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://crowley.house.gov/press-release/chairman-crowley-statement-new-year,Chairman Crowley Statement on the New Year,2017-12-31,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) HouseDemocratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-NY) issued the following statement in celebration of the New Year: Tonight, people across America will gather to celebrate new beginnings and a new year. This is a time to reflect and look ahead to a 2018 full of challenges and opportunities. I wish families in Queens, the Bronx, and across America a happy and healthy New Year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://seanmaloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-applauds-investments-rebranding-at-new-york-international,"Maloney Applauds Investments, Rebranding at New York International Airport at Stewart Field",2017-12-31,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Sean Maloney,M001185,seanmaloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Newburgh, NY Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) released the following statement after Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that Stewart International Airport will receive $34 million in investments and be renamed ""New York International at Stewart Field."" Investments will establish a permanent federal inspection station for international travel and provide funding for additional enhancements. ""Weve been working on renaming Stewart and making these other improvements for some time and I'm thrilled that the Governor is taking charge and making things happen. Renaming the airport will make it more attractive to travelers, and making keyinvestments in New York Internationalwill meet the increasing demand for travel options and help grow our regional economy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/senator-gillibrand-urges-german-ambassador-to-work-with-department-of-state-to-deport-nazi-era-guard-currently-living-in-queens,Senator Gillibrand Urges German Ambassador To Work With Department Of State To Deport Nazi-Era Guard Currently Living In Queens,2017-12-29,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 29, 2017 Senator Gillibrand Urges German Ambassador To Work With Department Of State To Deport Nazi-Era Guard Currently Living In Queens Nazi-Era Guard Initially Entered the U.S. Under False Pretenses; Although His Citizenship Has Since Been Stripped, the Deportation Case Has Stalled Because No Country Will Accept Him, Government of Germany Should Come Together with State Department Now To Show The World We Learned From The Past And Stand Together Today Against Anti-Semitism, Bigotry, And Hatred In All Forms Washington, DC U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand sent a letter urging German Ambassador Peter Wittig to work with the U.S. Department of State to immediately resolve the long-standing issue of the Nazi-era guard, Jakiw Palij, currently living in Queens, NY. Mr. Palij was allowed to enter the United States because he concealed his prior service to the Nazi regime. After determining that he had lied in order to enter the country, Mr. Palijs American citizenship was stripped and it was ordered that he be deported. However, since then, his deportation case has stalled because Germany, Poland and Ukraine refuse to accept him. Recently, Gillibrand led a letter with every member of the bicameral New York delegation in Congress to U.S. Secretary of State Tillerson expressing deep concern over this issue. This letter is to add my strong support for the State Departments efforts to press on this issue, and to ensure that the voices of my constituents are heard. My constituents have made clear that Mr. Palij is not welcome in our state. They agree that he lost his right to remain here when the brutal past he tried so hard to hide was revealed in an American courtroom. They have no doubt that Mr. Palij must be deported immediately. Together, the United States and Germany can show the world that Mr. Palijs crimes have not been forgotten, Senator Gillibrand wrote in her letter to Ambassador Wittig. We can show that we have learned from the past and stand together today against anti-Semitism, bigotry, and hatred in all forms. A copy of the Senators letter to the German Ambassador is below: December 27, 2017 The Honorable Mr. Peter Wittig Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany 4645 Reservoir Road NW Washington, DC 20007 Dear Ambassador Wittig, I would like to draw your attention to the case of Mr. Jakiw Palij, a Nazi-era guard who is currently residing in Queens, New York. As described in a December 16 article in the Washington Post, a federal judge stripped Mr. Palij of his U.S. citizenship in 2003, after it was found that he entered the United States by concealing his prior service to the Nazi regime. A year later, a U.S. immigration judge ordered that Mr. Palij be deported from the United States. However, because no country including Germany has agreed to accept him, Mr. Palij has not yet been removed from the United States. Sadly, he remains, unwelcome, in the state I represent. Recently, every member of the bicameral New York delegation in Congress came together to send a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Tillerson expressing our deep concern over this issue. In response, we were told that senior State Department officials met recently in Berlin with their German Ministry of Interior counterparts to re-iterate the U.S. request for Mr. Palijs removal to Germany. I was dismayed to hear that Germany still refuses to accept this proven Nazi collaborator. This letter is to add my strong support for the State Departments efforts to press on this issue, and to ensure that the voices of my constituents are heard. My constituents have made clear that Mr. Palij is not welcome in our state. They agree that he lost his right to remain here when the brutal past he tried so hard to hide was revealed in an American courtroom. They have no doubt that Mr. Palij must be deported immediately. Together, the United States and Germany can show the world that Mr. Palijs crimes have not been forgotten. We can show that we have learned from the past and stand together today against anti-Semitism, bigotry, and hatred in all forms. I ask that you do everything in your power to urge your government to work with our State Department to resolve this long-standing issue, and I thank you very much for your consideration. Sincerely, Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crowley.house.gov/press-release/chairman-crowley-statement-christmas-day,Chairman Crowley Statement on Christmas Day,2017-12-25,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Queens, N.Y.) House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-NY) issued the following statement on Christmas Day: From my family to yours, Merry Christmas. I hope this day is filled with family, love, charity, and happiness.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://serrano.house.gov/media-center/serrano-report/serrano-report-december-23-2017,"The Serrano Report - Volume XVI, Issue #28",2017-12-23,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,José Serrano,S000248,serrano.house.gov,,,legacy,"In Washington, DC Congressman Serrano Speaks Out Against Disaster Supplemental Congressman Serrano spoke on the House Floor in strong opposition of the Disaster Supplemental. The supplemental provides $81 billion dollars in aid to be split amongst Texas, California, Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. This means that the funding that will be allocated for Puerto Rico will not be even nearly close to the $94 billion that the Governor of Puerto Rico, Ricardo Rosello, has requested. By leaving in place numerous local cost-share requirements, the legislation puts an onerous burden on an already cash-strapped government on the island. This will make it difficult to access funds. The bill also does nothing to address the looming Medicaid cliff, which will devastate access to health care in Puerto Rico. Although the bill does make progress on the Administrations request in a number of areas- like doubling funding for the Economic Development Administration (EDA) from what was requested- the majority left much undone elsewhere, said Congressman Serrano. Click the image below to watch Congressman Serranos full remarks: Congressman Serrano Statement on Republican Tax Scam Congressman Jos E. Serrano voted against and issued the following statement the day the Republican tax legislation was approved in Congress: This is a sad day for most Americans and a terrible way to start the Holiday season. Republicans rammed through a tax package loaded with goodies for Americas richest individuals and corporations, while leaving most Americans behind. This is not a bill written to help working families in the Bronx and elsewhere. Rather, it is a windfall for billionaires and corporations that dont need it- financed on the backs of most Americans. 83% of the tax benefits in this package will go to the richest 1%. Yet time after time weve seen that trickle-down economics dont work. Those tax breaks will largely benefit rich corporations and individuals bottom line. The bill also further endangers our commitments to seniors and the most vulnerable in our society. It explodes the deficit, and I have no doubt that Republicans will now use that as a pretext to attack the most important social safety net programs Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid that so many hard working Americans rely on. There is so much more that this Congress should be doing instead of filling the pockets of those who dont need help at the expense of those who can oftentimes barely make ends meet. This bill was rammed through with little debate, and even less analysis. It does little to help my constituents in the Bronx. Thats why voted against this tax scam, and will continue to do everything in my power to undo it and create a tax system that actually helps working families.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crowley.house.gov/press-release/chairman-crowley-statement-decision-sanction-military-official-burma,Chairman Crowley Statement on Decision to Sanction Military Official in Burma,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-NY) issued the following statement on the decision to sanction a military official in Burma: I welcome the decision to add Maung Maung Soe to the Global Magnitsky list. He should clearly be sanctioned for his role in committing atrocities against the Rohingya. However, with 6,000 dead and thousands more raped, beaten, and displaced, it is clear Maung Maung Soe has not acted alone. The other military officials involved in the ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya must be sanctioned for their roles in this genocide. The United States has a moral obligation to act. Additionally, I am deeply concerned about the arrest of two Reuters journalists, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, who were detained while attempting to report on abuses in Rakhine State. They should be released without delay.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crowley.house.gov/press-release/chairman-crowley-statement-trump-administration-plan-separate-families-crossing-border,Chairman Crowley Statement on Trump Administration Plan to Separate Families Crossing the Border,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-NY) issued the following statement on reports that President Trumps administration will separate families in an effort to curb illegal immigration into the United States: President Trump and his anti-immigrant administration have reached a new low. Stripping babies from their mothers arms is inhumane. Separating scared children from their fathers is cruel. If President Trump was serious about reducing the number of individuals who enter the United States illegally, hed work with Congress to fix our broken immigration system and address the root causes of the violence that drives people to leave their homes. The decision to separate families at the border is nothing more than a telling sign that this administration doesnt value the humanity of those risking everything to find a better, safer life in America.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/engel-announces-1346087-in-federal-grant-money-to-greyston-health-services-in-yonkers/,"Engel Announces $1,346,087 in Federal Grant Money to Greyston Health Services in Yonkers",2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Eliot Engel,E000179,engel.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/engel-statement-on-burma-sanctions-accountability-for-human-rights/,Engel Statement on Burma Sanctions & Accountability for Human Rights,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Eliot Engel,E000179,engel.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-and-collins-thank-us-air-force-for-approving-flyover-for-world,Higgins and Collins Thank U.S. Air Force for Approving Flyover for World Juniors Game,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Brian Higgins,H001038,higgins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WILLIAMSVILLE, NY Congressmen Brian Higgins (NY-26) and Chris Collins (NY-27) thanked the United States Air Force for approving a request for a flyover on December 29, 2017 at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) game between the United States and Canada at New Era Field. This game is the only outdoor game planned as part of the World Junior Championship Tournament being hosted in Buffalo. This tournament is one of the most highly anticipated hockey events each year, which brings together hockey players from 10 nations around the world. Teams and fans from around the world, here for the games, will have the opportunity to explore Western New York, said Higgins. In addition to showcasing the pride we have in our community, this provides an opportunity to highlight, with pride to an international audience, the great men and women who serve this country. Western New York is honored to once again host the World Junior Championship, putting a positive spotlight on our community, said Collins. It is an honor to have the United States Air Force participate in this important event. We look forward to showing players and fans from around the world warm hospitality in the City of Good Neighbors. Not only is this the first time that a city has been selected twice to host the World Junior Championship game, but Buffalo is also hosting the first ever outdoor International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) championship game. The 12-day tournament will be an opportunity for tourists to visit new developments across the city, like Canalside. The Sabres and Visit Buffalo Niagara hosted the 2010-2011 series that saw more than 330,000 people attend the games and leave behind a $6 million economic impact. This year, the economic impact is expected to exceed $7 million. In a letter to the United States Air Force, Collins and Higgins said: While Western New York is certainly proud of its cold weather, hockey-loving heritage, it is extremely proud of our serving men and women stationed in the region and abroad. Again, we send our sincerest thanks to the Air Force for granting us the opportunity to show off our regional assets in a celebration that many across the world will share with Western New York.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/federal-board-that-mediates-harassment-claims-remains-in-limbo,Federal board that mediates harassment claims remains in limbo,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON A three-member board meant to settle disputes between federal workers and their direct employers remains unable to function because two of its politically appointed slots remain unfilled, creating a backlog of unsettled claims that could take years to address. While the board is not a direct line for sexual harassment complaints, it does serve as a safeguard against retaliation for about two million federal workers. And its another piece of a complicated maze of government systems that handle sexual harassment claims, an issue that has rocked American institutions over the past several months, from the entertainment industry to the media andthe halls of Congress. The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) is a three-member board available to help settle workplace disputes for the nearly all of the countrys federal employees. But it has been unable to fully function because President Donald Trump hasnt nominated anyone for two empty seats, leaving 704 cases waiting to be heard, according to William Spencer, spokesman for the board. The board is the final point of appeal for federal employees who claim to have been wrongly terminated, suspended, demoted or furloughed for 15 days or longer for a variety of reasons. George Chuzzi, an attorney with Kalijarvi, Chuzi, Newman & Fitch, who represents federal employees, says the cases continue to pile up. Even if we were to nominate and confirm next week its going to take a couple years to get through the backlog, Chuzzi said. While the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission hears initial discrimination complaints, the MSPB hears claims of retaliation that impact pay, responsibilities and employment, from those who filed harassment claims. The last time the board lacked a quorum to operate was in 2003 but it lasted only a few weeks,according to an MSPB fact sheet. A White House official said last week that the administration fully intend(s) to nominate enough members early next year so that the Merit Systems Protection Board has a quorum. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., wrote a letter to Trump on Wednesday urging him to nominate new board members immediately. At a time when employees from every employment sector are coming forward with allegations of egregious workplace misconduct, it is essential that the federal government ensures that the civil service protections we have established are thoroughly and fully enforced, Maloney wrote. Filling the two vacancies at the Merit Services Protection Board is an important step in achieving the status the federal government can and should have as a model employer. Three years after the boards creation in 1978, it has done an annual study of sexual harassment in the federal workplace. The board hasnt been able to conduct this years survey because of its lack of board members,but the 2016 resultsfound that 18 percent of federal employees have reported at least one instance of sexual harassment in the workplace. That is far fewer than the 44 percent of women who experienced sexual harassment in 1994.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/closing-out-2017,Closing Out 2017,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friend, With 2017 drawing to a close, I wanted to update you on some recent news from Congress and back home in New Yorks 12th Congressional District. While most of our attention has rightfully been on the terrible GOP tax bill, there have been other events that I wanted to take the time to highlight. Earlier this week, I announced two new pieces of legislation to combat workplace sexual harassment. The first, the No Tax Deductions for Sexual Harasser Buyouts Act will no longer allow companies to treat Bill OReilly-like severances to sexual harassers as tax-deductible costs of doing business. The second, the Ending Secrecy About Workplace Sexual Harassment Act, will require companies to report the number of settlements with employees regarding claims of discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. As a result, companies will have stronger incentives to prevent sexual discrimination from happening in the first place. We are experiencing a moment of reckoning and we owe it to all the women coming forward with their #MeToo stories, and those still suffering in silence, to act. We must seize this moment to inspire lasting change that keeps everyone safe from sexual harassment - in the workplace, at universities, in Congress and everywhere in between. With these bills, we can help do that. Last week, as the Republican commissioners at the FCC voted to roll back net neutrality protections, I joined with my colleagues to introduce legislation that will reverse this vote. I am all in on the fight to save net neutrality and save the free and open internet we know today. Back home in New York, I am working to make sure that we are investing in our city and doing all we can to make NYC the best it can be for all who work and live here. Western Queens is evolving into a place of great opportunity for economic growth and affordable housing, so when Amazon announced that it was seeking a new location for its headquarters, I was pleased to write a letter touting the benefits of Long Island City (LIC).The City has chosen LIC as one of four sites it is presenting to Amazon. I also recently submitted testimony at a scoping hearing about the importance of rezoning Anable Basin, an area filled with aging warehouses, to be a new residential and commercial community.This new neighborhood would boast a new school, open space, artist studios and cultural space, and commercial spaces for start-ups.If we ensure adequate transportation, schools, street access and infrastructure, this could be a wonderful opportunity to transform this underdeveloped waterfront area into a great new neighborhood. As you know, right now plans are being developed to provide alternative modes of transportation during the 15 months, starting April 2019, when the L Train will be shut from Bedford Avenue to 8th Avenue to repair damage caused by Superstorm Sandy. While these repairs are badly needed, we need to make sure that commuters have adequate service to reach their destinations. A plan was unveiled at the beginning of December, but it raises many questions, particularly relating to its impact on Northern Brooklyn. Businesses and residents are justifiably concerned that the plan will add to traffic congestion without ensuring that patrons and workers can reach businesses in Greenpoint/Williamsburg and that residents wont face extraordinary commutes. Im proud to have helped secure $5 billion in federal funds to repair this damage to the East River tunnels and bridges but my work doesnt stop there. I will continue to be in touch with the MTA, the City and the State about mitigation techniques during the shutdown. Finally, were approaching the one-year anniversary of the completion of the first phase of the Second Avenue Subway. Built with $1.3 billion in federal funds that I helped secure, the new line is already transforming the way people travel around the city.But our work must not stop here. We need to move forward quickly with Phase 2 which will go up to 125th Street. The MTA has been working with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to complete an updated environmental review and preliminary engineering and design. I met with the acting head of the FTA to stress the importance of this project for New York City. The State has already set aside nearly $2 billion for the second phase which is expected to cost a total of $6 billion, and Im working with Rep. Adriano Espaillat to ensure the federal government provides at least $2 billion, when this project is eligible for it.Im calling for federal legislation to increase the gas tax by one cent to help raise these funds and power this project and others like it all across the country. As always, your concerns for our country and city remain my top priority. Pleasevisit my websiteto let me know what is on your mind. Sincerely, Carolyn B. Maloney Member of Congress Maloney: Why I Voted No on the GOP Tax Bill I voted no on the Republican tax bill because Americans deserve a much better deal than a plan that guts the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction and double-taxes sates like NY for taking care of our own, robs the middle class to provide tax breaks for big business, and rips away healthcare from millions of Americans. We deserve a better deal than this sham of a tax bill that is going to add more than one trillion dollars to the national debt. Its shameful that the GOP would pass a bill as harmful as this. Read my full statement here. Huff Post: House Democrats Push to End 'Corporate Culture of Secrecy' Around Sexual Harassment We need to end the corporate culture of secrecy surrounding sexual harassment settlements and no longer allow companies to treat Bill OReilly-like severances to sexual harassers as tax-deductible costs of doing business. I announced two bills to do just that. Read more here. amNewYork: L Train Shutdown Explained: Facts, Figures, Proposals and more As we near the date for the L Train shutdown, concern was growing that the MTA and the city Department of Transportation (DOT) had not yet submitted for comment a plan for how people would travel to neighborhoods that depend on L Train service. After months of meetings, calls, and press conferences, the agencies finally presented an L Train Shutdown Mitigation plan which leaves open many questions. The plan anticipates that 85% of L Train riders would transfer to other lines. The plan proposes a new busway on 14thstreet, a bikeway on 13th Street in Manhattan, increased service on connecting subway lines, an HOV3 restriction over the Williamsburg Bridge, 3 shuttlebus routes, a new ferry route, and a strategy to improve subway access that includes reopening several station entrances in Brooklyn and free transfers at several new connection points. The MTA and DOT will be holding public hearings in the near coming months and we have a chance to improve the plan. Read more about the plan here. NY1: Lawmakers call for Gas Tax Increase to Finish Second Ave. Subway I was proud to bring in $1.3 billion in federal funding to see Phase 1 of the Second Avenue Subway completed. Now, almost a full year since its opening, the new line is a resounding success. Nearly 200,000 daily riders are finding their commute times slashed, with an average reduction of 10 minutes for those traveling between the Upper East and Upper West Sides, and it has also greatly improved access to Brooklyn, Queens and many parts of Manhattan. The Lexington Avenue Line is significantly less crowded, with 26% fewer riders on an average weekday. But, we have much more work to do to finish the full build Second Avenue Subway. I am fighting hard to ensure Phase 2 moves forward, extending the subway to 125thStreet. I am urging my colleagues in Congress to support legislation that would help fund local infrastructure projects, including the Second Avenue Subway. Read more about that effort here. LIC Post: Long Island City Leaders, Residents, Wary of Plaxall's Anable Basin Rezoning in Light of Area Development Boom Anable Basin is currently a gloomy industrial area with few roads, limited access to and from it, sparse public transportation, and very little retail. We have seen the success of Queens West and Hunters Point South in Long Island City and in Northern Brooklyn and it is time for that trend to reach Anable Basin an extraordinary area with magnificent views of Manhattan and the East River. Read more about the project here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-on-passage-of-safer-act-of-2017,Maloney on Passage of SAFER Act of 2017,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Following passage of the SAFER Act of 2017, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), author of the Debbie Smith Act, released the following statement: As the author of the Debbie Smith Act and lead co-sponsor of the original SAFER Act that passed in the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, I am pleased that the House and Senate have passed S. 1766. Clearing the nationwide backlog of unprocessed rape kits is essential to bringing closure to victims of sexual assault and getting rapists off the streets. This reauthorization bill ensures that grant dollars allocated through the Debbie Smith program continue to be maximized to conduct rape kit tests, perform audits, and improve testing procedures. It also directs resources toward training pediatric forensic nurses to care for child victims of sexual assault and abuse. I hope President Trump will act quickly to sign this bill into law. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-urges-pres-trump-to-allow-federal-employee-oversight-board-to,Maloney Urges Pres. Trump to Allow Federal Employee Oversight Board to Operate at Full Capacity,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) Wednesday urged President Trump to nominate individuals to fill the two vacancies on the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). The MSPB primarily hears federal civil service employees appeals of administrative judge decisions in cases involving merit-based personnel decisions. The Congresswoman, in her letter to the President, highlighted that the current backlog of 660 pending cases cannot currently be processed with two members missing from the three-member Board. We owe it to all federal workers to ensure that the civil service protections we have established are thoroughly and fully enforced, and to do this, we need a working MSPB, said Rep. Maloney. I hope the President will put forward nominees swiftly to fill these open seats. It is in the best interest of both the government and employees to have a fully operational MSPB as soon as possible. Full text of the letter below and a PDF can be found here. Dear President Trump, I write to express my concerns regarding the vacancies at the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). As you know, the MSPB is supposed to consist of three Board members, but currently there is only one appointee in place the Chairman of the Board. I understand that there are no pending nominations for the remaining two seats. The MSPB serves an important function in the broad infrastructure dedicated to addressing federal workforce complaints of improper personnel practices. A Board that is not filled cannot fully operate, and this can have negative consequences on our ability to maintain a safe and fair workplace for federal civil service employees. I respectfully urge you to promptly put forward nominees for the two empty seats on the MSPB. According to a Washington Post article published on November 21, 2017, the MSPB has 660 pending cases in its backlog which date back nearly three years.Yet, with only one Board member, the appeals process is frozen, and none can be heard or resolved. Federal employees who have merit-based complaints against agency actions can run into a dead end trying to seek justice and damages. The Board also plays a role in ensuring whistleblower protections, which I believe are critically important to our work as government officials. I believe it is in the best interest of both the government and employees to have a fully operational MSPB as soon as possible. At a time when employees from every employment sector are coming forward with allegations of egregious workplace misconduct, it is essential that the federal government ensures that the civil service protections we have established are thoroughly and fully enforced. Filling the two vacancies at the Merit Services Protection Board is an important step in achieving the status the federal government can and should have as a model employer. Thank you for your attention to this matter. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://seanmaloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-releases-2017-annual-report,Maloney Releases 2017 Annual Report,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Sean Maloney,M001185,seanmaloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Newburgh, NY Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) released his fifth annual report, which highlights his legislative work, constituent services, and town hall events. Despite Washington gridlock, Rep. Maloney worked across the aisle to get things done and deliver results for his Hudson Valley neighbors in 2017. This year, Rep. Maloney has maintained his focus on veterans, protecting the Hudson River, cleaning up water contamination in Newburgh, and fighting the heroin and opioid epidemic. Just this month, two of Rep. Maloneys bills were passed into law as part of the defense bill. The Protecting Servicemembers from Debt Collectors Act, attached as an amendment to both versions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), will prevent predatory debt collectors from contacting servicemembers superior officers in attempt to collect payment. The legislation requires the Department of Defense to update their regulations and bring them into parity with relevant protections for civilians. The Investing in Testing Actrequires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct a five-year, $7 million federal study into the long-term health effects of PFOS/PFOA exposure. Some of Rep. Maloneys other top accomplishments include: Returned $7.7 million to Hudson Valley taxpayers who were owed payments for veterans benefits, Social Security, and Medicare, and the IRS. Served over 1,200 constituents, including 265 veterans Hosted 15 in-person town halls, and 7 telephone or online town halls Secured 52 medals and awards for veterans and servicemembers Introduced 24 pieces of legislation Passed 4 pieces of legislation through the House Passed 2 pieces of legislation into law Cosponsored 277 bills Cast 674 votes with a 98.5% attendance record You can view a full copy of Rep. Maloneys report by clicking here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=688,Tonko Releases 2017 Legislative Scorecard,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tonko Releases 2017 Legislative Scorecard Several top priorities advanced including major bipartisan achievements f t # e Albany, NY, December 22, 2017 Despite gridlock in the broader Congress, my team and I were able to find many opportunities to build on common ground with Republican colleagues, said Tonko. Thanks to the tireless work of my staff, our Energy & Commerce and Science committee staff, my fellow members and, as always, the constituents of New Yorks Capital Region, we were able to address many critical priorities for the year. These include advancing legislation to repair leaking and outdated drinking water systems, to protect federal scientific integrity, to make energy production systems more efficient, to secure mental health parity and addiction treatment, to expand broadband access and close the homework gap, to improve our national Alzheimers treatment systems, and to ensure our veterans have access to the healthcare they deserve. I am humbled and grateful for all of the work and support that made these advances possible, and I look forward to another productive year in 2018! share: f t ALBANY, NY Congressman Paul Tonko issued his official legislative scorecard for 2017 today. Among the highlights: Cosponsored 306 bills in the First Session of the 115th Congress. A rough count indicates that 88 were sponsored by Republicans (28.76%). Three (3) top legislative priorities passed in the House, either as standalone bills or as part of larger legislation. One (1) major provision championed by Rep. Tonko was signed into law. Wrote or signed nearly 250 policy letters calling for federal agency review, accountability or other actions. Despite gridlock in the broader Congress, my team and I were able to find many opportunities to build on common ground with Republican colleagues, said Tonko. Thanks to the tireless work of my staff, our Energy & Commerce and Science committee staff, my fellow members and, as always, the constituents of New Yorks Capital Region, we were able to address many critical priorities for the year. These include advancing legislation to repair leaking and outdated drinking water systems, to protect federal scientific integrity, to make energy production systems more efficient, to secure mental health parity and addiction treatment, to expand broadband access and close the homework gap, to improve our national Alzheimers treatment systems, and to ensure our veterans have access to the healthcare they deserve. I am humbled and grateful for all of the work and support that made these advances possible, and I look forward to another productive year in 2018! REPORT ENCLOSED Office of Congressman Paul D. Tonko First Session of the 115th Congress 2017 POLICY REPORT *** I. Legislative Initiatives in the 115th Congress Legislation Introduced H.R. 1071, Assistance, Quality, and Affordability Act of 2017 This bill reauthorizes the Drinking Water SRF and makes other reforms to the Safe Drinking Water Act. Parts of the AQUA Act were included in H.R.3387, Drinking Water System Improvement Act of 2017, which was introduced by Rep. Harper and passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee on July 27, 2017 by voice vote. H.R. 1358, Scientific Integrity Act This bill requires federal agencies that conduct or fund scientific research to develop clear written scientific integrity policies that can guarantee research is being done and published without undue influence, censorship or distortion. 151 cosponsors as of December 22, 2017. H.R. 1877, To establish a research, development, and technology demonstration program to improve the efficiency of gas turbines used in combined cycle and simple cycle power generation systems. This bill authorizes a R&D program for advanced gas turbine efficiency within DOEs Office of Fossil Energy. Rep. McKinley is an original cosponsor. H.R. 2509, Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act of 2017 This bill eliminates the 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services under the Medicare Program. H.R. 3666, Fort McClellan Health Registry Act This bill requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a health registry and notify individuals that served at Fort McClellan. Rep. McSally is a cosponsor. H.R. 3692, Addiction Treatment Access Improvement Act of 2017 This bill enables clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists to prescribe buprenorphine. The bill also codifies the 2016 HHS regulation that expanded the number of patients qualified physicians could treat to 275 and make permanent the authorization that allows non-physician providers to treat patients with buprenorphine. Rep. Lujan is an original cosponsor. The bill has a number of bipartisan cosponsors. H.R. 3994, ACCESS BROADBAND Act This bill establishes the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The bill has an equal number of Republican and Democratic cosponsors. H.R. 4005, Medicaid Reentry Act This bill allows for medical assistance under Medicaid for inmates during the 30-day period preceding release from a public institution. H.Res. 654, Expressing support for the designation of January 23, 2018, as ""National Handwriting Day"" and recognizing the importance of handwriting for cognitive, artistic, and educational benefit. Rep. Lance is an original cosponsor. Legislation as a Lead Cosponsor H.R. 3017, Brownfields Enhancement, Economic Redevelopment, and Reauthorization Act of 2017 (McKinley) The bill reauthorizes EPAs Brownfields Program. The bill passed the House on November 30, 2017 by a vote of 4098. H.R. 1068, Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 2017 (Pallone) This bill includes a number of House Democratic priorities to reform the Safe Drinking Water Act, including Congressman Tonkos AQUA Act. H.R. 1090, Technologies for Energy Security Act of 2017 (Reed) This bill extends the Sec. 48 business Investment Tax Credit and Sec. 25D residential Investment Tax Credit for a number of clean energy technologies, including fuel cells, CHP, and geothermal. H.R. 1747, Brownfields Authorization Increase Act of 2017 (Pallone) This bill reauthorizes EPAs Brownfields Program. H.R. 2651, Thoroughbred Horseracing Integrity Act of 2015 (Barr) This bill establishes the Thoroughbred Horseracing Anti-Doping and Medication Control Authority. H.R. 3069, Army Arsenal Revitalization Act of 2017 (Bustos) This bill enables Arsenals to receive more workload from the Army. H.R. 4256, BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act (Guthrie) The bill establishes Alzheimers centers of excellence, provides cooperative agreements to public health departments, and increases data collection, analysis and timely reporting. H.R. 1002, National Heritage Area Act of 2017 (Dent) This bill establishes a National Heritage Area program in the National Park Service. H.R. 1050, Youth Access to American Jobs Act (Larsen) This bill creates 10 pilot pathways through the Department of Education that engage students in STEM-related fields from their junior year in high school through community college and into an apprenticeship. H.R. 1094, Weekend Voting Act (Slaughter) This bill moves Election Day to the first Saturday and Sunday after the first Friday in November. H.R. 1579, Secure and Resilient Water Systems Act (Peters) This bill requires water systems to assess threats and authorizes $50 million annually to establish an EPA program to provide grants for communities to address these threats. H.R. 1812, CLIMATE Act (Schneider) This bill blocks President Trumps Executive Order 13783, entitled ""Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth"" (March 28, 2017). H.R. 2088, Empire State Equity Act (Engel) This bill increases federal Medicaid funding for New York State. H.R. 2790, Humane Cosmetics Act (McSally) This bill prohibits selling any cosmetics if any component of the final product was developed or manufactured using animal testing. H.R. 2995, United States Green Bank Act of 2017 (Esty) This bill creates a $50 billion national Green Bank that would provide capital to state and local Green Banks to finance clean energy projects. H.R. 3690, Preserve Americas Historic Downtown Residences Act (McKinley) This bill increases the rehabilitation credit for commercial buildings and provides a rehabilitation credit for primary residences. H.R. 4023, Developing Tomorrows Engineering and Technical Workforce (Tim Ryan) The bill awards grants to state and local educational agencies to support, develop, and implement formal and informal engineering education programs in elementary schools and secondary schools. H.Res. 31, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Postal Service should take all appropriate measures to restore service standards in effect as of July 1, 2012. (McKinley) H.Res. 390, Expressing strong disapproval of the President's announcement to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement. (Schneider) II. Legislative Success in the 115th Congress Through his position on the Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman Tonko shepherded a bipartisan effort to reauthorize EPAs brownfields program through the House. H.R. 3017, Brownfields Enhancement, Economic Redevelopment, and Reauthorization Act of 2017, was introduced with Reps. McKinley, Shimkus, Walden, and Pallone. The bill passed the House on November 30, 2017 by a vote of 4098. An amendment by Congressman Tonko was accepted en bloc to H.R. 3354, Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018. The amendment specifies that $12.5 million appropriated for the Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration may be used to award competitive grants to strengthen mental health and substance use community crisis response systems as authorized in the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act. H.R. 3354 passed the House on September 14, 2017. Congressman Tonko secured language in H.R. 244, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 to increase the lifetime funding cap for the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor from $10 million to $12 million. Congressman Tonko requested this language in 2016 with Reps. Higgins, Collins (NY), and Gibson. The bill passed the House on May 3, 2017 by a vote of 309118 and was signed into law on May 5, 2017. Additionally, Congressman Tonko has a number of other priorities moving through the House Energy & Commerce Committee and the House Science, Space & Technology Committee. It is likely that a number of these bills will pass the House in 2018. # # # f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/12/22/2017/senators-reintroduce-bipartisan-medical-marijuana-bill,Senators Reintroduce Bipartisan Medical Marijuana Bill,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 22, 2017 Senators Reintroduce Bipartisan Medical Marijuana Bill CARERS Act would ensure patients have access to lifesaving care without fear of federal prosecution Washington, DCSenators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ),Rand Paul (R-KY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Al Franken (D-MN), and Mike Lee (R-UT) today reintroduced a bipartisan bill that would allow Americans to access medical marijuana in states where it is legal without fear of federal prosecution.In announcing the reintroduction, the Senators were joined by patients who had received life-changing treatment from medical marijuana. The Compassionate Access, Research Expansion and Respect States (CARERS) Act would amend federal law to allow states to set their own medical marijuana policies. The bill would also permit doctors with the Department of Veterans Affairs to recommend medical marijuana to veterans to treat serious injuries and chronic conditions. When the CARERS Act was originally introduced last session of Congress, it was the first medical marijuana bill ever to be introduced into the U.S. Senate. The legislation does not legalize medical marijuana in all 50 states; rather, it respects the states decisions to legalize medical marijuana and prevents federal law enforcement from prosecuting patients, doctors, and caregivers in those states. No parent should ever have to watch their child suffer through hundreds of seizures a day, only to be told by the federal government that they arent allowed to use medicine that could help relieve their childrens suffering, said Senator Gillibrand. Unfortunately, under our current federal laws, even if a state has decided for itself that patients should have access to medical marijuana, the federal government can still come in and prosecute patients for using that medicine. We must change this. The CARERS Act would finally get the federal government out of the way and let families in states where medical marijuana is already legal access this medicine without fear of federal prosecution. I am proud to fight for the children and families who desperately need this medicine, and I urge all of my colleagues to put scientific progress ahead of outdated ideology and support this bipartisan bill. Federal policy in this space has long overstepped the boundaries of common sense, fiscal prudence, and compassion, said Senator Booker. ""This bill will help ensure that people who can benefit from medical marijuana children, the sick, and our veterans can do so without worrying about the federal government standing in the way. For far too long, the federal government has enforced unnecessary laws that have restricted the medical communitys ability to determine marijuanas medicinal value and have prohibited Americans from receiving essential care that would alleviate their chronic pain and suffering, said Senator Paul. Our bill respects the will of the people, applies the principles of federalism to our nations drug policies, and will have a positive impact on the lives of our Veterans and children. There remains a conflict between state marijuana laws and federal marijuana laws across the board and this legislation aims to rectify that. This is especially urgent in the medical marijuana arena given the Justice Departments active effort to derail annual appropriations provisions prohibiting federal interference with medical uses of marijuana authorized under state law, said Senator Murkowski. I believe that the federal government has no place in undermining the effective administration of state marijuana laws. There is no valid reason for the federal government to prosecute medical marijuana cases in states where it is a legal treatmentbut right now, thats a major fear of patients, doctors, and providers, said Senator Franken. Our bipartisan and bicameral bill would ease that fear by giving many Americans who are suffering from painful, chronic diseases, safer access to the treatments they need. I hope that we can come together to quickly pass this legislation into law for them. Americans deserve the best information when making medical decisions, said Senator Lee. That is why I am proud to support the CARERS Act, a bill that willopen up a pathfor scientists to research how marijuana affects the human body and allows states to regulatemedicinalmarijuana for their citizens. The consensus on medical marijuana is overwhelming and bipartisan, yet our federal drug laws continue to treat patients and the doctors and families who care for them like criminals, said Congressman Cohen. According to a recent Quinnipiac poll, 93 percent of Americans believe people should be allowed to use medically prescribed marijuana. Our bill would bring the federal government in line with the American people by allowing states to set their own marijuana policies, allowing patients and veterans to receive the treatments they need from their doctors, and improving opportunities for research on marijuana. I am pleased to join with Congressman Don Young and Senators Cory Booker, Rand Paul, Kirsten Gillibrand, Mike Lee, Al Franken and Lisa Murkowski in introducing this bipartisan, bicameral legislation. Im proud to join this distinguished group of lawmakers from both sides of the aisle and both sides of the Capitol to reintroduce the CARERs Act, said Congressman Young. Since the Alaskan people first legalized marijuana, Ive heard from my constituents who have experienced the many challenges associated with the conflicts between State and Federal laws including business owners who are prevented from using the banking system and tax code, veterans who cannot access alternatives to opioids, and even the State which has run into problems collecting tax revenues. The CARERS Act is a broad piece of legislation that works to solve many of these problems. As a co-founder of the House Cannabis Caucus and passionate supporter of this issue as a matter of states rights, I look forward to working with all stakeholders in order to move this legislation. My 6-year-old daughter Morgan was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome, a form of severe epilepsy that does not respond well to medications and has suffered from hundreds of uncontrolled seizures in her life.None of the dozens of pharmaceuticals ever provided her much relief.We started using CBD oil and after using it for a few months Morgan successfully went over 2 months seizure free. The sponsors of this bill have been so compelled by these kinds of stories that they chose to speak out and represent our rights here in Washington.I cannot express how much their support means to our family, said Kate Hintz of New York, who spoke at the press conference and whose daughter uses medical cannabis to treat a rare form of epilepsy. The CARERS Act would protect patients like me, said 17 year-old Jennifer Collins of Fairfax, Virginia, who spoke at the press conference introducing the bill. Jennifer uses medical cannabis to treat her epilepsy. ""Medical cannabis has reduced my absence seizures, eliminated my grand mal seizures, and enabled me to be almost completely off the pharmaceuticals that made me suffer so many horrible side-effects. It gave me my life back. Current law means that even though my family and I live in a state where medical marijuana is legal, my twins' pediatrician can't discuss what kind or how much they should take,"" said Shannon Moore, of Maryland, who spoke at the press conference and whose young twins use medical marijuana to treat a rare and severe genetic disorder. ""It also means research issuppressed on this medicine despite what we know about its medical benefits. The CARERS Act would help fix our broken marijuana laws and provide families like mine much-needed relief. As medical marijuana comes under attack from Jeff Sessions, this legislation is more essential than ever, said Michael Collins, Deputy Director of the Drug Policy Alliance. The time is now for Congress to pass legislation to protect patients, providers, and veterans. A permanent solution to the federal and state conflict is desperately needed for both patients and the economy, said Steph Sherer, Executive Director of Americans for Safe Access. If state rights are not protected, over two million patients could be left with only the illicit market to find their medicine. There would undoubtedly be an increase in Medicaid costs and opioid deaths and a loss in workplace productivity. With the only protection for these states set to expire with the federal budget in September, a permanent solution to this conflict is urgent and necessary. Currently,46 states plus the District of Columbia have already legalized medical marijuana in some form. However, federal law leaves doctors who prescribe, patients who use, and dispensaries that provide medical marijuana vulnerable to federal arrest and prosecution. Specifically, the CARERS Act would do the following: (1) Recognize States Responsibility to Set Medical Marijuana Policy & Eliminate Potential Federal Prosecution TheCARERS Actamends the Controlled Substances Act so that states can set their own medical marijuana policies. The patients, providers, and businesses participating in state medical marijuana programs will no longer be in violation of federal law and vulnerable to federal prosecution. (2) Allow States to Import Cannabidiol (CBD), a Recognized Treatment for Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders TheCARERS Actamends the Controlled Substances Act to remove specific strains of CBD oil from the federal definition of marijuana. This change would allow youth suffering from intractable epilepsy to gain access to the medicine they need to control their seizures. (3) Provide Access to Veterans Current law prohibits doctors in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities from prescribing medical marijuana. TheCARERS Actwould allow VA doctors in states where medical marijuana is legal to recommend medical marijuana to military veterans. (4) Expand Opportunities for Research TheCARERS Actremoves unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for researchers to gain government approval to undertake important research on marijuana and creates a system for the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to encourage research. The CARERS Act has the support of more than20health, veteran, and policy organizations, including American Civil Liberties Union, Americans for Safe Access, Compassionate Care NY,Coalition for Medical Marijuana NJ, Drug Policy Alliance,Housing Works,Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, Marijuana Policy Project, MS Resources of Central New York, Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, New Jersey Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, NY Physicians for Compassionate Care, Parents Coalition for Rescheduling Medical Cannabis, Patients Out of Time, Students for Sensible Drug Policy, The American Cannabis Nurses Association,The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester,Third Way,Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access, Veterans for Peace, and Veterans for Safe Access and Compassionate Care. The CARERS Act bill text can be viewed here and a one-pager can be viewed here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-senate-data-disclosing-at-least-600000-of-taxpayer-money-secretly-spent-to-settle-workplace-misconduct-in-the-senate,"Gillibrand Statement On Senate Data Disclosing At Least $600,000 Of Taxpayer Money Secretly Spent To Settle Workplace Misconduct In The Senate",2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 22, 2017 Gillibrand Statement On Senate Data Disclosing At Least $600,000 Of Taxpayer Money Secretly Spent To Settle Workplace Misconduct In The Senate U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today released the following statement in response to the report that at least $600,000 in taxpayer money has been spent settling Senate workplace misconduct claims over the past 20 years. Gillibrand recently introduced bipartisan legislation, the Congressional Harassment Reform Act, with strong bipartisan support from over 20 Senators. This legislation is cosponsored by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Kamala Harris (D-CA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Rob Portman (R-OH), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Michael Enzi (R-WY). Congress should never be above the law or play by its own set of rules, but thats exactly what we are seeing with the report disclosing that at least $600,000 in taxpayer money has been spent secretly settling workplace misconduct claims in the Senate. This lack of transparency and accountability is unacceptable. The system in Congress is broken and desperately needs reform, and thats why we must pass the Congressional Harassment Reform Act, my bipartisan legislation to create more accountability and transparency in Congress, overhaul the reporting process for victims of harassment and discrimination, eliminate required secrecy, and require Members of Congress who are found personally responsible for harassment to pay settlements out of their own pocket. Elected officials should be held to the highest standards, not the lowest. We must change the status quo. Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-and-13-senate-democrats-call-on-the-department-of-transportation-to-hold-railroads-accountable-for-implementation-of-positive-train-control-after-fatal-derailments-and-safety-lapses,"Schumer, Gillibrand And 13 Senate Democrats Call On The Department Of Transportation To Hold Railroads Accountable For Implementation Of Positive Train Control After Fatal Derailments And Safety Lapses",2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 22, 2017 Schumer, Gillibrand And 13 Senate Democrats Call On The Department Of Transportation To Hold Railroads Accountable For Implementation Of Positive Train Control After Fatal Derailments And Safety Lapses Washington, DC U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined a group of 13 Senate Democrats to call on Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao to hold railroads accountable for failing to implement sufficient safety measures. The Senators have requested a status report on railroads implementation of positive train control (PTC), a lifesaving technology required by Congressional mandate to be fully implemented by 2018. The Senators letter comes four days after an Amtrak train derailed in DuPont, Washington, killing three and injuring dozens more. The Washington tragedy is the latest in a troubling trend of fatal train derailments and collisions. In just the last four years, three deadly train accidents have occurred in the Northeast corridor that might have been prevented if PTC enforced. Schumer and Gillibrand were joined by U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR). Since NTSB first recommended PTC, more than 300 people have died, thousands have been injured, and millions of dollars in property damages have been incurred, wrote the Senators. The PTC deadline is now almost one year away December 31, 2018. It is imperative that railroads complete implementation before the deadline.They must clearly understand that the consequences of failure will be stringent and prompt. The full text of the Senators letter to Secretary Chao is available here and below: Dear Secretary Chao: On Monday, an Amtrak train derailed onto a busy interstate highway in DuPont, Washington.This tragedy reminds us of the urgent need to improve rail safety, including the nationwide implementation of positive train control (PTC) technology, as mandated by Congress.We write requesting an update on the status of railroads compliance with the pending deadline for implementation and your efforts to carry out other rail safety measures. The NTSB has been urging the adoption of PTC technology since 1970, soon after a collision in Darien, Connecticut killed four people.Following the 2008 Chatsworth, California crash that killed 25 people, Congress mandated that railroads implement the technology, which prevents trains from colliding and speeding.For years, however, the implementation of the technology has been delayed.Since NTSB first recommended PTC, more than 300 people have died, thousands have been injured, and millions of dollars in property damages have been incurred. The PTC deadline is now almost one year away December 31, 2018. It is imperative that railroads complete implementation before the deadline.They must clearly understand that the consequences of failure will be stringent and prompt.Please provide information on the following questions: Based on the reports and information provided to you by railroads, and your knowledge of efforts necessary to complete PTC implementation, what railroads do you anticipate will have fully implemented PTC by the end of 2018? What railroads do you anticipate will fail to implement PTC by 2018? What is your plan to impose fines and penalties for railroads that fail to comply with the law? Can you confirm that you will be vigorous in enforcing the deadline, imposing strong fines and penalties, where necessary, on railroads that fail to meet the deadline? How are you communicating your enforcement plans to the industry? What steps are you taking to implement other provisions of law and safety requirements, such as requirements from the 2015 surface transportation bill, known as the FAST Act, that passenger and commuter railroads complete a speed-limit action plan (section 11406) to prevent over-speed accidents into curves and commuter railroads improve inspection practices (section 11409)? What level of funding will be included in the Presidents yet-to-be-released infrastructure proposal to expedite PTC implementation and advance other rail safety efforts? What steps is DOT taking to approve and expedite the use of federal funds and grants by recipients for the implementation of PTC? We appreciate your attention to this matter and urgent efforts to ensure railroads implement lifesaving PTC technology. Sincerely, Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/senator-gillibrand-leads-bipartisan-group-of-senators-in-calling-on-house-and-senate-leadership-to-prevent-doj-from-interfering-with-implementation-of-state-medical-marijuana-laws,Senator Gillibrand Leads Bipartisan Group Of Senators In Calling On House And Senate Leadership To Prevent DOJ From Interfering With Implementation Of State Medical Marijuana Laws,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 22, 2017 Senator Gillibrand Leads Bipartisan Group Of Senators In Calling On House And Senate Leadership To Prevent DOJ From Interfering With Implementation Of State Medical Marijuana Laws Washington, DC U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today led a bipartisan group of Senators in calling on House and Senate leadership to include a provision in the Fiscal Year 2018 Appropriations package to prevent the Department of Justice (DOJ) from using any funds to interfere with the implementation of state medical marijuana laws. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) signed onto Gillibrands letter. Even though 29 states and the District of Columbia have made marijuana legal to be used as medicine, the federal laws still state that marijuana is illegal in any form. The provision Gillibrand is pushing will block federal government from spending any money to enforce the federal law regarding marijuana in states that have passed medical marijuana laws.This provision has been included in every appropriations bill since 2014, but was recently blocked in the House. Since this provision was first passed in 2014, it has protected patients, providers, and businesses who are acting in compliance with their states laws from federal prosecution... Each year, this important provision has continuously garnered strong bipartisan support, wrote the Senators. We respectfully urge you to include in the final FY18 Appropriations package the below language adopted by the Senate Appropriations Committee in July 2017 by voice vote during its markup of the FY 18 CJS appropriations bill. In June, Senator Gillibrand also reintroduced a bipartisan bill that would allow Americans to access medical marijuana in states where it is legal without fear of federal prosecution.The Compassionate Access, Research Expansion and Respect States (CARERS) Act would amend federal law to allow states to set their own medical marijuana policies. This bill would also permit doctors with the Department of Veterans Affairs to recommend medical marijuana to veterans to treat serious injuries and chronic conditions. The legislation does not legalize medical marijuana in all 50 states; rather, it respects the states decisions to legalize medical marijuana and prevents federal law enforcement from prosecuting patients, doctors, and caregivers in those states. The full text of the Senators letter is available for download here and below: December 22, 2017 Dear Leader McConnell, Leader Schumer, Speaker Ryan, and Leader Pelosi, We write to express our support for the protection of states medical marijuana programs from interference by the federal government. We thank you for all of your past efforts on this issue, and ask that as you continue to work with the Appropriations Committees on a Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 appropriations bill to fund the government beyond January 19, 2018, you include the provision that protects medical marijuana laws in almost every state. Since this provision was first passed in 2014, it has protected patients, providers, and businesses who are acting in compliance with their states laws from federal prosecution. These protections extend to 46 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico, all of which have varying types of medical marijuana programs. Each year, this important provision has continuously garnered strong bipartisan support. We respectfully urge you to include in the final FY18 Appropriations package the below language adopted by the Senate Appropriations Committee in July by voice vote during its markup of the FY 18 CJS appropriations bill: None of the funds made available under this Act to the Department of Justice may be used, with respect to any of the States of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, or with respect to the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico, to prevent any such State or jurisdiction from implementing a law that authorizes the use, distribution, possession, or cultivation of medical marijuana. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-and-13-senate-democrats-call-on-the-department-of-transportation-to-hold-railroads-accountable-for-implementation-of-positive-train-control-after-fatal-derailments-and-safety-lapses,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND AND 13 SENATE DEMOCRATS CALL ON THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO HOLD RAILROADS ACCOUNTABLE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF POSITIVE TRAIN CONTROL AFTER FATAL DERAILMENTS AND SAFETY LAPSES",2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.22.17 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND AND 13 SENATE DEMOCRATS CALL ON THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO HOLD RAILROADS ACCOUNTABLE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF POSITIVE TRAIN CONTROL AFTER FATAL DERAILMENTS AND SAFETY LAPSES U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined a group of 13 Senate Democrats to call on Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao to hold railroads accountable for failing to implement sufficient safety measures. The Senators have requested a status report on railroads implementation of positive train control (PTC), a lifesaving technology required by Congressional mandate to be fully implemented by 2018. The Senators letter comes four days after an Amtrak train derailed in DuPont, Washington, killing three and injuring dozens more. The Washington tragedy is the latest in a troubling trend of fatal train derailments and collisions. In just the last four years, three deadly train accidents have occurred in the Northeast corridor that might have been prevented if PTC enforced. Schumer and Gillibrand were joined by U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR). Since NTSB first recommended PTC, more than 300 people have died, thousands have been injured, and millions of dollars in property damages have been incurred, wrote the Senators. The PTC deadline is now almost one year away December 31, 2018. It is imperative that railroads complete implementation before the deadline.They must clearly understand that the consequences of failure will be stringent and prompt. The full text of the Senators letter to Secretary Chao is available here and below: Dear Secretary Chao: On Monday, an Amtrak train derailed onto a busy interstate highway in DuPont, Washington.This tragedy reminds us of the urgent need to improve rail safety, including the nationwide implementation of positive train control (PTC) technology, as mandated by Congress.We write requesting an update on the status of railroads compliance with the pending deadline for implementation and your efforts to carry out other rail safety measures. The NTSB has been urging the adoption of PTC technology since 1970, soon after a collision in Darien, Connecticut killed four people.Following the 2008 Chatsworth, California crash that killed 25 people, Congress mandated that railroads implement the technology, which prevents trains from colliding and speeding.For years, however, the implementation of the technology has been delayed.Since NTSB first recommended PTC, more than 300 people have died, thousands have been injured, and millions of dollars in property damages have been incurred. The PTC deadline is now almost one year away December 31, 2018. It is imperative that railroads complete implementation before the deadline.They must clearly understand that the consequences of failure will be stringent and prompt.Please provide information on the following questions: Based on the reports and information provided to you by railroads, and your knowledge of efforts necessary to complete PTC implementation, what railroads do you anticipate will have fully implemented PTC by the end of 2018? What railroads do you anticipate will fail to implement PTC by 2018? What is your plan to impose fines and penalties for railroads that fail to comply with the law? Can you confirm that you will be vigorous in enforcing the deadline, imposing strong fines and penalties, where necessary, on railroads that fail to meet the deadline? How are you communicating your enforcement plans to the industry? What steps are you taking to implement other provisions of law and safety requirements, such as requirements from the 2015 surface transportation bill, known as the FAST Act, that passenger and commuter railroads complete a speed-limit action plan (section 11406) to prevent over-speed accidents into curves and commuter railroads improve inspection practices (section 11409)? What level of funding will be included in the Presidents yet-to-be-released infrastructure proposal to expedite PTC implementation and advance other rail safety efforts? What steps is DOT taking to approve and expedite the use of federal funds and grants by recipients for the implementation of PTC? We appreciate your attention to this matter and urgent efforts to ensure railroads implement lifesaving PTC technology. Sincerely, Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-statement-gops-short-term-continuing-resolution/,Clarke Statement on GOP’s Short-Term Continuing Resolution,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"Clarke Statement on GOP’s Short-Term Continuing Resolution WASHINGTON—Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released this statement following the House vote to fund the federal government until January 19, 2018. Clarke voted against the resolution: “Despite controlling both houses of Congress and the White House, Republicans still could not agree on a way to fund the government for more than a month at a time. In fact, earlier this year, President Trump said ‘our government needs a good shutdown.’ “Congressional Republicans spent an entire year fighting for special interest giveaways and against ordinary Americans. The GOP prioritized tax cuts for lobbyists, corporations that ship jobs overseas and political donors over dealing with the urgent, overdue priorities for the American people. “Republicans failed to prioritize children’s healthcare, emergency disaster funding for all hurricane- and wildfire-impacted communities, saving Americans’ pensions, and the passage of a bipartisan DREAM Act. “Republicans have no real plan for our country and today’s vote demonstrates just how vacuous their promises are. “I hope that voters will remember this in the coming months.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://crowley.house.gov/press-release/chairman-crowley-statement-government-funding-bill,Chairman Crowley Statement on Government Funding Bill,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-NY) issued the following statement on the government funding bill: I made a promise to 800,000 DREAMers to fight for their security in the United States after they were put at risk by President Trump. I refuse to support a government funding bill that does not accomplish that goal. Republicans are putting party before country and politics before morality with this funding bill. It does not adequately address the 9 million children whose health care is in jeopardy. It fails to fulfill our obligation to secure pensions for thousands of hardworking men and women. And it fails to provide the necessary support to the range of programs that lift up the middle class and working Americans. Republicans lack a strong and effective vision for this country. They spent months maneuvering a tax bill through Congress that benefits corporate special interests and the wealthiest Americans, while abandoning those who do the most to grow our economyAmericans who work paycheck-to-paycheck. The GOPs singular focus on providing a political win to its base has left DREAMers, retirees, children, and other hardworking men and women without the support they need in the new year. This is not how responsible leaders govern.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crowley.house.gov/press-release/chairman-crowley-statement-supplemental-funding-disaster-areas,Chairman Crowley Statement on Supplemental Funding for Disaster Areas,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-NY) issued the following statement on the supplemental funding package for disaster areas: I cannot in good conscience vote for a disaster relief bill that doesnt treat all Americans equally. This bill cripples Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as they are trying to rebuild their economy, infrastructure, and communities. Having watched my friends, neighbors, and constituents struggle after Superstorm Sandy, I know firsthand how important it is that communities receive adequate support from the federal government in the aftermath of a disaster. Yet, this Republican bill falls short on far too many fronts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crowley.house.gov/press-release/declaraciones-del-presidente-del-caucus-dem-crata-joe-crowley-sobre-el-paquete-de,Declaraciones del Presidente del Caucus Demcrata Joe Crowley Sobre el Paquete de Asistencia Complementaria para las reas Afectadas por Desastres Naturales,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) El presidente del Caucus Demcrata de la Cmara de Representantes, Joe Crowley (D-NY) emiti las siguientes declaraciones sobre el paquete de asistencia complementaria para las reas de afectadas por desastres naturales: ""No puedo, a conciencia, votar por una ley para el alivio de desastres naturales que no trate a todos los estadounidenses por igual. Este proyecto de ley lastima a Puerto Rico y las Islas Vrgenes de los Estados Unidos mientras estas intentan reconstruir su economa, infraestructura y comunidades. ""Despus de haber visto a mis amigos, vecinos y electores sufrir y luchar tras el paso de la supertormenta Sandy, se de primera mano lo importante que es para las comunidades recibir la asistencia adecuada por parte del gobierno federal despus de un desastre. Sin embargo, este proyecto de ley republicano queda corto en muchos aspectos.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crowley.house.gov/press-release/declaraciones-del-presidente-del-caucus-dem-crata-joe-crowley-sobre-el-proyecto-de-ley,Declaraciones del Presidente del Caucus Demcrata Joe Crowley Sobre el Proyecto de Ley para Financiar el Gobierno,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) - El presidente del Caucus Demcrata de la Cmara de Representantes, Joe Crowley (D-NY), emiti las siguientes declaraciones sobre el proyecto de ley para financiar el gobierno: ""Le hice una promesa a 800,000 DREAMers de luchar por su seguridad en los Estados Unidos despus de que el presidente Trump los puso en peligro. Me niego a apoyar un proyecto de ley para financiar el gobierno que no cumpla ese objetivo. ""Con este proyecto de ley para financiar el gobierno, los republicanos estn poniendo a su partido por encima del pas y a la poltica por encima de la moral. No aborda de manera adecuada el tema de los 9 millones de nios cuya atencin mdica est en peligro. No cumple nuestra obligacin de asegurar pensiones para miles de hombres y mujeres trabajadores. Y no proporciona el apoyo necesario para la variedad de programas que impulsan a la clase media y a los estadounidenses trabajadores. ""Los republicanos carecen de una visin robusta y efectiva para este pas. Pasaron meses maniobrando en el Congreso un proyecto de ley fiscal que beneficia a los intereses especiales y a los estadounidenses ms ricos, abandonando a aquellos que hacen ms por el crecimiento de nuestra economa: los estadounidenses que trabajan sueldo a sueldo. El enfoque nico del Partido Republicano de proporcionar una victoria poltica a sus seguidores a dejado a los DREAMers, jubilados, nios y a los hombres y mujeres trabajadores sin el apoyo que necesitan este nuevo ao. Esta no es la forma en la que los lderes responsables gobiernan.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/engel-to-tillerson-green-trumps-word-ban-is-political-correctness-at-its-worst/,"Engel to Tillerson, Green: Trump's Word Ban is Political Correctness at its Worst",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Eliot Engel,E000179,engel.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/engel-votes-against-republicans-inadequate-government-funding-bill/,Engel Votes Against Republicans' Inadequate Government Funding Bill,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Eliot Engel,E000179,engel.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-adriano-espaillat-announces-more-500-million-grant-money-new,REPRESENTATIVE ADRIANO ESPAILLAT ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $500 MILLION IN GRANT MONEY FOR NEW YORK DISTRICT,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Adriano Espaillat,E000297,espaillat.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) announces more than $500 million total grant funding has been awarded to projects benefitting constituents of New Yorks 13th congressional district. One of my responsibilities in Congress is to assist my constituents with navigating the federal grants process, said Rep. Espaillat (NY-13). Many agencies have programs that award federal grant money for projects that provide public services, stimulate growth of the economy, and benefit the general public. These grants help support recovery initiatives, innovative research, small business incentives, and programs that benefit each of us. I am proud of the work weve accomplished during 2017 to award more than $500 million grant funding for projects that benefit constituents of my district. Heres a snapshot of the more than $500 million total grant money benefitting constituents: $301,508 in grant funding to expand the Made in NY Program: Funding helps expand technical assistance to New York City manufacturers to improve their digital marketing efforts, project management, and capacity building. The project is anticipated to create over 100 jobs, save an additional 200 jobs, and generate over $1.65 million in private investments. $1,000,000 in grant funding for the Comprehensive School Safety Initiative: Funding supports critical research at Yeshiva University to investigate school security climates and identify student growth in different security environments. The results of this study aim to identify the most effective type of school security climate and measure the impact on student life and academic performance. 342,858 in grant funding for Second Chance Act Strengthening Relationships Between Young Fathers, Young Mothers: Funding supports the successful transition of young mothers and fathers as they return to their families and communities from incarceration. Young children need parents that are capable of providing and caring for them, and this program aims to give parents the needed tools to lay the groundwork for their childrens futures. The program coordinates a comprehensive strategy that includes mentoring, effective parenting skills development, and private and community service partnerships. $900,511 in grant funding for Upward Bound, Columbia University for 2017-2018: Funding addresses the needs of our most vulnerable students through funding Upward Bound applications that were unjustifiably rejected earlier this year by the Department of Education. After months of advocacy by Rep. Espaillat, including letters, press conferences, and op-eds, the U.S. Department of Education reconsidered the funding applications from seventy-seven universities. Several institutions including Columbia University, Cornell University, and the City University of New York's City College will now receive funds to provide access to critical resources and tools that enable thousands of high school students across the country to reach their full potential. Click here to view a full list of grant funding awarded during 2017 to New Yorks 13th congressional district. Visit www.Espaillat.House.gov or www.grants.gov for additional resources and information on how to apply for grant funding opportunities. # # # First elected to Congress in 2016, Rep. Adriano Espaillat is serving his first term in Congress where he serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and the House Select Committee on Small Business. He is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and serves in a leadership role as CHC Freshman Representative to the Democratic Caucus. He is also chairman of the CHC Task Force for Transportation, Infrastructure and Housing. Rep. Espaillats Congressional District includes Harlem, East Harlem, northern Manhattan and the north-west Bronx. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/. Media inquiries: Candace Randle Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://louise.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-slaughter-faso-introduce-bill-honor-maurice-hinchey,"Reps. Slaughter, Faso Introduce Bill to Honor Maurice Hinchey",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Louise Slaughter,S000480,louise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Representatives Louise Slaughter (D-NY25) and John Faso (R-NY19) today introduced legislation to rename the post office at 111 Market St, Saugerties, New York after former U.S. Representative Maurice Hinchey. Maurice Hinchey was a remarkable public servant who had the courage to take on the tough issues, said Slaughter. We served four years together in the New York State Assembly and 20 years in Congress. I watched him do what he did best: defend the constituents and land he represented. Im proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to rename the post office in Maurices hometown in honor of his extraordinary legacy. Maurice Hinchey was a fierce defender of the environment who was a steadfast advocate for the causes he believed in and the people he served, said Faso. I was proud to serve alongside him in the State Assembly. Naming his hometown post office after Maurice will be an enduring recognition of his lifetime of service to the people of Saugerties and Ulster County. Congressman Maurice Hinchey served New Yorkers for thirty-seven years across terms in the New York State Assembly (1975-1992) and the U.S. House of Representatives (1993-2013). He is best known for being an unflinching advocate for the environment through his support of the Clean Air Act, the protection of the Hudson River and his long-time support for US military veterans. Representative Hinchey served in the United States Navy from 1956-1959. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-statement-on-vote-against-short-term-spending-bill,Maloney Statement on Vote Against Short-Term Spending Bill,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC After voting no on the Republican short-term spending bill in the House today, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) issued the following statement. This spending bill fails to address the huge list of urgent, overdue priorities facing our country. This empty, short-term Republican spending package leaves out any relief for DREAMers, underfunds veterans services and efforts to combat opioid abuse, and gives the Childrens Health Insurance Program just three more months of life instead of the long-term security our kids deserve. I do not believe in shutting down our government but I cannot support another short-term funding patch that is nothing more than kicking the can down the road when we should be doing our jobs now. Working families, veterans, children, and the countless communities across our nation who are fighting the opioid epidemic deserve a better deal. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://meeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-meeks-statement-voting-against-supplemental-spending-and-republican-short,Rep. Meeks Statement on Voting Against Supplemental Spending and Republican Short-Term Funding Bills,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Gregory Meeks,M001137,meeks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Meeks Statement on Voting Against Supplemental Spending and Republican Short-Term Funding Bills Washington, D.C.Congressman Meeks released the following statement on the short-term funding and supplemental bills that passed the House of Representatives today: Were seeing just how truly misguided and dysfunctional a Republican-led Congress can be. They have put off crucial priorities until the very end of the year. Whereas just yesterday Republicans voted to give President Trumps family millions of dollars in tax breaks, they left DREAMers out to dry, and kicked the can down the road for both millions of Americans who rely on the Affordable Care Act and were hoping it would be stabilized, and nearly 9 million children who will be without health insurance come March. The supplemental spending bill for those areas hit hard by hurricanes is woefully inadequate. Texas, Puerto Rico, Florida, and the US Virgin Islands deserve sufficient resources, but this Republican Congress offered meager assistance. Due to the Republican stubbornness, a lack of necessary help for US Citizens, and the GOPs inability to pass much-needed legislation, opting instead to lurch from deadline to deadline, I voted against both the Supplemental Assistance and the Continuing Resolution. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://seanmaloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-announces-nearly-3-million-in-unused-federal-funding-going-to,Maloney Announces Nearly $3 Million in Unused Federal Funding Going to Two Flood Mitigation Projects in Middletown,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Sean Maloney,M001185,seanmaloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Three years after he stood at Maple Avenue Park to announce that $11.5 million worth of unused Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) funding would remain available to Orange County for flood mitigation in the wake of Hurricane Irene, Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) announced two flood mitigation projects totaling $2.8 million. The first project will focus on a retention pond near Maple Avenue Park, and the other will repair and stabilize a portion of the Monhagen Drainageway between West Main Street and California Avenue, both in theCity of Middletown. Families and businesses in Middletown have lost their land and have had to worry about the effects of flash flooding and storms for years, but thats about to change,said Rep. Maloney. These projects will shore up some of the eroding land and protect our people from mother nature while creating good-paying jobs and spurring the local economy. I am proud of the work conducted by the Countys Community Development Office with the support of Congressman Maloney and State Senator John Bonacic,said Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus.Their support was critical in obtaining these funds, which will allow the City of Middletown to rebuild important infrastructure components that were devastated by the impacts of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee more than six years ago. Were going to get these high-risk flood areas fixed up so people dont have to worry about damage to their property or their ability to get around during a serious storm or a hurricane,said Middletown Mayor Joe DeStefano. This was a team effort and its going to benefit a lot of people in the City of Middletown. I want to thank Congressman Maloney for working with us on this for so many years. The Maple Avenue Drainage Improvements projectwill focus onminimizing the potentialflash flooding along Maple Avenue. It will include the creation of a storm water detention area upstream of the pond at Maple Avenue Park. The project will also include the construction of over 850 feet of storm sewer. Many Middletownresidents lost portions of their backyards as the result of erosion and flooding, but this project will restore some of this land. This project is estimated to cost $1.6 million. The West Main Street Drainage Improvements projectaims to restore more property lost to erosion andminimizepotential future erosionduring moderate intensity storms. Much of the existing drainageway will be rebuilt, and the remaining portion will be stabilized. Finally, chain link fencing will be installed around the channel for safety purposes. This project is estimated to cost $1.2 million. In 2014, as the City was still rebuilding after Hurricane Irene, Rep. Maloneyannouncedthat he had secured $11.5 Million in unused CDBG-DR funding that would have otherwise been returned to the federal government. Rep. Maloney workedwith Orange Countyto align the projects with the requirements of HUD.In doing so, Rep. Maloney and Rich Mayfield, Orange Countys Director of Community Development, collaborated for several years to ensure that these funds remain available for folks in the Hudson Valley. As a result of these efforts, the funding originally allocated to Orange County is now being tapped to complete important safety projects, which will also restore land to families and small businesses.These projects are the culmination of years of cooperation between Rep. Maloney, Orange County, and the City of Middletown. Overall, Orange County has secured nearly $140 million in disaster assistance funding related to this and other natural disasters. Orange County was severely impacted by Hurricane Irene, Tropical Storm Lee and Super Storm Sandy. Days after he was first elected in 2013, Rep. Maloney took to the House Floor to fight to secure critical disaster related funding for folks across the Hudson Valley. Since then, he has worked to ensure that HUD sticks to its promise to award these funds across the region.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://seanmaloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-statement-on-opposition-to-continuing-resolution,Maloney Statement on Opposition to Continuing Resolution,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Sean Maloney,M001185,seanmaloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) released the following statement after he voted against the year-endspending bill. This Continuing Resolution, the third short-term extension of this fiscal year, funds the government through January 19th. This short-term funding bill is just another example of Congress failing to do its job. We have a lot of work left to do this year not least of which is working out a long-term solution for 800,000 Dreamers who may be celebrating their last Christmas in the only country theyve ever known. Republican leaders in Congress should push back the holiday recess and hammer this stuff out now. People in the Hudson Valley know that sometimes you have to work long hours to meet deadlines around the holidays. Congress shouldnt be any different.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://serrano.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/serrano-vel-zquez-oppose-supplemental-hurricane-spending,"Serrano, Velzquez to Oppose Supplemental Hurricane Spending",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,José Serrano,S000248,serrano.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Rep. Jos E. Serrano (D-NY) and Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY) released the following statement announcing that they would vote no on the latest round of additional funding for hurricane recovery in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Florida and Texas: As we said previously when this measure was unveiled, the funding in this bill is woefully insufficient and it has not improved. The Governor of Puerto Rico previously requested $94 billion for recovery efforts in Puerto Rico and this measure provides only $81 billion to be split between Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Thats not enough and, if history is any guide, we can expect that the bulk of that money will not reach Puerto Rico, but the other disaster-stricken areas. There are other significant shortcomings in this legislation. It fails to provide needed cost sharing waivers for in numerous areas, including FEMA funding and Economic Development Administration funding. Without such provisions, we are asking an Island that was already facing fiscal insolvency before the Hurricane to pay for recovery efforts it cannot afford. The legislation does nothing to address the Medicaid cliff. Hurricane Maria visited on Puerto Rico a once-in-a-generation humanitarian crisis. Making the Island whole will take years, not months, and requires a long term commitment by the federal government. This bill fails that test, fails Puerto Rico, and we cannot support it. We will continue pushing for additional aid and a bill that allocates resources commensurate to the severity of the situation in Puerto Rico. Anything less is unacceptable. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://serrano.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/serrano-vel-zquez-oppose-supplemental-hurricane-spending-0,"Serrano, Velzquez to Oppose Supplemental Hurricane Spending",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,José Serrano,S000248,serrano.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Rep. Jos E. Serrano (D-NY) and Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY) released the following statement announcing that they would vote no on the latest round of additional funding for hurricane recovery in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Florida and Texas: As we said previously when this measure was unveiled, the funding in this bill is woefully insufficient and it has not improved. The Governor of Puerto Rico previously requested $94 billion for recovery efforts in Puerto Rico and this measure provides only $81 billion to be split between Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Thats not enough and, if history is any guide, we can expect that the bulk of that money will not reach Puerto Rico, but the other disaster-stricken areas. There are other significant shortcomings in this legislation. It fails to provide needed cost sharing waivers for in numerous areas, including FEMA funding and Economic Development Administration funding. Without such provisions, we are asking an Island that was already facing fiscal insolvency before the Hurricane to pay for recovery efforts it cannot afford. The legislation does nothing to address the Medicaid cliff. Hurricane Maria visited on Puerto Rico a once-in-a-generation humanitarian crisis. Making the Island whole will take years, not months, and requires a long term commitment by the federal government. This bill fails that test, fails Puerto Rico, and we cannot support it. We will continue pushing for additional aid and a bill that allocates resources commensurate to the severity of the situation in Puerto Rico. Anything less is unacceptable. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=686,Tonko Votes to Reject Temporary Budget Band-Aid,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,,,legacy,"""I voted no on this farce of a bill because kicking the can down the road, making sure kids have health insurance, DREAMers are not ripped away from their families, and Americas national defense and domestic priorities are adequately funded are far more important than Members of Congress getting to leave for a long holiday vacation."" - Rep. Paul Tonko share: f t WASHINGTON Congressman Paul Tonko issued the following statement after voting to reject a short-term Republican stopgap funding measure that did not include long-term funding for the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), a permanent fix for DREAMers under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), or funding for major disaster relief. As the current majority party, Republicans in Congress should be able to keep the lights on for the federal government. Instead, they have spent all their time providing a $1.5 trillion tax break to the wealthy and well-connected. Now, as Congress leaves for the year, children will go without healthcare, communities will be unable to recover from hurricanes and wildfires and DREAMers risk being sent away from the only country they have ever known. That means while the top 0.1 percent ring in the New Year expecting atax cut of nearly $100,000, millions of working families throughout the country will still be at risk of receiving notices that theirchilds health insurance coverage is about to expire. DREAMers will wake up in January in the only country theyve ever known, uncertain about whether they will be forced out to a foreign country come March. Disaster victims will continue to face untold hardship and, in the case of Puerto Rico, new and higher federal taxes. Critical national defense and domestic priorities will be continue to be funded on autopilot, unable to make needed investments and adjustments that make us safer and grow the economy. I voted no on this farce of a bill because kicking the can down the road, making sure kids have health insurance, DREAMers are not ripped away from their families, and Americas national defense and domestic priorities are adequately funded are far more important than Members of Congress getting to leave for a long holiday vacation. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-15-million-in-federal-funding-for-new-advanced-manufacturing-facility-at-hudson-valley-community-college,"Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $1.5 Million In Federal Funding For New Advanced Manufacturing Facility At Hudson Valley Community College",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 21, 2017 Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $1.5 Million In Federal Funding For New Advanced Manufacturing Facility At Hudson Valley Community College Schumer, Gillibrand: Federal Investment Will Train Workers To Adapt To New World Of High-Tech Manufacturing U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $1,500,000 in federal funding for Hudson Valley Community College. The funding was allocated through the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and will be used for a new Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) training facility. Specifically, this investment will support a new addition that includes classroom space, multiple advanced manufacturing labs, demonstration areas, student advisement center, conference rooms, and Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) simulation computer workstations. Schumer said this project will help strengthen the local economy, support private capital investment and create jobs throughout the region. This critical federal investment will give Hudson Valley Community College the tools necessary to support and train manufacture workers throughout the region to adapt to the new world of high-tech manufacturing, saidSenator Schumer. It is imperative that we not only invest in worker retraining, but in the kinds of programs that support high-tech manufacturing and the creation of good-paying, middle-class jobs for residents across Upstate New York. I am proud to announce this funding and will fight tooth and nail for New Yorks world class educational institutions that foster innovation and worker training. One of the best ways to ensure strong economic growth in our state is by training students for high skilled manufacturing jobs, saidSenator Gillibrand. This investment in Hudson Valley Community College will create the opportunity for more New Yorkers to gain invaluable experience and be properly equipped for success in a 21st century economy. EDA provides funding to distressed communities to assist in their efforts to develop strategies, infrastructure, and programming important to economic growth and job creation. EDA grants are awarded based on the applications merit, the applicants eligibility, and the availability of funds. More information on EDAs grant and investment process can be found atwww.eda.gov. Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-15-million-in-federal-funding-for-new-advanced-manufacturing-facility-at-hudson-valley-community-college,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $1.5 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR NEW ADVANCED MANUFACTURING FACILITY AT HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.17 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $1.5 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR NEW ADVANCED MANUFACTURING FACILITY AT HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Schumer, Gillibrand:Federal Investment Will Train Workers To Adapt To New World Of High-Tech Manufacturing U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumerand Senator Kirsten Gillibrandtoday announced $1,500,000 in federal funding for Hudson Valley Community College. The funding was allocated through the Economic Development Administration(EDA) and will be used for a new Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) training facility. Specifically, this investment will support a new addition that includes classroom space, multiple advanced manufacturing labs, demonstration areas, student advisement center, conference rooms, and Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) simulation computer workstations. Schumer said this project will help strengthen the local economy, support private capital investment and create jobs throughout the region. This critical federal investment will give Hudson Valley Community College the tools necessary to supportand train manufacture workers throughout the region to adapt to the new world of high-tech manufacturing, saidSenator Schumer. It is imperative that we not only invest in workerretraining, but in the kinds of programs that support high-tech manufacturingand the creation of good-paying, middle-class jobs for residents across Upstate New York. I am proud to announce this funding and will fight tooth and nail for New Yorks world class educational institutions that foster innovation and worker training. One of the best ways to ensure strong economic growth in our state is by training students for high skilled manufacturing jobs, saidSenator Gillibrand. This investment in Hudson Valley Community College will create the opportunity for more New Yorkers to gain invaluable experience and be properly equipped for success in a 21st century economy. EDA provides funding to distressed communities to assist in their efforts to develop strategies, infrastructure, and programming important to economic growth and job creation. EDA grants are awarded based on the applications merit, the applicants eligibility, and the availability of funds. More information on EDAs grant and investment process can be found atwww.eda.gov. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crowley.house.gov/press-release/chairman-crowley-statement-second-house-vote-republican-tax-bill,Chairman Crowley Statement on the Second House Vote for the Republican Tax Bill,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-NY) issued the following statement after House Republicans announced they will need to hold a second vote on their disastrous tax plan after the first was found to violate Senate rules: House Republicans should see the necessity for a second vote as a sign they should have never held the first.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/maloney-crowley-slam-gun-legislation,"Maloney, Crowley slam gun legislation",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Members of New Yorks congressional delegation joined law enforcement and gun safety advocates at City Hall Saturday to slam House passage of the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which require all states to honor a permit to carry a concealed firearm from any other state, regardless of how relaxed those state permitting laws may be. The Republican legislation, supported by the National Rifle Association, would undermine New York States strict weapons laws. If guns made us safe, wed be the safest country in the world, U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Astoria) said. Instead, we have a gun violence epidemic in this country and it is glaringly obvious to anyone paying attention that our pathetically weak federal gun safety laws need major improvements. That is why it is so tragic that House Republicans caved to the demands of the NRA and passed the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, a bill that will put more lives at risk rather than make our country safer. Under this bill, someone who couldnt get a concealed carry permit in New York would be able to carry a concealed weapon in New York City with a permit from another state. New York has some of the most effective gun laws in the country, but this bill would eviscerate state laws intended to keep our residents safe from gun violence. The bill, known as H.R. 38, is the first legislation action taken on guns in Congress since the Oct. 1 Las Vegas shooting that killed 58 and the Nov. 5 murder of 26 churchgoers in Sutherland Springs, Texas. The CCRA would put every American at the mercy of the weakest gun laws in the country, undermining states rights and endangering us all, Maloney said. It is despicable that the first action on guns that Congress took after the massacres in Las Vegas and Sutherland Springs was to pass a bill that will enable more people to get more guns and erode current gun safety laws. The bill is headed to the Senate. This disastrous and foolish piece of legislation has the potential to reverse historic gains in public safety that weve achieved in New York City, Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said. Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr. called the CCRA such a silly law, warning it would endanger law enforcement officers and citizens alike, turning routine interactions into potentially hazardous and unpredictable situations. Republicans in Congress have failed to protect Americans and reduce the horror and heartbreak of gun violence, U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights) said. Instead, it will undermine sensible state gun-safety laws by allowing dangerous and violent individuals to secretly carry powerful firearms like those used in the Orlando and Las Vegas mass shootings. American families want to feel safe and secure in our churches, our schools, our communities, and our homes. Democrats wont rest until it becomes a reality.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/the-gop-tax-scam,The GOP Tax Scam,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friend, Today, the House voted for the third and final time on the deeply flawed and misguided Republican tax bill. In this case, the third time was definitely not the charm. This bill is not reform, it is a scam that is particularly cruel to New York which is why I voted no all three times. Under this GOP tax scam, New Yorkers will end up being double-taxed because the bill guts the State and Local Tax deduction that so many of us rely on. Thanks to this scam, 86 million middle-class Americans across the country will see their taxes go up and another 13 million will lose their health insurance. As if all of this werent bad enough, this GOP bill will increase the national debt by at least a trillion dollars over the next decade. All of this is being done to pay for a partisan proposal to provide tax breaks to big business and the fortunate few. Our country and our families deserve a better deal that gives relief to middle class families and small businesses without burdening future generations with a mountain of new debt. NPR published this great explainer of the differences between current law and what the GOP tax bill will enact. I hope you find it useful. If you have any questions about this bill, or any other federal matter affecting you, please dont hesitate to call my office at 212-860-0606 or 202-225-7944. Sincerely, Carolyn B. Maloney Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://meeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-meeks-statement-twice-voting-against-gop-tax-scam,Rep. Meeks Statement on Twice Voting Against GOP Tax Scam,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Gregory Meeks,M001137,meeks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Meeks Statement on Twice Voting Against GOP Tax Scam Washington, D.C.Congressman Gregory W. Meeks released the following statement after twice voting against the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Our country truly needs comprehensive tax reform, but this isnt it. Instead, H.R.1 is a tax break for corporations that also allows the wealthiest 1 percent to receive 83% of the tax cuts.Meanwhile, 86 million middle-class American households will have their taxes raised. The few tax breaks that middle-class Americans will receive are temporary, while the major tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations are permanent. The uppermost wage-earners in America have their top tax rates cut, further widening the income disparity between the wealthy and the rest of America. For decades, the GOP has cut social programs because of an apparently disingenuous fear of increasing our nations deficit, only to then balloon it to an estimated $2.3 trillion dollars in the next decade. NowRepublicans are prepared to siphon trillions of dollars from Medicare and Medicaid, while raising healthcare premiums by over 10% every year and kicking 13 million Americans off their insurance plans. Sadly, my friends on the other side of the aisle have squandered an opportunity to work with Democrats. They chose instead to pursue a partisan path, rushing to cobble together a bill in such haste and carelessness that it had to be voted on twice. This is not the way to govern. It is not the way to strengthen the middle class. It is certainly not the way to keep alive the American dream of getting ahead. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://nadler.house.gov/press-release/congressman-nadler-statement-becoming-ranking-member-house-judiciary-committee,Congressman Nadler Statement on Becoming Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Jerrold Nadler,N000002,nadler.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) released the following statement after being elected Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee: This is a critical time in our nations history, and the work of the Democrats on the Judiciary Committee is more important than ever. Our effortsto hold the Administration and those wishing to turn back historys long arc towards justice accountableare central to the defense of progress and democracy. We must fight to protect the rule of law, strengthen our safety and security from enemies foreign and domestic, shield Americans rights and liberties from encroachment, and guarantee that all people, no matter their age, race, gender, religion, ability, finances, nationality, or sexual orientation, are treated fairly and equally. As Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, I will do everything in my power to pursue these important goals, and look forward to working with my colleagues on the Committee in continuing the march towards justice. Together, we will fiercely defend and support civil rights and civil liberties for all Americans. It is our obligation to be steadfast in working for criminal justice reform, to be vigilant in protecting womens rights, including the right to an abortion, promote greater equality for members of the LGBTQ community, to demand action on common sense gun laws, to support consumers and oversee antitrust concerns, and to hold the Trump Administration accountable for its destructive policies and unprecedented misconduct. This Committee has a responsibility to uphold our laws and ensure justice. My job moving forwardalong with every other member of our Committeeis to advance those principles, and I look forward to taking on those challenges together.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://nadler.house.gov/press-release/nadler-cummings-call-out-house-gop-their-latest-attempt-distract-russia-investigation,Nadler & Cummings Call Out House GOP for Their Latest Attempt to Distract from the Russia Investigation & Discredit the FBI,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Jerrold Nadler,N000002,nadler.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, and Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, released statements after House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) requested emergency interviews this week with FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, FBI Chief of Staff Jim Rybicki, and FBI counsel Lisa Page, in a desperate attempt to distract from the Russia investigation and discredit the FBI. House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler released the following statement: These emergency interviews demonstrate that the Republicans are desperate to undermine the credibility of the FBI and the Special Counsels investigation. They have been scheduled with less than 48 hours notice, weeks before the relevant documents are due to the committees, and while the Justice Department Inspector General is in the midst of its own investigation. Instead of investigating allegations of obstruction of justice at the White House, or the ongoing threat of foreign interference in our elections, the Republicans would rather continue their obsession with attacking President Trumps political opponents. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Ranking Member Elijah E. Cummings released the following statement: Republicans are terrified that Special Counsel Mueller is getting closer to the truth, and they are desperate to grind his investigation to a halteven if they undermine the foundations of our democracy. Republicans are rushing to demand documents and hold emergency interviews about Hillary Clinton, but they wont ask the White House for even a single scrap of paper about Michael FlynnPresident Trumps right hand man who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about the Russians. If Republicans continue on this misguided course, they will face a stark reckoning the next time the American people choose who they want in Congress conducting oversight of the Trump Administration. Its unclear why Chairman Gowdy is requesting to interview McCabe yet again when he spent all afternoon yesterday asking him all of these questions before the Intelligence Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://seanmaloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-demands-answers-on-banned-words-list-at-cdc,Maloney Demands Answers on Banned Words List at CDC,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Sean Maloney,M001185,seanmaloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington After reports surfaced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were banned from using seven terms including transgender and evidence-based by the Trump Administration, Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) sent a letter to the agency asking for clarification on the facts of these reports. The CDCs director, Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, has suggested that the stories mischaracterize the state of affairs at the agency, but has not offered her own version of events. The idea that the CDC would ban words like science-based is so crazy I had a hard time taking it seriously said Rep. Maloney. But now that theyre refusing to deny or clarify their policies, Im starting to get concerned that the Trump Administration sees 1984 more as a how-to guide than a cautionary tale. Rep. Maloney is leading the letter with Representatives Jim Langevin (D-RI) Diana DeGette (D-CO), Judy Chu (D-CA), and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR). As first reported byThe Washington Post, CDC guidance directs employees to refrain from using the words vulnerable, entitlement, diversity, transgender, fetus, evidence-based and science-based in documents related to the CDCs Fiscal Year 2019 budget proposal. The letter, which was signed by 88 Members of Congress, requests information regarding the origin, purpose, and scope of the word ban. A copy of the letter can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/on-senate-floor-gillibrand-calls-on-congress-to-take-action-to-protect-dreamers,"On Senate Floor, Gillibrand Calls On Congress To Take Action To Protect Dreamers",2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2017 On Senate Floor, Gillibrand Calls On Congress To Take Action To Protect Dreamers Hundreds Of Thousands Of Dreamers Are At Risk Of Being Deported From The Only Country They Know As Home, Gillibrand: If The President Wont Lead, Then Congress Must Lead, And We Need To Lead Now **WATCH Senator Gillibrands speech on the Senate Floor HERE** Washington, DC U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand spoke on the Senate floor this afternoon to urge her colleagues to protect Dreamers in the long-term government spending bill. In September, President Trump announced his decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, putting hundreds of thousands of young people in this country at risk of losing their protected status and being deported. Gillibrand has said she will not vote for any long-term spending bill that does not protect Dreamers, and urged her colleagues to pass the Dream Act now. Below are Senator Gillibrands remarks as delivered: Mr. President, I rise to speak about an urgent crisis that Congress must solve now for nearly 800,000 Dreamers in this country. I am proud to represent New York State in the U.S. Senate. And one of things I am most proud of is that my state is home to tens of thousands of Dreamers tens of thousands of young people who have never known any other country as home but this one. When President Trump announced that he wanted to end the DACA program, it was one of the most inhumane actions of his entire presidency. Let me be clear about what ending DACA will do. Ending DACA will force thousands of Dreamers to lose their jobs, it will force them to go into hiding, it will force them to have to make the unimaginable choice between either staying here undocumented or being forced out of the United States. So I ask my colleagues, are you really okay letting that happen, when you personally have the power to prevent it from happening right now? Attacking Dreamers like this goes against our most basic values as Americans, our most basic sense of right versus wrong. And I know this chamber is divided about how to fix our broken immigration system, but just for a second, forget about ideology and think about what it actually means for these young people who have spent their entire lives here. They are waiting and wondering if Congress actually has the guts to stand up to President Trump and do what is right. If the President wont lead, then Congress must lead, and we need to lead now. We have to protect our Dreamers, and we need to pass the Dream Act. And most of all, we should never allow our Dreamers to be used as political pawns. We should simply do what both parties have said is the right thing to do, which is to pass the Dream Act. This is a matter of basic human rights and human dignity. Its about peoples lives and Im not going to compromise on that. Mr. President, are you willing to compromise on that? We need to fix this problem, and we dont have a lot of time to do it. Every week that Congress refuses to take action, more Dreamers lose their DACA status. Very soon, we are going to have to pass a long-term spending bill just to keep the government running. But the Republican leadership has not yet committed to including a provision in the bill to protect our Dreamers. So Mr. President, I want to say this very clearly: If my Republican colleagues refuse to do the right thing and protect our Dreamers in the upcoming long-term spending bill, I will vote no. I will ask all of my colleagues to join me in this fight. I will ask all of them to see that this issue not as a political question, its just a basic question of whether or not we are a country that protects children. I am never going to compromise when it comes to our Dreamers. Not when their lives are literally hanging in the balance. Time is desperately running out. So I urge my colleagues to do what is right. We must protect the Dreamers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-opposes-republican-tax-bill/,Clarke Opposes Republican Tax Bill,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke issued this statement following today’s GOP tax vote. Clarke voted against the bill: “Policy reflects priorities and the GOP’s priorities are clear: billionaires first, everybody else second. “Eighty-six percent of middle class families will pay more in taxes. Americans will face higher healthcare premiums and 13 million people will lose their coverage altogether. “Twenty-five billion dollars will be cut from Medicare. The bill slashes the highly popular state and local tax (SALT) deductions and increases the debt by as much as $2.2 trillion, leaving our children and grandchildren to deal with crushing debt. What’s worse, good paying jobs will be shipped overseas. “This bill supports Republicans’ trickle-down delusions, not analysis or facts. It was written first and foremost for the wealthiest one percent, lobbyists and donors, not ordinary Americans. “Every Republican who voted for this legislation will be forced to answer why they chose the donor class over the working class. Republicans will have to explain why they’ve made corporate tax cuts permanent, while making tax cuts for hard-working American families temporary. “The American people will continue to make their voices heard and hold Republicans accountable for this tax scam. “Republicans own this.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z https://crowley.house.gov/press-release/chairman-crowley-statement-congressional-resolution-disapproval-overrule-fcc-net,Chairman Crowley Statement on Congressional Resolution of Disapproval to Overrule FCC Net Neutrality Ruling,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-NY) issued the following statement after co-sponsoring legislation that would reverse the Federal Communications Commissions decision to repeal net neutrality rules: A free and open internet is vital to American ingenuity. The partisan decision by President Trumps FCC chairman and the commissions Republicans to undo net neutrality rules will hurt American consumers, small businesses, and our countrys ability to innovate and advance new technologies. Im proud to support Congressman Doyles effort to stop President Trumps FCC and ensure net neutrality and fairness is what governs our internet.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crowley.house.gov/press-release/chairman-crowley-statement-republican-tax-bill-0,Chairman Crowley Statement on Republican Tax Bill,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-NY) issued the following statement after House Republicans voted to advance a tax bill that will significantly harm the American middle class: With this vote, Republicans have abandoned all pretense that they are fighting for the middle class. The GOP tax plan is a sham that will add trillions to our deficit and will leave behind the very people the GOP claims to helpaverage Americans. Ultimately, this measure will create a two-tier economy. Those living paycheck-to-paycheck - veterans, teachers, first responders, and millions of others - will see their taxes go up. Corporate special interests and wealthy Americans, including the Trump family, will see their taxes go down. Working and middle-class Americans built this country. They are the backbone of our economy. And today, Republicans are leaving them behind.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crowley.house.gov/press-release/declaraciones-del-presidente-del-caucus-dem-crata-crowley-sobre-la-ley-fiscal,Declaraciones del Presidente del Caucus Demcrata Crowley Sobre la Ley Fiscal Republicana,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) El presidente del Caucus Demcrata de la Cmara de Representantes Joe Crowley (D-NY), emiti las siguientes declaraciones despus de que los republicanos en la Cmara de Representes votaran a favor de una propuesta de ley que perjudicar significativamente a la clase media estadounidense: ""Con este voto, los republicanos han abandonado toda apariencia de estar luchando a favor de la clase media. El plan fiscal del Partido Republicano es una farsa que le sumar billones de dlares a nuestro dficit y dejar atrs a las personas que el Partido Republicano dice ayudar: los estadounidenses comunes. ""En ltima instancia, esta medida crear una economa de dos niveles. Los que viven de sueldo en sueldo veteranos, maestros, personal de primeros auxilios, y millones ms, vern subir sus impuestos. Los intereses corporativos especiales y los estadounidenses ricos, incluyendo la familia Trump, vern disminuir sus impuestos. ""Los trabajadores y los estadounidenses de clase media construyeron este pas. Ellos son la columna vertebral de nuestra economa. Y hoy, los republicanos los estn dejando atrs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/engel-kinzinger-boyle-royce-offer-bill-to-support-future-security-of-syrian-people-hold-assad-regime-accountable/,"Engel, Kinzinger, Boyle, Royce Offer Bill to Support Future Security of Syrian People, Hold Assad Regime Accountable",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Eliot Engel,E000179,engel.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/engel-new-york-is-getting-screwed-by-the-gop-tax-scam/,"Engel: New York is ""Getting Screwed"" by the GOP Tax Scam",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Eliot Engel,E000179,engel.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/engel-statement-on-honduras/,Engel Statement on Honduras,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Eliot Engel,E000179,engel.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-adriano-espaillat-statement-urge-vote-dream-act,CONGRESSMAN ADRIANO ESPAILLAT STATEMENT TO URGE VOTE ON THE DREAM ACT,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Adriano Espaillat,E000297,espaillat.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement today to urge Republican leadership to bring the Dream Act to the floor for consideration before the end of the year. DREAMers and DACA recipients positively impact every portion of our society, and more than 12,000 young people have lost their protection from deportation and their ability to work since the Trump Administration announced the end of DACA earlier this year, said Rep. Espaillat (NY-13). As someone who came to this country as a young child with my family, and having spent more than 20 years fighting for immigration rights, I take this issue personally. I remember arriving to the United States, speaking limited English, and being fearful of deportation. As a young boy in a new country, I never could have imagined serving in the United States Congress. I want this same opportunity for other DREAMers. More than 80 percent of Americans feel as I do and favor legal status for these young immigrants. Recent polls indicate there is an overwhelming support of DREAMers that crosses race, economic status and party lines. The DREAM Act would not provide automatic amnesty, but would give these young people a chance and a shot at the American dream. Passage of the Dream Act is a priority and should be included in the must-pass spending bill that Congress needs to approve by December 22nd. Much is at stake and time is running out for these young people. Unless Congress takes action soon to pass the DREAM Act, DREAMers many of whom have never been back to the places where they were born will become deportable from the only place they have ever called their home. # # # First elected to Congress in 2016, Rep. Adriano Espaillat is serving his first term in Congress where he serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and the House Select Committee on Small Business. He is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and serves in a leadership role as CHC Freshman Representative to the Democratic Caucus. He is also chairman of the CHC Task Force for Transportation, Infrastructure and Housing. Rep. Espaillats Congressional District includes Harlem, East Harlem, northern Manhattan and the north-west Bronx. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/. Media inquiries: Candace Randle Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov Permanezca informado y conectado:Espaillat.House.Gov/@RepEspaillat En Espaol NOTA DE PRENSA Para divulgacin inmediata 18 de diciembre, 2017 DECLARACIN DEL CONGRESISTA ADRIANO ESPAILLAT PARA URGIR VOTO EN ACTA DEL SUEO (DREAM ACT) WASHINGTON, DC El congresista Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) emiti hoy la siguiente declaracin para urgir a los lderes republicanos a que presenten ante el pleno el Acta del Sueo (Dream Act) antes de fin de ao. ""Los Soadores (DREAMers) y beneficiarios de DACA tienen un impacto positivo en cada parte de nuestra sociedad, y ms de 12,000 jvenes han perdido su proteccin de la deportacin y su permiso de trabajo desde que la Administracin Trump anunci el final de DACA a principios de este ao"", dijo el congresista Espaillat (NY -13). ""Como alguien que vino a este pas cuando era un nio pequeo con mi familia, y despus de haber pasado ms de 20 aos luchando por los derechos de inmigracin, tomo este tema de manera personal. Recuerdo haber llegado a los Estados Unidos, hablar ingls limitado y temer la deportacin. Como un nio en un pas nuevo, nunca me hubiera imaginado sirviendo en el Congreso de los Estados Unidos. Quiero esta misma oportunidad para otros DREAMers. ""Ms del 80 por ciento de los estadounidenses se sienten como yo y favorecen que se le otorgue estatus legal a estos jvenes inmigrantes. Encuestas recientes indican que hay un apoyo abrumador a los DREAMers que va ms all de la raza, el estado econmico y las lneas partidarias. ""El Acta del Sueo (DREAM Act) no proporcionara una amnista automtica, pero dara a estos jvenes una oportunidad para lograr el sueo Americano. La aprobacin de Dream Act es una prioridad y debe incluirse en el proyecto de ley de gastos que el Congreso debe aprobar antes del 22 de diciembre. Mucho est en juego y el tiempo se est acabando para estos jvenes. A menos que el Congreso tome medidas pronto para aprobar el DREAM Act, los DREAMers, muchos de los cuales nunca han regresado a los lugares donde nacieron, sern deportados desde el nico lugar al que alguna vez hayan llamado su hogar"". # # # Elegido al Congreso en 2016, el congresista Adriano Espaillat est cumpliendo su primer mandato en el Congreso, donde sirve como miembro del influyente Comit de Asuntos Exteriores, delComitde Educacin y Fuerza Laboral, y delComitEspecial de Pequeos Negocios de la Cmara de Representantes de los Estados Unidos. Es miembro del Caucus Hispano del Congreso (CHC)y desempea un papel de liderazgo como representante de primer ao de CHC en el Caucus Demcrata. Adems espresidente del Grupo de Trabajo sobre Transporte, Infraestructura y Vivienda del CHC.El Distrito Congresual del congresista Espaillat incluye Harlem, East Harlem, el norte de Manhattan y el noroeste de El Bronx. Para obtener ms informacin sobre el congresista Espaillat, visite la pgina de internethttps://espaillat.house.gov/. Preguntas de la prensa: Candace Randle Person enCandace.Person@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-votes-no-on-gop-tax-bill,Higgins Votes No on GOP Tax Bill,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Brian Higgins,H001038,higgins.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26), Vice Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement following his vote against H.R. 1, the GOP tax bill: This GOP tax bill provides a heartbreaking catapult to income inequality in America that will serve to grow the gaping wedge between hardworking Americans and wealthy corporate bosses. This is policy not motivated by bettering the lives of families, students and retirees and certainly not founded in genuine public interest; it is driven by greed and corporate influencers in a callous move to please stockholders and increase the bottom line of big business. The giveaways provided to those who already have much will be paid for on the broken backs of those struggling to simply get a little ahead in life. The even greater fear is that this is just the beginning. The GOP has already indicated plans to move forward on cuts to Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid to pay for this gift. These tax cuts will create a manufactured crisis as an excuse to raid the American people of their earned benefits, hurting retirees who worked hard for their Social Security, costing seniors who count on Medicare, and abandoning people with disabilities who rely on Medicaid to stay healthy, independent and in their homes. I support meaningful tax reform that removes corporate loopholes and advances policies that build stronger families and communities but I cannot support this bill, a cruel American betrayal guised as reform that prioritizes getting anything done before doing real good for the American people and economy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://louise.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/slaughter-speaks-out-against-republican-tax-cut-bill-wealthy-house-floor,Slaughter Speaks Out Against the Republican Tax Cut Bill for the Wealthy on the House Floor,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Louise Slaughter,S000480,louise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (NY-25) took to the House Floor today to speak out against the Republican tax cut for the wealthy ahead of a vote on the legislation this afternoon. This bill would provide a massive tax cut for big corporations and the wealthy while raising taxes for 86 million middle class families and increasing the deficit by more than $1.5 trillion. Because the tax bill is unpaid for, federal law requires cuts to programs Americans depend on to pay for these tax cuts for the rich, including a $25 billion cut to Medicare. Video of her remarks is available here. This is really a remarkable time in the United States, knowing that we are on the brink of passing a bill that will adversely impact virtually every American except the wealthy. The Majority has the votes and theres not much Democrats can do to stop it. But it is an insult to the word reform to associate it with this bill, Slaughter said on the floor. This bill hurts the middle class, children, and the elderly by limiting or outright eliminating many of the deductions they rely on. For years, I have heard members of the Majority come to this floor talking about the need to address the national debt. Apparently, that was little more than a talking point. This bill explodes the deficit by $1.5 trillion. And its completely unpaid for, continued Slaughter. Soon they will be back here talking about reforming Social Security and Medicare to pay for what they are doing here. Lets call it what it really is: a systematic dismantling of the social contract. It will impact everyone from children to veterans to the disabled. And it begins today with this bill to help the wealthy. Slaughters full remarks, as prepared for delivery, are included below: Emergency procedures were used to bring up the bill before us today. What matter requires such urgent attention? Is it reauthorizing the Childrens Health Insurance Program, which provides health care to more than 9 million children across the nation? Or reauthorizing Community Health Centers, which serve more than 25 million people? Or renewing the Perkins loan program, which many low-income students rely on for their education? All of these programs expired on September 30th. But they are not what we are considering today. Instead, despite a record 86 months of job growth and an unemployment rate that remains steady, the Majority is prioritizing tax cuts. Not tax cuts for the middle class, people who work hard to make ends meet. But tax cuts for the wealthy. So the middle class will see their money go right to the rich. That is what this bill was designed to do. You can tell by who wrote it. Theres not a single Democratic fingerprint anywhere to be found. Instead, it was crafted by the lobbyists who virtually run Washington under the Majoritys leadership. Consider this: there are 11,000 registered lobbyists in Washington, DC. More than half of them reported working on issues involving taxes during the first three quarters of this year. Each of the 20 organizations that hired the most lobbyists to work on tax issues have reported lobbying specifically on tax reform, covering the very matters included in this bill. The New York Times has reported that travel industry lobbyists directly emailed those writing this bill to kill an amendment on tourism because a competitor who favored it has been critical of President Trump. Business lobbyists, after already securing a lower corporate tax rate in an early version of this bill, called members of the Majority and made it even more favorable to them. They secured the removal of the corporate alternative minimum tax, a provision designed to prevent the very rich from gaming the system. The Majority has been very clear about who this bill is written for. One member of the Majority, Congressman Chris Collins, has said, quote, My donors are basically saying, Get it done or dont ever call me again, end quote. But M. /Speaker, what about the average American workers and members of the middle class who cant write the biggest campaign check or have an army of lawyers scour the tax code on their behalf? Those are the people who will be forced to pay the price for providing the wealthy with these tax cuts. This is really a remarkable time in the United States, knowing that we are on the brink of passing a bill that will adversely impact virtually every American except the wealthy. The Majority has the votes and theres not much Democrats can do to stop it. But it is an insult to the word reform to associate it with this bill. The American people know they are not getting what was promised by the Majority. This bill hurts the middle class, children, and the elderly by limiting or outright eliminating many of the deductions they rely on. Under this bill, the personal exemption is eliminated, the mortgage interest deduction is limited, the State and Local Tax deduction is limited, and the moving expense deduction for individuals has been eliminated. Even the Affordable Care Acts individual mandate is eliminated. That will cause premiums to go up by 10 percent for those in the individual market. And 13 million people will be uninsured. All the tax cuts made for individuals will expire by 2025 while the tax cuts for corporations are permanent. That is not reform. That keeps our tax code complicated by design. Wealthy families and big corporations can continue taking advantage of a system they helped create. President Trump promised over and over again that carried interest would be eliminated. Right up to the time it was left in this bill. Because despite some small technical changes, its alive and well here. Broken promises like this are embedded throughout this legislation. For years, I have heard members of the Majority come to this floor talking about the need to address the national debt. Apparently, that was little more than a talking point. This bill explodes the deficit by $1.5 trillion. And its completely unpaid for. Because of that, federal law requires cuts to programs Americans depend, including a $25 billion cut to Medicare. This isnt fear-mongering, this is fact. Speaker Ryan said just last week, quote, Were going to have to get back next year at entitlement reform, which is how you tackle the debt and the deficit, end quote. Let me say this to the public watching today: when the Majority speaks of reform, you should be very worried about your future. Because they pushed this scam under the guise of so-called reform and its simply a corporate giveaway. Soon they will be back here talking about reforming Social Security and Medicare to pay for what they are doing here. Lets call it what it really is: a systematic dismantling of the social contract. It will impact everyone from children to veterans to the disabled. And it begins today with this bill to help the wealthy. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/house-democrats-push-to-end-corporate-culture-of-secrecy-around-sexual,House Democrats Push To End Corporate Culture Of Secrecy Around Sexual Harassment,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Democratic House members announced two new bills on Monday designed to combat the corporate culture of secrecy that helps protect workplace sexual harassers. Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Annie Kuster (D-N.H.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.)discussed the Ending Secrecy About Workplace Sexual Harassment Act and the No Tax Deductions for Sexual Harasser Buyouts Act at a press conference on Monday afternoon. They were joined by representatives from the Feminist Majority Foundation, the ERA Coalition and the National Organization for Women. With total secrecy, companies have absolutely no incentive to focus on preventing sexual misconduct if they know they will never be held accountable. But with these two bills, we flip the incentive structure from one of cover-up to one of prevention, Maloney told reporters. The proposed Ending Secrecy About Workplace Sexual Harassment Act takes aim at the nondisclosure agreements that accusers are often forced to sign to win settlements in workplace sexual harassment cases. The bill would require companies to report all court settlements involving sexual harassment, assault and discrimination to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission annually. When employers dont have to disclose these internal settlements, when there is no public record about abuse, it can cause great harm to victims, other employees who may not know theyre working in a harassing environment or who the harassers are, and even the public at large, Maloney said. Suozzi added thatwe need to shine a light on sexual harassment and assault. We must remember the adage Sunlight is the best disinfectant, he said, adding, By requiring companies to detail sexual harassment data, we can clearly define the extent of this pervasive problem and begin to change this toxic culture of behavior. The proposed No Tax Deductions for Sexual Harasser Buyouts Act would no longer allow companies to pay million-dollar severances to employees fired for sexual misconduct and then use those buyouts as a way to lower their own taxes. The measure was inspired byFox News recent payment of $25 million to Bill OReillyafter the cable host was fired over sexual harassment allegations. Sexual harassment survives in the backrooms and dark places of the American workplace, behind locked doors and a veil of silence and fear, Raskin said. This legislation pulls back the curtain and turns on the lights so America knows whats happening. Eleanor Smeal, president of the Feminist Majority Foundation, sounded hopeful about the future:Feminist leaders are building on the strength and bravery of survivors, and this is the start of us moving forward with real solutions.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-on-voting-no-on-gop-tax-bill,Maloney On Voting No on GOP Tax Bill,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC After voting no on H.R. 1, the Republican tax reform bill, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) released the following statement: I voted no on the Republicans tax bill because this bill is not reform, it is a scam that is particularly cruel to New York. Under this GOP tax scam, New Yorkers will end up being double-taxed because the bill guts the State and Local Tax deduction that so many of us rely on. Across the country, 86 million middle-class Americans will see their taxes go up and another 13 million will lose their health insurance, thanks to this scam. If that werent enough, this GOP bill will increase the national debt by at least a trillion dollars over the next decade. All of this is being done to pay for a partisan proposal to provide tax breaks to big business and the fortunate few. Our country and our families to deserve a better deal that gives relief to middle class families and small businesses without burdening future generations with a mountain of new debt. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://seanmaloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-statement-on-house-passage-of-tax-bill,Maloney Statement on House Passage of Tax Bill,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Sean Maloney,M001185,seanmaloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This tax bill, which was written in secret by corporate lobbyists and rammed through the House, is bad for New York and bad for our country. Dont take my word for it, most of the Republicans from New York broke with their own party and voted no, so I couldnt possibly support it. I mean, it raises property taxes for us and 83% of the benefits goto the richest 1%, so it obviously wont help the Hudson Valley families who need relief. But it will explode our deficit, weaken Medicare, and undermine our efforts to build infrastructure and invest in education. I would have supported responsible tax reform, but sadly the Republicans in Congress have chosen to help out corporations and wealthy elites instead of focusing tax relief on your average American.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://serrano.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-serrano-responds-republican-disaster-supplemental,Congressman Serrano Responds to Republican Disaster Supplemental,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,José Serrano,S000248,serrano.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congressman Jos E. Serrano issued the following statement in response to the release of the Republican Disaster Supplemental: Although I appreciate the majoritys willingness to go well beyond what the Trump Administration requested, it does not go far enough to ensure that Puerto Rico can comprehensively rebuild in a sustainable manner. By leaving in place numerous local cost-share requirements, the legislation puts an onerous burden on an already cash-strapped government on the island. This will make it difficult to access funds. The bill also does nothing to address the looming Medicaid cliff, which will devastate access to health care in Puerto Rico. Although the bill does make progress on the Administrations request in a number of areas- like doubling funding for the Economic Development Administration (EDA) from what was requested- the majority left much undone elsewhere. In addition, the legislation does little for the many states, including New York and Florida, who have opened their arms to welcome displaced individuals and families from Puerto Rico. Previous disaster supplementals have essentially held states harmless for the costs of welcoming displaced individuals and helping them access health care, education, and housing. This legislation only includes funding for one part of that commitment. It is also troubling that the legislation attempts to reopen PROMESA and provide the Oversight Board with new powers and responsibilities. This is unnecessary - the Board already has significant powers to help oversee the federal funding the island will receive- it does not need more. Had Republicans chosen to work with Democrats, we could have produced a supplemental that all of us could be proud of. Instead, we are left with another partisan quagmire that shows the inability of the majority to govern in a responsible manner. The only people who will suffer as a result of this inadequate legislation are those already hurting in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and elsewhere. ### Congressman Jos E. Serrano has represented The Bronx in Congress since 1990. He is a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://serrano.house.gov/media-center/serrano-report/serrano-report-volume-xvi-issue-27,"The Serrano Report - Volume XVI, Issue #27",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,José Serrano,S000248,serrano.house.gov,,,legacy,"In Washington Congressman Serrano Speaks Out Against FCC Decision to Repeal Net Neutrality Rules Congressman Serrano joined net neutrality advocates in front of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) building in Washington D.C. this past Thursday to speak out against a detrimental decision that will affect the way we use the internet for years to come. He joined many of his Congressional colleagues and other known public figures. The battle for net neutrality continues in the courts where many states have already filed law suits against the ruling. Watch his full remarks below: Congressman Serrano and Colleagues Meet with Puerto Rican Governor Ricardo Rossell and Mayors Last week Congressman Serrano, Leader Pelosi, Congressman Gutirrez, and Congresswoman Velzquez met with Puerto Rican Governor Ricardo Rossell and many mayors from Puerto Rico to discuss the recovery efforts as well as the financial needs of the island. Many Americans on the island are still without electricity and the funding needed to address infrastructure recovery is not arriving quick enough. In the Bronx Congressman Serrano Leads Letter with Bronx Colleagues Urging Mayor de Blasio to Open LGBTQ Community Center in the Bronx Congressman Serrano, Engel, Crowley, and Espaillat sent a letter last Friday to Mayor Bill de Blasio urging him to prioritize addressing LGBTQ community needs in his upcoming term as Mayor. The letter emphasized the need to open an LGBTQ community center in the Bronx the only borough that does not have one. They also urged Mayor de Blasio to address the issues of homelessness and other housing needs that affect the LGBTQ community and those who are gender non-conforming (TGNC), particularly teenagers; as well as the rise in violence and other human rights violations against LGBTQ people.[T]he Bronx remains without an LGBTQ Community Center, and continues to be the sole borough in New York City without one. As you may know, community centers play a vital role in enriching the lives of residents and the neighborhoods they call home. Whether providing easy access to quality, safe programs and services or directing families to the appropriate channels to receive the much-needed assistance they are seeking, community centers are a crucial safety net for many. We strongly believe that no one should be forced to travel outside of their neighborhood in order to obtain essential care readily accessible in neighboring communities. For these reasons, we ask that you work to improve LGBTQ services in the Bronx by helping open an LGBTQ community center, the members wrote.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/suozzi-helps-secure-678-million-bethpage-water-district-facility-upgrades,Suozzi Helps Secure $6.78 Million for Bethpage Water District Facility Upgrades Critical to Navy/Grumman Plume Cleanup,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Thomas Suozzi,S001201,suozzi.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Tom Suozzi announced that the Bethpage Water District has reached a financial agreement with the Department of the Navy that will provide $8 million in funding that will ultimately help with cleaning up the Navy/Grumman plume. I cant thank Congressman Suozzi enough for his support in helping us get these funds. His compassion and dedication to driving the ball forward on the cleanup efforts has been critical. This will make a big difference for the people of Bethpage, said Michael Boufis, Bethpage Water District Superintendent. The Navy has agreed to pay over $6 million of the costs upfront, and will reimburse the Bethpage Water District for the remaining sum. All the funds will go to upgrading the Bethpage Water Districts Plant 6, which has been adversely affected by high levels of groundwater contamination. Suozzi helped guide this agreement through the legal process after the preliminary agreement was reached. People living in Bethpage and surrounding areas have been dealing with this for way too long. Im happy theyll be getting this critical funding and that the Navy has done the right thing in paying for it. We have a long way to go, but this is a tremendous financial relief for the Bethpage Water District as they move forward with the remediation process, said Congressman Suozzi. Last week, the President signed the National Defense Authorization Act, which included $42 million in additional funding above the Presidents request for cleanup of the Navy/Grumman plume that Rep. Suozzi passed through the House of Representatives along with Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford). Suozzi also visited the Pentagon last week, where he met with Steven Iselin, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment, and Karnig Ohannessian, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for the Environment. They discussed the cleanup of the Navy/Grumman plume and how to best keep the cleanup process moving along.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/suozzi-votes-no-final-passage-republican-tax-bill,Suozzi Votes No on Final Passage of Republican Tax Bill,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Thomas Suozzi,S001201,suozzi.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Tom Suozzi issued the following statement shortly after the Republican-led tax reform bill passed the House of Representatives. This legislation is a punch-in-the-gut to middle-class families throughout Long Island and Queens. My district is home to over 250,000 families that benefit from the state and local tax deduction the most in the nation. Thanks to this disaster of a bill, which all but cripples this deduction, hardworking New York families will now see their property values plummet and their taxes skyrocket. Despite demonstrable evidence from non-partisan sources showing how middle-class families all over New York will suffer under this plan, House Republicans still jammed this bill through in record time. They are literally raising taxes on New Yorkers to deliver tax breaks to other parts of the country. New York is already the biggest net donor to the federal government. We get $48 billion less than we send in income taxes to the federal government. This bill, which eliminate the state and local tax deduction above $10,000, will only increase that injustice. I came to Congress ready and willing to work in bipartisan fashion to get things done for the American people, and that commitment remains. However, this bill represents every Americans worst nightmare when it comes to hyper-partisanship, back-door deals, and a complete lack of transparency. I will keep fighting for what I know to be right, but not at the expense of the people I represent.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=685,Tonko Eviscerates Republican Tax Scam Bill after House Vote,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,,,legacy,"""If this betrayal is approved by the Senate and signed by the President, it will marshal in one of the largest long-term redistributions of wealth to the wealthy in our nations history."" - Rep. Paul Tonko share: f t WASHINGTON Congressman Paul Tonko expressed grave disappointment today as the House voted to advance final passage of the Republican tax plan, which will raise taxes on average for anyone making less than $75,000 per year by 2027 and delivers an estimated 82 percent of its benefits to the wealthiest 1 percent. This deeply unpopular bill was rammed through Congress with no hearings and no opportunity for serious amendments or debate, presumably because the plan is toxic, said Tonko. Instead of helping middle class and working poor families as promised, this plan expires their benefits, slashes Medicare and raises taxes for the many to give lavish permanent benefits and breaks to the wealthy and powerful few. The trillion dollars or more in debt this plan will saddle to our economy amounts to some $12,000 for every U.S. household, debt we are forced to carry so wealthy corporations can get tax benefits for outsourcing good jobs to other industrialized nations and so inheritances over $11 million can get a tax break. If this betrayal is approved by the Senate and signed by the President, it will marshal in one of the largest long-term redistributions of wealth to the wealthy in our nations history. I urge my Senate colleagues to remember their duty to their constituents and stop this regrettable plan from advancing any further. The Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimates the Republican tax plan will add more than $1 trillion to the federal deficit over ten years. Its passage is expected to trigger an estimated $25 billion in immediate cuts to Medicare. According to JCT reports, the bill will raise taxes on average for every income group under $75,000 by 2027 and raises taxes or largely ignores an estimated 84 percent of all U.S. households (156 million). A recent economic report has confirmed previous Congressional Budget Office analysis showing that the wealthiest 1 percent of U.S. households already hold 40 percent of the nations total wealth while the bottom 80 percent of earners hold just 7 percent. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crowley.house.gov/press-release/chairman-crowley-statement-president-trump-s-national-security-plan,Chairman Crowley Statement on President Trumps National Security Plan,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-NY) issued the following statement on President Trumps national security plan for America: This national security plan regurgitates President Trumps most antagonistic campaign rhetoric. Rhetoric that has alienated our closest allies during his first 11 months in office, weakened the United States position as a global leader and diminished our security both here at home and abroad. The unfortunate reality is the president lacks a true national security vision for this country. There are numerous missed opportunities in this document - most glaringly the failure to publicly acknowledge that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election. If President Trump is unwilling to stand tough against our adversaries in practice, then this national security plan will do nothing to make us safer or stronger.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/engel-statement-on-trumps-national-security-strategy/,Engel Statement on Trump's National Security Strategy,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Eliot Engel,E000179,engel.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://louise.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/slaughter-statement-passing-robert-wilmers,Slaughter Statement on the Passing of Robert Wilmers,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Louise Slaughter,S000480,louise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (NY-25) released the following statement in reaction to the passing of Robert Wilmers, the chairman and CEO of M&T Bank, Inc. since 1983. M&T moved to the Rochester, NY market in 1990. I am deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the passing of my friend, Bob Wilmers. I send my condolences to his loving wife and family. I was so fond of Bob as a friend and confidant, and as an exemplary businessman. I always thought of him as the best banker in the world with the highest reputation. His accomplishments only tell part of the story of this amazing man. He was generous with his time and expertise, especially during the 2008 recession when M&T stood so strong while others collapsed. The impact he has had on our community and state will continue for many years to come. He will be greatly missed. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-visits-white-plains-hospital-call-chip-reauthorization,Lowey Visits White Plains Hospital to Call for CHIP Reauthorization,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Nita Lowey,L000480,lowey.house.gov,,,legacy,"WHITE PLAINS, NY Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, today joined medical professionals and child advocates at White Plains Hospital to demand that the Republican-led Congress immediately reauthorize the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which expired on September 30. Joining Congresswoman Lowey at White Plains Hospital were Susan Fox, President and CEO of White Plains Hospital; Dr. Steven Safyer, President and CEO of Montefiore Medicine; Cora Greenberg, Executive Director of Westchester Childrens Association; Kathy Halas, Executive Director of Child Care Council of Westchester; Marcelle Nesci, a pediatric nurse practitioner at White Plains Hospital; Heather Miller, Executive Director of the Thomas H. Slater Center; Amy Wolfson, Chief External Relations Officer at Open Door Family Medical Center; Dr. Heather Brumberg, President of American Academy of Pediatrics NYS Chapter 3; Dr. Shetal Shah, Vice President of American Academy of Pediatrics NYS Chapter 2; and Karen Fink, clinic director for Family Services of Westchester. CHIP has historically been bipartisan. But rather than extend CHIP, Republican leadership wasted time in the days leading up to CHIP expiring to push yet another partisan health bill that couldnt pass, said Congresswoman Lowey. After that failure, Republican leadership has focused solely on passing a tax scam that will take money out of the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers, and give massive tax cuts to corporations, all while adding more than $1 trillion to the deficit. It is unfathomable that congressional Republicans would go home for the holidays while we are weeks away from families getting letters in the mail saying their childrens health coverage is about to lapse, risking the health of thousands of children, some with serious medical conditions. Republican leadership needs to stop playing partisan games and reauthorize CHIP now. CHIP is a vital partnership between the federal government and states that expands access to health coverage for 9 million children and pregnant mothers in families that earn too much for Medicaid, but not enough to afford other health coverage. Three hundred fifty thousand New Yorkers are covered by CHIP. The program provides families with incomes up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level, such as a family of three with an income of about $82,000, access to routine checkups, immunizations, prescription drugs, dental and vision coverage, and more. As states begin to exhaust their federal CHIP funding, leaving millions of children at risk of losing health coverage, congressional Republicans are plowing ahead with a $1.5 trillion tax bill instead of reauthorizing the program. Sixteen states will exhaust CHIP funding by the end of January, and three-quarters of states, including New York, will exhaust all funds by the end of March. Three hundred fifty thousand New York children are at risk of losing health coverage unless Congress reauthorizes the program. Since CHIP was created in 1997, thousands of Westchesters children have benefitted from comprehensive health care, said Cora Greenberg, Executive Director of Westchester Childrens Association. Today, 87,000, or nearly 37% of Westchesters children and teens are insured through Medicaid and CHIP, providing well-baby visits, immunizations, regular check-ups and screenings, and life-saving medical treatments. If we lose CHIP, these children, their families and our county as a whole will face higher medical costs, suffer preventable diseases, and generally undo the incredible progress weve made in better health for all. Its inconceivable to me that the elected leaders of our country would deny children access to basic health care, said Steven M. Safyer, M.D., President and CEO of Montefiore Medicine. It is Montefiores mission as one of the largest providers of health services to children in the counties we serve, to provide the best, most comprehensive health care. We take pride in nurturing the next generation of Americans. Fifty five thousand children in the Bronx, Westchester, Rockland, and Orange Counties are depending on us and on our leaders in Washington. There should be no debate here. We are grateful that Congresswoman Lowey is taking a leadership role in this fight and bringing us all together in a united front to urge Congress to extend CHIP funding before its too late. Congresswoman Lowey has been a leading voice in Congress for CHIP. In October, Lowey toured Open Door Family Medical Center in Port Chestera Federally Qualified Health Center serving Westchester Countyand spoke with patients, staffers, local elected officials, and leaders of community organizations about the need for immediate reauthorization of federal funding for community health centers and CHIP. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/dem-seeks-to-curb-tax-breaks-for-employee-buyouts-over-sexual-misconduct,Dem seeks to curb tax breaks for employee buyouts over sexual misconduct,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"A House Democrat unveiled legislation on Monday that would prevent businesses from deducting the costs of buyouts for employees accused of sexual misconduct to lower the amount of taxes owed. Rep.Carolyn Maloneys (D-N.Y.) proposal would expand a provision tucked into the GOPs final tax reform legislation that comes amid the national reckoning over sexual harassment. Under theGOP tax overhaulset for votes in both the House and Senate this week, any settlement payments or attorney fees related to sexual harassment could not be deducted as business expenses if they are subject to nondisclosure agreements. A number of prominent male figures accused of sexual misconduct in recent weeks have used settlements. The New York Times reported on about $45 million worth of settlements involving former Fox News host Bill OReilly, while Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein also used settlements. One settlement Weinstein reached with actress Rose McGowan reportedly totaled $100,000. The provision has bipartisan support, even though the overall tax legislation is expected to pass both chambers with only Republican votes. I dont like the tax bill, but they were smart to put this in, Maloney said, although she wants to take it further. Maloneys legislation would also prevent companies from deducting buyouts of employees ousted over sexual misconduct allegations. OReilly, for example, reportedly left the network with a $25 million severance following allegations of sexual harassment and payouts to his accusers. Roger Ailes, the former Fox News chairman who was also accused of sexual harassment, similarly received about $40 million upon leaving the network. Companies shouldnt be able to use these buyouts as a way to lower their taxes, Maloney said. Some House lawmakers in both parties, including Reps.Ken Buck(R-Colo.) andSuzan DelBene(D-Wash.), had pushed to eliminate business expensing for settlements related to sexual misconduct. Such a provision was not included in the House version of the tax overhaul, but made it into the Senates plan and ultimately the final bicameral product expected to be headed toPresident Trumps desk soon. Maloney unveiled an additional measure on Monday that would require companies to annually report all out-of-court settlements involving sexual harassment, assault and discrimination to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Potential employees may have no idea about what kind of environment they are about to enter. With total secrecy, companies have absolutely no incentive to focus on preventing sexual misconduct if they know they will never be held accountable, Maloney said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-maloney-members-of-congress-advocate-groups-announce-new-bills-to,"Rep. Maloney, Members of Congress, Advocate Groups Announce New Bills to Combat Workplace Sexual Harassment",2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) today, with Reps. Ro Khanna (CA-17), Annie Kuster (NH-2), and Tom Suozzi (NY-3) joined with Feminist Majority, ERA Coalition, and the National Organization for Women (NOW) to announce two new pieces of legislation to combat sexual harassment in the workplace; the Ending Secrecy About Workplace Sexual Harassment Act and the No Tax Deductions for Sexual Harasser Buyouts Act. The two bills are designed to end the corporate culture of secrecy surrounding sexual harassment settlements and to no longer allow companies to treat Bill OReilly-like severances as an ordinary cost of doing business. As a result, companies will have stronger incentives to prevent sexual discrimination, including verbal and physical sexual harassment, from happening in the first place. We are in a moment of reckoning. What was once confined to the whisper networks of warnings between women has been brought into the light and we owe it to all the women coming forward with their #MeToo stories, and those still suffering in silence, to act and make things better, said Rep. Maloney. Taxpayers shouldnt be subsidizing payouts to sexual harassers and companies shouldnt be able to use these buyouts as a way to lower their taxes. Instead of just sweeping sexual misconduct under the rug, companies need to be held accountable for all allegations including those that are settled out of court. With total secrecy, companies have absolutely no incentive to focus on preventing sexual misconduct if they know they will never be held accountable. But, with these two bills, we flip the incentive structure from one of cover up to one of prevention. We must seize this movement to inspire lasting change that keeps everyone safe from sexual harassment - in the workplace, at universities, in Congress and everywhere in between. With these bills, we can help do that. The Ending Secrecy About Workplace Sexual Harassment Act is a necessary step towards ending sexual harassment and achieving equality in any workplace. I thank my friend and colleague, Rep. Maloney, for leading the way, said Rep. Khanna. This legislation will ensure that workplaces are held to a standard of accountability and transparency in dealing with claims of harassment, assault, and gender discrimination. Every worker deserves a respectful workplace, said Congresswoman Kuster. For too long, attempting to seek justice by coming forward about sexual harassment in the workplace has been outweighed by the repercussions employees faced and the threat to their careers. Thats changing with the watershed moment taking place in our nation and the collective voice of countless women and men in the #MeToo movement. Im proud to join my colleagues in pursuing legislative solutions to support employees throughout the country and help foster safe and healthy workplaces for everyone. Whenever trying to reform, we must remember the adage, sunlight is the best disinfectant. We need to shine a light on the existing problem of sexual harassment and assault in the workplace, said Rep. Suozzi. By requiring companies to detail sexual harassment data, we can clearly define the extent of this pervasive problem and begin to change this toxic culture of behavior. Im committed to working with Rep. Maloney and others on this very important issue. Sexual harassment survives in the back rooms and dark places of the American workplace, behind locked doors and a veil of silence and fear. This legislation pulls back the curtain and turns on the lights so America knows whats happening, said Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-8). As the last several months of brave revelation have shown, sexual harassers cannot continue their discrimination and dirty business in the light of day. Transparency and clarity will be the main disinfectant for our economy. Im proud to be cosponsoring Congresswoman Maloneys excellent bill. I want to thank Congresswoman Maloney for introducing legislation to address workplace sexual harassment, said Eleanor Smeal, president of the Feminist Majority. Feminist leaders are building on the strength and bravery of survivors, and this is the start of us moving forward with real solution. In conversations about institutions covering up sexual harassment and assault, we cannot leave out colleges and universities, where too many young women are subjected to inexcusable violence that threatens their access to equal education, and thus, their future economic opportunities. It is time for corporations to be publicly held accountable for providing a safe environment for their employees. Congresswoman Maloneys Ending Secrecy About Workplace Sexual Harassment Act will hold companies responsible for putting an end to the culture of sexual harassment that is far too prevalent in the workplace, said Bettina Hager, COO and DC Director of the ERA Coalition. The ERA Coalitions mission to pass and ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) would strengthen the constitutional basis for legislation that will help create more effective legal recourse for gender-based violence. We thank Congresswoman Maloney for her leadership on both of these issues. ""The National Organization for Women applauds Representative Maloneys continued efforts to combat sexual violence, said Toni Van Pelt, President of the National Organization for Women. Too often women in the workplace are faced with the heartbreaking choice between their safety and their careers. Women in every sector should exist safely in their place of employment without fear of sexual harassment or assault. Enough is Enough."" The Ending Secrecy About Workplace Sexual Harassment Act requires companies to include in their annual EEO-1 form to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission the number of settlements with employees regarding claims of discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment and sexual assault. Additional provisions prohibit retaliation against any employee who report any violation of the requirement; require an annual report to Congress from EEOC on the sexual harassment data it has collected both directly from individuals and through the expanded EEO-1, and the enforcement actions EEOC has taken in response to the complaints received; and the commission of a Government Accountability Office study with recommendations on improving transparency about sexual harassment in the workplace. Original co-sponsors of the bill include Reps. Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Elijah Cummings (MD-7), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Annie Kuster (NH-2), Jamie Raskin (MD-8), David Scott (GA-13), Carol Shea-Porter (NH-1), and Tom Suozzi (NY-3). The No Tax Deductions for Sexual Harasser Buyouts Act creates a tax deductibility exemption for buyouts paid by companies to sexual harassers. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://nadler.house.gov/press-release/judiciary-democrats-urge-goodlatte-hold-hearings-trump%E2%80%99s-threat-abuse-his-pardon-power,Judiciary Democrats Urge Goodlatte to Hold Hearings on Trumps Threat to Abuse His Pardon Power,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Jerrold Nadler,N000002,nadler.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), today led a letter signed by every Democratic Member of the House Judiciary Committee to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, urging him to hold hearings on Trumps threat to abuse his pardon power. In their letter to Chairman Goodlatte, the Members wrote, As you know, Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation has directly implicated several of President Trumps closest advisorsincluding Mr. Flynn, who has pleaded guilty to a single count of lying to the FBI and pledged to cooperate with the investigation as it moves forward. The Committee must anticipate the possibility that, as the investigation develops, it may further implicate additional White House officials, the Presidents family, and perhaps even the President himself. President Trump, by sending a signal that he may pardon Michael Flynn and perhaps others willing to assist Mr. Mueller, has raised serious concerns about obstruction of justice and abuse of the pardon power The issue of abuse of the pardon power need not be a partisan issue. In fact, in 2001, our Committee held a hearing on the question of President Bill Clintons use of the pardon power. We ask for the same type of forum to discuss both the Arpaio pardon and the Presidents stated willingness to consider pardoning Mr. Flynn and perhaps others implicated in the Russia investigation. The letter was signed by every Democratic Member of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, including: Representatives Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), Karen Bass (D-CA), Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), David Cicilline (D-RI), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and Brad Schneider (D-IL). Full text of the letter to the House Judiciary Committee Chairman is available here and below. The Hon. Robert Goodlatte Chairman House Judiciary Committee 2138 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Chairman Goodlatte: We write to request that the Committee hold hearings concerning President Donald Trumps threat to abuse his pardon power. On December 15, 2017, when asked if he would pardon former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, President Trump responded: I dont want to talk about pardons for Michael Flynn yet. We will see what happens.[1] As you know, Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation has directly implicated several of President Trumps closest advisorsincluding Mr. Flynn, who has pleaded guilty to a single count of lying to the FBI and pledged to cooperate with the investigation as it moves forward.[2] The Committee must anticipate the possibility that, as the investigation develops, it may further implicate additional White House officials, the Presidents family, and perhaps even the President himself. President Trump, by sending a signal that he may pardon Michael Flynn and perhaps others willing to assist Mr. Mueller, has raised serious concerns about obstruction of justice and abuse of the pardon power. As we have previously written, it is imperative that we seek to understand the full extent of Russias efforts to influence our democratic institutionsincluding the theft of information from the Democratic National Committee and certain campaign officials, the targeting of at least 21 state election systems, and the manipulation of social media platforms to sow disinformation and divide the American people. According to a remarkable amicus brief filed this week by fourteen former national security officials, the Russian governments objectives are clear: to undermine confidence in democratic leaders and institutions; sow discord between the United States and its allies; discredit candidates for office perceived as hostile to the Kremlin; influence public opinion against U.S. military, economic, and political programs; and create distrust or confusion over sources of information.[3] It would be irresponsible for our Committee to continue to ignore this threat, or any threat to the Special Counsels work in this regard. As you may recall, every Democratic Member of the Committee wrote to you in August to request an oversight hearing on President Trumps controversial pardon of former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.[4] We never received a response to this request. Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) raised the issue again at last weeks hearing with Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein, noting that we also have not held a hearing on how President Trump sidelined the Office of the Pardon Attorney to pardon a serial human rights abuser who bragged about running a concentration camp in Arizona.[5] The issue of abuse of the pardon power need not be a partisan issue. In fact, in 2001, our Committee held a hearing on the question of President Bill Clintons use of the pardon power.[6] We ask for the same type of forum to discuss both the Arpaio pardon and the Presidents stated willingness to consider pardoning Mr. Flynn and perhaps others implicated in the Russia investigation. For these reasons, we urge you to hold hearings on this threatened abuse of the pardon power as promptly as possible. [1] Trump doesnt want to talk about Flynn pardon yet, Assoc. Press, Dec. 15, 2017 (emphasis added). [2] Josh Gerstein et al., Flynn pleads guilty to lying to the FBI, Politico, Dec. 1, 2017. [3] Brief of Former National Security Officials as Amicus Curiae in Support of Neither Party, Cockrum v. Trump, No. 1:17-cv-1370-ESH (D.D.C. Dec. 8, 2017). See also Natasha Bertrand, Former high-level officials submit unusual Russia brief in lawsuit against Trump and Roger Stone, Business Insider, Dec. 14, 2017. [4] Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr., et al., to Chairman Bob Goodlatte, H. Comm. on the Judiciary, Aug. 30, 2017. [5] Hearing with Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein, before the H. Comm. on the Judiciary, Dec. 13, 2017 (statement of Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler). [6] Presidential Pardon Power, before the Subcomm. on the Constitution of the H. Comm. on the Judiciary, Feb. 26, 2001.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://serrano.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/serrano-engel-espaillat-and-crowley-urge-mayor-de-blasio-open-lgbt,"Serrano, Espaillat, Engel, and Crowley Urge Mayor de Blasio to Open LGBT Community Center in the Bronx",2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,José Serrano,S000248,serrano.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Bronx Representatives Serrano, Engel, Crowley, and Espaillat today sent a letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio urging him to make a priority addressing the LGBT community needs a priority in his upcoming terms as Mayor. Among the recommendations, the members emphasized the need to open an LGBT community center in the Bronx the only borough that doesnt have one to this date. The members also urged Mayor de Blasio to address the issues of homelessness and other housing needs that affect the LGBT community and those who are gender non-conforming (TGNC), particularly teenagers; as well as the rise in violence and other human rights violations against LGBT people. [T]he Bronx remains without an LGBTQ Community Center, and continues to be the sole borough in New York City without one. As you may know, community centers play a vital role in enriching the lives of residents and the neighborhoods they call home. Whether providing easy access to quality, safe programs and services or directing families to the appropriate channels to receive the much-needed assistance they are seeking, community centers are a crucial safety net for many. We strongly believe that no one should be forced to travel outside of their neighborhood in order to obtain essential care readily accessible in neighboring communities. For these reasons, we ask that you work to improve LGBTQ services in the Bronx by helping open an LGBTQ community center, the members wrote. FULL TEXT OF THE LETTER BELOW:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-upstate-ny-company_pioneer-in-wyoming-and-chemung-counties--have-been-awarded-critical-contract-that-is-estimated-to-create-200-jobs-across-upstate-ny,SCHUMER ANNOUNCES UPSTATE NY COMPANY – PIONEER IN WYOMING AND CHEMUNG COUNTIES – HAVE BEEN AWARDED CRITICAL CONTRACT THAT IS ESTIMATED TO CREATE 200 JOBS ACROSS UPSTATE NY,2017-12-18,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.18.17 SCHUMER ANNOUNCES UPSTATE NY COMPANY PIONEER IN WYOMING AND CHEMUNG COUNTIES HAVE BEEN AWARDED CRITICAL CONTRACT THAT IS ESTIMATED TO CREATE 200 JOBS ACROSS UPSTATE NY TheDepartment of EducationAwarded Pioneer New Contract to Resume Its Work With Federal Student Loan Borrowers Recovering From Defaults With New Contract, Local Wyoming & Chemung County Company will Hire 200 Workers U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced that PioneerCredit Recovery with operationsin Wyoming Countyand Chemung Countieswill begin hiring 200 new workers as a result of a new award-term extension contract awarded to Pioneer by the U.S. Department of Education earlier this year which is beginning this month. Through this contract, Pioneer workforce will helpfederal student loan borrowers recover from defaultswhile collecting loan repayments for the U.S. Department of Education.Schumer said this is expected to bring aninitial massive influx of 200 good-paying, middle-class jobs to Upstate New Yorkto support the new volume of work from the Department of Education. The creation of roughly 200 jobs middle-class jobs is great news for Wyoming and Chemung Counties.I have visited these services centers and know first-hand how much pride people take in servicing borrowers for the Department of Education.Thisfederal contract will not only create new, good-paying jobs, but also help inject newenergyinto the Upstate economy, saidSenator Schumer. Pioneer, which has three facilities in Upstate New York two located in Wyoming County in the Towns of Arcade and Perry, and one located in Chemung County in the Town of Horseheads estimates this will allow them to hire up to 200 new workers between these centers.The Department of Education awarded this contract to Pioneer in April 2017 and work on this contract is resuming this monthafter a legal delay, enabling Pioneer to continue work it had previously performed for the Department of Education through February 2015. According to Pioneer, in order to find local employees who qualify for these jobs, the company will be holding recruitment events and job fairs open to the public. Horseheads: Monday-Thursdays9 a.m. 3 p.m. 325 Daniel Zenker Drive Horseheads, NY 14845 January 18th Navient will participate at the Twin Tier Ties Community Expo First Arena,155 N Main St. Elmira NY 1490411:00 am 4:00 pm Link to the Event:https://www.twintiertiesexpo.com/ Perry: Wednesday, 12/20andThursday, 12/28from10 a.m. 6 p.m. 20 Parker Lane Perry, NY 14530 Arcade: Thursday, 12/21from9 a.m. 7 p.m. Thursday, 12/28 from9 a.m. 5 p.m. Wednesday, 1/3 from9 a.m. 7 p.m. 26 Edward Street Arcade, NY 14009 ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crowley.house.gov/press-release/chairman-crowley-statement-republican-tax-bill,Chairman Crowley Statement on Republican Tax Bill,2017-12-16,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Queens, NY) House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-NY) issued the following statement on the tax bill released tonight by congressional Republicans: Its hard to fathom how Republicans can justify so severely undercutting the financial security of middle-class families and working Americans just so corporate special interests can see a tax break. But time and time again, Republicans were given the opportunity to help students, seniors, families, and veterans and they opted to instead fill the coffers of their GOP donors. This is a shameful bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/as-second-ave-subways-turns-1-maloney-espaillat-point-to-its-success-in,"As Second Ave Subways Turns 1, Maloney & Espaillat Point to Its Success in Calling for Bipartisan National Infrastructure Bill",2017-12-16,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"NEW YORKToday, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) joined Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), the Second Avenue Subway Merchant's Association, the General Contractors Association of New York, Transport Workers Union Local 100, and the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce to call on Congress and the Trump Administration to pass bipartisan infrastructure legislation to fund infrastructure projects across the country, including projects like the next phases of the Second Avenue Subway and support improvements to the New York City transit system. Reps. Maloney and Espaillat are calling on Congress and the Trump Administration to support H.R. 1664,Investing in America: A Penny for Progress Act, a bill that would raise the gas tax to provide an additional $500 billion in infrastructure investments, including $420 million in annual transit investments in New York. They have also sent the House Appropriations Committee a request for increase in New Starts funding in the end-of-year spending deal to continue development of the Second Avenue Subway and vital transit projects like it around the country. New Starts is part of the Federal Transit Administrations Capital Investment Grant Program for new transit projects. A copy of the letter can be foundhere. The first phase of the Second Avenue Subway has been a resounding success but New Yorkers shouldnt have to wait another century for the full line to be built, saidRep. Maloney. This new subway line wouldnt have been built without the $1.3 billion in federal funding I helped secure. Congressman Espaillat and I are now working together to increase federal funding for new transit projects so that when Phase 2 is eligible, it wont have to wait years for the federal investment it will need. The Second Avenue Subway is a high-impact transportation infrastructure project that provides a critical link between the East Side of Manhattan and the rest of the city, saidRep. Espaillat. Phase 2 of the project will help to improve commuter transit, ease overcrowding, and spur economic development and job creation in the East Harlem community I represent. I am proud to stand with my colleagues during todays announcement as the expansion of the Second Avenue Subway embodies our efforts to highlight the critical importance of our need to invest in infrastructure networks at home and around the country. After being talked about for nearly a century, the new Second Avenue Subway was made possible when Rep. Maloney secured $1.3 billion in New Starts funding and New York State invested $3.3 billion for the project. With nearly 200,000 daily riders, the new line has helped to change the way New Yorkers travel, reducing commute time and decreasing overcrowding on the Lexington Avenue line. Additional federal funding is required to continue this progress by extending the Q line north to 125thSt. and south to Hanover Square. Phase 2 is expected to cost approximately $6 billion with roughly $2 billion coming from the federal government. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-espaillat-serrano-engel-and-crowley-urge-mayor-de-blasio-open-lgbt,"Reps. Espaillat, Serrano, Engel, and Crowley Urge Mayor de Blasio to Open LGBT Community Center in the Bronx",2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Adriano Espaillat,E000297,espaillat.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Bronx Representatives Serrano, Engel, Crowley, and Espaillat today sent a letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio urging him to make a priority addressing the LGBT community needs a priority in his upcoming terms as Mayor. Among the recommendations, the members emphasized the need to open an LGBT community center in the Bronx the only borough that doesnt have one to this date. The members also urged Mayor de Blasio to address the issues of homelessness and other housing needs that affect the LGBT community and those who are gender non-conforming (TGNC), particularly teenagers; as well as the rise in violence and other human rights violations against LGBT people. [T]he Bronx remains without an LGBTQ Community Center, and continues to be the sole borough in New York City without one. As you may know, community centers play a vital role in enriching the lives of residents and the neighborhoods they call home. Whether providing easy access to quality, safe programs and services or directing families to the appropriate channels to receive the much-needed assistance they are seeking, community centers are a crucial safety net for many. We strongly believe that no one should be forced to travel outside of their neighborhood in order to obtain essential care readily accessible in neighboring communities. For these reasons, we ask that you work to improve LGBTQ services in the Bronx by helping open an LGBTQ community center, the members wrote. FULL TEXT OF THE LETTER BELOW / PDF ATTACHED: December 14, 2017 Dear Mayor de Blasio: Thank you for all that your administration has done to date with regard to helping the LGBTQ community in our city. Great progress has been made in the past several years at both the national and local levels, and we appreciate your role in helping our constituents. As you begin to set priorities for your second term in office, we hope you will consider these issues important to our LGBTQ constituents in the Bronx. First, the Bronx remains without an LGBTQ Community Center, and continues to be the sole borough in New York City without one. As you may know, community centers play a vital role in enriching the lives of residents and the neighborhoods they call home. Whether providing easy access to quality, safe programs and services or directing families to the appropriate channels to receive the much-needed assistance they are seeking, community centers are a crucial safety net for many. We strongly believe that no one should be forced to travel outside of their neighborhood in order to obtain essential care readily accessible in neighboring communities. For these reasons, we ask that you work to improve LGBTQ services in the Bronx by helping open an LGBTQ community center. We would also like to stress the overwhelming experience of homelessness that transgender and those who are gender non-conforming (TGNC) face within our City. As you may know, TGNC individuals are more than twice as likely to experience homelessness as those who are non-transgender. Unfortunately, a significant amount of the Citys TGNC homeless population are teenagers. Typically, these individuals become homeless under traumatic family circumstances, including being thrown out of their homes, being abandoned, or because they feel forced to run away. According to the Human Rights Campaign in 2017, across the nation 27 TGNC individuals were brutally murdered and most victims TGNC people of color. It is clear that we must act to address the devastating impact violence has on TGNC individuals and their families. A recent study authored by Strength in Numbers and published by the LGBT Health and Human Services Needs showed that both people of color and TGNC individuals were much more likely to experience homelessness at some point in their lives relative to their white and non-TGNC counterparts. Right now, New York City only has one LGBTQ-specific shelter, Marshas House, and it only has 90 beds, which falls well below meeting the needs of the LGBTQ homeless community. It is for these reasons that we ask the City to take greater strides to ensure everyone has equal access to affordable and supportive housing regardless of their socioeconomic background, gender, or sexual orientation. It is important to recognize the structural and systemic barriers that both LGBTQ and TGNC people face especially those of color who are disproportionately marginalized. Additionally, we must remain steadfast and committed to implementing programs that seek to address and remove these harmful obstacles. This can only be accomplished by working with those who directly understand the challenging times we currently find ourselves in. With that, we ask that as the City begins implementing policies to address TGNC specific housing needs, that it strongly considers employing members of the LGBTQ community and collaborate with local LGBTQ community leaders and activists to establish LGBTQ specific housing projects. Lastly, we ask that wherever possible priority be given to people of color and those who are historically marginalized since many of these individuals are our constituents. We appreciate all the steps taken over the past four years, and we look forward to working with you to protect the lives and livelihoods of our LGBTQ constituents in the Bronx. Thank you for your attention to this matter and we look forward to your response. Sincerely, # # # First elected to Congress in 2016, Rep. Adriano Espaillat is serving his first term in Congress where he serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and the House Select Committee on Small Business. He is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and serves in a leadership role as CHC Freshman Representative to the Democratic Caucus. He is also chairman of the CHC Task Force for Transportation, Infrastructure and Housing. Rep. Espaillats Congressional District includes Harlem, East Harlem, northern Manhattan and the north-west Bronx. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/. Media inquiries: Candace Randle Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-pays-tribute-to-uss-little-rock-crews-past-and-present,"Higgins Pays Tribute to USS Little Rock Crews, Past and Present",2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Brian Higgins,H001038,higgins.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) welcomed the United States Navys latest vessel, the USS Little Rock, in formal remarks on the Floor of the House of Representatives. The ship, which is currently docked at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval Park, will be officially commissioned in Buffalo, New York on December 16, 2017. Mr. Speaker: Today I rise to recognize and welcome the newly-constructed naval ship, the USS Little Rock to my home city of Buffalo, New York where it will be docked until its formal commissioning on December 16th. For the first time in the history of the United States Navy, the commissioning of a new USS Little Rock will take place alongside the original USS Little Rock, which served during the Second World War and for the last 40 years has stood as a tall and honored exhibit at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this moment to thank the brave men and women of the United States Navy and crew of the USS Little Rock past and present for their service. On behalf of Buffalo and Western New York, It is an honor and privilege to serve as the site from which the USS Little Rock will embark on its next mission. This new vessel will make a formidable addition to the United States Navy fleet and its dedicated crew, tasked with protecting our nations coasts and waterways, will ensure the ship lives up to its motto: BACK WITH A VENGEANCE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://nadler.house.gov/press-release/judiciary-democrats-demand-clarity-after-doj-releases-inconsistent-statements-about,Judiciary Democrats Demand Clarity After DOJ Releases Inconsistent Statements About FBI Text Messages Released To Media,2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Jerrold Nadler,N000002,nadler.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), along with Reps. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Jamie Raskin (D-MD), sent a letter to the U. S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Public Affairs Director Sarah Flores to demand clarity after she made inconsistent statements regarding the release of text messages between two FBI employees Peter Strzok and Lisa Page to the press. In a statement to CNN yesterday evening, Flores said, When the initial inquiries came from the committees and members of Congress, the deputy attorney general consulted with the inspector general, and the inspector general determined that he had no objection to the Departments providing the material to the Congressional committees ... After that consultation, senior career ethics advisers determined that there were no legal or ethical concerns, including under the Privacy Act, that prohibited the release of the information to the public either by members of Congress or by the Department. In a statement to POLITICO issued later, Flores said, As we understand now, some members of the media had already received copies of the texts before thatbut those disclosures were not authorized by the department. Todays letter follows two letters sent yesterday by Nadler, Jeffries and Raskin to DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz and DOJ Public Affairs, requesting details regarding the release of text messages between FBI officials to the media. The Committee has not received a formal response from the Inspector General or the Public Affairs Director. On the evening of Tuesday, December 12th, the U.S. Department of Justice released 375 text messages between FBI employees Peter Strzok and Lisa Page to the House Judiciary Committee. The following day, DOJ Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein testified before the Committee. During the hearing, Rosenstein confirmed that the Department released the text messages to Congress in consultation with the Inspector General and that any determination on wrongdoing regarding Strzok or the Clinton investigation would be made after the IGs report. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries questioned Rosenstein about a tweet which stated that Fox News had obtained 10,000 text messages between Strzok and Page, noting that the Committee had only received 375 messages. The Office of the Inspector General informed the Special Counsel of the existence of these texts messages on July 27, 2017. Although federal regulations permit an FBI agent to [e]xpress his or her opinion as an individual privately and publicly on political subjects and candidates, Special Counsel Mueller immediately removed Strzok from the investigation. View the original letter to the DOJ Inspector General here. View the original letter to the DOJ Public Affairs Director here. View todays follow up letter to the DOJ Public Affairs Director here and below: Dear Director Flores, We wrote to you yesterday regarding the Departments decision to invite a group of reporters to view text messages between FBI officials Peter Strzok and Lisa Pagein private, at Department headquarters, and before delivery to congressional offices was complete.[1] Shortly after we transmitted our letter to the Department, you released a statement to the press: When the initial inquiries came from the committees and members of Congress, the deputy attorney general consulted with the inspector general, and the inspector general determined that he had no objection to the Departments providing the material to the Congressional committees . . . . After that consultation, senior career ethics advisers determined that there were no legal or ethical concerns, including under the Privacy Act, that prohibited the release of the information to the public either by members of Congress or by the Department.[2] But later in the evening, your story appears to have changed. In an additional statement, you said: As we understand now, some members of the media had already received copies of the texts before thatbut those disclosures were not authorized by the department.[3] We require clarification on this point. In addition to the questions we asked in yesterdays letter to you, please tell us: Did the media have access to these text messages prior to their delivery to Congress? Did the Department authorize this disclosure? If so, who in the Department authorized this disclosure? If not, who in the Department made or facilitated this disclosure? If indeed it happened, why did you omit this unauthorized disclosure from your initial statement to the press? You say that you relied on the advice of career ethics advisers who determined there were no legal or ethical concerns with your release of this material to the press. Please provide all documents and communications that form the basis of this advice. We ask for your response to both our initial letter and these questions no later than December 19, 2017. We also ask that you communicate directly with our offices, rather than through the press, when providing your response. [1] Natasha Bertrand, In highly unusual move, DOJ secretly invited reporters to view texts sent by ousted FBI agents, Business Insider, Dec. 13, 2017. [2] David Shortell, DOJ says no wrongdoing in release of FBI agents texts, CNN, Dec. 14, 2017. [3] Darren Samuelsohn, Democrats want to know why Justice Department released FBI texts, Politico, Dec. 14, 2017.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/12/15/2017/gillibrand-announces-bipartisan-legislation-to-promote-vocational-education-and-entrepreneurship-train-future-workforce-for-21st-century-economy,"Gillibrand Announces Bipartisan Legislation To Promote Vocational Education & Entrepreneurship, Train Future Workforce For 21st Century Economy",2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 15, 2017 Gillibrand Announces Bipartisan Legislation To Promote Vocational Education & Entrepreneurship, Train Future Workforce For 21st Century Economy Senator Gillibrand Announces Legislation To Train The Next Generation Of Manufacturers, More Than 377,000 Students Statewide, Including Over 10,800 High School Students in Erie County, Currently Enrolled In Career And Technical Education (CTE) Training Could Benefit From This Legislation Buffalo, NY U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today visited the Harkness Career & Technical Center to announce her bipartisan legislation, 21st Century Strengthening Hands On Programs that Cultivate Learning Approaches for Successful Students Act. This bill would direct federal funding to high-tech training and education programs in high schools and institutions of higher education, which would give more students the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to get good-paying jobs in the high-tech manufacturing sector. U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN) is a cosponsor of this bill. Technologies like 3D printers, laser cutters, and computerized machine tools are transforming American manufacturing and increasing the need for specialized training for manufacturing jobs. To prepare our students with the skills needed for high-tech jobs, this legislation would amend the Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) Act to give greater priority to funding for maker education, makerspaces, and training for teachers in the application of maker education. Many manufacturing companies in our state have job openings with good salaries, but they cant fill them because too many workers havent had the opportunity to learn the skills they need to take on those jobs. We need to fix this,said Senator Gillibrand. Im proud to introduce bipartisan legislation to make sure tech-ed classes are teaching students how to use the latest high-tech tools, like 3D printers, that manufacturing companies expect them to know how to use. Our students should be able to take many different paths in order to get a good job and earn a good salary, and this bill would help equip more students with the skills they need to get on a path toward good-paying high-tech jobs when they graduate high school. ""The continued development of our local economy is only possible with a skilled workforce,"" said Lynn Fusco, District Superintendent and CEO of Erie 1 BOCES. ""As a provider of career and technical education, we know first-hand how a student's ability to demonstrate her idea can open up a world of possibility. We appreciate the senator's support of this bipartisan effort to increase hands-on training opportunities."" There are hundreds of manufacturing and production jobs available in Western New York right now, said State Senator Tim Kennedy. This legislation will give programs like Erie 1 BOCES the resources they need to train students for the jobs that are available today, and the advanced manufacturing careers of the future. Once again, Senator Gillibrand is helping to lead the fight for good-paying jobs, and I am proud to stand with her as she advances this legislation. ""This legislation would help ensure American students have the skills and resources needed to succeed in our 21st century economy, said Assemblymember Monica Wallace. ""There are hundreds of skilled workers in our region who will soon be retiring, but we don't have new, skilled workers to replace them. These are good paying jobs that are essential to businesses in our community. High-tech manufacturing jobs are critical to our local economy, and we need a skilled workforce ready to fill those positions. This initiative will provide students with opportunities for hands-on learning using state-of-the-art technologies. I applaud Senator Gillibrands efforts to direct federal funding into the classrooms to ensure our students are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow. This investment in vocational education would give more students the technical skills needed for good-paying jobs, providing hands-on learning experiences for students to use high-tech industrial tools to create and innovate. This approach to technical education will offer more opportunities to inspire the next generation of manufacturing workers and entrepreneurs. This bill, as well as a broader reauthorization of federal CTE programs, will help promote to career and technical education to set more students up for success by preparing them for the jobs of the future. Importance of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Manufacturing Needs Career and Technical Education (CTE) Through 2025, an estimated 2 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled because of a lack of skilled workers. Modern manufacturing is increasingly high-tech and creates complex technical jobs that require technical-skill training. 70 percent of manufacturing executives indicate a need for more workers who have high-tech skills. Maker education motivates and inspires young people to excel in STEM subjects and prepares students for careers in design, advanced manufacturing, and entrepreneurship that will shape the nations economic future. U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN) introduced this legislation with Senator Gillibrand. A bipartisan House version of this legislation was introduced by Representatives Tim Ryan (D-OH), Steve Stivers (R-OH), Mark Takano (D-CA), and Susan Brooks (R-IN). Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/12/15/2017/gillibrand-announces-bipartisan-legislation-to-promote-vocational-education-and-entrepreneurship-train-future-workforce-for-21st-century-economy-1,"Gillibrand Announces Bipartisan Legislation To Promote Vocational Education & Entrepreneurship, Train Future Workforce For 21st Century Economy",2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 15, 2017 Gillibrand Announces Bipartisan Legislation To Promote Vocational Education & Entrepreneurship, Train Future Workforce For 21st Century Economy Senator Gillibrand Announces Legislation To Train The Next Generation Of Manufacturers, More Than 377,000 Students Statewide, Including Close to 6,500 High School Students in Orange County, Currently Enrolled In Career And Technical Education (CTE) Training Could Benefit From This Legislation Newburgh, NY U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today visited the Newburgh Free Academy to announce her bipartisan legislation, 21st Century Strengthening Hands On Programs that Cultivate Learning Approaches for Successful Students Act. This bill would direct federal funding to high-tech training and education programs in high schools and institutions of higher education, which would give more students the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to get good-paying jobs in the high-tech manufacturing sector. U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN) is a cosponsor of this bill. Technologies like 3D printers, laser cutters, and computerized machine tools are transforming American manufacturing and increasing the need for specialized training for manufacturing jobs. To prepare our students with the skills needed for high-tech jobs, this legislation would amend the Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) Act to give greater priority to funding for maker education, makerspaces, and training for teachers in the application of maker education. Many manufacturing companies in our state have job openings with good salaries, but they cant fill them because too many workers havent had the opportunity to learn the skills they need to take on those jobs. We need to fix this,said Senator Gillibrand. Im proud to introduce bipartisan legislation to make sure tech-ed classes are teaching students how to use the latest high-tech tools, like 3D printers, that manufacturing companies expect them to know how to use. Our students should be able to take many different paths in order to get a good job and earn a good salary, and this bill would help equip more students with the skills they need to get on a path toward good-paying high-tech jobs when they graduate high school. We are pleased to have Senator Gillibrand in district to share educational initiatives surrounding some of our programs, said Dr. Roberto Padilla, Superintendent of the Newburgh Enlarged City School District. We currently offer sixteen CTE programs and are exploring opportunities to offer more in the future. These cutting-edge programs give Newburgh scholars an authentic look into various careers. Our graduates leave us career and college ready! We appreciate the support of Senator Gillibrand in promoting legislation that will give students access to new and emerging technologies as they prepare to become the workforce of tomorrow, said Johnnieanne Hansen, Director of Workforce Development and Apprenticeship Coordinator for the Council of Industry. Career and Technical Education provides a clear path to rewarding and lucrative careers in the advanced manufacturing sector.More and more students, parents and professional educators are recognizing this fact and this legislation will help make CTE available to more students.It is also a wonderful complement our associations efforts to encourage people to pursue careers in manufacturing such as GoMakeIt.org and Apprenticeships. This investment in vocational education would give more students the technical skills needed for good-paying jobs, providing hands-on learning experiences for students to use high-tech industrial tools to create and innovate. This approach to technical education will offer more opportunities to inspire the next generation of manufacturing workers and entrepreneurs. This bill, as well as a broader reauthorization of federal CTE programs, will help promote to career and technical education to set more students up for success by preparing them for the jobs of the future. Importance of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Manufacturing Needs Career and Technical Education (CTE) Through 2025, an estimated 2 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled because of a lack of skilled workers. Modern manufacturing is increasingly high-tech and creates complex technical jobs that require technical-skill training. 70 percent of manufacturing executives indicate a need for more workers who have high-tech skills. Maker education motivates and inspires young people to excel in STEM subjects and prepares students for careers in design, advanced manufacturing, and entrepreneurship that will shape the nations economic future. U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN) introduced this legislation with Senator Gillibrand. A bipartisan House version of this legislation was introduced by Representatives Tim Ryan (D-OH), Steve Stivers (R-OH), Mark Takano (D-CA), and Susan Brooks (R-IN). Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/after-fcc-vote-to-eliminate-net-neutrality-rules-gillibrand-joins-colleagues-to-introduce-senate-resolution-to-reverse-fcc-decision-restore-net-neutrality,"After FCC Vote To Eliminate Net Neutrality Rules, Gillibrand Joins Colleagues To Introduce Senate Resolution To Reverse FCC Decision, Restore Net Neutrality",2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 15, 2017 After FCC Vote To Eliminate Net Neutrality Rules, Gillibrand Joins Colleagues To Introduce Senate Resolution To Reverse FCC Decision, Restore Net Neutrality Congressional Review Act Resolution Would Restore The 2015 Rules That Have Kept The Internet Open And Free Washington, DC U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) today announced that she is cosponsoring a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to restore the 2015 net neutrality rules that have kept the Internet open and free. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted yesterday on party lines to eliminate the net neutrality rules. The CRA resolution is sponsored by Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and will be introduced when the new FCC rule is formally submitted to Congress. The FCC just voted to give the biggest corporations much more control over what people see on the Internet, said Senator Gillibrand. This was a shameful decision, and now that it has gone through, the biggest service providers could be able to decide which sites are fast and which sites are slow with little oversight. This is an attack on free speech, its a disturbing example of the corrupt relationship between corporations and the government, and I urge all of my colleagues to join this resolution and overturn this vote by the FCC. CRA resolutions allow Congress to overturn regulatory actions at federal agencies with a simple majority vote in both chambers. In accordance with the Congressional Review Act, the Senators will formally introduce the resolution once the rule is submitted to both houses of Congress and published in the federal register. Congressman Mike Doyle (D-PA) plans to introduce a CRA resolution in the House of Representatives. The other cosponsors of Senator Markeys CRA resolution include Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Gary Peters (D-MI), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Dick Durbin (D-IL). A copy of the CRA resolution can be found HERE. Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crowley.house.gov/press-release/chairman-crowley-net-neutrality-repeal,Chairman Crowley on Net Neutrality Repeal,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Queens, NY) — House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-NY) issued the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission voted to dismantle net neutrality protections: “A free and open internet has been a driving force of American ingenuity. The FCC’s decision to end net neutrality will not just restrict Americans’ ability to innovate, it will impinge on our freedom to communicate. This is unacceptable. “The American people overwhelmingly told the FCC to protect the open internet and preserve net neutrality. But President Trump’s FCC has instead decided to ignore these voices so they can have the final say over what Americans see online. This is yet another way the Trump administration and Republicans are stacking the deck against the middle class.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crowley.house.gov/press-release/crowley-statement-fifth-anniversary-sandy-hook,Crowley Statement on the Fifth Anniversary of Sandy Hook,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – House Democratic Chairman Joe Crowley (D-NY) issued the following statement on the fifth anniversary of the tragic shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School, which claimed the lives of 20 children and six educators on December 14, 2012: “I will never forget the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting. It was one of the darkest, most difficult days we’ve seen as a nation. The lives lost were too young, too innocent, and absolutely irreplaceable. “While we will never fully ease the pain of the Sandy Hook community or the families who lost loved ones, we must honor their memory by enacting true and meaningful gun safety legislation. I am committed to that cause, and won’t back down until it becomes a reality.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crowley.house.gov/press-release/declaraciones-del-presidente-del-caucus-dem-crata-joe-crowley-sobre-la-revocaci-n-de,Declaraciones del Presidente del Caucus Demcrata Joe Crowley Sobre la Revocacin de las Normas de Neutralidad del Internet,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Queens, NY) –  El presidente del Caucus Demócrata de la Cámara de Representantes Joe Crowley (D-NY) emitió las siguientes declaraciones después de que la Comisión Federal de Comunicaciones (FCC, por sus siglas en inglés) votara favor de revocar las normas de neutralidad del internet: ""Un internet libre y abierto ha sido una fuerza impulsora del ingenio estadounidense. La decisión de la FCC de ponerle fin a las normas de neutralidad del internet no sólo limitará la capacidad de los estadounidenses para innovar, sino que afectará nuestra libertad para comunicarnos. Esto es inaceptable.

 ""El pueblo estadounidense le pidió de manera abrumadora a la FCC que protegiera la apertura del internet y preservara su neutralidad. Pero la FCC del presidente Trump decidió ignorar estas voces para poder tener la última palabra sobre lo que los estadounidenses ven en internet. Esta es otra forma en la que la administración de Trump y los republicanos están afectando negativamente a la clase media.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/engel-calls-fcc-decision-to-repeal-net-neutrality-outrageous-terribly-disappointing/,"Engel Calls FCC Decision to Repeal Net Neutrality ""Outrageous, Terribly Disappointing""",2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Eliot Engel,E000179,engel.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/engel-statement-on-five-years-since-sandy-hook-elementary-school-shooting/,Engel Statement On Five Years Since Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Eliot Engel,E000179,engel.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-adriano-espaillat-lauds-committee-passage-his-amendment-curb-cyber,CONGRESSMAN ADRIANO ESPAILLAT LAUDS COMMITTEE PASSAGE OF HIS AMENDMENT TO CURB CYBER ATTACKS,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Adriano Espaillat,E000297,espaillat.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – During today’s full committee markup on H.R. 1997, the Ukraine Cybersecurity Cooperation Act, the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed an amendment introduced by Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) that will help curb cyberattacks in the Ukraine, including through the use of social media. “We have proof that Russia has continuously used cyberattacks to influence elections and push pro-Russia propaganda,” said Rep. Espaillat. “Today’s passage of my amendment to curb these cyberattacks, particularly in the Ukraine and through the use of social media, furthers our commitment to cooperating with Ukraine both bilaterally and through NATO to address cyber and other security threats. “I call on Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to support this effort to improve the Ukraine’s domestic cybersecurity capabilities in an effort to reduce its reliance on Russia and Russian technology once and for all.” # # # First elected to Congress in 2016, Rep. Adriano Espaillat is serving his first term in Congress where he serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and the House Select Committee on Small Business.  He is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and serves in a leadership role as CHC Freshman Representative to the Democratic Caucus. He is also chairman of the CHC Task Force for Transportation, Infrastructure and Housing.  Rep. Espaillat’s Congressional District includes Harlem, East Harlem, northern Manhattan and the north-west Bronx. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/. Media inquiries: Candace Randle Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-adriano-espaillat-statement-fcc-decision-repeal-net-neutrality,CONGRESSMAN ADRIANO ESPAILLAT STATEMENT ON THE FCC DECISION TO REPEAL NET NEUTRALITY RULES,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Adriano Espaillat,E000297,espaillat.house.gov,,,legacy,"NEw York, N.Y. – Today, Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decision to repeal net neutrality protections. “An open internet is an empowering, enabling platform, one that allows communities across the country to fulfill their economic and educational potential,” said Rep. Espaillat (NY-13). “Without net neutrality, broadband internet providers would be able to charge more for access and create a tiered system in which wealthy and powerful corporations can pay to have their content delivered to consumers at a faster speed. Smaller websites with less money would be left with slower loading times and consumers would have less access to the internet. This favors the wealthy and powerful, and particularly harms communities of color who rely on an open internet as a level playing field. “Net neutrality has a broad range of support from a coalition of small businesses, artists, church leaders, students, and many more from around the country, and the FCC received more than 4 million statements of support during its public comment period. Simply, the FCC’s net neutrality rule protects Americans’ freedom of speech by maintaining an open internet for all. “I stand firm in my belief that the internet should remain open and available to all Americans, regardless of their class, status, or geographic location. I strongly oppose FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s efforts to roll back net neutrality protections, and vow to continue my work to ensure first amendment rights for all.” # # # First elected to Congress in 2016, Rep. Adriano Espaillat is serving his first term in Congress where he serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and the House Select Committee on Small Business.  He is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and serves in a leadership role as CHC Freshman Representative to the Democratic Caucus. He is also chairman of the CHC Task Force for Transportation, Infrastructure and Housing.  Rep. Espaillat’s Congressional District includes Harlem, East Harlem, northern Manhattan and the north-west Bronx. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/. Media inquiries: Candace Randle Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://louise.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/slaughter-announces-more-650000-funding-awards-three-rochester,"Slaughter Announces More Than $650,000 in Funding Awards for Three Rochester Institutions",2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Louise Slaughter,S000480,louise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (NY-25) announced five federal grant awards from the National Endowment for the Humanities for three Rochester institutions to continue their world-class research. The awards for the University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and Rochester General Hospital total more than more than $650,600.  Slaughter is co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Arts Caucus, which fights to secure adequate funding for the NEH, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Institute for Museums and Library Services. “I’m proud to announce these major grant awards for the University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Rochester General Hospital to continue their important work. They are a testament to the world-class research that’s happening right here in our community. I will continue fighting the president’s efforts to eliminate programs like the National Endowment for the Humanities, which help create jobs and boost our economy while delivering a rate of return that we rarely see in other industries,” said Slaughter. The funding announced today includes : Three awards totaling more than $600,000 for the Rochester Institute of Technology An award for the University of Rochester totaling more than $50,000 An award for Rochester General Hospital totaling more than $5,600 NEH is an independent federal agency created in 1965 and remains one of the largest funders of humanities programs nationwide. Its funding awards are often given to cultural institutions including colleges, universities, and libraries to continue research and preserve access to educational resources. Slaughter opposes President Trump’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2018, which would start the clock on the elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities regardless of the fact that they make up less than 0.008 of the federal budget and provide programming in every Congressional district. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/tipton-and-maloney-legislation-ensuring-fair-treatment-during,Tipton and Maloney Legislation Ensuring Fair Treatment during Examination Appeals Process Passes Out of Committee,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C. – Representatives Scott Tipton (R-CO) and Carolyn B. Maloney’s (D-NY) Financial Institutions Examination Fairness and Reform Act of 2017 (H.R. 4545) has been approved by the full Financial Services Committee with a bipartisan vote of 50-10, and will now move to the House Floor for consideration.  Currently, federal financial regulators each have their own appeals review processes, each with their own rules and their own stipulations about what regulatory decisions can be appealed, causing supervised financial institutions to grow concerned about the timeliness, transparency, standards of practice, and application of the law in these appeals. H.R. 4545 would resolve these problems by moving the federal financial examination appeals process away from the regulator and reassigning it to the newly created Office of Independent Examination Review under the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC). The Office of Independent Examination Review would provide uniformity to the appeal process and its standards, implement timeliness expectations in decisions about appeals, and increase transparency in the process. Additionally, H.R. 4545 would not prevent federal financial regulators from handing down or enforcing supervisory determinations, and prevents frivolous appeals by financial institutions through rigorous qualifications for what kinds of supervisory decisions can be appealed. “Bringing the examination appeals process under an independent office provides financial institutions with greater certainty that they will receive fair and standard treatment in the appeals process,” said Tipton. “I’m pleased to work with my colleague Representative Maloney to advance this bipartisan legislation to ensure financial institutions including small banks undergo an effective and fair examination process.” Maloney said, “In the aftermath of the financial crisis, I heard from countless community banks that they were afraid to appeal exam decisions, because they thought their examiner would retaliate against them. That’s why I’m proud to have worked with Congressman Tipton to introduce this bill that would improve the examination process. This bill ensures that banks are treated fairly by their examiners, and creates a rigorous and independent process for banks to appeal certain exam decisions, which will bring transparency and consistency to the examination process. This improvement will protect the integrity of the banking system, while also improving the fairness of the examination process.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://nadler.house.gov/press-release/cummings-and-nadler-seek-subpoenas-trump-campaign-consultants-refusing-deny-foreign,Cummings and Nadler Seek Subpoenas for Trump Campaign Consultants Refusing to Deny Foreign Contacts During Election,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Jerrold Nadler,N000002,nadler.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Rep. Jerrold Nadler, the Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, sent a letter asking their respective Chairmen, Reps. Trey Gowdy and Bob Goodlatte, to issue subpoenas for documents from two Trump Campaign data consultants—Cambridge Analytica and Giles-Parscale—after they refused to deny any communications with foreign actors during the 2016 presidential campaign. “We understand that you declined to join the original request for documents from these companies, but this is a matter that directly affects our citizens and their exercise of their right to vote,” Cummings and Nadler wrote.  “We owe the American people robust and meaningful oversight of matters affecting the integrity of our electoral process.” On October 26, 2017, Ranking Members Conyers and Cummings sent a letter to five data consultants—Cambridge Analytica, Giles-Parscale, Target Point, Deep Root, and Data Trust—requesting documents relating to their possible engagement with foreign actors such as WikiLeaks, communication with foreign governments, or the use of misappropriated data. Cummings and Nadler disclosed today that three of these companies—TargetPoint, Deep Root, and Data Trust—sent responses on the same day, using language that was nearly identical and apparently coordinated, denying any foreign contacts. In contrast, a letter from Brad Parscale of Giles-Parscale notably failed to deny that his company had contacts  with or received information from foreign actors or governments during the 2016 campaign.  Recent press accounts have reported that Donald Trump, Jr. emailed Parscale about his correspondence with WikiLeaks. In addition, Cambridge Analytica refused to respond at all and thus did not deny that the company had contacts and communications with foreign actors or received any stolen or misappropriated data. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange confirmed that Cambridge Analytica approached WikiLeaks during the campaign to coordinate the release of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s emails.  Alexander Nix, CEO of Cambridge Analytics, also confirmed this outreach. “Because the first three companies have asserted unequivocally that none of their employees had contacts with any foreign agents during the presidential campaign, we are willing to delay any further inquiry unless or until evidence to the contrary emerges,” Cummings and Nadler wrote.  “However, neither Giles Parscale nor Cambridge Analytica have denied these contacts.  We therefore request that our committees issue subpoenas to these companies to compel the production of the information they are withholding from Congress.” If the Chairmen decline to issue these subpoenas, then Cummings and Nadler request they place this matter on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled business meeting so Committee Members may vote on motions to subpoena these documents. Click here to read today’s letter from Ranking Members Cummings and Nadler. Click here to read the original request letter. Click here to read the letter from TargetPoint. Click here to read the letter from Deep Root. Click here to read the letter from Data Trust. Click here to read the letter from Giles-Parscale.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://seanmaloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-helps-local-veteran-secure-visa-for-his-iraqi-interpreter,Maloney Helps Local Veteran Secure Visa for His Iraqi Interpreter,2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Sean Maloney,M001185,seanmaloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Newburgh, NY — After years of working to secure a visa for the Iraqi interpreter who aided his unit while he served in Iraq, former Army Sergeant Vincent Lang worked alongside Representative Sean Patrick Maloney to finally guarantee his interpreter’s safe immigration to the United States. Many interpreters who assisted American servicemembers during the Iraq War are in danger of retribution from extremists, leading many of them to flee the war-torn country. “Sergeant Lang’s interpreter did everything he could to help our guys in Iraq, and we need to turn around and make sure we do the same for him,” said Rep. Maloney. “I’m glad we could work with Vinny to get the red tape out of the way and help Dodex get to the U.S.” “After hearing what happened to some of our translators, we knew we owed it to them to keep their families safe,” said former Sergeant Vincent Lang, who now serves as an officer with the New York Police Department. “His family became my family over there – we celebrated holidays and shared meals – and I’m just glad they’re finally all out of harm’s way.”   Sergeant Vincent Lang served in Iraq from 2003-2004. Sergeant Lang was stationed in a town called Hilla, outside of Babylon, and tasked with retraining guards at a prison. His interpreter, nicknamed “Dodex,” was hired by a now-defunct private company to serve as an interpreter for American forces in the region. Since the company no longer exists, securing proof of his assistance to American servicemembers has been difficult for Dodex and the handful of veterans who are committed to providing him help getting into the country. Since 2004, Lang has kept in touch with Dodex via email and social media and has reached out to a number of officials for help cutting through red tape at the State Department. Sergeant Lang reached out to Rep. Maloney’s office after progress on obtaining the visa had stopped. Rep. Maloney’s office pressed the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and the State Department in Washington to work with Lang to assemble the relevant paperwork. Dodex has since obtained a visa and immigrated safely to the United States. Since 2007, the State Department has issued over 1,700 Special Immigrant Visas to Iraqi interpreters who aided American troops during the Iraq War. Many of the interpreters still in Iraq fear for their lives because of the help they provided to American servicemembers. Rep. Maloney was critical of President Trump’s “Muslim Ban” in January because it would have barred people from Iraq from coming to the United States – including Iraqi interpreters. The ban was eventually thrown out by the courts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ahead-of-christmas-schumer-pushes-fed-bop-to-hire-roman-catholic-priest-in-brooklyns-federal-prison-inmates-have-been-without-chaplain-since-february-chaplains-help-make-prisons-safer-and-more-secure,"AHEAD OF CHRISTMAS, SCHUMER PUSHES FED BOP TO HIRE ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIEST IN BROOKLYN’S FEDERAL PRISON; INMATES HAVE BEEN WITHOUT CHAPLAIN SINCE FEBRUARY; CHAPLAINS HELP MAKE PRISONS SAFER & MORE SECURE",2017-12-14,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.14.17 AHEAD OF CHRISTMAS, SCHUMER PUSHES FED BOP TO HIRE ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIEST IN BROOKLYN’S FEDERAL PRISON; INMATES HAVE BEEN WITHOUT CHAPLAIN SINCE FEBRUARY; CHAPLAINS HELP MAKE PRISONS SAFER & MORE SECURE Despite Months Without Permanent Coverage, Federal Bureau of Prisons Has Yet to Hire A Priest at Metropolitan Detention Center With Christmas Fast Approaching, Schumer Says a Catholic Chaplain Should Be Hired Immediately; Senator Says Priest Could Help Provide a Safer Environment & Offer Spiritual Guidance to Inmates Seeking Support Amidst the Christmas season, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer revealed that the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is dragging on hiring a priest for Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center. Since February, the prison has been without a Roman Catholic Chaplain. Schumer, therefore, today, called on the BOP to immediately put in place a full time Roman Catholic Chaplain at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Schumer today said that, given the large Catholic population of inmates, a Catholic Chaplain should be hired before Christmas. Schumer said that hiring a Catholic Chaplain would help provide a safer environment for the entire prison and help ensure that inmates can seek support and properly worship if they choose. “With Christmas fast approaching, and the Brooklyn facility lacking a chaplain for many months, the federal Bureau of Prisons should stop delaying and immediately hire a full-time permanent Catholic Chaplain at this facility; it is the right thing to do at the right time,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “That is why I’m urging the Federal Bureau of Prisons to hire a Catholic Chaplain before Christmas. The Brooklyn Diocese has a number of priests who can do the job, the BOP just needs to act. Even more, statistics show faith leaders help provide a safer environment for the entire criminal justice system and to those seeking their support.” While the Metropolitan Detention Center has been without a permanent Catholic Chaplain since last February, there have been temporary solutions in place, but Schumer says these temporary and unstable conditions have continued for too long. According to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, the Metropolitan Detention Center was able to cover services for Ash Wednesday and Holy Week services, but the monthly rotation of a Chaplain limits stronger bonds from forming.   The lack of a Roman Catholic Chaplain at the Metropolitan Detention Center has been a pressing issue among religious inmates and their relatives. According to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn there are a number of priests who are eager on filling the position as full time chaplain for the Detention Center, but the Bureau of Prisons has yet to hire someone. The BOP has cited a hiring freeze and other bureaucratic issues for the delay, however, Schumer says there must a way this can be worked out before the holiday approaches. A copy of Schumer’s letter is below: Dear Director Inch: It has come to my attention via the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn that, since February of this year, the Metropolitan Detention Center located at 80 29th Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11232, has been without a Roman Catholic chaplain. Given the large Catholic population of inmates, and with the Christmas season upon us, I write today to urge the Federal Bureau of Prisons to immediately place a Roman Catholic Chaplain at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. The holiday season is approaching, and this is a time of extreme importance for those who celebrate Christmas. We must ensure that the inmates can properly worship if they choose to do so. The gap in maximally effective religious coverage at this facility is unfortunate and undermines the highest level of support that helps maintain a positive and safe environment for inmates and guards. It is my understanding that the Metropolitan Detention Center was able to cover services for Ash Wednesday and Holy Week services, and was later able to establish a monthly rotation with four priests from the Diocese of Brooklyn, but this is a patchwork solution. A much better solution is to promptly hire a Catholic Chaplain to directly serve the facility. There have been many complaints by the inmates and their relatives about the lack of a Roman Catholic Chaplain at the Metropolitan Detention Center. The Diocese of Brooklyn has assured me that there are priests that are willing and ready to fill the position of chaplain, but thus far the BOP has declined to hire a chaplain, citing a so-called hiring freeze and other issues. I strongly believe this can be worked out and again urge you to do what is necessary to hire a Catholic Chaplain with all due speed. I will, of course, help in any way I am able. It is imperative that we resolve this issue before the Christmas holiday, as it is one of warmth, tradition, and spirit, and we must provide a way for the inmates to celebrate such joyful and important occasion with the proper spiritual support. Thank you for your consideration and response on this matter. I hope we can solve this issue before Christmas  approaches, and wish you, too, a joyous holiday season.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crowley.house.gov/press-release/chairman-crowley-rep-speier-call-investigation-sexual-misconduct-harassment-president,"Chairman Crowley, Rep. Speier Call for Investigation of Sexual Misconduct, Harassment by President Trump",2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-NY) and Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA) urged the U.S. Office of Government Ethics to investigate credible claims of inappropriate sexual harassment committed by President Donald Trump. At least 19 women have come forward to accuse President Trump of harassment, unwanted touching, and other sexual misconduct. However, federal authorities and Congress have yet to investigate and conduct the proper oversight. “Credible claims of inappropriate conduct against the holder of the highest office in the nation have gone uninvestigated. Following the release of a video tape in October 2016 in which then-candidate Donald Trump admits – and brags about – making unwanted and inappropriate sexual advances toward women, numerous individuals came forward to share their own personal stories of their encounters,” wrote Crowley and Speier. “We believe public officials must set the gold standard for professional behavior, particularly those who hold the high offices of representative, senator, and – especially – president of the United States.” Crowley and Speier both signed onto a letter from the Democratic Women's Working Group asking House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy to investigate the credible allegations against the president. Congressman Gowdy and the panel’s Republicans have so far been unwilling to take up a probe into the president’s behavior.  The U.S. Office of Government Ethics, an independent government agency with oversight of the executive branch, is charged with establishing standard of conduct for the executive branch and issuing rules and regulations regarding potential criminal conflicts. Given this mandate, and the office’s jurisdictional authority, it is imperative that the Office of Government Ethics do its job and ensure that these women are finally taken seriously and heard. Read the full text here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://crowley.house.gov/press-release/presidente-del-caucus-dem-crata-joe-crowley-y-la-congresista-jackie-speier-piden,Presidente del Caucus Demcrata Joe Crowley y la Congresista Jackie Speier Piden Investigar la Conducta Sexual Inapropiada y Acoso del Presidente Trump,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph Crowley,C001038,crowley.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) - Hoy, el presidente del Caucus Demócrata de la Cámara de Representantes Joe Crowley (D-NY) y la congresista Jackie Speier (D-CA) pidieron a la Oficina de Ética Gubernamental de los EE.UU. que investigue las acusaciones creíbles de acoso sexual cometido por el presidente Donald Trump. Al menos 19 mujeres han acusado al presidente Trump de acoso, contacto físico no deseado y otras conductas sexuales inapropiadas. Sin embargo, las autoridades federales y el Congreso aún deben investigar y llevar a cabo la supervisión apropiada. ""Las acusaciones creíbles de conducta inapropiada contra el titular de la oficina más alta de la nación no han sido investigadas. Tras la publicación de un video en octubre del 2016 en el que el entonces candidato Donald Trump admite, y se jacta de realizar insinuaciones sexuales no deseadas e inapropiados hacia las mujeres, numerosas personas han compartido sus historias personales sobre sus encuentros”, escribieron Crowley y Speier.  ""Creemos que los funcionarios públicos deben establecer un estándar de oro para el comportamiento profesional, particularmente aquellos que ocupan altos puestos como el de congresista, senador y, especialmente, presidente de los Estados Unidos"". Crowley y Speier firmaron una carta del Grupo de Trabajo Demócrata de Mujeres pidiéndole a Trey Gowdy, presidente del Comité de Supervisión y Reforma Gubernamental que investigue las acusaciones creíbles contra el presidente. Hasta ahora, el congresista Gowdy y los republicanos miembros del comité no han estado dispuestos a investigar el comportamiento del presidente. La Oficina de Ética Gubernamental de los Estados Unidos, una agencia gubernamental independiente que supervisa al poder ejecutivo, tiene a su cargo el establecimiento de normas de conducta para el poder ejecutivo y la emisión de normas y reglamentos relativos a posibles conflictos criminales. Dado este mandato, y la autoridad jurisdiccional de la agencia, es esencial que la Oficina de Ética Gubernamental haga su trabajo y se asegure de que finalmente estas mujeres sean tomadas en serio y sean escuchadas. Lea el texto completo de la carta aquí.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-adriano-espaillat-statement-passing-former-nys-assemblyman-john,CONGRESSMAN ADRIANO ESPAILLAT STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF FORMER NYS ASSEMBLYMAN JOHN BRIAN MURTAUGH,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Adriano Espaillat,E000297,espaillat.house.gov,,,legacy,"NEW YORK, N.Y. – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement on the passing of former New York State Assemblyman John Brian Murtaugh: “Former New York State Assemblyman John Brian Murtaugh was a legend of Inwood and a long-time fixture of New York politics.  He stood as a giant to those who loved him and as a leader within the community to those who worked with him during his career.  His passing comes with great sadness, and I offer my heartfelt condolences and prayers to his loving wife Carolyn and his entire family during their time of bereavement.” # # # First elected to Congress in 2016, Rep. Adriano Espaillat is serving his first term in Congress where he serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and the House Select Committee on Small Business.  He is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and serves in a leadership role as CHC Freshman Representative to the Democratic Caucus. He is also chairman of the CHC Task Force for Transportation, Infrastructure and Housing.  Rep. Espaillat’s Congressional District includes Harlem, East Harlem, northern Manhattan and the north-west Bronx. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/. Media inquiries: Candace Randle Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-cosponsors-the-save-net-neutrality-act,Higgins Cosponsors the Save Net Neutrality Act,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Brian Higgins,H001038,higgins.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is cosponsoring The Save Net Neutrality Act (H.R. 4585) a bill, introduced by Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, prohibiting the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from proceeding through the process of repealing Net Neutrality rules.  “Consumers not corporations should be in control of individual internet access,” said Congressman Higgins.  “Fair and equal access to an open internet is a consumer right that deserves protection and one that maintains a level playing field for all, including those accessing the web for business and educational purposes.” Existing Net Neutrality rules prohibit internet providers from blocking, prioritizing and charging extra for content or throttling back on the speed at which content is provided. The FCC is scheduled to vote on a roll back of Net Neutrality policies at its meeting on December 14, 2017.  Higgins supported the FCC’s actions in 2015 to protect Net Neutrality.  In addition to supporting the Save Net Neutrality Act, Higgins co-signed a letter led by Congressman Mike Doyle, Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Communications and Technology Subcommittee, calling for the measure to be removed from the FCC’s agenda.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-announces-586k-federal-funds-cardiovascular-disease-research-nymc,Lowey Announces $586K in Federal Funds for Cardiovascular Disease Research at NYMC,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Nita Lowey,L000480,lowey.house.gov,,,legacy,"VALHALLA, NY – Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, today announced that New York Medical College in Valhalla has been awarded $586,314 in federal funding to advance heart and vascular disease research. The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Heart, Lung, And Blood Institute (NHLBI). “Advances in scientific research hold tremendous potential to help the millions of people struggling with heart and metabolic problems,” said Congresswoman Lowey. “This funding will support New York Medical College’s cutting-edge research and innovation that may save lives. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue working to bring these essential resources to the Lower Hudson Valley.” “I am truly excited to embark on these studies,” said Dr. Michal Laniado Schwartzman, Professor and Chair of the Department of Pharmacology at New York Medical College School of Medicine. “This new discovery opens a new front in this area of research as it identifies a novel and unique therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases including heart failure, stroke and diabetes.” NHLBI provides funding to support the development of innovative technologies to diagnose, prevent, and treat heart and vascular diseases.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-lowey-price-kelly-quigley-murphy-delauro-lead-letter-urging-house,"Reps. Lowey, Price, Kelly, Quigley, Murphy, DeLauro Lead Letter Urging House Leadership Not to Restrict Gun Violence Research in Spending Package",2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Democrat,House,NY,Nita Lowey,L000480,lowey.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Representatives Nita Lowey (D-NY), David Price (D-NC), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), today sent a letter to House leadership urging them to oppose language in the final FY18 appropriations package that would restrict the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from conducting gun violence research. “Although Members of Congress may disagree about how best to respond to the high incidence of gun violence, we should all be able to agree that our response should be informed by sound scientific evidence,” the 121 signatories wrote. “Instead of continuing with the status quo, let’s allow the research community to investigate evidence-based solutions that could help prevent gun violence while still protecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners.” In addition to protecting public health and safety through prevention of disease, the CDC also conducts research to prevent injury or illness such as drowning, intimate partner violence, opioid addiction, and motor vehicle injuries. However, since 1996, language referred to as the “Dickey Amendment” has been included in annual appropriations bills that fund the CDC, which places a chilling effect on the CDC’s ability to conduct high-quality, peer-reviewed research about gun violence prevention. “This is a matter of life and death,” said Congresswoman Nita Lowey (NY-17), Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee. “Tens of thousands of Americans lose their lives to gun violence every year, yet for decades annual appropriations bills have weakened our ability to figure out how we can prevent these tragedies. Restricting research because of concerns about the outcome is cowardly and wrong. It’s time we thaw the freeze on gun violence research and equip policymakers with the information to confront this public health crisis.” “Despite the frequency of gun violence in the U.S., we know that the violent tragedies so many families and communities across the nation are experiencing are not inevitable,” said Congressman Price, Vice Chair of the House Democrats Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. “Allowing the CDC to conduct research into gun violence, just as it does with other preventable causes of injury and death, will give citizens and lawmakers the tools they need to understand and confront the horrible epidemic of gun violence that is devastating our country.” “For decades, the Dickey Amendment has silenced lifesaving research and suppressed the policy dialogue around common sense laws that can save American lives,” said Congresswoman Kelly, Vice Chair of the House Democrats Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. “It’s time to let the science and research speak for itself so policymakers can enact the best policies to protect American families.” “There is absolutely no reason to restrict the CDC from studying the rampant gun violence epidemic that devastates communities across the country, including in my hometown of Chicago,” said Congressman Quigley, member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. “Conducting research about this issue is an easy—and obvious—first step to equip us with a deeper understanding of the actions we can take and policies we can enact to save lives. I’m proud to join my colleagues in urging Republican leadership to break with the status quo, encourage scientific research, and elevate the debate on gun violence prevention.” “Gun-related incidents claim the lives of too many people and tear apart too many families.  In deciding how best to confront this challenge, we should encourage evidence-based research into the causes of gun incidents and find commonsense, bipartisan ways to reduce gun deaths and injuries,” said Congresswoman Murphy. “Keeping our families safe from senseless gun violence while upholding the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans should not be mutually exclusive goals. It is past time that Congress have an honest, fact-based discussion about commonsense gun reform.” “In the five years since the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, there have been 500,000 victims and survivors of gun violence in the United States, “ said Congresswoman DeLauro. “We must honor their lives with action and prevent further gun violence. The CDC should be able to study this issue just as they would any other public health crisis—it is logical and morally responsible.” The full text of the letter can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z