CNY WWII Veteran",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,John Katko,K000386,katko.house.gov,,,legacy,"Katko, Gillibrand, Schumer: Designating the Fayetteville Post Office, the Corporal George H. Bacel Memorial Postal Facility,' Will Serve as Lasting Memorial to Bacel's Life & Legacy WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. John Katko (R, NY-24) and U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today announced the U.S. Senate has passed bipartisan legislation to designate the Fayetteville Post Office, the Corporal George H. Bacel Memorial Postal Facility.' This bill, which now heads to the President's desk, was announced last year in Fayetteville, NY by Rep. Katko alongside Bacel's four children and extended family, as well as representatives for ClearPath for Veterans and Mayor of Fayetteville Mark Olson. Corporal George H. Bacel had deep roots in our Central New York community and was a beloved WWII veteran, small business owner, and postal worker, said Rep. Katko. To honor his life and legacy, I'm pleased to announce the bill I introduced to designate the Fayetteville Post Office, the Corporal George H. Bacel Memorial Postal Facility,' has passed the U.S. Senate. The passage of this measure marks an important step forward in our pursuit to pay tribute to Corporal Bacel's contributions to Central New York and this nation. I thank Senators Gillibrand and Schumer for their work to advance this legislation through the Senate. George H. Bacel represented the best of Fayetteville, demonstrated by his lifelong commitment to his neighbors through military service, as a small business owner, and as a postal worker at the very post office we are renaming in his honor, said Senator Gillibrand. This legislation is a testament to the contributions of hard-working and dedicated New Yorkers like George, who make our state and country a better place to live, work, and dream. As one of the thousands of young men who enlisted the day after Pearl Harbor, Corporal George H. Bacel always went above and beyond, both to serve his country and his community, said Senator Schumer. This week's Senate passage of legislation to dedicate the Fayetteville Post Office as the Corporal George H. Bacel Memorial Postal Facility' memorializes the lasting impact Corporal Bacel had on his community and honors the generous love he had for his fellow Central New Yorkers. I thank Congressman Katko for leading this effort as we pay tribute to a man who dedicated his whole life to serving others. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-katko-announces-over-6-million-head-start-funds-peace-inc,Rep. Katko Announces Over $6 Million in Head Start Funds for PEACE Inc.,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,John Katko,K000386,katko.house.gov,,,legacy,"SYRACUSE, NY U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) today announced $6,392,157 in federal funds will be distributed to PEACE Inc., a local community-based organization dedicated to empowering underserved individuals, children, and families through the administration of support services and programs. In Central New York, PEACE Inc. serves communities throughout the region and operates facilities in the City of Syracuse, East Syracuse, Tully, and Baldwinsville. The funds are available through the Head Start and Early Head Start programs, and administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Head Start promotes the development and school readiness of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children from low-income families. In Congress, Rep. Katko has led bipartisan efforts to deliver additional funding for Head Start programs. Last week, he introduced the Jumpstart for Head Start Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide $1.7 billion in emergency funds for Head Start to ensure local programs have the necessary resources to continue supporting children as they adopt important public health measures. I've been a strong proponent of expanding early education in Central New York and have consistently led efforts on the federal level to strengthen Head Start, a federal program dedicated to promoting the development of young children in underserved communities, said Rep. Katko. Today, I'm pleased to announce PEACE Inc. in Syracuse is receiving over $6 million in funds from this program. As we work to combat this ongoing pandemic, I'll keep working to ensure local Head Start providers have the tools and resources to continue investing in the next generation of young people. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-rep-john-katko-regarding-ongoing-cyber-campaign-against-nation,Statement from Rep. John Katko Regarding Ongoing Cyber Campaign Against the Nation,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,John Katko,K000386,katko.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24), incoming Ranking Member on the House Committee on Homeland Security, today released the following statement after participating in a classified briefing with officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) regarding the ongoing cyber campaign against the United States: Earlier today, I participated in a briefing with senior cybersecurity leaders across the Federal Government about the ongoing cyber campaign against the nation. They confirmed what has become abundantly clear over the last several days - that our nation has been the target of a cyber campaign of extraordinary and unprecedented sophistication, the response to which I hope will drive necessary operational and policy improvement in the cybersecurity arena for years to come. Having spent the last two years as the Ranking Member of the Cybersecurity Subcommittee, I take these issues seriously. The work we've done to build, strengthen, and resource CISA as the nation's lead civilian cybersecurity agency is important, but there's more to be done. Bolstering the cyber defenses of our critical networks and safeguarding the intellectual property and sensitive information of the American people and businesses are fortunately not partisan propositions. With that in mind, I look forward to working with Chairman Thompson and a broad range of stakeholders on these important issues in the 117th Congress. I'm honored to soon take over as Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee where cybersecurity will remain a top priority of mine. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-announces-70k-lake-champlain-lake-george-regional-planning-board,Stefanik announces $70k for Lake Champlain Lake George Regional Planning Board,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 18th, 2020 News 10 ABC",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-crow-introduce-legislation-respond-congressional-sexual,"Stefanik, Crow Introduce Legislation to Respond to Congressional Sexual Misconduct",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, along with Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06) and Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-14) today introduced the Prohibiting Annuities for Sexual Abusers in Congress Act to prevent a Member of Congress from collecting their taxpayer-funded retirement annuity if they are convicted of sexual abuse. The bill would add felony sexual abuse to a list of offenses including bribery, perjury, and conspiracy which are grounds for the denial of pensions for Representatives and Senators under the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act. Members of Congress who abuse their power need to be held accountable, said Congresswoman Stefanik. This important, bipartisan bill would ensure that if a Member of Congress is convicted for sexual misconduct, the service of that Member does not garner them a taxpayer-funded pension. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill to ensure we treat sexual misconduct crimes the same way that we treat other offenses like bribery, conspiracy, and other prohibited actions.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-statement-russian-cyberattacks-highlights-importance-ndaa,"Stefanik Statement on Russian Cyberattacks, Highlights Importance of NDAA Provisions to Bolster Cybersecurity Defenses",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, has released the below statement following reports of cyber espionage targeting America's nuclear infrastructure and the federal government: This attack serves as a stark warning that our nation must bolster its cybersecurity posture and capabilities, said Congresswoman Stefanik. While we must hold the perpetrator fully accountable, we must also continue to make progress in cybersecurity. This year's national defense bill contains over two dozen provisions that support our nation's cybersecurity infrastructure, including provisions that would help ensure the resiliency of our nation's nuclear command and control systems. The NDAA also fully funds long overdue modernization of our nuclear infrastructure and further secures our nuclear weapons production facilities. There is no doubt that our adversaries will take advantage of any opportunity to attack vulnerabilities in our cyber infrastructure. The measures in this year's NDAA will provide critical safeguards to protect the information and capabilities most foundational to our nation's security.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/federal-funding-lake-champlain-lake-george-regional-planning-board,Federal funding for Lake Champlain-Lake George Regional Planning Board,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 17th, 2020 Sun Community News",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-announces-economic-development-administration-funding-lake,Stefanik Announces Economic Development Administration Funding for Lake Champlain Lake George Regional Planning Board,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has announced a $70,000 investment from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the Lake Champlain Lake George Regional Planning Board. This funding will support the implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) for Clinton, Essex, Hamilton, Warren, and Washington counties. The CEDS process is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy. I am proud to announce that valuable taxpayer dollars will be returned to this five-county region in the North Country, said Congresswoman Stefanik. The Lake Champlain Lake George Regional Planning Board carries out important work in their efforts to boost economic development, support investment, and create jobs in the North Country. This funding will be utilized to develop a good strategy that is especially welcomed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I will continue to advocate for this funding at the federal level.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-katko-leads-ny-gop-effort-calling-nys-provide-salt-relief-small,Rep. Katko Leads NY GOP Effort Calling on NYS to Provide SALT Relief to Small Businesses Amid Pandemic,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,John Katko,K000386,katko.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) today led an effort alongside Republicans from New York State's Congressional Delegation urging Governor Cuomo to take advantage of forthcoming tax regulations from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and provide state and local tax (SALT) relief to local small businesses. Rep. Katko was joined by U.S. Reps. Lee Zeldin (NY-1), Elise M. Stefanik (NY-21), Tom Reed (NY-23), and Chris Jacobs (NY-27) in this effort. Last month, the IRS announced forthcoming regulations that would allow many pass-through businesses to claim SALT tax deductions beyond the current $10,000 federal cap. Many states nationwide, including New Jersey and Connecticut, have already implemented measures that would allow eligible businesses to claim this relief. With small businesses in Central New York and across the state facing unprecedented financial strains as a result of the pandemic, Rep. Katko and his colleagues are urging Governor Cuomo to oversee the implementation of measures that allow small businesses to benefit from these new IRS regulations. In Central New York, local employers are facing unprecedented challenges that threaten their ability to keep their doors open, said Rep. Katko. With this in mind, I am proud to lead my colleagues from New York's Congressional Delegation in urging Governor Cuomo to take advantage of these forthcoming SALT regulations from the IRS and provide substantive tax relief to many small businesses. Across all levels of government, we must take immediate action to support our local business community and their workers. Rep. Katko has long worked to provide SALT relief to families and businesses across Central New York. Last year, he was one of five Republicans to vote in favor of a measure that would lift the SALT cap, and has advocated for Congressional Leaders to include SALT relief in COVID-19 relief legislation. The full text of the letter can be found below: Dear Governor Cuomo, As communities across New York State grapple with the sustained public health and economic impacts of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we write to express strong support for substantive measures to support New York's small businesses and their workers. Specifically, we respectfully request immediate action to provide state and local tax (SALT) relief to small businesses across New York State and ensure their ability to take advantage of recent guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). On November 9, 2020, the IRS issued Notice 2020-75, which announced forthcoming regulations that will allow certain pass-through businesses to claim a deduction against their state and local income taxes for the purposes of calculating the businesses' non-separable tax income or loss in a given year. This guidance has the potential to significantly reduce the tax burden for many S- corporations and partnerships that currently pay taxes on business income at the individual level and are therefore subject to the $10,000 federal cap on SALT deductions. As a result, this guidance will provide significant relief to millions of Americans businesses that are facing unprecedented financial strains as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With many states having already enacted legislation that will allow businesses to take advantage of these forthcoming IRS regulations, it is critical that New York State follow suit immediately. For this reason, we ask that you oversee the expeditious enactment and implementation of measures that will extend this SALT relief to pass-through businesses statewide. For our constituents, this relief would represent a critical investment in our small businesses, their workers, and our economic recovery. Thank you for your time and attention to this request. We look forward to your response. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-secures-long-awaited-historic-language-save-plum-island,Rep. Zeldin Secures Long Awaited Historic Language to Save Plum Island in Congressional Spending Bill,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), Co-Chair of the Long Island Sound Caucus, announced he secured language in Congress' upcoming spending bill to permanently repeal the federal law to sell Plum Island to the highest bidder. Senator Ron Johnson (R, WI), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, had opposed reversing this federal law due to long standing opposition by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In the past two weeks, as Congressional funding was being negotiated, Congressman Zeldin worked closely with Senator Johnson and White House and DHS leadership to successfully advocate for their assistance to remove the opposition and get this extremely high priority over the finish line for the First Congressional District of New York. Congressman Zeldin also worked with Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D, NY) who played an important role as well to support this effort. ""Not only does Plum Island offer diverse wildlife, a precious ecosystem and critical habitat for migratory birds, marine mammals, and rare plants, but it is an essential cultural and historical resource as well, said Congressman Lee Zeldin. The current law, which mandates the sale of the island to the highest bidder, is the wrong path forward. It's an honor to deliver this huge win that will reverse that law and help preserve Plum Island's rich history and tap into its limitless potential for generations to come. In 2008, Congress created a new law to mandate the sale of Plum Island to the highest bidder. Since coming to Congress, Congressman Zeldin has secured House passage of 6 of his proposals to preserve Plum Island as a world-renowned research facility, historical site and conservation area, and secured $1.5 million in federal funds last summer to stabilize and restore its iconic lighthouse. Last year, Congressman Zeldin authored and secured enactment of legislative language to halt the sale of the island for Fiscal Year 2020. Additionally, this Congress, he introduced the Plum Island Preservation Act of 2019, which would permanently repeal the law mandating the sale of Plum Island and require any further use of the island be for conservation, education and/or research purposes. Congressman Zeldin concluded, Once the upcoming Congressional appropriations bill is passed by Congress and signed by the President, the federal law mandating that Plum Island be sold to the highest bidder will be permanently reversed. I would like to thank my colleagues in government for their support and the tireless Plum Island advocates throughout our region for their tenacity all along the way. It's been an honor to lead this fight, and I'm looking forward to celebrating this big win with all of them.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/seven-years-after-david-renz-attack-rep-katko-local-advocate-bill-cregg,"Seven Years After David Renz Attack, Rep. Katko, Local Advocate Bill Cregg, CNY Law Enforcement & Non-Profits Announce Significant Progress on Effort to Improve Pre-Trial Release Protections for Victims",2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,John Katko,K000386,katko.house.gov,,,legacy,"Katko: Inspired by Local Hero, Bill's Promise Will Make Our Communities Safer SYRACUSE, NY Seven years after the David Renz attack, U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) today announced the Government Accountability Office (GAO) will conduct a comprehensive review of failures in the pre-trial release system and provide information that will help improve protections for victims. It was authorized after Rep. Katko led a bipartisan effort urging the GAO to begin the study he proposed under the Bill's Promise Act. Rep. Katko made the announcement in a virtual press conference alongside local advocate Bill Cregg, Onondaga County Sheriff Gene Conway, Onondaga County District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick, former Assistant U.S. Attorney John Duncan,as well as Randi Bregman and Angela Douglass, Co-Executive Directors for Vera House, and Colleen Merced and Mark Fuller, Executive Director and Vice President for theMcMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center. In 2013, David Renz disassembled his GPS-monitoring ankle bracelet while on pretrial release, resulting in the horrific attack on Lori Bresnahan. In the six weeks leading up to his escape, Renz practiced disassembling and reassembling his bracelet, setting off 46 alerts that were not responded to by probation officers.Following the attack,Bill Cregg was the first on the scene and stayed until law enforcement arrived.Since then, Cregghas advocated for improvements to pre-trial release programs andserved as the inspiration for the Bill's Promise Act. Following the horrific attack by David Renz, Bill Cregg promised he would work tirelessly to change the laws surrounding pre-trial release,said Rep. Katko.Inspired by his advocacy, last year I introduced the Bill's Promise Act.This measure directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) toconduct a comprehensive assessment of our nation's pre-trial release laws.Today, I'm pleased to announce the GAO will begin work on this critical review.The study will pay special attention to monitoring response protocols when an ankle monitor or other electronic monitoring device signals that an individual is violating the terms of their release. It is my hope that this effort will improve protections for victims, make our communities safer, and prevent future tragedies. Specifically, Rep. Katko's effort directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to: Provide data on the number and types of federal crimes that individuals on pre-trial release have been charged with over the past 5 years Examine policies that guide federal Probation and Pretrial Services officers in their response when an electronic monitoring device indicates either tampering or noncompliance with pretrial release requirement Review actions being taken to ensure Probation and Pretrial Services officers are adhering to the monitoring and supervision policies in place Examine staffing and resource challenges Probation and Pretrial Services face and extent of their coordination with state agencies to help administer probation and pretrial services ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/covid-relief-top-stefaniks-list,COVID relief top on Stefanik's list,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 15th, 2020 Sun Community News",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/north-country-transit-producers-back-covid-relief-package,North Country transit producers back COVID relief package,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 12th, 2020 Press Republican",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/reps-action-dec-12-2020,Reps in Action: Dec. 12. 2020,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 12th, 2020 Press Republican",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-unanimously-passes-katko-authored-bill-honor-life-fayetteville,"House Unanimously Passes Katko-Authored Bill to Honor the Life of Fayetteville WWII Veteran, George H. Bacel",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,John Katko,K000386,katko.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) today announced the House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation to designate the Fayetteville Post Office, located at 599 East Genesee Street, the Corporal George H. Bacel Memorial Postal Facility.' Last year, Rep. Katko announced the introduction of this bill alongside Bacel's four children and extended family, as well as representatives for ClearPath for Veterans and Mayor of Fayetteville Mark Olson. The day after the attack on the naval fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor, without pause, George H. Bacel volunteered to serve in World War II with the U.S. Marine Corps, said Rep. Katko. When he returned home to Central New York, he opened his own small business, supported fellow veterans by establishing the American Legion in Manlius, and proudly served his community as an employee at the Fayetteville Post Office. In honor of his service to our nation and community, I introduced a bill that would designate the Post Office he worked at as the Corporal George H. Bacel Memorial Postal Facility.' Today, I'm grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for unanimously passing this bill which will serve as a lasting memorial of Corporal Bacel's life and legacy. I urge my friends in the Senate to expeditiously pass this measure. The family of George Bacel would like to thank Congressman John Katko for his work to introduce and pass this bill honoring the life and service our late father, said Judy Schuth, Corporal Bacel's oldest daughter. Our father loved his family, our country, and all those who served alongside him. This dedication is a touching tribute to his legacy. Background: Corporal George H. Bacel served as a United States Marine during World War II, and passed away on March 3, 2010 at the age of 89. He was a husband, father, and active and valuable member of the Fayetteville and Manlius community. A graduate of Fayetteville High School, he enlisted with the Marine Corps in 1941, on the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and served in the Pacific Theatre. He bravely defended America in several battles, fighting in New Guinea, Guadalcanal, and Cape Gloucester, and was discharged with the Good Conduct Medal in 1945. Following his return to Central New York, he owned and operated Fayetteville Hairstylists for thirty years, started the local American Legion in Manlius, and worked for a number of years at the Fayetteville Post Office. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/clarkson-university-professors-studying-aerodynamics-luge-sleds,Clarkson University professors studying aerodynamics of luge sleds,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 11th, 2020 Watertown Daily Times",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/outgoing-state-sen-little-honored-years-service-floor-congress,Outgoing state Sen. Little honored for years of service on floor of Congress,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 11th, 2020 Watertown Daily Times",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-backs-defense-bill-despite-trump-veto-threat,Stefanik backs defense bill despite Trump veto threat,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 11th, 2020 Adirondack Daily Enterprise",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-calls-new-york-state-halt-prison-visits-covid-19-continues-spread,Stefanik calls on New York State to halt prison visits as COVID-19 continues to spread,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 11th, 2020 ABC 50 Now",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-calls-new-york-stop-prison-visits-due-covid,Stefanik calls for New York to stop prison visits due to COVID,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"137 Margaret Street, Suite 100",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-calls-pause-ny-prison-visitation,Stefanik calls for pause on NY prison visitation,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 11th, 2020 Sun Community News",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-says-new-york-should-end-prison-visitations,Stefanik Says New York Should End Prison Visitations,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 11th, 2020 Spectrum News",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-signs-brief-backing-effort-overturn-presidential-results,Stefanik signs brief backing effort to overturn presidential results,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 11th, 2020 North Country Public Radio",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-signs-support-trump-lawsuit,Stefanik signs on in support of Trump lawsuit,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"137 Margaret Street, Suite 100",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-touts-ndaa-wins-fort-drum-says-she-will-vote-override-trump-s,"Stefanik touts NDAA wins for Fort Drum, says she will vote to override Trumps threatened veto",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 11th, 2020 Watertown Daily Times",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-watertown-daily-times-stefanik-touts-ndaa-wins-fort-drum-says-she,"ICYMI Watertown Daily Times: Stefanik touts NDAA wins for Fort Drum, says she will vote to override Trumps threatened veto",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. In case you missed it, read the Watertown Daily Times' coverage of the passage of the FY21 NDAA and the numerous wins for Fort Drum and the North Country that Congresswoman Elise Stefanik worked to secure: The 2021 National Defense Authorization Act is one step closer to becoming law, after passing the House on Tuesday. But President Donald J. Trump has threatened to veto the bill, which authorizes the military budget annually. The NDAA has passed Congress and has been signed into law every year without fail since the 1960s. When the first version of the bill passed the House in July, the president threatened to veto the final version if it still included a clause requiring the U.S. Department of Defense to rename bases that bear the name of Confederate figures. In recent weeks, Mr. Trump has reiterated his veto threats, now because the NDAA does not include a repeal or rewrite of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects the hosts of online forums and social media companies from legal responsibility for what users say on their platforms. The president's veto threat drew a divide in House Republicans. House Minority Leader Kevin O. McCarthy, R-Calif., has indicated he would not vote to override a veto, and members of the Freedom Caucus, a 40-member strong coalition of conservative Republican representatives, voted against the bill on Tuesday. Rep. Elise M. Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, has spoken in support of the 2021 NDAA since it first passed through the House Armed Services Committee, of which she's a member, over the summer. Despite the initial veto threats in June, Rep. Stefanik said she was confident Congress would negotiate a strong, bipartisan bill that would be signed into law by Mr. Trump. Rep. Stefanik also served as a core member of the conference committee tasked with consolidating the Senate and House versions of the annual defense bill into a single piece of legislation. On Thursday, Rep. Stefanik reiterated her support for the NDAA and said she would vote to override a presidential veto if necessary. Rep. Stefanik also said she agrees that Section 230 needs to be repealed or amended, but it must be afforded due legislative process. There is great concern among voters in this district that the tech companies are censoring conservative viewpoints, and are not respecting the constitutional liberties and freedom of speech, she said. However, that should not be attached to the National Defense Authorization Act; that process needs to move through the committees of jurisdiction. Despite the threat of a veto, the NDAA passed the House, 335 to 78 well above the three-fourths majority required to override a veto. While the Senate has not yet scheduled a vote on the final version of the defense bill, it's expected to pass that chamber by a wide margin as well. The initial version of the bill passed the Senate 84 to 14 in July. Rep. Stefanik said she's proud of all the positive results the NDAA will bring to the north country, and Fort Drum specifically. The congresswoman said she's seen significant improvement in the amount of support afforded to the military since 2014. When I took office, the DOD and the military (were) facing significant cuts, and we have worked over many years to rebuild military readiness to make sure that the resources and the funding is available for training, for equipment and for overall installation management at Fort Drum, Rep. Stefanik said. She said she was also proud to see that the final version of the bill continues to include a 3% pay increase for soldiers in all branches of the military, and includes investment in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Rep. Stefanik has been vocal about her work in ensuring that Fort Drum is selected as the site for a future missile defense program. Initially, Fort Drum was selected as the site for the proposed East Coast Missile Defense System in a 2019 environmental impact study. Although the DOD expressed little interest in developing such a system at the time, it has since shifted focus to developing a smaller, underlayer defense system. Rep. Stefanik said in July she worked to ensure the development of that underlayer system would rely on the same environmental impact study that named Fort Drum as the preferred site in 2019. She said the prospects for the project actually being built are dependent on the budget proposed by President-elect Joseph R. Biden's administration, but she remains committed to ensuring the federal government invests more in missile defense. The good news is, I have worked to build bipartisan support for increasing our missile defense investment and increasing our missile defense capability, including protecting the East Coast, she said. Rep. Stefanik said Mr. Biden's past record on military investment, especially as part of former President Barack Obama administration's cuts and sequestration, does concern her. She said she would continue to fight in Congress to ensure the federal government supports defense. I am concerned that the legacy of the Obama administration was cutting our defense. We don't want to see that, particularly as we face challenges around the world today, she said. But I know that I am going to fight on this committee to advance our missile defense, which ultimately will give us the best opportunity at funding for an East Coast Missile Defense system.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-sends-letter-usda-reiterating-need-farmers-families-food-box,Stefanik Sends Letter to USDA Reiterating Need for Farmers to Families Food Box Program,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik today sent a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reiterating her support for the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. The program, which was announced as part of USDA's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), began in April. The program purchased over $4.5 billion in fresh produce, dairy, and meat products from American farmers and supplied boxes of those products to food banks, community and faith-based organizations, and other non-profits. Our North Country families, over the last few months, have benefited greatly from USDA's Food Box program, said Congresswoman Stefanik. I was personally able to participate in a distribution event and witness firsthand the immense impact that this program has made. Over the last few weeks, I have heard directly from multiple local elected officials, community leaders, farmers, and families who are discouraged that the USDA is no longer distributing Food Boxes in our counties. In sending this letter, I am calling on USDA to reconsider their decision to stop the Food Box program at the end of this year and to consider how effective their county distribution model actually was at getting fresh, local product into the hands of individuals and families who need it. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House and the administration to support initiatives like this program and to ensure that North Country families are provided with the resources they need.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/prevent-flooding-along-lake-ontario-reps-katko-brindisi-morelle-and,"To Prevent Flooding Along Lake Ontario, Reps. Katko, Brindisi, Morelle, and Jacobs Call on IJC to Deviate from Plan 2014",2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,John Katko,K000386,katko.house.gov,,,legacy,"SYRACUSE, NY In an effort to mitigate the risk of flooding on Lake Ontario in 2021, U.S. Reps. John Katko (R, NY-24), Anthony Brindisi (D, NY-22), Joseph Morelle (D, NY-25), and Chris Jacbos (R, NY-27) today called on the International Joint Commission (IJC) to deviate from the water management procedures prescribed by Plan 2014. Following the IJC's implementation of water level management procedures under Plan 2014, Lake Ontario's southern shore experienced record high water levels and severe flooding in 2017 and 2019. Throughout the year, water levels on Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, and Lake Erie have exceeded long-term averages, often approaching or surpassing historic highs. As a result of these conditions, Lake Ontario faces the threat of persistent high inflows in 2021, significantly increasing the risks of sustained high-water levels and catastrophic flooding. To mitigate these risks and protect shoreline communities, the lawmakers requested the IJC immediately authorize the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board (ILOSLRB) to deviate from Plan 2014 water level management procedures through October of 2021. In a letter to the International Joint Commission, Reps. Katko, Brindisi, Morelle, and Jacobs wrote, With communities in our districts still recovering from the devastating conditions experienced in 2017 and 2019, the threat of further damage in 2021 represents an existential threat to coastal communities on Lake Ontario's southern shore. Given that the IJC and ILOSLRB have previously identified deviations from Plan 2014 as a key factor in mitigating the threat of high-water levels on Lake Ontario in 2020, it is critical that these same strategies be used to address the threat of flooding in 2021. For this reason, we request that the ILOSLRB formally request deviation authority from Plan 2014 during their next meeting, and that the IJC move to swiftly approve such authority. The full text of the letter can be found below: Dear Commissioner Corwin, Commissioner Beland, Chairman Durrett and Chairwoman Bechard, We write to express our strong support for immediate action by the International Joint Commission (IJC) and International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board (ILOSLRB) to mitigate the risk of flooding on Lake Ontario in 2021. Specifically, we request that the IJC provide the ILOSLRB with authority to deviate from the water level management procedures prescribed by Plan 2014 through October of 2021. Throughout the year, water levels on Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, and Lake Erie have exceeded long-term averages, often approaching or surpassing historic highs. As a result of these conditions, Lake Ontario faces the threat of persistent high inflows in 2021, significantly increasing the risks of sustained high-water levels and catastrophic flooding. With communities in our districts still recovering from the devastating conditions experienced in 2017 and 2019, the threat of further damage in 2021 represents an existential threat to coastal communities on Lake Ontario's southern shore. Given that the IJC and ILOSLRB have previously identified deviations from Plan 2014 as a key factor in mitigating the threat of high-water levels on Lake Ontario in 2020, it is critical that these same strategies be used to address the threat of flooding in 2021. For this reason, we request that the ILOSLRB formally request deviation authority from Plan 2014 during their next meeting, and that the IJC move to swiftly approve such authority. We also request that the IJC and LOSLRB provide detailed information regarding your plans to modify or maintain the Board's deviation strategy in the months ahead, including during predictable high-water level events in the system such as the Ottawa River freshet. These steps are essential to ensuring a balanced response that truly reflects the interests of Lake Ontario's coastal communities. Thank you in advance for your time and attention to this matter. We look forward to your response. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-calls-governor-cuomo-immediately-include-ems-personnel-first,Stefanik Calls for Governor Cuomo to Immediately Include EMS Personnel in First Round of COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is calling on New York State to immediately reconsider the decision to exclude emergency services personnel from the first round of COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Despite national recommendations and previous planning considerations, New York State has decided to no longer consider EMS personnel to be High Risk and therefore, the state does not plan to include them in the first round of vaccine distribution. The Governor's decision to exclude our EMS personnel, who have been on the frontlines since the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, is completely inexcusable, said Congresswoman Stefanik. Our first responders are interacting with hospital staff, healthcare personnel, and in some cases COVID-19 patients. They must be included as part of the group that is set to receive the first round of the vaccine. I am joining several other local elected officials, county administrators, and public health officials in calling on the Governor to reconsider this deplorable decision and protect our emergency personnel as soon as possible.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-calls-new-york-state-halt-prison-visitations-prevent-further,Stefanik Calls on New York State to Halt Prison Visitations to Prevent Further Spread of COVID-19 Among Inmates and Staff,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is calling on New York State to halt prison visits for all state facilities in response to and in anticipation of a continued increase in COVID-19 cases among inmates and staff in those facilities. Congresswoman Stefanik is joining the New York State Corrections Officers Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) in urging the state to restrict visitations to their facilities in order to prevent further spread of COVID-19. Congresswoman Stefanik has repeatedly called on the Governor to suspend inmate transfers and implement further precautions in state prison facilities in order to prioritize the health and safety of both inmates and correction officers. Once again, Governor Cuomo is failing to address the valid concerns expressed by our corrections officers who have continued working in state prison facilities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, putting their personal health and safety on the line, said Congresswoman Stefanik. I have spoken directly with countless correction officers who are rightfully concerned about the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in our North Country prisons. The state must take proactive measures to stop in-person prison visits as a method of reducing exposure for the inmates and the correction officers. I continue to remain in close contact with our county public health officials to monitor this situation, and I urge the Governor to take immediate action to keep our inmates, corrections officers, and their families safe. As COVID-19 cases continue to surge throughout the state and new restrictions on the public are inevitable, now is the time for the Governor and DOCCS to stop all visitations, unnecessary programs and transportation, to help stop the spread of the virus in state prisons, said John Roberts, Northern Region Vice President for NYSCOPBA. Staff have been essential employees from day one of the pandemic and they deserve to have the safest work environment possible.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-statement-signing-amicus-brief-support-texas-supreme-court-case,Stefanik Statement on Signing Amicus Brief in Support of Texas Supreme Court Case,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has signed onto an amicus brief requesting a lawsuit be brought to the Supreme Court by the Attorney General of Texas. The amicus brief that was signed by over 100 House Republican Members today is about protecting our Constitution,said Congresswoman Stefanik.The Constitution is clear; Election Officials and State Executives cannot change the people's presidential election process without the state legislature approving it. Additionally, it is unconstitutional to refuse to check signatures on mail-in ballots if the state law explicitly states that they must be checked. We are requesting that the Supreme Court carefully review the lawsuit and provide clarity to the American People, who are rightfully concerned about both the unconstitutional overreach from certain state officials and the integrity of the Presidential election.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-ndaa-conference-report-eight-katko-authored-measures-direct,"House Passes NDAA Conference Report with Eight Katko-Authored Measures, Direct Benefits for Central New York",2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,John Katko,K000386,katko.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) last night voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report, bipartisan, bicameral legislation that authorizes the budget and expenditures for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for Fiscal Year 2021. The NDAA, which now heads to the President's desk, includes several Katko-authored measures to address gaps in the nation's cyber defenses, expand access to mental healthcare, and bolster national security. Additionally, the NDAA authorizes a 3% pay raise for U.S. servicemembers and includes several critical funding levels that will support local manufactures and workers. Passing the NDAA is a critical action taken each year by Congress to fund the Department of Defense. And this year, I'm proud to announce the NDAA contains several provisions and funding levels that will directly benefit Central New York, said Rep. Katko. This measure includes legislation I authored to strengthen cybersecurity and expand access to mental healthcare. Importantly, the NDAA also delivers critical funding to several local employers that offer high-paying skilled jobs in Central New York. Specifically for Central New York, Rep. Katko advocated for the following, which were included in the final NDAA conference report: Includes six Katko measuresthat codify recommendations from the Cyberspace Solarium Commissioninto law: Strengthening CISA Act of 2020- Tasks DHS with conducting a comprehensive review of the ability of the CISA to fulfill its current missions and implement the recommendations detailed by the Cyberspace Solarium Commission CISA Director and Assistant Directors Act- Administrative changes to strengthen the Director position at CISA Cybersecurity Advisory Committee Authorization Act of 2019- Establishes a Cybersecurity Advisory Committee to advise DHS/CISA CISA Subpoena Authority- Allows CISA to issue administrative subpoenas to ISPs to identify and warn entities of cyber security vulnerabilities Securing Email Systems Across Federal Networks/DMARC- Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a strategy to implement Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC) standard across U.S.-based email providers Joint Cyber Planning Office- Creates a Joint Cyber Planning Office at CISA to coordinate cybersecurity planning and readiness across government and critical infrastructure owners and operators Includes Rep. Katko's Military Mental Health Stigma Reduction Act-Requires the Department of Defense to report on its efforts to reduce the stigma associated with servicemembers seeking treatment for PTSD or other mental health conditions. Includes Rep. Katko's Seeding Rural Resilience Act- Expands mental health and suicide prevention activities at USDA to increase support for rural communities. $1.42 billion in funding for 8 additional P-8A Poseidon aircraft. Several Central New York manufacturers produce components for these projects. $9.1 billion in funding for 93 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, with radars supplied by Lockheed Martin in Central New York. $2.55 billion for an additional Virginia-class attack submarine, built with components manufactured by Lockheed Martin in Central New York. $108 million in funding for 16 MQ-9 aircraft, which are flown by the 174thAttack Wing at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base. Provides multi-ship contract authority for up to 2 Columbia-class submarines, built with components manufactured in Central New York. Authorizes an additional 7 C-130J aircraft, built with components manufactured by Lockheed Martin in Central New York. $552 million in funds for Handheld Manpack Small Form Fit (HMS) radios, with components manufactured by L3Harris in Central New York. $43 million for the Civil Air Patrol, benefitting the Syracuse Cadet Squadron based at Hancock International Airport. Authorizes a 3% pay raise for troops ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/house-passes-veto-proof-defense-bill,House passes veto-proof defense bill,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"137 Margaret Street, Suite 100",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/nearly-100m-awarded-broadband-be-deployed-unserved-locations-across-new,Nearly $100M awarded for broadband to be deployed in unserved locations across New York,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 9th, 2020 ABC 50 Now",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/following-stefanik-advocacy-ustr-announces-first-action-uphold-usmca,"Following Stefanik Advocacy, USTR Announces First Action to Uphold USMCA Canadian Dairy Commitments",2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, United States Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer announced that the United States will be taking the first steps to address measures adopted by the Canadian government that are contrary to provisions outlined in the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA), and that are harmful to U.S. dairy farmers. Congresswoman Stefanik previously lead House efforts to urge USTR to ensure that Canada was abiding by the spirit of the USMCA as it relates to their dairy obligations. The USMCA went into effect on July 1st, 2020. With today's announcement, USTR is challenging Canada's allocation of dairy tariff-rate quotas (TRQs), which undermine the ability of U.S. dairy farmers to access a large portion of the Canadian dairy market.This first step requests consultations with the Government of Canada to engage in discussion over the measures through which Canada allocates its dairy TRQs under the USMCA. I am pleased that USTR and the administration have taken action on this issue that is so important to our North Country dairy farmers, said Congresswoman Stefanik. While the USMCA provides key wins for North Country agricultural producers, manufacturers, and small businesses, we must continue to ensure that the provisions that were agreed upon are carried out in the manner that was intended by the agreement. I am encouraged by USTR's announcement today and I look forward to continuing my advocacy on behalf of our dairy farmers to ensure they receive the market access that they were promised and deserve. I will continue to work with the administration and our Canadian counterparts to ensure that these commitments are fully upheld. America's dairy farmers help drive economic development in communities across the country, including in Upstate New York, said Jim Mulhern, President & CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation. So when our trade partners purposefully undermine their trade promises, it harms more than just our farmers it's devastating to the millions of Main Street jobs that depend on a strong dairy industry. That's why it is so important that Canada is held accountable for administering its TRQ allocations in a way which runs contrary to both the letter and spirit of USMCA. I appreciate Representative Stefanik's significant work with her colleagues and the U.S. government to fully enforce USMCA.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-helps-house-pass-bill-remove-barriers-colorectal-cancer,"Stefanik Helps House Pass Bill to Remove Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act, Legislation that She Cosponsors",2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik today voted in favor of the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act, bipartisan legislation that waives cost-sharing under Medicare for preventative colonoscopies. Congresswoman Stefanik cosponsored this bill in the House. Currently, Seniors on Medicare face the prospect of an out-of-pocket expense totaling hundreds of dollars if a polyp is removed during a screening or colonoscopy that is supposed to be free. This bill waives coinsurance requirements with respect to colorectal cancer screening tests, even if a polyp or tissue is removed. Colorectal cancer is a disease that unfortunately effects many in the North Country and across the United States, said Congresswoman Stefanik. I am proud to cosponsor and vote in favor of this legislation, which will lower costs for Medicare beneficiaries who need this important screening. Correcting this oversight will hopefully encourage more individuals to participate in colorectal cancer screening and therefore reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer. I commend my House colleagues for coming together in a bipartisan manner to pass this legislation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-helps-house-pass-crucial-legislation-incentivize-and-support,Stefanik Helps House Pass Crucial Legislation to Incentivize and Support Semiconductor Manufacturing,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Yesterday, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik voted in favor of House passage of provisions of the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Act as part of the William M. Mac Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. The CHIPS for America Act, which Congresswoman Stefanik cosponsored in June of this past year, was recommended for passage in the China Task Force's final report, which Congresswoman Stefanik contributed to. The CHIPS for America Act provides incentives for the investment in domestic facilities and equipment to manufacture and conduct research and development of semiconductors. These incentives will allow for the construction, expansion, or modernization of a facility involved semiconductor manufacturing. The CHIPS for America Act provisions passed in the FY21 NDAA provide significant incentives for the domestic manufacturing of semiconductors essential to our economic and national security, said Congresswoman Stefanik. These incentives are vital to manufacturers like GlobalFoundries, located in Malta, for the expansion and modernization of their facilities, and the increased production capacity of critical semiconductors. I look forward to working with my colleagues like Representative Michael McCaul to continue strengthening our domestic semiconductor industry, and with our companies like GlobalFoundries to ensure that we create the necessary environment to encourage manufacturing modernization and expansion and create many more well-paying jobs for people in the North Country. We are happy to see provisions of the CHIPS for America Act included in this year's NDAA that passed the House, said Tom Caulfield, GlobalFoundries CEO. This legislation is critical for the domestic semiconductor industry and manufacturers like GlobalFoundries. We want to thank the Congresswoman for her assistance in seeing this piece of legislation across the finish line in the House. We want to thank Congresswoman Stefanik for her leadership in creating bipartisan support for the CHIPS Act and the National Defense Authorization Act, said Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. With the pandemic upon us, the CHIPS Act has the potential to support GLOBALFOUNRIES' efforts to invest even more in Fab 8's manufacturing capacity, in Malta. This action is a strategic investment in our local manufacturing sector that will really help our local and regional economy to recover and rebound. Read an op-ed previously published by Congresswoman Stefanik in September expressing support for the CHIPS for America Act here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-honors-state-senator-betty-little-house-floor,Stefanik Honors State Senator Betty Little on House Floor,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik spoke on the House floor in honor of State Senator Betty Little, who will be retiring at the end of her term. Read her full remarks below and watch them above: ""Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to address the House for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. I rise today in honor of New York State Senator Betty Little, an extraordinarily dedicated and effective public servant for the North Country, and to congratulate her on her upcoming retirement. Betty has dedicated decades of her life to representing the hardworking families of Upstate New York, both during her time in the New York State Assembly and the Senate. Senator Little first began her career in public service at the local level and served in many capacities while also working as a teacher, before her election to the New York State Assembly in 1995. She was later elected to the State Senate in 2002. Betty has accomplished countless legislative results over the years - expanding benefits for military families, saving hardworking taxpayer dollars, protecting jobs in theAdirondacks, and always standing up for the people of the North Country. While petite in stature, Betty is truly a Giant among public servants. Senator Little sought election to public office as a working mother - a time when this was a lot harder and less in vogue. She quietly shattered innumerable glass ceilings and paved the way for generations of women to come. I am proud to call Senator Betty Little a legislative partner, a role model, and a dear friend. I offer Betty my most sincere Congratulations and gratitude, and I wish her and her family all the best in this next chapter. It is my privilege to highlight her accomplishments in the Congressional Record. Thank you.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-katko-introduces-bipartisan-bill-aimed-supporting-central-new-york,Rep. Katko Introduces Bipartisan Bill Aimed at Supporting Central New York Early Education Providers During the Ongoing Pandemic,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,John Katko,K000386,katko.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. John Katko (R, NY-24)today announced the introduction of the Jumpstart for Head Start Act, legislation that would provide $1.7 billion in emergency COVID-19 relief funds for the U.S. Department ofHealth and Human Services's (HHS)Head Start program. Rep. Katko introduced this bipartisan bill alongsideU.S. Rep. Joe Neguse (D, CO-02). The Head Start program partners with providers in Central New York and across the nation to promote the development and school readinessof infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children from low-income families. During the pandemic, many Head Start providers were forced to quickly adjust their model, hire additional staff to meet rising need, and purchase PPE and cleaning supplies to protect staff and families. As a result, providers in Central New York and across the country have been burdened with increased operational costs that threaten their ability to maintain services. According to estimates from the National Head Start Association, costs for the program will increase by up to 20 percent this year. Rep. Katko's legislation addresses this estimated shortfall and supports local providers by providing the resources necessary to safely conductin-person instructionin compliance with local health guidelinesand maintain virtual and home-based services. I'm pleased to announce the introduction of the Jumpstart for Head Start Act, bipartisan legislation that would deliver $1.7 billion in emergency funds for Head Start programs,saidRep. Katko.These programs help providers in Central New York administer critical educational and developmentalsupport services to young children from low-income families. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, many providers have been burdened with new costs that threaten their ability to continue serving families in-need. By delivering emergency funding, we will ensure all children have the resources they need to grow, regardless of their family's income. ""The bipartisan Jump Start for Head Start allocation will provide our Head Start program with much needed fundingto continue to educate the childrenand support the families we serve by assisting in purchasing much needed PPE as well as sanitizer, disinfectant, and cleaning supplies to keep our children and staff safe, said Joseph E. O'Hara, Executive Director, PEACE, Inc. Additionally, it will level the playing field by enabling us to provide theinstructionaltechnology equipment so, when necessary, our families can access remote learning. This is bipartisanship at its best. We commend Congressman Neguse and Congressman Katko for their leadership today in introducing a bill to address the immediate funding needs of Head Start and Early Head Start programs,saidNational Head Start Association Executive Director Yasmina Vinci.In the face of COVID-19, programs are working tirelessly with at-risk children and families to bring hope, stability, and a holistic approach to overcoming this pandemic. Regardless of location and size, local Head Start programs are confronting real increased costs for staffing, sanitizing and supplying PPE, ensuring classroom safety, and enabling virtual learning. The funding included in this bill would be an essential down payment on keeping Head Start programs operating safely throughout this crisis. NHSA looks forward to working with Congress to move this critical legislation and address the longer term, far-reaching impacts of learning loss and childhood trauma related to COVID-19. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-announces-rural-digital-opportunity-fund-fcc-awarding-over-99,"Stefanik Announces Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, FCC Awarding Over $99 Million for New York State Broadband Projects",2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has announced that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is awarding $99,891,715 through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction for providers to deploy broadband across 46,647 unserved locations across New York. The Rural Digital Opportunity Fund is an FCC initiative to close the digital divide in rural America, with the Phase I auction focused on allocating universal service funds on unserved areas that most need support. The Phase II auction will allocate an additional $11.2 billion nationwide, targeting partially-served areas and any fully unserved areas that did not receive funding through Phase I. Winning providers must meet periodic buildout requirements that will require them to reach all assigned locations by the end of the sixth year, and are incentivized to build out to all locations as fast as possible. Last January, the FCC rendered New York State ineligible for the up-to $16 billion that would be allocated in Phase I of the plan to expand high-speed broadband access. Following that announcement, Congresswoman Stefanik spoke directly with Chairman Pai of the FCC and sent multiple letters requesting that the FCC reverse their decision and reiterating the urgent need for unserved areas in the North Country to be included in the initial round of funding. The FCC, in turn, reversed their decision and deemed New York eligible. I fought hard to ensure that New York qualified for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund and worked directly with FCC Chairman Ajit Pai to deliver this significant result. The FCC's announcement that unserved regions across New York, including significant portions of the North Country, have been allocated funding to complete rural broadband buildout projects is a critical step towards bridging the digital divide, said Congresswoman Stefanik. I have worked diligently with both my colleagues in the House and directly with the FCC to secure this important result for New York and deliver a much-needed investment in our North Country communities I have been an advocate for rural broadband initiatives since my first term in Congress, and I have worked directly with our community leaders to expand high-speed service in regions that lack connectivity. In the last few months, I have heard from school superintendents, teachers, small businesses, farms and families who have experienced new challenges with broadband access in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, making this investment very timely. I look forward to delivering the positive impact that this funding will have on broadband buildout in the North Country, and will continue working to ensure our region receives additional investment in Phase II of this initiative. "" Find the specific areas of NY-21 with winning bids to deploy broadband here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-applauds-house-passage-fy21-ndaa-highlights-wins-fort-drum-and,"Stefanik Applauds House for Passage of FY21 NDAA, Highlights Wins for Fort Drum and the North Country",2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik today voted in favor of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. Congresswoman Stefanik has been selected as a Conferee each year since her first term in Congress to negotiate the legislation with the Senate. Over the last several months, she has worked to ensure that the NDAA is a bipartisan bill that provides our military with the support and resources they need. As the chief advocate for Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division, and as a member of this year's NDAA conference committee, I am proud to successfully deliver crucial results for our men and women in uniform in this year's NDAA, said Congresswoman Stefanik. I have worked diligently with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, both in the House and Senate, to successfully craft this critical piece of legislation into a bipartisan bill that will address the needs of our military, maintain and strengthen our military readiness, and secure many wins for Fort Drum. Our men and women in uniform deserve the maximum amount of resources the federal government can provide in appreciation for the sacrifices they make to protect our nation's interests. I commend the House for coming together to pass this essential piece of legislation, and I will continue to be an outspoken advocate for our troops and military families. To watch Congresswoman Stefanik speak on the House floor today in support of the NDAA, click here. The FY21 NDAA included the following provisions for Fort Drum and the North Country: East Coast Missile Defense Location Specifically Designated at Fort Drum Establishes and names Fort Drum as the preferred site for a land-based missile defense underlayer Wins for Fort Drum and North Country Military Community 3% pay raise for our troops Directs DOD study on cyber infrastructure for Mission Training Complex Directs DOD study on infrastructure improvements to Childcare Development Centers Directs DOD to conduct a study and inventory of firefighting operations, management, and equipment Allows civilian DoD emergency and protection workers stationed on a military base access to the commissary and exchanges Directs USD for Acquisition and Sustainment to provide a briefing to the House Committee on Armed Services byFebruary 1, 2021, as to military installations where biomass will be considered during analysis of alternatives for achieving additional installation energy resiliency (Fort Drum is the only military installation that is 100% energy-resilient with the long term biomass Re-Energy contract) Servicemembers and Military Families Requires Transition Assistance Programs (TAP) to educate servicemembers of sexual assault and sexual harassment, on care provided by the Veteran's Administration (VA) Adds Parkinsonism, bladder cancer, and hypothyroidism to the list of diseases associated with exposure Agent Orange Directs a pilot program for the temporary issuance of maternity uniforms to pregnant servicemembers, at no cost Requires a strategy for increasing diversity in the military as part of the National Defense Strategy Ensures that election officials track and confirm the receipt of military and overseas absentee ballots Requires reporting on the oversight of knownenvironmental hazards in government-owned family housing, including overseas housing. Repeals the provision allowing the Department of Defense to place families in substandard housing. Wins for New York State National Guard and Reserves Provides transitional health benefits for certain members of the National Guard serving under orders in response to COVID-19 Requires a report on lapses in TRICARE coverage for members of the National Guard Restores funding to the High Energy Laser Advanced Technology Research Directs DOD to fund the Military Munitions Response program to clean unexploded ordinance on military installations around the stat Testing for Harmful Water Contamination and Providing for Clean-Up Provides significant funding for the remediation of harmful chemicals like PFAS Requires notification to agricultural operations located in areas exposed to DOD PFAS use Allows for awarding of cash prizes for the development of non-PFAS-containing fire-fighting agents Intelligence, Emerging Threats, and Capabilities Authorizes over $100 billion for Research Development Test and Evaluation Invests and strengthens America's position in emerging technologies like cyber, AI, biotechnology, autonomous systems, and others Establishes a National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Authorizes a number of recommendations from the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence that Congresswoman Stefanik ushered through in the FY19 NDAA Strategic Forces Funds critical modernization of our nuclear forces Begins work on the W93 warhead to support STRATCOM requirements for the sea-based leg of our nuclear triad Seapower and Projection Forces Provides $2.55 billion for an additional Virginia-class attack submarine Authorizes $1.42 billion for additional P-8A Poseidon aircraft to counter advanced undersea threats from our adversaries Tactical Air and Land Forces Maintains detailed oversight of critical aircrafts such as the F/A-18, A-10, and the F-35",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-helps-house-pass-als-disability-insurance-access-act,"Stefanik Helps House Pass ALS Disability Insurance Access Act, Legislation She Cosponsored",2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik today voted in favor of the ALS Disability Insurance Act, bipartisan legislation that she cosponsored in the House. People with ALS must wait five months before they can receive the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits that they have earned. This bill would eliminate the five-month waiting period for disability insurance benefits for individuals with ALS, putting these benefits immediately in the hands of ALS patients who need them. ALS is a devastating disease that impacts many Americans, and I am proud to vote in favor of this bill to ensure that patients living with ALS receive the benefits they deserve in a timely fashion, said Congresswoman Stefanik. This bipartisan bill will hopefully help alleviate the burden for individuals and families who are facing an ALS diagnosis and who should not have to wait for assistance. I applaud the House for coming together to pass this important legislation, and I will continue to advocate for those who are dealing with this disease and providing them with the support that they deserve.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-speaks-house-floor-support-fy21-ndaa,Stefanik Speaks on House Floor in Support of FY21 NDAA,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik spoke on the House floor in support of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. She highlighted key themes and provisions that are important to United States interests and the interests of Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division. Read her full remarks below and watch them above: ""Thank you, Mr. Thornberry. I rise in strong support of this bipartisan bill. As the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities, I am proud of our oversight and legislative activities this year, which have included: recharging our science and technology enterprise; strengthening our nation's cybersecurity; expanding the resources and authorities for irregular warfare activities across the globe; and bolstering our biological threat and pandemic preparedness efforts. Two years ago, I introduced legislation in the NDAA that created the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence with the purpose of accelerating and advancing the development of AI across the federal government. I applaud the Commission for their work on this important issue, and I am pleased that this conference report includes seventeen of their recommendations including elevating the role of the Joint AI Center, modernizing how the DoD attracts and retains AI talent, and ensuring our AI research ecosystem maintains its competitive advantage over China. Second, this bill extends and expands the opportunities for our Special Operations Forces to partner with foreign forces, build critical relationships, and more effectively counter the malign influences of Russia and China. This bill ensures that all of our Special Operations Forces -- active duty, reserve, national guard, and their families -- are provided the care and support that they deserve. Third, this bill takes concrete steps to protect critical defense technologies, strengthen cybersecurity cooperation with the defense industrial base, and rebuild our domestic manufacturing capabilities for sensitive microelectronics and semiconductor components. This bill brings transparency to federally funded research while at the same time restricting foreign influence on our University campuses. As the chief advocate for Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division, I am proud to deliver results for the Army's most deployed Division since 9/11. This year's NDAA addresses our homeland missile defense, as Fort Drum is named as the preferred east coast missile defense site. I am also happy to include provisions that require plans for renovating Child Development Centers and a review of IT infrastructure enhancements at Army mission training complexes. These provisions are critical to enhance readiness and ensure the 10th Mountain Division can conduct safe and secure operations. I would like to recognize my Subcommittee Chairman, Congressman Jim Langevin of Rhode Island, for his partnership on these issues. And lastly, I would like to take a moment to thank Ranking Member Thornberry for his leadership and guidance not only this year, but his many years of truly exemplary service. I urge my colleagues to support this Bill and vote YES. With that, I yield back.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-katko-named-ranking-member-homeland-security,Rep. Katko Named Ranking Member on Homeland Security,2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,John Katko,K000386,katko.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) today was elected by the House Republican Steering Committee to serve as Ranking Member on the House Committee on Homeland Security. In this role, Rep. Katko will serve as the top Republican on the Committee and will prioritize efforts to thwart terrorism, bolster border security, and address the nation's cybersecurity vulnerabilities. I'm truly honored to serve as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, said Rep. Katko. For nearly 20 years, I served as a federal organized crime prosecutor working cases on counterterrorism, border security and immigration, drug and human trafficking, and political corruption. When I first came to Congress, I continued this work on the House Homeland Security Committee. Under the leadership of Chairman McCaul and Ranking Member Rogers, I spearheaded initiatives to bolster our nation's cyber defenses, strengthen transportation security, and address the threat of foreign fighters. This assignment is a direct continuation of my life's work to secure our country and keep Americans safe. He continued, Today, our nation is facing unprecedented and evolving threats. We must take a deliberate and commonsense approach to improve security on our borders, combat new threats in cyberspace, remain vigilant against terrorist threats, and improve the Department of Homeland Security's ability to identify and combat risks to our national security. As we approach the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, and as a New Yorker, I will remain focused on ensuring top terror targets are secure and that there is a close partnership with DHS. I'm ready to get to work and look forward to working with Chairman Thompson on these critical issues."" The House Committee on Homeland Security was founded in 2002 in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. It has jurisdiction over policy related to national security, oversees six subcommittees, and conducts oversight of the Department of Homeland Security, an agency with over 240,000 federal employees and an annual budget of over $50 billion. Rep. Katko has served in a number of leadership roles on the House Committee on Homeland Security. In the 114th and 115th Congress, he served as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Protective Security. As Chairman, Katko advanced legislation that bolstered transportation security and conducted oversight over the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the U.S. Secret Service. He also led the Committee's Foreign Fighter Task Force, a bipartisan group of Members that advanced policies to prevent terrorism. In the 116th Congress, Katko served as Ranking Member of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Subcommittee. In this role, he led efforts to improve the country's cyber defenses and secure election systems. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/httpswwwpressrepublicancomnewslocalnewsreps-action-dec-7,Reps in Action: Dec. 7. 2020,2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 7th, 2020 Press Republican",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/local-orgs-receive-5-million-federal-funds,Local orgs to receive $5 million in federal funds,2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 7th, 2020 Press Republican",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/purple-heart-commemorative-coin-help-honor-nations-heroes,Purple Heart commemorative coin to help honor nation's heroes,2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 7th, 2020 Sun Community News",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-four-other-state-reps-request-funding-next-step-plan-2014-review,"Stefanik, four other state reps request funding for next step of Plan 2014 review",2020-12-06,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 5th, 2020 Watertown Daily Times",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-katko-announces-nearly-2-million-federal-funds-strengthen-early,Rep. Katko Announces Nearly $2 Million in Federal Funds to Strengthen Early Education in Wayne County,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,John Katko,K000386,katko.house.gov,,,legacy,"SYRACUSE, NY U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) today announced $1,937,185 in federal funds will be distributed to Wayne County Action Program, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to providing education, nutrition, and health services to local individuals, children, and families in-need. These funds are available through the Head Start and Early Head Start programs, and administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These programs promote the development and school readiness of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children from low-income families. In Congress, Rep. Katko has led bipartisan efforts to deliver additional funding for Head Start programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led a bipartisan request calling for emergency funding for Head Start to allow local programs to continue supporting our youth while adopting important public health measures. When I first came to Congress, I knew I had to take action to ensure young learners had access to quality education, regardless of their family's income. That's why, I've been a staunch supporter of the Head Start program, and am pleased to announce Wayne County Action Program, Inc., has received nearly $2 million in funds from this program, said Rep. Katko. Funds from Head Start are used to promote early education development for young children from families with modest incomes, ensuring these children are prepared for elementary school. I'm confident this award will have a significant impact on the lives of countless children in Wayne County. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/hudson-headwaters-awarded-3-million-federal-funds,Hudson Headwaters awarded $3 million in federal funds,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 4th, 2020 Sun Community News",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/jceo-head-start-programs-get-19-million-boost,JCEO Head Start programs to get $1.9 million boost,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 4th, 2020 Sun Community News",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/missile-defense-site-fort-drum-multi-year-effort-stefanik-says,"Missile defense site at Fort Drum a multi-year effort, Stefanik says",2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"137 Margaret Street, Suite 100",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/nearly-2m-funding-granted-north-country-head-start-projects,Nearly $2M in funding granted for North Country Head Start projects,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 4th, 2020 News ABC 50",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-announces-national-science-foundation-grant-clarkson-1,Stefanik Announces National Science Foundation Grant for Clarkson University,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has announced that Clarkson University will receive a $221,517 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The award will be utilized by the Clarkson Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering departments to optimize the aerodynamics of Olympic luge sleds. The researchers have a long history of working in Clarkson's laboratories with the US Luge team that is headquartered in nearby Lake Placid. I am proud to announce this grant for Clarkson to support the important research that they conduct, said Congresswoman Stefanik. This specific project will benefit researchers and students at Clarkson, but also U.S. Luge athletes in Lake Placid and across the United States. I look forward to witnessing the positive impact that this will have, and I will continue to advocate for federal funding for our higher education institutions. American competitiveness in manufacturing and international sport competition have unique synergy for Clarkson faculty researchers when it comes to studies in aerodynamics and drag optimization, said Tony Collins, President of Clarkson University. We truly appreciate the bi-partisan support from our Congressional representatives for research that brings real-world relevance for multiple sectors in the North Country economy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-requests-permanent-expansion-telehealth-coverage,Stefanik Requests Permanent Expansion of Telehealth Coverage,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has sent a letter, along with a bipartisan group of House and Senate colleagues, to House and Senate leadership requesting that Congress permanently waive or remove the geographic restrictions on originating sites so that a Medicare beneficiary's ability to receive telehealth services is no longer based on where they live. Additionally, the letter requests that Congress permanently authorize Federally Qualified Heath Centers and Rural Health Clinics to provide distant site telehealth services and allow patients to utilize telehealth inside of their homes. Congresswoman Stefanik is a cosponsor of the CONNECT for Health Act, legislation that expands coverage of telehealth services under Medicare. This letter is urging for similar provisions and changes for telehealth services to Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, our providers and patients have faced numerous challenges, said Congresswoman Stefanik. I have been a consistent advocate for our Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, and telehealth providers, who have been instrumental in addressing the needs of our rural communities and are an essential component of the North Country healthcare landscape. I have fought to deliver critical funding to our hospitals and rural health centers to ensure that they have the resources necessary to continue providing care. In sending this letter to leadership, I am once again urging a permanent expansion of telehealth coverage, which has proven to be an effective method of treating patients, especially in our more rural and isolated areas. I look forward to working with my colleagues and leadership to make this fix and ensure that patients are receiving the best care possible.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-requests-solutions-multiemployer-pension-crisis-forthcoming,Stefanik Requests Solutions to Multiemployer Pension Crisis in Forthcoming COVID-19 Stimulus Package,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has sent a letter, along with a group of her Republican colleagues, to House and Senate leadership requesting assistance to at-risk multiemployer pension plans in any upcoming COVID relief package. The letter outlines that multiemployer pension plans across the nation are facing significant and debilitating funding shortfalls, putting the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) on the path towards insolvency within the decade. The letter goes on to urge leadership to find common ground on a bipartisan solution to this crisis and prevent retirees' from losing their hard-earned pensions, while making structural improvements to shore up the multiemployer pension system. As Congress negotiates a forthcoming COVID-19 relief package, we must prioritize coming together in a bipartisan manner to pass a solution for multiemployer pensions at risk of insolvency, said Congresswoman Stefanik. Many pension plans are facing dire funding shortfalls and the federal backstop that insures these plans will soon run dry, putting workers' livelihood and retirement at risk in the North Country and nationwide. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to exacerbate these shortfalls, so a failure to address this issue now will only create deeper problems in the years to come. I am proud to join my colleagues in urging our leaders in the House and Senate to come together and prioritize the inclusion of measures that will address this looming crisis.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-announces-over-19-million-north-country-head-start-projects,Stefanik Announces Over $1.9 Million for North Country Head Start Projects,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has announced that the Joint Council for Economic Opportunity, Inc. will receive a $1,944,950 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The funding will be used to support Head Start projects in Plattsburgh and across the North Country. The Head Start program provides comprehensive early childhood education and development services to promote school readiness for low-income children. I am proud to announce that valuable taxpayer dollars will be returned back to the North Country in the form of this significant grant, said Congresswoman Stefanik. Head Start is a crucial program for many North Country families, and it is essential that we continue to provide federal resources to support its mission of ensuring school readiness. I recently visited a Head Start location in the North country to meet with educators and students who are impacted by the program. I will continue, as I have each year, to advocate for funding programs like these that have significant impact within our rural communities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-announces-over-3-million-hudson-headwaters,Stefanik Announces Over $3 Million for Hudson Headwaters,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has announced the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $3,024,292 in funding to the Hudson Headwaters Health Network. Our community health centers are an essential component of the healthcare system in the North Country, said Congresswoman Stefanik. I am excited to announce this significant funding that will assist Hudson Headwaters with resources they need to care for patients, especially during this unprecedented time. I will continue to be a fierce advocate for Community Health Centers and deliver results to them as they continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and serve patients throughout the North Country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-helps-house-pass-legislation-commemorating-national-purple,Stefanik Helps House Pass Legislation Commemorating National Purple Heart Hall of Honor,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik today voted in favor of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Commemorative Coin Act, legislation that directs the Department of Treasury to mint and issue $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor's mission is to commemorate the sacrifice of America's servicemen and women who were killed or wounded by enemy action. Congresswoman Stefanik is a cosponsor of this legislation. I am proud to help the House pass this legislation to further honor our nation's men and women who sacrificed so much in the name of our freedoms, said Congresswoman Stefanik. The work of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is so important, and this bill will further their mission. I look forward to President Trump signing this bill into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-helps-house-pass-legislation-hold-foreign-companies-accountable,Stefanik Helps House Pass Legislation to Hold Foreign Companies Accountable,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik yesterday voted in favor of the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, legislation that prohibits securities of a company from being listed on any of the U.S. securities exchanges if the company has failed to comply with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) audits for three years in a row. Congress established the PCAOB to inspect audits of public companies, ensuring the information companies provide to the public is accurate, independent, and trustworthy. Currently, China's communist government refuses to allow the PCAOB to inspect audits of companies registered in China and Hong Kong. This bill would also require public companies to disclose whether they are owned or controlled by a foreign government, like China's communist government. Foreign companies, especially those Chinese-owned companies who falsely represent themselves in financial documents, must be held accountable, said Congresswoman Stefanik. These dishonest companies are putting Americans who invest in the U.S. stock exchange at risk by being dishonest with their financial records. We must protect American investors, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, by holding all publicly listed companies to the same standards. I commend my Senate and House colleagues for coming together in a bipartisan manner to send this important legislation to the President's desk.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-requests-funding-ijc-plan-2014-review,Stefanik Requests Funding for IJC Plan 2014 Review,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik sent a letter, along with Rep. Chris Jacobs (NY-27), Rep. John Katko (NY-24), Rep. Joseph Morelle (NY-25), and Rep. Anthony Brindisi (NY-22), to the House Appropriations Committee requesting the inclusion of funding for Phase II of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Adaptive Management Committee's expedited review of the International Joint Commission's Plan 2014 in any forthcoming spending package that may be brought to the House floor in the coming weeks. Phase II will be a three-year study of Plan 2014 rules and operations under extreme conditions moving forward. Phase I of this review has already been funded by Congress and is currently underway. In response to the high water levels and flooding along the shore of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River over the past several years, the International Joint Commission (IJC) initiated a two-phase expedited review of Plan 2014 through its Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Adaptive Management Committee (GLAM). This process has allowed the diverse stakeholders impacted by Plan 2014 and determining appropriate modifications and improvements. I have been a consistent advocate for a balanced approach to addressing water level issues in our communities along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, said Congresswoman Stefanik. I have pushed for dedicated funding for the IJC to complete their review of Plan 2014 in this year's appropriations package to ensure the necessary adjustments are made to mitigate the impact of high water levels. This most recent bipartisan letter highlights the significance of this study and the impacts that it will have on our communities and those who own public and private property along the water. This is a small federal investment that will have significant long-term impact for communities across upstate New York, and I will continue to work with my House colleagues and push for this funding to be included in any forthcoming spending package.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-cosponsors-als-act,Stefanik cosponsors ALS Act,2020-12-01,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"November 30th, 2020 Sun Community News",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-announces-over-17-million-st-lawrence-county-head-start,Stefanik Announces Over $1.7 Million for St. Lawrence County Head Start,2020-11-24,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has announced that the St. Lawrence County Community Development Program, Inc. will receive a $1,782,880 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The funding will be used to support Head Start projects in the St. Lawrence County area. The Head Start program provides comprehensive early childhood education and development services to promote school readiness for low-income children. I am proud to announce that valuable taxpayer dollars will be returned back to the North Country in the form of this significant grant, said Congresswoman Stefanik. Head Start is a very important program for children and families in our community, and it is essential that we continue to provide federal resources to support its mission of ensuring school readiness. I will continue, as I have each year, to advocate for funding programs like these that have significant impact within our rural communities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-cosponsors-accelerating-access-critical-therapies-als-act,Stefanik Cosponsors Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act,2020-11-24,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is now a cosponsor of the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act, bipartisan legislation that supports funding for research and treatments for ALS. This legislation retains a grant program that funds access to investigational ALS treatments and builds on the FDA's role in approving treatments and accelerating a path to better treatments and a cure. It also creates a new grant program at FDA, called the Rare Neurodegenerative Disease Grants program. Congresswoman Stefanik also sent a letter requesting support for the ALS Research Program and ALS Registry within the Department of Defense during this year's appropriations process. ALS is a disease that unfortunately effects many families in the North Country and throughout the United States, said Congresswoman Stefanik. This important bill supports investigational ALS treatments and initiates more collaboration between public private partners to allow federal agencies, patients, families, clinicians, and drug manufacturers to create a more successful path for drug discovery. It is crucial that we continue to fund research to find treatments and a cure for this devastating disease, and I look forward to furthering this effort along with my House colleagues.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-cosponsors-legislation-supporting-expanded-medicare-access,Stefanik Cosponsors Legislation Supporting Expanded Medicare Access to Chiropractic Care,2020-11-24,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is now a cosponsor of the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act, bipartisan legislation that would allow Medicare beneficiaries access to chiropractic approaches to pain management. Currently, Medicare does not cover chiropractic practices like joint mobilization, physiological therapies, soft tissue management techniques, and other similar treatments. This bill expands Medicare beneficiaries' access to these services for pain management. Chiropractic care has become an important pain management strategy throughout the North Country and the United States, said Congresswoman Stefanik. This legislation supports the initiative to stem the epidemic of prescription opioid overuse and abuse by encouraging pain management methods through chiropractic therapies. The North Country is home to a number of local chiropractic practices and also to many constituents who utilize Medicare. This common-sense legislation is an important step in helping our communities address pain management and encouraging a decreased reliance on prescription drugs, and I look forward to supporting this effort along with a bipartisan group of my House colleagues.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-cosponsors-legislation-holding-medical-providers-harmless,Stefanik Cosponsors Legislation Holding Medical Providers Harmless from Medicare Cuts,2020-11-23,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is now a cosponsor of the Holding Providers Harmless from Medicare Cuts Act. Pending changes in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule include improvements for maternity care and much-needed payment increases for physicians delivering primary and complex office-based care. In order to comply with the budget neutrality statute however, Medicare offsets these increases by cutting reimbursements for other providers. This bipartisan legislation maintains the scheduled Medicare payment increases, while holding health care providers harmless from Medicare payment cuts in 2021 and 2022. Our North Country provider practices provide essential, localized care to our communities and are facing an increase in their costs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Congresswoman Stefanik. This bipartisan legislation delays the Medicare offsets in order to ensure that provider practices do not face cuts to their Medicare reimbursements amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This, in turn, will ensure that patients are not facing increased costs for the essential services that they require from their medical providers. I am proud to support this important legislation and will continue to advocate for our provider practices and Medicare patients.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congresswoman-stefanik-named-conferee-2021-national-defense-authorization,Congresswoman Stefanik named conferee for 2021 National Defense Authorization Act,2020-11-20,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"November 20th, 2020 ABC50 Now",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/reps-action-nov-20-2020,"Reps in Action: Nov. 20, 2020",2020-11-20,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"November 20th, 2020 Press Republican",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-selected-serve-national-defense-committee,Stefanik selected to serve on National Defense committee,2020-11-20,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"November 20th, 2020 Sun Community News",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-joins-house-colleagues-reiterating-bipartisan-request-northern,Stefanik Joins House Colleagues in Reiterating Bipartisan Request for Northern Border Regional Commission Funding,2020-11-20,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, together with her House colleagues Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02), Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01), Rep. Peter Welch (VT-AL), and Chellie Pingree (ME-01), sent a letter to House and Senate Appropriations Committee leadership requesting continued funding for the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC). Last week, the Senate Appropriations Committee proposed spending legislation that would fund the NBRC at $30 million for FY21. The House-passed spending legislation includes a provision to temporarily remove the 20% matching funds requirement for NBRC grantees in light of the financial hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic. This letter, sent by a bipartisan group of Members, urges the Appropriations Committee to ensure an omnibus spending package to fund the government is consistent with these critical provisions. The Northern Border Regional Commission continues to promote economic development and job growth in our North Country communities, and it is crucial that the federal government continues to fully fund it, said Congresswoman Stefanik. As Co-Chair of the Northern Border Caucus, I am committed to advocating for rigorous funding and temporary fiscal relief for NBRC grantees, so the program remains accessible in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to ensure that these provisions are included in any legislation to fund the government. Congresswoman Stefanik has been advocating for the NBRC to have the discretion to waive the matching requirement and allow projects to access up to 100% of federal funding since April, when she and her colleagues introduced H.R. 6447, the Northern Border Regional Commission Financial Flexibility Act and sent a letter on this issue to House and Senate leadership. She also sent a letter requesting additional resources for NBRC funding in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-questions-dr-seth-jones-during-house-armed-services-committee,Stefanik Questions Dr. Seth Jones During House Armed Services Committee Hearing on the U.S. Military Mission in Afghanistan,2020-11-20,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik questioned Dr. Seth Jones during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on the U.S. Military mission in Afghanistan and the implications of the peace process on U.S. involvement. Congresswoman Stefanik'squestioning was focused on force protection, specifically as it relates to the 10th Mountain Division and our soldiers deployed from Fort Drum.View her full questioning below:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-statement-further-extension-northern-border-travel-0,Stefanik Statement on Further Extension of Northern Border Travel Restrictions,2020-11-20,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has released the below statement following the Department of Homeland Security's announcement that the non-essential travel restrictions along the U.S. Canada border have been extended through December 21st, 2020. Following Acting Secretary Wolf's statement today, I once again remain committed to working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Canadian government to establish a comprehensive plan to safely reopen the border, said Congresswoman Stefanik. DHS is working closely with both the Canadian and Mexican governments to ensure that, in the meantime, essential trade and travel still continues. I understand the importance of the U.S.-Canadian economic partnership and its role within our North Country communities. I will continue to communicate with our local stakeholders, elected officials, and with my colleagues to restore cross-border travel.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-katko-leads-bipartisan-effort-preserve-critical-drug-pricing-relief,Rep. Katko Leads Bipartisan Effort to Preserve Critical Drug Pricing Relief Program for Low-Income & Rural Patients,2020-11-19,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,NY,John Katko,K000386,katko.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Rep. John Katko (R, NY-24) led a bipartisan effort urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to prevent pharmaceutical companies from undercutting the 340B Drug Pricing Program by changing it from a discount to a rebate model. This change would cause Central New York healthcare providers and the low-income and rural patients they serve to experience significant increases in the cost of prescription medications. Rep. Katko led this effort alongside U.S. Reps. Abigail D. Spanberger (D, VA-07), Cindy Axne (D, IA-03), Doris Matsui (D, CA-06), David McKinley (R-WV-01), and Dusty Johnson (R-SD-AL). The lawmakers were joined by 211 of their colleagues. The 340B Drug Pricing Program was created in 1992 under the Public Health Service Act and is overseen by HHS. The program requires drug manufacturers participating in Medicaid to sell outpatient drugs to eligible hospitals and clinics at a reduced price, providing much need prescription drug price relief for low-income and rural patients. Recent reporting found that Kalderos, a drug-discount management platform, is working with pharmaceutical manufacturers to implement changes to the 340B program that would replace the 340B system of up-front discounts with post-sale rebates. This change would threaten the ability of Central New York healthcare providers to offer accessible, affordable prescription drugs. In a bipartisan letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar, Rep. Katko and his colleagues urged immediate action to prevent pharmaceutical companies from making changes to the 340B program. Since its inception, the 340B Drug Pricing Program has provided critical relief for low-income and rural patients in Central New York. Regretfully, at a time when many in our community are experiencing increased economic strain due to the pandemic, pharmaceutical companies are exploring measures that would undercut the 340B program and result in increased prescription drug costs for Central New Yorkers, said Rep. Katko. That's why, with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, I'm urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to prevent pharmaceutical companies from implementing changes that would damage the 340B program. Especially during this pandemic, we must be resolute in our defense of the 340B program to ensure underserved communities have access to the medications they need, at affordable prices. The full text of Rep. Katko's letter can be found below: Dear Secretary Azar, We write to express our grave concern about measures being considered by drug manufacturers that threaten safety net providers' lawful access to discounted drugs through the 340B Program. It is doubly troubling that these actions, which threaten the needs of the most vulnerable patients and the integrity of the health care safety net, are occurring in the midst of a global pandemic. We urge you to take action to prevent significant changes to the program that could enable widespread noncompliance with manufacturers' statutory responsibility to provide discounted drugs to safety net providers. Following the creation of the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, Congress enacted the 340B Drug Pricing Program in 1992 with the intent to stretch scarce federal resources to reach more eligible patients and provide more comprehensive services. As you know, Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act requires drug manufacturers, in exchange for having their drugs covered by Medicaid and Medicare Part B, to enter into a pharmaceutical pricing agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) administers and oversees the program, including the authority to issue guidance and ensure compliance with 340B program requirements. 340B program covered entities including Federally Qualified Health Centers, Ryan White HIV/AIDS Clinics, safety net hospitals, rural hospitals, and children's hospitals help improve access to affordable prescription drugs and essential health services in underserved areas. Right now, these providers are also working to protect the health and safety of their patients as we combat COVID-19. The safety net providers in our districts have been good stewards of the 340B program, and it is critical they can continue to participate in the program to meet their communities' health care needs. We are deeply concerned by reporting that Kalderos, a third-party vendor, is working with pharmaceutical manufacturers seeking to change how covered entities receive 340B drugs by shifting from a discount to a rebate formula. On September 8th, Kalderos announced the launch of 340B Pay, a software system it claims, allows manufacturers, covered entities and Medicaid agencies to work together to effectuate discounts compliantly and efficiently. However, unilaterally forcing 340B participants to purchase drugs at list price and then request rebates would give drug manufacturers tremendous leverage over covered entities. This action is also inconsistent with HRSA's long-standing guidance that the 340B program is an up-front discount program. HRSA issued guidance in both 1993 and 1994 stating that discounts must be made 2 available to 340B covered entities.1 In addition, HRSA has previously only allowed the use of a rebate model in a limited case, and only after issuing guidance through the notice-and-comment process and soliciting feedback from stakeholders. This platform could make participation in 340B more difficult for covered entities, effectively reshaping the 340B program in a way that only serves manufacturers' and these third-party vendors' financial interests. These tactics open the door for significant compliance issues, threatening to put manufacturers in violation of their statutory obligation to provide 340B pricing. With these concerns in mind, we request the following information by November 30, 2020: Has Kalderos, any other third-party vendor, or any drug company sought input from HHS regarding the use of a rebate model covered entities? What guidance has HHS provided to Kalderos, any other third-party vendors, or drug companies regarding the use of a rebate model for covered entities? What oversight, if any, would HRSA have into the operations of 340B Pay or similar third-party platforms that provide manufacturers with significantly more authority over the 340B program and jeopardize their compliance with 340B statutory requirements? What steps would be taken to ensure that drug companies not deny 340B pricing to covered entities and that covered entities would be able to access 340B pricing in a timely manner and without facing unnecessary administrative or financial burden? We are deeply concerned that the use of a rebate model could threaten the ability of covered entities to access 340B savings and provide accessible, affordable prescription drugs and critical health care services to millions of low-income Americans the 340B program is intended to serve. To protect safety net providers and their patients, we urge you to make clear that manufacturers may not implement a 340B rebate model without approval from HRSA. Further, we urge HRSA not to approve the use of a rebate model without first soliciting feedback and publishing guidance through the notice-and-comment process, consistent with past actions by HRSA. Thank you for your prompt attention to these matters. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-named-conferee-fy2021-ndaa,Stefanik Named Conferee for FY2021 NDAA,2020-11-19,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has been selected by Leader McCarthy to serve on the bipartisan, bicameral House-Senate conference committee tasked with resolving the differences and ensuring successful passage of the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This is her sixth consecutive year chosen as a conferee. I am honored to be chosen once again as a conferee to work on the National Defense Authorization Act, an incredibly important piece of legislation, said Congresswoman Stefanik. I will continue to advocate for homeland missile defense and the future East Coast Missile Defense Site project to be completed in the North Country in order to protect the United States. I will also continue to be the number one advocate for the Fort Drum Community to provide them with the necessary resources to successfully rapidly deploy. I am deeply grateful to our men and women in uniform, and their families, for the sacrifices they make in order to protect our freedoms. I look forward to serving as a conferee and working with my colleagues in both the House and the Senate to conference a strong, bipartisan bill and ensure its critical passage on behalf of the North Country and the United States.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/following-historic-flooding-along-lake-ontario-house-passes-katko-bill,"Following Historic Flooding Along Lake Ontario, House Passes Katko Bill to Deliver Consistent & Reliable Relief to Shoreline Communities",2020-11-18,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,NY,John Katko,K000386,katko.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Rep. John Katko (R, NY-24)today announced the passage of the Preliminary Damage Assessment Improvement Act of 2020, legislation he introduced in the House. This bipartisan legislation would strengthen the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) ability to provide federal relief to disaster-impacted communities. Last year, following historic flooding,Rep. Katko announced the introduction of this measure in Sodus Point, NY, alongside FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor.Rep. Katko was joined byU.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham (D, SC-1)in introducing this bill. Through the preliminary damage assessment (PDA) process, FEMA personnel validates information gathered by state and local authorities regarding the impact and magnitude of a natural disaster. Various factors can impact the duration of this process, however, the average time between when a disaster occurs, and the submission of a corresponding disaster request has been found to be approximately 22 days longer for flooding disasters. To provide more consistent and timely relief to local shoreline communities, Rep. Katko worked with the American Flood Coalition to develop the PDA Improvement Act of 2020. The legislation will enhance FEMA's PDA process, which often serves as the foundation for delivering disaster relief to impacted communities. Given the persistent threat that catastrophic flooding continues to pose to homes, businesses, and infrastructure along Lake Ontario's southern shore, I'm pleased to announce the passage of my bill, the Preliminary Damage Assessment Improvement Act,said Rep. Katko.FEMA is critical in efforts to address flooding along Lake Ontario's southern shoreline, and in mitigating natural disasters in any other impacted community nationwide. Consistency and dependability at this agency is key. My bipartisan legislation will ensure that FEMA does its part to support disaster response efforts nationwide and ensure reliable access to federal assistance for impacted communities. Congressman Katko's bill is going to provide better and faster government assistance for communities hit by disasters and people whose lives have been upended by floods, hurricanes, and other catastrophic events. I commend him for his leadership and work to improve the speed of FEMA's response and the recovery process for impacted communities,said Rep. Sam Graves, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Republican leader. Specifically, the Preliminary Damage Assessment Improvement Act of 2020: Establishes standardized training for FEMA personnel to ensure PDAs are reviewed under consistent guidelines. Directs FEMA to provide comprehensive information regarding their PDA procedures, including their efforts to maintain communication with state and local officials in impacted communities throughout the disaster response process. In Congress, Rep. Katko serves as Ranking Member on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management, which conducts oversight of the federal response to emergencies and natural disasters, including FEMA.Rep. Katko has also led congressional efforts in response to rising water levels across the Great Lakes, including advocating forfederal relief for impacted communitiesand working in abipartisan manner to hold the International Joint Commission (IJC) accountable for flooding on Lake Ontario's southern shore. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-katko-honors-rod-wood-s-remarkable-career-local-broadcasting-floor,Rep. Katko Honors Rod Woods Remarkable Career in Local Broadcasting on Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives,2020-11-18,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,NY,John Katko,K000386,katko.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DCWith Rod Wood set to retire today after more than 50 years in broadcasting, including 44 years at NewsChannel 9,U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24)spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to honor his remarkable career in journalism. Rep. Katko's remarks can be viewedhereand found below: Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished career of Central New York broadcasting legend, Rod Wood, and to celebrate his retirement after more than 50 years on television in our community. Rod Wood is a household name, and trusted source of news throughout Central New York. For five decades, he has been there to deliver the news good and bad to families throughout our community. Born and raised in Syracuse, New York, Rod Wood's career started at age nine, when he appeared on children's television programs while a member of the Syracuse University's Children's Theater. Before beginning his career in broadcasting, Rod proudly served in the U.S. Army with the 504thMilitary Police Battalion. Following his service, Rod learned the business of broadcasting working at WNDR Radio, Wolf Radio, and WHEN TV and Radio, where he spent ten years. In 1976, Rod Wood joined NewsChannel 9, and has been a fixture at the station ever since. Rod partnered with Carrie Lazarus on the anchor desk for over 30 years, becoming one of the longest tenured anchor teams in American broadcast history. For this accomplishment, Rod and Carrie were inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2011. After Carrie stepped away from the anchor desk, Rod Wood continued anchoring the news each night with Christie Casciano. Outside of work, Rod Wood is extremely devoted to his family. Rod stood in support of his wife, Nanette, through her nine-year battle with cancer, and proudly celebrated 52 years of marriage before her passing earlier this year. Together, Rod and Nanette raised five children, and were blessed with 10 grandchildren. The Dean of Central New York broadcasting, our community will truly miss welcoming Rod Wood into our homes every evening. He will always be remembered as a fixture in Central New York, and I truly wish him the best in a well-deserved retirement. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring Rod Wood for a remarkable 50-year career in journalism. I wish him all the best in retirement. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z