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://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/operation-christmas-thanking-our-troops-afghanistan-kuwait-jordan,"Operation Christmas: Thanking Our Troops in Afghanistan, Kuwait, & Jordan",2017-12-30,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"It was an honor to have just spent my third consecutive Christmas in the Middle East with our nations troops and diplomats stationed overseas. In 2015, I joined our service members in Iraq and Kuwait, and in 2016, I visited them in Afghanistan and Qatar. This past Christmas, I traveled to Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Jordan. It is not easy for our deployed men and women to spend the holiday season several thousands of miles away from home, having great family and friends missing them around the Christmas Tree or Hanukkah Menorah. For many of our deployed military and diplomatic personnel, this isnt their first holiday season away from their loved ones. It is my highest honor to be able to personally thank all of them for their tremendous sacrifice on behalf of a very grateful nation. Serving them their Christmas Day meals, letting them know how much they are appreciated, and receiving their critical feedback from the ground, is the absolute least I can do to make sure they know how much countless Americans are thinking about them, praying for them, and filled with enormous gratitude for their incredible sacrifice. Each and every time I visit our troops abroad, I return with some of the greatest memories of my life and critical knowledge to guide my decisions throughout the halls of Congress. It is the brave men and women I have had the honor to meet over the last three Christmases that further cement my commitment to ensuring our nations troops have everything they need to safety and effectively do their jobs and return home. Congressman Zeldin celebrates Christmas with NY-1 resident and Marine Corporal Maria Ripis of Farmingville who is stationed at Al Jaber Airbase in Kuwait. In this years National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), I voted for a 2.4% pay raise for our troops, their biggest pay raise in 8 years. Additionally, this years NDAA included a much needed strengthening of cyber operations, funding Department of Defense (DOD) cyber operations at $8 billion, an increase of $1.7 billion from last year. Investing in cybersecurity tools ensures that our troops have the 21st century resources they need to combat ever-evolving terror threats at home and abroad. Furthermore, this year, I voted for the Make America Secure Appropriations Act, which provides a total of $658.1 billion for the DOD, including critical resources to defeat ISIS and other terrorist groups. Our nations servicemen and women on the ground put their lives on the line each and every day for the freedoms and liberties that make this country the greatest in the world and they deserve nothing less than our full support. However, our commitment to our troops continues after they leave the battlefield. When they return home, we must ensure they have our full support in transitioning back into civilian life. In September, I reaffirmed my commitment to ending veteran homelessness, by introducing legislation that helps decrease veteran homelessness through continued funding of the Supportive Services Veteran Families (SSVF) program. Ensuring our homeless veterans have shelter and a safe place to live should never be a partisan issue. Even one homeless veteran is too many. Throughout my time in Congress, one of my top priorities has been ensuring our nations disabled veterans receive the health care they have earned. In 2017, my legislation to expand care for disabled veterans on Long Island and across the country passed both the House and Senate and hopefully will soon become law. My legislation ensures disabled veterans receive the best and most efficient outpatient services to provide them with the assistance and special attention they need in their day-to-day lives, while still allowing them to maintain their independence through access to Adult Day Health Care. These programs allow veterans to lead a much more fulfilling life and helps keep families together and strong while simultaneously reducing overall health care costs for the veteran. These brave men and women answered the call to service and repeatedly put their lives at risk to support and defend our Constitution and ensure the safety and security of our country. I will never stop fighting for our nations veterans, our troops on-the-ground, and the families back home who eagerly await their safe return. They have earned nothing less.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-statement-iranian-anti-government-protests,Rep. Zeldin Statement on Iranian Anti-Government Protests,2017-12-30,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on the anti-government protests breaking out across Iran: The Iranian people are fed up with Irans dictatorial regimes brutal domestic tactics, dangerous foreign policy, and non-existent economic progress. Instead of caring for its own people, the Iranian regime has dedicated itself to maintaining its title as the worlds largest state sponsor of terror, seeking to appease domestic hardliners that keep them in power. As everyday Iranians pour into the streets outraged over their governments misplaced priorities, the U.S. must support them in their inherent right and noble quest for a better future and free, peaceful nation. We have been down this road before. We must learn our lesson from 2009 and not repeat the same mistake. Millions of Iranians are desperate right now for American leadership to help them turn the tide in Tehran and all throughout Iran.",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://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-returns-visiting-us-troops-middle-east-christmas,Rep. Zeldin Returns from Visiting U.S. Troops in Middle East for Christmas,2017-12-28,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"CongressmanZeldin celebrates Christmas with NY-1 resident and Marine Corporal Maria Ripis of Farmingville who is stationed at Al Jaber Airbase in Kuwait. View additional high resolution photoshere. PATCHOGUE, N.Y. - Today, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, returned from celebrating the holiday season with deployed U.S. service members inAfghanistan,Kuwait, andJordan. Representative Zeldin led the bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) that also included Congressman David Cicilline (D, RI-1), Congressman Mike Coffman (R, CO-6), and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-8), from December 23, 2017 to December 28, 2017. Having visited U.S. troops inIraq and Kuwait over Christmas in December 2015andAfghanistan and Qatar over Christmas in December 2016, this was Congressman Zeldins third consecutive year spending the holidays in the Middle East with deployed service members. Congressman Zeldin also participated in high level diplomatic meetings and was briefed by top military officials. It was my highest honor to be able to personally thank all of our deployed men and women abroad for their tremendous sacrifice on behalf of a very grateful nation. It is not easy for them to spend the holiday season several thousand miles away from home having great family and friends missing them around the Christmas Tree or Hanukkah Menorah,Congressman Zeldin said.For many of our deployed military and diplomatic personnel, this isnt their first holiday season away from their loved ones. Being able to serve them their Christmas Day meals, let them know how much they are appreciated, and receive their critical feedback from the ground, is the absolute least I can do to make sure they know how much countless Americans are thinking about them, praying for them, and filled with enormous gratitude for their incredible sacrifice. Click the following links, to learn more about Congressman Zeldins Christmas CODEL stops inAfghanistan,Kuwait, andJordan.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-s-codel-travels-jordan-meet-diplomats-deployed-us-service,"Rep. Zeldins CODEL Travels to Jordan to Meet with Diplomats, Deployed U.S. Service Members and Syrian Refugees",2017-12-28,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Zeldin meets with Syrian refugees at the United Nations High Commission for Refugees in Amman, Jordan. Congressman Zeldins CODEL receives a country team brief from U.S. diplomatic leadership during a working lunch at the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan. Congressman Zeldin visits with U.S. troops stationed at King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center in Zarqa, Jordan. AMMAN, Jordan -Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, traveled from Kuwait to Jordan to continue celebrating the holiday season with deployed U.S. service members, participate in several high level diplomatic and military meetings, and meet with Syrian refugees. Representative Zeldin is leading the bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) that also includes Congressman David Cicilline (D, RI-1), Congressman Mike Coffman (R, CO-6), and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-8). Having visited U.S. troops inIraq and Kuwait over Christmas in December 2015andAfghanistan and Qatar over Christmas in December 2016, this is Congressman Zeldins third consecutive year spending the holidays in the Middle East with deployed U.S. service members. In addition to Jordan, Congressman Zeldins CODEL spentChristmas Eve and Christmas Day in Afghanistan, and thefollowing day in Kuwait. It is my highest honor to be able to personally thank all of our deployed men and women abroad for their tremendous sacrifice on behalf of a very grateful nation. It is not easy for them to spend the holiday season several thousand miles away from home having great family and friends missing them, Congressman Zeldin said. For many of our deployed military and diplomatic personnel, this isnt their first holiday season away from their loved ones. Being able to visit our nations troops stationed abroad, let them know how much they are appreciated, and receive their critical feedback from the ground, is the absolute least I can do to make sure they know how much countless Americans are thinking about them, praying for them, and filled with enormous gratitude for their incredible sacrifice. In Jordan, on December 27, 2017, Congressman Zeldins CODEL was briefed by U.S. diplomatic leadership at the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan, and met with Syrian refugees at the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Amman where they were also briefed by Acting UNHCR Representative Daniela Cicchella. Congressman Zeldin and the other Representatives then visited U.S. service members stationed at the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center in Zarqa, which included a large contingent of New Yorkers serving at the base. Finally, the CODEL visited deployed personnel at the Joint Training Center, also located in Zarqa. ###.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-applauds-release-detained-stony-brook-professor,Rep. Zeldin Applauds Release of Detained Stony Brook Professor,2017-12-27,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement today after the ordered release of Patrice Nganang, a Stony Brook professor, who has been detained in Cameroon, by the Cameroonian government, since December 6, 2017: Earlier this year, I joined my colleagues in authoring a letter to Ambassador Nikki Haley underscoring our concerns regarding the deteriorating situation in Cameroon and the Cameroonian governments actions to undermine the equality of all citizens, especially the Anglophone minority. On December 6th, this deteriorating situation hit home with the arrest of Stony Brook Professor Patrice Nganang. Since his arrest, my office has been in contact with Stony Brook University, the State Department, and his family, and, today, his long overdue release was finally ordered. In the face of an increasingly oppressive government, Professor Nganang has worked tirelessly for a better future for his country and family.. As Professor Nganang fights for the freedom of all Cameroonians, we fought for his. I look forward to his safe return home to his loved ones and the Stony Brook University community.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-s-christmas-codel-travels-kuwait-visit-deployed-service,Rep. Zeldins Christmas CODEL Travels to Kuwait to Visit Deployed Service Members and Participate in Diplomatic and Military Meetings,2017-12-26,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"Download and view additional high resolution photos here. KUWAIT - Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, departed Afghanistan for Kuwait to continue celebrating the holiday season with deployed U.S. service members and participate in several high level diplomatic and military meetings. Representative Zeldin is leading the bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) that also includes Congressman David Cicilline (D, RI-1), Congressman Mike Coffman (R, CO-6), and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-8). Having visited U.S. troops in Iraq and Kuwait over Christmas in December 2015 and Afghanistan and Qatar over Christmas in December 2016, this is Congressman Zeldins third consecutive year spending the holidays in the Middle East with deployed U.S. service members. In addition to Kuwait, Congressman Zeldins CODEL spent Christmas Day in Afghanistan and is traveling to additional countries within the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of operations. Click here for yesterdays press release. It is my highest honor to be able to personally thank all of our deployed men and women abroad for their tremendous sacrifice on behalf of a very grateful nation. It is not easy for them to spend the holiday season several thousand miles away from home having great family and friends missing them around the Christmas Tree or Hanukkah Menorah, Congressman Zeldin said. For many of our deployed military and diplomatic personnel, this isnt their first holiday season away from their loved ones. Being able to visit New Yorkers stationed abroad, let them know how much they are appreciated, and receive their critical feedback from the ground, is the absolute least I can do to make sure they know how much countless Americans are thinking about them, praying for them, and filled with enormous gratitude for their incredible sacrifice. In Kuwait, on December 26, 2017, Congressman Zeldins CODEL and U.S. Ambassador to Kuwait Lawrence Silverman met at the National Assembly with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Kuwait Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah. Congressman Zeldin also visited Camp Arifjan where he shared a holiday lunch with deployed New Yorkers, and met with the leadership of the Combined Joint Task Force of Operation Inherent Resolve and U.S. Army Central. Afterwards, he visited Al Jaber Air Base where he joined the Marines stationed there for dinner, including several NY-1 residents, following a briefing from the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force.",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://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-afghanistan-visiting-us-service-members-christmas,Rep. Zeldin in Afghanistan Visiting U.S. Service Members for Christmas,2017-12-25,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"View additional high resolution photoshere. KABUL, Afghanistan - Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is celebrating Christmas Day in Afghanistan with deployed U.S. service members. Representative Zeldin is leading the bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) that also includes Congressman David Cicilline (D, RI-1), Congressman Mike Coffman (R, CO-6), and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-8). Having visited U.S. troops in Iraq over Christmas in December 2015 and Afghanistan over Christmas in December 2016, this is Congressman Zeldins third consecutive year spending the holidays in the Middle East with deployed service members. In addition to Afghanistan, Congressman Zeldins CODEL is traveling to additional countries within the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of operations. It is my highest honor to be able to personally thank all of our deployed men and women abroad for their tremendous sacrifice on behalf of a very grateful nation. It is not easy for them to spend the holiday season several thousand miles away from home having great family and friends missing them around the Christmas Tree or Hanukkah Menorah, Congressman Zeldin said. For many of our deployed military and diplomatic personnel, this isnt their first holiday season away from their loved ones. Being able to serve them their Christmas Day meals, let them know how much they are appreciated, and receive their critical feedback from the ground, is the absolute least I can do to make sure they know how much countless Americans are thinking about them, praying for them, and filled with enormous gratitude for their incredible sacrifice. Upon arrival to Kabul, Afghanistan, on December 24, 2017, Congressman Zeldins CODEL met with diplomatic and military leadership for a classified briefing followed by a Christmas Eve dinner meeting at the residence of U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan and New York native, John Bass. On Christmas Day, Congressman Zeldin met with New York service members for breakfast in Kabul at the Resolute Support Dining Hall, met with Resolute Support Commander General John W. Nicholson, Jr., visited Forward Operating Base Fenty, and served lunch to deployed troops at Forward Operating Base Gamberi. ###",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://chriscollins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/collins-and-higgins-thank-us-air-force-for-approving-flyover-for-world,Collins and Higgins Thank U.S. Air Force for Approving Flyover for World Juniors Game,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Chris Collins,C001092,chriscollins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WILLIAMSVILLE, NY Congressmen Chris Collins (NY-27) and Brian Higgins (NY-26) 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. 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. 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. 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. For a copy of the letter, click here. ###",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://donovan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/donovan-helps-nypd-secure-reimbursement-protecting-president-trump,Donovan Helps NYPD Secure Reimbursement for Protecting President Trump,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Daniel Donovan,D000625,donovan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC December 22, 2017.Following months of advocacy on behalf of New York City, which included speaking with Republican leadership and testifying before the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Dan Donovan (NY-11) today announced that the New York Police Department was awarded a federal grant to cover overtime costs related to protecting President Trump and his family. Donovan said, Its a national priority and federal responsibility to protect the leader of the free world. The brave men and women of the NYPD have done an exceptional job of securing the President and his family, and this funding is well deserved. Im pleased to see that my advocacy on behalf of the City and NYPD has led to increased compensation for the additional costs associated with the Presidents security while in New York. Provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agencys (FEMA) Presidential Residence Protection Assistance (PRPA) Grant program, the funding reimburses state and local law enforcement agencies for law enforcement personnel costs incurred while protecting any non-governmental residence of the President. The grant program is funded through the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2017, legislation that Donovan helped pass earlier this year. The NYPD received $36,427,908.51 through the PRPA Grant, which was the highest amount of funding allocated to any locality in the nation. In 2017, FEMA provided $41,000,000 in PRPA awards to reimburse state and local law enforcement agencies for operational overtime costs associated with protecting the Presidents non-governmental residences. As New York City's only Republican representative, Donovan has led to fight to obtain federal funds to cover NYC costs associated with protecting President Trump. Earlier this year, Donovan helped secure $68 million in a budget agreement to reimburse local jurisdictions for the costs of protecting President Trump and his family after Election Day. More information on the grants can be found here. ###",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://faso.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=786,Rep. Faso Supports Stopgap Government Funding Package,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,John Faso,F000464,faso.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. Representative John Faso (R-Kinderhook) today voted in favor of a stopgap funding package to prevent a government shutdown. The House passed the package by a vote of 231 -- 188. Faso noted that almost all Democrats in the House voted against funding the government. The short-term package voted on today is necessary, but disappointing in that critical issues that should have been completed by the end of the year are being delayed until January. It is important to note that the House has passed all 12 appropriations bills prior to the October 1 deadline, but the US Senate hasnt passed a single appropriations measure due to failure of Senate Democrats to permit debate on appropriations.Senate rules require 60 votes in order to take up legislation and due to such obstruction, none of the appropriations measures have even cleared committee in the Senate. Of particular concern is failure of Democrats to adopt a defense appropriations bill which has a pay raise for the troops and increased funding for training and readiness. This latter issue is particularly important given the serious accidents occurring among Navy ships in Asia over the last few months. In addition,we need a long-term reauthorization of the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and community health center funding, yet Democrats in the Senate continue to block consideration of a bill the House passed over a month ago. Finally, Im disappointed that the DACA program was not addressed. However, I am encouraged that there is a building bipartisan consensus that DACA will be addressed in January. I am hoping that when Congress returns in January, legislation providing for DACA people and border security can be enacted. Notable provisions included in the continuing resolution: $4 billion appropriation to counter the threat from North Korea. $700 million to repair damaged U.S. Navy ships. Notable provisions not included in the continuing resolution: Long-term extension of the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Long-term extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Long-term extension of the VA Choice Program. Legislative fix to address the DACA program",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,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://katko.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/fighting-you-my-vote-cut-taxes-and-create-jobs-central-new-york,Fighting for You: My Vote to Cut Taxes and Create Jobs for Central New York,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,John Katko,K000386,katko.house.gov,,,legacy,"13 W. Oneida St., 2nd FloorPlease call 315-423-5657 for an appointment.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-overwhelmingly-passes-bipartisan-katko-legislation-end-human,HOUSE OVERWHELMINGLY PASSES BIPARTISAN KATKO LEGISLATION TO END HUMAN TRAFFICKING,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,John Katko,K000386,katko.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. This week, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass bicameral, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24), the No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act. This measure disqualifies an individual from operating a commercial motor vehicle for life if he or she committed a human trafficking crime. A similar ban is currently in place for drug trafficking in which a felony conviction carries a lifetime ban. Before the vote,Rep. Katko spoke on the floor of the House in support of the legislation. His remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below. I am proud to rise in favor of S. 1532, the No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act. This bipartisan, bicameral bill strengthens our nations efforts to combat human trafficking. As a former organized crime prosecutor on both the northern border and on the southern border, Ive seen firsthand the horrors of human trafficking. Too often, human traffickers take advantage of our nations transportation network to transport their victims from one location to the next. The U.S. Department of Transportation and the transportation industry play a critical role in preventing and stopping these heinous exploitations. I want to commend the trucking industry for their commitment in training drivers to identify instances of human trafficking through organizations like Truckers Against Trafficking, or TAT. Truck drivers are often a critical asset in helping law enforcement identify victims who otherwise might go unseen. However, an isolated few individuals have taken advantage of their position to illegally traffic innocent people. We must stop this from occurring. Earlier this year, alongside my good friend Congresswoman Esty, I introduced H.R. 3814, the House companion to the legislation before us. While the vast majority of our nations truck drivers are hardworking, honest men and women, our bill is necessary to ensure that the select few who commit these crimes are brought to justice. I am grateful for the Chairmans support in moving our bill through the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and bringing this important issue before the floor of the House. I would also like to thank outside organizations like the National District Attorneys Association for supporting this legislation. Again, I would like to thank Representative Esty and Senators Thune and Klobuchar for their bipartisan, bicameral leadership and yield back the balance of my time. Congressman John Katkorepresents the 24th Congressional District of New York, which includes all of Onondaga, Cayuga, and Wayne Counties and the western portion of Oswego County. For more information visithttps://katko.house.govorwww.facebook.com/RepJohnKatko. ###",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://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-authors-24-member-letter-seeking-confirmation-least-8-iranian,Rep. Zeldin Authors 24 Member Letter Seeking Confirmation of At Least 8 Iranian Violations of Iran Nuclear Deal,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, led 23 Members of Congress in authoring a letter to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Defense James Mattis, and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Mike Pompeo, seeking confirmation of at least 8 reported violations of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly referred to as the Iran Nuclear Deal. A signed PDF of the letter is availablehere. Full text of the letter is as follows: Dear Secretary Tillerson, Secretary Mattis and Director Pompeo: President Trump appropriately announced on October 13, 2017, that he would not recertify the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as specified under the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 (INARA, Public Law 114-17). Since the JCPOA was first implemented on January 16, 2016, the Iranian regime has violated not only the ""spirit"" of the agreement, but also the ""letter"" of the agreement, on numerous fronts. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has acknowledged two of these JCPOA violations, in February 2016 and November 2016. In February 2016, the IAEA reported that Irans stock of heavy water had reached 130.9 metric tons, above the deals 130 metric ton cap. Again in November 2016, Iran had exceeded the heavy water allotment by 100 kilograms. After Irans second violation of the heavy water cap, the Joint Commission allowed Iran to store 11 metric tons of heavy water in Oman while it awaits a buyer, but never addressed the underlying intent regarding Irans stockpiling of the material itself. Additional violations of the letter of the JCPOA have also not been addressed. These include: Assembling additional advanced centrifuges: Annex 1, Paragraph 61 of the JCPOA states, Iran will only engage in production of centrifuges to meet the enrichment R&D requirements. Yet Iran has acquired more than the necessary amount of IR-8 centrifuge rotor assemblies for R&D purposes with sixteen times more capacity than the IR-1 to enrich uranium. Exceeding IR-6 centrifuge allowance: As part of the JCPOA, an enrichment research and development plan was submitted to the IAEA that permitted roughly ten IR-6 centrifuges. Iran has assembled thirteen to fifteen IR-6 centrifuges, which should have been limited or destroyed under this plan. Conducting mechanical testing of advanced centrifuges. In violation of the JCPOA, Iran has exploited conditions governing the quality assurance of advanced centrifuges to conduct mechanical testing of advanced centrifuges. Attempting to acquire carbon fiber: After Implementation Day, the Iranian regime attempted to acquire carbon fiber, a key component of centrifuge production, but was subsequently denied. Irans Energy Organization (AEOI) had more than enough carbon fiber to replace rotors for its advanced centrifuge program. This attempt should have been considered a JCPOA violation under Annex 1, Paragraph 61. Refusing IAEA access to military sites: Under Annex 1, Paragraph 76 of the JCPOA, the IAEA can request access to military locations, such as Parchin, to verify compliance. However, the Iranian regime has made it crystal clear in no uncertain terms that access to military sites is absolutely forbidden."" Refusing IAEA access to Sharif University. Tehran rejected an IAEA request to visit Sharif University, where the regime may have pursued undeclared military nuclear activities. Ultimately, the IAEA opted to accept an Iranian explanation of its activities instead. Possessing chemically man-modified particles of natural uranium: In September 2015, Iranian officials granted limited access to IAEA inspectors at the Parchin facility. Although environmental samples revealed chemically man-modified particles of natural uranium, the IAEA did not pursue an explanation. Moreover, IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano recently stated that the agency wants Iran to fully implement the JCPOA, which by implication covers Section T of Annex I of the JCPOA, which prohibits any activities that could contribute to the development of a nuclear explosive device. Determining if Iran is in compliance with Section T, or is in fact now violating some of its conditions, remains impossible to determine without Iran providing more information to the IAEA and allowing access to Irans military sites. We write to inquire as to whether your respective departments and agencies possess intelligence to confirm these violations. We request to be briefed on any such intelligence as well as any plans the administration may have to respond to the violations. Thank you for your timely attention to this very important question.",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://faso.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=785,"Reps. Faso, Slaughter Introduce Bill to Honor Maurice Hinchey",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,John Faso,F000464,faso.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Representatives John Faso (R-NY19) and Louise Slaughter (D-NY25) 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 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. 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. 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://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-katko-bipartisan-group-new-york-colleagues-reiterate-need-fund,"REP. KATKO, BIPARTISAN GROUP OF NEW YORK COLLEAGUES REITERATE NEED TO FUND CHILDRENS HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,John Katko,K000386,katko.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) this week joined a bipartisan group of his New York colleagues to reiterate to leaders in the House the importance of funding the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP). In September, Rep. Katko urged his colleagues in Congress to act in a bipartisan manner to reauthorize the program, which expired at the end of that month. While New York currently has sufficient funding to sustain CHIP through the beginning of next year, it is imperative that Congress act urgently to reauthorize this program. In this weeks letter, Rep. Katko stated, The Childrens Health Insurance Program has been an enormously successful program responsible for dramatically reducing the volume of uninsured children across the nation. In New York State alone, over 300,000 children receive insurance through this vital program, however, the authorization for this has also expired. Congress must take immediate action in order to ensure continuous coverage for the roughly 9 million children benefiting from this program nation-wide. We request that a 5 year extension of CHIP be included in any year-end measure to ensure our nations children receive the best care possible. Together with Medicaid, CHIP serves as the primary source of health insurance for nearly 9 million American children. Issued as a block grant, CHIP is a collaborative program between the federal government and the states. In addition to urging the reauthorization of CHIP, Rep. Katko and his colleagues called for bipartisan action to fund Community Health Centers (CHC) and Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DHS) payment reductions, highlighting the importance of acting on each of these items in order to ensure that essential care and services are not interrupted for New Yorkers and Americans nationwide. The full text of the letter can be found here. Congressman John Katkorepresents the 24th Congressional District of New York, which includes all of Onondaga, Cayuga, and Wayne Counties and the western portion of Oswego County. For more information visithttps://katko.house.govorwww.facebook.com/RepJohnKatko. ###",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://peteking.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congressman-pete-king-votes-no-on-tax-legislation,Congressman Pete King Votes No on Tax Legislation,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Peter King,K000210,peteking.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Pete King Statement on Voting No on Tax Legislation I voted against the tax legislation (H.R. 1) when it came to the House floor for a final vote on Tuesday. Unfortunately, the bill passed by a vote of 227-203. As you know, I opposed this tax plan from the start and voted against it when it first came to a vote last month. My main objection was the elimination of the deduction for state income and local property taxes (SALT). I had other objections including elimination of the deductions for medical expenses and for student loan interest. During recent negotiations we were able to make a number of improvements to the bill. The medical expense and student loan interest deductions were restored and a $10,000 deduction for SALT will be allowed. Additionally, the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) is eliminated for individuals making up to $500,000 and $1,000,000 for couples filing jointly. While this was progress, it was not enough. The $10,000 SALT cap will not be sufficient for most Long Island constituents. Additionally, it will devalue our homes by 10-15%. Another provision will prevent the prepayment of bonds which will cost local governments on Long Island tens of millions of dollars and further impact property taxes. The bottom line is that while most of the rest of the country will be getting a tax cut, it will be paid for by Long Island residents who will be getting a tax increase. This is wrong and reflects a long time bias against the Northeast. That is why I voted NO and why I will continue to fight and find ways to correct and change this legislation after it is signed into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1356,Bipartisan Group of Problem Solvers Caucus Members Introduce Comprehensive Health Care Bill to Stabilize the Individual Marketplace,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-05), along Congressman Tom Reed (NY-23) and Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), led a bipartisan group of twenty-six Problem Solvers Caucus Members to introduce the Bipartisan Market Stabilization and Innovation Act (HR 4695), a bill to stabilize the individual marketplace and bring down health care costs for millions. The Bipartisan Market Stabilization and Innovation Act will: fund Cost Sharing Reduction payments, which help low- and middle-income families afford copays and deductibles; establish a ten-year $115 billion stability fund for states to stabilize the marketplace; streamline the 1332 State Innovation Waiver process to allow states to innovate while protecting patients; repeal the medical device tax so patients are no longer footing the bill; and, alter the employer mandate to provide relief to small businesses. Families have been rocked by uncertainty when it comes to health care all year long, said Rep. Schrader. At the surface, it can seem as though this year was full of political and partisan nonsense. But Im proud to be part of a group of individuals from across the political spectrum who have been working together to tackle this extraordinarily vital issue. Legislating on health carean area thats incredibly personal and complextakes time and effort. As with any major piece of legislation, everyone agrees that there are needed fixes to the ACA. At this point, its clear that partisan politicking doesnt lead to solutions for anyone. Ive been working all year with my colleagues across the aisle, hearing from health care providers, insurers, patients and professionals, to develop this bill. The compromise we brokered will bring down costs and provide much needed stability. Now we must work to enact it as soon as possible. It is a great day when a bipartisan group of legislators can come together on an issue as important as health care, said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Tom Reed. I am proud to stand with my Republican and Democrat colleagues to help improve health care coverage for my constituents in New York and for Americans across the country. These legislative fixes will provide immediate relief and help stabilize the individual market and prove that bipartisan problem solving is the best the way to move this country forward in 2018. For too long, health care has been viewed as a fiercely partisan issue, but the Problem Solvers Caucus has shown working together to fight the gridlock is possible, said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer. Democrats and Republicans can agree that we need a bipartisan plan to stabilize the health insurance marketplace and lower premiums for everyone. This bill will help small businesses and families in New Jersey and across the country by making permanent cost sharing reductions to reduce out of pocket costs while protecting coverage for seniors and hard-working families. I thank my colleagues for their hard work and good faith efforts that got us to this point, and I look forward to working across the aisle to help Jersey families save on health care costs. Additional Co-Sponsors include: Ami Bera (CA-07), Jim Costa (CA-16), Ryan Costello (PA-06), Carlos Curbelo (FL-26), Charles W. Dent (PA-15), Elizabeth Esty (CT-05), John Faso (NY-19), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08), John Katko (NY-24), Leonard Lance (NJ-07), Daniel Lipinski (IL-03), Stephanie Murphy (FL-07), Rick Nolan (MN-08), Tom OHalleran (AZ-01), Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), Scott Peters (CA-52), Bradley Schneider (IL-10), Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09), Darren Soto (FL-09), Thomas Suozzi (NY-03), Glenn W. Thompson (PA-05), Dave Trott (MI-11), Peter Welch (VT-At Large).",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://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-co-sponsors-sexual-harassment-bills,Stefanik co-sponsors sexual harassment bills,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,318 Cannon House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stefanik-congress-members-should-reimburse-treasury-sexual-harassment,Stefanik: Congress members should reimburse Treasury for sexual harassment settlements,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,318 Cannon House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/olson-stefanik-introduce-bill-protect-victims-harassment-taxpayers,"OLSON, STEFANIK INTRODUCE BILL TO PROTECT VICTIMS OF HARASSMENT & TAXPAYERS",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Representatives Pete Olson (R-TX) and Elise Stefanik (R-NY) have introduced legislation to ensure victims of harassment on Capitol Hill continue to receive just compensation for their suffering, but at the hands of their accusers, not at taxpayer expense. Olson and Stefanik introduced H.R. 4690, the Responsible Settlements for Victims and Taxpayers Act, which will require Members found guilty of harassment to reimbursement the Treasury for settlements paid out to victims. Furthermore, if a Member leaves office and fails to reimburse the Treasury, their federal retirement account, also known as a Thrift Savings Account, can be taken to pay back the American people. Rep. Pete Olson said, Recent reports of harassment coming out of Capitol Hill are disgusting and wrong on every level. The notion that any claims of harassment have been settled at taxpayer expense is simply indefensible. As we look to right this wrong, I have concerns with any colleagues seeking the easy way out by resigning and thinking this action gets them off the hook. Thats why not only does this bill require members to reimburse the Treasury for payments to victims, but also provides a mechanism for reimbursement should anyone leave office. The wonderful staffers who come to Capitol Hill to serve the American people deserve a safe work environment. If that safety is breached, they deserve compensation from the person who harms them, not the American taxpayers. I thank my colleague Elise Stefanik for joining me in this effort and hope we can get this bill to the House floor for consideration as soon as possible. ""Taxpayers should not be forced to foot the bill for lawmakers' inappropriate behavior,"" said Congresswoman Stefanik. ""This commonsense legislation addresses the recent and shocking reports of abuse by some on Capitol Hill, and it protects hard earned taxpayer dollars. I was pleased to join my colleagues recently to pass mandatory sexual harassment training for the House of Representatives, and this bill is one more important step to protecting our workspaces from abuse. I thank Congressman Olson for leading this effort."" Highlights of the Bill: H.R. 4690 amends the Congressional Accountability Act to require Members of Congress to reimburse the U.S. Treasury for settlements paid in connection with violations of sexual harassment committed personally by Members of Congress. The bill also allows use of Thrift Savings Plan agency contributions to a Member as a source of reimbursement if a Member or Senator has not met the requirements of repayment within 180 days of the settlement agreement. Text of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-votes-government-funding-bill-disaster-relief-package,"Stefanik Votes for Government Funding Bill, Disaster Relief Package",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) voted in support of the Continuing Resolution to fund the government through January 19th and H.R. 4667 the Emergency Disaster Aid Package. This funding measure allows the government to continue its operations through the holidays as we finalize a longer term spending plan, said Congresswoman Stefanik. Im pleased this included important extensions for the Childrens Health Insurance Program and for Community Health Center funding that Ive fought to protect. We also passed legislation to provide needed disaster relief for the devastation caused by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, as well as the California wildfires. As the full funding bill is negotiated and written, I will continue fighting for North Country priorities. Congresswoman Stefanik and her colleagues in the House passed an appropriations package for the full year this past September. Additionally, Congresswoman Stefanik was instrumental in the House passing a long-term CHIP reauthorization in November that included a two year extension of funding for Community Health Centers. ###",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://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-condemns-united-nations-anti-us-anti-israel-resolution,"Rep. Zeldin Condemns United Nations Anti-U.S., Anti-Israel Resolution",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Co-Chairman of the House Republican Israel Caucus, condemned the passage of United Nations (UN) General Assembly Resolution A/RES-10/L.22, which demands the United States rescind its decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital. Immediately following the General Assemblys vote, Congressman Zeldin joined Congressman Doug Lamborn (R, CO-5) and other House colleagues to introduce a resolution rejecting this UN vote and reaffirming their strong support of the Presidents decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital and move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. On Tuesday, the United National Security Council (UNSC) voted on a resolution to withdraw President Trumps recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. As a permanent member of the UNSC, the United States vetoed this resolution. UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES-10/L.22 was then brought before the full assembly today where it passed by a vote of 128 to 9 with 35 countries abstaining. Congressman Zeldin released the following the statement with regards to these UN actions: The United Nations General Assembly has taken a very disappointing and audacious vote against the United States, by far the largest contributor to the UN and international global aid, for exercising its sovereign right to place its embassy wherever it deems fit. Moving the United States embassy to Jerusalem, which is in fact Israels capital, has been enshrined in U.S. law since Congress passed the bipartisan Jerusalem Embassy Act over two decades ago. However, while other Presidents have caved to pressure from Pro-Palestinian international actors, President Trump resolutely followed through on this long-overdue decision. Now more than ever, I applaud the strong leadership of Ambassador Haley as she tirelessly fights for our nation and its allies in a body of blindy anti-Jewish international bureaucrats. This is not only an attack on our greatest ally Israel, but an assault on the sovereignty of the US itself.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-leads-bipartisan-delegation-new-york-house-members-urging,Rep. Zeldin Leads Bipartisan Delegation of New York House Members Urging Full Funding of Essential Health Programs,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) led a bipartisan delegation of eight New York Members of Congress in authoring a letter to Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi urging full funding of the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Community Health Centers (CHC), and a delay in the implementation of Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH) cuts. These essential programs provide millions of children, veterans, and individuals with the health care services they need, Congressman Zeldin said. In New York alone, failure to support these programs could mean the loss of health insurance for 300,000 New York children, $800 million dollars less for safety net hospitals, and the possible elimination of care for the nearly 2 million New Yorkers who depend on Community Health Centers. On behalf of the millions of New Yorkers who rely on these vital programs, my New York colleagues and I urge full funding. This November, the House passed the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act (H.R. 3922), which included a 5-year reauthorization of CHIP, 2-year reauthorization of Community Health Center funding, and the elimination of the Affordable Care Act mandated DSH reductions. The Senate has not passed that legislation yet. This letter urges funding for these programs to be included as the House considers another short-term spending measure to fund the government through the end of the year, which is expected to be voted on later this week. Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) was joined by Representatives Sean Patrick Maloney (D, NY-18), Peter King (R, NY-2), Thomas Suozzi (D, NY-3), John Katko (R, NY-24), Elise Stefanik (R, NY-21), Dan Donovan (R, NY-11), and Kathleen Rice (D, NY-4) in sending this letter. A PDF of the signed letter is available here. Full text of the letter is as follows: Dear Speaker Ryan and Leader Pelosi: As Congress continues to negotiate end-of-the-year legislative items, we wish to call your attention to three issues in particular, Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funding, Community Health Center (CHC) funding and Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payment reductions. Each of these issues must be addressed in a bipartisan fashion before the end of this year in order to ensure essential care and services go uninterrupted. Without meaningful action on all three of these matters, countless New Yorkers and Americans across the nation will be negatively and unfairly impacted. Community Health Centers: Community Health Centers serve over 27 million individuals across the country, including over 300,000 of our nations veterans. In our home state of New York, over 60 CHC facilities provide services for roughly 2 million New York State residents. The Community Health Center Fund authorized by Congress represents 70% of CHC funding, which expired earlier this year. Without knowing whether funding will be renewed, these facilities face significant financial hardships and could cause programs to scale back the services they provide, and in some instances, staff reductions and facility closures are also being considered. In order to ensure timely funding, we respectfully request that funding for Federally Qualified Community Health Centers for a period of at least two years be passed into law before the end of the year. Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) funding: In New York, safety net hospitals across the state rely upon Medicaid DSH funding. If the current Medicaid DSH cuts are not delayed, New York State safety net hospitals stand to see, on average, a 20%, or roughly $800 million cut in funding for 2018 and 2019. Without action on this issue, some of the nations most vulnerable populations will be unnecessarily impacted, and hospitals will be required, once again, to do more with less. To remediate this issue, we request a delay of at least two years be considered to ensure services to patients go uninterrupted. Childrens Health Insurance Program: The Childrens Health Insurance Program has been an enormously successful program responsible for dramatically reducing the volume of uninsured children across the nation. In New York State alone, over 300,000 children receive insurance through this vital program, however, the authorization for this has also expired. Congress must take immediate action in order to ensure continuous coverage for the roughly 9 million children benefiting from this program nationwide. We request that a 5 year extension of CHIP be included in any year-end measure to ensure our nations children receive the best care possible. While there are several important matters pending before Congress at present, these three issues are of particular importance to the state of New York. We urge you to address these matters as promptly as possible to ensure essential healthcare services are delivered.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-urges-va-develop-and-increase-access-testing-and-treatment,Rep. Zeldin Urges VA to Develop and Increase Access to Testing and Treatment for Liver Fluke Infected Veterans,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) authored a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin, urging the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop standardized testing and treatment options and establish broader accessibility of care through increased study of the Liver Fluke parasite. I am deeply concerned about the Liver Fluke parasite that has infected so many of our nations veterans, especially our brave service members who were deployed to Southeastern and Eastern Asia, Congressman Zeldin wrote. Preliminary reports appear to have indicated these veterans are carrying the dormant parasite Platyhelminthes, commonly known as liver fluke, which in several instances has led to the contraction of very serious, life threatening health conditions such as bile duct cancer and liver disease. I strongly urge the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs to make this a top priority, developing a plan and securing funding to test all veterans whose service exposed them to liver fluke, and to do so as soon as possible. For signed PDF letter click here. Full text is as follows: Dear Secretary Shulkin, I am deeply concerned about the Liver Fluke parasite that has infected so many of our nations veterans, especially our brave service members who were deployed to Southeastern and Eastern Asia. Preliminary reports appear to have indicated these veterans are carrying the dormant parasite Platyhelminthes, commonly known as liver fluke, which in several instances has led to the contraction of very serious, life threatening health conditions such as bile duct cancer and liver disease. The Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), which serves the veterans of my district and the entirety of Long Island, recently conducted a first-of-its-kind study of liver fluke in the United States using a 50 veteran sample size. While the sample size for the study was admittedly smaller than most studies, initial results highlight a substantial need for greater study of this issue, the development of standardized treatment options, and broader accessibility of care for veterans at Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities across the country. Many veterans in my district and across the country are in need of appropriate testing and subsequent treatment. I strongly urge the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs to make this a top priority, developing a plan and securing funding to test all veterans whose service exposed them to liver fluke, and to do so as soon as possible. If any member of your team has any questions or feedback on this issue, please have them contact my Senior Legislative Aide, Matthew Scott, at 202-225-3826. Thank you for your continued service on behalf of Americas heroes.",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://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1354,Reed Delivers Transformational Tax Cuts,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC- After clearing the House and Senate, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is on its way to the Presidents desk. Congressman Tom Reed (NY-23), a member of the tax writing Ways and Means Committee, was instrumental in shaping legislation that ensures historic tax cuts for hardworking Americans and the launch of a new era of economic opportunity, growth and job creation. I have been working on crafting this legislation for seven years, which will lower taxes not only for hardworking New Yorkers, but all Americans, Reed stated. This is a once in a generation opportunity to transform our tax code and spark our economy. Today we have opened the gates to a new wave of optimism and economic prosperity -- and Im proud to be a part of it. Facing one of the highest tax burdens in the country, New Yorkers stand to benefit from the overhaul of a tax code that hasnt been reformed in thirty-one years. This bill will provide much needed relief - particularly for working families. By keeping more of their own money, people will be able to invest more in their families, instead of handing it over to the government. Thats the way it should be, Reed added. The bill cuts tax rates on middle and working class Americans, doubles the standard deduction, doubles the child tax credit to $2000 per child- $1400 of which is refundable, and preserves the child and dependent care credit. Additionally, this legislation maintains the state and local tax deduction for income, sales, and property tax. This bill will also enhance our economic engine. For decades, weve prevented our businesses from being able to grow and compete. Tax reform will help jumpstart job creation and with a job comes pride in an honest days work. This is transformative for families in our region, Reed said. ### For policy highlights, click here. For our video on small business tax relief, click here.",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://chriscollins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/collins-votes-for-historic-tax-reform-legislation,Collins Votes for Historic Tax Reform Legislation,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Chris Collins,C001092,chriscollins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today voted to dramatically reform the nations tax code. H.R. 1, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, will provide tax relief to families across Western New York and spark business investment, hiring, and wage growth. Based upon census data, the average family in the 27th Congressional District will pay $1,875 less in taxes allowing them to keep more than $150 each month. While the liberal left has relied on fake news and deceptive studies in a failed attempt to derail tax reform, Im proud to have joined House Republicans in fighting for working families in New York and across the country, said Collins. This tax reform bill means lower taxes, more jobs, and higher wages for the hard-working families in Western New York. Currently the United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world driving jobs and profits overseas instead of keeping them in America. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will lower the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, which will be the largest reduction of this rate in our nations history. Additionally, the legislation lowers the tax rate on small businesses and provides incentives for these businesses to grow and hire more workers. For individuals and families, the legislation lowers tax rates so people can keep more of their paychecks. The plan doubles the standard deduction, which means many families will no longer itemize their taxes. For those that choose to itemize, they will be able to write off the cost of state and local taxes up to $10,000, mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and expensive medical bills. Republicans in Congress have doubled the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000. The legislation preserves dependent care credits for children and adults that need additional support. By repealing the individual mandate tax penalty, families gain the flexibility to buy the health insurance plan that is right for them. Collins added: This is a historic moment for workers, families, and job creators in Western New York. House Republicans have passed a once-in-a-generation tax reform bill that will ease the tax burden on Americans from all walks of life. This legislation will revitalize the American economy, allowing us to compete with other industrialized nations and win. The Senate is expected to pass the Conference Report to H.R. 1, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, tonight and it will be sent to President Trumps desk. For more information, click here. ###",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://donovan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-congressman-dan-donovan-final-tax-bill,Statement from Congressman Dan Donovan on Final Tax Bill,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Daniel Donovan,D000625,donovan.house.gov,,,legacy,"I wanted nothing more than to vote for a tax plan that would put more money in the pockets of overburdened taxpayers and spur job creation. However, the bill that came out of the conference committee still means a tax increase for many Staten Island and Brooklyn residents. My priority always has and will continue to be the people of Staten Island and Brooklyn who sent me to Congress to represent them. Their interests come before Washington, always. For months, Ive been fighting tooth and nail, together with Republican Reps. Peter King, Lee Zeldin, John Faso, and Elise Stefanik to protect the state and local tax deduction. Capping this deduction which has been a part of the U.S. tax code since 1913 will increase taxes and harm the already-unaffordable housing market in my district. Former President Ronald Reagan didn't eliminate SALT when he had the chance in 1986 due to conservative principles, and we shouldnt remove it now. Additionally, analyses show that New Yorks share of the countrys tax burden will grow by 9 percent the largest increase of any state in the nation. Even this small capped deduction of $10,000 will be eliminated in 8 years, and once its gone it probably will be eliminated forever. Weve taken our case to Congressional leadership, the public, and directly to the President. Sometimes that fight has been heated, but thats our job: to look out for the families in our districts who are already living paycheck to paycheck. Our efforts resulted in some positive developments, like the protection of student loan interest and medical expense deductions, but it still falls short of accomplishing the goals that I strongly believed we could and should have achieved. With the state and local tax deduction nearly eliminated, this tax bill doesn't equal relief for far too many New Yorkers. It is still paid for by the middle-class families of Staten Island and Brooklyn. New York is a high-tax state, and this legislation should serve as a wakeup call to politicians who have been taxing and spending with little regard for the taxpayer. But that still doesn't make it right to penalize people even more. My responsibility and allegiance is to the people who sent me here, and I will not support a tax hike on the people I represent. ###",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://katko.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/december-15-2017-week-review,"December 15, 2017 | Week in Review",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,John Katko,K000386,katko.house.gov,,,legacy,"13 W. Oneida St., 2nd FloorPlease call 315-423-5657 for an appointment.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-historic-tax-reform-legislation-rep-katko-s-support,HOUSE PASSES HISTORIC TAX REFORM LEGISLATION WITH REP. KATKOS SUPPORT,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,John Katko,K000386,katko.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Following passage in the U.S. House of Representatives today of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) released the following statement: Today, with my support, the House passed the first major reform to our nations tax code in three decades. Throughout this process, Ive fought for the best interests of Central New York and Im proud to have delivered several significant wins. This bill safeguards the Historic Preservation Tax Credit, the income exclusion for graduate tuition waivers, and tax-exempt status for private activity bonds. It doubles the standard deduction, lowers individual rates, expands the Child Tax Credit, and importantly, preserves the local property and income tax deduction. Despite the heated rhetoric surrounding passage of this legislation, the fact is that the status quo is simply not working for Central New York. Passage of this bill gives us a rare opportunity to level the playing field and put American workers first. I have always fought in the best interest of my constituents. I soundly believe this bill will deliver tax relief for Central New York families and allow local businesses to invest in our workforce. With the passage of this bill today, Im excited to see our local economy grow and thrive. As the Tax Cut and Jobs Act moved through the legislative process, Rep. Katko advocated wholeheartedly for Central New Yorks interests. As a result, the final version of the bill retains the income exclusion for graduate tuition waivers, the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit, and tax-exempt status for private activity bonds (PABs). Rep. Katko also played an instrumental and tangible role in restoring a $10,000 deduction for local property and income taxes. This morning, CNY leaders applauded these efforts. Congressman John Katkorepresents the 24th Congressional District of New York, which includes all of Onondaga, Cayuga, and Wayne Counties and the western portion of Oswego County. For more information visithttps://katko.house.govorwww.facebook.com/RepJohnKatko. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-katko-local-leaders-praise-wins-cny-final-tax-reform-bill,"REP. KATKO, LOCAL LEADERS PRAISE WINS FOR CNY IN FINAL TAX REFORM BILL",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,John Katko,K000386,katko.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) today highlighted significant wins for Central New York in the final tax reform legislation scheduled for a vote in the House and Senate today. Rep. Katko, who supported the Tax Cut and Jobs Act in the House, continued to advocate for Central New Yorks interests as the House and Senate worked together to conference on the bill. Following his advocacy, the final version of the bill retains the income exclusion for graduate tuition waivers, the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit, and tax-exempt status for private activity bonds (PABs). The final tax legislation that the House will consider today contains significant wins for our community. It safeguards the Historic Preservation Tax Credit, the income exclusion for graduate tuition waivers, and tax-exempt status for private activity bonds, said Rep. Katko. I was proud to fight for our communitys best interests and truly believe that with passage of this bill, we can help grow our local economy to its fullest potential. First, the final legislation does not include a tax on graduate tuition waivers. With numerous colleges and universities across NY-24, Central New York is a hub for higher education and research. Throughout this process, Rep. Katko urged leaders to consider the harm a tax on these waivers would place on students and our regions economic future. I am grateful to Congressman Katko for his support of higher education, which is such a vital component of our regional economy, said Le Moyne College President Linda Le Mura. Many members of the Le Moyne community, as well as our students, contacted him about certain aspects of the bill and he listened to what those concerns were. His support will help institutions of higher education maintain their competitive edge. Second, the bill retains the Historic Preservation Tax Credit, which has assisted in preserving some of our regions most historic buildings and has been critical to the revitalization of Downtown Syracuse. This credit has allowed for the rehabilitation of many income-producing properties, increased employment opportunities, and provided low-income housing in some of the most impoverished sectors of our community. Finally, the bill retains tax-exempt status for private activity bonds, which will be instrumental as Congress begins to look towards reforming our nations infrastructure. Moreover, tax-exempt bonds are important financing tools for affordable housing, hospitals, and schools in Central New York and communities nationwide. Ben Lockwood, Vice President of Business Development for Housing Visions stated, As a non-profit affordable housing developer with a mission of neighborhood revitalization, Housing Visions is pleased to see the retention of private activity housing bonds as well as the Historic and New Market Tax Credits. These items are valuable tools that assist to provide safe, decent, affordable housing and also work to revitalize historic structures and neighborhoods throughout Congressman Katkos district and others. We thank Congressman Katko for listening to our concerns and advocating for these provisions in the final tax bill. The original House proposal would have eliminated private activity housing bonds, which help fund 17,000 affordable and supportive homes for low-income and homeless New Yorkers each year. Thankfully, Congressman Katko and others successfully fought to restore this valued program that provides incentive for private investment in affordable housing. The elimination of housing bonds would have destroyed affordable and supportive housing development here and around the country. We thank Congressman Katko for protecting this vital program. The Congressman has been a true champion for the homeless, said Laura Mascuch, Executive Director of Supportive Housing Network of New York. ""Auburn Hospital is grateful for the efforts of Rep. Katko to ensure Private Activity Bonds remain tax-exempt. These are critical financing tools for investment in our hospital and its infrastructure, said Scott Berlucchi, President & CEO of Auburn Hospital. In addition to advocating for the above issues, Rep. Katko played an instrumental and tangible role in restoring a $10,000 deduction for local property and income taxes. Congressman John Katkorepresents the 24th Congressional District of New York, which includes all of Onondaga, Cayuga, and Wayne Counties and the western portion of Oswego County. For more information visithttps://katko.house.govorwww.facebook.com/RepJohnKatko. ###",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://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-applauds-economic-development-administration-investment-award,Stefanik Applauds Economic Development Administration Investment Award,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) applauded the U.S. Economic Development Administration s (EDA) announcement that the Lake Champlain-Lake George Regional Planning Board will receive a $70,000 EDA Planning Investment award. This award will support the development and implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategy for the areas under the jurisdiction of the Lake Champlain-Lake George Regional Planning Board. ""This important funding will help foster public and private partnerships to support economic development in our region, said Congresswoman Stefanik. This funding will go a long way toward developing our local workforce, promoting conservation, and improving our infrastructure. I thank the EDA for making this funding a priority. Additional information on this award from the EDA: City/County, State: Lake George/Warren County, New York U.S. Congressional District 21 EDA Investment Amount: $70,000 Total Project Cost: $140,000 Anticipated Impact/Outcome: Establishes an economic development planning framework, process, and strategy that supports private capital investment and job creation in the region. Description: This EDA planning investment supports the development and implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) for the region served by the Lake Champlain-Lake George Regional Planning Board, which comprises the counties of Clinton, Essex, Hamilton, Warren, and Washington. The CEDS process is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy. Should you have any questions, please contact EDA at (202) 482-2900. ###",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://tenney.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=163,Congresswoman Claudia Tenney: Tax Reform will Unleash the Economy and Bring Jobs Back to America,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Claudia Tenney,T000478,tenney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22) released the following statement after the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Tax reform is the key to unleashing the American Dream for all. Our current tax code is broken and riddled with loopholes that penalize success and hurt hardworking taxpayers. This changes today. The passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will provide critical relief to individuals and families while ensuring that job creators in 22nd District can compete on a level playing field. Our tax code will now reflect the values of fairness and hard work. Without these tax cuts, our economy will continue to be stagnant and American competitiveness will continue to suffer. Doubling the standard deduction will encourage more Americans to claim this popular deduction and eliminate the worry and stress of itemizing taxes each year. The bill also lowers rates and preserves important deductions that New Yorkers rely on. This bill will benefit low- to middle-income individuals and families with a tax structure that is easier to understand and more generous. Under this bill, the typical American family making $73,000 will see a tax cut of $2,059. A family with two children earning $52,967, the median household income in the 22nd District, would save $1,458, while a single filer with one child and an income of $30,000 would save $834. This means New Yorkers will receive an immediate raise in their January paychecks. I fought an uphill battle to include provisions facing elimination that are vital to seniors, single parents, struggling families and overly burdened job creators throughout the debate on tax reform. Last week, I urged House and Senate leadership to retain the deductibility of up to $10,000 of property taxes, the federal Historic Tax Credit (HTC), and provisions allowing for the deductibility of medical expenses. Despite the fact that these provisions faced the very real threat of elimination and were not included in the original bill, my efforts were ultimately successful in securing the Historic Tax Credit, expanding the SALT deduction, and continuing the deductibility of medical expenses, to assist our most vulnerable seniors in defraying high medial costs. In the 22nd District, where 99 percent of itemizers deduct less than $10,000 in property taxes, this provision will cover the overwhelming majority of property owners who own homes that are less than $450,000 in value. The SALT deduction is so important because it shields New Yorkers from the oppressive burden Albany places on our taxpayers. Governor Cuomo and Albany politicians have zero respect for the taxpayers. The Governor and liberals in the Assembly continue to increase our already bloated budget, causing taxes to skyrocket year after year for hardworking New Yorkers. This bill will provide relief on the federal level while finally taking a step to encourage fiscal responsibility from Albany. In my home state of New York, politicians in Albany have imposed one unfunded mandate after another on our local governments and local school districts. In turn, they have to pass this burden from the state down in the form of increased property taxes or cuts in services. This is wrong and its Albanys fault. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the property taxes that my constituents pay. A 2013 study from the Brookings Tax Policy Center ranked more than 3,000 counties by their ratio of property tax to home value. All eight of the counties I represent in upstate New York, although far from wealthy, are in the top 36 nationwide. Cortland County comes in at No. 6 and Oswego County at No. 15. For struggling families and small businesses, the status quo is not working. Passing this bill is the first step to providing desperately needed relief. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Conference Report: Lowers rates on virtually all income brackets. Retains the State and Local Tax Deduction. Filers can now use the $10,000 cap for property tax and either income or sales tax. Preserves the Medical Expense Deduction and lowers the threshold to 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income. Preserves the Historic Tax Credit. Doubles the Standard Deduction. Doubles the Child Tax Credit."" ###",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://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-holds-mobile-office-hours-riverhead,Rep. Zeldin Holds Mobile Office Hours in Riverhead,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"RIVERHEAD, NY - On Monday, December 18, 2017, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) held Mobile Office Hours at the Riverhead Volunteer Fire Department. During Mobile Office Hours, the Congressman met with constituents in one on one and constructive small group settings to have substantive, productive conversations regarding their concerns and the issues most affecting our communities, including tax reform, immigration, and veterans issues.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-santa-claus-and-fraternal-order-police-celebrate-holidays,"Rep. Zeldin, Santa Claus, and Fraternal Order of Police Celebrate Holidays at Stony Brook Childrens Hospital",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"STONY BROOK, N.Y. - Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), Santa Claus, and the Fraternal Order of Police visited the Stony Brook Childrens Hospital on December 15, 2017, to visit patients and distribute teddy bears to those spending the holiday season in the hospital. These children are the embodiment of the holiday spirit, enduring hope and light in even the darkest of moments. It was such a moving experience to be able to join them, their families, and caregivers, to celebrate the holiday season. Thank you to their parents, nurses, and doctors for all of the amazing work they do for our most vulnerable children.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-votes-no-final-tax-reform-bill,Rep. Zeldin Votes NO on Final Tax Reform Bill,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) issued the following statement after voting against the Conference Report to Accompany the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1): ""Getting this bill done and getting this bill done right should not have been a binary choice. My goal in this tax reform mission has always been to ensure the hard working men and women of Long Island keep more of their paycheck, reduce their cost of living, and are able to save more for retirement. Unfortunately, this bill is not the tax relief many Long Islanders had hoped for. There are many good aspects of this bill, including a necessary reduction in the corporate tax rate, but it should not be done on the backs of ANY hard working, middle income taxpayers. That was totally avoidable and I still don't understand why spending cuts couldnt have been used as a more responsible pay for. On balance, this bill remains a geographic redistribution of wealth, taking extra money from a place like New York to pay for deeper tax cuts elsewhere. New York is a net contributor that now will be contributing even more. This bill chooses winners and losers in a way that could have and should have been avoided. While adding back in the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction to a $10,000 cap was progress, it was not enough progress. While I support fully maintaining the SALT deduction, a better policy if a change was to be made would have been a phase down of SALT over a period of time to a level that fully protects middle income itemizers. With that being said, all New Yorkers must confront the reality that our deduction is so high because our state and local taxes are so high. ALL levels of government must work on tax relief moving forward.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z