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://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-ramapo-leaders-and-ajc-ceo-harris-honor-josef-gluck-hero-monsey,"Lowey, Ramapo Leaders, and AJC CEO Harris Honor Josef Gluck, Hero of Monsey Attack",2019-12-31,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Nita Lowey,L000480,lowey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lowey honors Gluck for his bravery during anti-Semitic attack at rabbi's home in Monsey. RAMAPO, NY Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, joined Michael Specht, Town of Ramapo Supervisor, and American Jewish Committee's (AJC) chief executive, David Harris, to honor Josef Gluck for his bravery and quick response during Saturday evening's attack in Monsey at the home of Rabbi Chaim Leibowitz Rottenberg. Josef Gluck was at the Hanukkah party when a man entered wielding a machete. After attempting to move people towards the back of the house away from the attacker, Gluck threw a coffee table to end the heinous stabbing. As the attacker left, Gluck followed him outside and took down his license plate. Gluck is likely the reason the suspect of Saturday night's attack was caught so quickly. Thank you, Josef, said Congresswoman Lowey. Without you, we would have never caught him as quickly as we did. What New York is experiencing can only be called an epidemic. In the past year, anti-Semitic crimes in New York City have increased by 21 percent. The attack here in our backyard was the 13th anti-Semitic crime in the New York City area just last week. We must seek long-term solutions to this age-old problem. The Town of Ramapo is honored to have Congresswoman Lowey join us in support of our community, to oppose anti-Semitism and to honor Joseph Gluck, our American hero, on his bravery, said Michael Specht, Town of Ramapo Supervisor. I'm honored to join Congresswoman Nita Lowey today in paying tribute to Josef Gluck, who exemplified such heroism in the face of the horrific antisemitic attack in Monsey on December 28, said American Jewish Committee CEO David Harris. In the face of a veritable epidemic of antisemitic assaults, all people of goodwill must stand together to affirm our shoulder-to-shoulder solidarity and shared common destiny. Lowey is the co-chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism. The Task Force is made up of 176 members of Congress who come from across the country, from all religions, and from both sides of the aisle. Since 2015, the Task Force has worked to ensure that Congress plays an integral role in condemning and spearheading initiatives to combat anti-Semitism, both domestically and abroad. Additionally, as Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, Lowey led the Congress in increasing vital security funding. In 2018, she established a nonprofit security grant program for those outside of UASI regions, and in the most recent federal spending package, she successfully increased funding for that program by 300 percent from $10 million to $40 million. That federal spending agreement also included $10 million to reestablish the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grants program at DHS and an additional $7.5 million to fund the grants. I condemn in the strongest words the anti-Semitic attack at Rabbi Rottenberg's home, said Congresswoman Lowey. I continue to keep the victims of the attack and their families in my prayers. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maxrose.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2438,Rose Announces Congressional Hearing on Anti-Semitic Domestic Terrorism and Governments Response,2019-12-30,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Max Rose,R000613,maxrose.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Max Rose, Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism, announced today that he will hold a Congressional hearing Wednesday, January 15th on the rise of anti-Semitic domestic terrorism attacks, the federal government's response, and additional steps that can and should be taken to properly address the threats and ensure safety and security for Jewish communities. The Subcommittee will announce additional hearing details and witnesses in the coming weeks. The unfortunate reality is that Jews are living in fear over the rise in anti-Semitism and domestic terrorist attacks. That's a reality I refuse to accept, said Rose, the first Jewish Member of Congress from Staten Island. We must address this crisis head-on, which is why my first Subcommittee hearing of the new year will be focused directly on anti-Semitic domestic terrorism, how the government is responding, and what more can be done. All levels of government need to rise to the challenge, ensure the safety and security of the Jewish community, and do everything in our power to combat the disgusting hate and pervasive anti-Semitism. Rose has been consistent in keeping his focus on addressing the threats of international and domestic terrorism. Rose was successful in his bipartisan effort to nearly double funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program from $50 million to $90 million, which provides critical support and protection for nonprofit and religious institutions like synagogues, churches, mosques, and community centers which have increasingly been targets of terrorism. Earlier this year, Rose hosted a grant workshop for nonprofit and religious institutions with government officials to assist religious and nonprofit institutions on security grant programs. Included in the annual defense bill, which was recently signed into law, is an amended version of the Domestic and International Terrorism DATA Act, of which Rose was an original co-sponsor, that will require the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Department of Homeland Security, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to produce an annual report on domestic terror incidents and how the government is responding. At a recent hearing, Rose pressed the Director of the FBI on whether or not law enforcement has the necessary tools and authority to properly address the threats of white supremacist terrorism. Earlier this month, Rose led aletter with 40 Members of Congress to the Secretary of Statedemanding answers as to why foreign white supremacist extremist groups are not included on the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Additionally, Rose chaired a joint hearingrecentlyon the challenge of white nationalist terrorism at home and abroad titled Meeting the Challenge of White Nationalist Terrorism at Home and Abroad. The hearing was a joint effort with the Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Middle East, North Africa, and International Terrorism and shed new light on the growing threat of domestic terrorists inspire by white supremacist groups abroad. Rose, a combat veteran of the war in Afghanistan, helped lead an effort to coordinate U.S. strategy against anti-Semitism overseas and condemned the rise in anti-Semitism at home, including when a Staten Island Synagogue was vandalized with hate speech. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3041,REED DEMANDS ANSWERS FROM SUNY CHANCELLOR OVER SHUTDOWN OF FREE SPEECH ON BINGHAMTON CAMPUS,2019-12-30,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today,Rep. Tom Reed released a letter sent toSUNYSystem Chancellor Kristina Johnsonand President ofSUNYBinghamton Harvey Stengerfollowing a visit by renowned economist Art Laffer to Binghamton University where he was shouted off the stage and escorted out of the room by security before having the opportunity to speak. This happened, according to press reports, because the protesters did not approve of the campus Young Americans Foundation and the College Republicans groups in which Laffer was addressing. The importance of the free exchange of ideas is one of the bedrocks of our democracy. So integral, the right to freedom of speech was enshrined in the first amendment of the United States Constitution. A free and democratic country depends on a well-informed, educated, and opinioned public free from concerns that their speech or beliefs will be constrained or prohibited. A country where speech, especially political in nature, is infringed cannot thrive,Tom said in the letter. Tom requested the following answers regarding SUNY free speech policies: Are there anySUNY-wide restrictions or limitations on the free-expression of political speech, including gatherings, meetings, tabling, and distribution of materials? Are these requirements enforced fairly and without regard to content or group? Are there anySUNY-wide restrictions on the formations of political clubs? Are there anySUNY-wide restrictions on clubs inviting guest speakers? What efforts are made to ensure clubs are able to function without retaliation or harm? What balance doesSUNYstrive to make when protecting the right of a club to invite and hear from a guest speaker with the right of students to protest such speaker? What disciplinary actions are enforced by the University when students take actions to stifle free speech? Tom also asked theSUNYSystem Chancellor Kristina Johnsonand President ofSUNYBinghamton Harvey Stenger to answer the following questions regarding the incident on November 14 and 18, with Art Laffer at theSUNYBinghamton campus. Why wasSUNYBinghamton unable to protect the College Republicans from distributing materials on November 14 from aggressive and violent protestors? What actions have been made to discipline the aggressive and violent protestors on November 14? What actions were taken to ensure the College Republicans could hear from their speaker, Art Laffer, without disruption? Why were those actions not enough and what changes has the school made to ensure similar speakers aren't shouted down and forced to leave? What actions has the university taken to hold protestors who shut down the event for their actions? Why has the university selectively punished the College Republicans and removed their ability to reserve rooms and hold future events and speakers? ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/undeterred-political-turmoil-dc-suozzi-continues-deliver-long-island-and-new,"Undeterred by Political Turmoil in DC, Suozzi Continues to Deliver for Long Island and New York",2019-12-30,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Thomas Suozzi,S001201,suozzi.house.gov,,,legacy,"Before the holidays, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D Long Island, Queens), delivered on several priorities important to his constituents, Long Island, and New York State. In the last week before the holidays, Congressman Suozzi: Successfully advanced his legislation to restore the SALT deduction through the United States House of Representatives; Helped secure funding and several legislative items important to New York and Long Island through the end-of-year budget legislation; and Voted to pass the United States Mexico Trade Agreement (USMCA) which will create jobs and support nearly 800,000 workers in New York. Staying laser-focused on the needs of my constituents, no matter the political climate, has been a priority of mine since my days as mayor of Glen Cove. Last week, not only did the House support my efforts to restore tax fairness, but I was able to secure funding for programs that are critical to my district. Programs that protect the Long Island Sound, care for a population that is deaf and blind, combat gun violence, create jobs, take care of our veterans, and much more, said Suozzi. I am proud of the hard work it has taken to pass all of this legislation, which will demonstrably improve the lives of my constituents. In addition to leading the fight to restore tax fairness, Suozzi helped secure several funding items in the end-of-year budget deal that was signed into law last week, including: $21 million to protect and preserve the Long Island Sound, this is a $17 million increase since Suozzi joined the Congress in 2017; $2.8 billion for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and $175 million for Registered Apprenticeships. Suozzi testified before House Appropriates in June in support of this funding; $16 million for the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults, an increase of $2.5 million from last year. This organization is headquartered in Sands Point and serves a population that is both deaf and blind; $25 million for gun violence research (this has not happened for decades); $55 million for Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program; $40 million for HUD/VA Supportive Housing for Homeless Veterans; $21.4 million in federal funding which will go towards children and families who are at risk of entering the New York State Foster care system; The SECURE Act, legislation which will help make retirement security a reality for millions of Americans; and Repeal of the Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT), created as a result of the 2017 GOP tax bill, it placed an additional tax burden on houses of worship and other non-profits. Suozzi also voted in support of the USMCA in Ways and Means and again on the House floor. New provisions in the deal secured by Democrats will bolster the U.S. economy, support workers, protect the environment, and improve access to affordable prescription drugs. At a Ways and Means mark-up of the trade deal, Suozzi made it clear that while the deal could be improved, it is a win for the United States and working-class families across the country. In 2020, Suozzi remains committed to working with anyone, regardless of party, to get things done for his constituents, protect our environment, reform our immigration system, combat gun violence, and much more.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/standing-with-religious-leaders-community-members-and-elected-officials-gillibrand-speaks-out-against-anti-semitism-following-horrific-attack,"Standing With Religious Leaders, Community Members, And Elected Officials, Gillibrand Speaks Out Against Anti-Semitism Following Horrific Attack",2019-12-30,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 30, 2019 Standing With Religious Leaders, Community Members, And Elected Officials, Gillibrand Speaks Out Against Anti-Semitism Following Horrific Attack Gillibrand Hosted a Roundtable at Ramapo Town Hall Near Monsey and Called for More Federal Funding to Protect Nonprofits and Educate the Public on the Holocaust Airmont, NYU.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today hosted a roundtable at Ramapo Town Hall in Rockland County to speak out against anti-Semitism following the horrific attack in Monsey. She heard directly from religious and community leaders, elected officials, and advocates on Saturday's attack in Monsey, as well as other recent attacks on the Jewish community. She discussed ways to stop anti-Semitism and protect the Jewish community, calling for more funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and support for the Never Again Education Bill, which provides funding for Holocaust education. Below are Senator Gillibrand's remarks as prepared for delivery: Thank you to everyone for joining me. We are gathered today in the wake of the horrific attack on the Jewish community here in Monsey. There are few things more heinous than attacking worshippers as they celebrate their traditions, culture, and values. It is antithetical to our values as New Yorkers. We can attribute our state's strength and vibrancy to its many diverse communities. The ability of any New Yorker, and any American, to worship freely and without fear of violence is an unshakeable tenet of our state and our country. But over the last few years, we have witnessed far too many attacks on Jewish communities in our state, across our country, and around the world. In 2018, there were nearly 2000 anti-Semitic attacks in the United States. That is the third-highest number of attacks since 1970 and twice as many attacks as in 2015. And in New York City, anti-Semitic crimes have jumped by 21 percent in the last year. These numbers are deeply disturbing and entirely unacceptable. Today, I was honored to sit with community leaders in Monsey and Rockland County to hear from them about solutions that would help protect and support their families and communities. I am dedicated to working with our Jewish communities to combat and prevent anti-Semitic violence across our state. One of the ways we must do that is by continuing to fight for funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, or NSGP. This program provides funding to improve security for nonprofits like synagogues, churches, and mosques that are at high risk for terror attacks. I have fought for increases in this funding for years, and just a couple of weeks ago, I worked to secure $90 million in funding for the NSGP for 2020. Importantly, this funding will be accessible to non-urban communities here in Rockland for only the third year ever. In 2018, I fought to secure expansion of the NSGP program so that nonprofits in non-urban areas are able to apply for these important grants. Congress just approved $40 million of funding for these non-urban communities for 2020. I will continue to make this funding a priority going forward, so that our communities can be more safe. And my office will work with our neighbors to ensure they know how to apply and secure this vital tool. But the fact of the matter is, we need to do more to protect our Jewish communities and combat anti-Semitism at its root. That is why I have been a champion of the Never Again Education Bill which would provide funding for Holocaust education. We must fight to pass this bill because knowledge is the key to combatting hate and violence. However, too many communities are suffering. That is why I am here today talking to my constituents, to community leaders, to the Jewish community to try to find new and more comprehensive ways we can fight for safer and more inclusive communities for all New Yorkers. I have always been proud to stand with the Jewish Community and have been blessed to be included in their joyous celebrations in the past. And I will forever stand with the community through those joyous times and will share in their grief through these devastating ones. I won't stop fighting until all New Yorkers can worship and live without prejudice and violence and with inclusion and acceptance. Thank you.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-task-force-condemns-anti-semitic-attack-monsey-ny,"Bipartisan Task Force Condemns Anti-Semitic Attack in Monsey, NY",2019-12-29,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Nita Lowey,L000480,lowey.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Representatives Nita Lowey (D-NY), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Kay Granger (R-TX), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Randy Weber (R-TX), Marc Veasey (D-TX), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), the Co-Chairs of the House of Representatives Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism, condemn last night's stabbing in Monsey, NY, during a Hanukkah celebration: The House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism strongly condemns last night's anti-Semitic attack in a rabbi's home in Monsey, NY. This comes on the heels of numerous attacks against Jews in Brooklyn and Manhattan and the shooting at a kosher deli in Jersey City earlier this month. We are keeping the victims of last night's attack and their families in our prayers. As the Jewish community concludes the holiday of Hanukkah this week, it is more important than ever that all Jews are able to safely celebrate their faith. The trend of increasing Anti-Semitic violence and incidents in recent years cannot continue. In the coming weeks, the Task Force will reach out to law enforcement officials, community organizations, and experts in combating hate crimes to seek answers for the best ways to fight this scourge. The Task Force stands united with the Jewish community and is committed to ending these hateful crimes once and for all. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-condemns-last-night-s-anti-semitic-attack-monsey-ny,"Lowey Condemns Last Night’s Anti-Semitic Attack in Monsey, NY",2019-12-29,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Nita Lowey,L000480,lowey.house.gov,,,legacy,"MONSEY, NY Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on the tragic stabbing at the home of Rabbi Chaim Leibowitz Rottenberg: I'm horrified by last night's stabbing in Monsey during a Hanukkah celebration at the home of Rabbi Chaim Leibowitz Rottenberg. We must continue to pray for those injured in last night's attack and their families. As we wait for more information, I stand united with the Jewish community in New York, which has endured an unacceptable string of anti-Semitic violence in recent days. We must not rest until all individuals of all faiths are safe to walk the streets and worship without fear. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://seanmaloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-statement-on-stabbing-at-synagogue-in-rockland-county,Maloney Statement on Stabbing at Synagogue in Rockland County,2019-12-29,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Sean Maloney,M001185,seanmaloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Maloney Statement on Stabbing at Synagogue in Rockland County Cold Spring, NY-Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney(NY-18) released the following statement after reports of a stabbing at the home of a rabbi in Rockland County. The attack came as the community was gathering to celebrate Hanukkah. Randy and I join the Hudson Valley as we pray for those hurt in last night's horrific stabbing attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Monsey. I will continue to monitor this situation, and work with state and local law enforcement and leaders to address the rise of hate crimes against the Jewish community in New York. We cannot tolerate anti-Semitism in any form. Hate has no home in the Hudson Valley. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/senator-gillibrand-statement-on-monsey-attack-horrific-and-evil,Senator Gillibrand Statement On Monsey Attack: ‘Horrific And Evil’,2019-12-29,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 29, 2019 Senator Gillibrand Statement On Monsey Attack: Horrific And Evil' Addressing the attack against the Jewish community in Monsey, New York, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued the following statement: The attack last night on the Jewish community in Monsey is horrific and evil. Nothing could be more heinous than attacking worshippers gathered to celebrate their traditions, culture, and values. My heart breaks for the victims, and I am praying for them and their families in this terrible time. Disturbingly, this is not an isolated incident. In the past few weeks, New York's Jewish community has faced a surge in violence, and across the country, anti-Semitism is on the rise. We cannot, and will not, let this continue. We must all condemn these incidents, and work to ensure that every community is fighting against this rise in anti-Semitism. My office is monitoring this situation closely, and is working with local, state, and federal officials to combat this crisis. I will always stand with the Jewish community, and fight against hatred and prejudice in all its forms. 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-briefed-by-fbi-on-monsey-attack-demands-thorough-fed-investigation-of-this-specific-attack-and-other-anti-semitic-attacks-in-recent-days,Schumer Briefed By FBI On Monsey Attack; Demands Thorough Fed Investigation Of This Specific Attack & Other Anti-Semitic Attacks In Recent Days,2019-12-29,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.29.19 Schumer Briefed By FBI On Monsey Attack; Demands Thorough Fed Investigation Of This Specific Attack & Other Anti-Semitic Attacks In Recent Days Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, after a phone briefing by the FBI, released the following statement regarding the horrific attack against the Jewish community in Monsey, New York. Senator Schumer also spoke to New Square Mayor Izzy Spitzer and Rabbi Rottenberg, offering prayers and full support. Last night's cowardly and callous attack on the Jewish community in Monsey was one of pure evil. This attack, and other anti-Semitic attacks that have occurred in recent days, demand a top-to-bottom federal investigation. I've asked the FBI to investigate any possible linksdirect or indirectbetween this attack and the ones of the past several days. I've also asked for an assessment of what is currently being done by federal law enforcement officials to prevent these attacks and what more can be done. The FBI continues to work with state and local law enforcement, including the NYPD. The FBI, state, and local law enforcement continue to assess whether there were any additional motives in the Monsey attack, as well. I will remain in constant contact with the FBI, along with community leaders, and believe it's of paramount importance to shine a critical light on howor where--individuals are being motivated or specifically inspired to commit these heinous acts of violence that terrorize communities and incite hate. We must not, and cannot, tolerate these senseless attacks, and we must get to the bottom of why they are occurring in order to prevent them in the first place. No Americanand no New Yorkershould be subjected to the kind of terror and pain the people of Monsey and the New York Jewish community now bears. ### 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-statement-following-anti-semitic-hanukkah-attack-mosey-new,"Rep. Zeldin Statement Following Anti-Semitic Hanukkah Attack in Monsey, New York",2019-12-29,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"PATCHOGUE, NY - Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) issued the following statement regarding last night's stabbing attack at a rabbi's home in Monsey, New York: Hanukkah 2019 in New York will be remembered for a sick amount of violent anti-Semitic attacks in and around New York City. From colleges to Congress to Hanukkah parties and synagogues, anti-Semitism is on the rise and on full display in many ugly forms. The violent anti-Semitic attacks in and around NYC are being caused by raw hate, feckless leadership, a culture of acceptance, education and promotion of anti-Semitism, and lowering quality of life. ALL elected and community leaders need to step up to confront and crush this threat. All those responsible must be brought to justice and none should be let out under Andrew Cuomo's new cashless bail law to continue terrorizing our communities. Rep. Zeldin also issued the following tweets here and here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-spends-christmas-day-qatar-us-troops-including-members-106th,"Rep. Zeldin Spends Christmas Day in Qatar with US Troops, Including Members of 106th Rescue Wing from Westhampton Beach",2019-12-26,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Upper left) Rep. Zeldin with 106th Rescue Wing Airman Eric VanDyne from Mattituck. (Upper right) Rep. Zeldin with 106th Rescue Wing Airman David Amerson from Mastic. (Lower left) Rep. Zeldin joins USO in passing out Christmas gifts to deployed troops. MIDDLE EAST - Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) spent Christmas Day in the Middle East for the 5th consecutive Christmas visiting U.S. troops deployed in the CENTCOM Area of Operations and participating in several high level diplomatic and military meetings, discussing a wide range of topics includingthe fight against ISIS in Syria and Iraq, Iranian aggression, trade and more,in addition to several other troop engagements, including serving meals to the troops, passing out Christmas gifts from home, and delivering packages of Tate's Cookies to deployed troops from the New York area. Every Christmas since coming to Congress, Congressman Zeldin has led a Congressional Delegation (CODEL) of Members of Congress to the Middle East. This year, the CODEL is being co-led with Congressman David Cicilline (D, RI-1). Congressmen Zeldin and Cicilline are also joined by Representatives Max Rose (D, NY-11), Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-08), Susan Wild (D, PA-07), Dean Phillips (D, MN-03), Gil Cisneros (D, CA-39), and Aumua Amata Radewagen (R, AS-AL). TheCODEL's first stops were Camp Arifjan in KuwaitandNaval Support Activity Bahrain. On Christmas Day, the CODEL made its third stop at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar where Congressman Zeldin joined the United Service Organizations (USO) in passing out Christmas gifts to deployed service members, and serving troops their holiday meal, including 106th Rescue Wing Airmen Eric VanDyne of Mattituck and David Amerson of Mastic. The 106th Rescue Wing is based at Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York. The service and sacrifice of these brave men and women are the reason we have the opportunity to spend Christmas day and every day safe and freewith our loved ones,said Congressman Zeldin.We will never be able to adequately thank them for their service, but it was an honor to spend Christmas Day with our troops, including a few of the 106th's own, to serve them their holiday meals and make sure they know how much we appreciate each and every one of them.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-sends-christmas-greetings-while-visiting-us-troops-middle-0,"Rep. Zeldin Sends Christmas Greetings While Visiting US Troops in the Middle East, Including NY-1 Navy Sailor Bruce Kriete",2019-12-25,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"MIDDLE EAST - Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) is spending Christmas Day again in the Middle East visiting U.S. troops deployed in the CENTCOM Area of Operations and participating in several high level diplomatic and military meetings, discussing a wide range of topics including the fight against ISIS in Syria and Iraq, Iranian aggression, trade and more, in addition to several other troop engagements, including serving meals to the troops and delivering packages of Tate's Cookies to deployed troops from the New York area. Every Christmas since coming to Congress, Congressman Zeldin has led a Congressional Delegation (CODEL) of Members of Congress to the Middle East. This year, the CODEL is being co-led with Congressman David Cicilline (D, RI-1). Congressmen Zeldin and Cicilline are also joined by Representatives Max Rose (D, NY-11), Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-08), Susan Wild (D, PA-07), Dean Phillips (D, MN-03), Gil Cisneros (D, CA-39), and Aumua Amata Radewagen (R, AS-AL). The CODEL's first stop was Camp Arifjan in Kuwait. Yesterday, the CODEL made its second stop to Bahrain, where the delegation met with U.S. Ambassador to Bahrain Justin Hicks Siberell and Bahrain's Minister of Finance & National EconomyH.E. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa. The delegation then visited Naval Support Activity Bahrain, where the delegation served a holiday lunch to deployed troops stationed there, including Navy Sailor Bruce Kriete from Shirley, New York, who graduated from Longwood High School in 2006. Congressman Zeldin also met with the Commander of the Fifth Fleet Vice Admiral James J. Malloy. Merry Christmas from the Middle East! It's been an honor to visit our troops deployed here every Christmas since coming to Congress; a tradition continuing again today, said Congressman Zeldin. I'm so grateful for these men and women who defend our freedoms and sacrifice so much. From my family to yours, have a blessed and safe holiday.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maxrose.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2437,Rose Spends Holidays with Soldiers on Surprise Bipartisan Congressional Delegation Visit to Middle East,2019-12-24,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Max Rose,R000613,maxrose.house.gov,,,legacy,"Photos from Camp Arifjan, Kuwait HERE. Congressman Max Rose, a member of the House Committees on Veterans' Affairs and Homeland Security, left Camp Arifjan, a key military base that supports operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria, earlier today after spending the day with American servicemembers who are serving in Kuwait. Rose is traveling with a bipartisan delegation of eight Members of Congress who are visiting troops in the Middle East to thank them for their service, receive classified briefing from military leaders, and meeting with diplomatic and economic personnel in the region. For so many soldiers on their 5th, 6th or even 10th deployment, missing the holidays is the new normal, but it's never easy for them or their family, said Rose, an Army combat veteran. I'm honored to be able to join some brave men and women serving abroad this Christmas and Hanukkah to thank them for the sacrifices they're making for our country. We still have soldiers all over the world serving and putting their lives on the line, and families celebrating the holidays without their loved ones. Let's keep them, and especially those of Sgt. 1st Class Michael Goble who was killed in Afghanistan this week, in our prayers. Also on the trip with Rose are: Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI), House Committee on Foreign Affairs Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY), House Committee on Foreign Affairs Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), House Committee on Foreign Affairs Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA), House Committee on Foreign Affairs Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN), House Committee on Foreign Affairs Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-CA), House Committee on Armed Services Rep. Aumua Amata Radewagon (R-AS), House Committee on Veterans' Affairs The delegation departed Andrews Air Force Base Sunday morning. While in Kuwait, they met with staff at the American embassy and received briefings on American foreign policy in the country. They will spend the next few days visiting additional countries in the region. The locations of those visits are being withheld for security purposes. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-visiting-troops-middle-east-5th-straight-christmas,Rep. Zeldin Visiting Troops in Middle East for 5th Straight Christmas,2019-12-24,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"MIDDLE EAST - For the fifth straight Christmas week, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) is spending Christmas in the Middle East visiting U.S. troops deployed in the CENTCOM Area of Operations and participating in several high level diplomatic and military meetings, discussing a wide range of topics including the fight against ISIS in Syria and Iraq, Iranian aggression, trade and more, in addition to several other troop engagements, including serving meals to the troops and delivering packages of Tate's Cookies to deployed troops from the New York area. Every Christmas since coming to Congress, Congressman Zeldin has led a Congressional Delegation (CODEL) of Members of Congress to the Middle East. This year, the CODEL is being co-led with Congressman David Cicilline (D, RI-1). Congressmen Zeldin and Cicilline are also joined by Representatives Max Rose (D, NY-11), Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-08), Susan Wild (D, PA-07), Dean Phillips (D, MN-03), Gil Cisneros (D, CA-39), and Aumua Amata Radewagen (R, AS-AL). Yesterday, the CODEL made its first stop in Kuwait, where the Congressional delegation met with officials at the American Embassy in Kuwait City and visited Camp Arifjan, where Congressman Zeldin shared a holiday lunch with deployed New Yorkers and met with the leadership of the Combined Joint Task Force of Operation Inherent Resolve. Spending Christmas away from their families isn't easy, and for many of our servicemen and women this isn't their first holiday season away from home,said Congressman Zeldin.It is an honor to be able to personally thank them for their service, let them know how much they are appreciated and how many Americans are thinking of them, praying for them and immensely grateful for their service.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-higgins-is-joined-by-french-honorary-consul-pascal-soar-s-in,Congressman Higgins is Joined by French Honorary Consul Pascal Soars in Presenting U.S. Military Medals and French Legion of Honor Medal to Mildred Speers,2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Brian Higgins,H001038,higgins.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) was joined by French Honorary Consul Pascal Soars in presenting former United States Army Nurse, First Lieutenant Mildred Speers (nee Budimirovich) with the French Chevalier Legion of Honor Medal and U.S. Military medals earned while serving during World War II. Mildred Speers demonstrated incredible bravery in the face of danger as well as skill and selflessness in helping to heal our troops, said Congressman Higgins. Her story of compassion and service is truly remarkable. It is our honor to bring her recognition by not one, but two grateful nations, for the contributions she made over 75 years ago. Mildred Budimirovich was born June of 1921 in Lackawanna, New York where she later graduated with honors from Lackawanna High School in the class of 1939. She went on to attend Buffalo State Hospital School of Nursing, earning her license as a Registered Nurse after graduating with honors in 1942. Mildred spent a year working at Millard Fillmore Hospital in Buffalo, New York before enlisting for military service in December of 1943. She was assigned to the 96th Evacuation Hospital Unit of the United States Army led by Lt. Col. Homer P. MacNamara. After months of traveling from the U.S. to Scotland and through the UK, Mildred arrived at Utah Beach, Normandy in June of 1944 having undergone rigorous training and preparation for the requirements of military service. The 96th Evacuation Hospital Unit established itself as the fifth functioning U.S. evacuation hospital in the fields west of Ste-Mre-Eglise (St. Marie Eleese) where within a month, over 4,000 patients were treated, and 2,700 surgical procedures were performed by the aggregate staff of 47 officers, 53 nurses, 1 warrant officer, 1 hospital dietician, and 308 enlisted men. It was Mildred's duty to conduct triage, stabilize wounded soldiers and prepare patients for surgery if necessary. In July 1944, as the unit journeyed toward La Fort, the hospital complex came under attack by enemy aircraft, with bombs dropping on the nurse quarters. Thankfully no one was injured, but the attack compelled the unit to head for Marigny, where by noon the next day they were ready to again receive patients. During the first week of August 1944, the 96th Evacuation Hospital Unit treated over 1,100 patients and performed more than 800 surgical procedures. Later that year, just before Christmas, there was intelligence the hospital was going to be bombed by the Germans. Mildred remembers putting patients on jeeps and trucks with just one hour to evacuate the hospital and get patients to safety. The 96th remained mobile and active until late 1945 when Victory in Europe Day marked the end of the Second World War. Mildred received a 7-day pass, and was in Paris when peace was declared in Europe. She recalls dancing and celebration filling the streets as soldiers and civilians alike were finally able to rest easy. Mildred remained overseas and continued to provide medical assistance to displaced persons and civilians until the medical personnel left the Port of Marseille in November 1945 to return to America. Mildred's unit handled nearly a quarter of all United States Army casualties during WWII. After discharge from the Army in 1946, Mildred returned home to Western New York and resumed her nursing career at Millard Fillmore Hospital as an Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Room, and private duty nurse from 1947 until 1985. In addition to serving her country and community, she served her church, Christ the King Roman Catholic parish in Snyder, where she made baptismal shawls for infants. During a ceremony at Blocher Homes in Amherst, New York, Congressman Brian Higgins, joined by U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Philip Thompson, Buffalo Recruiting Company Commander Captain Randy Warren and members of the Buffalo Recruiting Company Color Guard, presented First Lieutenant Mildred Speers with: The Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII: awarded for service and discharge under honorable conditions during World War II; A World War II Victory Medal: established by Congress in 1945 and presented to those who actively served between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946; The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with a Silver Star attachment: Recognizing members of the armed forces that served in the European theater during WWII. The Silver Star represents the 5 battles that Mildred was involved in. These include: the Invasion of Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. As well as a Flag flown over the United State Capitol in Washington, D.C. Honorary French Consul Pascal Soares joined the event to present Mrs. Speers with the French Legion of Honor Medal. The French Medal was first established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. The award is separated into 5 categories: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer) and Grand Croix (Grand Cross). For those who served during the Invasion of Normandy, the Chevalier Legion of Honor is intended to express France's gratitude towards those who risked their lives, and in many cases gave their lives, defending liberty.It is the highest decoration bestowed in France created to recognize virtue, honor and heroism.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/house-democrats-demand-answers-as-migrant-deaths-continue-to-rise,House Democrats Demand Answers as Migrant Deaths Continue to Rise,2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON House Democrats demanded documents from the Department of Homeland Security on Monday to investigate a troubling pattern of abuse and poor treatment of migrants, after the death of a 16-year-old Guatemalan detainee and other new revelations. In letters sent to immigration and homeland security officials, theHouse Oversight and Reform Committeedemanded to know how a teenage detainee, who had the flu and a 103-degree fever, could have been sent to a holding cell where he lay still next to a toilet for four hours, only to be discovered dead by his teenage cellmate. Representative Carolyn B. Maloney of New York, the chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, also questioned the shifting explanations from Customs and Border Protection, a division of the Department of Homeland Security. Officials initially said agents discovered the body of the teenager, Carlos Gregorio Hernandez Vasquez, during a welfare check. Butsurveillance video and additional documents, first obtained by ProPublica,revealed that to be untrue. Customs and Border Protection officials also have yet to explain why they disregarded the recommendation of a nurse practitioner who asked that Mr. Hernandez Vasquez be re-evaluated and hospitalized if his condition worsened. Instead, he was left in his cell, where video showed him vomit before collapsing and lying motionless while his cellmate also sick slept under a foil blanket. The lack of treatment appears to be a flagrant violation of C.B.P.'s own detention standards and raises serious questions about whether D.H.S. is failing to treat children and adults with basic human dignity and compassion, Ms. Maloney said in the letter to Chad F. Wolf, the acting secretary of homeland security. Officials with the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection did not respond to requests for comment. Mr. Hernandez Vazquez was held in Customs and Border Protection custody for six days before his death, despite a policy that requires detainees to be held in such facilities for no more than 72 hours. The agency has argued it had to hold detainees for extended periods because shelters intended to hold children for longer periods were full and the Department of Homeland Security's resources overall were exhausted. Mr. Hernandez Vazquez entered the United States in May, during the busiest month in more than a decade, when more than 144,116 people were arrested at the southwestern border. Days later, he became the sixth migrant child to die in federal custody since President Trump took office. Anexamination by The New York Timesthis year showed that years of warnings from both inside and outside the government on the protocols to assess the health of migrants have been largely ignored. Border Patrol agents and others who visited a facility in Clint, Texas, described crying children as well as cases of chickenpox, scabies and shingles among migrants, who often lacked diapers, toothpaste or soap. Kevin K. McAleenan, then the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, was pressed about the poor conditions in July by the House oversight panel, which has been investigating the agency for months. None of us would have our children in that position, said Representative Elijah E. Cummings, the chairman of the committeewho has since died. They are human beings. Customs and Border Protection does not provide flu vaccinations to migrants, arguing that the vulnerable population is supposed to be in its custody for only short periods of time. It has instead expanded its medical programs, with more than 250 medical officials working along the border. The Democrats also demanded on Monday information from Immigration and Customs Enforcement on medical treatment provided to migrants after a newly revealed internal complaint said the agency had systematically provided inadequate medical and mental health care and oversight to immigration detainees in facilities throughout the U.S. In a Department of Homeland Securitymemo, first obtained by BuzzFeed News, an agency whistle-blower said three people had died in ICE custody after receiving inadequate care. The official also said that an 8-year-old boy lost part of his forehead because of a delayed diagnosis and a man was prescribed the wrong medicine, resulting in him coughing up blood and being hospitalized. On the same day the congressional committee demanded the documents, ICE said a Nigerian detainee was found dead on Saturday morning from apparent self-inflicted strangulation. Anthony Oluseye Akinyemi, 56, had been moved into ICE custody on Dec. 20 after being convicted of a sex offense and assault, according to the statement from ICE. He was in custody for less than 24 hours before his death. April Grant, a spokeswoman for ICE, declined to comment, citing an agency policy to respond to congressional correspondence through official channels.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/house-democrats-want-to-know-why-migrants-keep-dying-in-federal-custody,House Democrats Want To Know Why Migrants Keep Dying In Federal Custody,2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Democratic lawmakers are demanding answers from the Department of Homeland Security following several deaths of migrant children in government custody since last year. On Monday, the House Oversight Committee, led by Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.),sent letters to DHS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement requesting documents as part of its investigation into a pattern of negligence and abuse leading to serious harm and the deaths of immigrants detained by the Trump Administration. In the letter to DHS, lawmakers pointed to the case of 16-year-old Carlos Gregorio Hernandez Vasquez, who died in May after being taken into Border Patrol custody. The boy was originally diagnosed with the flu and given medicine but instead of being taken to a hospital, he was transferred to a border station and found dead in his cell the next day. The lawmakers' letter also refers to recent reporting from ProPublica that showed Customs and Border Protection misled the public about the boy's treatment. The Department's failure to care for this sick child appears to be part of a troubling pattern of abuse and poor treatment of immigrants in the Department's detention centers, Maloney said in a news release, saying the case raises serious questions about whether DHS is failing to treat children and adults with basic human dignity and compassion. At least six migrant children have died in government custody since 2018. In the previous decade, no migrant children died in custody, according to ProPublica. HuffPost reached out to DHS for comment but did not immediately receive a response. In a separate letter to ICE, lawmakers demanded documents from the agency following reports of gross negligence by medical staff treating detainees in ICE custody. Reports have long noted all-too-often unsanitary and unsafe conditions for migrants detained in ICE facilities. A report from human rights groups in 2018 identified over a dozen deaths of immigrants in ICE custody in recent years. The report said substandard care was given to migrants in nearly all cases and inadequate medical treatment likely contributed or led to detainees' deaths in over half of them. HuffPost reached out to ICE for comment but had not received a response by Monday evening. The House oversight committee requested documents by Jan. 10. Lawmakers have been investigating the Trump administration's treatment of migrants in government custody for several months. In July, the committee held hearings on poor conditions for migrants in DHS detention centers. Earlier that month, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and other Democratic lawmakers visited detention facilities at the U.S.-Mexico border and described migrants being held in appalling conditions, including being covered in filth from an inability to shower or change, having canker sores from unhealthy food and only thin blankets for sleeping on concrete. In May, a DHS watchdog, reporting on Border Patrol facilities in El Paso, found that detained migrants were kept in dirty and extremely crowded conditions, forcing some people to stand on toilets to get some breathing room. Earlier this month, House Democrats introduced sweeping legislation aiming to overhaul the immigration system, which included decriminalizing border crossings.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/a-look-back-at-2019,A Look Back at 2019,2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friend, What a year we've had! It's hard to believe that 2019 is coming to an end. With a new yearand decadeahead, I wanted to take a look back at all that we accomplished together this year. We got a lot done working for the American people, including: Securing permanent funding of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund; Becoming the first woman ever to chair the Committee on Oversight and Reform; Reauthorizing the Debbie Smith Act to provide funding to test backlogged DNA kits; and Impeaching the President Read more on all of this and more below. Turning Promise Into Law: Honoring Our 9/11 Heroes Congresswoman Maloney speaks at a press conference on the passage ofthe Never Forget the Heroes Act In February, the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund announced that due to a funding shortfall, injured and ill 9/11 responders and survivors would receive significant cuts to their pending and future claims. I could not allow that. Fully funding and permanently authorizing the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund was the least we could do to honor the sacrifices of these brave men and women. After months of bipartisan work, during which i wore a firefighter jacket every day to reming my colleagues about the importance of making the program permanent, my bill, the Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act, was signed into law in July. This would not have been possible without the incredible community of first responders, survivors their families who advocated tirelessly for this life saving legislation. With this bill, and the World Trade Center Health Program, the 9/11 community and their families now have a greater sense of security knowing that these resources will always be there for them. Becoming the First Female Chair of The Committee on Oversight and Reform In November, my House Democratic colleagues elected me as the new Chair of the Committee on Oversight and Reform. I will do my best to follow the honorable example that the late Chairman Cummings left for us all. When I first came to Congress, I wanted to join this committee because it fights corruption, ensures transparency, and protects the American people. Today, these responsibilities are more important than ever. It is a great honor to chair the Oversight Committee, and I am humbled by the additional honor of being the committee's first woman chair. Ensuring Funding to Reduce the DNA Testing Backlog Across the country, DNA evidence sits backlogged and untested because forensic labs lack the resources to process it. That's why, in 2004, I wrote and passed the Debbie Smith Act. The legislation provided much-needed resources to law enforcement agencies to process untested DNA evidence.The National Institute of Justice reports that since 2005, Debbie Smith funding is responsible for 192,000 or about 42% - of DNA matches in the FBI database. As importantly, it also provides some measure of justice to survivors of violence. Although the program lapsed for a few months, I am proud to say that the bill passed the Senate in December and is on its way to the President's desk. Impeaching the President Impeachment is not something that I take lightly. I took no pleasure in learning what I feel is disturbing information that led me to conclude that the House of Representatives must impeach the President. I did not come to Congress to impeach a president, but I feel that he has left us no choice based on his actions. I am proud of the honest, detailed investigative work that the Committee on Oversight and Reform did towards writing the impeachment report and in supporting the work of the Intelligence and Judiciary Committees. I cannot thank the staff enough for their dedication to getting this right, for our Constitution and the American people. Guaranteeing 12 Weeks Of Paid Parental Leave For 2.1 Million Federal Workers This month, the House and Senate reached an agreement to include part of my Federal Employee Paid Leave Act in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Federal workers will now receive 12 weeks of paid parental leave for the birth, adoption, or fostering of a child. This ensures no federal employee must ever decide between being home with their new child or receiving a paycheck. While this is a win for many families, there is still more to be done. We continue to figh for universal paid family and medical leave for both the public and private sector employees across the country. That's why I held my first hearing as chair of the Committee on Oversight and Reform on this very issue. Fighting for paid family leave for all Americans has and always will be one of my top legislative priorities. The First Hearing on The Equal Rights Amendment in Three Decades Congresswoman Maloney speaks at the House Committee on the Judiciary hearing on the Equal Rights Amendment In April, House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) held the first hearing on the Equal Rights Amendment in 36 years. The ERA was first introduced in 1923 and prohibits denying equal rights on the basis of sex. Congress passed the ERA 47 years ago, but in 1982, the ratification deadline expired without securing approval from the 38 states required to amend the Constitution. Since coming to Congress in 1992, I have introduced legislation to restart the ratification process 12 times, and I was honored to testify at this historic hearing to make the case about why women's rights should be written into the Constitution. We have an opportunity and a responsibility to finally ratify the ERA. Bearing Witness to Inhumane Conditions at Border Detention Centers In July, I joined 20 other members of Congress to witness firsthand the horrific conditions at a border detention center in McAllen, Texas. What we saw was unacceptable: extreme overcrowding, no access to showers or toothbrushes, and people forced to sleep on concrete floors. Based on what I have seen and reports I have heard, I believe that the Administration's policies toward immigrants and asylum seekers is traumatizing and dehumanizing. We must treat all human beings with the dignity they deserve and never forget that our nation's diversity is its greatest strength. I am proud to represent a diverse constituency with immigrant communities that make New York City, and America, stronger. The Economic Cost of Gun Violence: $229B per year As Vice Chair of the Joint Economic Committee, I released a report detailing the economic costs of gun violence and held a hearing with expert witnesses who outlined how to end this epidemic. The report shows that gun violence costs our country $229 billion per year, let alone the immeasurable emotional toll gun violence places on our children, families, and loved ones. Even though New York is the fourth most populous state, it is not in the top ten when it comes to total gun violence costs. I credit our strong gun safety laws, which include an assault weapons ban. In my opinion, the federal government should look to New York as a model for federal gun laws. Winning at the Supreme Court: Blocking the 2020 Census Citizenship Question As co-chair of the House Census Caucus, I fought back against the Administration's efforts to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census which census experts agreed would make the Census less accurate. They reported that including the question would lead to an undercount and therefore would undercut federal funding for minority communities and would deprive millions of Americans fair representation in all levels of government. In June, the Supreme Court delivered a victory for fair census advocates by ruling that the citizenship question could not be added to the 2020 Census. I remain laster-focused on ensuring a fair and accurate 2020 Census. Cracking Down On Anonymous Shell Companies The House passed my Corporate Transparency Act, which requires companies to disclose their beneficial owners at the time the company is formed. This prevents bad actors from using anonymous shell companies from thwarting law enforcement and hiding illicit activities. We are the only advanced country in the world that doesn't require this disclosure. The illicit use of anonymous shell companies is a pressing national security threat and this legislation is a straightforward solution. Beyond the impacts for law enforcement, this bill will also help to crack down on New York's real estate being used to park illicit money, driving up housing costs and limiting availability. It seems that more than ever before, there are too many dark windows in apartments in NYC at night but with this bill, it is my hope that this practice will be put to an end. Too many anonymous LLCs instead of families own NYC apartments. The Senate needs to act to pass this bill without delay. Removing NYC Department Of Sanitation Trucks from East 10thStreet Congresswoman Maloney speaks at an event calling for the removal of sanitation trucks from East 10th Street In August, I joined a group of local officials in calling on the NYC Department of Sanitation and Mayor de Blasio to immediately remove sanitation trucks that have been a burden on resident and business owners. I am thankful that Mayor de Blasio committed to removing these trucks. I look forward to the City finding a permanent location for NYC Department of Sanitation trucks that does not disrupt New Yorkers lives. City & State's 2019 Women Power 100 List. I was so proud to be named to City & State's 2019 Women Power 100 list because of my influential and senior positions on the Committee on Oversight and Reform, the Joint Economic Committee, and the Financial Services Committee. I am honored to be included on this list of so many incredible New York women. I want to thank City and State for including me, and I vow to keep working on behalf of women and our great nation every day. Ensuring Businesses Can Access Terrorism Risk Insurance Working with my colleagues on the House Financial Services Committee, we reauthorized the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) in the bipartisan spending package ahead of the bill's 2020 expiration. After September 11th, the market for terrorism insurance completely shut down. Without it, construction stopped and thousands of jobs were lost. TRIA provides a backstop for terrorism insurance to make it both available and affordable at no cost to taxpayers. TRIA can't prevent a terrorist attack, but it can greatly lessen the financial impact. This program works and reauthorizing it ahead of its expiration was the right thing to do. Allocating $25 Million to Study Gun Violence For the first time since 1996, Congress has approved federal funding for the study of gun violence. I have been introducing a bill with Senator Ed Markey to do this for years now because gun violence is a public health epidemic, and it should be studied just like any other health crisis. The $25 million included in the 2020 spending package is a critical first step in addressing an epidemic that takes 100 lives per day. Fighting for Helicopter Safety for NYC When a pilot's failed emergency landing crashed into the AXA Equitable Center in Midtown Manhattan, we were reminded of the safety threat posed by non-essential helicopters. After what we felt was insufficient action by the Federal Aviation Admiinistration FAA), I joined with Jerrold Nadler (NY-10) and Nydia Velzquez (NY-7) to introduce legislation to prohibit these helicopter flights over New York City. This law aims to improve safety and quality of life for all New Yorkers. Putting Public Housing Tenants First I recently introduced the Public Housing Residents Protection Act to ensure that if and when a public housing authority (like NYCHA) decides to lease or sell any of its assets (like land or buildings), that the sale financially benefits the residents of these communities and the agency overall. Public Housing Authorities across the country should be making decisions with the same top priority: putting the residents' best interests above all else, this bill will ensure that. Also this year, I joined withresidents of Holmes and Stanley Isaacs Houses, tenant leaders, and community groups as they filed suit to get necessary repairs to their homes without privatization of public housing. I am also a proud cosponsor of The Public Houseing Emergency Response Act and The Green New Deal for Public Housing Act to fund needed repairs, including the elimination of health and safety hazards from public housing developments across the country. Opening the New Kosciuszko Bridge Congresswoman Maloney celebrating the completion of theKosciuszko Bridge with some of the workers who helped to build it. On August 28, I was thrilled to celebrate the completion of our new, state of the art, Kosciuszko Bridge and to have helped secure $670 million in federal funds, roughly 85% of its total cost. I feel that theKosciuszko Bridgeis anexample of the great things New York and our nation can accomplish when wefundbold, innovative infrastructure projects.A city has to invest in itself to stay strong, and when I look at the Kosciusko Bridge and all the rest of our projects, I know that New York's future is incredibly bright. Fighting Antisemitism Through Education This year, as I have for many years, I introduced legislation to fight antisemitism through education. As a former educator, I know that education is key in fighting all types of bigotry and hate. As we see the rates of violent acts of antisemitism rising in our city, I remain as committed as ever to getting this bill passed to give educators across the country the tools and resources they need to teach about the dangers of antisemitism and hate. This bill has broad bipartisan support in both the House and Senate and I hope to get it passed in the new year. On Our Way to Building a Smithsonian Women's Museum Last month, the Committee on House Administration unanimously passed my bill, H.R. 1980, the Smithsonian Women's History Museum Act, to create a museum dedicated to telling the comprehensive story of American women throughout our nation's history. Creating this museum isn't just about understanding our past; it's an investment in our future. In celebrating the achievements of women in history, we're educating and inspiring the next generation to make history themselves. I've worked my entire career to make sure women are represented in the halls of Congress and seats of power. I'm proud we're well on our way to the day when women are celebrated for the history they've made and more young women are inspired for the future. I believe it would be very fitting to pass this bill in 2020 as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment which guarantees women's right to vote. As always, your concerns still and always will remain my top priority. Please do not hesitate to email me through my website. If you would like to continue to receive shorter, weekly updates in 2020, make sure you're signed up for my newsletter here. Thank you again for a meaningful and fulfilling 2019. I wish you, your family, and friends a Happy Holidays and all the best in the New Year. Sincerely, Carolyn B. Maloney Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3039,REP. REED ANNOUNCES NY 23RD CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE WINNER,2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"CORNING, NY Today, Rep. Tom Reed announced the NY 23rdwinner of the2019 Congressional App Challengeis Raina Barboza from Olean, NY. Barboza's winning app, calledSimplyUtility,is a basic utility app that contains a variety of tools such as a calculator, a translator, a sketchpad and a chatting feature. Barboza said she created the app at the suggestion of a community member who asked for a simple app that would be fun for a child, but would also help them with different educational tasks. Raina's creativity, thoughtfulness and ingenuity really shine through in this app, said Tom. This is a great achievement, and we are thrilled to announce Raina as our district's winner. The Congressional App Challenge's mission is to inspire, include and innovate efforts around STEM, coding, and computer science education. The district-wide challenges are open to middle school and high school students. For more information, visitCongressionalAppChallenge.us.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3040,"REP. REED DELIVERS $2 MILLION GRANT TO CATTARAUGUS, WYOMING HEAD START",2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"REP. REED DELIVERS $2 MILLION GRANT TO CATTARAUGUS, WYOMING HEAD START f t # e Washington, December 23, 2019 OLEAN, NY Today, Rep. Tom Reed is proud to announce a $2,003,232 grant for the Cattaraugus and Wyoming Counties Head Start. The funds were provided through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Head Start programs are programs that promote school readiness for children from age birth to five. The programs help support low-income families through whole-child focused development. We care about making sure our children are ready for school and given all the opportunities they need to thrive, said Rep. Tom Reed. This grant funding will benefit not only the children in the programs, but will also benefit their families by providing a safe and educational environment. This grant award reaffirms our agency's commitment to high quality programming for low income children, said Ira Katzenstein, Cattaraugus and Wyoming Counties Project Head Start executive director and CEO. We're really proud of our work with our health institutes impacting the lives of children, families and staff. Also, thank you for all the continued support of our many community partners. Cattaraugus and Wyoming Project Head Start's mission is to pave the way to school readiness and improve quality of life, particularly the lives of the families in our communities. For more information on the program, visitwww.headstartnetwork.comor call 716-373-2447. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/following-her-push-gillibrand-announces-22-million-in-maternal-health-care-funding-included-in-the-fy-2020-bipartisan-appropriations-package-,"Following Her Push, Gillibrand Announces $22 Million In Maternal Health Care Funding Included In The FY 2020 Bipartisan Appropriations Package",2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 23, 2019 Following Her Push, Gillibrand Announces $22 Million In Maternal Health Care Funding Included In The Fy 2020 Bipartisan Appropriations Package Senator Gillibrand Urged Appropriations Leaders to Direct Funding to Address the Maternal Mortality and Postpartum Depression Crises in New York and Across the Country Washington, DC U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that the bipartisan FY 2020 appropriations package includes $22 million in funding to address the maternal mortality and postpartum depression crises in New York and across the country. Specifically, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was awarded $12 million to support state-run Maternal Mortality Review Committees. These committees are comprised of local public health experts who study maternal deaths to better understand their causes, identify solutions to prevent further deaths, and improve the quality of maternity care. The package also includes a key provision from Gillibrand's Modernizing Obstetric Medicine Standards (MOMS) Act that provides $5 million of funding for the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) program to implement evidence-based toolkits to improve maternal outcomes. Gillibrand's request for $5 million for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) program for the Screening and Treatment for Maternal Depression was also included in the final FY20 appropriations bill. Maternal mortality in our country is an epidemic. We must do everything in our power to address the high and rising rates of maternal deaths and complications throughout pregnancy and childbirth, said Senator Gillibrand. I am proud to have fought for this important funding in the just-passed appropriations bill to support states as they work to combat this epidemic by investigating maternal deaths. I am especially pleased that this legislation includes a critical provision from my bill, the MOMS Act, to fund and expand the AIM program to help implement evidenced-based standards to improve maternal health care for all women. We must do more, and I will continue supporting women across the country to ensure they are safe before, during, and after they give birth. Senator Gillibrand is a champion for the health and rights of mothers and their families. Earlier this year, she reintroduced her Modernizing Obstetric Medicine Standards (MOMS) Act, which would helpreduce maternal deaths and complications in the United States by providing funding to states and hospitals to develop and implement standardized maternal safety best practices, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to prevent and respond to complications occurring before, during, and after childbirth. The maternal mortality rate in the United States has been increasing with an increase in maternal deaths of 26 percent between 2000 and 2014. Each year it is estimated that there are at least 50,000 women who experience a complication during childbirth, and according to the CDC, an estimated 60 percent of these deaths and complications are preventable. Additionally, more black women die from pregnancy-related complications in the United States than in any other developed nation. AnNPR and ProPublicareport found that for every woman who dies in childbirth in the United States, there are 70 women who nearly die. Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 1 in 9 women in the United States. PPD can lead to maternal suicide which is a greater cause of maternal mortality than hemorrhaging or hypertension. PPD is treatable with behavioral health interventions and/or pharmacologic therapy, but nearly 60 percent of women with symptoms currently do not receive a diagnosis and 50 percent with a diagnosis do not receive any treatment. Maternal Mortality Review Committees (MMRCs) are state-led committees comprised of local public health professionals and experts who review maternal deaths to better understand their causes and help identify solutions to prevent further deaths and improve the quality of maternity care. CDC funding for these committees provides technical assistance and data collection. The Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) is a program that works with states and hospital systems to implement evidence-based bundles on a range of important maternal safety topics including obstetric hemorrhage, severe hypertension in pregnancy, maternal mental health, obstetric care for women with opioid use disorder, and education of peripartum racial and ethnic disparities. The full text of Gillibrand's letters to Senate Appropriators may be found here and here. Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/following-her-push-gillibrand-helps-secure-150-million-in-federal-funding-for-breast-cancer-research-,"Following Her Push, Gillibrand Helps Secure $150 Million In Federal Funding For Breast Cancer Research",2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 23, 2019 Following Her Push, Gillibrand Helps Secure $150 Million In Federal Funding For Breast Cancer Research Washington, DC U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that, following her push, the recently-passed National Defense Authorization Act authorized $150 million for the Department of Defense peer-reviewed Breast Cancer Research Program (DoD BRCP) to continue progress in the fight against breast cancer. Earlier this year, Senator Gillibrand led a bipartisan letter with 28 of her Senate colleagues to the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee to maintain the level of funding for this vital program. Since its creation, the Department of Defense's Breast Cancer Research Program has been at the forefront of groundbreaking science that is changing the face of cancer research, said Senator Gillibrand. As breast cancer continues to be one of the most common cancers in the United States, with about 1 in 8 women estimated to be diagnosed in their lifetime, this funding will ensure that the DoD BRCP will be able to continue to support innovative research models that will help to develop new treatment and testing methods. I am proud that I was able to help secure this critical funding; it is a powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer. Since its inception, the DoD BCRP has generated new approaches to breast cancer prevention, treatment, and detection. The DoD BCRP is innovative not only because of the unique research that is performed, but also because it is so efficient and flexible. Over 90% of the funds go directly to research grants, awarded only to the best projects through a competitive process. The program quickly responds to current scientific advances and fill gaps by focusing on research that is traditionally under-funded. The program is committed to making scientific breakthroughs in the fight against breast cancer. Research has shown that breast cancer rates among female service members are significantly higher than in the general civilian population. The DOD BCRP leads the way in generating new approaches to breast cancer prevention, treatment, and detection. The full text of Gillibrand's letter may be found here and below. Dear Chairman Shelby and Ranking Member Durbin: The Department of Defense peer-reviewed Breast Cancer Research Program (DOD BCRP) has established itself as a model medical research program. The DOD BCRP's progress in the fight against breast cancer has been made possible by this Committee's investment in breast cancer research. We thank you for your past support, and ask that you provide funding $150 million for fiscal year (FY) 2020 for the DOD BCRP in the Department of Defense Appropriations bill. The critical work of this program must be continued at this level of funding because: It is a demonstrated success: Ground-breaking discoveries that offer insights into the biology of breast cancer have come as a result of the program, including revolutionary work that led to the development of the innovative drug Herceptin. From new methods of extracting breast cancer cells at their earliest stages, to unprecedented research into gene/environment interaction and quality of life issues, the DOD BCRP leads the way in generating new approaches to breast cancer prevention, treatment, and detection. The Institute of Medicine, in two analyses of the program, overwhelmingly supports continued investment in the DOD BCRP, stating the program fills a unique niche among public and private funding sources for cancer research. It is not duplicative of other programs and is a promising vehicle for forging new ideas and scientific breakthroughs in the nation's fight against breast cancer. It is innovative and unique: The DOD BCRP has a unique grants structure that allows it to be more flexible and to fund innovative, high-risk, high-return research, enabling it to quickly respond to current scientific advances and to fill gaps by focusing on areas of research that are promising but otherwise underfunded. It is efficient: Approximately 90 percent of the appropriated funds go directly to competitive, peer-reviewed research grants awarded only on the basis of scientific merit. It is transparent and accountable to the public: This is evidenced by the inclusion of consumer advocates at both the peer and programmatic review levels. The consumer perspective helps the scientists understand how the research will affect the breast cancer community and allows for funding decisions based on the concerns and needs of patients and the medical community. Each researcher who receives funds from the program must present their results to the American people online and at public meetings called Era of Hope. The transparency of the DOD BCRP allows scientists, consumers, and the American public to see the exceptional progress made in breast cancer research. While the prevention and cure of breast cancer is not yet within our grasp, with the proper investments, we can win the fight against breast cancer. In 2018, it is estimated that 266,120 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among U.S. women and approximately 2,470 new cases among U.S. men and more than 40,000 will die of the disease this year. In addition to invasive cancers, 63,960 new cases of in situ breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the U.S. in 2018. Notably, research has also shown that breast cancer rates among female service members are significantly higher than in the general civilian population. Despite tremendous efforts to combat this terrible disease, we still have work to do to learn how to prevent, treat, and cure breast cancer. The DOD BCRP is a critical tool in this effort. The Appropriations Committee has shown great determination and leadership in the search for answers in continuing to fund the DOD BCRP and by continuing to maintain the integrity of this model program of research. We thank you for your longstanding leadership with respect to the DOD BCRP and ask that you provide funding of $150 million for fiscal year (FY) 2020 for the DOD BCRP in the Department of Defense Appropriations bill. Sincerely, Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/for-the-21st-consecutive-year-schumer-completes-tour-of-all-62-new-york-counties-annual-tour-of-state-finishes-in-washington-county-2019-ends-with-152-total-visits-to-upstate-ny-and-long-island,"FOR THE 21st CONSECUTIVE YEAR, SCHUMER COMPLETES TOUR OF ALL 62 NEW YORK COUNTIES; ANNUAL TOUR OF STATE FINISHES IN WASHINGTON COUNTY; 2019 ENDS WITH 152 TOTAL VISITS TO UPSTATE NY & LONG ISLAND",2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.23.19 FOR THE 21st CONSECUTIVE YEAR, SCHUMER COMPLETES TOUR OF ALL 62 NEW YORK COUNTIES; ANNUAL TOUR OF STATE FINISHES IN WASHINGTON COUNTY; 2019 ENDS WITH 152 TOTAL VISITS TO UPSTATE NY & LONG ISLAND During Schumer's 1998 Senate Election, He Vowed To Visit Every Single New York County Each YearAt The Close Of 21 Years, The Tradition Continues Even As Senate Democratic Leader, Schumer Staunchly Believes That Visiting Every Single New York County Is Imperative To His Daily Work In U.S. Capitol; Vows To Continue This Tradition In 2020 After 21 Years, Schumer Continues To Honor His Pledge & Listen To And Deliver For Constituents In All 62 Counties At the close of the decade, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, Senate Democratic Leader, today completed his 21stconsecutive tour of all 62 New York State countiesan accomplishment that continues his track record as the first New York State public official to visit every single county in New York each year he has been in office. Over the course of the year, Schumer made 152 county visits to Upstate New York and Long Island. He visited counties in the Capital Region 22 times; Western New York 16 times; Central New York 19 times; the Rochester-Finger Lakes 25 times; the Southern Tier 13 times; the Hudson Valley 22 times; the North Country 8 times; and Long Island 27 times. 21 years ago, upon my election to the United States Senate in 1998, I promised that each and every year I served I would visit all 62 of New York State's diverse counties. Not only has this ritual remained a steadfast passion of mine because I get to see the absolute best that New York has to offer, but because of all I learn from my constituents and bring to Washington, D.C., saidSenator Schumer.Although I've gained the title of Minority Leader, my proudest and most principal titles have been, and will always remain, New York's Senator and New Yorker.'At the close of twenty-one years, my beliefs are as clear as ever: Senators who stay in Washington and never return home are simply not doing their job.' That's why I go to all of the street fairs, parades, graduations, and public events that I can. Whether I'm in Buffalo eating beef-on-weck at the fair or slapping hands at the Boilermaker finish line, I'm always mixing, mingling and learning more about New York directly from my constituents. Some of the key highlights include: CAPITAL REGION Successfully Delivered Critical Grant For New Lake George Sewer Plant That Will Halt Nitrate Pollution Threatening Precious Natural Resource: Last year, it was revealed that the wastewater treatment facility in Lake George was releasing harmful nitrates into the lake, jeopardizing the lake's health, resident well-being, and the greater Adirondack tourism economy. In April, Sen. Schumer visited the Village of Lake George and met with local officials regarding their outdated and ineffective wastewater treatment facility. Although the local government is under a consent order by New York State to replace the current facility, the total cost of the project is a major obstacle for the Village's limited resources. Schumer advised local officials to apply for a Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) grant and promised to fight on their behalf. In the weeks following, Schumer pressed NBRC leadership in a personal meeting and in writing. In July, Schumer announced that he had secured a $500,000 NBRC grant, which remains the only federal or state dollars that have been secured thus far for this vital project. In Wake Of Another Tragic Limousine Accident, Successfully Pushed NTSB To Revise Safety Recommendations As Fight To Pass Legislation Continues: In 2015, following a fatal limousine crash on Long Island, Sen. Schumer urged the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to upgrade safety standards on stretch limousines and other after-market altered motor coaches. After another limousine crash in October 2018 killed 20 people in Schoharie, Schumer repeatedly called on the NTSB to release the results of that work. In October 2019, the NTSB finally issued a public report on limousine safety and their recommendations to improve standards. Days later, Schumer joined Reps. Paul Tonko and Antonio Delgado in introducing a series of landmark, bipartisan bills to solidify the NTSB's recommendations and pass meaningful reform with the hope that no family will ever have to endure such a tragedy again. Secured $718K In FAA Funding To Make Essential Repairs To Piseco Airport: Following Sen. Schumer's successful push last year to insert a critical fix in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Bill that made the Town of Arietta re-eligible for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding, the FAA awarded $718,000 to Piseco Airport to clear debris and reconstruct critical runway lighting. This funding enables Arietta, one of the New York State's smallest towns, to continue to operate the Piseco Airport. Permanently Repealed Medical Device Tax After Years Of Advocacy In Victory For Capital Region Firms: The medical device tax, which was first enacted in January 2013, is an excise tax imposed on both the manufacturers and importers of medical devices, which are essential to providing the highest-quality health care. There are more than 3,000 jobs in the medical device field in the Capital Region, particularly in Warren County. Among the companies negatively impacted by this tax were AngioDynamics in Latham and BD in Queensbury, which each employ more than 800 people. Other companies such as MDI, MedLine, and Praxis Technology help make up the cluster known as Catheter Valley. After securing two suspensions of the medical device tax in 2016 and 2018, Sen. Schumer was finally able to secure permanent repeal this year in the FY2020 spending deal, thereby helping these major regional employers reinvest more in their workers, research and development, and plant and equipment. Secured Senate Passage of Legislation Boosting The Center For Internet Security, A Leading Cyber Defense Firm in Capital Region: In August, Sen. Schumer visited the Center for Internet Security (CIS) in East Greenbush, which serves as a critical nerve center for our nation's cyber defense by working closely with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. CIS is home to the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, the go-to resource for cyber threat prevention, protection, response, and recovery for state and local governments; and the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center, which supports the cybersecurity needs of state and local elections offices. In November, Schumer-sponsored legislation to formally codify the relationship between DHS and CIS passed the Senate, a critical step in ensuring that this Capital Region organization will remain a vital national center in the growing field of cyber defense. CENTRAL NEW YORK Helped Lockheed Martin In Salina Secure The Largest Contract In Plant History, Ensuring The Long-Term Viability Of One Of Central New York's Largest Employers: Ever since Sen. Schumer convinced Lockheed Martin to table plans to close their Salina plant in 2013, he has worked side-by-side with the company to ensure the facility's long-term success. This year, Sen. Schumer's advocacy helped the plant win a 20-year contract with the U.S. Army to build Sentinel A4 radars, which are a high-performance upgrade of previous-generation air and missile defense technology. This contract, which is worth potentially $3 billion, is the largest in plant history and will keep jobs in Central New York for years to come. This is the second radar that the Salina plant will produce for the Army after the $1.6-billion contract for Q-53 technology that Schumer helped secure in 2017. Convinced HUD To Award More Than $5 Million For Onondaga County's Much-Needed Lead Abatement Program: After successfully pleading with federal officials in 2018 to resume funding for Syracuse's lead prevention programs after a 5-year absence, Sen. Schumer again convinced the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award Onondaga County $5.6 million to complement the city's efforts. This milestone followed Schumer's efforts to increase funding for HUD's lead programming office by more than $100M in FY2018 and 19. With this combined funding secured, Syracuse and Onondaga County can now deploy nearly $10 million to prevent lead poisoning in children and remove paint from older homes. Delivered Funding Increase For Rome Lab's Cutting-Edge Quantum Information Research, Helping Win National Recognition By Defense Department: The Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome (Rome Lab) employs more than 1,200 workers and is at the vanguard of the fight to counter hacking and other cyber-threats in the United States. This year, Sen. Schumer secured another round of federal investment in Rome Lab by delivering nearly $272 million in total funding for FY2020, which is more than $34 million above the White House's budget request and $27 million more than Rome Lab received in FY2019. This increase in funding will help Rome Lab advance their groundbreaking study of Quantum Information Science, which was recognized by U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) leadership when they selected Rome Lab to be the lead representative in the Quantum Economic Development Consortium earlier this year. In making their selection, DOD leadership cited Rome Lab's advanced quantum research and development capabilities, which were made possible with the millions of dollars secured by Schumer. Brought High Intensity Drug Trafficking Designation Area To Oswego County, Bolstering Resources To Fight Opioid Epidemic: After Sen. Schumer visited Oswego County in 2018 to discuss efforts to combat the opioid epidemic in Central New York, a coalition of local elected and law enforcement officials applied for a federal High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area designation from the President's Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). After extensive advocacy by Schumer, including a face-to-face meeting with the Acting Director of ONDCP, Oswego County secured the designation and became New York State's 26th HIDTA. This milestone will help Oswego County address heroin usage and drug-related crime by improving coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and providing equipment, technology, and additional resources. Boosted Oneida County's Sherrill Manufacturing By Securing Critical Provision In NDAA Requiring U.S. Armed Forces To Purchase American-Made Flatware: For three decades, the Berry Amendment required domestic sourcing of flatware purchased by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). In 2006, Congress withdrew the amendment because domestic suppliers could not meet demand, but the economic landscape has since changed as local manufacturers like Sherrill Manufacturing of Oneida County built up their capacity. In the years since the Berry Amendment ended, Sen. Schumer has worked side-by-side with Sherrill Manufacturing, the only American manufacturer that makes and sources 100 percent of its flatware domestically, to reinstate a Buy American provision. Those efforts were successful this year when the Senate adopted the Support Procurement Of Our Nation's Stainless Steel Act in the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act. This increase in business for Sherrill Manufacturing is expected to add dozens of jobs in Oneida County. WESTERN NEW YORK Pushed The TTB To Approve All Outstanding Applications For Craft Beer, Cider, And Wines Caused By The Government Shutdown: During the partial government shutdown in January, Western New York brewers, distillers, and winemakers were unable to secure crucial labeling approvals for new products and current products with label redesigns. The government shutdown, which lasted 35 days, created a backlog of nearly 10,000 applications and no additional resources to process them. New York has over 420 breweries, 400 wineries, 40 cideries, and 100 distilleries, which produce more than $4 billion in annual economic impact. Sen. Schumer intervened on behalf of Labatt Brew House in Buffalo by calling on the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau to expedite their outstanding applications. Days later, all outstanding applications were approved. Successfully Pushed for Remediation of Nuclear Waste Near Tonawanda Elementary School: Western New York is home to four of the twenty-five active sites overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) as part of the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP). One such site is the Tonawanda Landfill site, which houses leftover nuclear waste from the Manhattan Project. After visiting the area and speaking with residents in 2015, Sen. Schumer launched a push to secure the necessary funding and clear up bureaucratic project delays to ensure that the waste is remediated from a nearby residential area and elementary school. Schumer called for nearly $10 million in federal money for the remediation project and pushed the Army Corps to prioritize it. In December, following years of advocacy by Schumer, the Army Corps announced that the work was finished and that the site had been remediated and declared safe. Successfully Designated Jamestown's Newest Cultural Attraction As The Official National Comedy Center, Boosting Its Legitimacy And Profile: Following a major legislative push by Sen. Schumer, Congress passed a law in February designating the National Comedy Center in Jamestown as America's official comedy center. A supporter of the National Comedy Center from the very beginning, this designation follows Schumer's successful effort to secure $5 million in federal New Market Tax Credits that helped get the project off the ground. This designation adds legitimacy and aids in recruitment of artifacts and fundraising development for the National Comedy Center, which national media outlets have heralded as a top new attraction in the country. Ultimately, the National Comedy Center is expected to bring 100,000 visitors and $23 million to the local economy, creating and supporting a significant number of jobs in the area. Secured Increased Funding for Niagara Falls International Airport Under The FAA's Airport Improvement Program: After Sen. Schumer's push, an additional $500 million for the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Program (AIP) was authorized by Congress. This increase brought total AIP funding for FY2019 up to $3.85 billion, which are made available to Niagara Falls International Airport to make critical upgrades and repairs such as improving runways and signage. ROCHESTER-FINGER LAKES Secured Nearly $1M In EDA Funding To Support Construction Of The Region's First Food-Business Incubator: Last year, Sen. Schumer visited the future site of The Commissary Kitchen Incubator and touted the project's potential to revitalize the local economy and create jobs. Schumer followed up his visit with a letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross supporting The Commissary's application for a U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to construct the planned facility, which will provide much-needed kitchen space to start-up food and beverage manufacturing businesses, restaurants, bakeries, caterers, food truck operators, and other small businesses in the area. Following Schumer's push, the EDA announced in February that they would award $982,000 to The Commissary, which will transform the historic downtown Sibley Building into the region's first food-business incubator, sought by hundreds of Rochester food entrepreneurs to start and grow new food-based businesses and products. The30,000-square-foot facility is slated to open next year on the first floor of the Sibley Building. Successfully Convinced USDA To Invest Nearly $70M In State-Of-The-Art Equipment For The Grape Genetics Research Unit At Cornell AgriTech: The collaboration between federal scientists and Cornell University faculty, researchers, and extension associates at the Grape Genetics Research Unit (GGRU) at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva has helped spur exponential growth in the grape and wine industry in New York State and across the country. In spite of that, GGRU was stuck midway down the Agricultural Research Service's list of capital investment priorities. Last year, Sen. Schumer launched a push urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prioritize GGRU and invest in new resources for its scientists. Thanks to Schumer's strenuous advocacy, the USDA greenlit $69.9 million in funding earlier this year that will ensure researchers have the state-of-the-art tools needed to sustain and promote the rapidly-changing $4.8-billion New York grape and wine industry. Secured $500K In USDA Funding To Rebuild The Nation's Only Industrial Hemp Seed Bank At Cornell AgriTech, A Competitive Advantage For Upstate Hemp Farmers: When the federal government classified hemp as a controlled substance in 1970, Cornell University destroyed its Industrial Hemp Germplasm Repository program. After passage of the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, which Sen. Schumer championed, Cornell AgriTech in Geneva sought to restart this critical program. Schumer secured $500,000 in funding from the Agricultural Research Service to kick-start the project, which began work earlier this year. The new Industrial Hemp Germplasm Repository will be a public hemp seed bank overseen by a curator charged with characterizing, maintaining and distributing seeds, which will help develop new cultivars and identify genes for pest and disease resistance. This investment furthers Schumer's efforts to give New York farmers and growers a competitive jumpstart in producing this new lucrative new cash crop that has the potential to transform the upstate New York economy. Extended Critical Wool Trust Fund for Hickey Freeman in Farm Bill for Five Years: Under the Wool Trust Fund program, U.S. manufacturers of wool clothing and fabric like Hickey Freeman in Rochester are eligible for a partial refund of duties paid on imports of wool inputs. Last year, Sen. Schumer successfully reversed proposed draconian cuts to the Wool Trust Fund that could have jeopardized Hickey Freeman's business operations, instead fully funding the program through 2023. In February, Hickey Freeman announced that it would invest $8 million and create 80 new jobs at its historic Rochester factory as a direct result of Schumer's efforts to protect the Wool Trust Fund, which saves the company up to $3 million per year in unfair tariffs. Helped Secure Historic $409M Agreement Between Energy Department And Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics & $80M Boost In Appropriations: Sen. Schumer has long fought on behalf of the University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE), which plays a critical role in U.S. national security and scientific progress. Last year, Sen. Schumer sat down with the Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to push for a robust Cooperative Agreement with the LLE, and followed up with a letter to the Energy Department and a visit to LLE in March. In October, NNSA finalized a historic $409 million Cooperative Agreement, the highest amount of funding ever approved for a 5-year period in LLE's history. Two months later, Schumer helped secure $80 million in funding for LLE in the FY2020 omnibus appropriations package, as well as $565 million overall for the NNSA's Inertial Confinement Fusion program, which helps support the OMEGA Laser Facility at LLE. This funding supports 350 jobs for scientists, engineers, technicians, and support staff at LLE and indirectly supports an additional 500 local jobs, helping to drive economic growth throughout the region. Successfully Pushed For Construction Milestone For Next Phase Of Canandaigua VA Medical Campus Modernization Project That Was Made Possible With Nearly $200M In MILCON Funding: Last year, Sen. Schumer helped secure $190 million in Military Construction funding for Phase II of the Canandaigua Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Campus modernization project. In November, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $176 million construction contract to complete the planned Canandaigua VA upgrades. Taken together with the $143 million that Schumer secured to break ground on Phase I in 2018, the Phase II construction contract signifies more than $300 million in combined federal investment in state-of-the-art upgrades that will provide cutting-edge care to veterans. The Canandaigua VA Medical Campus modernization project will also provide an economic boon for the Rochester area by creating high-paying construction jobs, as well as many more career opportunities in the healthcare industry over the coming years. Ever since Schumer defeated the planned closure of the Canandaigua VA Medical Campus in 2003, he has championed its importance to veterans in the region. SOUTHERN TIER Successfully Delivered Nearly $10 Million In DOT And FAA Funding That Will Transform Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport Into A World-Class International Gateway: Sen. Schumer visited Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport in February to launch a full-court press to secure funding in support of a major renovation project to modernize security and overhaul the commercial passenger terminal. Schumer followed up on his visit by calling the Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Daniel Elwell to bring this critical regional project to his personal attention. Several weeks later, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the FAA announced a $10 million grant for Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport. The funding will allow the airport to increase in size and support improvements to the commercial passenger terminal, which will help transform the airport into a gateway for travelers throughout the Southern Tier and to destinations across the country and around the globe. Laid The Foundation For Canopy Growth To Invest $150M In Pioneering Hemp Industrial Park That Will Create Hundreds Of Broome County Jobs: Last year, Sen. Schumer played a critical role in passing the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, which finally removed hemp from the federal list of controlled substances. Afterwards, Schumer urged industrial hemp leaders to consider the Southern Tier as an ideal spot for expansion into the industrial hemp industry. In January, Schumer announced that Canopy Growth had heeded his call with a first-of-its-kind, economy-boosting hemp industrial park, which will position the region at the forefront of the industrial hemp revolution. Canopy Growth's $150-million investment will bring hundreds of good-paying jobs to Broome County, with the potential to add many more as more industry-oriented businesses locate in the Southern Tier. Secured $42 Million In NSF Funding For Cornell University's High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) Laboratory: In July, Sen. Schumer secured $42 million in funding as a part of a new 5-year cooperative agreement between Cornell University's High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) Laboratory and the National Science Foundation (NSF). This agreement will establish a sub-facility at the lab called the Center for High-Energy X-Ray Science (CHEXS), which will house four energy beamlines that support CHESS's groundbreaking research in numerous scientific fields. The lab, which is home to one of only two high-energy synchrotron light sources in the entire country, has played a pivotal role in a multitude of medical discoveries and scientific breakthroughs, including the 2003 and 2009 Nobel Prizes in Chemistry, and supports more than 200 jobs. This new infusion of NSF funding and support will ensure that CHESS continues its world-leading scientific research in the heart of Upstate New York. Passed Legislation Updating Outdated USDA Policy Hindering High-Protein Greek Yogurt From More Widespread Adoption In School Lunches: Under the current U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy for accrediting the protein contribution of meat and meat alternatives, strained, high protein yogurt is not adequately recognized for its protein content when compared to other protein food alternatives, which have less nutrients. Due to this outdated policy, products like Greek yogurt are considered uneconomical for schools to purchase and are frequently unavailable via the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. Last year, Sen. Schumer visited the Chobani factory in Chenango County to launch a push to update this outdated policy. In October, Schumer successfully secured a provision in the Senate Agricultural Appropriations Bill for FY2020 directing the USDA to more accurately reflect Greek yogurt's high protein count, giving a valuable new revenue source to Southern Tier yogurt producers like Chobani and upstate dairy farmers. HUDSON VALLEY Delivered Critical Filtration System At Recreation Pond For Newburgh Residents Suffering From Years Of PFAS Pollution: After three years of strenuous advocacy by Sen. Schumer, the Department of Defense (DOD) agreed to install remedial measures at Recreation Pond to clean up perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFAS) contamination in the City of Newburgh's municipal water supply. After years of delay and frustration from the community, the installation of this flirtations system marks a critical first step in finally restoring safe, clean drinking water in Newburgh. Broke Ground at Amy's Kitchen Site in Orange County After Securing Needed Federal Approvals For Construction: After securing the federal approvals needed to begin construction at the Amy's Kitchen site in Goshen, Sen. Schumer joined Amy's Kitchen leadership and other community stakeholders this June to finally put the shovel in the ground at the new meal-manufacturing plant. Amy's Kitchen's new distribution facility is expected to create approximately 680 jobs in Orange County. Secured Kent Arsenic Mine's Place on EPA's National Priorities List: For more than 30 years, arsenic leaked from the abandoned Kent Mine in Putnam County, seeping onto private property and exposing residents to contaminated soil and water, ultimately hospitalizing two people. In October, after receiving many community concerns, Sen. Schumer visited the site and wrote to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Wheeler asking the agency to add the site to its National Priorities List. Later that month, following Schumer's push, the EPA added the Kent Mine to its final National Priorities List, allowing a federally-funded remediation effort to officially get underway. Successfully Secured Impact Aid Funding For Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery School District: In March, Sen. Schumer launched a major push to reverse the White House's proposed cuts to the Education Department's Impact Aid Program, which provides millions of dollars in critical aid funding to school districts throughout New York that are located on federal land, including Highland Falls. Losing Impact Aid funding would devastate the Highland Falls School District since approximately 93 percent of land within the district is exempt from local property taxation. In December, Schumer announced that he helped secure full Impact Aid funding in the FY2020 omnibus appropriations package for Highland Falls, helping the local community sustain their educational system. NORTH COUNTRY Helped Broker A New Deal To Keep Hundreds Of Alcoa Jobs In Massena For Years To Come: In 2015, after Alcoa announced it would shutter its smelting operations in Massena, Sen. Schumer worked with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and Governor Andrew Cuomo to present an economic incentives package enticing Alcoa to maintain a presence in Massena for at least 3 years. With that deal set to expire earlier this year, Schumer worked to convince Alcoa and NYPA to continue their partnership and preserve hundreds of good-paying local jobs. After Schumer's pressure, Alcoa and NYPA reached a deal to maintain 450 jobs in Massena for the next 7 years. Secured More Than $40 Million In MILCON Funding For Critical Projects At Fort Drum, Enhancing Mission Readiness: After preliminary budget requests did not include Military Construction (MILCON) funding for a new railhead at Fort Drum, Sen. Schumer went directly to senior officials at the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), including calling the Secretary of the Army to discuss the project. After Schumer's advocacy, the FY2020 National Defense Appropriations Act included $21 million in MILCON funding for the new railhead and $23 million for a new hangar, another priority for base leaders. Fort Drum trains tens of thousands of troops annually and is the largest employer in the region, contributing nearly a billion dollars a year to the region's economy. In addition to securing this new funding, Schumer has helped shield the base from devastating cuts that would have undermined its mission and reduced manpower levels. Provided Millions Of Dollars In Critical Tariff Relief For Watertown's New York Air Brake: After the White House implemented its first round of tariffs on Chinese imports in 2018, New York Air Brake (NYAB) suddenly found itself at a disadvantage against its competitors in Mexico, jeopardizing good-paying jobs in Watertown and costing the company millions of dollars. Sen. Schumer responded by meeting directly with U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer to advocate for exemptions that would level the playing field for NYAB. After Schumer's push, Lighthizer approved more than $6 million in tariff exclusions for the company. Convinced DOT To Fund A New Visitors' Center At The Eisenhower Lock In Massena: The Dwight D. Eisenhower Lock, which is located in Massena on the Saint Lawrence Seaway, hosts more than 60,000 guests per year, but its 60-year-old Visitors' Center cannot adequately or safely welcome that volume of people. Last year, Sen. Schumer visited the Eisenhower Lock with local stakeholders to urge the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to fund a $6-million replacement of the current Visitors' Center. In July, Schumer also wrote letters to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation to express his support for the much-needed project. A few months later, Secretary Chao visited the Lock to mark its 60-year anniversary and announced the agency would fully fund a new Visitors' Center. LONG ISLAND Delivered $4 Million In DOD Reimbursement for Suffolk County Water Authority For Response Costs to PFAS Contamination At Gabreski ANG Base: In September 2016, private drinking wells in Westhampton tested positive for increased levels of perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFAS). New York State determined the contamination was caused by the U.S. Air National Guard's (ANG) past use of a firefighting foam containing PFAS at nearby Francis S. Gabreski ANG base. The Suffolk County Water Authority immediately responded by connecting the impacted private drinking wells to public water. After the Department of Defense (DOD) determined they lacked the authority to repay the water authority for their response costs, Sen. Schumer passed an amendment to the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act granting DOD the authority they claimed they did not have. This October, the Suffolk County Water Authority finally received $4.02 million as part of a $20 million payout from the U.S. Air Force to local authorities nationwide that was made possible through Schumer's amendment. Successfully Pushed FEMA To Delay Opaque Plan To Reform Flood Insurance Risk Rating Methods: After the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) quietly announced that it was considering new methods to assess properties in flood zones individually according to logical rating variables, Sen. Schumer rang the alarm on Long Island alongside local officials and homeowners. As a result of Schumer's efforts to shine a light on Risk Rating 2.0 by requesting more detailed information on its parameters, FEMA announced that they would delay implementation of the plan by at least one year. Schumer continues to push for increased transparency and accountability around the plan, as well as long-term structural reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that would cap annual premium increases to single digits, require more accurate flood maps that utilize the best technology and sound data, and implement stricter controls and oversight on insurance companies and the lawyers who defend them against homeowners. Delivered Critical Increases In Funding For Brookhaven National Lab Key Projects: Sen. Schumer used his role as lead negotiator in the Senate appropriations process to deliver significant funding boosts this December for science research, in defiance of planned budgetary cuts, which will translate to major financial support for key projects at Brookhaven National Labs on Long Island, a major regional employer. Among the increases that Schumer secured were: $713 million for the Office of Science's Nuclear Physics programs, which was $88.1 million above the White House's request; $198.6 million for operating the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) which is $12.6 million above the White House's request; $5.5 million for the design of three additional beamlines at the National Synchrotron Light Source II, which is $4.5 million above the White House's request; $9.52 million for the sPHENIX Detector upgrade inside RHIC, which is $6.52 million above the Administration's request; $20 million for the Science User Support Center, which is $13.6 million more than the White House's request; and $20 million for the Critical Utilities Revitalization Project to jumpstart upgrades to existing major utility systems at Brookhaven, which is $8 million more than the White House's request. Secured Historic 50 Percent Increase In EPA Funding To Protect Long Island Sound, An Irreplaceable Natural Resource: This year, Sen. Schumer successfully fought to include $21 million in the FY20 omnibus appropriations package for the Environmental Protection Agency's Long Island Sound Program. This funding level represent an increase of $7 million from the previous year's funding level of $14 million, and is a huge win for one of Long Island's most valuable resources. More than 23 million people live within 50 miles of the Long Island Sound, which is home to more than 120 species of fish and generates a significant amount of economic activity for Long Island. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/new-congressional-report-finds-2017-tax-cuts-did-not-live-up-to-promises,New Congressional Report Finds 2017 Tax Cuts Did Not Live Up to Promises,2019-12-22,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"A new congressionalreportfrom Democrats on the Joint Economic Committee (JEC) has concluded that President Donald Trump's signature legislative accomplishment, the 2017 tax cuts, failed to live up to its numerous promises. Released Friday, the report noted that, contrary to guarantees that the tax cuts would pay for themselves, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office last year determined that the cuts will instead add nearly $2 trillion to the federal debt over 11 years. ""Inequality was already at an all-time high when the legislation was passedit made things much worse,"" JEC vice-chair Representative Carolyn B. Maloney said in a press release. ""And it isn't on trackas the administration had claimedto 'pay for itself;' instead, it will add almost $2 trillion to the national debt. That will make it harder for policymakers to fight the next recession and has already prompted Republicans to consider cuts to Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid."" Among the report's top findings was that the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has resulted in average GDP growth identical to growth prior to the law's enactment, and far beneath the 6-percent growth that had been teased by the president. In the first few quarters of 2018, when the law began to take effect, economic growth appeared high. Although after dropping off in the subsequent months, the JEC Democrats found that average growth remained unchanged. The report also found similar patterns among new business investments. In the beginning of 2018, growth in business investment attained some of its highest levels in years. However this growth quickly declined, so much so that average growth in business investment eventually sank to levels lower than before the cuts were enacted. ""With the two-year anniversary of the Republican tax cuts upon us, we now have enough economic data to say definitively that they failed to deliver for American workers and families,"" Maloney added. ""The report shows that the 2017 tax law didn't provide a sustained boost to GDP growth, nor did it significantly increase business investment and result in huge gains in household income. Americans would be right to feel cheated."" Amid reports that the administration was considering enacting more targeted tax cuts towards the middle class ahead of the 2020 election, the president moved to defend his push for the 2017 cuts, calling them a ""massive relief"" for middle-class families. ""We think we can bring it down still more,"" hesaidin November. Just before the midterm elections in 2018, Trump repeatedly floated the idea a 10-percent middle class tax cut to voters. ""We're putting in a resolution sometime in the next week and a half to two weeks [and] we're giving a middle-income tax reduction of about 10 percent,"" hetoldreporters. No such proposal was considered by Congress. A spokesperson for the JEC's Republican membership did not respond to a request for comment.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maxrose.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2436,"As Holidays Approach, Rose, Schumer, Gillibrand Call on Coast Guard to Rebuild and Improve Ft. Wadsworth Homes Destroyed by Recent Fire",2019-12-21,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Max Rose,R000613,maxrose.house.gov,,,legacy,"As Holidays Approach, Rose, Schumer, Gillibrand Call on Coast Guard to Rebuild and Improve Ft. Wadsworth Homes Destroyed by Recent Fire Eight Coast Guard families were displaced by November's two-alarm fire Staten Island, December 21, 2019 Following the recent fire that displaced eight Coast Guard families at Fort Wadsworth, Congressman Max Rose and U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand yesterday called on the U.S. Coast Guard to rapidly rebuild replacement units to provide much-needed certainty and stability for the affected families. We are writing to address the recent fire that consumed a military housing unit on Fort Wadsworth, New York, and to request the rapid construction of replacement units so that military families on Staten Island and South Brooklyn can find affordable housing in New York City, wrote Rose, Schumer and Gillibrand in a letter to Admiral Karl L. Schultz, Commandant of the Coast Guard. Beyond the obligation to our service families to alleviate the burden they are facing, we are presented with a unique opportunity to modernize the facilities at Fort Wadsworth. These housing units can be rebuilt and modernized, allowing Fort Wadsworth to remain a key Coast Guard installation of the future. The letter continued, Given the incredibly important role of Fort Wadsworth and the US Coast Guard Sector New York Headquarters located there to the physical and economic security of New York and the greater northeast, it is critical that Fort Wadsworth and its servicemembers function at its full capacity, something that require high-quality and affordable housing within easy access. Full text of letter HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ndaa-including-31-troop-pay-raise-combat-rescue-helicopters-106th-rescue,NDAA Including 3.1% Troop Pay Raise & Combat Rescue Helicopters for 106th Rescue Wing Signed Into Law,2019-12-21,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) issued the following statement after the National Defense Authorization Act (S. 1790), which included the procurement of 12 HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopters as requested by the 106th Rescue Wing out of Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York, was signed into law: Our nation's servicemen and women put their lives on the line to defend the freedoms and liberties that make this country the greatest in the world, and they have earned nothing less than our full support. This year's NDAA not only provides a 3.1% pay raise for our troops, the largest in a decade, but provides the critical funding they need to safely and effectively do their jobs and return home to their families. On Long Island, we are the proud home of the 106th Rescue Wing based at Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, which is home to one of the few rescue squadrons in the country that use the HH-60G helicopter for their critical missions. However, ever-changing missions have demanded modern equipment, which is why the development, assembly and delivery of the new generation HH-60W is critical to the 106th and the airmen and women who serve there. The enactment of this legislation is a victory for Long Island and the entirety of our nation. Earlier this year, Congressman Zeldin met with the New York Army and Air National Guard to discuss how we can keep them strong and prepared as vital components of our Armed Forces. Building on that meeting, Congressman Zeldin urged for and secured the inclusion of procurement of HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopters in this year's National Defense Authorization Act. Additionally, Fiscal Year 2020's National Defense Authorization Act: Authorizes $738 billion in defense funding; Provides a 3.1% military pay-raise; Provides the resources to continue to rebuild readiness, advance modernization of the nuclear triad, develop emerging technologies, enhance missile defense, and confront our adversaries; Provides an additional $5.3 billion in emergency funding for military installations damaged by natural disasters; Provides up to 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave for the Defense Department, Intelligence Community, and across the federal government",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-applauds-progress-on-dlw-terminal,Higgins Applauds Progress on DL&W Terminal,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Brian Higgins,H001038,higgins.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) applauded momentum on the DL&W Terminal project, saying, In continued conversations with the leadership of the NFTA, it is clear that they recognize the opportunity and value that comes with revitalization of the DL&W Terminal. Savarino Company's interest in redeveloping the second floor demonstrates a bold move to take on a big project that would deliver a destination like none other for Western New York's waterfront. I commend NFTA Executive Director Kim Minkel and the NFTA's Board of Directors for their leadership moving this project forward and will continue to work closely with all involved to see this project through. In 2010, just months after the withdraw of Bass Pro, and again in 2015 Higgins stressed the importance of restoring the DL&W Terminal as a priority project for the Buffalo Waterfront. Then in 2016, as the NFTA was considering options for extension of the Metro Rail, Higgins pushed for the Authority to select the Buffalo River Plan which extends Metro passenger service into the DL&W Terminal. Higgins has worked closely with the NFTA, meeting as recently as last week, to explore funding options that facilitate the full build out of the Terminal. Over a century ago, in 1917, the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Terminal (DL&W) was built at the foot of Main Street adjacent to the Buffalo River, and for years it served as a busy center of activity for passenger and freight traffic by way of train and ships. In the mid-1960 the railroad discontinued use of the Terminal and a portion of the building was demolished in the late 1970s. The DL&W Terminal stands adjacent to Canalside, KeyBank Center and nearby HarborCenter, the Cobblestone District and Ohio Street. The terminal's second floor has 130,000-square-feet including 74,875-square-feet of interior space and 57,662-square-feet of an outdoor deck that overlooks the Buffalo River. The NFTA owns the DL&W Terminal property and uses the ground floor as a maintenance facility for Metro Rail cars. Plans call for the extension of NFTA Metro Rail service into the first floor and private sector redevelopment of the second floor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-and-gun-violence-prevention-advocates-celebrate-historic-federal,Lowey and Gun Violence Prevention Advocates Celebrate Historic Federal Investment in Life Saving Research,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Nita Lowey,L000480,lowey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Chairwoman Lowey secured $25M for firearm injury and mortality prevention research for the first time in more than 20 years. WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, announced that the spending bill that funds the federal government through September 2020 includes $25 million in federal funding $12.5 million for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and $12.5 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to research firearm injury and mortality prevention. This is the first time in more than two decades that federal funding will be used to research what the American Medical Association has called a public health crisis. Gun violence is a public health emergency, said Congresswoman Lowey. Since 1996, I have been fighting to give public health researchers the tools to study the causes of firearm injury in hopes that more Americans can be spared from violence, suicide, and firearm-related accidents. After years of obstruction from Republicans and the NRA, as the Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, I am proud to secure a historic $25 million investment for gun violence prevention research. The fiscal year 1997 spending bill eliminated funding into gun violence prevention research and included the Dickey Amendment, which has had a chilling effect on CDC's research on firearm injury prevention, effectively ending federal investments in this critical area. Under Congresswoman Lowey's leadership, the House voted Tuesday to reinvest in this public health research. This is a landmark victory for the gun safety movementfor the first time in more than 20 years, Congress will be appropriating funding specifically for research on gun violence, said Barry Graubart, NYS Deputy Chapter Lead, Advocacy, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. None of this would have been possible without Rep. Nita Lowey's tireless work to overcome the gun lobby and push this historic bill over the finish line. I am pleased to see that $25 million has been included in the fiscal year 2020 federal spending legislation to study the causes and impacts of gun violence, said Tom Roach, White Plains Mayor. I know this funding is the direct result of the efforts of our federal delegation, and in particular Rep. Lowey. As an advocate for stricter gun laws, I have spoken with her on many occasions about the impact of gun violence on our communities. Rep. Lowey has listened and has translated our needs into real funding that will help lay a solid groundwork for reform. I am hopeful that this legislation will be quickly passed by the Senate and signed into law. Kelly Marx, Westchester County March For Our Lives Lead Organizer and founder of Team Enough NY, said, I am so happy that for the first time in 20 years we see $25 million going to fund CDC and NIH gun violence research. Gun violence is one of the leading causes of death in America, and federal funding for this epidemic is common sense and will save lives. Gun violence prevention advocates have been fightingfor this funding for a long time, and the research that will come out of this will be beneficial in the fight to end gun violence. For far too long, the United States Congress put the political agenda of the gun lobby over our nation's public health and safety. But today, with outraged Americans demanding solutions to gun violence and a new gun safety majority elected to the House of Representatives, change is happening, Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. This investment in gun violence prevention research at CDC and NIH will shine a bright light on and help solve one of our nation's most deadly and embarrassing problems. I am enormously grateful to Speaker Pelosi, Chairwoman Lowey, Chairwoman DeLauro, and each of my colleagues in Congress who prioritized this funding this year, and Chairwoman Lowey's leadership on this historic win, in her last Congressional term, adds to a legacy already brimming with success. I send a heartfelt thanks to every American who has stood up, spoken out, and turned out to demand action from our elected leaders. We celebrate this momentous step, and we will use it to power us forward as we continue our fight to save lives. Nearly 40,000 Americans lose their lives at the hands of firearms each year and more are gravely injured, said Congresswoman Lowey. With this investment, the best public health researchers in the country will be put to work to identify ways to reduce injury and death due to firearms. Lowey offered an amendment to restore funding for gun violence prevention research during floor consideration of the fiscal year 1997 spending bill, and as then-Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, offered amendments to provide direct funding for this research in fiscal years 2016-2019. In addition, she is a member of the Congressional Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and has been a leader in fighting to prevent gun violence, including working to strengthen background checks, close the terror gap loophole, and ban assault weapons. This federal funding package is expected to be signed into law today. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/wrapping-up-the-legislative-year,Wrapping Up the Legislative Year,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friend, This week was a busy one, starting with an incredibly moving ceremony in New York during which our 9/11 heroes first responders, survivors, and families were honored for their tireless work in ensuring the permanent reauthorization and funding of the World Trade Center Health Program and 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. As the House wrapped our business for 2019 this week, we impeached President Trump, passed a spending bill with important wins for NY and gun safety, and voted to reinstate the State and Local Tax (SALT) tax deduction for hardworking families. The Senate passed my bill to reauthorize the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program, and I introduced a bill to bring family and medical leave that is guaranteed under the FMLA into the 21st century. More on all this below. Honoring Our 9/11 Heroes On Monday, I had the privilege of joining with the Mayor and elected officials to recognize the incredible men and women who embody what it means when we say we will Never Forget September 11th. Over the last 18 years, I have worked with these inspiring first responders, survivors, and families to make permanent the World Trade Center Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. It has been the honor of my life to work with them and to have been recognized alongside them by the City with the Bronze Medallion. Impeaching President Trump WatchChairwoman Maloney's floor statement during the impeachment debate. President Trump abused the power of his office for his own personal and political gain at the expense of our national security. His wholesale obstruction of Congress is unprecedented, indisputable and impeachable. He left us no other choice but to impeach him. President Trump is the first President in history to openly and completely defy all aspects of the Constitutional impeachment process. In an attempt to cover up his abuse of power, he ordered the entire Executive Branch not to participate in the inquiry and directed it to defy lawful subpoenas from Congress. As Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, I find this obstruction particularly offensive.Our founding fathers established a system of checks and balances. They spread out power between the branches of government. They decided that no one would be a king. That no one is above the law including the President. And they gave the responsibility of impeachment solely to the People's House. When President Trump defies our subpoenas and obstructs our impeachment inquiry, he seeks to place himself above the Constitution and above the law. We cannot let that stand. It was our solemn duty under the Constitution to impeach President Trump for his blatant abuse of power and his obstruction of Congress and I hope that my colleagues in the Senate will look at the facts which are overwhelming and undisputed and vote accordingly. Important Wins in the Domestic Spending Bill Included in the domestic spending bill that the House and Senate passed this week, was the reauthorization of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program and $25 million for gun violence research. The magnitude and importance of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act cannot be overstated which is why it garners bipartisan and bicameral support. Cities like New York City need TRIA to keep our economies thriving. After the terrorist attacks on 9/11, the market for terrorism insurance completely shut down. Without terrorism insurance, construction stopped and thousands of jobs were lost. But, with TRIA, the government provides a backstop for terrorism insurance to make it both available and affordable at no cost whatsoever to taxpayers. This program is working and reauthorizing it now, well ahead of its expiration in 2020, is the right thing to do. For years, I have been working with Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts to fund federal gun violence research. And this week, for the first time since an appropriations rider called the Dickey Amendment was put on the books in 1996, Congress approved federal funding for the study of gun violence. Gun violence is a public health epidemic, and it should be studied just like any other health crisis by our government's top researchers. While my bill with Sen. Markey would have authorized $50 million for this research, the $25 million we got is an important first step. Studying gun violence is key in helping us to address an epidemic that takes 100 lives a day. We need to do everything we can to address preventable gun violence. Bringing Back the SALT Deduction WatchCongresswoman Maloney's floor statement on H.R. 5377 here. TheTax Cuts and Jobs Act, also known as the GOP Tax Scam, that the Republicans passed last Congressis hurting people - plain and simple. It is punishing cities and states like New York because we take care of our own. I was proud to vote with my colleagues to pass the bipartisan H.R. 5377, the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act, yesterday to restore the State And Local Tax (SALT) deduction for middle class families. Reducing the DNA Testing Backlog This week, the Senate unanimously passed my bill, H.R. 777, to reauthorize the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Program which provides much-needed resources to law enforcement agencies to process untested DNA evidence including rape kits. I first wrote and passed the Debbie Smith Act in 2004 after hearing testimony from the bill's namesake, Debbie Smith, that it took 6 years for her rape kit to be tested. That was unacceptable. This successful program keeps rapists and other criminals off the streets. And equally important, the program is instrumental in delivering some measure of justice to survivors of violence. I urge the President to sign this reauthorization bill immediately. Bringing FMLA into the 21stCentury It is unacceptable that some American workers are still forced to choose between caring for their loved ones or losing their jobs. Even under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, 40% of the work force is still ineligible for FMLA leave it's time to bring leave into the 21st century. That is why on Tuesday, I reintroduced the FMLA Modernization Act with U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin. This bill reflects that families and caregiving come in all shapes and sizes. Our bill would update the FMLA's definition of family to include a domestic partner, parent-in-law, aunt, uncle, sibling, adult child, grandparent, grandchild, son- or daughter-in-law, and other significant relationships; and guarantee that parents and other family caregivers have the ability to take time off to attend a medical appointment or school function, such as a parent-teacher conference, without the risk of losing their job. These changes are long overdue. As always, your concerns still and always will remain my top priority. Please do not hesitate to email me through my website. If you have any friends who you think should be receiving my newsletters, tell them they can sign up here. Sincerely, Carolyn B. Maloney Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maxrose.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2433,"Rose Secures Big Increase in Counterterrorism Funding that Supports Critical NYC Efforts, Protects Nonprofit & Religious Institutions",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Max Rose,R000613,maxrose.house.gov,,,legacy,"Following a bipartisan push by Congressman Max Rose, Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence & Counterterrorism, Congress passed legislation to increase funding for critical counterterrorism programs of which New York City relies upon by $90 million over current funding levels, including a $30 million increase for Nonprofit Security Grant Program which provides critical support and protection for nonprofit and religious institutions like churches, synagogues, mosques, and community centers which have increasingly been targets of terrorism. Now more than ever, as we face terrorist attacks and mass shootings based on xenophobia, racism, and anti-Semitism, we need to be redoubling our efforts to ensure the brave men and women in uniform have the necessary tools and resources to keep us safe, and that nonprofit and religious institutions are properly protected, Rose said. Despite shocking cuts proposed by this Administration, I'm proud to have built strong, bipartisan support to not only push back, but to increase funding for critical programs. In the bipartisan funding legislation that Congress passed this week which the President is expected to sign into law today to prevent a government shutdown, the Department of Homeland Security funding included: $665 million for the Urban Area Security Initiative, a $15 million increase from current funding, and $239 million more than the Administration's budget proposal; $100 million for the Port Security and $100 million for Transit Security Programs, which is equal to current funding levels, but an increase of $64 million from the Administration's budget proposal for each program; $560 million for the State Homeland Security Grant, a $35 million increase from current funding, and $229 million more than the Administration's budget proposal; $10 million for the Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant, which is equal to current funding levels, despite the Administration's budget request for zero funding; $41 million for the Presidential Residence Protection Grant, which is equal to current funding levels, despite the Administration's budget request for zero funding; $90 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, a $30 million increase from current funding, and was not mentioned in the Administration's budget proposal. Rose helped lead the bipartisan effort to reauthorize the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides funding for security enhancements to nonprofit organizations and religions institutions that are at high risk of a terrorist attack. Earlier this year, Rose hosted a grant workshop for nonprofit and religious institutions with government officials to assist religious and nonprofit institutions on security grant programs. Following the Administration's budget proposal, which called for drastic and dangerous cuts to critical counterterrorism programs, Rose led a bipartisan push with Congressman Pete King and the entire New York City delegation, to fully fund the Homeland Security programs that support New York City. In ahearingearlier this year, Rose pressed the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security on the Administration's proposed budget cuts to counterterrorism programs and asked if that means the Administration is not prioritizing these threats. The Acting Secretaryresponded, Especially in major cities we need to continue to work on it, continue to partner, and hopefully we can manage through the cuts. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maxrose.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2435,Rose Announces Tottenville HS Students as Winners of Congressional App Challenge,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Max Rose,R000613,maxrose.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Max Rose announced today that Kartik Kumar and Anthony Squillacioti of Tottenville High School are this year's winners of the Congressional App Challenge for New York's 11th Congressional District. Their winning submission, entitled Schoolabs, is designed to help connect students and teachers over the internet. Kartik and Anthony looked at an issue in their lives and used their computer skills to fix it, Rose said. Their ingenuity and desire put their talents to work improving the world around them is exactly what this challenge is all about. As Tottenville High School students, Kumar and Squillacioti noticed that many New York City schools opted to use generic templates for their websites, rather than paying considerable sums of money for professionally designed website. Schoolabs bridges that gap by streamlining the process of designing a school's online presence with tools that can implemented into existing websites. For example, the app offers an Extracurricular Manager, which allows students to communicate directly with other students, as well as with school faculty, clubs, and organizations in regard to upcoming events, fundraisers, and extracurricular activities. We are elated that the Congressional App challenge encouraged us to find real applications of programming as a medium, one that allows us to express ideas and create something that others can find useful, Kumar and Squillacioti said. Our ultimate goal was to create a project that directly addressed an issue we personally encountered in our lives. We decided to create Schoolabs in order to allow schools to expand their online presence through an efficient, approachable, and accessible process. The Congressional App Challenge invites middle and high school students to put their coding skills to use and create an app that helps their local community. Over the first 4 years of the Challenge, over 14,000 students from 48 states have created submissions. Learn more about the Schoolabs app HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3036,REP. REED ANNOUNCES MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FUNDING RELEASE,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Rep. Tom Reed is proud to announce a Major Disaster Declaration for the State Of New York has been granted by President Donald Trump. The announcement follows a bipartisan letter Tom sent along with his colleagues to the President asking for the declaration to be made. The declaration releases Federal funds which will help communities in multiple areas recover from the severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding damage that occurred in late October and into early November. This is a big win for our district and our state. Getting this funding to the areas in need will allow repairs to be made and rebuilding to start, said Tom. We cannot undo the damage that was done during these storms, but we fought for the funding to help clean up the aftermath. We care about these areas that were impacted, and we will do all we can to help to mend what was broken. Northern Chautauqua County was heavily impacted by the storm event on Halloween, said State Senator George Borrello. Shortly after, Congressman Reed mobilized his staff and the Army Corps of Engineers. Not only did they tour the damaged areas with us, they pushed for the critically needed emergency declaration and the federal funding that comes along with it. We can now take further action to repair the damage in the communities that were hit hardest by the storm, thanks to the quick action of Congressman Tom Reed. The City of Dunkirk is very grateful for the Presidential Disaster Declaration that will send FEMA assistance to repair the Lake Boulevard railing destroyed by the extreme event on October 31, said City of Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas. Mayor Rosas thanks his local team who are working with our state and federal elected officials on this needed assistance. The local team is headed by Development Director Wurster, DPW Director Woodbury and Fiscal Officer Beach. The disaster declaration has been designated to help Chautauqua, Chenango, Cortland, Erie, Essex, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Oswego, Otsego, Saratoga, Tioga and Warren Counties.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3037,PROBLEM SOLVERS CAUCUS CONTINUES TO PROVE BIPARTISANSHIP IS POSSIBLE IN ENDORSEMENTS OF KEY BILLS,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, December 20, 2019,the Problem Solvers Caucus announced the endorsement of H.R. 2382, the USPS Fairness Act; H.R. 1869, the Restoring Investment in Improvements Act; H.R. 1175, the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act; and H.R. 943, the Never Again Education Act. H.R. 2382, the USPS Fairness Act, introduced by Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR-4) and Rep. Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM-2), along with Problem Solvers Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY-23) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), fully repeals the prefunding mandate, reverting back to a pay-as-you-go system that would then allow the Postal Service to be able to focus on investing and innovating services in order to better meet its mission to service every American household and business. It has 297 cosponsors and has received endorsement from 44 members of the Caucus. H.R. 1869, the Restoring Investment in Improvements Act was introduced by Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN-2) along with Problem Solver Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20), is bipartisan legislation that ensures restaurants and retailers are able to properly benefit from a tax provision meant to aid renovations and spur investment. It has 288 cosponsors and was also endorsed by 44 members of the Caucus. H.R. 1175, the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act was introduced by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX-21) and makes permanent the lower taxes, reduced compliance burdens, and fewer regulations to keep parity in the marketplace for the 5,300 breweries, 8,000 wineries, and 800 distilleries across the country. Without this, excise tax rates would return to those higher levels, raising costs for small businesses and consumers. A one-year extension of this Act was added onto the Appropriations package and passed the House earlier this week. It has 324 cosponsors and was endorsed by 42 Problem Solvers. H.R. 943, the Never Again Education Act was introduced by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY-12) and would create a new grant program within the US Department of Education to provide teachers across the country the relevant resources, tools and training to teach school children about the Holocaust and the repercussions that hate and intolerance can have on our society. It has 297 cosponsors and was endorsed by 40 members of the Problem Solvers Caucus. In backing these four initiatives, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, led by Co-Chairs Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-3), have come together to build bipartisan consensus on policies that help our hardworking families, help our government work better, help develop our local economies, and help educate our children. These bills will provide real help to real people. From helping small business owners to benefit from necessary tax provisions to providing resources to teachers that will enable them to teach our children about the dangers of hate, these bills will greatly benefit the lives of many,said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Tom Reed.Finding the common ground on issues such as these and working together to find solutions is critical that's why I'm proud that the Problem Solvers Caucus is overcoming the political divide and working to create positive change for the American people. The Problem Solvers Caucus continues to push bipartisan legislation forward, to achieve real results for the hardworking families we each represent and for residents all across the country,""said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer.We are continuing to break through the gridlock to endorse legislation that can bring those on both sides of the aisle together. With this set of bill endorsements, we're ensuring that our children are educated about the horrors of the Holocaust and the repercussions of hate, that our government and postal services work better, and that we're spurring local economic development. Rep. Tom Suozzi said,The Problem Solvers Caucus' endorsement of these four initiatives proves that by working together with common purpose, we can bring about real positive changes in people's lives. Of particular importance to my constituency is the Never Again Education Act which will teach our nation's children the important lessons of the Holocaust and the horrific consequences of hate and intolerance. Due to some of the political posturing and partisan differences right now in Washington, the vast majority of the American people believe that Republicans and Democrats cannot come together to do anything positive. The group of Members of Congress, Republicans and Democrats, known as the Problem Solvers Caucus, once again, prove that notion wrong. I, along with colleagues from both sides of the aisle, am a co-sponsor of all four of these pieces of legislation that would benefit Americans from all walks of life. House leadership should bring these bills up for a vote as soon as possible,said Rep. Bill Johnson. Coastal Virginia is home to more than 45 breweries, wineries, and distilleries, which is why I am proud to be a cosponsor of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (H.R. 1175). This bill will ensure these local businesses receive tax relief so they can continue contributing to the local economy and producing the very best beer, wine, and spirits,said Rep. Elaine Luria. This package of bills makes it clear that, across issue areas and across party lines, our caucus is able to come together for real reforms that will help people across the nation,said Rep. Salud Carbajal.I am proud to have co-sponsored all of the bills on this list and I will continue pushing for legislation that helps our workers, supports local businesses, strengthens the knowledge of our students and uplifts our nation's families. It is great to see the Caucus come together on these bipartisan issues. These bills will deliver real results for the American people,said Rep. Brian FitzpatrickI am glad to see the Problem Solvers endorse this package of bills, and I look forward to voting in favor of them on the House floor. I'm proud that all four of these important, bipartisan bills have the endorsement of my colleagues and I in the Problem Solvers Caucus,said Rep. Dan Lipinski.I'm especially proud to support the Never Again Education Act and provide educators with the resources they need to emphasize the importance of the Holocaust and the horrific outcomes hate and intolerance can lead to. This will be a tremendous learning tool for our children. I'm proud to have such broad, bipartisan support for my legislation, including the endorsement of the Problem Solvers Caucus. My bill will allow local restaurants and retailers to write-off improvements so that they can make the investments that they need to keep their stores competitive and safe, hire more workers, and plan for the future,said Rep. Jimmy Panetta. As a co-sponsor of all four bills included in the endorsement package, I am happy to see this overwhelming bipartisan support. In particular, I am pleased about the support for H.R. 943, the Never Again Education Act. It is important that America's youth learn about the horrors of the past so they can ensure they are not repeated. Implementing the proper resources and curriculum needed to educate our students on the lessons and consequences of the Holocaust will do just that,said Rep. Don Bacon. Rep. Anthony Brindisi said,This package of bills includes key, bipartisan, pieces of legislation that will address real problems with real solutions. Whether it's cutting taxes, bolstering the Postal Service and education opportunities, or providing relief for small businesses, it is important to remember that members of both parties can work together to find commonsense solutions to improve everyday American's lives. The Problem Solvers Caucus is a bipartisan group in Congress comprising 48 members equally divided between Democrats and Republicans who are committed to forging bipartisan cooperation on key issues. It is co-chaired by Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3038,PROBLEM SOLVERS CAUCUS CONTINUES TO PROVE BIPARTISANSHIP IS POSSIBLE IN ENDORSEMENTS OF KEY BILLS,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, December 20, 2019,the Problem Solvers Caucus announced the endorsement of H.R. 2382, the USPS Fairness Act; H.R. 1869, the Restoring Investment in Improvements Act; H.R. 1175, the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act; and H.R. 943, the Never Again Education Act. H.R. 2382, the USPS Fairness Act, introduced by Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR-4) and Rep. Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM-2), along with Problem Solvers Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY-23) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), fully repeals the prefunding mandate, reverting back to a pay-as-you-go system that would then allow the Postal Service to be able to focus on investing and innovating services in order to better meet its mission to service every American household and business. It has 297 cosponsors and has received endorsement from 44 members of the Caucus. H.R. 1869, the Restoring Investment in Improvements Act was introduced by Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN-2) along with Problem Solver Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20), is bipartisan legislation that ensures restaurants and retailers are able to properly benefit from a tax provision meant to aid renovations and spur investment. It has 288 cosponsors and was also endorsed by 44 members of the Caucus. H.R. 1175, the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act was introduced by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX-21) and makes permanent the lower taxes, reduced compliance burdens, and fewer regulations to keep parity in the marketplace for the 5,300 breweries, 8,000 wineries, and 800 distilleries across the country. Without this, excise tax rates would return to those higher levels, raising costs for small businesses and consumers. A one-year extension of this Act was added onto the Appropriations package and passed the House earlier this week. It has 324 cosponsors and was endorsed by 42 Problem Solvers. H.R. 943, the Never Again Education Act was introduced by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY-12) and would create a new grant program within the US Department of Education to provide teachers across the country the relevant resources, tools and training to teach school children about the Holocaust and the repercussions that hate and intolerance can have on our society. It has 297 cosponsors and was endorsed by 40 members of the Problem Solvers Caucus. In backing these four initiatives, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, led by Co-Chairs Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-3), have come together to build bipartisan consensus on policies that help our hardworking families, help our government work better, help develop our local economies, and help educate our children. These bills will provide real help to real people. From helping small business owners to benefit from necessary tax provisions to providing resources to teachers that will enable them to teach our children about the dangers of hate, these bills will greatly benefit the lives of many,said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Tom Reed.Finding the common ground on issues such as these and working together to find solutions is critical that's why I'm proud that the Problem Solvers Caucus is overcoming the political divide and working to create positive change for the American people. The Problem Solvers Caucus continues to push bipartisan legislation forward, to achieve real results for the hardworking families we each represent and for residents all across the country,""said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer.We are continuing to break through the gridlock to endorse legislation that can bring those on both sides of the aisle together. With this set of bill endorsements, we're ensuring that our children are educated about the horrors of the Holocaust and the repercussions of hate, that our government and postal services work better, and that we're spurring local economic development. Rep. Tom Suozzi said,The Problem Solvers Caucus' endorsement of these four initiatives proves that by working together with common purpose, we can bring about real positive changes in people's lives. Of particular importance to my constituency is the Never Again Education Act which will teach our nation's children the important lessons of the Holocaust and the horrific consequences of hate and intolerance. Due to some of the political posturing and partisan differences right now in Washington, the vast majority of the American people believe that Republicans and Democrats cannot come together to do anything positive. The group of Members of Congress, Republicans and Democrats, known as the Problem Solvers Caucus, once again, prove that notion wrong. I, along with colleagues from both sides of the aisle, am a co-sponsor of all four of these pieces of legislation that would benefit Americans from all walks of life. House leadership should bring these bills up for a vote as soon as possible,said Rep. Bill Johnson. Coastal Virginia is home to more than 45 breweries, wineries, and distilleries, which is why I am proud to be a cosponsor of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (H.R. 1175). This bill will ensure these local businesses receive tax relief so they can continue contributing to the local economy and producing the very best beer, wine, and spirits,said Rep. Elaine Luria. This package of bills makes it clear that, across issue areas and across party lines, our caucus is able to come together for real reforms that will help people across the nation,said Rep. Salud Carbajal.I am proud to have co-sponsored all of the bills on this list and I will continue pushing for legislation that helps our workers, supports local businesses, strengthens the knowledge of our students and uplifts our nation's families. It is great to see the Caucus come together on these bipartisan issues. These bills will deliver real results for the American people,said Rep. Brian FitzpatrickI am glad to see the Problem Solvers endorse this package of bills, and I look forward to voting in favor of them on the House floor. I'm proud that all four of these important, bipartisan bills have the endorsement of my colleagues and I in the Problem Solvers Caucus,said Rep. Dan Lipinski.I'm especially proud to support the Never Again Education Act and provide educators with the resources they need to emphasize the importance of the Holocaust and the horrific outcomes hate and intolerance can lead to. This will be a tremendous learning tool for our children. I'm proud to have such broad, bipartisan support for my legislation, including the endorsement of the Problem Solvers Caucus. My bill will allow local restaurants and retailers to write-off improvements so that they can make the investments that they need to keep their stores competitive and safe, hire more workers, and plan for the future,said Rep. Jimmy Panetta. As a co-sponsor of all four bills included in the endorsement package, I am happy to see this overwhelming bipartisan support. In particular, I am pleased about the support for H.R. 943, the Never Again Education Act. It is important that America's youth learn about the horrors of the past so they can ensure they are not repeated. Implementing the proper resources and curriculum needed to educate our students on the lessons and consequences of the Holocaust will do just that,said Rep. Don Bacon. Rep. Anthony Brindisi said,This package of bills includes key, bipartisan, pieces of legislation that will address real problems with real solutions. Whether it's cutting taxes, bolstering the Postal Service and education opportunities, or providing relief for small businesses, it is important to remember that members of both parties can work together to find commonsense solutions to improve everyday American's lives. The Problem Solvers Caucus is a bipartisan group in Congress comprising 48 members equally divided between Democrats and Republicans who are committed to forging bipartisan cooperation on key issues. It is co-chaired by Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://seanmaloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-s-statement-on-usmca-trade-agreement,Maloneys Statement on USMCA Trade Agreement,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Sean Maloney,M001185,seanmaloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Maloney's Statement on USMCA Trade Agreement Washington, D.C. This week, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) voted in support of the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). The agreement is the product of months of bipartisan work between House Democrats, United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, and trade representatives from Canada and Mexico. When it comes to trade agreements, my top priorities are New York's working families and farmers. On balance, the improved USMCA looks like a strong agreement that if properly implemented will meet my demands for the Hudson Valley and set a higher standard for our neighbors to the north and south. That said, I will monitor the impact this agreement has on families and workers in New York who have been hurt by bad trade policies in generations past. Ultimately, the support of our labor unions, local business leaders and our farmers led to my vote in favor of this agreement. I will continue to put Hudson Valley families first, and demand that American jobs and wages are not undermined, said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney. The USMCA is supported by several labor unions, agricultural cooperatives and producer organizations, and tradesperson advocacy groups, including the New York Farm Bureau, the Teamsters, the United Steelworkers, and the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), the largest federation of unions in the United States. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://serrano.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/serrano-vel-zquez-grijalva-ocasio-cortez-call-greater-transparency-and,"Serrano, Velzquez, Grijalva, Ocasio-Cortez Call for Greater Transparency and Oversight of Puerto Ricos Tax Breaks for Wealthy Individuals and Businesses (Acts 20 and 22)",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,José Serrano,S000248,serrano.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Representatives Jos E. Serrano, Nydia M. Velzquez, Ral M. Grijalva, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin urging the Treasury Department to conduct greater oversight over existing tax breaks for wealthy individuals and corporations that relocate to Puerto Rico, particularly Puerto Rico's Acts 20 and 22. These tax policies incentivize federal and state tax avoidance with little apparent benefit to Puerto Rico or the 50 States. The result is that combination of the Federal and territorial laws has enabled high-income individuals and profitable service businesses to avoid any Federal or territorial taxation on some income and to owe extremely low rates of tax on other income. By residing' on the island for 183 days per year, these individuals now avoid both Federal and local taxes. This results in tax benefits that individuals and businesses could not obtain anywhere else in the world. In other words, Puerto Rico has become a tax haven from the Federal government, the Members wrote. The territorial tax exemptions granted to those wishing to avoid Federal taxes stands in stark, unfavorable contrast with the treatment of long-time Puerto Ricans and most other individual and corporate residents of the territory. Most individuals and locally-owned corporations pay high rates of local tax, they added in the letter. Acts 20 and 22 have turned Puerto Rico into a tax haven with little to no benefit for the vast majority of Puerto Ricans. The Department of the Treasury should conduct greater oversight over how these tax breaks are being implemented and their impact on federal, state, local, and territorial tax revenues. Puerto Ricans need greater transparency and accountability regarding these choices, said Representative Jos E. Serrano. The evidence strongly suggests certain tax provisions are lining the pockets of wealthy individuals who partially reside in Puerto Rico, while doing nothing to benefit the people of Puerto Rico. The Treasury Department needs to take a hard look at these provisions so we can determine whether they are functioning as intended or inadvertently allowing the wealthy to skirt tax obligations and depriving Puerto Rico and the federal government of needed revenue, said Rep. Nydia M. Velzquez. I am concerned that the people of Puerto Rico are subjected to an unjust tax system that favors the wealthy and business class, said Chair Grijalva. I will continue to push the Trump administration for answers until they are able to demonstrate that everyday Puerto Ricans are not being hung out to dry by the tax system. We can and should choose a path that generates economic growth and financial stability for the majority of the population, said Chair Ral M. Grijalva. It is deeply troubling to learn that wealthy individuals are using Puerto Rico as a tax haven to avoid paying their fair share. The Treasury Department must now take necessary action to ensure Act 20 and 22 support the people of Puerto Rico, and are not just another tax giveaway to millionaires and billionaires, said Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. PDF of signed letter attached. Full text of the letter attached: The Honorable Steven T. Mnuchin Secretary of the Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20220 Dear Secretary Mnuchin: We write to request that the Department of the Treasury conduct greater oversight over a variety of tax breaks provided to individuals and businesses in Puerto Rico and their impact on Federal tax revenues. In particular, Acts 20 and 22 of Puerto Rico have led to significant tax avoidance by wealthy individuals residing' in the island. While some have tried to promote these tax breaks as economic development tools, we believe that these giveaways have not resulted in any benefit for Puerto Rico. As you know, the Federal tax history of Puerto Rico is extremely complicated for both businesses and individuals. Since 1954, Federal income taxes have not been extended to income earned in Puerto Rico, as specified in IRC 933. Rather, the tax goal has been to allow the territorial government to tax the revenue sources directly at levels necessary to overcome the lack of equal treatment in Federal funding programs. However, as Puerto Rico's fiscal status has declined, their recent tax policies appear to undermine the federal goals of IRC 933. In 2012, the territorial government enacted two laws, Acts 20 and 22potentially in violation of the uniformity clause of the Constitution of Puerto Rico[1]with the goal of luring wealthy individuals and businesses providing services in the States to Puerto Rico. These laws exempt these individuals from almost all local taxation if they reside' on the island for a majority of the year. Under the laws, numerous tax exemptions and rate reductions are granted until 2035, with little economic justification. The beneficiaries are not required to make significant specific economic contributions to the territory, or even any contributions that justify any tax savings at all. The result is that combination of the Federal and territorial laws has enabled high-income individuals and profitable service businesses to avoid any Federal or territorial taxation on some income and to owe extremely low rates of tax on other income. By residing' on the island for 183 days per year, these individuals now avoid both Federal and local taxes. This results in tax benefits that individuals and businesses could not obtain anywhere else in the world. In other words, Puerto Rico has become a tax haven from the Federal government. For example, under Act 20, individuals do not have to pay any tax to any government on gains from buying and selling stocks and bonds in the States. Under Act 22, individuals and their firms that provide services in the States from the territory pay an income tax rate of four percent. The territorial tax exemptions granted to those wishing to avoid Federal taxes stands in stark, unfavorable contrast with the treatment of long-time Puerto Ricans and most other individual and corporate residents of the territory. Most individuals and locally-owned corporations pay high rates of local tax. There are many other concerns associated with Acts 20 and 22. The better treatment of Act 20 and 22 beneficiaries is not limited to taxes: They have also been exempted from territorial inheritance laws, which may have implications for Federal estate taxation. There reportedly are more than 1,600 individuals and firms who have relocated from the States to Puerto Rico in order to avoid Federal, State, and local taxes.[2] A few years ago, a territorial official said that the smaller number of individuals then included two billionaires and that the average net worth of Act 20 and 22 beneficiaries was $7 million. We understand that the IRS is aware of cases in which businesses in the States route their services through front' firms in Puerto Rico that do no real work. We have also heard of a case in which an individual avoids $60 million a year in Federal taxes through these territorial policies. There are also questions as to whether Act 22 beneficiaries are really present in Puerto Rico 183 days a year as required by IRC 937. The combination of the Federal and territorial tax exemptions is not only depriving the territorial government of revenue intended by IRC 933, but it also appears to do so without any showing of economic benefits. Additionally, Acts 20 and 22 deprive the Federal, State, and local governments of needed revenue. In order to better understand the impact of these policies, we respectfully request that the Department: Evaluate whether the Sec. 933 benefit should apply to individuals and firms that relocate from the States and obtain Acts 20 and 22 benefits; Examine the enforcement of Sec. 937 by the IRS and territorial officials; Determine whether Sec. 933 is accomplishing its purpose, specifically in the case of these avoiders of taxes in the States, or whether it should be amended; Calculate the revenue costs to the territorial government, as well as to the Federal, State, and local governments; Investigate how the Sec. 937 183 days a year presence in the territory requirement is being enforced by the IRS and the territorial government and the effectiveness of their monitoring; Analyze whether Sec. 937 should be amended to enhance its effectiveness; whether the territorial inheritance law exemption for Act 22 beneficiaries is adversely affecting Federal estate and generation-skipping taxation and whether U.S. law should be amended; and Consider whether the territory's tax exemptions comply with the requirement in its constitution that taxes be uniform. Thank you for your cooperation and we look forward to working with you on this important matter. Sincerely, ### Congressman Jos E. Serrano has represented The Bronx in Congress since 1990. [1] PR Const. art. VI, 3. [2] See Performance of Incentive Programs Act 20-2012 and Act 22-2012, PR Department of Economic Development and Commerce, https://www.ddec.pr.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Performance_of_Incentives_Report-Act_20_and_Act_22.pdf.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-cosponsors-legislation-supporting-female-service-members,Stefanik Cosponsors Legislation Supporting Female Service Members,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is an original cosponsor of the Body Armor Modernization for Females Act along with Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02). A companion bill is being introduced in the Senate by Senators Ernst, Duckworth, McSally, and Blumenthal. Poorly fitting body armor and protective equipment is one more challenge to women serving in the Armed Forces, a rapidly growing demographic in our military. Improperly fitting body armor can cause additional discomfort and even injury. This bill would require a report to Congress on fielding the newest generation of personal protective equipment (PPE) to include a tracking system, as well as including a question on injuries incurred from ill-fitting or malfunctioning equipment in annual assessments. I am proud to be an original cosponsor to the Body Armor Modernization for Females Act and have the opportunity towork with a bipartisan team in both the House and the Senate on this important issue, said Congresswoman Stefanik. As women take on more roles within the increasingly diverse Armed Forces, it is important that we equip service members of all shapes and sizes with properly fitting protective gear. This bill aims for every soldier to be outfitted with the right equipment so she can train as she fights.' I'm proud to work with my colleagues to lean forward with the next steps of fielding the next generation of protective equipment. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/trump-declares-new-york-disaster-declaration-following-stefanik-advocacy,Trump Declares New York Disaster Declaration Following Stefanik Advocacy,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. President Trump has officially declared a major disaster declaration for the state of New York, which will release federal funds to help communities in the North Country recover from the severe Halloween storm that caused massive damages from high winds and flooding. Included are the counties in NY-21 that are eligible to receive federal assistance through FEMA's Public Assistance program: Essex, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Saratoga, and Warren. Additionally, all areas of the state are eligible for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. I am grateful to President Trump for responding quickly to my push for a major disaster declaration for the North Country following the devastating Halloween storm, said Congresswoman Stefanik. I worked with state and local officials to initiate a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment in order to access FEMA funds to rebuild our communities, and sent a letter to President Trump asking that he take our request seriously. It is an honor to have delivered this result for the North Country, and I'm looking forward to continuing my work with local officials to ensure we have everything we need to rebuild. FEMA Public Assistance Public Assistance (PA) is FEMA's largest grant program providing emergency assistance to save lives and protect property, and assists with permanently restoring community infrastructure affected by a federally declared incident. Eligible applicants include states, federally recognized tribal governments, U.S. territories, local governments, and certain private non-profit (PNP) organizations. Applicants should work with the State to apply for the assistance available and must file a Request for Public Assistance within 30 days of the date their respective area is designated by the federal declaration. Work eligible for PA grant funding must be required as a result of the declared incident and is classified as emergency work or permanent work depending on the scope of the project. Federal funding guidelines for each of these categories are listed in the Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide, which is located online at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/111781. FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) programs provide funds for projects that reduce the risk to individuals and property from natural hazards. These programs enable mitigation measures to be implemented before, during, and after disaster recovery. The States, territories, and federally-recognized tribes establish their mitigation priorities, facilitate the development of applications, and submit applications to FEMA based on State, territorial, or federally-recognized tribal criteria and available funding. Individuals, property and business owners may not apply directly to the State, territory, or FEMA, but eligible local governments may apply on their behalf. Property and business owners interested in implementing mitigation activities are encouraged to contact their local community planning, emergency management, or hazard mitigation office for more information. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/following-their-push-schumer-gillibrand-secure-547-million-in-federal-crime-prevention-funding-in-just-passed-bipartisan-spending-packing,"Following Their Push, Schumer, Gillibrand Secure $547 Million In Federal Crime Prevention Funding In Just-Passed Bipartisan Spending Package",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2019 Following Their Push, Schumer, Gillibrand Secure $547 Million In Federal Crime Prevention Funding In Just-Passed Bipartisan Spending Packing Washington, DC -- U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced they secured $547 million for the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Bureau of Justice Assistance's Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program in the just-passed, bipartisan omnibus spending package for Fiscal Year 2020. This program provides funding to states and local governments to support a range of crime prevention activities based on state and local needs. The $547 million amount is a $123.7 million increase from last year's spending package, and includes $100 million for presidential nominating conventions security. When it comes to protecting the residents of Upstate New York from crime, we must be tough, smart and prepared, said Senator Schumer. That's why in negotiations for the soon-to-pass federal spending package, I fought tooth and nail for a $123.7 million increase for the very successful Byrne JAG grant program, which will be used by Upstate law enforcement agencies to upgrade equipment and training to keep our streets and neighborhoods safe. Making sure the brave men and women that serve in our police departments have the resources they need to do their important work will always be a top priority of mine. This federal funding will ensure that our brave men and women in uniform have the resources and funding they need to keep our communities safe, said Senator Gillibrand. This funding supports the continued partnership between law enforcement at the federal, state, and local levels, and ensures that they are able to prevent criminal activity all across the country. Protecting our families and communities is one of my top priorities, and I will continue fighting to get our local law enforcement the resources and support they need. The Byrne JAG program plays a crucial role in spurring innovation and testing cost-effective, evidence-based approaches to fighting crime and reducing recidivism. The Byrne JAG program provides funding to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime and improve the criminal justice system, which include: law enforcement programs; prosecution and court programs; prevention and education programs; corrections and community corrections programs; drug treatment programs; and planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and crime victim witness programs. This collaboration helps combat today's criminal networks that cross city, state and even international boundaries. 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-announce-bipartisan-appropriations-bill-funds-495-million-in-federal-funds-to-land-and-water-conservation-fund,"Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Bipartisan Appropriations Bill Funds $495 Million In Federal Funds To Land And Water Conservation Fund",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2019 Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Bipartisan Appropriations Bill Funds $495 Million In Federal Funds To Land And Water Conservation Fund Funds Will Be Used To Help Preserve and Protect Public Lands, Water Resources, and Historic Sites Across New York State Washington, DC U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrandtoday announced that the just-passed, bipartisan appropriations bill funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at $495 million, an increase of $60 million from last year's spending bill. The LWCF has been instrumental in preserving some of the nation's most important and iconic public spaces, and has invested more than $336 million in funding to protect public lands, water resources, and historic sites across New York State. It does this by providing grants to states and local governments to create and protect parks and open spaces, and helping farmers and ranchers continue to steward their private lands in the face of development pressures. For over five decades, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has provided millions in federal funds to parks, clean water efforts and historic places across Upstate New York, protecting and preserving their beauty, said Senator Schumer. So, now that it's been permanently reauthorized, I'm proud to announce that I fought to secure a $60 million increase for the LWCF in the just-passed, bi-partisan federal funding bill and will continue my steadfast efforts to secure full, mandatory funding for the program. Passage of this critical funding will help ensure that New Yorkers and Americans alike can continue to enjoy our state's spectacular public lands, natural areas and historical sites for generations to come. The Land and Water Conservation Fund has protected our nation's natural and historic treasures for years. In New York, it has been vital in preserving landmark sites such as the Adirondack Lakes, the Saratoga Battlefield National Historical Park, and Coney Island Boardwalk, said Senator Gillibrand. I'm pleased that the Land and Water Conservation Fund has been awarded funding in this year-end appropriations bill, which will help ensure that our nation's resources can be preserved for generations to come. I will always fight to protect the natural beauty and historic legacy of New York State. The LWCF has provided funding to protect sites of natural and historic importance throughout the country for over 50 years. The LWCF does not rely on taxpayer funds and instead uses revenue collected from offshore oil and gas development to purchase lands from willing sellers for the purposes of conservation. It also provides grants to states for recreation planning, acquisition of lands and waters, and facility development. After Schumer and Gillibrand's successful push, the LWCF was permanently reauthorized in March. This will provide consistent funding for projects overseen by the program to help preserve national parks and wilderness areas across the country. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-feds-have-heeded-their-call-approved-major-disaster-declaration-for-new-york-state-to-eighteen-upstate-counties-impacted-by-the-halloween-storm,"Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Feds Have Heeded Their Call, Approved Major Disaster Declaration For New York State To Eighteen Upstate Counties Impacted By The Halloween Storm",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2019 Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Feds Have Heeded Their Call, Approved Major Disaster Declaration For New York State To Eighteen Upstate Counties Impacted By The Halloween Storm Schumer & Gillibrand Announce That Major Disaster Declaration Assistance For 18 Upstate Counties Has Been Approved By President Trump, Unlocking Key Federal Funds For Communities Impacted By The Halloween Storms; The Declaration Unlocks Public Assistance Funding For 18 Upstate Counties; Individual Assistance Request Is Still Pending; Senators: Funds Will Allow Upstate Communities To Recover & Rebuild From Flooding Damages; Ease Burden on NY Taxpayers U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that, following their aggressive push, President Trump has approved New York State's request for a major disaster declaration following the severe Halloween thunderstorm and floods that battered counties throughout Upstate New York from October 31st through November 1st. Specifically, FEMA will be providing disaster Public Assistance (PA) funding to Chautauqua, Chenango, Clinton, Cortland, Erie, Essex, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, Saratoga, Tioga and Warren Counties. Individual Assistance (IA) funding requests for Erie, Essex, Hamilton, Herkimer, and Oneida Counties are still pending. On November 18th, Schumer and Gillibrand wrote to FEMA Administrator Peter Gaynor to prioritize and immediately complete their preliminary damage assessments for the 18 counties and approve New York State's request for a disaster declaration as soon as possible. Schumer and Gillibrand then joined a bipartisan, bicameral letter calling on President Trump to approve the disaster declaration as soon as possible on December 3rd. During the Halloween storm, 12 counties received at least 3 inches of rain, which is nearly a month's worth in most Upstate areas, and 27 counties received flood warnings and flash flood warnings. Furthermore, winds blew between 60 and 70 miles per hour, knocking down countless trees, destroying private property and leaving hundreds of thousands of Upstate New Yorkers without power. In the Mohawk Valley, hundreds of residents were evacuated and many properties remain uninhabitable. The storm even tragically took the life of a priest, Father Tom Connery, in Herkimer County, who was trapped in his vehicle during one of the flash floods. This Halloween, our state, from one corner to the other, saw severe damage after being ravaged by heavy rain, flooding and tempestuous winds. This federal aid is absolutely critical to allow these Upstate communities to recover and rebuild and will ease the burden on New York taxpayers, said Senator Schumer. I am pleased that the feds heeded our call by agreeing to help these harshly impacted communities with Public Assistance, and I urge FEMA and the administration to immediately unlock Individual Assistance as well to help property owners recover. I'm pleased that the administration has approved a major disaster declaration, which will allow FEMA Public Assistance funds to flow to communities in 18 counties across Upstate New York that suffered extensive damage due to storms in October, said Senator Gillibrand. While this is a positive first step, it is past time for New Yorkers to get the help they need to recover, and the Trump Administration must not drag its feet in providing critical aid to individual households as well. With the estimated damage costs of these storms reaching tens of millions of dollars, our communities can't afford to wait any longer. I will always do everything I can to help New Yorkers get the urgent support they need. When a disaster declaration is declared, grant assistance is made available to state and local governments, as well as certain non-profit organizations, to reimburse costs incurred for emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged facilities. This funding is available on a cost-sharing basis; FEMA generally covers 75 percent of the eligible costs for permanent and emergency work. Schumer and Gillibrand previously wrote to FEMA Administrator Peter Gaynor, calling on the agency to support and approve New York State's request for federal aid. A copy of Schumer and Gillibrand's letter to FEMA appears below: Dear Acting Administrator: We write to urge the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to expeditiously complete New York State's Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) for both Public Assistance and Individual Assistance in 18 counties across New York State impacted by severe storms and flooding from October 31st through November 1st, 2019. After a deadly storm crossed Upstate New York around Halloween, wet weather produced conditions that devastated a large swath of the state. The assessment requested by New York State would determine the qualifying damage for Public Assistance in Chautauqua, Chenango, Clinton, Cortland, Erie, Essex, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, Saratoga, Tioga and Warren Counties, as well as for Individual Assistance in Erie, Essex, Hamilton, Herkimer, and Oneida Counties. Areas in a dozen counties got at least 3 inches of rain, which is nearly a month's worth in most Upstate communities. These downpours brought high winds and caused widespread flooding into November 1st, leading the National Weather Service to issue high wind warnings, as well as flood warnings and flash flood warnings for 27 counties in Upstate New York. Tragically, a priest in Herkimer County was caught in his vehicle during one of these flash floods and was killed. With more than 240,000 buildings and homes without power at the peak, hundreds forced to evacuate and more than 50 roads closed, New York State deployed 200 members of the National Guard and New York Utilities were estimated to have had 5,000 workers engaged in damage assessment, response, and restoration efforts. Many homes and businesses in the Mohawk Valley remain uninhabitable, forcing residents to rely local assistance for shelter and food. As communities across Upstate New York continue their recovery from this unexpected and deadly storm, we urge FEMA to expeditiously complete New York State's PDAs in the 18 counties listed above. We are grateful for the prompt attention that the federal government has historically give in responding to disaster impacting New York State. In that spirit, we strongly urge you to complete the state's Public Assistance and Individual Assistance PDAs in 18 counties across New York State. Sincerely, The lawmakers' bipartisan letter is below: Dear President Trump: We write in strong support of the State of New York's request for a major disaster declaration for the widespread damage and flooding caused by heavy rains and strong sustained winds on October 31, 2019 and continued until November 1, 2019. Enclosed is a copy of the Governor's request. These punishing storms caused significant damage across Upstate New York, including sustained damage leading to displaced residents, uninhabitable homes, destroyed roads, and the tragic death of Father J. Thomas Connery of Glenville, NY. A joint federal, state, and local Preliminary Damage Assessment completed on November 25, 2019 revealed that damages and eligible costs exceeded $33 million. Reflecting the statewide damage from these heavy rains and strong sustained winds, Governor Andrew Cuomo requested that you declare a major disaster on November 26, 2019, pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (P.L. 93-288), including hazard mitigation statewide and Public Assistance for Chautauqua, Chenango, Cortland, Erie, Essex, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Oswego, Otsego, Saratoga, Tioga and Warren Counties and Individual Assistance for Essex, Hamilton, Herkimer, and Oneida Counties. There is no doubt that this damage has overwhelmed state and local governments, and that a major disaster declaration is necessary. Federal assistance programs will be critical, so that our communities can recover from the flood damage. We thank the Governor and the State for their work thus far and strongly support the request for a major disaster declaration in the areas impacted by this storm event. We appreciate your swift attention and consideration of this request and stand ready to work with you and the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency to deliver support and resources to the impacted communities. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-record-setting-90-million-in-security-funding-for-nonprofit-organizations-included-in-final-bipartisan-fed-budget-deal-surge-in-funds-is-50-more-than-last-year-,"Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Record-Setting $90 Million In Security Funding For Nonprofit Organizations; Included In Final, Bipartisan Fed Budget Deal, Surge In Funds Is 50% More Than Last Year",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2019 Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Record-Setting $90 Million In Security Funding For Nonprofit Organizations; Included In Final, Bipartisan Fed Budget Deal, Surge In Funds Is 50% More Than Last Year Department of Homeland Security's Nonprofit Security Grant Program Provides Funding to Protect Synagogues, Churches, Schools, Mosques, And Other Nonprofit Orgs Against Growing Terror and Security Threats; Senators Have Long Pushed To Fund NSGP At Highest Level; Budget Deal Represents a $30 Million Dollar Increase Compared To Last Year's Funding Amount U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that nonprofit organizations are set to receive $90,000,000 in federal funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), an agreement reached as part of the larger bipartisan budget deal, which was just approved by both chambers. The $90 million represents a substantial increase from last year's NSGP funding level of $60 million. The Nonprofit Security Grant Program provides funding to improve the security of nonprofit organizations at risk of being targeted for terror attacks. Synagogues, churches, mosques, schools and other faith-based community centers, like JCCs, are just a few examples of nonprofit organizations that could apply for these funds, administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). With horrific hate crimes and terror attacks against places of worship and schools becoming more frequent, we must do all we can to help protect people of all faiths worship and gather in safety and security, saidU.S. Senator Charles Schumer. Federal security funds, like those provided through NSGP, are the cornerstone of effective preparedness and prevention against terror attacks and enable nonprofit organizations, like synagogues, churches, JCCs and mosques, to improve their security. These dollars prevent tragedies and save lives, so it is good news that as part of the federal budget deal we were able to secure an increase in much needed security funds for nonprofit organizations. New York continues to be a major target for terrorists. This increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program is critical for places of worship and nonprofits that are at risk of being attacked by terrorists and other hateful people. These resources will help faith-based community centers enhance their security to prevent attacks, said U.S. Senator Gillibrand. It is unacceptable that people in my state and across the country still face the threat of terrorism and violence. I'm proud to lead the push every year for this funding, and I'm pleased that it was included in the year-end spending bill. We applaud Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their leadership in support of needed increased funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), said Robert Goldberg, Senior Director of Legislative Affairs for The Jewish Federations of North America's (JFNA). JFNA is a leading advocate for the NSGP program. Attacks against Jewish communities and institutions are on the rise at home and around the world, and the additional funding Congress approved will bolster the ability of at-risk nonprofits across the country to counter those threats through investments in target hardening and preparedness activities. Countering anti-Semitism and physical threats are pressing concerns of JFNA. We at the Orthodox Union are deeply grateful for Senator Schumer's leadership and Senator Gillibrand's support for this major increase in federal support for security at our synagogues, schools and other Jewish community institutions, said Nathan Diament, Executive Director of Public Policy for the Orthodox Union. Sadly, there is more that must be done to combat the current surge in anti-Semitism; but this 50% increase in funding for security grants is a major step in keeping our communities in New York and across the country safe. Schumer and Gillibrand have long advocated for this robust anti-terrorism funding by pushing to increase funding for the NSGP for Fiscal Year 2020 with a bipartisan coalition of senators and calling on Senate Appropriators to fund the NSGP at the highest possible level in Fiscal Year 2019. 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-announce-that-following-their-push-usisraeli-cooperative-missile-defense-programs-to-receive-500-million-in-federal-funds,"Schumer, Gillibrand Announce That Following Their Push, U.S.–Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Programs To Receive $500 Million In Federal Funds",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 20, 2019 Schumer, Gillibrand Announce That Following Their Push, U.S.Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Programs To Receive $500 Million In Federal Funds Both National Defense Authorization Act and End-Of-Year Appropriations Package Authorize and Fund Critical Israeli Security Systems Washington, DC U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee, today announced that following their push, the U.S.Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Program will receive $500 million in federal funds. The FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed earlier this week, authorizes full funding for the development of the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow 3 weapon systems; and the end-of-year appropriations bill, which passed yesterday, includes $500 million for these programs. The U.S.Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Program is a multi-tiered defense system capable of countering a wide range of threats from state and non-state actors. Gillibrand and Schumer have long led the push in the Senate to secure authorization and funding for this program. Israel is a staunch and steady ally and we must work with our ally to ensure it has the means to sufficiently defend itself from deadly terrorist rocket attacks aimed at Israeli civilians,said Senator Schumer. I am proud to play a leading role in our ongoing support for Israel's critical self-defense systems, including the vital and successful Iron Dome anti-missile system. These bills provide $500 million in federal funds to the U.S.Israeli missile defense programs, including the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow 3 systems. This massive investment is vital to the safety and security of Israel and will help save countless lives in the future. At a time of great instability in the Middle East, this funding is critical for the safety and protection of Israel, our closest ally in the region. These missile defense programs have helped keep civilians in Israel safe from missile attacks numerous times, said Senator Gillibrand, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Personnel Committee. I'm proud to lead the push in the Senate for this funding every year, and I'm please it has been included in the final NDAA and end-of-year appropriations package. This will help Israel protect its people and keep stability in the region. Schumer and Gillibrand have long supported funding for the U.S.Israeli Missile Defense Program. For years, Gillibrand has led a bipartisan letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense in support of this funding, and in April, led a bipartisan letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense signed by 39 Senators. Last year, Schumer and Gillibrand successfully fought to include more than $700 million in funds for the defense programs. The text of Gillibrand's letter on funding for the U.S.Israeli Missile Defense Program to Senate Committee on Armed Services leadership appears below. The Honorable James Inhofe Chairman Senate Committee on Armed Services 228 Russell Senate Office Building The Honorable Jack Reed Ranking Member Senate Committee on Armed Services 228 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Mr. Chairman and Mr. Ranking Member: As the Committee prepares for consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (NDAA), I am writing to respectfully request support for my priorities in the NDAA. Military Housing Privatization Initiative U.S.-Israel Cooperative Missile Defense Program Co-Development and Co-Production At a time of great instability in the Middle East, I fully support the development and production of short-, medium-, and long-range missile defense systems to protect Israel's civilian population from attack. These systems are not only essential to protecting our ally from existential threats, but their joint development adds to our own security. In 2016, the U.S. and Israeli governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding that included funding for these missile defense programs. I support fully funding U.S.-Israel Missile Defense Cooperation, including the David's Sling and Arrow programs, to be administered in full compliance with the joint Project Agreements under the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's oversight. The full text of Gillibrand's letter to Senate Appropriators may be found here and below. April 11, 2019 The Honorable Richard C. Shelby Chairman Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee SD-122 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC The Honorable Richard Durbin Ranking Member Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee SD-122 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC Dear Chairman Shelby and Ranking Member Durbin: Thank you for your strong support of U.S.-Israel collaborative missile defense programs, including Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow. As you begin work on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Defense Appropriations bill, we write to ask that you continue to provide funding for these programs at a level that will meet Israel's national security needs. Since 1986, Congress and successive Administrations have demonstrated bipartisan support for joint U.S.-Israel missile defense collaboration. This partnership has helped build and maintain a multi-tiered Israeli missile defense system capable of countering a wide range of threats from state and non-state actors. In September 2016, this support was expressed in a Memorandum of Understanding reached with Israel on long-term funding for Israeli military assistance, including missile defense. We ask that you fund U.S.-Israel missile defense cooperation at the level requested in the FY 2020 budget. Beginning with the lower tier of Israel's layered defenses, the Iron Dome system is deployed to thwart short-range rockets as well as mortar and artillery shells fired by non-state actors like Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as Iran's missiles launched from Syria. Israel's middle tier includes David's Sling, which is designed to defend against larger caliber rockets, short-range ballistic missiles, and certain cruise missiles. Finally, the Arrow Weapon System, including Arrow Il and Arrow Ill, which seeks to cover Israel's mid- to upper-tier defenses to counter current and emerging ballistic missile threats. Our investment in bilateral missile defense cooperation has yielded numerous benefits to the United States. For example, in a recent breakthrough, the U.S. Army announced that it will acquire two Iron Dome batteries. In addition to protecting our strategic ally Israel and U.S. forward deployed troops in the Middle East, this joint effort has generated valuable data and insights to support our own missile defense technology. Our partnership with Israel has also ensured enhanced interoperability between U.S. and Israeli systems and forces. Further, through co-development and co-production agreements, a significant share of this bilateral aid actually supports critical elements of the U.S. industrial base and American jobs here at home. Amid persistent instability in the Middle East and the increasing size and sophistication of missile and rocket arsenals in the region, this is an important time for our continued investment in both U.S. and U.S.-Israel missile defense programs. We therefore urge you to continue to provide full funding for development, testing, and production of David's Sling, Arrow II and Arrow III, and Iron Dome, at a level that will meet Israel's national security needs and support U.S. interests at home and abroad. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-their-push-schumer-gillibrand-secure-547-million-in-federal-crime-prevention-funding-in-just-passed-bipartisan-spending-packing,"FOLLOWING THEIR PUSH, SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND SECURE $547 MILLION IN FEDERAL CRIME PREVENTION FUNDING IN JUST-PASSED BIPARTISAN SPENDING PACKING",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.19 FOLLOWING THEIR PUSH, SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND SECURE $547 MILLION IN FEDERAL CRIME PREVENTION FUNDING IN JUST-PASSED BIPARTISAN SPENDING PACKING Washington, DC -- U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced they secured $547 million for the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Bureau of Justice Assistance's Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program in the just-passed, bipartisan omnibus spending package for Fiscal Year 2020. This program provides funding to states and local governments to support a range of crime prevention activities based on state and local needs. The $547 million amount is a $123.7 million increase from last year's spending package, and includes $100 million for presidential nominating conventions security. When it comes to protecting the residents of Upstate New York from crime, we must be tough, smart and prepared, said Senator Schumer. That's why in negotiations for the soon-to-pass federal spending package, I fought tooth and nail for a $123.7 million increase for the very successful Byrne JAG grant program, which will be used by Upstate law enforcement agencies to upgrade equipment and training to keep our streets and neighborhoods safe. Making sure the brave men and women that serve in our police departments have the resources they need to do their important work will always be a top priority of mine. This federal funding will ensure that our brave men and women in uniform have the resources and funding they need to keep our communities safe, said Senator Gillibrand. This funding supports the continued partnership between law enforcement at the federal, state, and local levels, and ensures that they are able to prevent criminal activity all across the country. Protecting our families and communities is one of my top priorities, and I will continue fighting to get our local law enforcement the resources and support they need. The Byrne JAG program plays a crucial role in spurring innovation and testing cost-effective, evidence-based approaches to fighting crime and reducing recidivism. The Byrne JAG program provides funding to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime and improve the criminal justice system, which include: law enforcement programs; prosecution and court programs; prevention and education programs; corrections and community corrections programs; drug treatment programs; and planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and crime victim witness programs. This collaboration helps combat today's criminal networks that cross city, state and even international boundaries. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-bipartisan-appropriations-bill-funds-495-million-in-federal-funds-to-land-and-water-conservation-fund,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE BIPARTISAN APPROPRIATIONS BILL FUNDS $495 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS TO LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.19 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE BIPARTISAN APPROPRIATIONS BILL FUNDS $495 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS TO LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND Funds Will Be Used To Help Preserve and Protect Public Lands, Water Resources, and Historic Sites Across New York State Washington, DC U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrandtoday announced that the just-passed, bipartisan appropriations bill funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at $495 million, an increase of $60 million from last year's spending bill. The LWCF has been instrumental in preserving some of the nation's most important and iconic public spaces, and has invested more than $336 million in funding to protect public lands, water resources, and historic sites across New York State. It does this by providing grants to states and local governments to create and protect parks and open spaces, and helping farmers and ranchers continue to steward their private lands in the face of development pressures. For over five decades, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has provided millions in federal funds to parks, clean water efforts and historic places across Upstate New York, protecting and preserving their beauty, said Senator Schumer. So, now that it's been permanently reauthorized, I'm proud to announce that I fought to secure a $60 million increase for the LWCF in the just-passed, bi-partisan federal funding bill and will continue my steadfast efforts to secure full, mandatory funding for the program. Passage of this critical funding will help ensure that New Yorkers and Americans alike can continue to enjoy our state's spectacular public lands, natural areas and historical sites for generations to come. The Land and Water Conservation Fund has protected our nation's natural and historic treasures for years. In New York, it has been vital in preserving landmark sites such as the Adirondack Lakes, the Saratoga Battlefield National Historical Park, and Coney Island Boardwalk, said Senator Gillibrand. I'm pleased that the Land and Water Conservation Fund has been awarded funding in this year-end appropriations bill, which will help ensure that our nation's resources can be preserved for generations to come. I will always fight to protect the natural beauty and historic legacy of New York State. The LWCF has provided funding to protect sites of natural and historic importance throughout the country for over 50 years. The LWCF does not rely on taxpayer funds and instead uses revenue collected from offshore oil and gas development to purchase lands from willing sellers for the purposes of conservation. It also provides grants to states for recreation planning, acquisition of lands and waters, and facility development. After Schumer and Gillibrand's successful push, the LWCF was permanently reauthorized in March. This will provide consistent funding for projects overseen by the program to help preserve national parks and wilderness areas across the country. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-feds-have-heeded-their-call-approved-major-disaster-declaration-for-new-york-state-to-eighteen-upstate-counties-impacted-by-the-halloween-storm,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE FEDS HAVE HEEDED THEIR CALL, APPROVED MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FOR NEW YORK STATE TO EIGHTEEN UPSTATE COUNTIES IMPACTED BY THE HALLOWEEN STORM",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.19 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE FEDS HAVE HEEDED THEIR CALL, APPROVED MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FOR NEW YORK STATE TO EIGHTEEN UPSTATE COUNTIES IMPACTED BY THE HALLOWEEN STORM Schumer & Gillibrand Announce That Major Disaster Declaration Assistance For 18 Upstate Counties Has Been Approved By President Trump, Unlocking Key Federal Funds For Communities Impacted By The Halloween Storms The Declaration Unlocks Public Assistance Funding For 18 Upstate Counties; Individual Assistance Request Is Still Pending Senators: Funds Will Allow Upstate Communities To Recover & Rebuild From Flooding Damages; Ease Burden on NY Taxpayers U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that, following their aggressive push, President Trump has approved New York State's request for a major disaster declaration following the severe Halloween thunderstorm and floods that battered counties throughout Upstate New York from October 31st through November 1st. Specifically, FEMA will be providing disaster Public Assistance (PA) funding to Chautauqua, Chenango, Clinton, Cortland, Erie, Essex, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, Saratoga, Tioga and Warren Counties. Individual Assistance (IA) funding requests for Erie, Essex, Hamilton, Herkimer, and Oneida Counties are still pending. On November 18th, Schumer and Gillibrand wrote to FEMA Administrator Peter Gaynor to prioritize and immediately complete their preliminary damage assessments for the 18 counties and approve New York State's request for a disaster declaration as soon as possible. Schumer and Gillibrand then joined a bipartisan, bicameral letter calling on President Trump to approve the disaster declaration as soon as possible on December 3rd. During the Halloween storm, 12 counties received at least 3 inches of rain, which is nearly a month's worth in most Upstate areas, and 27 counties received flood warnings and flash flood warnings. Furthermore, winds blew between 60 and 70 miles per hour, knocking down countless trees, destroying private property and leaving hundreds of thousands of Upstate New Yorkers without power. In the Mohawk Valley, hundreds of residents were evacuated and many properties remain uninhabitable. The storm even tragically took the life of a priest, Father Tom Connery, in Herkimer County, who was trapped in his vehicle during one of the flash floods. This Halloween, our state, from one corner to the other, saw severe damage after being ravaged by heavy rain, flooding and tempestuous winds. This federal aid is absolutely critical to allow these Upstate communities to recover and rebuild and will ease the burden on New York taxpayers, said Senator Schumer. I am pleased that the feds heeded our call by agreeing to help these harshly impacted communities with Public Assistance, and I urge FEMA and the administration to immediately unlock Individual Assistance as well to help property owners recover. I'm pleased that the administration has approved a major disaster declaration, which will allow FEMA Public Assistance funds to flow to communities in 18 counties across Upstate New York that suffered extensive damage due to storms in October, said Senator Gillibrand. While this is a positive first step, it is past time for New Yorkers to get the help they need to recover, and the Trump Administration must not drag its feet in providing critical aid to individual households as well. With the estimated damage costs of these storms reaching tens of millions of dollars, our communities can't afford to wait any longer. I will always do everything I can to help New Yorkers get the urgent support they need. When a disaster declaration is declared, grant assistance is made available to state and local governments, as well as certain non-profit organizations, to reimburse costs incurred for emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged facilities. This funding is available on a cost-sharing basis; FEMA generally covers 75 percent of the eligible costs for permanent and emergency work. Schumer and Gillibrand previously wrote to FEMA Administrator Peter Gaynor, calling on the agency to support and approve New York State's request for federal aid. A copy of Schumer and Gillibrand's letter to FEMA appears below: Dear Acting Administrator: We write to urge the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to expeditiously complete New York State's Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) for both Public Assistance and Individual Assistance in 18 counties across New York State impacted by severe storms and flooding from October 31st through November 1st, 2019. After a deadly storm crossed Upstate New York around Halloween, wet weather produced conditions that devastated a large swath of the state. The assessment requested by New York State would determine the qualifying damage for Public Assistance in Chautauqua, Chenango, Clinton, Cortland, Erie, Essex, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, Saratoga, Tioga and Warren Counties, as well as for Individual Assistance in Erie, Essex, Hamilton, Herkimer, and Oneida Counties. Areas in a dozen counties got at least 3 inches of rain, which is nearly a month's worth in most Upstate communities. These downpours brought high winds and caused widespread flooding into November 1st, leading the National Weather Service to issue high wind warnings, as well as flood warnings and flash flood warnings for 27 counties in Upstate New York. Tragically, a priest in Herkimer County was caught in his vehicle during one of these flash floods and was killed. With more than 240,000 buildings and homes without power at the peak, hundreds forced to evacuate and more than 50 roads closed, New York State deployed 200 members of the National Guard and New York Utilities were estimated to have had 5,000 workers engaged in damage assessment, response, and restoration efforts. Many homes and businesses in the Mohawk Valley remain uninhabitable, forcing residents to rely local assistance for shelter and food. As communities across Upstate New York continue their recovery from this unexpected and deadly storm, we urge FEMA to expeditiously complete New York State's PDAs in the 18 counties listed above. We are grateful for the prompt attention that the federal government has historically give in responding to disaster impacting New York State. In that spirit, we strongly urge you to complete the state's Public Assistance and Individual Assistance PDAs in 18 counties across New York State. Sincerely, The lawmakers' bipartisan letter is below: Dear President Trump: We write in strong support of the State of New York's request for a major disaster declaration for the widespread damage and flooding caused by heavy rains and strong sustained winds on October 31, 2019 and continued until November 1, 2019. Enclosed is a copy of the Governor's request. These punishing storms caused significant damage across Upstate New York, including sustained damage leading to displaced residents, uninhabitable homes, destroyed roads, and the tragic death of Father J. Thomas Connery of Glenville, NY. A joint federal, state, and local Preliminary Damage Assessment completed on November 25, 2019 revealed that damages and eligible costs exceeded $33 million. Reflecting the statewide damage from these heavy rains and strong sustained winds, Governor Andrew Cuomo requested that you declare a major disaster on November 26, 2019, pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (P.L. 93-288), including hazard mitigation statewide and Public Assistance for Chautauqua, Chenango, Cortland, Erie, Essex, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Oswego, Otsego, Saratoga, Tioga and Warren Counties and Individual Assistance for Essex, Hamilton, Herkimer, and Oneida Counties. There is no doubt that this damage has overwhelmed state and local governments, and that a major disaster declaration is necessary. Federal assistance programs will be critical, so that our communities can recover from the flood damage. We thank the Governor and the State for their work thus far and strongly support the request for a major disaster declaration in the areas impacted by this storm event. We appreciate your swift attention and consideration of this request and stand ready to work with you and the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency to deliver support and resources to the impacted communities. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-record-setting-90-million-in-security-funding-for-nonprofit-organizations-included-in-final-bipartisan-fed-budget-deal-surge-in-funds-is-50-more-than-last-year,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE RECORD-SETTING $90 MILLION IN SECURITY FUNDING FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS; INCLUDED IN FINAL, BIPARTISAN FED BUDGET DEAL, SURGE IN FUNDS IS 50% MORE THAN LAST YEAR",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.19 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE RECORD-SETTING $90 MILLION IN SECURITY FUNDING FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS; INCLUDED IN FINAL, BIPARTISAN FED BUDGET DEAL, SURGE IN FUNDS IS 50% MORE THAN LAST YEAR Department of Homeland Security's Nonprofit Security Grant Program Provides Funding to Protect Synagogues, Churches, Schools, Mosques, And Other Nonprofit Orgs Against Growing Terror and Security Threats Senators Have Long Pushed To Fund NSGP At Highest Level; Budget Deal Represents a $30 Million Dollar Increase Compared To Last Year's Funding Amount U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that nonprofit organizations are set to receive $90,000,000 in federal funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), an agreement reached as part of the larger bipartisan budget deal, which was just approved by both chambers. The $90 million represents a substantial increase from last year's NSGP funding level of $60 million. The Nonprofit Security Grant Program provides funding to improve the security of nonprofit organizations at risk of being targeted for terror attacks. Synagogues, churches, mosques, schools and other faith-based community centers, like JCCs, are just a few examples of nonprofit organizations that could apply for these funds, administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). With horrific hate crimes and terror attacks against places of worship and schools becoming more frequent, we must do all we can to help protect people of all faiths worship and gather in safety and security, saidU.S. Senator Charles Schumer. Federal security funds, like those provided through NSGP, are the cornerstone of effective preparedness and prevention against terror attacks and enable nonprofit organizations, like synagogues, churches, JCCs and mosques, to improve their security. These dollars prevent tragedies and save lives, so it is good news that as part of the federal budget deal we were able to secure an increase in much needed security funds for nonprofit organizations. New York continues to be a major target for terrorists. This increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program is critical for places of worship and nonprofits that are at risk of being attacked by terrorists and other hateful people. These resources will help faith-based community centers enhance their security to prevent attacks, said U.S. Senator Gillibrand. It is unacceptable that people in my state and across the country still face the threat of terrorism and violence. I'm proud to lead the push every year for this funding, and I'm pleased that it was included in the year-end spending bill. We applaud Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their leadership in support of needed increased funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), said Robert Goldberg, Senior Director of Legislative Affairs for The Jewish Federations of North America's (JFNA). JFNA is a leading advocate for the NSGP program. Attacks against Jewish communities and institutions are on the rise at home and around the world, and the additional funding Congress approved will bolster the ability of at-risk nonprofits across the country to counter those threats through investments in target hardening and preparedness activities. Countering anti-Semitism and physical threats are pressing concerns of JFNA. We at the Orthodox Union are deeply grateful for Senator Schumer's leadership and Senator Gillibrand's support for this major increase in federal support for security at our synagogues, schools and other Jewish community institutions, said Nathan Diament, Executive Director of Public Policy for the Orthodox Union. Sadly, there is more that must be done to combat the current surge in anti-Semitism; but this 50% increase in funding for security grants is a major step in keeping our communities in New York and across the country safe. Schumer and Gillibrand have long advocated for this robust anti-terrorism funding by pushing to increase funding for the NSGP for Fiscal Year 2020 with a bipartisan coalition of senators and calling on Senate Appropriators to fund the NSGP at the highest possible level in Fiscal Year 2019. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-that-following-their-push-usisraeli-cooperative-missile-defense-programs-to-receive-500-million-in-federal-funds,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE THAT FOLLOWING THEIR PUSH, U.S.–ISRAELI COOPERATIVE MISSILE DEFENSE PROGRAMS TO RECEIVE $500 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.19 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE THAT FOLLOWING THEIR PUSH, U.S.ISRAELI COOPERATIVE MISSILE DEFENSE PROGRAMS TO RECEIVE $500 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS Both National Defense Authorization Act and End-Of-Year Appropriations Package Authorize and Fund Critical Israeli Security Systems Washington, DC U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee, today announced that following their push, the U.S.Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Program will receive $500 million in federal funds. The FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed earlier this week, authorizes full funding for the development of the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow 3 weapon systems; and the end-of-year appropriations bill, which passed yesterday, includes $500 million for these programs. The U.S.Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Program is a multi-tiered defense system capable of countering a wide range of threats from state and non-state actors. Gillibrand and Schumer have long led the push in the Senate to secure authorization and funding for this program. Israel is a staunch and steady ally and we must work with our ally to ensure it has the means to sufficiently defend itself from deadly terrorist rocket attacks aimed at Israeli civilians,said Senator Schumer. I am proud to play a leading role in our ongoing support for Israel's critical self-defense systems, including the vital and successful Iron Dome anti-missile system. These bills provide $500 million in federal funds to the U.S.Israeli missile defense programs, including the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow 3 systems. This massive investment is vital to the safety and security of Israel and will help save countless lives in the future. At a time of great instability in the Middle East, this funding is critical for the safety and protection of Israel, our closest ally in the region. These missile defense programs have helped keep civilians in Israel safe from missile attacks numerous times, said Senator Gillibrand, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Personnel Committee. I'm proud to lead the push in the Senate for this funding every year, and I'm please it has been included in the final NDAA and end-of-year appropriations package. This will help Israel protect its people and keep stability in the region. Schumer and Gillibrand have long supported funding for the U.S.Israeli Missile Defense Program. For years, Gillibrand has led a bipartisan letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense in support of this funding, and in April, led a bipartisan letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense signed by 39 Senators. Last year, Schumer and Gillibrand successfully fought to include more than $700 million in funds for the defense programs. The text of Gillibrand's letter on funding for the U.S.Israeli Missile Defense Program to Senate Committee on Armed Services leadership appears below. The Honorable James Inhofe Chairman Senate Committee on Armed Services 228 Russell Senate Office Building The Honorable Jack Reed Ranking Member Senate Committee on Armed Services 228 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Mr. Chairman and Mr. Ranking Member: As the Committee prepares for consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (NDAA), I am writing to respectfully request support for my priorities in the NDAA. Military Housing Privatization Initiative U.S.-Israel Cooperative Missile Defense Program Co-Development and Co-Production At a time of great instability in the Middle East, I fully support the development and production of short-, medium-, and long-range missile defense systems to protect Israel's civilian population from attack. These systems are not only essential to protecting our ally from existential threats, but their joint development adds to our own security. In 2016, the U.S. and Israeli governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding that included funding for these missile defense programs. I support fully funding U.S.-Israel Missile Defense Cooperation, including the David's Sling and Arrow programs, to be administered in full compliance with the joint Project Agreements under the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's oversight. The full text of Gillibrand's letter to Senate Appropriators may be found here. ### 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-statement-96-charged-suffolk-county-ms-13-crackdown,Rep. Zeldin Statement on 96 Charged in Suffolk County MS-13 Crackdown,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"PATCHOGUE, NY - Today, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) issued the following statement after 96 individuals affiliated with MS-13 were charged in Suffolk County: Our community has witnessed the indiscriminate brutality of gang violence first-hand at the hands of MS-13, which swept into and took hold in our communities. Those at every level of government have zeroed in on combating this ruthless gang and ridding their escalating violence from our streets, as evidenced by today's crackdown on nearly 100 MS-13 gang members and associates in Suffolk County alone, spearheaded by county officials in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and other agencies. I look forward to continuing to work with those at every level of government to eradicate gang violence from our communities. In Congress, Congressman Zeldin has regularly participated in meetings to strengthen the partnership between different levels of government, including multiple meetings that have directly included President Trump, both at the White House and on Long Island. Congressman Zeldin has also worked on legislative efforts in Congress to deliver the resources to help tackle this issue from the federal level as well.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-announces-house-approval-of-2020-federal-budget,Higgins Announces House Approval of 2020 Federal Budget,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Brian Higgins,H001038,higgins.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the House of Representatives approved appropriation bills funding federal departments and programs through the 2020 fiscal year. While imperfect, this budget represents a compromise that continues government operations, programs, investments and opportunities important to Western New York, said Higgins, a member of the House Budget Committee. Congressman Higgins outlined several provisions in the bill important to the Western New York region: Clean Water / Great Lakes: Provides $320 million - a $20 million increase - for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a program that has supported cleanup of the Buffalo River Increases the Clean Water State Revolving Fund by $244.8 million over FY19 Boosts the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund by $262.1 million to $1.13 billion for FY20 Provides $28 million for Sewer Overflow Grants Adds $19.5 million to reduce lead in drinking water Dedicates $29 million (through allocations to NOAA, EPA and USGS) to address harmful algal blooms (HABs) Includes $40.482 toward control of invasive species, such as Asian carp, zebra mussels & Sea Lampreys Health & Research: Adds $2.6 billion to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In 2019, NY26 researchers, including those at Roswell Park and the University at Buffalo, have received over $104 million in NIH grants. Provides the National Cancer Institute an additional $150 million for cancer research Increase Department of Defense Cancer Research programs by more than 30% Includes an additional $30 million toward Department of Defense Traumatic Brain Injury and psychological health research Addresses the opioid epidemic with a total of $2.31 billion toward state opioid response grants, opioid overdose prevention and surveillance efforts, opioid addiction research and medication-assisted treatment programs Transportation / Infrastructure: New York will receive over $84.845 million in additional Highway and Transit funding Increases BUILD (Previously TIGER) grant infrastructure funding by $100 million Provides $1.4 billion, an increase of $67 million, for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and flight safety Economic Development: Adds $19 million to the Economic Development Administration budget which has supported local projects including: Tonawanda Tomorrow, Bethlehem Steel site revitalization and Launch NY Boosts Manufacturing Extension Partnership funds by $6 million. WNY's Insyte Consulting has been the top MEP performer nationwide since 2013, returning over $325 for every government dollar invested. Boosts funding to the National Park Services Historic Preservation Fund, which administers the Historic Tax Credit program which has supported $1.27 billion in investment in NY26 since 1999. Extends the New Markets Tax Credit which was used in the development of Roswell Park Clinical Sciences Center and Northland Workforce Training Center Education: Provides an additional $550 million for the Head Start program Boosts Title I Grants and Special Education Grants Adds $660 million to the Career and Technical Education budget Increases maximum Pell Grants by $150 and boosts funding for Educational Opportunity Grants and Federal Work Study Provides an additional $5 million funding for YouthBuild and a $40 million for the Corporation for National and Community Service, which includes AmeriCorps Allows 529 education savings plans to be used for apprenticeship programs. Increases funding for the arts and public broadcasting Distressed Communities: Provides an additional $19 million to New York State in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) funding. These programs fund community driven projects including: infrastructure and affordable housing. Both programs were proposed for elimination by the President. Preserves the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) which was proposed for elimination under the President's budget Increases Homeless Assistance Grants by $141 million, including $80 million for homeless youth and $50 million for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault Provides $30 million in additional funds for the Senior Nutrition program Increases funding for refugee programs and limits the ability of the Administration to change operations of the Office of Refugee Resettlement The legislation also: Includes, for the first time ever, $25 million for gun violence research Increases the federal standard to purchase tobacco to age 21 includes $425 million for Election Assistance Commission funding for states to improve election security and technology. The Senate is expected to vote on the federal budget bill on Thursday, December 19, in advance of the December 20 deadline to avert a government shutdown.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-announces-house-passage-of-legislation-lifting-cap-on-state-and,Higgins Announces House Passage of Legislation Lifting Cap on State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Brian Higgins,H001038,higgins.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced House passage of H.R.5377, the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act, which reverses the cap placed on State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions that was implemented by the GOP tax bill passed in 2017. The legislation increases the SALT deduction for married couples from $10,000 to $20,000 in 2019 and repeals it entirely in 2020 and 2021 for nearly all taxpayers. H.R. 5377 includes an increase in the Educator Expense Deduction, used by teachers to offset out-of-pocket classroom expenses, and establishes a new deduction for first responders' uniforms and training fees, to further support protect public servants. In addition, the bill is fully paid-for and would require no additional federal resources. Earlier this month the House Ways and Means Committee, which Congressman Higgins is a member of, marked up the bill and reported it favorably to the full House. Higgins was an original cosponsor of H.R. 5377 and worked on the Ways and Means Committee's SALT Working Group throughout the year. Before its repeal, more than 80,000 Western New Yorkers in New York's 26th district claimed the State and Local Tax deduction, and those claims averaged $12,208. During debate on the House floor, Congressman Higgins delivered a speech in support of the bill, in which he said: There are many issues with the Republican tax scheme, but the $10,000 state and local tax deduction cap is one of the most egregious. The SALT deduction has been a fixture of the United States Tax Code since the introduction of a federal income tax in 1913, to acknowledge state and local taxes are paid for services that the federal government does not provide. To see Congressman Higgins' full remarks, click above or go to: https://youtu.be/DMxCPFCM0sQ Before the cap was implemented, New York claimed the highest average SALT deductions in the US, but still paid an estimated $41 billion more to Washington than it received. During last week's committee markup, Congressman Higgins noted that limiting SALT deductions discourages homeownership and hurts hardworking families' ability to build a stable life. He also spoke adamantly against the proposal when it was offered as part of the GOP tax cut in the Ways and Means Committee in 2017. The legislation passed by a vote of 218-206, and now awaits consideration in the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-by-congressman-brian-higgins-on-approval-of-the-usmca,Statement By Congressman Brian Higgins On Approval of the USMCA,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Brian Higgins,H001038,higgins.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) a member of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee and Co-Chair of the House Northern Border Caucus, released the statement below following approval of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by the House of Representatives: Western New York endured decades of negative economic decline and the loss of 30 thousand jobs in our manufacturing sector as a result of the North American Free Trade Agreement. The impact of NAFTA cut deep - affecting families, neighborhoods and bruising our community confidence for years. So, if Western New Yorkers know anything about trade agreements, it is that words on paper are not meaningful unless they are followed up by strong and sustained action. I respect the hard work my colleagues and organized labor have undertaken, drastically improving the language President Trump negotiated to actually protect workers and their jobs -including in the treaty text tools aimed at holding Mexico accountable for its poor record on worker rights all toward the goal of real, enforceable measures to shield American workers and jobs. This agreement is far from perfect. I remain skeptical of Mexico's ability to live up to its end of the bargain. But it does represent an opportunity, where we can begin to push for strong and sustained progress for trade on this continent. While it is a step in the right direction, it alone will not bring back thousands of American manufacturing jobs as President Trump claims. We should also be pursuing policies domestically that focus on economic growth for the American middle class, like infrastructure investment. Yet, the economic future of Western New York is increasingly tied to that of Southern Ontario. Protecting the free movement of people and goods across our border with Canada is critical. As a result, in good faith, I am supporting the USMCA. Higgins also spoke on the House floor: https://youtu.be/OKLaBlUfNiY House Democrats were successful in making numerous improvements to the President's original agreement, including: Fixing loopholes that allowed countries to avoid being held accountable and creates new rules to provide for enforcement. Strengthening labor standards and worker rights. Allowing for better monitoring of environmental compliance. Removing giveaways to big pharma to allow for legislation creating greater access to affordable prescription drugs. Higgins also welcomed the inclusion of a sunset provision which allows for formal review and reconsideration of the USMCA agreement after 6 years. The revised USMCA adopted by the House is supported by: The AFL-CIO nationally and the Western New York Area Labor Federation. AFL-CIO President Trumpka said, The revised USMCA includes a first-of-its-kind facility-specific enforcement mechanism with rapid timelines and meaningful penalties. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Buffalo Niagara Partnership in Western New York. The Partnership notes that Canada is New York exports $22.7 billion worth of goods and services to Canada and Mexico. Ford says USMCA will secure America's North American supply lines and give certainty to America's economy making both more globally competitive and General Motors called the deal, vital to the success of the North American auto industry. The International Dairy Foods Association and Northeast Dairy Farmer's Cooperative for provisions that level the playing field relative to US/Canada milk pricing, benefiting Upstate Niagara Cooperative in WNY. The improved trade deal will now move to the Senate for consideration and approval. The agreement will go into effect three months after all three countries ratify the deal. Mexico has already approved the revised deal.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kathleenrice.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1499,Rep. Kathleen Rice Backs United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kathleen Rice,R000602,kathleenrice.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Kathleen Rice Backs United StatesMexicoCanada Agreement USMCA improves and modernizes the North American Free Trade Agreement to reflect the 21st century economy f t # e Washington, December 19, 2019 WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice (NY-04) today voted in support of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Implementation Act, a bill that makes long-needed updates to modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The bill passed the House of Representatives today with strong bipartisan support by a vote of 385-41. ""I am proud to support the updated United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement which will defend American jobs, support workers' rights, and add important protections and resources to safeguard our environment, said Representative Rice. The deal also closes key loopholes and gives the United States authority to ensure our trading partners are following the agreement. The provisions in USMCA will benefit business in Long Island, and I am grateful to my Democratic colleagues in the House who worked so hard to strengthen this bipartisan agreement. The updated USMCA will: Increase certainty between the United States and its two largest trading partners Establish a rapid-response labor enforcement system to increase labor standards and ensure our trading partners are complying with the agreement Create high-standard environmental protections and provide the resources to implement and enforce them Require countries to honor their obligations under Multilateral Environment Agreements and maintain a path for the United States to rejoin the Paris Agreement Improve enforcement by closing loopholes and streamlining the dispute settlement system Expand U.S. exports in digital goods by creating a new digital trade chapter The full text of USMCA can be found here. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-katko-touts-benefits-cny-agriculture-local-workforce-passage-usmca,"Rep. Katko Touts Benefits for CNY Agriculture, Local Workforce with Passage of USMCA",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,John Katko,K000386,katko.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24)today released the following statement regarding passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act [usmca]: ""Today, I proudly voted in support of the USMCA a trade agreement that will make critical updates to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and significantly improve market access for American farmers and manufacturers.This agreement will promote further investment in Central New York's economy and strengthen protections for our region's working families."" ""Specifically, I am pleased that USMCA provides key wins for our local agricultural community. With Mexico and Canada serving as some of the most significant markets in the world for U.S. soybeans, this agreement is critical to ensuring trade certainty for our region's soybean farmers. USMCA also addresses unfair trade barriers that have significantly reduced access to Canadian markets for our district's dairy farmers and devastated our local farm economy."" ""I applaud passage of this long-awaited trade agreement and am proud to have supported a measure that will empower Central New York workers and our region's agriculture industry."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-rep-john-katko-regarding-impeachment,Statement from Rep. John Katko Regarding Impeachment,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,John Katko,K000386,katko.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24)today released the following statement: Today marks an extraordinarily divisive moment in our nation's history.I have always taken my commitment to bipartisanship and independence seriously. I have not been shy about breaking with the President on major policy issues. But,our founding fathers designed impeachment to be used only in extreme cases, and set a high bar to ensure this process was not abused, or used in a partisan manner. The President's behavior was wrong, but the evidence presented does not meet the high bar articulated for impeachment. I voted against the measure before the House this evening."" For the past several months, impeachment has divided our nation and sidetracked this Congress from accomplishing meaningful work. With this process behind us, we must address the issues that have been neglected: growing our economy and passing a trade deal with Canada and Mexico, bolstering cybersecurity, giving attention to the opioid and mental health crises in our community, and addressing high water levels. It is far past time to get to work. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maxrose.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2431,"Following Renegotiation that Strengthened Worker Protections & Removed Drug Company Carveout, Rose to Support Updated USMCA",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Max Rose,R000613,maxrose.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Max Rose, who previously called for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to be renegotiated to strengthen worker protections and eliminate carveouts that benefited big drug companies, issued the following statement today announcing his support for the updated deal which will be voted on by the House of Representatives today: While others rushed to support the original USMCA that protected drug companies and screwed over American workers, I refused to stand by and let another trade deal pass in Congress that repeated the mistakes of the past, Rose said. The finalUSMCA is proof that if we stick to our principles and negotiate in good faith, we can get to a place where we all win. This deal is by no means perfect but I do believe this is a huge improvement to the status quo and is a strong, bipartisan compromise that will help workers, patients, consumers and our economy. Earlier this year, Rose joined a group of 27 Freshmen Democratic Members of Congress in raising concerns on the original USMCA agreement. Unless the current text's labor and environmental standards are strengthened, and swift and certain enforcement mechanisms are added, corporations will continue to outsource jobs and pollution to Mexico where they can violate international labor rights and pay workers unconscionably low wages, wrote Rose and his colleagues in a letter to United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. Disincentivizing that practice is good for North American workers. Unless the new monopoly rights added to [USMCA] for pharmaceutical firms are eliminated, they will lock in policies that keep U.S. drug prices outrageously high. Rose, a former non-profit healthcare executive, has taken on big drug companies in his effort to lower prescription drug costs and hold them accountable for their role in the opioid epidemic. Last week, Rose voted to pass historic legislation to lower the costs of prescription drugs. H.R. 3, theLower Drug Costs Now Act, would lower prescription drug prices through direct negotiation, and includes Rose'sMore Help for Seniors Act, which uses savings from negotiations to lower Medicare Part D costs for low-income seniors. Rose is a strong defender of labor rights and advocate for working people. Earlier this year, Rose joined Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1102 members to highlight efforts to fight against offshoring of good-paying American jobs and stand up for workers' rights protections. Rose is supporting the bipartisanCall Center and Consumer Protection Act, which would deter companies from shipping American jobs overseas and incentivize them to locate in the United States. Rose is also supporting theNo Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act, which would level the playing field for domestic companies by ensuring that multinationals pay the same tax rate on profits earned abroad as they do in the United States, ending new tax incentives created by the Republican-passed tax law to outsource jobs and shift profits offshore. Additionally, Rose is a co-sponsor of theProtecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which requires employers to post notice of workers' rights, protects workers who are retaliated against for exercising their labor right to organize, authorizes civil monetary penalties for violations of theNational Labor Relations Act, expands coverage of employee classification to prevent the misclassification of workers as independent contractors, and strengthens workers' right to strike and engage in collective action. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maxrose.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2432,"House Passes Rose-backed Bill to Restore SALT Deduction, Provide Relief for Staten Island & S. Brooklyn Homeowners",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Max Rose,R000613,maxrose.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Max Rose voted to provide critical relief to Staten Island and South Brooklyn homeowners and restore the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction. The Republican-passedTax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017capped the SALTdeductionfor federal taxes at $10,000 per household. Rose, an originalco-sponsor of the bipartisanRestoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act of 2019, has previouslycalled on Congressto provide much-needed relief. The fact that Republicans passed tax cuts for drug companies and billionaires on the backs of cops, firefighters, teachers, nurses and homeowners across Staten Island and South Brooklyn is a disgrace,Rose said.Today, we are one step closer to putting government back on the side of working Americans by restoring the SALT Deduction. We pay enough in property taxes and it's time for the federal government to have our back. The key provisions of theRestoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act of 2019: Elimination of the SALT Deduction Cap's Marriage Penalty in 2019:The GOP Tax Scam limits all households to $10,000 in state and local tax deductions, whether the household is composed of a single individual or two married taxpayers filing jointly. The bill would eliminate the marriage penalty in 2019, allowing married couples filing jointly to deduct $20,000 and married couples filing separately to each claim $10,000. Elimination of the $10,000 Cap on SALT Deduction Entirely for 2020 and 2021:The bill eliminates the GOP $10,000 cap on the SALT deduction for the years 2020 and 2021. Offsets the Bill's Cost by Restoring the Top Rate to Pre-2018 Level:The bill is responsibly offset by restoring the top individual income tax rate from the current 37 percent to the pre-GOP Tax Scam level of 39.6 percent, while also restoring the top income bracket to the pre-GOP Tax Scam levels. For both single individuals and those married filing jointly, the top rate begins at taxable income levels in excess of $400,000. Enhancing Deductions for Teachers and Creating A New Deduction for First Responders:The bill doubles the deduction for educators' out-of-pocket classroom expenses from $250 to $500. Three and a half million teachers took up the educator expense deduction in 2017.The bill also creates a $500 above-the-line deduction for unreimbursed expenses of professional first responders related to the cost of uniforms or tuition and fees related to training. This has the effect of partially undoing the damage done in the GOP Tax Scam by the Scam's elimination of miscellaneous itemized deductions which had the effect of denying employees a deduction for their unreimbursed business expenses.Both of these deductions will be above the line, permanent, and indexed to inflation. At a House Committee on Ways and Meanshearing earlier this year, Rose blasted the partisan tax bill passed in late 2017 which capped SALT deductions that homeowners rely on, particularly in states like New York, and called for fixes to provide much-needed relief. This was a political hit job passed a year ago or so, by a party that wanted tounder a thin guiseaid and abet their donors and corporate benefactors on the backs of people that they didn't care about,said Rose in histestimonyearlier this year.We're talking about cops, firemen, teachers, nurses, first responderspeople that do everything right. They follow the rules, they keep their head down, they work hard, they serve us, and they keep us safe. We thank them, but then we hit them with something like this. It's going to make it harder to own their home, their real-estate values are going to go down. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-takes-action-provide-tax-relief-hardworking-families,CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE TAKES ACTION TO PROVIDE TAX RELIEF FOR HARDWORKING FAMILIES,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph D. Morelle,M001206,morelle.house.gov,morelle,https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle voted in support of bipartisan legislation to eliminate the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap and restore tax fairness for middle-class families. ""The tax reforms enacted by the Trump Administration in 2017 were an assault on the middle class – and especially on middle class New Yorkers. And the cap on state and local tax deductions only added insult to injury,"" said Rep. Morelle. ""That's why I am so proud to have co-sponsored and voted in support of critical legislation to eliminate the SALT cap and provide much-needed relief for hardworking families."" The Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act seeks to remedy the burden placed on middle-class families by the enacting a cap on SALT deductions as part of the Trump Administration's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This legislation would eliminate the marriage penalty by doubling the cap to $20,000 for joint filers for 2019 and would fully restore the SALT deduction for 2020 and 2021. In addition, the legislation would increase beneficial deductions to off-set out-of-pocket expenses for teachers and professional first responders. The cost of this plan would be fully offset by returning the top individual tax rate from 37 percent, back to 39.6 percent, as it was prior to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The bill has passed the House of Representatives and will be sent to the Senate for consideration. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-joe-morelle-united-states-mexico-canada-agreement-usmca,STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE ON UNITED STATES-MEXICO-CANADA AGREEMENT (USMCA),2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph D. Morelle,M001206,morelle.house.gov,morelle,https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) -- ""After months of negotiations, I am grateful that we were able to reach bipartisan consensus on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement that ensures fair trade practices, implements critical protections for workers, eliminates giveaways to the pharmaceutical industry, and takes necessary steps to safeguard our environment. We made a promise to the American people that we would not move forward with an agreement unless it contained significant improvements and robust enforcement mechanisms—and that is exactly what we have delivered. ""I was proud to cast my vote in support of this critical agreement and look forward to continuing to work alongside my colleagues to strengthen America's economy and support working families everywhere."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://peteking.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/bill-easing-federal-tax-law-that-hit-many-long-islanders-hard-passes-house,Bill easing federal tax law that hit many Long Islanders hard passes House,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,Peter King,K000210,peteking.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Democrat-led House of Representatives passed a bill Thursdaydesigned to revise a federal law that has worsened Long Islanders' tax burden. Butodds are the bill will stand little chance of passing in the Republican-controlled Senate. This is a really important bill for the people of my district, said the legislation's sponsor, Rep. Thomas Suozzi (D-Glen Cove), in an interview. In the midst of all this turmoil in Washington, the fact that I could get a bipartisan bill passed is a real sense of satisfaction. The bill was supported by Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford) and a few other Republican House members. It's aimedat revising the 2017 federal law that gavetax breaks to most middle-class families nationwide, the wealthy and corporations. To pay for it, the law capped how much taxpayers could deduct on their federal income tax returns for state and local taxes often referred to as SALT. President Donald Trump proposed the 2017 legislationthat capped the deduction allowed for state income and local property taxes at $10,000. As a resultmany, Long Island residents as well as those in Westchester, Manhattan, New Jersey and several other northeastern and predominantly Democratic states,are paying more in federal income taxes. Suozzi's bill would be phased in and ease the burdenofTrump's tax measure for two years,when Democrats hope to control the White House and repeal the president'stax law. The bill would increase the allowable cap to $20,000 for couples filing jointly inthe 2019 tax year. Under the bill, full deductibility for state and local taxes on federal income tax forms would be restored in the 2020 tax year. To replace the lost revenue, Suozzi said the bill would return the top individual income tax rate to 39.6%, which was cut to 37% under Trump's tax law, givingwealthy filers a break. In some ways, you could call it the suburban relief act, said Lawrence Levy, executive dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University. Unfortunately for the beleaguered taxpayers, there's not much of a chance of it going anywhere in the Senate, but at least it sets down a marker for the future and maybe boosts voter confidence that someone is at least trying to do something. Trump has indicated he would likely veto Suozzi's measure if it reached his desk. He blames states like New York for their high taxes that exceed the federal law's cap. King noted that Trump, as a private citizen and taxpayer, opposed capping SALT in 1986 because it would hurt the states that work the hardest. New Yorkers pay far more into the federal government than the state receives back in aid and benefits. I'm really disappointed with my Republican colleagues, King said in the floor debate. One of the reasons why cities like New York and counties like Nassau and Suffolk had to raise property taxes is because for 50 years we've been subsidizing your statesNow, you're turning it into class warfare. What you are doing is undermining the middle class. King said he doubts the bill will get traction in the GOP-controlled Senate, which approved the 2017 tax law. But he said Suozzi's bill could see new life as part of a deal on other measures. Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) voted against the bill. He had opposed the bill's provision that would raise the 37% top individual tax rate for taxpayers with incomes greater than $518,400 back to 39.6%. It's important to remember that the only SALT deduction legislation that will ever provide relief is legislation that can be signed into law, and this bill which permanently raises taxes on individuals and small businesses is not it,"" Zeldin said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3032,NATIONAL MILK PRODUCERS FEDERATION PRAISES TOM FOR HIS WORK ON USMCA TO HELP DAIRY FARMERS,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"NATIONAL MILK PRODUCERS FEDERATION PRAISES TOM FOR HIS WORK ON USMCA TO HELP DAIRY FARMERS f t # e Washington, December 19, 2019 This holiday season will be a bit brighter for America's dairy farmers as today's vote brings us one step closer to finalizing USMCA and securing a more certain future for the dairy industry. New York's dairy industry appreciates the work that Congressman Reed has invested to ensure USMCA will provide expanded market opportunities and a more level playing field for dairy exports. Now we are counting on the Senate to act quickly and finalize USMCA in order to deliver its improvements to North American trade.-Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://reed.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3035,PROBLEM SOLVERS CAUCUS APPLAUDS THE TIMELY PASSAGE OF USMCA,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,Tom Reed,R000585,reed.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, December 19, 2019, Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus applaud the efforts of the White House and Congressional Leadership on the House passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This important international trade deal would modernize the 24-year-old NAFTA and promote mutually beneficial freer markets, fairer trade, and more robust economic growth in North America. Earlier this year, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, co-chaired by Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Tom Reed (R-NY), joined together to request a timely vote on this nonpartisan economic proposal that benefits all American workers and farmers. The group of Democrats and Republicans are pleased to see that it has in fact been voted on before the year's end. Bringing the USMCA to a vote is good for the American people, said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Tom Reed.Its passage through the House is a huge victory where people are put ahead of politics, and I thank my colleagues in the Problem Solvers Caucus for supporting this effort. It is time to get this to the President's desk, as it is particularly good for our American farmers and workers. Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer said,I am pleased that the USMCA was swiftly voted on before year's end so we can look forward to the new year. I commend everyone involved in reaching this bipartisan deal and passage on USMCA, including my colleagues in Congress, the White House, the U.S. Trade Representative, labor groups, American workers, farmers, and businesses. This deal will be an incredible boost for jobs across the United States and will bring our trade relationships with Mexico and Canada into the modern era."" The USMCA was signed by United States President Donald Trump, Mexican President Enrique Pea Nieto, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on November 30, 2018 as a side event of the 2018 G20 Summit in Buenos Aires. The Problem Solvers Caucus is a bipartisan group in Congress comprising 48 members equally divided between Democrats and Republicans who are committed to forging bipartisan cooperation on key issues. It is co-chaired by Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Congressman TomReed(R-NY). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://seanmaloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-trump-administration-s-constant-and-reckless-attacks-on-the,Maloney: Trump Administrations constant and reckless attacks on the health care of millions of New Yorkers will not stand.,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Sean Maloney,M001185,seanmaloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Maloney: Trump Administration's constant and reckless attacks on the health care of millions of New Yorkers will not stand. Washington, D.C. Last evening, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit ruled to strike down part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), landmark legislation providing access to health care for millions of Americans. The court's decision in Texas v. United States would end patient protections granted through the ACA, including provisions preventing insurance companies from discriminating against millions of seniors and women by charging higher premiums or denying healthcare based on pre-existing conditions. The case was brought by eighteen Republican state attorneys general and two Republican governors. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) released the following statement: The Trump Administration's constant and reckless attacks on the health care of millions of New Yorkers will not stand. This ruling is a setback, but not the end of our fight. We will continue to protect and defend the care so many rely on from this partisan sabotage, said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney. The ruling is expected to be appealed to the United States Supreme Court. The lawsuit centers around a provision of the 2017 tax law pushed by Republicans, which eliminated the penalty for people who defy the ACA requirement that most Americans obtain health insurance the individual mandate. In December of 2018, Federal District Court Judge Reed O'Connor ruled that without the ability to enforce individual mandate the law is unconstitutional, rendering it invalid in its entirety. Last year, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it would not defend the law in court against the suit, leaving it vulnerable to the partisan attack by the states. The ruling has been appealed by 20 other states and the District of Columbia and the law will remain in effect during the appeals process. As the first act of the 116th Congress, House Democrats voted to direct the Office of General Counsel of the House of Representatives to intervene in defense of the Affordable Care Act. Over 53 million Americans between the ages of 18-64 live with a pre-existing condition, including over 3 million non-elderly New Yorkers. A record 4.76 million New Yorkers enrolled in Affordable Care Act plans for 2019. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://seanmaloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-votes-to-cut-taxes-for-new-york-families-and-restore-salt,Maloney Votes to Cut Taxes for New York Families and Restore SALT Deduction,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Sean Maloney,M001185,seanmaloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Maloney Votes to Cut Taxes for New York Families and Restore SALT Deduction Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) helped pass legislation to provide tax relief for hundreds of thousands of Hudson Valley families. The Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act will blunt the harm from one of the most damaging provisions of the Republicans' 2017 tax bill, the $10,000 cap on the State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction, and would also reverse the tax bill's massive giveaway to the wealthiest tax bracket. Middle-class families across the Hudson Valley have been absolutely slammed by the GOP tax bill and its unfair cap on state and local tax deductions. I'm proud to help pass this bill, which will right this wrong by ending this double taxation and bring fairness back tostates like New York, said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney. Prior to the GOP tax plan passing in late 2017, 46.5 million households across the country utilized the SALT deduction, with nearly 200,000 taxpayers in New York's 18th Congressional District claiming the deduction. The capping of the SALT deduction was unfair to New Yorkers because: New York taxpayers already subsidize other states by paying $48 billion more in taxes than they receive back from the federal government, more than any other state. The repeal of the SALT deduction results in double taxation by imposing a federal tax on income that already paid for state and local taxes. The SALT cap drags down real estate values and eliminates most federal tax benefits supporting homeownership. The elimination of the deduction drives people to other states and forces middle- and lower-income taxpayers to pay for school, police and other essential state and local tax burdens. The cap only impacts individual taxpayers, not businesses and corporations. Because many are now forced to pay federal takes on the money they spend of state and local taxes, the SALT cap is pressuring state legislators and mayors to cut revenues and slash services and investments that benefit middle- and lower-income Americans. As taxpayers are pushed into electing the standard deduction, they lose federal tax benefits for charitable contributions, leading to a drop in charitable giving in communities across New York. The Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act also doubles deductions for teachers and creates a new deduction for First Responders. It will double educators' deductions for out-of-pocket classroom expenses like supplies, from $250 to $500. Three and a half million teachers took up this expense deduction in 2017, before it was slashed in the GOP tax bill. The bill also creates a $500 deduction for unreimbursed expenses of First Responders, related to the costs of uniforms or tuition related to training. Both of these deductions will be above the line, permanent, and indexed to inflation. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-applauds-house-passage-usmca,Stefanik Applauds House Passage of USMCA,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik released the below statement following the House passage of the USMCA trade agreement: While Democrats prioritized impeaching our President, I have been a key leading voice to pass the long-overdue USMCA for months, said Congresswoman Stefanik. As a Co-Chair of the Northern Border Caucus, delivering this significant result to North Country farmers, small businesses, manufacturers, and hardworking families has been one of my top priorities. The USMCA will expand our markets for American-made goods, bolstering our entire North Country economy. I'm grateful to have been an advocate for this bipartisan result from the very beginning, and applaud the House for getting this done before the end of the year. ""This agreement brings certainty and predictability to the U.S.-Canadian economic partnership, as well as a number of enhancements in areas such as agriculture,"" said Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. ""And given that there is no more powerful dynamic in the North Country economy than our deep and growing connections of all kinds with our northern neighbors, this action is highly positive news for the region, both presently and for decades to come. We are setting records for employment and are drawing international attention for our success in attracting foreign direct investment. With this positive action on USMCA, we can expect further cross border investment and partnership in the years ahead. We thank the House for its approval, and thank Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and her bi-partisan colleagues in the Northern Border Caucus which she co-chairs for championing the cause. We now look forward to expected favorable action in the Senate early in the new year. Onward and upward for U.S.-Canadian economic partnership!"" This holiday season will be a bit brighter for America's dairy farmers as today's vote brings us one step closer to finalizing USMCA and securing a more certain future for the dairy industry, said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation. New York's dairy industry appreciates the work that Congresswoman Stefanik has invested to ensure USMCA will provide expanded market opportunities and a more level playing field for dairy exports. Now we are counting on the Senate to act quickly and finalize USMCA in order to deliver its improvements to North American trade. Today's vote in the House is a significant step forward for New York's farmers, said David Fisher, New York Farm Bureau President. USMCA provides both stability and opportunity for our farms with two of agriculture's vital trading partners. New York Farm Bureau appreciates Rep. Stefanik's strong support for the improved free trade agreement and her commitment to getting a successful outcome in Congress. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/amid-battles-dc-suozzi-s-bipartisan-legislation-restore-salt-deduction-passes,"Amid battles in DC, Suozzis Bipartisan Legislation to Restore SALT Deduction Passes US House of Representatives",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Thomas Suozzi,S001201,suozzi.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the United States House of Representatives passed Congressman Tom Suozzi's (NY-03) legislation to restore tax fairness to families on Long Island and across the United States. Suozzi's colleagues from Long Island Congressman Peter King (NY-02), Congresswoman Kathleen Rice (NY-04), Congressman Gregory Meeks (NY-05) all cosponsored the legislation. The final vote of 218 206 received bipartisan support, including Republican members voting yes. The bill now moves to the Senate. This legislation would eliminate the marriage penalty by doubling the cap to $20,000 for joint filers for 2019 and would fully restore the state and local tax (SALT) deduction for 2020 and 2021. The cost of this plan would be fully offset by returning the top individual tax rate from 37 percent, back to 39.6 percent, prior to the GOP tax bill of 2017. Amid all the turmoil in DC, I am thrilled that the House, with bipartisan support, has passed my legislation to restore tax fairness for my constituents on Long Island. The 2017 cap on SALT broke a century-old agreement. A covenant to protect state and local government and my bill restores that protection, it restores that covenant, and it restores fairness, as well, said Suozzi. The bill, which had more than 50 bipartisan cosponsors in the House, is a concrete step in repealing a provision of the 2017 GOP tax law that placed a devastating cap on state and local tax deductions. The limitation of this critical deduction has resulted in a tax increase for families across Long Island. Even before the GOP tax bill capped the SALT deduction, New Yorkers already paid more than their fair share of taxes. This bill would do justice for New York taxpayers by restoring the SALT deduction and providing additional assistance to teachers who spend money out-of-pocket on school supplies for their students. I thank Congressman Suozzi for his leadership in bringing Members across the aisle, including my Long Island colleagues, together in passing this legislation through the House, said Rep. Meeks. ""Families in my district are among the hardest hit by the President's devastating cap on state and local tax deductions. This cap has done nothing but lead to an unfair tax increase for middle-class families across Long Island, and I am thrilled the House passed legislation today to undo this harmful policy. I thank Congressman Suozzi for his leadership on this critical legislation, said Rep. Rice. ""Eliminating deductions for local and state taxes will have a devastating effect on New York. We give far more to Washington then we get back. For every dollar we give, we get $.79 back. That's a $48 billion shortfall and hurts our middle-class Long Islanders. This legislation is critical,said Rep. King. The capping of the SALT deduction was unfair to Long Island because: New Yorkers already subsidize other states by paying $48 billion more in taxes than they receive back from the federal government, more than any other state. The repeal of the SALT deduction results in double taxation by imposing a federal tax income which already paid for state and local taxes. State and local governments are being penalized the creation of the SALT deduction was coupled with the creation of a federal income tax in 1913. When the 16th amendment was ratified, lawmakers at the time did not think it was fair for Americans to pay taxes on taxes. The elimination of the deduction drives people to other states and leaves middle- and lower-income taxpayers holding the bag to pay for school, police and other essential state and local tax burdens. The Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Acthas already been endorsed by several national organizations including the: US Conference of Mayors National Association of Counties National League of Cities International Association of Firefighters National Association of Realtors American Federation of Teachers National Education Association National Association of Police Organizations Other Statements in Support of The Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act from local Long Island officials and organizations: Long Island has been devastated by the federal government's tax increase on middle-class families. Our taxpayers already send more to Washington than they get in return we deserve tax fairness and immediate relief. On behalf of Nassau County, I want to thank Congressman Suozzi for leading this important fight in Congress, and also thank Congressman King and Congresswoman Rice for putting our taxpayers first, said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. This legislation provides much-needed relief for working Long Islanders who have been devastated by the loss of their state and local tax deductions. I applaud Congressman Suozzi for leading this bipartisan effort to reverse Washington's massive tax increase on New York homeowners who already send Washington $48 billion more in taxes than they receive in return, said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. The hardship caused by the limitation of the SALT deduction has been a 1 2 punch to our village. It has resulted in higher taxes and lower home values. Many longtime residents are rethinking whether they can afford to stay in a village that has been home many years. This is not a Republican or Democrat question. It is a question of fairness. This SALT cap limit is totally unfair to villages like mine and others throughout the country. I want to thank Congressman Suozzi, on behalf of Bayville, for being a leader on this issue and for putting our taxpayers first., said Bayville Mayor Robert De Natale (testified before House Ways and Means earlier this year regarding impacts of SALT). The LIA commends Congressman Suozzi for his efforts to address the inequities in the federal law that caps SALT deductions that negatively impact our region, said Long Island Association President & CEO Kevin Law. Long Island's middle class was gutted when they lost the crucial SALT deduction. Without SALT, the next generation of Long Islanders are struggling to purchase their first homes and Boomers are being driven to relocate out of state much earlier than anticipated. This mass exodus from our region, coupled with a new barrier to fill the homes left behind, is destructive to a regional economy. We applaud the leadership of Congressman Suozzi and the efforts by the Long Island delegation to continue to fight for our middle class and how they are putting partisan politics aside to do all that they can to protect every Long Island homeowner,"" saidKyle Strober, executive director, Association for a Better Long Island, a leading regional advocacy organization. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2947,Tonko Votes Against USMCA for Failure to Address Climate Change,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Paul D. Tonko voted today against H.R.5430, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Implementation Act, citing its failure to address the growing threat of climate change. The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 38541 and now heads to the United States Senate. The Agreement, also known as NAFTA 2.0, was first announced by the President in September 2018 and provided a number of damaging proposals for working Americans, doing little to prevent job outsourcing while including benefits to pharmaceutical industries. For 25 years, we watched NAFTA outsource American jobs. Under this agreement, we will see the continued outsourcing of pollution, undermining our domestic and international efforts to address climate change, Congressman Tonko said. While I am grateful to the dedication and work of Congressional Democrats to improve NAFTA, it still falls woefully short in these vital areas. The United States must get serious about the challenge of a changing climate and build international cooperation and commitments through all vehicles available to us, including our trade agreements. Trade negotiations do not happen frequently, but their impact is felt for generations. I cannot support a deal which fails to even acknowledge the global climate crisis that future generations will be left to bear. From the time USMCA was initially introduced, Democrats worked tirelessly to change the legislation, including removing giveaways for pharmaceutical industries to lock in high treatment costs and improving the original deal's weak stance on labor standards. Despite these steps in the right direction, USMCA will not bring back the hundreds of thousands of manufacturing jobs impacted by the first agreement. Congressman Tonko has long opposed NAFTA for its negative effects on the environment, American jobs, U.S. trade deficit, drug prices, food security and consumer protections. Since 1994, when NAFTA went into effect, New York has lost more than 389,000 manufacturing jobs. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/schumer-gillibrand-announce-following-their-push-80-million-in-funding-for-rochester-laser-lab-in-just-passed-bi-partisan-appropriations-bill,"Schumer, Gillibrand Announce, Following Their Push, $80 Million In Funding For Rochester Laser Lab In Just-Passed Bi-Partisan Appropriations Bill",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 19, 2019 Schumer, Gillibrand Announce, Following Their Push, $80 Million In Funding For Rochester Laser Lab In Just-Passed Bi-Partisan Appropriations Bill Funding Will Help Support Over 350 Jobs In The Rochester-Finger Lakes Region And Keep The United States At The Cutting Edge Of Nuclear Fusion Research Washington, DC U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that, following their push, the federal government will include $80 million in funding for the OMEGA Laser Facility at University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) in the year-end funding package. The funding will help the lab meet the scientific milestones laid out in the National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) 10-year strategic plan and provide resources to help maintain the nation's nuclear weapon stockpile. This funding supports 350 jobs for scientists, engineers, technicians, and support staff at LLE and indirectly supports an additional 500 local jobs, helping to drive economic growth throughout the state. The inclusion of $80 million in funding for the U of R'S OMEGA Laser Facility will ensure that 350 elite Rochester workers can stay on the job at the Laser Lab keeping our nuclear weapon stockpile safe and reliable while pushing the frontiers of energy research at a time when countries like China and Russia are working to beat the U.S. to new technological advances, said Senator Schumer. I'm such a staunch supporter of the U of R Laser Lab because it plays a paramount role in our national security and is vital to our regional economy, employing hundreds of scientists and bringing millions into the Rochester area. The United States of America has always taken pride in our scientific achievements, and with the U of R Laser Lab responsible for so many of them, I'll always fight relentlessly to ensure it has the resources necessary to keep innovating on behalf of the American people. The OMEGA Laser Facility at University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) leads the world in nuclear research and is key to our national security, said Senator Gillibrand. It is also an important part of our work force and community in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region bringing scientists from around the world to the area and creating hundreds of jobs throughout the state. The funding for OMEGA is critical for our country and my state. I was proud to fight for this funding and I am pleased that it has been included in this year's appropriations bill. I am sincerely grateful to Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for their efforts on behalf of the University of Rochester, especially their steadfast support for our Laboratory for Laser Energetics. LLE is among our University's highest federal research priorities, the largest university-based U.S. Department of Energy program in the nation, and home to the most powerful laser systems found at any academic institution in the world. Thanks to the senators' leadership, the $80 million provided by Congress for FY2020 equals the highest level of annual federal funding ever appropriated to the LLE and demonstrates robust and sustained federal support. At our LLE, more than 350 scientists and staff and over 140 students are pursuing technological advances in service of our national and economic security. With this continued investment, LLE will advance the nation's scientific leadership and continue its groundbreaking, globally recognized research that is vital to enhancing our safety, maintaining our global technological competitiveness, and developing New York State's high-tech economy, said Sarah Mangelsdorf, President, University of Rochester. Earlier this week, Congress voted to conduct a study on programs that advance high energy physics, such as the one at the University of Rochester. This comes after Senator Gillibrand sent a letter to Senate Committee on Armed Services leaders calling for a report on the value and effectiveness of such programs in maintaining a safe, secure, and effective nuclear stockpile and recruiting a highly skilled and talented workforce to complete national security missions. Established in 1970, the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) of the University of Rochester is a unique national resource for research and education in science and technology and a major asset of the University not found at any other university in the country. Both the Rochester area and the University have a history of innovation that provides a singular environment for LLE within a technologically sophisticated scientific community. LLE is the largest U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) university-based research program in the entire nation and is home to the OMEGA lasers (Omega and Omega EP) the largest and most capable at any academic institution in the world. LLE conducts implosion and basic physics experiments in support of the national Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) program, validates advanced concepts for ICF to be used at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in order to demonstrate ignition and energy gain, and serves as the principal laser research facility for the three NNSA national laboratories. In addition, LLE is the only ICF facility with education as a primary mission and the only major facility that trains graduate students in Inertial Confinement Fusion and high energy density physics research, making it a critical pipeline for the future national security workforce. Because of these distinctions, LLE is a vital component of the nation's scientific capital and leadership, and key to strategic work on an independent energy future. Schumer and Gillibrand have long fought for Rochester's Laser Lab. They helped secure $68 million in funding in the Fiscal Year 2016 spending bill for the LLE and advocated for federal investment in Fiscal Year 2017. Furthermore, in the 2018 bipartisan Omnibus spending bill, Schumer and Gillibrand secured $75 million in funding for the LLE for Fiscal Year 2018, and in the Fiscal Year 2019 Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, another $80 million in funding for the LLE. The Senators will continue their efforts to help grow the laser lab, which is a key driver of Rochester's optics and photonics industry and in maintaining the nation's nuclear weapon stockpile while developing new clean energy sources. Schumer and Gillibrand also secured the overall $565 million for the NNSA's Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) Program in the funding package, which helps to maintain the OMEGA Laser Facility. The ICF program is critical to maintaining safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent maintained through the Stockpile Stewardship Program. 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-tonko-announce-that-soon-to-pass-appropriations-bill-increases-funding-cap-for-erie-canalway-national-heritage-corridor-to-14-million,"Schumer, Gillibrand, Tonko Announce That Soon-To-Pass Appropriations Bill Increases Funding Cap For Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor To $14 Million",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 19, 2019 Schumer, Gillibrand, Tonko Announce That Soon-To-Pass Appropriations Bill Increases Funding Cap For Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor To $14 Million Washington, DC U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and U.S. Representative Paul Tonko (D-NY-20) today announced that their amendment to raise and extend the federal funding cap for the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor to $14 million has been included in the soon-to-pass end of the year budget package. This is an increased funding cap of $2 million, without which, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor would have no longer been eligible to receive federal funding. Instead, following the members' successful push, the Erie Canalway will continue to receive annual appropriations to help preserve this historic corridor and promote tourism and economic development throughout the region. The Erie Canal is a crucial economic engine for tourism in Western New York, not to mention one of the state's greatest attractions and most impressive features. It's incumbent on all of us, elected officials, residents, and tourists alike to preserve the history and beauty of the Erie Canal for the long-term future, so that it can be enjoyed by generations of New Yorkers and Americans to come, said Senator Schumer. That's why I urged my colleagues in Congress to raise and extend the funding cap for the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, allowing it to continue receiving the federal support it needs to thrive. More than ever, we have to make sure our local governments and communities in Upstate New York have the resources required to protect treasures like the Erie Canal. The Erie Canal is one of New York State's most important historic treasures. The legacy of the canal helps drive millions of dollars for Upstate New York, promoting tourism for the communities along the corridor, said Senator Gillibrand. It was a mistake for Congress to leave this historic waterway, which connects communities from Glens Falls to Buffalo, at risk of losing its federal support, which is why I've been fighting to raise and extend the funding cap for the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. I'm proud that our amendment to do just that has passed the Senate, and will continue to fight to make sure the Erie Canal can be preserved for generations to come. Our Erie Canalway connects us and future generations with the stories and places of the past that have shaped who we are as Americans, said Congressman Tonko. Not only does the Canalway provide us with an incalculable historical and cultural value, it delivers a significant economic return by bringing tourism and commerce across our region. I was proud to work to get this provision in the House Appropriations package, and am overjoyed that this raise in the funding cap will be signed into law so that we can continue to invest in and preserve this unique, national treasure. We appreciate the extraordinary vision of Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, and Congressman Tonko, to support New York's nationally-significant canal system. Thanks to their efforts we can continue to invest in people and communities along our cherished upstate waterways, said Bob Radliff, Executive Director, Canalway National Heritage Corridor. Congress established the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor in 2000. The corridor spans 524 miles and 23 counties across the full expanse of Upstate New York, following the historic routes of the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego, and Champlain Canals. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, in partnership with the National Park Service and numerous local, state, and federal partners, works to preserve and share the Erie Canal's extraordinary heritage, to promote Upstate New York communities as a tourism destination, and to foster vibrant communities connected by the waterway through historic preservation, conservation and recreation, education, and community development. Approximately 3.2 million New Yorkers live in the communities within the corridor, and a 2016 economic analysis found that the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor had an annual economic impact of $307.7 million in Upstate New York. Congress has imposed cumulative funding caps on the amount of funding National Heritage Areas can receive over their lifetime, but also has the authority to increase the caps when they are about to be reached. Although the expiring statuary caps for many national heritage corridors were extended in the Lands Package earlier this year, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor was left out of the cap extension. The members previously led a push to ensure Congress raises and expands the funding cap for the Erie Canalway to preserve its legacy. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-following-their-push-80-million-in-funding-for-rochester-laser-lab-in-just-passed-bi-partisan-appropriations-bill,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE, FOLLOWING THEIR PUSH, $80 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR ROCHESTER LASER LAB IN JUST-PASSED BI-PARTISAN APPROPRIATIONS BILL",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.19 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE, FOLLOWING THEIR PUSH, $80 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR ROCHESTER LASER LAB IN JUST-PASSED BI-PARTISAN APPROPRIATIONS BILL Funding Will Help Support Over 350 Jobs In The Rochester-Finger Lakes Region And Keep The United States At The Cutting Edge Of Nuclear Fusion Research Washington, DC U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that, following their push, the federal government will include $80 million in funding for the OMEGA Laser Facility at University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) in the year-end funding package. The funding will help the lab meet the scientific milestones laid out in the National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) 10-year strategic plan and provide resources to help maintain the nation's nuclear weapon stockpile. This funding supports 350 jobs for scientists, engineers, technicians, and support staff at LLE and indirectly supports an additional 500 local jobs, helping to drive economic growth throughout the state. The inclusion of $80 million in funding for the U of R'S OMEGA Laser Facility will ensure that 350 elite Rochester workers can stay on the job at the Laser Lab keeping our nuclear weapon stockpile safe and reliable while pushing the frontiers of energy research at a time when countries like China and Russia are working to beat the U.S. to new technological advances, said Senator Schumer. I'm such a staunch supporter of the U of R Laser Lab because it plays a paramount role in our national security and is vital to our regional economy, employing hundreds of scientists and bringing millions into the Rochester area. The United States of America has always taken pride in our scientific achievements, and with the U of R Laser Lab responsible for so many of them, I'll always fight relentlessly to ensure it has the resources necessary to keep innovating on behalf of the American people. The OMEGA Laser Facility at University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) leads the world in nuclear research and is key to our national security, said Senator Gillibrand. It is also an important part of our work force and community in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region bringing scientists from around the world to the area and creating hundreds of jobs throughout the state. The funding for OMEGA is critical for our country and my state. I was proud to fight for this funding and I am pleased that it has been included in this year's appropriations bill. I am sincerely grateful to Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for their efforts on behalf of the University of Rochester, especially their steadfast support for our Laboratory for Laser Energetics. LLE is among our University's highest federal research priorities, the largest university-based U.S. Department of Energy program in the nation, and home to the most powerful laser systems found at any academic institution in the world. Thanks to the senators' leadership, the $80 million provided by Congress for FY2020 equals the highest level of annual federal funding ever appropriated to the LLE and demonstrates robust and sustained federal support. At our LLE, more than 350 scientists and staff and over 140 students are pursuing technological advances in service of our national and economic security. With this continued investment, LLE will advance the nation's scientific leadership and continue its groundbreaking, globally recognized research that is vital to enhancing our safety, maintaining our global technological competitiveness, and developing New York State's high-tech economy, said Sarah Mangelsdorf, President, University of Rochester. Earlier this week, Congress voted to conduct a study on programs that advance high energy physics, such as the one at the University of Rochester. This comes after Senator Gillibrand sent a letter to Senate Committee on Armed Services leaders calling for a report on the value and effectiveness of such programs in maintaining a safe, secure, and effective nuclear stockpile and recruiting a highly skilled and talented workforce to complete national security missions. Established in 1970, the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) of the University of Rochester is a unique national resource for research and education in science and technology and a major asset of the University not found at any other university in the country. Both the Rochester area and the University have a history of innovation that provides a singular environment for LLE within a technologically sophisticated scientific community. LLE is the largest U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) university-based research program in the entire nation and is home to the OMEGA lasers (Omega and Omega EP) the largest and most capable at any academic institution in the world. LLE conducts implosion and basic physics experiments in support of the national Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) program, validates advanced concepts for ICF to be used at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in order to demonstrate ignition and energy gain, and serves as the principal laser research facility for the three NNSA national laboratories. In addition, LLE is the only ICF facility with education as a primary mission and the only major facility that trains graduate students in Inertial Confinement Fusion and high energy density physics research, making it a critical pipeline for the future national security workforce. Because of these distinctions, LLE is a vital component of the nation's scientific capital and leadership, and key to strategic work on an independent energy future. Schumer and Gillibrand have long fought for Rochester's Laser Lab. They helped secure $68 million in funding in the Fiscal Year 2016 spending bill for the LLE and advocated for federal investment in Fiscal Year 2017. Furthermore, in the 2018 bipartisan Omnibus spending bill, Schumer and Gillibrand secured $75 million in funding for the LLE for Fiscal Year 2018, and in the Fiscal Year 2019 Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, another $80 million in funding for the LLE. The Senators will continue their efforts to help grow the laser lab, which is a key driver of Rochester's optics and photonics industry and in maintaining the nation's nuclear weapon stockpile while developing new clean energy sources. Schumer and Gillibrand also secured the overall $565 million for the NNSA's Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) Program in the funding package, which helps to maintain the OMEGA Laser Facility. The ICF program is critical to maintaining safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent maintained through the Stockpile Stewardship Program. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-tonko-announce-that-soon-to-pass-appropriations-bill-increases-funding-cap-for-erie-canalway-national-heritage-corridor-to-14-million,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, TONKO ANNOUNCE THAT SOON-TO-PASS APPROPRIATIONS BILL INCREASES FUNDING CAP FOR ERIE CANALWAY NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR TO $14 MILLION",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.19 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, TONKO ANNOUNCE THAT SOON-TO-PASS APPROPRIATIONS BILL INCREASES FUNDING CAP FOR ERIE CANALWAY NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR TO $14 MILLION Washington, DC U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and U.S. Representative Paul Tonko (D-NY-20) today announced that their amendment to raise and extend the federal funding cap for the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor to $14 million has been included in the soon-to-pass end of the year budget package. This is an increased funding cap of $2 million, without which, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor would have no longer been eligible to receive federal funding. Instead, following the members' successful push, the Erie Canalway will continue to receive annual appropriations to help preserve this historic corridor and promote tourism and economic development throughout the region. The Erie Canal is a crucial economic engine for tourism in Western New York, not to mention one of the state's greatest attractions and most impressive features. It's incumbent on all of us, elected officials, residents, and tourists alike to preserve the history and beauty of the Erie Canal for the long-term future, so that it can be enjoyed by generations of New Yorkers and Americans to come, said Senator Schumer. That's why I urged my colleagues in Congress to raise and extend the funding cap for the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, allowing it to continue receiving the federal support it needs to thrive. More than ever, we have to make sure our local governments and communities in Upstate New York have the resources required to protect treasures like the Erie Canal. The Erie Canal is one of New York State's most important historic treasures. The legacy of the canal helps drive millions of dollars for Upstate New York, promoting tourism for the communities along the corridor, said Senator Gillibrand. It was a mistake for Congress to leave this historic waterway, which connects communities from Glens Falls to Buffalo, at risk of losing its federal support, which is why I've been fighting to raise and extend the funding cap for the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. I'm proud that our amendment to do just that has passed the Senate, and will continue to fight to make sure the Erie Canal can be preserved for generations to come. Our Erie Canalway connects us and future generations with the stories and places of the past that have shaped who we are as Americans, said Congressman Tonko. Not only does the Canalway provide us with an incalculable historical and cultural value, it delivers a significant economic return by bringing tourism and commerce across our region. I was proud to work to get this provision in the House Appropriations package, and am overjoyed that this raise in the funding cap will be signed into law so that we can continue to invest in and preserve this unique, national treasure. We appreciate the extraordinary vision of Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, and Congressman Tonko, to support New York's nationally-significant canal system. Thanks to their efforts we can continue to invest in people and communities along our cherished upstate waterways, said Bob Radliff, Executive Director, Canalway National Heritage Corridor. Congress established the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor in 2000. The corridor spans 524 miles and 23 counties across the full expanse of Upstate New York, following the historic routes of the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego, and Champlain Canals. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, in partnership with the National Park Service and numerous local, state, and federal partners, works to preserve and share the Erie Canal's extraordinary heritage, to promote Upstate New York communities as a tourism destination, and to foster vibrant communities connected by the waterway through historic preservation, conservation and recreation, education, and community development. Approximately 3.2 million New Yorkers live in the communities within the corridor, and a 2016 economic analysis found that the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor had an annual economic impact of $307.7 million in Upstate New York. Congress has imposed cumulative funding caps on the amount of funding National Heritage Areas can receive over their lifetime, but also has the authority to increase the caps when they are about to be reached. Although the expiring statuary caps for many national heritage corridors were extended in the Lands Package earlier this year, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor was left out of the cap extension. The members previously led a push to ensure Congress raises and expands the funding cap for the Erie Canalway to preserve its legacy. ### 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-applauds-house-approval-usmca,Rep. Zeldin Applauds House Approval of USMCA,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to approve the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 385-41: In 2018 alone, the State of New York exported $20.3 billion to Canada and Mexico, including top exports such as metal products, machinery, computer and electronic products, and more. The rebalancing and modernization of trade between these vital trading partners will mean freer markets, fairer trade and robust US economic growth. In fact, it's estimated that the ratification of USMCA would mean 176,000 new US jobs and $68 billion in new US economic growth, better leveling the playing field; a huge win for the American worker. While it was almost a year overdue, USMCA finally got a vote and passed with huge bipartisan support.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-zeldin-statement-legislation-permanently-selling-out-small-0,"Rep. Zeldin Statement on Legislation Permanently Selling Out Small Businesses, and Permanently Raising Individual Tax Rates in Exchange for Very Temporary SALT Deduction Changes",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) made the following remarks on the House floor ahead of House consideration of H.R. 5377, which would temporarily make changes to the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction until 2021, while permanently raising tax rates on individuals and small businesses. H.R. 5377 would change the SALT deduction temporarily until 2021, permanently raising the 37% tax rate for individuals and small businesses to 39.6%, and expands that tax bracket to include married couples filing jointly more than $498,000, instead of the current $622,050, and singles filing more than $441,475, instead of the current $518,400. This expansion of the bracket means that many currently in the 35% tax bracket would now be subject to a 39.6% tax rate as well. Over 90% of U.S. businesses are pass-through businesses and pay taxes at the individual income tax rate rather than the corporate tax rate, and 99.78% of these businesses have less than 100 employees. Any of these businesses that fall into the now broader tax bracket will be subject to the permanent tax increase. Yesterday, House Democrats rejected consideration of Congressman Zeldin's amendment with Congressman Jodey Arrington (R, TX-19) to ensure small businesses would not be subject to a tax increase under H.R. 5377, barring the amendment from even being considered on the House floor. Congressman Zeldin made the following remarks on the House floor ahead of House consideration of H.R. 5377: My colleague from Long Island Mr. Suozzi and I have engaged in many conversations about this important issue, and I'm sure that will continue after today's debate. I'd like to clear up a few things about this legislation before us today to cut through some of what's been debated. This bill permanently hikes taxes on individuals and small businesses to 39.6% for those currently in the 37% tax bracket and for many in the 35% tax bracket as well in exchange for a very temporary change of the SALT deduction only until 2021. So the SALT deduction is going to change very temporarily, but permanently we're to be increasing taxes on individuals and small businesses. We have to understand that 90% of US businesses are pass-throughs. They don't pay the corporate tax rate. They pay under the individual tax rate. Almost 100% of all pass-through businesses have less than 100 employees. I support multiple active bills that would change the State and Local Tax deduction without raising taxes on individuals and small businesses. It's important to remember that the only SALT deduction legislation that will ever provide relief is legislation that can be signed into law, and this bill which permanently raises taxes on individuals and small businesses is not it. In my district, from Main Street to wineries on the North Fork, this is bad news for small businesses up and down Long Island. I'm focused on providing true tax relief for all hard working Long Islanders. It's unfortunate that at the end of the day, when the dust has settled, they will continue to be the victims of out of state and out of touch Congressional leadership, putting politics over common sense, realistic solutions. My colleagues know I'm eager to work with them to fix this legislation so we can actually get this across the finish line and signed into law to provide true tax relief for hard working Americans. But unfortunately, that very temporary change to SALT in exchange for that permanent tax increase for individuals and small businesses is why I can't support this bill in its current form... (For Congressman Zeldin's full floor remarks, please click here)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-by-congressman-brian-higgins-supporting-articles-of,Statement by Congressman Brian Higgins Supporting Articles of Impeachment Against President Trump,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Brian Higgins,H001038,higgins.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) released the statement below following his vote supporting articles of impeachment against President Trump: The only things standing between a democracy and a dictatorship is the separation of powers and the rule of law. As Members of Congress we take an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Article 2, Section 4 of the Constitution compels impeachment of the President for treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors. The solicitation of a favor from the Ukraine President in exchange for personal, political gain is a bribe and an abuse of power. The evidence is clear, the facts are totally undisputed, and the intent is confirmed by the President's own Ambassador and Chief of Staff. There is no joy in impeachment, but the President's actions demand it. Inviting foreign interference in U.S. elections is a threat to our security and democracy. Congress has an obligation to serve as the People's check and balance to the abuse of power. Through the Constitution, the framers sought a nation committed to uphold the promise of justice, integrity and independence. Today the House of Representatives delivered a vote keeping that promise. Higgins also spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives during the impeachment debate. Video: https://youtu.be/tANW1ei3RZw",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kathleenrice.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1498,Rice Votes to Impeach President Donald J. Trump,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kathleen Rice,R000602,kathleenrice.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice (NY-04) issued the following statement today after voting in favor of both articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump: ""Today I voted to impeach President Trump for both abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. While I took no pleasure in casting these votes, I believe they were necessary to hold the President accountable for his actions. As a career prosecutor, I spent more than 20 years fighting to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law in our country. During that time, I never made a single decision that was not based on evidence and facts. This is the same approach I've taken throughout the House's impeachment inquiry. While I have been supportive of the investigation, I have been careful to reserve judgment until it was completed, and all the evidence made public. But having now reviewed both articles of impeachment carefully, as well as the underlying evidence, it is clear that President Trump committed impeachable acts that directly threatened our security and undermined democracy. Earlier this year, the President deliberately withheld congressionally-appropriated military aid to a critical American ally at war with Russia. And through the testimony of various fact witnesses, we learned that he did so not as a matter of U.S. foreign policy or because it was in the best interest of our national security, but to extract a personal and political favor that would benefit his reelection campaign. This was a gross abuse of power. And when a whistleblower reported his actions, the President and his associates engaged in an unprecedented effort to derail a legitimate investigation by the House of Representatives, a co-equal branch of government. That is clearly obstruction of Congress. Voting to impeach our President was a difficult decision one which I did not come to lightly. However, it is the only course of action that honors the oath I took as a Member of Congress to defend the Constitution. We are a country governed by laws. And if we wish to remain that way, then we need to send a clear message to the American people and to the world that no one, not even the President of the United States, is above those laws. For me, these articles are not about politics or about impeaching a President with whom I often disagree, they are about upholding a system of accountability and justice that I have dedicated my entire life to protecting. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-announces-relaunch-congressional-afterschool-caucus-named,"Lowey Announces Relaunch of Congressional Afterschool Caucus, Named Democratic Co-Chair",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Nita Lowey,L000480,lowey.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, today announced the relaunch of the Congressional Afterschool Caucus, of which she will serve as the Democratic Co-Chair, for the 116th Congress. The bipartisan caucus raises awareness of the importance of afterschool programs and advocates for vital resources that promote quality programming in New York and across the country. Congressman Don Young (AK-At-Large) will serve as the Republican Co-Chair. Afterschool programs provide a safe and reliable setting for our students to access mentorship, learning enrichment, nutrition, and physical activity between 3 P.M. and 6 P.M., making afterschool programs essential for working families, said Congresswoman Lowey. I am eager to continue once again as Co-Chair of the Congressional Afterschool Caucus, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to support afterschool programs and the children and families they serve. As a former teacher, I know how important it is for children to have access to safe and educational afterschool programs, said Congressman Don Young. Parents across the country work hard to support their families, and afterschool programming is a critical resource for working families who do not have the option of choosing between their job or their children. The mission of the Congressional Afterschool Caucus is crucially important, and I look forward to the work ahead to ensure that our nation's children and their families have the resources necessary to succeed. Afterschool programs, and the millions of students and families who rely on them, are fortunate to have Representatives Nita Lowey and Don Young co-chairing the House Afterschool Caucus this year, said Jodi Grant, executive director of the Afterschool Alliance. Their skillful advocacy, vast experience and deep dedication to making afterschool programs available to all children and families make them highly effective champions. They are well positioned to build awareness about the vitally important role afterschool and summer learning programs play in keeping kids safe, inspiring them to learn and giving working parents peace of mind that their children are safe, supervised and learning after the school days ends. As we face continuing threats to federal afterschool funding, the House Afterschool Caucus needs the kind of powerful leadership Reps. Lowey and Young bring, now more than ever. Congresswoman Lowey has been a leader in the U.S. House in advancing legislation and securing funding to advance afterschool programs. She helped create the 21st Century Community Learning Centers, the first federal afterschool initiative, and has fought to increase funding from $1 million in 1996 to more than $1 billion today. In 2005, Congresswoman Lowey formed the Congressional Afterschool Caucus to build support for these programs in Congress and provide sufficient funding to meet the growing demand for afterschool initiatives. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-votes-impeach-president-donald-john-trump-0,Lowey Votes to Impeach President Donald John Trump,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Nita Lowey,L000480,lowey.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement following her vote to impeach the 45th President of the United States, Donald John Trump: The impeachment inquiry into President Trump has led to two conclusions: the president sought foreign assistance to influence the 2020 presidential election and went to great lengths to obstruct Congress during the investigations. I supported the articles of impeachment based on these two conclusions grounded in fairness and truth and with consideration for the historic ramifications of this vote. This impeachment process is not a political one; that is what elections are for. This is a constitutional and legal process that is meeting its only logical conclusion. These impeachable offenses, along with those revealed in the Mueller report, have endangered the integrity of our elections and the very democratic principles on which our nation was founded. Donald Trump is not fit to serve as president. Make no mistake, Republicans turning a blind eye to the president's misdeeds won't hide the threats of his actions to our democracy. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://meeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/meeks-issues-statement-ahead-articles-impeachment-votes,Meeks Issues Statement Ahead of Articles of Impeachment Votes,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Gregory Meeks,M001137,meeks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Queens, NY - Today, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, senior member of the Foreign Affairs and Financial Services Committee, two of the six investigatory committees into President Trump, issued the following ahead of the historic votes on articles of impeachment against President Trump: I stand before you on a serious and solemn day in the House of Representatives. The decision to impeach a President of the United States is of enormous magnitude and the utmost significance. There are few issues that so deeply reflect upon the Constitution and the American system of governance. My ancestors were African slaves, forced on a transatlantic journey from the coasts of Sierra Leone to the plantations of South Carolina. I know full well that the designers of our Constitution, who embedded an economy of human bondage into the fabric of our political institutions, were not perfect men. Yet they wrote a malleable document that allowed American society to adjust to changing times while laying down eternal principles: democracy, freedom of speech, freedom of belief, open markets, and a separation of powers. Indeed, they laid the foundation for a nation that would allow men and women like myself, who are descended from slaves, to become Members of Congress with the right and duty to weigh in on the most important questions confronting our republic. I will exercise that responsibility here today. Given my background as a lawyer and former prosecutor, I believe we must look at the relevant law in question before casting a vote. That language comes directly from the Constitution: The Presidentshall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.' The two articles of impeachment brought against President Trump concern his abuse of power and his obstruction of Congress. As a senior Member of the United States House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee with a particular focus on Europe, I have spent years trying to promote American values of democracy and the rule of law in other parts of the world including Eastern Europe. Other nations have not been blessed with political institutions that promoted civil liberties and the rule of law. Today, in Ukraine however there are leaders keen on anticorruption initiatives, invested in following the Western democratic model, and inspired by the American example. Nearly 13,000 Ukrainians have been killed since 2014 because of the conflict provoked and sustained by Russia, who opposes this vision of liberty and opportunity. Over the years, I have pushed for the U.S. government to fund and protect these Ukrainian freedom fighters from Russian aggression. As the leader of the United States, President Trump has responsibility to help Ukraine lay the ground work for a more sustainable system of governance, one that promotes the rule of law and free and fair elections. This duty is inextricably linked to American national security interests. Because I have been steeped in these issues pertaining to Ukraine for so long, I know how damaging President Trump's actions were. Based on witness testimony and the overwhelming evidence presented, I am forced to conclude that the President abused the power of his office for his own personal gain rather than the public interest and that this was in fact an impeachable offense. The second article of impeachment concerns President Trump's obstruction of Congress. Our constitutional system was designed to promote checks and balances among the different branches of government, with a particular focus on ensuring that the judiciary and the legislature could check the President. We did not free ourselves from a King to turn the President into a monarch. In the case of our current President, he has shown his disdain for separation of powers unrelentingly and unrepentantly. This pattern of behavior evidenced throughout the Mueller investigation and repeated itself again as the President has continually defied any oversight initiatives from the legislature. This is in complete contravention of our Constitutional system. And it is an impeachable offense. In sum, the founders knew from the very beginning that the insertion of domestic political interests into foreign policy would be an existential threat to the United States. Indeed, confidence in our electoral system at home has been indispensable to the strength of our republic while the absence of quid pro quo corruption from our foreign policy has been essential to American leadership abroad. President Trump's misconduct has betrayed both of these vital principals, weakening our democratic institutions at home and our standing abroad. The camera of history is rolling. Today's vote is not about one man, but instead about the foundations of our republic for the years, decades, and centuries to come. I will cast my vote consistent with the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and the American constitutional system and for the impeachment of President Donald J. Trump. I do so because I could not look my granddaughter or any member of future generations in the eye having condoned actions that undermine our democratic system. I urge all of my colleagues to do the same. May God bless the United States of America. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-issues-statement-on-impeachment-vote,Meng Issues Statement on Impeachment Vote,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) today issued the following statement on the House of Representatives' vote to impeach President Trump. I did not come to Congress to impeach the President of the United States. I came to fight for the betterment of the lives of my constituents in New York's 6th congressional district. This is an honor and duty I do not and will not ever take lightly. Today, I voted to impeach President Donald Trump. I voted yes on two articles of impeachment against the President that charge him with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. I did so with a heavy heart for our country, but a clear conscience. I did so, because, above all, I took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. I did so, because no one is above the law, not even the President of the United States. The impeachment inquiry findings make clear that the President's actions support charges of high crimes and misdemeanors. The President put his personal political interests above the interests of the American people. He compromised the public trust, undermined our national security, and jeopardized our democratic process. He schemed and conditioned official acts to get dirt against his domestic political opponent. Time and again, he continued to thwart Congress's constitutionally-mandated power of oversight by blocking testimony and refusing to comply with House subpoenas. He failed to provide any exculpatory evidence. His actions are unprecedented and unapologetic. Ultimately, the President's actions left the House of Representatives no other option, but to exercise the sole Power of Impeachment,' vested in it by the Constitution. These charges warrant the President's removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under our nation. We cannot allow the President of the United States to continue cheating and offending our democracy. Rather than defending the Constitution, the President has chosen to defy it. I vote today out of duty to our nation, and my oath to the Constitution.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-joe-morelle-house-vote-impeach-president-donald-trump,STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE ON HOUSE VOTE TO IMPEACH PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Joseph D. Morelle,M001206,morelle.house.gov,morelle,https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle released the following statement: ""Over the past few months, we have heard testimony from experts and public servants on the alarming allegations facing the president. Regrettably, it has become clear: President Trump has abused the powers of his public office, leveraged a foreign government for political benefit, and obstructed Congressional oversight of his conduct. ""That is why today, I cast my vote to impeach President Trump. ""This is a profound moment in our nation's history. It is not just our responsibility, but our somber obligation to protect our republic and uphold the very tenets it was founded upon. The future of our country hinges on decisions like the one we made today—and I'll always stand up to defend the Constitution of the United States, preserve our democracy, and ensure no one is above justice."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://peteking.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congressman-pete-king-house-floor-speech-against-impeachment,Congressman Pete King House Floor Speech Against Impeachment,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,Peter King,K000210,peteking.house.gov,,,legacy,"My House floor speech in strong opposition to President Trump's Impeachment: ""I rise today in strong opposition to the Articles of Impeachment against President Trump. Exactly 21 years ago today I spoke on this floor in opposition to the impeachment of President Clinton. - And 21 years ago tomorrow I voted against all 4 Articles of Impeachment against President Clinton. Today's Articles of Impeachment against President Trump are an assault on our Constitution and the American people. To impeach a President for a phone call for which no crime is charged - nevermind a high crime - and for asserting his constitutional prerogatives as President is a clear abuse of power by the Congress. It sets the dangerous precedent of weaponzing Impeachment to undo the vote of the American people. This is a sad day we will long regret.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://seanmaloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-today-we-hold-the-president-accountable,"Maloney: Today, we hold the president accountable.",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Sean Maloney,M001185,seanmaloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Maloney: Today, we hold the president accountable. Washington, D.C. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach Donald John Trump, the 45th President of the United States of America. Two articles of impeachment have been brought against President Trump: Abuse of Power, and Obstruction of Congress. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement: There is clear and convincing evidence that President Trump used taxpayer money and official acts to pressure a foreign government to help him win re-election by slandering a fellow American. These actions are unworthy of the presidency. Today's vote is about right and wrong and whether we still know the difference. Today, we hold the president accountable. If we fail to do so, future presidents would see corruption as without consequence and there, our democracy goes to die. We inherit this Republic from our ancestors, and we borrow it from our children. With humility, we pray that the history of this day will guide us to a better future for our Nation. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney's speech on the House floor can be viewed here. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://seanmaloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-and-maloney-urge-air-national-guard-to-select-stewart,"Schumer, Gillibrand and Maloney Urge Air National Guard to Select Stewart Air National Guard Base as Site of New Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Sean Maloney,M001185,seanmaloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Schumer, Gillibrand and Maloney Urge Air National Guard to Select Stewart Air National Guard Base as Site of New Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Washington, D.C. Today, Sens. Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) urged Barbara Barrett, Secretary of the Air Force and General Joseph Lengyel, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, to select Stewart Air National Guard Base (ANG) in Newburgh, NY for the installation of a new Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (AES). The new AES squadron will bring state-of-the-art in-flight emergency medical care and new job opportunities to the Hudson Valley. Stewart Air National Guard Base is ideally situated for the Air National Guard's Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and undoubtedly deserves to be selected. The existing infrastructure at this first-rate ANG installation, combined with the C-17s and phenomenal aircrews of the 105thAirlift Wing, ensure that Stewart would be more than capable of hosting the Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. I'll continue doing everything in my power to bring the AES to Stewart, to create new jobs at the base and ensure that our troops receive the best medical care possible when risking their lives to protect our freedom, said Senator Charles E. Schumer. Stewart ANG is the best choice for the Air National Guard's new Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. When I met with the 105th Airlift Wing in October, it was clear that they have the capabilities and resources to successfully complete this new mission, said Senator Gillibrand, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee. The 105th Airlift Wing at Stewart Air National Guard Base is a critical asset to our country's national security. Placing this new mission at Stewart would greatly increase the military's ability to respond to medical emergencies, and support job creation and economic growth in the Hudson Valley. I was proud to fight to make sure that Stewart would be considered for this designation, and I will continue to advocate for the 105th Airlift Wing to be selected for this important mission. From the beginning, we've been committed to landing this squadron here in the Hudson Valley and we're pulling out all the stops to show Stewart has the personnel and equipment to make the ideal new home for the mission. This new squadron will have a positive impact on both the Guard and our local economy, and we're making a strong case for its selection, said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney. Earlier this year, Sens. Schumer, Gillibrand and Rep. Maloney launched a major push to bring the AES to Stewart ANG, as the National Guard Bureau began the process of considering locations for the new AES mission. In early December, the National Guard announced that Stewart Air National Guard Base was announced as a finalist to host the new AES. The lawmakers argue that Stewart ANG, which is one of the largest in the nation, is an ideal location due to the operational, manpower, capacity and cost benefits provided by the base and wing. Stewart ANG's 105 Airlift Wing currently operates the C-17, and is co-located at the installation with the United States Marine Corps KC-130 squadron. The nearest squadron is over 130 miles away. A copy of the letter can be found here and below: The Honorable Barbara M. Barrett Secretary of the Air Force 1670 Air Force Pentagon Washington, DC 20330-1670 General Joseph L. Lengyel Chief of the National Guard Bureau Jefferson Plaza 1 1411 Jefferson Davis Highway Arlington, VA 22202-3231 Dear Secretary Barrett and General Lengyel, In 2018, the United States Air Force (USAF) published a candidate list of seventeen installations to be considered for the new Air National Guard (ANG) Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (AES), including Stewart Air National Guard Base (ANGB) in the Town of Newburgh, New York. Last month, we were pleased to hear that Steward ANGB was on a short list of finalists to be selected. We write once again to encourage you to select Stewart ANGB, given the base and wing's unique combination of operational, manpower, capacity, location and cost advantages that make it the ideal location for the next AES unit. Stewart ANGB currently possesses all the capabilities needed to support AES operations. The 105th Airlift Wing is co-located with a United States Marine Corps KC-130 squadron on the installation and since November 2010, has been the USAF's preferred base to operate the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, which provides vital global projection due to its Strategic Airlift capability. Additionally, Stewart ANGB is host to skilled and experienced personnel with more than six years of training with other AES units, although it is over 130 miles away from the nearest AES. Stewart ANGB is also placed in one of the best recruiting locations in New York Statewe believe its ability to recruit trained medical professionals and flight crew candidates from the robust medical network in our communities make it the ideal potential home for the new AES. Furthermore, Stewart ANGB is one of the largest ANG bases in the United States. The base employs more than 4,000 people and retains the necessary infrastructure to cost-efficiently, and expertly, conduct AES exercises. For all of these reasons, we strongly encourage you to select Stewart ANGB for Air National Guard's next Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. We appreciate your attention to this important matter and look forward to your response. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our offices with any questions. Sincerely, -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://stefanik.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-statement-articles-impeachment,Stefanik Statement on Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,Elise Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik released the following statement on the upcoming House vote to impeach President Donald Trump: As a Member of Congress who swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution, I oppose impeachment of President Trump, said Congresswoman Stefanik. House Democrats failed to uphold their Constitutional duty and instead pursued a partisan impeachment process due to their visceral disdain for President Trump and the will of the American people who elected him. In order to impeach a duly-elected President, there must be direct evidence of impeachable offenses high crimes and misdemeanors, bribery or treason. Neither the Intelligence Committee nor the Judiciary Committee found direct evidence, resulting in bipartisan opposition to impeachment. From the very beginning, this process was unprecedented, partisan, and filled with abuses of power started by Adam Schiff, continued by Jerry Nadler, and finished by Nancy Pelosi. The Democrats' case rested on the illusion of a quid pro quo: that President Trump refused to provide aid to Ukraine until the Bidens were investigated. However, this case is easily disproven by two critical facts: security assistance and defensive lethal aid was provided to Ukraine, and there was no investigation into the Bidens. It's unfortunate that House Democrats believe their disdain for President Trump is more important than respecting the will of the American people. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2946,Tonko Votes in Support of Impeachment Resolution,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONCongressman Paul D. Tonkovoted today to approveH.Res. 755, a resolution impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. The resolution establishes two articles of impeachment of the President for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Article I, which passed by a vote of 230197, impeaches the President for his abuse of power in soliciting the interference of Ukraine in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Article II, which passed by a vote of 229198, impeaches the President for his obstruction of Congress by directing a campaign of defiance of subpoenas issued by the House of Representatives in furtherance of the House's impeachment inquiry. With the passage of the impeachment resolution in the House of Representatives, the Senate shall now conduct an impeachment trial to determine whether to convict President Trump on these offenses and remove him from office. Congressman Tonko's full statement: It is with both profound sorrow and an abundance of patriotism that I cast my vote in favor of the resolution to impeach President Trump. As conceived in our founding documents, Impeachment is an extraordinary remedy which, after thorough investigation and fact finding, I believe is required in these extraordinary times. I do not reach this decision out of any dislike of the President, but rather out of love for our country and our Constitution, the document that makes us the strong democracy that we are and the envy of the world. By pressuring Ukraine to open an investigation aimed at harming a domestic political rival, President Trump invited foreign interference into our electoral process and cast doubt as to whether we the people' could expect a free and fair election in 2020. Similarly, as the House sought to investigate the underlying actions in Ukraine, President Trump refused to comply with the investigation, urging members of his administration to defy Congressional subpoenas, an action that would get anyone else thrown in jail. In subverting the investigation, President Trump destabilized our system of checks and balances and prevented the House of Representatives from exercising our core Constitutional duties. When faced with a President who has deliberately and maliciously acted to undermine the very core of our democracy our free and fair elections and our system of checks and balances my duty to the Constitution and our great country compels me to act. To not do so would render me complicit. As this process continues in the Senate, I pray for our country, for her people and for our President that we find the wisdom and grace to make the right decision and remember that the ties that bind us together as a nation are ever stronger than those that wish to tear us apart. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/vel-zquez-impeachment-floor-statement,Velázquez Impeachment Floor Statement,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Nydia M. Velázquez,V000081,velazquez.house.gov,velazquez,https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) spoke today on the House floor during debate in support of two articles of impeachment against the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump. Her remarks as prepared for delivery are below and video of her speech is online here. ""The facts are clear – the President of the United States withheld $400 million in military aid to an ally of the U.S. -- and also held back a White House meeting to compel a foreign nation to investigate his political opponent. ""At the exact time the President was doing this, Ukraine was engaged in a battle for its very existence with one of America's adversaries, Russia. The President abused his powers to persuade a foreign nation to dig up dirt on a political opponent. This was, quite simply, a ‘geopolitical shakedown.' ""The President then tried to block Congress from exercising its constitutionally-mandated duty to uncover the truth. ""Every single one of us, today, faces a stark choice. If we choose to turn a blind eye, to put political expediency before the Constitution, then we are complicit in this subversion of democracy. If we do not hold this President accountable, we have failed the people who sent us here and we have abdicated our own oath to defend the constitution."" ""In the United States of America, no one is above the law, not even the President.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov//news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-impeachment-of-president-trump,Gillibrand Statement On Impeachment Of President Trump,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Kirsten Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 18, 2019 Gillibrand Statement On Impeachment Of President Trump Washington, DC U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald Trump on charges of obstruction of justice and abuse of power: As a senator, I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution and to faithfully discharge the duties of my office. This includes holding the president accountable for bribery and other high crimes and misdemeanors. Now that the House has formally charged President Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of justice, the Senate will do its constitutional duty to try the president for these alleged crimes. I will enter the proceedings with one purpose: to find the truth and deliver justice.It is incumbent on all of usDemocrat or Republicanto cast aside partisanship, consider the evidence marshalled by the House, and make an impartial judgement on whether to acquit or convict the president. The facts laid out by the House are disturbing. According to an admission by his own chief of staff, President Trump withheld military aid to an ally, currently engaged in warfare with Russia, in an effort to extract political favors for personal gain. Although President Trump has done everything in his power to stonewall the House's investigation, numerous nonpartisan military and career professionals have provided testimony relating this alleged abuse of power. History will remember those who stood up for our values, our country and the rule of law, as well as those who enabled the degradation of our democracy. I intend to be in the former. 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-and-maloney-urge-air-national-guard-to-select-stewart-air-national-guard-base-as-site-of-new-aeromedical-evacuation-squadron,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND AND MALONEY URGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD TO SELECT STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE AS SITE OF NEW AEROMEDICAL EVACUATION SQUADRON",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Charles Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.18.19 SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND AND MALONEY URGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD TO SELECT STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE AS SITE OF NEW AEROMEDICAL EVACUATION SQUADRON Washington, D.C. This week, Sens. Charles E. Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) urged Barbara Barrett, Secretary of the Air Force and General Joseph Lengyel, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, to select Stewart Air National Guard Base (ANG) in Newburgh, NY for the installation of a new Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (AES). The new AES squadron will bring state-of-the-art in-flight emergency medical care and new job opportunities to the Hudson Valley. Stewart Air National Guard Base is ideally situated for the Air National Guard's Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and undoubtedly deserves to be selected. The existing infrastructure at this first-rate ANG installation, combined with the C-17s and phenomenal aircrews of the 105thAirlift Wing, ensure that Stewart would be more than capable of hosting the Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. I'll continue doing everything in my power to bring the AES to Stewart, to create new jobs at the base and ensure that our troops receive the best medical care possible when risking their lives to protect our freedom, said Senator Charles E. Schumer. Stewart ANG is the best choice for the Air National Guard's new Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. When I met with the 105th Airlift Wing in October, it was clear that they have the capabilities and resources to successfully complete this new mission, said Senator Gillibrand, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee. The 105th Airlift Wing at Stewart Air National Guard Base is a critical asset to our country's national security. Placing this new mission at Stewart would greatly increase the military's ability to respond to medical emergencies, and support job creation and economic growth in the Hudson Valley. I was proud to fight to make sure that Stewart would be considered for this designation, and I will continue to advocate for the 105th Airlift Wing to be selected for this important mission. From the beginning, we've been committed to landing this squadron here in the Hudson Valley and we're pulling out all the stops to show Stewart has the personnel and equipment to make the ideal new home for the mission. This new squadron will have a positive impact on both the Guard and our local economy, and we're making a strong case for its selection, said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney. Earlier this year, Sens. Schumer, Gillibrand and Rep. Maloney launched a major push to bring the AES to Stewart ANG, as the National Guard Bureau began the process of considering locations for the new AES mission. In early December, the National Guard announced that Stewart Air National Guard Base was announced as a finalist to host the new AES. The lawmakers argue that Stewart ANG, which is one of the largest in the nation, is an ideal location due to the operational, manpower, capacity and cost benefits provided by the base and wing. Stewart ANG's 105 Airlift Wing currently operates the C-17, and is co-located at the installation with the United States Marine Corps KC-130 squadron. The nearest squadron is over 130 miles away. A copy of the letter can be found here and below: The Honorable Barbara M. Barrett Secretary of the Air Force 1670 Air Force Pentagon Washington, DC 20330-1670 General Joseph L. Lengyel Chief of the National Guard Bureau Jefferson Plaza 1 1411 Jefferson Davis Highway Arlington, VA 22202-3231 Dear Secretary Barrett and General Lengyel, In 2018, the United States Air Force (USAF) published a candidate list of seventeen installations to be considered for the new Air National Guard (ANG) Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (AES), including Stewart Air National Guard Base (ANGB) in the Town of Newburgh, New York. Last month, we were pleased to hear that Steward ANGB was on a short list of finalists to be selected. We write once again to encourage you to select Stewart ANGB, given the base and wing's unique combination of operational, manpower, capacity, location and cost advantages that make it the ideal location for the next AES unit. Stewart ANGB currently possesses all the capabilities needed to support AES operations. The 105th Airlift Wing is co-located with a United States Marine Corps KC-130 squadron on the installation and since November 2010, has been the USAF's preferred base to operate the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, which provides vital global projection due to its Strategic Airlift capability. Additionally, Stewart ANGB is host to skilled and experienced personnel with more than six years of training with other AES units, although it is over 130 miles away from the nearest AES. Stewart ANGB is also placed in one of the best recruiting locations in New York Statewe believe its ability to recruit trained medical professionals and flight crew candidates from the robust medical network in our communities make it the ideal potential home for the new AES. Furthermore, Stewart ANGB is one of the largest ANG bases in the United States. The base employs more than 4,000 people and retains the necessary infrastructure to cost-efficiently, and expertly, conduct AES exercises. For all of these reasons, we strongly encourage you to select Stewart ANGB for Air National Guard's next Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. We appreciate your attention to this important matter and look forward to your response. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our offices with any questions. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amendment-protect-small-businesses-salt-legislation-rejected-house-dems,Amendment to Protect Small Businesses in SALT Legislation Rejected by House Dems,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) issued the following statement after House Democrats rejected consideration of his amendment with Congressman Jodey Arrington (R, TX-19) to ensure small businesses would not be subject to a tax increase under H.R. 5377, barring the amendment from even being considered on the House floor. As H.R. 5377 is currently written, it would change the State and Local Tax deduction temporarily until 2021, permanently raising the 37% tax rate for individuals and small businesses to 39.6%, and expands that tax bracket to include married couples filing jointly more than $498,000, instead of the current $622,050, and singles filing more than $441,475, instead of the current $518,400. This expansion of the bracket means that many currently in the 35% tax bracket would now be subject to a 39.6% tax rate. Over 90% of U.S. businesses are pass-through businesses and pay taxes at the individual income tax rate rather than the corporate tax rate, and 99.78% of these businesses have less than 100 employees. Any of these businesses that fall into the now broader tax bracket will be subject to the tax increase. My colleagues know I am eager to work with them to fix this legislation. However, it's clear with House Democratic leadership's flat out denial of this amendment to protect small businesses that they're not interested in fixing this legislation in good-faith, getting it through the Senate and signed into law, but that their true focus is providing themselves political cover, said Congressman Zeldin. 'I'm not focused on doing what's politically expedient, voting on another messaging bill that will never become law and which also happens to be a net tax increase. I'm focused on providing true tax relief for hard working Long Islanders. It's unfortunate that at the end of the day, when the dust has settled, they will continue to be the victims of out of state and out of touch Congressional leadership, putting politics over common sense, realistic solutions. The only SALT deduction legislation that will ever provide relief to Long Islanders is legislation that can be signed into law. The Parity for Main Street Employers, which represents millions of individual and family-owned businesses, voiced their concerns regarding this bill following its introduction stating, Individually and family owned businesses organized as S corporations, partnerships and sole proprietorships are the heart of the American economy. They employ the majority of workers, and they contribute the most to our national income. They also pay the majority of business taxes. A recent study by EY found that pass-through businesses pay 51 percent of all business income taxes. The legislation introduced today would raise these taxes by 1) increasing the top rate passthrough businesses pay from the current 37 percent to 39.6 percent and 2) lowering the income threshold of the top rate from $622,050 to $496,600 (Joint) for the years 2020 through 2025, after which the 37 percent rate is scheduled to expire under current law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://zeldin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/foreign-affairs-committee-unanimously-passes-rep-zeldin-legislation,"Foreign Affairs Committee Unanimously Passes Rep. Zeldin Legislation to Combat Foreign Fighters, Violence in UN-Funded Palestinian Authority Led Education",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NY,Lee Zeldin,Z000017,zeldin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today, legislation introduced by Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, the Counterterrorism Screening and Assistance Act (H.R. 630) and Peace and Tolerance in Palestinian Educaiton Act (H.R. 2343), unanimously passed the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The Counterterrorism Screening and Assistance Act (H.R. 630) establishes international border security standards developed in conjunction with all relevant U.S. governmental departments and agencies in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, Attorney General, Director of National Intelligence (DNI), and Director of the FBI, to close security gaps that could allow foreign terrorist fighters to travel internationally. Under the legislation, U.S. resources would be utilized in the most efficient way possible with a special focus on high-risk and medium-risk countries to boost security, and a reporting system would also be established to monitor efforts of foreign governments to combat terrorism and foreign fighter travel and to suspend foreign assistance to countries not making significant efforts to comply. In speaking in favor of the Counterterrorism Screening and Assistance Act, Congressman Zeldin said: Since 2011, the situation in Iraq and Syria has presented significant challenges for the global community's ability to track and combat foreign terrorist actors. In Europe, roughly 5,000 EU citizens have traveled to Syria or Iraq to become foreign fighters for the Islamic State or other foreign terrorist groups. Our foreign partners have employed various measures to combat foreign fighters to include increasing surveillance and prohibiting travel that have successfully thwarted a number of plots, but we need to do more. There is a very serious and well-recognized need for improved international border security and information-sharing between governments. This bipartisan legislation would ensure U.S. resources are utilized in the most efficient way possible to help international partners close loopholes in international airport security, better track these terrorists, and prevent them from traveling internationally, with a special focus on high-risk and medium risk countries. H.R. 630 would do this by requiring the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security to accelerate the delivery of certain surplus border security systems to countries of greatest concern and risk for foreign fighter or terrorist travel. The U.S. will attempt to collect reimbursement for transferred equipment and all equipment transfers will comply with existing regulations related to the export of sensitive technologies. This legislation would also establish a reporting system to hold our partners accountable, by monitoring efforts of foreign governments to combat terrorism and foreign fighter travel. It is essential that the United States work together with the global community to monitor and stop the movement of terrorists abroad. The Peace and Tolerance in Palestinian Education Act creates an annual report to Congress by the Secretary of State evaluating the curricula, provided by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) used in Palestinian Authority schools to determine if there is material inciting violence or intolerance and reporting on U.S. efforts to ensure such problematic material is eliminated from Palestinian textbooks. In urging passage of the Peace and Tolerance in Palestinian Education Act, Congressman Zeldin said: This was a bipartisan effort between Mr. Sherman and myself to maintain oversight over UNRWA's educational activities in the West Bank and Gaza. Last year, Congressman Perry and I secured declassification of a shocking GAO UNRWA textbook report revealing what we suspected all along: the UNRWA textbook initiative was a sham. Textbook content in UNRWA schools did not mention Israel or Judaism and included regional maps that excluded Israel and content that incites violence. The GAO report found that supplementary material purchased using U.S. tax dollars to counter the anti-Semitic and anti-Israel bias injected by the PA, was being rejected and not utilized on the ground. What's worse? The GAO report concluded that Congress has been unable to fully assess the nature and extent of the material in PA textbooks because of the State Department's misleading reports to Congress. It is unacceptable the textbooks that are used delegitimize Israel and demonize the Jewish people. We must demand transparency over the anti-Israel textbooks in this program that are fueling another generation of hate. Our bill requires the Secretary of State to submit annual reports to Congress to determine whether schools operated by UNRWA and the Palestinian Authority have removed this offensive textbook content and determine whether any U.S. foreign assistance is being used to support this hateful curriculum. The United States cannot support a program that goes against the best interests of our greatest ally.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://brindisi.house.gov/media/press-releases/brindisi-statement-articles-impeachment,Brindisi Statement on Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Anthony Brindisi,B001308,brindisi.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Anthony Brindisi issued the following statement: President Trump is my President too. I've always said I would work with him to get things done, as I have demonstrated. President Trump signed my first bill into law to extend key housing and transportation programs to our nation's veterans who need them. I worked together with the President to push a new trade deal with Canada and Mexico. Soon he will sign into law major provisions I championed in the National Defense Authorization Act including huge support for Rome Labs, and my SPOONSS Act that will create jobs by requiring the military to buy American-made flatware from Central New York. We have also passed the first-ever fentanyl sanctions legislation, cracking down on illicit drug traffickers in China and Mexico that are flooding our streets with synthetic opioids. However, I will always put Country first and stand up for what I believe in when I think he is wrong. I took an oath to defend the Constitution. What the President has done is not something I can pretend is normal behavior. It is also not okay for the President to block the testimony of key subpoenaed witnesses that had direct knowledge of the administration's actions. There is a difference between working with a President and checking that same President. My job is to do both. I will be voting for the articles of impeachment and I look forward to getting right back to work to get things done for the American people. In an op-ed published across his district, Brindisi outlined his reasoning for his vote. The full opinion piece is below: Brindisi: We Must Protect the Rule of Law The rule of law is what holds our great Country together. It is more important than any one person, slogan, or politician. It is what makes us an enduring nation. In Congress, the rule of law is bound by the pages of our Constitution. Whether we realize it or not, the Constitution is part of our daily lives. It is the constitutional framework that guides our local laws in every statehouse and legislative body across the Country. Our founding fathers, who drafted the Constitution, created a federal government with three unique and equal branches, designed specifically to be a check on the other, not a blind partner. In other words, a true and sustaining government only works if its power is divided, people-driven, and painstakingly checked. Congress has a duty to work together with the President. The catch isit must never be obliged to obey any president, from either party, if doing so ignores the rule of law. As anxious citizens gathered outside Independence Hall after the Constitutional Convention of 1787, one person asked Benjamin Franklin ""Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?"" Franklin responded, ""A republic, if you can keep it."" James Madison, our fourth President, and the Father of the Constitution, explained in the Federalist Papers that each branch checks the power of the other two. That's how our Republic endures. It is the greatest honor of my life to serve as a member of Congress, and this impeachment process has caused me great pain. Why? Because I've successfully partnered with this President to improve the lives of many American families. He has signed my bills into law, one of the few freshmen he's honored in this way. And we are not finished yet. President Trump signed my first bill into law to extend key housing and transportation programs to our nation's veterans who need them. I worked together with the President to push a new trade deal with Canada and Mexico. Soon he will sign into law major provisions I championed in the National Defense Authorization Act including huge support for Rome Labs, and my SPOONSS Act that will create jobs by requiring the military to buy American-made flatware from Central New York. We have also passed the first-ever fentanyl sanctions legislation, cracking down on illicit drug traffickers in China and Mexico that are flooding our streets with synthetic opioids. You see, when tethered to the rule of lawa force for goodPresident Trump and both parties in Congress can get great things done. President Trump is my President too. I've always said I would work with him to get things done, as I have demonstrated. However, I will always put Country first and stand up for what I believe in when I think he is wrong. When it comes to impeachment, I was reluctant to pursue this path. I was one of the last to endorse the impeachment inquiry and have held back judgment until I reviewed all the evidence. I have been critical of members on both sides who were quick to cast their judgment condemning the President before all the evidence was in or who rush to defend the President from all accusations. I have spent weeks reviewing transcripts, talking to Constitutional law experts and reading scholarly articles about impeachment. I've read thousands of emails and heard hundreds of phone calls from constituents to my office. There is little doubt, the President made a grave error--intended or not--in his perfect call with Ukraine. The fact that the President made a political request to a foreign leader of a troubled country with the intention for it to impact an American rival is beyond disappointing. In fact, it is unconstitutional. I took an oath to defend the Constitution. What the President hason national televisionadmitted to doing is not something I can pretend is normal behavior. It is also wrong for the President to block the testimony of key subpoenaed witnesses that had direct knowledge of the Administration's actions. There is a difference between working with a President and checking that same President. My job is to do both. I know some people will be angry at my decision, but I was elected to do what is right, not politically safe. I believe there is sufficient evidence presented to move forward with a trial in the Senate, and it will be their job to decide whether the President should be removed from office. No one comes to Washington or spends hours away from their young family with the goal of impeachment. But if we care about the rule of law, the scales of justice, and the future generations we might shape, we must put our faith in the arc of history and our Constitution.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://delgado.house.gov/media/press-releases/delgado-s-second-bill-signed-law-will-rename-pine-plains-post-office-after,"Delgado’s Second Bill Signed into Law, will Rename Pine Plains Post Office After Fallen Soldier",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Antonio Delgado,D000630,delgado.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DCRepresentative Antonio Delgado's (NY-19) legislation to rename the Pine Plains Post Office in honor of Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO) Shannon M. Kent was signed into law by President Trump, his second bill enacted this year. SCPO Kent, a Dutchess County native, was killed in Syria by a suicide bombing during her fifth combat tour in the Middle East this past January. Our nation is forever grateful to Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon M. Kent who devoted her life to protecting our country and defending our democracy. I am proud to see my bipartisan legislation to honor her life by renaming the Pine Plains Post Office the Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon M. Kent Post Office become law. Rep. Delgado said, the courage and devotion to our nation shown by Senior Chief Petty Officer Kent should continue to serve as an inspiration to us all, and I am elated Dutchess County will be home to this permanent fixture honoring her life, service, and legacy. Rep. Delgado introduced this bipartisan bill in April along with Reps. Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Kathleen Rice (NY-04), and Anthony Brindisi (NY-22) to rename the Pine Plains Post Office, located at 7722 South Main Street, the Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon M. Kent Post Office. This post office is located in SCPO Kent's hometown. Rep. Delgado's bipartisan bill passed the House on October 16, and the Senate on November 22. In 2016, SCPO Kent survived thyroid cancer, and in 2018 commissioned for a special officer program to earn a Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. She was later disqualified, having not met the required medical standards established under Department of Defense (DOD) Instruction 6130.03 to commission as an officer in the armed forces. She appealed, and was denied a waiver by the Navy, and in November 2018 deployed to Syria. Prior to her death, SCPO Kent worked tirelessly to change the Navy and DOD policies which resulted in her fifth deployment. Due to her work, the Navy has made positive changes to its waiver policy, and named these changes after SCPO Kent. SCPO Kent, who passed at the age of 35, was a wife and a mother of two beautiful children. Following her passing, Rep. Delgado honored SCPO Kent's life on the floor of the House of Representatives and has spearheaded efforts in Congress to change the DOD regulation that forced SCPO Kent to deploy to Syria rather than pursue academic study. SCPO Kent was the recipient of the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, two Joint Service Commendation Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Joint Service Achievement Medal. This is Congressman Delgado's second bill to be signed into law. In August, the President signed Rep. Delgado's bipartisan Family Farmer Relief Act into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://engel.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=61&itemid=4959,House Passes Engel Authored Bill to Reauthorize Funding for Poison Control Centers,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Eliot Engel,E000179,engel.house.gov,,,legacy,"House Passes Engel Authored Bill to Reauthorize Funding for Poison Control Centers Legislation will help tackle the national opioid & vaping epidemics Today the House of Representatives passed Congressman Eliot L. Engel's bipartisan Poison Center Network Enhancement Act as part of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, H.R. 1865. This legislation would reauthorize funding for poison control centers such as the New York City Regional Poison Control Center, which serves NY-16, and other poison prevention activities such as a media campaign. Poison control centers are a critical part of our nation's public health system, said Congressman Engel. These organizations are on the frontlines of combating the opioid epidemic by providing guidance to health care providers and American families responding to an overdose. They are also helping the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention deal with the outbreak of lung-related illnesses among Americans vaping. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to get this legislation to the President's desk for his signature. The reauthorization of the poison center network is fantastic news for the residents of New York and our entire country, said Dr. Mark Ryan, President of the American Association of Poison Control Centers. We want to thank Representative Engel for his strong support, hard work and leadership to ensure that poison control centers can continue to providefree, expert medical advice throughout the United States and U.S. territories via the Poison Help hotline:1-800-222-1222. Representative Engel's constituents are well served by the New York City Poison Control Center. The Poison Center Network Enhancement Act would provide poison control centers with five years of funding, including the New York City Regional Poison Control Center, which assists residents in the Bronx and Westchester. It would also provide federal support for a nationwide media campaign to prevent and reduce exposure to toxic substances.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-adriano-espaillat-secures-additional-funding-vital,Representative Adriano Espaillat Secures Additional Funding for Vital Infrastructure in District and Other Programs in House Appropriations Bill,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Adriano Espaillat,E000297,espaillat.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement on legislative victories secured through his efforts in the recent appropriations package that will have immediate impacts on projects throughout New York's 13th congressional district. As we will soon mark the close of another successful legislative calendar year, I am delighted to announce that several efforts that I have pushed in Washington on behalf of my constituents will be included in the recent appropriations package and will impact the lives of New Yorkers and individuals around the nation, said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13).I am especially thrilled to announce that we have secured a 13% increase, or $192 million in additional funding for the federal New Starts Program, which will fund the Second Avenue Subway Phase II extension, a project that is critical to the health and prosperity of our community and will provide transit options that East Harlem desperately needs. We have fought hard for this important project and this appropriations victory will help make expansion of Phase II of the Second Avenue Subway a reality. The recent appropriations package, which is expected to become law, includes a number of requests that Rep. Espaillat has spent the year advocating for: $21 million for body-worn cameras for CBP border agents to ensure greater transparency and oversight of immigration enforcement agencies along our nation's southern border; Language that requires ICE to provide an update to Congress on the status of its body-worn camera pilot program; Language that requires the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to work with stakeholders and report to Congress any plans to consolidate or close international field offices, which provide vital services to Americans and prospective residents living overseas; An increase in the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) by $2 million, bringing that project to $60 million total, to combat drug trafficking, promote social justice, and increase public safety and security in the region; $45 million to help Hispanic-serving colleges and universities expand their science, technology, engineering and math programs; And full funding for the Farmers Market Nutrition Program for a total of $18.5 billion, which helps those with WIC program nutrition assistance purchase fresh produce from locally-sourced farmers markets. I take my oath of office seriously and will continue my efforts to push for smart legislation and critical funding that will help improve the lives of hard-working families in my district and throughout New York. # # # First elected to Congress in 2016, Rep. Adriano Espaillat is serving his second term in Congress where he serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the House Small Business Committee. He serves as a Senior Whip of the House Democratic Caucus and is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) where he also serves in a leadership role as CHC Whip.He is also chairman of the CHC Task Force for Transportation, Infrastructure and Housing. Rep. Espaillat's Congressional District includes Harlem, East Harlem, northern Manhattan and the north-west Bronx. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/. Media inquiries: Candace Randle Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov Permanezca informado y conectado:Espaillat.House.Gov/@RepEspaillat NOTA DE PRENSA Para divulgacin inmediata Diciembre 17, 2019 Congresista Adriano Espaillat obtiene fondos adicionales para infraestructura vital en el distrito y otros programas en el proyecto de ley de Asignaciones de la Cmara $ 192 millones de fondos adicionales garantizados para el Programa Federal New Starts que financiar la Extensin de la Fase II del Subway de la Segunda Avenida WASHINGTON, DCEl congresista Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) emiti la siguiente declaracin sobre victorias legislativas obtenidas gracias a sus esfuerzos en el reciente paquete de asignaciones que tendrn un impacto inmediato en proyectos en todo el distrito congresual 13 de Nueva York. Como pronto marcaremos el cierre de otro ao calendario legislativo exitoso, me complace anunciar que varios esfuerzos que he impulsado en Washington en nombre de mis constituyentes se incluirn en el paquete de asignaciones de fondos recientes e impactarn la vida de los neoyorquinos e individuos en todo el pas"", dijo el congresista Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). ""Estoy especialmente emocionado de anunciar que hemos asegurado un aumento del 13%, o $192 millones en fondos adicionales, para el Programa Federal New Starts, que financiar la extensin de la Fase II del Subway de la Segunda Avenida, un proyecto que es crucial para la salud y la prosperidad de nuestra comunidad y proporcionar las opciones de transporte que East Harlem necesita desesperadamente. Hemos luchado mucho por este importante proyecto y esta victoria en las asignaciones presupuestarias ayudar a hacer realidad la expansin de la Fase II del Subway de la Segunda Avenida. El reciente paquete de asignaciones, que se espera que se convierta en ley, incluye una serie de solicitudes por las que el congresista Espaillat ha abogando durante el ao, como: $ 21 millones para cmaras corporales para los agentes fronterizos de CBP, a fin de garantizar una mayor transparencia y supervisin de las agencias de control de inmigracin a lo largo de la frontera sur de nuestra nacin; Lenguaje que requiere que ICE proporcione una actualizacin al Congreso sobre el estado de su programa piloto de cmaras corporales; Lenguaje que requiere que los Servicios de Ciudadana e Inmigracin de EE.UU. (USCIS) trabajen con las partes interesadas e informen al Congreso de cualquier plan para consolidar o cerrar oficinas de campo internacionales, que brinden servicios vitales a estadounidenses y posibles residentes que viven en el extranjero; Un aumento de $2 millones en fondos para la Iniciativa de Seguridad de la Cuenca del Caribe (CBSI), llevando ese proyecto a un total de $60 millones, para combatir el narcotrfico, promover la justicia social y aumentar la proteccin y la seguridad pblica en la regin; $45 millones para ayudar a las universidades y colleges que sirve a los hispanos a expandir sus programas de ciencia, tecnologa, ingeniera y matemticas; Y financiamiento completo para el Programa de Nutricin del Mercado de Agricultores por un total de $18.5 mil millones, que ayuda a aquellos con asistencia nutricional del programa WIC a comprar productos frescos de los mercados de agricultores de origen local. ""Yo tomo muy en serio mi juramento y continuar mis esfuerzos para impulsar legislaciones inteligentes y fondos crticos que ayuden a mejorar las vidas de las familias trabajadoras en mi distrito y en todo Nueva York"". # # # Elegido por primera vez al Congreso en 2016, el congresista Adriano Espaillat est cumpliendo su segundo mandato en el Congreso, donde se desempea como miembro del influyente Comit de Asuntos Exteriores, del Comit de Transporte e Infraestructura, y del Comit de Pequeos Negocios de la Cmara de Representantes de los Estados Unidos. Sirve como Coordinador Superior (Senior Whip) del Caucus Demcrata de la Cmara y es miembro del Caucus Hispano del Congreso (CHC) en el cual desempea un papel de liderazgo como Coordinar (Whip) del CHC.Tambin espresidente del Grupo de Trabajo sobre Transporte, Infraestructura y Vivienda del CHC. El Distrito Congresual del Cong. 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 los medios: Candace Randle Person atCandace.Person@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-announces-passage-21m-long-island-sound,Lowey Announces Passage of $21M for Long Island Sound,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Nita Lowey,L000480,lowey.house.gov,,,legacy,"With an increase of $7 million from FY19, this is the largest federal investment committed to restoring the Sound Program Office. WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, announced $21 million in funding for Long Island Sound was included in the fiscal year 2020 appropriations bill passed Tuesday by the House of Representatives. I first ran for Congress on the promise that I would do all I could to restore Long Island Sound, said Congresswoman Lowey. I am thrilled that year after year, we've made progress on that promise. Today, the House passed spending legislation that included $21 million for the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Long Island Sound Geographic program, a $7 million increase. I'm proud of this investment to protect the Sound and assist the local economy. Thank you to Chairwoman Lowey for leading the effort to increase investments for the restoration of Long Island Sound, said Nancy Seligson, Mamaroneck Town Supervisor, Save The Sound Board Member. This funding supports and leverages state and local projects for resilient, sustainable and environmentally just communities and provides the scientific research and data needed to effectively manage for cleaner, healthier waters. With these investments, Long Island Sound, its rivers, harbors, and bays will continue to provide fishing, boating, swimming and up to $31 billion annually to the regional economy. Congresswoman Nita Lowey has been a shining leader in Congress and a stalwart champion for our region. Her leadership on funding for and restoration of Long Island Sound has shaped the improvements we enjoy today and will shape the improvements we look forward to in the future. Federal funding for the Environmental Protection Agency's Long Island Sound Geographic Program is vital to our regional economy, our environment, and the communities that rely on it. The Long Island Sound Geographic Program focuses on reducing nitrogen levels in the Sound's water and restoring the surrounding habitats. Long Island Sound has sustained a diversity of birds, wildlife and marine organisms, while also serving as a recreational magnet for tens of thousands of Americans. More than 23 million people live within 50 miles of its shores. According to the Long Island Sound Study, the Sound alone directly contributes $9.4 billion to the regional economy each year and provides between $17 billion and $37 billion in economic value each year. We only get one planet, said Congresswoman Lowey. If we don't invest resources now to protect areas like Long Island Sound, our children and grandchildren will be left to deal with the consequences. Federal investments in Long Island Sound help leverage additional funding from other federal, state, local and private partners. This federal funding package is expected to be signed into law later this week. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-creates-15m-program-help-communities-near-indian-point,Lowey Creates $15M Program to Help Communities near Indian Point,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Nita Lowey,L000480,lowey.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, announced a new $15 million program to make federal funds available to help the Lower Hudson Valley deal with the economic burden of the Indian Point Energy Center's closure. I heard the serious concerns of the communities surrounding Indian Point loud and clear, said Congresswoman Lowey. I'm proud to have secured $15 million to create a program to help the Lower Hudson Valley deal with the economic burden of the Indian Point Energy Center's closure. Indian Point has provided significant economic help to the municipalities, school district, and businesses near the plant, as well as being a major employer in the area. With the imminent closure of the plant, I have been working hard with local officials to find ways to build up the tax base. Our efforts are producing real results. Included in the fiscal year 2020 spending package expected to be signed into law later this week, these funds are part of a new competitive grant created by Congresswoman Lowey for communities affected by nuclear power plant closures. For the first time, communities experiencing economic loss from closing or previously closed nuclear power plants can apply for dedicated federal funding to get them back on their feet through the Economic Development Administration (EDA). I am so pleased to hear about this EDA money for communities affected by Nuclear Power Plant Closures that are in need, said Theresa Knickerbocker, mayor of the Village of Buchanan. I would like to thank Congresswoman Lowey for her support. She has understood from the beginning and been on the forefront of not only the local issue with the closing of Indian Point, but also the national issue that there are many other communities facing the devastating effects of Nuclear Power Plant closures. This is an important step to ensuring the area around Indian Point gets the economic resources and development it needs to thrive, said Congresswoman Lowey. Congresswoman Lowey led the Congress in ignoring the Trump Administration's request to eliminate the EDA. Instead, this spending bill includes $27.5 million above the fiscal year 2019 enacted level for EDA. This investment will leverage an additional $4.5 billion in local and private investment and support nearly 21,000 American jobs. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lowey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lowey-secures-increase-30-million-federal-funding-bill-nonprofit,Lowey Secures Increase of $30 Million in Federal Funding Bill for Nonprofit Security Grant Program,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Nita Lowey,L000480,lowey.house.gov,,,legacy,"As Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, Lowey was instrumental in securing $40 million to protect nonprofits. WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, announced that the spending bill that funds the federal government through September 2020 includes $40 million in federal funding, an increase of $30 million from the fiscal year 2019 enacted level, for a homeland security grant program to support nonprofit organizations located outside of designated Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) jurisdictions that are determined to be at high risk of a terrorist attack. I believe nonprofits and religious institutions are the foundation of many great communities across the country, and they must be protected, said Congresswoman Lowey. In 2018, I established a nonprofit security grant program for those outside of UASI regions, and today, I've increased funding for that program by 300 percent from $10 million to $40 million. With anti-Semitism and other hate crimes on the rise in New York and across the country, this increase is essential to keeping our communities safe. JCC Rockland is grateful to Congresswoman Lowey for her efforts in helping to secure $40 million in Homeland Security Funding for the areas outside UASI, said David Kirschtel, CEO of JCC Rockland. This increase of $30 million is critical to support the security needs of the greater community. JCC Rockland was extremely appreciative to be included as a recipient of funding in the first round of funds two years ago which was the first time non-profits in Rockland County were eligible. As a Jewish Community Center located close to the NY State Thruway and the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, we are hopeful that with this significant increase in funding we will be able to secure additional dollars to secure our Campus. Congresswoman Lowey has been a true champion to the Jewish and greater community, and we are grateful for her efforts. While Westchester is part ofa UASI region, Rockland is not and was unable to access federal funding to protect its nonprofits until Lowey established this important program in 2018. As Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Lowey was instrumental in securing this funding along with other funding critical for fiscal year 2020 to enhance regional preparedness and security capabilities including: $710 million for firefighter equipment and staffing grants; $665 million for Urban Areas Security Initiative Grants, including $50 million for non-profit organizations; $560 million for the State Homeland Security Grant Program, an $35 million increase from the FY2018 enacted level; and $125 million for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program. This fiscal year 2020 appropriations package was passed by the House of Representatives today and is expected to be passed by the Senate and signed into law by the end of the week. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-durbin-introduce-legislation-to-expand-family-leave-protections,"Maloney, Durbin Introduce Legislation To Expand Family Leave Protections",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY-12), Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today introduced legislation that would bring the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) into the 21stCentury. TheFamily Medical Leave Modernization Actwill guarantee small necessities leave and make important updates to the definition of family to ensure a broader range of caregiving relationships are covered by FMLA's protections. Approximately 40 percent of today's workforce is not eligible for leave under FMLA. In 2015, more than 25 percent of family caregivers provided care to a family member who was not covered by FMLA, including grandparents, siblings, and adult children. Thirty-four percent of family caregivers who left the workforce reported doing so because their work did not allow flexible hours. It is unacceptable that some American workers are still forced to choose between caring for their loved ones or losing their jobs. Even with the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, 40 percent of the work force is still ineligible for FMLA leave it's time to bring leave into the 21st century,said Maloney. The FMLA Modernization Act reflects that families and caregiving comes in all shapes and sizes. These changes are long overdue. While the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 was an important first step in better protecting families' economic security, it must be updated to better address the needs of today's workforce, Durbin said. Regardless of the make-up of one's family, all employees should be given the same rights to care for a sick loved one in a time of need. As families change, so should the laws designed to help them. TheFamily Medical Leave Modernization Actwould ensure that all employees have the same rights to care for a family member. TheFamily Medical Leave ModernizationActwould: Update the FMLA's definition of family to include a domestic partner, parent-in-law, aunt, uncle, sibling, adult child, grandparent, grandchild, son- or daughter-in-law, and other significant relationships; and Guarantee that parents and other family caregivers have the ability to take time off to attend a medical appointment or school function, such as a parent-teacher conference, without risk of losing their job. Along with Durbin, the Family Medical Leave Modernization Act is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Kamala Harris (D-CA), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH). The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) has been used nearly 280 million times to help working people care for themselves or a loved one. The Family Medical Leave Modernization Act improves this critical protection by broadening the definition of family and acknowledging modern workers' diverse care needs and family relationships. An inclusive family definition is key to ensuring leave is accessible and equitable, particularly for communities of color, LGBTQ people, immigrants, workers who are paid lower wages, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. We thank Senator Durbin and Congresswoman Maloney for introducing this bill, which both strengthens the FMLA and helps create a path toward a paid family and medical leave policy that benefits all workers and families, said Debra L. Ness, President, National Partnership for Women & Families. Family caregiving needs have changed dramatically in recent years and are expected to increase in the coming years. By 2035, adults over the age of 65 are projected to outnumber children in the United States for the first time in history. Already, 7.8 million children live in households led by a grandparent or other relative. As family structures change and caregiving needs increase, so should the laws designed to help these families. Roughly 40 million family members, partners, or friends provide care to adults in the United States, including 24 million family caregivers who work. Many caregivers provide support to both children and an aging family member. Women compose roughly 60 percent of caregivers, and approximately 55 percent of those women are also employed. Women who are family caregivers face significant challenges, including loss of retirement savings and lower potential lifetime earnings. Women caregivers are also 2.5 times more likely to live in poverty. The Family Medical Leave Modernization Act is endorsed by the following organizations: National Partnership for Women & Families, MomsRising, A Better Balance, Jewish Women International, National Council of Jewish Women, Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, Shriver Center on Poverty Law, The Arc, National Women's Law Center, Women Employed, ZERO TO THREE, 1,000 Days, Women's Law Project, Women and Girls Foundation of Southwest PA, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Caring Across Generations, North Carolina Justice Center, National WIC Association, TIME'S UP Now, Center for Law and Social Policy, Child Care Aware of America, Main Street Alliance, YWCA USA, Closing the Women's Wealth Gap, Women's Foundation of Minnesota, Movement Advancement Project, Chicago Foundation for Women, Legal Aid at Work, Family Story, American Association of University Women, Equal Rights Advocates, UnidosUS, the Center for American Progress, Women's Fund of RI, and ChangeLab Solutions. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-hails-senate-passage-of-debbie-smith-reauthorization-act,Maloney Hails Senate Passage of Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NY,Carolyn Maloney,M000087,maloney.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney's (D-NY) H.R. 777 Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of 2019 passed the Senate by unanimous consent. This bipartisan bill was introduced with Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) in January and passed the House in October. Too many victims of violent crime are being denied justice because forensic labs across this country don't have the resources to process DNA evidence the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program is changing that, said Rep. Maloney. I first wrote and passed the Debbie Smith Act after hearing testimony from the bill's namesake, Debbie Smith, that it took 6 years for her rape kit to be tested. When the Debbie Smith Act first passed, it was called the the most important anti-rape legislation ever signed into law.' The results of the grant program speak for themselves. This funding keeps rapists and other criminals off the streets. And equally important, the program is instrumental in delivering some measure of justice to survivors of violence. I urge the President to sign this reauthorization bill immediately. I am thrilled that the Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act has finally passed the Senate, said Rep. Wagner.Survivors of sexual assault have looked to us for leadership since this critical DNA testing program was allowed to lapse in September.Now that the Debbie Smith Act is being reauthorized, our communities can better identify and prosecute violent predators and find justice for the survivors who have bravely come forward to pursue their attackers. Alongside sexual assault survivors, I have been whipping my colleagues and Senators in a push to get this done ever since we introduced this legislation. While these vital programs should never have been allowed to lapse at all, I am pleased that our continued efforts to get this legislation over the finish line worked, and I look forward to President Trump signing it into law. Background Congresswoman Maloney is the author of the Debbie Smith Act, which first passed in 2004. The legislation created a grant program that provides much-needed resources to state and local law enforcement agencies to conduct forensic analysis of DNA evidence collected from crime scenes, including untested rape kits. The National Institute of Justice reports that since 2005, Debbie Smith funding is responsible for 192,000 or about 42% - of DNA matches in the FBI database. As improved technology enables more collection of DNA evidence, demand for grant funding has consistently increased. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z