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://lalota.house.gov/media/press-releases/lalotas-bipartisan-bill-fight-fentanyl-and-xylazine-epidemic-heads-presidents,LaLota’s Bipartisan Bill to Fight Fentanyl and Xylazine Epidemic Heads to President’s Desk,2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Nick LaLota,L000598,lalota.house.gov,lalota,https://lalota.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON D.C. - Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County), a member of the Homeland Security Committee, released the following statement after his bipartisan bill, the Detection Equipment and Technology Evaluation to Counter the Threat of (DETECT) Fentanyl and Xylazine Act passed both the House and Senate. This legislation empowers Law Enforcement with research, information, and technologies to find and eliminate dangerous drugs infiltrating America’s communities.

""The passage of my bipartisan DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act, by both the House and Senate, is a critical step in combating the devastating epidemic of illegal narcotics flooding into our country, tearing apart families and communities,"" said LaLota. ""This legislation equips our dedicated Law Enforcement officers with the tools they need to fight these deadly drugs and protect American lives. I’m proud to see this bill advance to the President’s desk and urge its swift enactment into law. Now is the time to act decisively, prioritize public safety, and take bold steps to prevent further tragic and unnecessary loss of life.""

To read the full text of this legislation, click HERE.

Background:

This legislation initially passed the House of Representatives on September 9th, 2024. After the Senate amended the legislation, it passed the Senate on December 12th, 2024. Upon amendment, the measure was required to pass the House of Representatives again and will now move to the President’s desk.

TheDETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act would:

Create a new statutory responsibility for the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) at the Department of Homeland Security to carry out research, development, testing, evaluation, and cost-benefit analysis to improve the safety, effectiveness, and efficiency of drug detection equipment and reference libraries used by Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies;

Establish three focus areas with flexibility to adopt other focuses in the future: (1) Portable detection equipment that requires minimal handling of sample; (2) Equipment that can separate complex mixtures with low concentrations of drugs and high concentrations of cutting agents into parts to enable detection; and (3) Technologies that use AI and machine learning to predict whether a substance is a controlled substance analog (e.g., a fentanyl analog) or other new psychoactive substance not yet included in a reference library;

Require S&T to follow the recommendations, guidelines, and best practices set out in the federal government’s Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework; and

Direct S&T to look to the DEA’s State and Territory Report on Enduring and Emerging Threats in establishing priorities.

The Senate’s amendments to the legislation are as follows:

Adds language specifying that the activities in this bill under the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate must be carried out in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Emphasizes improving not just the equipment but also the effectiveness and efficiency of reference libraries, explicitly stating these efforts should be for accurate detection.

Mandates the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to base research and development priorities on specific drugs identified as threats in documents like:

The latest Homeland Threat Assessment (DHS).

The latest State and Territory Report by the DEA.

Includes a rule of construction to clarify that the bill does not limit current agency authorities managing drug-related equipment and reference libraries.

This legislation is endorsed by the National Association of Police Organizations, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Sergeants Benevolent Association of the NYPD, the National Border Patrol Council, the National Treasury Employees Union, the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, Shatterproof, the National HIDTA Directors Association, and the National Association of Counties.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-nick-langworthy-joins-make-america-healthy-again-caucus-founding,Congressman Nick Langworthy Joins the Make America Healthy Again Caucus as Founding Member,2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Nicholas A. Langworthy,L000600,langworthy.house.gov,langworthy,https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy announced that he is a founding member of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus, a new initiative focused on improving access to affordable, high-quality foods and primary care to help Americans lead healthier, longer lives.

“Healthy food and access to quality medical care are essential for the long-term health of our communities,” said Congressman Langworthy. “In Western New York and the Southern Tier, we take pride in the hard work of our farmers and food producers who help put healthy, nutritious food on dinner tables across America. This Caucus will not only help ensure every community has better access to healthy food options but also affordable, quality healthcare so families can focus on living well and building strong futures. I’m proud to join this effort to work with the Trump Administration to make health a priority for all Americans.”

The MAHA Caucus will address rising rates of chronic diseases and obesity by promoting access to preventive care and affordable, high-quality food. It will also work to support underserved and rural communities, ensuring that no family is left behind when it comes to achieving better health outcomes.

The caucus is led by Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), and Congressman Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) in the House, as well as Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) in the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-passing-of-president-jimmy-carter/,Gillibrand Statement On Passing Of President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement on the death of President Jimmy Carter:

“President Jimmy Carter was a devoted public servant, a lifelong activist, and a prolific humanitarian. I am devastated to hear of his passing, but I know that his legacy will live on through the work of the Carter Center and the thousands of people he influenced throughout his life. My thoughts are with his family today. He will be deeply missed.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-adriano-espaillat-applauds-final-passage-his-legislation,Representative Adriano Espaillat Applauds Final Passage of His Legislation Recognizing Harlem's Holcombe Rucker Park as a National Commemorative Site,2024-12-28,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Adriano Espaillat,E000297,espaillat.house.gov,espaillat,https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"NEW YORK, NY – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) announced the final passage of his bill, H.R. 6852, the Holcombe Rucker Park Commemorative Site Act, which was successfully passed in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate and will soon be signed into law.

""It has been my esteemed honor to introduce federal legislation recognizing the tremendous impact of the Harlem community, designating the Holcombe Rucker Park as a national commemorative site,"" said Espaillat. ""I am deeply appreciative of each of the community advocates for helping get this bill across the finish line, enshrining Harlem as America's basketball mecca, the legacy of Holcombe Rucker, and empowering New York youth for generations to come. Thank you to my colleagues, Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, for your collaborative efforts to secure Senate passage of the bill. I look forward to this historic piece of legislation for my district to head to the President's desk to be signed into law.""

“The Holcombe Rucker Family has always appreciated the support and steadfastness of Congressman Adriano Espaillat in sticking with H.R. 6852 and finally bringing the Holcombe Rucker Park to life as a historic landmark. The wait is over thanks to you. Finally, the complete story of Holcombe Rucker's legacy and Holcombe Rucker Park will be properly preserved. We thank you. The impact and respect on the lives of the Harlem community, local, regional, national, international, and global can now shine as a 21st Century Impact beacon of a structured socioeconomic platform pioneered by Holcombe Rucker. Thank you, forever in the hearts of the Holcombe Rucker Family, Congressman Adriano Espaillat. This is a giant achievement by a giant politician. Blessings on you sir,” said Phil Rucker, on behalf of the Rucker family.

“The national landmarking of the Holcombe Rucker Park will not only preserve the Central Harlem iconic park's legacy but also ensure that future generations will be able to appreciate its role in shaping the cultural and sporting landscape of our nation. Manhattan Community Board 10 expresses its utmost gratitude to Congressman Espaillat for his phenomenal diligence and perseverance in advancing H.R. 6852 to garner unanimous support from both the House of Representatives and the Senate and now on to President Biden. The fruition of this historic 118th Congress legislation is an epic tribute to the legacy of this compelling American history and the celebration of the cultural diversity it represents. We look forward to the presidential confirmation,” said Karen Horry, Chair, Parks and Recreation Committee for the Manhattan Community Board 10.

“On behalf of the Marius family, we express our sincere gratitude to Congressman Espaillat for his hard work and dedication throughout this year. He persistently pushed bill H.R. 6852 to be recognized as the commemorative site that it is, and we are truly grateful! You have preserved the legacy for many families to secure the future for our youth as well. What an amazing accomplishment! We are elated just knowing that Holcombe Rucker Park will become one of our nation's historic landmark preservations,” said Stacey Marius on behalf of the Marius family.

“As the Commissioner of Rucker Park, I want to emphasize that Rucker Park has been a vital part of the globalization of basketball as the first All-Pro Summer Basketball League since 1965, where legendary players such as Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Connie Hawkins, and Julius ""Dr. J"" Erving—along with members of the Harlem Globetrotters—have graced the court. Congressman Adriano Espaillat has honored Rucker Park with recognition as a National Landmark and commemorative site. It is with sincere and deep gratitude that we receive the news of the passage of H.R. 6852 in both the House and Senate, championed by Congressman Espaillat. The tireless dedication of Fred Crawford, Bob, and the entire McCullough family has been profoundly recognized by our nation. Their commitment to the Harlem community is validated through this significant achievement. The impactful work of the National Association of Each One Teach One Inc., along with the Rucker Pro League and Rucker Pro Legends, is further invigorated as we honor the legacy and vision of our patriarch, Holcombe L. Rucker,” said Bob McCullough and on behalf of the McCullough family.

""We, 155 Entertainers, and Rucker Park Street Basketball Classic are incredibly proud to celebrate 38 years of delivering a successful program that uplifts and engages our community,"" said Gus Wells, Chief Executive of 155 Entertainers. ""It brings us immense joy to see Rucker Park finally recognized as a historic landmark, a well-deserved acknowledgment of its cultural and social significance. We extend our deepest gratitude to Congressman Espaillat for his invaluable support last summer in making this milestone possible.""

“There were great mentors at Rucker park, teaching you right and wrong, and to further your studies so that you could help your community. I was one of them. I went from Rucker to Stanford University,” said Bobby Hunter, a.k.a. Zorro, a Rucker Park legend and famed Harlem Globetrotter. “We commend Congressman Espaillat for this once in a lifetime recognition of the Holcombe Rucker Parker and look forward to many years of collaboration to further the park’s success under this new national designation.”

# # #

Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fourth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 118th Congress. He is also a member of the House Budget Committee and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Deputy Chair as well as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI). Rep. Espaillat is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3562,Partners in Diplomacy Act Becomes Congressman Lawler's Sixth Bill Signed Into Law,2024-12-26,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Michael Lawler,L000599,lawler.house.gov,lawler,https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"On Monday, the bipartisan Partners in Diplomacy Act, introduced in August by Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) and co-led by Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), was signed into law as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation will enable the State Department to enter into co-location agreements with U.S. allies in overseas facilities, such as embassies and consulates. This specifically includes only NATO allies and major non-NATO allies.

Co-locate agreements have immense benefits for U.S. diplomacy. They would allow State Department personnel to deepen relationships with like-minded partners abroad and ensure aligned objectives. Sharing space would also reduce costs for diplomatic office space and allow for the opening of new, less expensive posts in strategic locations. Co-location would be a particularly helpful tool in the Pacific Islands, where a physical diplomatic presence is critical to countering the CCP.

""The Partners in Diplomacy Act will go a long way to strengthening the U.S. position in strategic regions and enhancing our relations with trusted partners,"" said Congressman Lawler. ""Setting our country up for success in the international space has been one of my top objectives as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. I’m pleased that Congress and the White House understand the immense benefits of this policy, and I’m glad we could get this done in the 118th Congress.""

The Partners in Diplomacy Act is the sixth bill introduced by Congressman Mike Lawler to become law in the 118th Congress. His other bills to become law were:

The Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords Act

The Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum (SHIP) Act

The Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act

The Undetectable Firearms Reauthorization Act

The Enhanced Presidential Security Act",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3567,Congressman Lawler Praises Inclusion of Provision to Curtail Forever Chemicals in FY25 NDAA Signed into Law,2024-12-26,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Michael Lawler,L000599,lawler.house.gov,lawler,https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Representative Mike Lawler praised the inclusion of language in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) establishing a directive to the Department of Defense to only purchase cleaning products that have been certified by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Safer Choice program. The EPA’s Safer Choice program certifies that products are free of certain hazardous chemicals such as PFAS and instead use safer chemical ingredients. The legislation was signed into law by President Biden on Monday evening.

Congressman Lawler has spearheaded numerous bills to halt the proliferation of forever chemicals, including introducing the PFAS-Free Procurement Act, which will prohibit agencies from purchasing products containing PFAS. The language included in the FY25 NDAA is a first step in passing the larger bill.

""Protecting the health and safety of our citizens is a fundamental duty of governance,"" said Congressman Lawler. ""PFAS contamination remains a pressing issue in the Hudson Valley and communities across our country, with the health impacts of exposure to forever chemicals having come to light more and more in recent years. The language included in this year's NDAA will protect our communities from harmful chemicals by significantly curtailing the federal use of products containing them. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on this important issue in the 119th Congress, including in getting my PFAS-Free Procurement Act into law.""

Congressman Mike Lawler has had six bills signed into law in the 118th Congress:

The Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords Act

The Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum (SHIP) Act

The Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act

The Undetectable Firearms Reauthorization Act

The Enhanced Presidential Security Act

The Partners in Diplomacy Act",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-announces-voice-votes-smithsonian-exhibit-coming-staten-islands,Malliotakis Announces Voice & Votes Smithsonian Exhibit is Coming to Staten Island's Alice Austen House,2024-12-26,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Nicole Malliotakis,M000317,malliotakis.house.gov,malliotakis,https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(STATEN ISLAND, NY) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis today announced that that the Voices and Votes: Democracy in America exhibit from the Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) will be making its next stop in Staten Island and will be on view at Alice Austen House from December 27, 2024, to February 7, 2025. The exhibition is part of Museum on Main Street, a unique collaboration between the SITES, state humanities councils across the nation, and local host institutions.

Voices and Votes is adapted from the exhibition American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. This traveling exhibition includes many of the same dynamic features: historical and contemporary photographs; educational and archival video; engaging multimedia interactives, and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest material.

""With the United States approaching its 250th anniversary, this traveling exhibit focused on our country's upbringing is the perfect way for our community to learn more about our Democratic process,"" said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. ""I've been proud to work with the Smithsonian to bring the Trump-authorized Women's History Museum to the National Mall, and I encourage everyone to visit the Alice Austen House while this exhibit is on display to reflect on the foundations of our nation and the progress we've made to build a government that represents the diverse voices of the American people.""

""The Alice Austen House is looking forward to collaborating on this project,"" said Alice Austen House Executive Director Victoria Munro. ""It allows us to develop complementary programming that celebrates Alice Austen's role in organizing and community building while also recognizing the contributions of other women, both from her time and throughout history, to the advancement of American democracy.""

Voices and Votes exhibition themes include:

the principles and events that inspired the writers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution;

the struggle for voting rights and equal participation in our democracy;

freedoms and responsibilities of citizens;

the formal and informal processes of our political systems;

music, performance, and visual arts as expressions of democracy;

protest and actions beyond the ballot including civil rights movements and the struggles of historically marginalized people;

and engaging new American citizens.

Learn more about the Voice and Votes exhibition HERE",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-leads-letter-to-president-biden-urging-the-exoneration-of-marcus-garvey/,CLARKE LEADS LETTER TO PRESIDENT BIDEN URGING THE EXONERATION OF MARCUS GARVEY,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 23, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT:

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) led 20 of her colleagues in a letter to President Biden urging the exoneration of Marcus Mosiah Garvey for a 1923 conviction for the fraudulent use of the mail:

“Exactly 101 years ago, Mr. Garvey was convicted of mail fraud in a case that was marred by prosecutorial and governmental misconduct. The evidence paints an abundantly clear narrative that the charges against Mr. Garvey were not only fabricated but also targeted to criminalize, discredit, and silence him as a civil rights leader. In response to this blatant injustice, President Calvin Coolidge commuted Mr. Garvey’s sentence upon eligibility. Efforts to clear Garvey’s name have persisted for decades. In 1987, under Congressman John Conyers’ leadership, the House Judiciary Committee held hearings on Mr. Garvey’s exoneration. In 2004, Congressman Charles Rangel introduced a series of resolutions calling attention to the injustice, followed by Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke’s recent efforts to continue these strides. Despite these efforts, Garvey’s name has not yet been cleared,” wrote the Members.

“Exonerating Mr. Garvey would honor his work for the Black community, remove the shadow of an unjust conviction, and further this administration’s promise to advance racial justice. At a time when Black history faces the existential threat of erasure by radical state legislatures, a presidential pardon for Mr. Garvey would correct the historical record and restore the legacy of an American hero. As we approach the conclusion of your administration, this moment provides a chance to leave an indelible mark on history.”

The full text of the letter is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-releases-statement-on-president-bidens-decision-to-commute-the-sentences-of-37-individuals-on-death-row/,CLARKE RELEASES STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT BIDEN’S DECISION TO COMMUTE THE SENTENCES OF 37 INDIVIDUALS ON DEATH ROW,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 23, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT:

e:jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

Washington, DC — Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), released the following statement regarding President Biden commuting the sentences of 37 individuals on death row:

“I am pleased to hear the Biden Administration has continued its diligent work in criminal justice reform by reclassifying the death sentences of 37 individuals to life without the possibility of parole. When President Biden first assumed office, he and his administration imposed a moratorium on federal executions that, for generations, was pursued by advocates and lawmakers. And, through his action today, the president has once again reaffirmed that capital punishment has no place in a just nation,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.

“Throughout my career, I’ve called for an end to the federal government’s participation in this cruel, inhumane form of punishment, as well as its extensive weaponization against Black, brown, and low-income communities. I’ve supported legislation like the Federal Death Penalty Prohibition Act of 2023, which would prohibit the use of the death penalty as punishment for any violation of federal law, and have consistently urged our leaders to abolish the practice.

“In consideration of the incoming Trump Administration that plans to not only end the moratorium on the federal death penalty, but embrace it as a means of state-sanctioned retribution, I welcome President Biden’s moral decision to commute these 37 death sentences. I ask that he continue to review possible pardons and commutations during his remaining time in office, and that he take any additional steps available to further build a nation that upholds its highest ideals.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/icymi-senator-gillibrand-on-nyts-the-daily-on-leading-the-charge-to-certify-the-equal-rights-amendment-enshrine-equality-in-the-constitution/,"ICYMI: Senator Gillibrand On NYT’s “The Daily” On Leading The Charge To Certify The Equal Rights Amendment, Enshrine Equality In The Constitution",2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"ICYMI: Senator Gillibrand On NYT’s “The Daily” On Leading The Charge To Certify The Equal Rights Amendment, Enshrine Equality In The Constitution

Dec 23, 2024

In case you missed it, Senator Gillibrand was featured on the New York Times podcast “The Daily” about her efforts to persuade President Biden to direct the national archivist to certify and publish the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which would enshrine equality and reproductive rights in the Constitution.

Listen here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-releases-statement-on-vote-to-prevent-government-shutdown/,CLARKE RELEASES STATEMENT ON VOTE TO PREVENT GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 20, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT:

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

Washington, DC — Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Chair-elect of the Congressional Black Caucus, released the following statement:

“I am relieved to say we were able to avoid a government shutdown that would have had devastating consequences on Brooklyn communities and countless others across the nation. House Democrats secured $4.2 billion in critically needed disaster relief funding for New York, protected the safety nets of our veterans, seniors, and small business owners who count on federal agency services, and ensured essential workers like our TSA agents are not left without pay during the holiday season.

“However, the process that brought us to this point is deeply troubling. Congress cannot serve as an effective legislative body if months of bipartisan negotiations can be undone in an instant by the social media posts of unelected billionaires. House Republicans cannot be relied upon as dependable partners if they abandon their agreements and principles based on the ever-changing whims of their masters.

“While today’s crisis of the GOP’s making has been resolved, this debacle must serve as a warning of dysfunction to come in the 119th Congress. Despite whatever chaos lies on the road ahead, Democrats will remain united in our opposition to their schemes and in service to our constituents.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases/garbarino-votes-american-relief-act,Garbarino Votes For The American Relief Act,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Andrew R. Garbarino,G000597,garbarino.house.gov,garbarino,https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Tonight, the House of Representatives passed H.R.10545, the American Relief Act of 2025 which would extend government funding through March 14th, 2025. Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) released the following statement:

“A government shutdown is bad for the American people, plain and simple. While I am frustrated by the absence of 9/11 health funding and other important provisions that were included in the initial CR, I voted for the final package to keep the government open for the next three months, prevent a lapse in government resources, and ensure that our troops, border patrol agents, and tens of thousands of federal employees living on Long Island would not have to go without pay over the holidays. There continues to be widespread bipartisan and bicameral support for preventing impending cuts to the World Trade Center Health Program, and I remain confident in our ability to secure a path forward in the next Congress.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://lalota.house.gov/media/press-releases/lalota-votes-prevent-government-shutdown,LaLota Votes to Prevent Government Shutdown,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Nick LaLota,L000598,lalota.house.gov,lalota,https://lalota.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) released the following statement after voting in favor of the American Relief Act to keep the federal government funded and open for the people until March 14th, 2025.

""Yesterday, I joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in passing the American Relief Act, which keeps the government open while providing critical support for our troops, safeguarding Social Security, and ensuring millions of Americans have access to essential healthcare. The bill also delivers much-needed aid to our nation's farmers and disaster-stricken states,"" said LaLota. ""Looking ahead, Congress must address the nation’s growing debt and deficit, while prioritizing key New York spending needs, including securing supplemental funding for the World Trade Center Health Program to prevent an expected shortfall in October 2027.""

To read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.

Background:

The American Relief Act includes several of LaLota’s priorities:

Provides $100 billion in supplemental emergency spending to aid states affected by natural disasters;

$5.7 billion to support the submarine industrial base and ensure our military remains the greatest fighting force in the world;

Extends the National Flood Insurance Program through March 14th, 2025; and

Extends expiring health care programs through March 31st, 2025, including Community Health Centers, Medicare telehealth, and DEA scheduling authority for fentanyl-related substances and delays scheduled cuts to Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH).

LaLota has consistently voiced his opposition to government shutdowns and has voted to keep the government open while working for the people at every opportunity.

In October 2023, LaLota introduced the Troops Before Politicians Act, which mandates pay suspension for Members of Congress when pay is suspended for Servicemembers. LaLota is a cosponsor of the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act, which would require that if appropriations work is not done on time, all Members of Congress must stay in Washington, D.C., and work until the spending bills are completed.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-langworthy-votes-pass-american-relief-act,Congressman Langworthy Votes to Pass the American Relief Act,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Nicholas A. Langworthy,L000600,langworthy.house.gov,langworthy,https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 10545, the American Relief Act:

“Today, I proudly voted to pass the American Relief Act, standing with President Trump to keep our government open, ensure our Troops continue receiving their paychecks, support our hardworking and financially strained farmers, and provide disaster relief to communities devastated by hurricanes.

I remain committed to expanding access to telehealth services and pursuing much-needed reforms to hold Pharmacy Benefit Managers accountable, ensuring lower prescription drug costs for all Americans.

As we approach 2025, I am focused on delivering real results for the people of New York’s 23rd District and advancing President Trump’s America First agenda to secure a brighter future for our nation.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3557,Representative Lawler Issues Statement on Passage of House Continuing Resolution Averting Government Shutdown,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Michael Lawler,L000599,lawler.house.gov,lawler,https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Lawler issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the American Relief Act, which funds the government through March and provides $110 billion in much-needed disaster relief for Americans.

""I have said for the entirety of the 118th Congress that shutting down the government was out of the question and would inflict unnecessary pain on the American people,"" said Congressman Lawler. ""That's why I have been working with my colleagues day and night all week to ensure that we completed our work ahead of tonight's deadline. The continuing resolution we just passed keeps the government open and funded through March. It also provides much-needed disaster relief and farm aid that the American people have been counting on. While it does not include key provisions I fought for, including a provision to fix the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) funding formula, PBM reform, and outbound controls, these bipartisan provisions will be top priorities in the 119th Congress and I will work with my colleagues in both parties to ensure they get done. Tonight we kept our commitment to the American people and avoided the unnecessary calamity and pain that a government shutdown would inflict on the American people.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-statement-passage-bill-avert-government-shutdown,Malliotakis Statement on Passage of Bill to Avert Government Shutdown,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Nicole Malliotakis,M000317,malliotakis.house.gov,malliotakis,https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(WASHINGTON, DC) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis today released the following statement regarding the House's passage of a Continuing Resolution to avoid a government shutdown:

“This revised funding package allows Congress to address the basics of what needs to be done to keep our government funded at current levels, deliver aid to our fellow Americans suffering from natural disasters and protect our agricultural supply chains. Not only is this straightforward bill much more palatable to me, but it respects the taxpayers we represent, unlike the previous backroom boondoggle I opposed that was over 1,500 pages long and gave unnecessary and costly giveaways to the Democrats. Passing this legislation today gives us what we need until President Trump is sworn in and settled so our Republican trifecta can deliver the results the American people voted for.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-joe-morelle-house-passed-continuing-resolution,STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE ON HOUSE-PASSED CONTINUING RESOLUTION,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,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:

“While I am relieved the essential programs and services relied upon by millions of people across the country will not be disrupted by a government shutdown, I am deeply disappointed that Republicans broke their word and are choosing the interests of billionaires like Elon Musk over the interests of seniors, veterans, and working families. The American people deserve—and should demand—better.

“In spite of the recklessness my colleagues have displayed, I remain committed to finding a bipartisan solution to fully fund our government and forging a path forward to address the real challenges facing our nation.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-tenney-votes-avert-government-shutdown-and-continue-funding,Congresswoman Tenney Votes to Avert Government Shutdown and Continue Funding Government Until 2025,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Claudia Tenney,T000478,tenney.house.gov,tenney,https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today voted in favor of a short term funding bill to keep the federal government open through March 14, 2025.

H.R. 10545 - Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 passed the House by a vote of 366-34 with one present.

“In November, the American people overwhelmingly rejected the Biden administration and Senate Democrats' reckless spending, which wastes taxpayer dollars on Green New Deal pet projects, cripples our economy, and raises the national debt,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “In November, voters made it clear that they are fed up with the way Washington is currently run and issued a mandate for Republicans to deliver a fiscally responsible budget that cuts outrageous spending and reins in Washington’s bloated bureaucracy.”

""Passing a short-term Continuing Resolution is essential to avoid a shutdown under the Biden administration and ensures that we can enact our America First agenda in the new year. With Republicans set to have a majority in Congress and President Trump set to return to the White House in 2025, we will have the opportunity to implement the fiscally conservative, America First priorities that voters demanded. In the meantime, a Continuing Resolution was necessary. While this process was difficult, I am relieved we reached an agreement to prevent a shutdown and were able to secure critical funding. Thank you to President Trump, Speaker Johnson and our great leadership team for their extraordinary efforts.""

“This legislation provides $10 billion in economic assistance to farmers struggling with crop loss, government overregulation, and external market forces, while also extending current farm bill programs through September 30, 2025. Additionally, a shutdown would severely impact military families in our district, cripple our defense industrial base, and hinder Customs and Border Protection Agents working to secure our border. During a shutdown, servicemembers risking their lives for our freedoms and border agents responding to an unprecedented crisis would go unpaid. Even worse, a shutdown while the Biden administration controls all the federal agencies would have surrendered complete control to un-elected staff due to the complete absence of leadership by President Biden.""

“House Republicans have already begun working on implementing policies necessary to usher in a new era of leadership. We are committed to growing our economy, reducing inflation by reducing taxes, cutting wasteful spending, securing our borders, and unleashing American energy dominance. House Republicans are dedicated to delivering a more efficient, transparent and accountable government that returns the Constitutional power back to the American people.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4307,Tonko Votes to Avoid a Musk-Trump Shutdown,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,tonko,https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) released this statement following the House vote to fund the government hours before a GOP shutdown that would have hurt working Americans and impeded millions this holiday season:

“Thanks to Democrats, once again, we have avoided a painful shutdown. Republicans were shamed into finally taking action mere hours before the doors of government were set to close. But it didn’t have to be this way. If Republicans had simply stuck to the negotiated agreement, we could have prevented the fear and uncertainly of millions of workers who spent these days wondering if they were going to be paid at the end of the month. We could have prevented the despair of the communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton who had to wonder if relief would ever come.

“Instead, President-elect Trump and House Republicans bent to the will of the richest man in the world rather than stand up for the American people.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-announces-passage-of-key-provisions-of-her-legislation-to-address-epidemic-of-traumatic-brain-injuries-in-service-members-and-veterans/,Gillibrand Announces Passage Of Key Provisions Of Her Legislation To Address Epidemic Of Traumatic Brain Injuries In Service Members And Veterans,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, chair of the Senate Armed Services Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, held a video press conference announcing that major provisions of her legislation to protect service members from traumatic brain injuries are included in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA passed the Senate this week.

“For years, our service members have been sustaining severe and crippling brain trauma as a result of firing their own weapons, but the Department of Defense has failed to properly investigate or address their injuries,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I’m proud to have fought to get the core of my Blast Overpressure Safety Act included in this year’s NDAA to finally get service members the care they need. These provisions will require the DoD to investigate the prevalence of blast overpressure brain injuries, standardize care across the Department of Defense, and take steps to mitigate service members’ blast exposure. I look forward to seeing President Biden sign it into law.”

Gillibrand introduced the Blast Overpressure Safety Act following a disturbing report showing that service members are sustaining crippling traumatic brain injuries as a result of repeated exposure to explosions from their own weapons and explosives – otherwise known as blast overpressure. These brain injuries can cause depression, anxiety, cognitive problems, hallucinations, panic attacks, violent outbursts, suicidal tendencies, psychiatric disorders, dementia, and a variety of other serious health problems.

Specifically, the provisions of the Blast Overpressure Safety Act included in the NDAA would:

Minimize exposure to blast overpressure by:

Requiring the Secretary of Defense to establish limits for blast exposure and overpressure.

Requiring modification of existing weapons systems to reduce blast exposure.

Requiring performance parameters to minimize exposure to blast overpressure when drafting requirements for new weapons systems and new acquisitions programs.

Improve treatment and access to care by:

Establishing a standardized treatment program for blast overpressure and programs to encourage service members to seek TBI treatment.

Establishing a brain health and trauma program to provide evaluations and treatment to service members who have been exposed to blast overpressure.

Establishing a Defense Intrepid Network for TBI and Brain Health, which will provide care, standardize care, and support research related to TBI and brain health.

Requiring a report on the Warfighter Brain Health Initiative that includes information on resources spent, number of impacted service members, and number of service members receiving treatment.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-exclusion-of-provision-for-world-trade-center-health-program-funding-in-end-of-year-spending-package/,Gillibrand Statement On Exclusion Of Provision For World Trade Center Health Program Funding In End-Of-Year Spending Package,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement on the exclusion of a provision to fund the World Trade Center Health Program in the end-of-year health extenders package:

“I am deeply disappointed by the decision to not include the World Trade Center Health Program in the government funding bill. 9/11 responders and survivors are real people, not political chess pieces. Thousands of Americans risked their lives to protect our country in its darkest hour, and it is now our responsibility as members of Congress to be there for them as they continue to battle the horrific health ramifications from that day and the many days after.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-extension-of-buy-america-provisions-for-stainless-steel-flatware-in-annual-defense-bill-boosting-made-in-america-flatware-like-at-sherrill-manufacturing-in-oneida-county,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE EXTENSION OF BUY-AMERICA PROVISIONS FOR STAINLESS STEEL FLATWARE IN ANNUAL DEFENSE BILL, BOOSTING ‘MADE IN AMERICA’ FLATWARE LIKE AT SHERRILL MANUFACTURING IN ONEIDA...",2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer And Gillibrand Deliver On Key Legislation Directing The Department of Defense (DoD) To Procure Stainless Steel Flatware and Dinnerware From Domestic Sources, Helping Drive New Growth At American Flatware Producers Such As Oneida County’s Sherrill Manufacturing

Senators Say Extension Of ‘SPOONSS Act’ In Annual Defense Bill Will Restore Long-Standing Domestic Sourcing Requirements, Protecting Good-Paying Jobs In The Mohawk Valley

Schumer, Gillibrand: The Bipartisan ‘SPOONSS Act’ Will Put A Fork In Unfair Foreign Competition From Countries Like China By Requiring Our Military To Purchase American-Made Dinnerware & Flatware From Companies Like Sherrill!

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced they secured a key victory for Upstate New York in the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) that will extend the Support Procurement of our Nation’s Stainless Steel (SPOONSS) Act, reinstating the Berry Amendment’s long-standing Department of Defense domestic sourcing requirement for stainless steel flatware and dinnerware.

Following Schumer’s and Gillibrand’s successful efforts to secure this extension in the Senate NDAA, they tirelessly worked to ensure it was included in the final bill which passed the Senate on December 18. Now that it’s been included in the must-pass legislation, SPOONSS is headed to the president’s desk before the year’s end.

“Sherrill Manufacturing has produced the very finest, American-made flatware and dinnerware in Oneida County for generations, which is why I’ve long pushed for the United States government to use its buying power to support Sherrill’s world-class workers in the Mohawk Valley. Today, I am proud to say we’ve delivered on a genuine kitchen table issue for Mohawk Valley residents while also sticking a fork in unfair foreign competition from countries like China by requiring our military to purchase utensils and flatware from American manufacturers in this year’s national defense bill,” said Senator Schumer. “This is a win-win: our military will have the highest quality silverware available, made by hardworking Americans while boosting America’s only remaining flatware maker and the Mohawk Valley economy.”

“I’m proud to have fought to get the SPOONSS Act included in this year’s NDAA to boost our domestic flatware manufacturers, who are truly a cut above. including Sherrill Manufacturing in the Mohawk Valley. I will continue fighting to ensure that our service members have the best equipment available and to support American manufacturing,” said Senator Gillibrand.

Greg Owens, cofounder and CEO of Sherrill Manufacturing said, “We at Sherrill Manufacturing are grateful to Senator Schumer for his longstanding support of our company and this big win for our employees. Inclusion in the Berry Amendment will provide us with an opportunity to expand our government sales, increase employment, and continue to grow our American-made flatware business.”

“The SPOONSS Act is key to unlocking new growth in the United States dinnerware and flatware manufacturing industry, which is proudly led by longtime MACNY member Sherrill Manufacturing in the Mohawk Valley,” said MACNY Executive Vice President Michael Frame. “As we focus on revitalizing and reshoring all facets of American manufacturing, we need legislation like SPOONSS to protect New York State companies from unfair competition. On behalf of the NYS manufacturing community, I extend my sincere appreciation to Majority Leader Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for renewing SPOONSS and supporting MACNY and its members.”

According to Schumer and Gillibrand, Sherrill Manufacturing has long been a key supplier of stainless steel flatware for the United States Military, and their biggest government customer is currently the Navy. Unfortunately, in recent decades, the influx of cheap alternatives from state-subsidized foreign competitors in countries like China has made it difficult for domestic producers to compete on cost. Thanks to SPOONSS, Schumer and Gillibrand explained that the table is now set for Sherrill Manufacturing to ramp up their business with the feds, which the company hopes will drive new growth, investment, and jobs. In particular, the senators said the company has expressed interest in increasing sales of their stainless steel flatware to other branches of the military.

The Department of Defense (DoD) was previously required to procure American-made stainless-steel flatware, but the requirement was repealed in the FY2007 NDAA due to supply chain shortages that proceeded to force the DoD to procure their flatware from foreign sources, namely China. However, domestic production of stainless-steel flatware and dinnerware has since bounced back, as demonstrated by the success of Oneida County’s Sherrill Manufacturing, located in Sherrill, NY, which produces several lines of flatware under the Liberty Tabletop brand and continues to grow its American workforce and revenue. To address this, Schumer and Gillibrand reinstated this requirement with the inclusion of the SPOONSS Act in the FY2020 NDAA, which expired in 2023. The senators said this new extension is a critical next step for the continued growth and success of American-made dinnerware and flatware produced by companies like Sherrill Manufacturing.

With this most recent extension secured by Senators Schumer and Gillibrand that will go into effect one year after passage and sunset in 2029, DoD will once again be required to purchase American-made flatware for the Armed Forces.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-haiti-caucus-and-congressional-caribbean-caucus-urge-the-biden-administration-and-dhs-to-immediately-halt-all-deportations-to-haiti/,"CLARKE, HAITI CAUCUS, AND CONGRESSIONAL CARIBBEAN CAUCUS URGE THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION AND DHS TO IMMEDIATELY HALT ALL DEPORTATIONS TO HAITI",2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 19, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT:

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

With an Increase in Gang Violence and the Humanitarian Crisis Worsening in Haiti, Members are Extremely Concerned about Haitian Immigrants Targeted by the Trump Administration

Washington, D.C. — House Haiti Caucus and Congressional Caribbean Caucus Co-Chairs, Congresswomen Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), and Stacey E. Plaskett (VI) sent a letter to the Biden Administration and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas urging the administration to immediately halt all deportations, combat illicit arms trafficking, and deliver humanitarian aid and resources to Haiti.

In November, Clarke and the Haiti Caucus renewed calls for the administration to suspend deportations due to increased gang activity and attacks on commercial airlines further destabilizing the island. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) banned all U.S. flights to Haiti, initially for 30 days, and now extended through March 2025. Most recently, Haitian officials confirmed a gang leader, who controls a portion of a key port in Haiti’s capital, is accused of massacring 100 people within the Cité Soleil neighborhood, and armed men attacked and destroyed a hospital in Port-au-Prince, putting the Haitian people at greater risk and underscoring the need for a comprehensive humanitarian response from the United States. Furthermore, back in March 2024, the State Department issued a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory for Haiti, citing high rates of kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and limited healthcare.

“The people of Haiti and the Haitian diaspora have suffered enough, and we urge you to take any necessary action to protect lives and ensure Haiti has the support it needs. These people are not threats to public safety: they are innocent victims seeking refuge from violence and instability. Deporting them during this crisis endangers their lives and undermines our nation’s commitment to human rights and humanitarian values,” the Members wrote.

“This situation demands your utmost urgency as we are extremely concerned about Haitian immigrants becoming targets under the incoming administration and their announced plans to expand mass deportation and weaponize immigration policy—compromising marginalized communities and our country’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity.”

Read the full letter here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-adriano-espaillat-urges%C2%A0president-biden-commute-40-federal,Representative Adriano Espaillat Urges President Biden to Commute 40 Federal Death Row Inmates,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Adriano Espaillat,E000297,espaillat.house.gov,espaillat,https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) sent a letter urging President Biden to commute the sentences of the forty individuals currently in federal custody on death row.

""More than half of the forty inmates on federal death row are Black or Latino and were afflicted by the systemic issues that continue to plague our country -- including racial bias, inadequate legal resources, and the disproportionate arrest rates and sentencing outcomes for minority communities -- and more historic challenges, such as the lack of forensic technology and practices at the time of the detainee’s sentencing. Several of the inmates on federal death row today were convicted and sentenced decades ago by juries that were exclusively white, despite the wide availability of jurors from Black, Latino, and Asian communities,"" stated Espaillat in the letter.

""Over the past fifty years, both the Black and Latino communities are overrepresented amongst the federal death row population in comparison to their share of the national population... and the death penalty represents the most inhumane, and destructive form of sentencing.

""For the reasons outlined above, we emphasize the urgent need to use your constitutional authority to commute the 40 individuals currently on federal death row. Taking this action is essential to uphold our nation’s moral integrity and justice system,"" the letter concluded.

Click here to read this letter in its entirety.

# # #

Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fourth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 118th Congress. He is also a member of the House Budget Committee and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Deputy Chair as well as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI). Rep. Espaillat is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases/northeast-republicans-reaffirm-commitment-world-trade-center-health-program,Northeast Republicans Reaffirm Commitment to World Trade Center Health Program,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Andrew R. Garbarino,G000597,garbarino.house.gov,garbarino,https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earlier this week, the text of the negotiated year-end Continuing Resolution (CR) was released including a solution to the longstanding funding shortfall impacting the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) negotiated by Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) with House and Senate leadership. The CR was later pulled from consideration before receiving a floor vote in either Chamber.

Representatives Andrew Garbarino, Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY-04), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), and Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ-07) released the following statement:

“The widespread, bipartisan, and bicameral support for preventing impending cuts to the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) remains unwavering.

“The successful inclusion of the provision to fix the WTCHP funding formula and address its funding shortfall in the CR—with strong support from Speaker Mike Johnson, Northeast Republicans, and Democratic leaders like Senators Gillibrand and Schumer—underscores the popularity and viability of a long-term fix for the program. Despite the temporary setback posed by funding negotiations, we are steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding this vital program for the 9/11 responders and survivors from Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and the Shanksville crash site who depend on it.

“The failure of the CR due to unrelated provisions does not alter our ultimate goal or diminish our resolve. We remain confident in our ability to secure a path forward.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases/musk-and-trumps-direction-house-republicans-deny-crucial-aid-new-york-disaster,"At Musk and Trump's Direction, House Republicans Deny Crucial Aid for New York Disaster Victims, 9/11 First Responders, Working Families",2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Daniel S. Goldman,G000599,goldman.house.gov,goldman,https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Unelected Billionaire Oligarch Orders GOP Leadership to Put Nation on Brink of Government Shutdown, Deny Aid to Working Families

Budget Deal Would Have Delivered $4.2 Billion in Disaster Relief to New York, Fully Funded World Trade Center Health Program

Absent Congressional Action, New York Cannot Refund Stolen SNAP Benefits Using Federal Funds

Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) today condemned House Republican’s rejection of a bipartisan budget bill that would have delivered $4.2 billion in disaster relief to New York State, ensured health care access for 9/11 first responders and survivors through the World Trade Center Health Program until 2040, extended New York State’s ability to refund victims of SNAP fraud using federal dollars, and prompted new safety standards for the lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and e-scooters.

Republicans’ rejection of key priorities for working families now imperils New Yorkers’ ability to access health care, put food on the table, and recover from natural disasters.

“After weeks of negotiations resulted in a bipartisan budget bill that provided vital assistance to New York’s 9/11 first responders, working families, and disaster victims, Donald Trump followed directions from the world’s richest person, Elon Musk, and ordered House Republicans to kill their own bill.” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “No one elected Elon Musk, yet Republicans would rather represent his interests than represent the constituents who elected them. While Donald Trump hides in Mar-a-Lago, Elon Musk is calling the shots on funding the government and Republicans have chosen their billionaire supporters over working New Yorkers.”

The end-of-year spending deal – negotiated between Republican and Democratic leaders – would have updated the funding formula for the World Trade Center Health Program and averted a disastrous projected funding shortfall in 2027 which could imperil the 132,000 9/11 survivors and first responders who rely on the program for health care. Congressman Goldman has repeatedly pushed to fix this funding formula and guarantee permanent funding for the program’s beneficiaries.

The continuing budget resolution would have also delivered $4.2 billion to hard-hit New York communities impacted by natural disasters, providing individual assistance for emergency housing, rent, and food. Earlier this fall, Congressman Goldman and Senator Gillibrand urged congressional leaders to pass this disaster relief and deliver aid to New Yorkers in need.

Congressional Democrats also ensured an extension to states’ ability to refund stolen SNAP benefits using federal SNAP funds was included in the budget deal and would have been in effect until September 30, 2028. This refund authority is particularly important in New York City, which received over 80,000 reports of SNAP fraud last year alone. In August, Goldman joined Congressman Ruppersberger (MD-02) in sending a bipartisan letter to Congressional leadership urging them to include a provision in any forthcoming stop-gap funding bill that would allow victims to continue to be reimbursed from federal funds.

The negotiated budget deal would have also introduced new regulations on potentially dangerous batteries and helped take poorly-made e-bike batteries out of circulation. While in 2020 there were only 44 New York City fires caused by poorly made lithium-ion batteries, there were 220 fires in 2022 and 268 fires in 2023. Following a deadly June 2023 Chinatown fire caused by lithium-ion batteries, Congressman Goldman pushed the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission to update e-bike safety regulations. He was an original sponsor of the ‘Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act.’

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3545,Representative Lawler Joins Northeast Colleagues in Reaffirming Commitment to World Trade Center Health Program,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Michael Lawler,L000599,lawler.house.gov,lawler,https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Earlier this week, the text of the negotiated year-end Continuing Resolution (CR) was released including a solution to the longstanding funding shortfall impacting the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) negotiated by Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) with House and Senate leadership. The CR was later pulled from consideration before receiving a floor vote in either Chamber.

Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) joined his colleagues Representatives Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02), Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY-04), and Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ-07) in releasing the following statement:

“The widespread, bipartisan, and bicameral support for preventing impending cuts to the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) remains unwavering.

The successful inclusion of the provision to fix the WTCHP funding formula and address its funding shortfall in the CR—with strong support from Speaker Mike Johnson, Northeast Republicans, and Democratic leaders like Senators Gillibrand and Schumer—underscores the popularity and viability of a long-term fix for the program. Despite the temporary setback posed by funding negotiations, we are steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding this vital program for the 9/11 responders and survivors from Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and the Shanksville crash site who depend on it.

The failure of the CR due to unrelated provisions does not alter our ultimate goal or diminish our resolve. We remain confident in our ability to secure a path forward.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-statement-government-spending-bill,MENG STATEMENT ON GOVERNMENT SPENDING BILL,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Grace Meng,M001188,meng.house.gov,meng,https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), New York’s senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on H.R. 10515.

“This week the House came to an agreement on a bipartisan bill to fund the government that supports working families, seniors, veterans, and communities in need of disaster relief. It would have been passed by both parties without triggering fears about a government shutdown. But that good-faith deal was upended by Elon Musk who rejected our hard-fought compromises. This is no way to govern and was disrespectful to Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries. The American people have been calling for Democrats and Republicans in Congress to find meaningful ways to work together and move our country forward.

The bill that came to the floor today was negotiated without a single Democrat in the room. It is NOT a clean CR. It leaves kids & families across New York behind by abandoning key healthcare, food security, and public safety provisions.

I voted NO on the H.R. 10515 because it completely abandons the bipartisanship my constituents in Queens and so many others across the country have long been clamoring for.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://stefanik.house.gov/2024/12/stefanik-s-american-battlefield-protection-program-enhancement-act-to-be-signed-into-law,Stefanik’s American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act to be Signed into Law,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Elise M. Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,stefanik,https://stefanik.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act, which would make improvements to the American Battlefield Protection Program, advanced through the Senate and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. The legislation passed as part of Representative Bruce Westerman’s (R-AR) Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act.

“As Co-Chair of the Congressional Battlefield Caucus, I am proud to have my legislation pass the Senate with bipartisan support, now one step closer to becoming law. My American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act will ensure our many battlefields in Upstate New York, the North Country, and across our nation are preserved for generations to come,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.

""To preserve the historical integrity of American battlefields is paramount — we at the Trust firmly believe that preserved battlefields are outdoor classrooms that help Americans better understand the sacrifices made to forge the nation we are today. We applaud Senators Kaine and Hyde-Smith, and U.S. Representatives Stefanik and Connolly, for their tireless efforts in ensuring the work of historic preservation can continue and expand. The ABPP Enhancement Act provides new ways for us to ensure our country's hallowed grounds, and their power of place, will be protected for generations to come,"" said American Battlefield Trust President David N. Duncan.

H.R. 3448, the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act, will:

Allow non-profits and tribes to apply for ABPP grants directly instead of through a state or local government sponsor.

Allow ABPP’s restoration grants to be used on priority battlefields in addition to land that has been preserved using program funding.

Clarify eligibility of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites for Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants.

Create a process for expanding and updating battlefield boundaries.

Congresswoman Stefanik has long led numerous efforts to protect and preserve our nation’s battlefields for future generations.

She introduced the bipartisan American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act in May 2023. In July 2023, Stefanik invited Beth Hill, the President and CEO of the Fort Ticonderoga Association, to testify before the Natural Resources Committee on the benefits of the legislation. In September 2023, the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act passed unanimously out of the House Committee on Natural Resources. In November 2023, the legislation then passed unanimously on the House Floor. Stefanik’s legislation received a hearing at the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in May 2024. In November 2024, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources passed the legislation by voice vote.

In March 2023, Congresswoman Stefanik was awarded the National Preservation Leadership Award from the American Battlefield Trust for her leadership on battlefield preservation.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-his-onshore-act-to-increase-fed_to-prepare-upstate-ny-industrial-sites-infrastructure-and-workforce-for-critical-supply-chains--like-semiconductors-and-clean-tech--has-passed-and-soon-will-be-signed-into-law,"SCHUMER ANNOUNCES HIS ONSHORE ACT TO INCREASE FED $$ TO PREPARE UPSTATE NY INDUSTRIAL SITES, INFRASTRUCTURE, & WORKFORCE FOR CRITICAL SUPPLY CHAINS – LIKE SEMICONDUCTORS AND CLEAN TECH – HAS PASSED...",2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Successfully Got The ONSHORE Act, Which He Pushed For Standing At Industrial Sites Across Upstate NY, Added To EDA Reauthorization, Which Is Now Headed To The President’s Desk

The ONSHORE Act Creates New Fed Grant Program For Bringing Back Critical Supply Chains, Like Semiconductors And Clean Technology, By Improving Infrastructure And Workforce Training To Prepare More Industrial Sites For Investment

Schumer: We Are Bringing Back Manufacturing From Overseas To Upstate NY, And The ONSHORE Act Will Help Boost Those Efforts

After launching his push at industrial sites needing investment across Upstate NY, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced the bipartisan ONSHORE Act, which he successfully got included in the reauthorization of the Economic Development Administration, has just passed Congress and will soon be signed into law.

Schumer said this will help provide much-needed federal support with site-readiness for bringing back supply chains, like semiconductors and clean technology, by helping breathe new life into industrial sites and increasing workforce development for communities across Upstate New York looking to maximize the benefits from the Schumer-crafted bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law, as well as from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law and the Inflation Reduction Act.

“Preparing shovel-ready sites with new infrastructure investment and workforce training is key to bringing manufacturing back to Upstate New York and creating jobs, jobs, jobs. I’m thrilled that the ONSHORE Act has passed and is on its way to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law and to start supercharging manufacturing across America,” said Senator Schumer. “I stood at industrial sites across Upstate New York from Buffalo’s former Bethlehem Steel site to Oswego’s Industrial Park and pushed for this bill because communities need this support to fully tap into the manufacturing boom now happening after legislation I led to passage – like the bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law, the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law, and the Inflation Reduction Act. We have seen firsthand how having shovel-ready sites helped secure major private investments like Micron in Central New York and with the ONSHORE Act Upstate New York can tap into new funding opportunities to supercharge critical industries like chips, clean energy, and more. Today we take another step toward making sure the future of manufacturing is stamped ‘Made in America’ and putting Upstate New York at the forefront of those efforts.”

“Reauthorization of the EDA after 20 years and with it the creation of Onshore Act is a significant and critical win for economic development efforts across the country and in New York State. The Onshore act will expedite timelines, creating much needed funding to build shovel ready sites across the country which will help bring good paying manufacturing jobs back to the United States and New York. This legislation would not have been possible without the leadership of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a true economic development champion for New York State. I want to thank him and his team for their hard work in making sure this was passed into law. The NYSEDC was proud to work with IEDC and several other state associations to support this legislation which will give our members additional resources to attract the companies and careers of the future,” said Ryan Silva, Executive Director, New York State Economic Development Council.

“There’s a reason Senator Schumer came to Renaissance Commerce Park in Erie County when he first announced his push for the ONSHORE Act. Legacy industrial sites, like Bethlehem Steel, present prime opportunities for rebirth and reinvestment,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “The ONSHORE Act will provide further federal support to make industrial sites shovel ready, and will support good paying jobs in manufacturing, new technology, and clean energy. I thank the Majority Leader for this legislation and for investing in American manufacturing.”

""ONSHORE Act funding will be critical in redeveloping brownfield and industrial sites, like the former Bethlehem Steel site in Lackawanna. Paving the way for job creation and advanced manufacturing investment at a critical time in our region,"" said John Cappellino, CEO Erie County Industrial Development Agency. “A big thank you to Senator Schumer and our federal representatives for providing this funding to address the lack of shovel ready sites, opening up new sites for manufacturing and jobs in our region.”

Schumer explained that strengthening domestic manufacturing, especially for industries of the future, is critical for economic and national security. Following the passage of Schumer’s bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act and Inflation Reduction Act, as well as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law, companies from across industries have shown a renewed interest in bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. and rebuilding their supply chains in America, presenting a significant opportunity to revive manufacturing in Upstate New York. New federal investment included across these historic bills has attracted $1 trillion in private investment, bringing manufacturing back to America in critical industries like semiconductors and batteries, including over $110 billion in proposed private investment in in the chip industry across Upstate NY alone. However, one of the primary factors that affects where a new manufacturing facility is built is site-readiness, or whether a site has the basic infrastructure and workforce to enable a company to quickly begin construction on a facility and hire enough qualified workers to begin operations.

Schumer said the Opportunities for Non-developed Sites to Have Opportunities to be Rehabilitated for Economic Development (ONSHORE) Act would provide much-needed federal support for preparing sites for new manufacturing investment. The Senate passed the legislation as part of the Economic Development Administration reauthorization that was included in the bipartisan, bicameral Water Resources Development Act.

Specifically, the EDA reauthorization creates a new grant program to support site development or expansion projects for manufacturing industries critical to national or economic security, all of which is modeled on the ONSHORE Act. Through this program, EDA will assist with site and utility readiness, workforce development, distribution, and logistics, to prepare strategic mega sites and regionally impactful sites across places like Upstate NY for new industrial investment. The EDA funding would place an emphasis on building up the workforce through training and other support as a key priority for attracting and scaling new employers at these industrial sites, providing new federal resources for the pressing priority of workforce development.

Schumer said Micron’s historic $100 billion investment to build a cutting-edge memory fab complex in Central New York is a proof positive example that with increased investment in shovel-ready sites and workforce development, the region could attract major manufacturing companies. Years of site preparation at the White Pine Commerce Park in Clay, NY was a major selling point in positioning the region to compete for Micron’s new investment and be home to an industrial project of this size and significance. Schumer said there are countless other examples across Upstate New York in which site development will lead to major investment, such as Wolfspeed’s opening of a new semiconductor manufacturing facility at Marcy Nanocenter after the shovel-ready site and advanced infrastructure attracted the manufacturer. The successful attraction of major new manufacturing investment to Western New York’s STAMP is another example, including Edwards Vacuum’s over $300 million, 600 job investment. Schumer explained that investment in the site readiness of New York industrial locations will further position the state to capitalize on the tremendous opportunity New York currently has to bring manufacturing jobs back to America and build resilient and robust supply chains right here at home.

Thanks to Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Law, Upstate New York has seen a major revival in tech manufacturing. Earlier this year Schumer secured a major $825 million federal investment to make Albany NanoTech the first National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) flagship facility and headquarters for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) research and development that is critical to the global chip industry. Micron has announced plans for a historic $100+ billion investment to build a cutting-edge memory megafab in Central New York with the support of a finalized $6.1 billion CHIPS incentive award. GlobalFoundries plans to invest over $13 billion to expand in the U.S., including building a second, new state-of-the-art computer chip factory in the Capital Region, with support from a finalized $1.5 billion CHIPS incentive award. Wolfspeed has opened a 200mm silicon carbide fabrication facility in the Mohawk Valley, one of the largest in the world, with a $750 million preliminary CHIPS agreement accelerating their ongoing expansion in the Mohawk Valley and boosting good-paying jobs expected to be created at the Marcy facility. TTM Technologies, a printed circuit board manufacturer, plans to invest up to $130 million to expand its facilities in Onondaga County, supported by federal investment to strengthen domestic supply chains, creating up to 400 good-paying jobs. Menlo Micro will invest $150 million to build their microchip switch manufacturing facility in Tompkins County, creating over 100 new good-paying jobs. In addition, Upstate New York is home to semiconductor supply chain companies like Corning Incorporated, which manufactures glass critical to the microchip industry at its Canton and Fairport, NY plants. Recently, Schumer announced that Corning Incorporated reached a $32 million preliminary CHIPS agreement to make a $315 million investment that would increase production at their Canton facility of specialized glass vital for the semiconductor industry. Additionally, following Schumer’s advocacy, Edwards Vacuum has announced a $300+ million investment to build a dry pump manufacturing facility, made possible by a $18 million preliminary CHIPS agreement, creating 600 good-paying jobs to support the growing chip industry in Western New York.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-northern-border-regional-commission-reauthorization-passes-increasing-funding-and-expanding-north-countrys-and-upstate-nys-fed-grant-program-for-economic-development-infrastructure-healthcare-and-childcare,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE NORTHERN BORDER REGIONAL COMMISSION REAUTHORIZATION PASSES; INCREASING FUNDING AND EXPANDING NORTH COUNTRY’S & UPSTATE NY’S FED GRANT PROGRAM FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT,...",2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"New NBRC Bill Increases Funding & Expands Program That Has Delivered Millions For Econ Dev & Infrastructure Across Upstate NY To Bolster Healthcare And Childcare Access, Invest In Workforce, New Businesses And More; Also Makes Wyoming And Schoharie County Eligible For Inclusion

Legislation Ensures NBRC Will Be Reauthorized For The Next 5 Years So North Country & Upstate NY Can Continue To Tap This Vital Program

Schumer, Gillibrand: NBRC Will Continue To Deliver For North Country & Upstate NY For Years To Come!

After years of advocacy, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced they have successfully reauthorized the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) for another 5 years, increasing funding and expanding the critical grant program that has delivered tens of millions of dollars for the North Country and Upstate NY. The legislation is now headed to the president’s desk where it will be signed into law.

“The Northern Border Regional Commission has played a unique and pivotal role in spurring economic development, upgrading infrastructure, improving quality of life and creating jobs in communities across Upstate New York. After months of work, I’m proud that my bill reauthorizing the NBRC with increased funding is included in the bipartisan package that just passed the Senate and is headed to the president’s desk to be signed into law,” said Senator Schumer. “This bill will continue support for communities across Upstate NY to tap into millions in federal funding for addressing childcare and healthcare needs, boosting infrastructure projects, supporting workforce training, helping to launch and retain businesses, and more. I look forward to seeing this legislation signed into law so we can deliver much-needed resources for Upstate NY.”

“The Northern Border Regional Commission has a proven track record of supporting projects that create jobs, develop our workforce, modernize our infrastructure, and catalyze economic growth across Upstate New York. I’m thrilled to have passed the bipartisan Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act to reauthorize the Commission so that it can continue to provide tens of millions of dollars for our north border communities for years to come,” said Senator Gillibrand.

""We worked with Senator Schumer and then-Congressman John McHugh on the original creation of the Northern Border Regional Commission and it has become an important program providing support for a range of economic and community development projects that often can't fit into other federal funding silos,"" said Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. ""It will now continue to make a real difference in our region for at least another five years and we thank Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for their steady support. Onward and upward!""

In addition to reauthorizing the NBRC for an additional 5 years, the bill would also increase funding for the program from $33 million to $40 million. The bill makes critical enhancements to the range of projects the NBRC is able to support to foster growth in the region, including a new program focused on addressing childcare and healthcare needs, increasing support for addiction treatment, and new support for capacity building for business retention, job training, and job creation.

The bill also will make Wyoming County and Schoharie County in NY eligible for inclusion to the program. The NBRC reauthorization was included as part of the Economic Development Administration reauthorization in the bipartisan, bicameral Water Resources Development Act, which is now on its way to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

From 2010-2024, the NBRC has invested in over 78 projects, totaling more than $48 million in federal funding for Upstate New York. The senator explained that in addition to reauthorizing the NBRC for an additional 5 years, the bill increases the annual appropriation cap from $33 million to $40 million. Schumer introduced the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) Reauthorization Act of 2023 which paved the way for these key changes.

Schumer has a long history of championing the Northern Border Regional Commission and its positive economic impacts on Upstate New York. In 2021, the senator successfully secured $150 million for the NBRC, over triple its funding from previous years, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act.

Established in 2008, the NBRC is a federal-state partnership focused on the economic revitalization of communities across the Northern Border region, which includes New York, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The Commission is composed of the governors of the four Northern Border states and a federal co-chair and provides financial and technical assistance to communities in the region to support entrepreneurs, improve water, broadband, and transportation infrastructure, and promote other initiatives to improve the region’s economy. The northern border region of New York State currently includes 28 counties: Cayuga, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Montgomery, Niagara, Oneida, Orleans, Oswego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Seneca, St. Lawrence, Sullivan, Washington, Warren, Wayne, and Yates. Passage of the senators’ bill into law means that Schoharie and Wyoming Counties can now be included as well.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-secure-53-million-in-national-defense-bill-to-build-a-new-fire-station-for-the-watervliet-arsenal-firefighters,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND SECURE $53 MILLION IN NATIONAL DEFENSE BILL TO BUILD A NEW FIRE STATION FOR THE WATERVLIET ARSENAL FIREFIGHTERS",2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Watervliet Arsenal Firefighters Keep Troops Safe And Respond To Hundreds Of Calls A Year Helping Surrounding Communities, But Current Aging Fire Station Has Long Needed Upgrades To Meet Mission Requirements & Keep Firefighters Prepared For Emergencies

Schumer, Gillibrand: Fed $$ For New Fire Station Is Critical To Ensure Safety At Watervliet Arsenal And Cap Region

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced they have secured a whopping $53 million to help build a new fire station for the Watervliet Arsenal firefighters in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The senators explained that the current fire station does not meet Army standards and is needed to continue providing lifesaving emergency services for both the Watervliet Arsenal and surrounding Capital Region communities.

“Our Watervliet Arsenal firefighters risk their lives to keep both our troops and the surrounding Capital Region communities safe, and we need to make sure they have the resources and modern facilities to respond to emergencies. But their current aging fire station does not have enough space and has long needed upgrades to ensure they can continue their lifesaving services. That’s why I’m proud to come with good news just in time for Christmas: I just secured $53 million for a new fire station for the Watervliet Arsenal firefighters in the national defense bill,” said Senator Schumer. “Built during the War of 1812, the Watervliet Arsenal is the oldest continuously active Arsenal in the US and has been a pillar of America’s defense industrial base for more than 200 years, serving as the Department of Defense’s sole source for cannon tube production and providing much of the artillery to support our warfighters and foreign partners. But its fire station is woefully out-of-date putting people, assets, and our national security at risk. I’ll keep fighting to make sure this funding is included in the final funding bill so we can build a safer future for Watervliet Arsenal and the Capital Region.”

“Watervliet firefighters risk their lives to protect their communities and the critical Watervliet Arsenal. We owe it to them to ensure they have top-of-the-line equipment and a state-of-the-art fire station. I’m proud to have fought to secure $53 million to build an entirely new station and will continue fighting to secure resources for New York’s first responders,” said Senator Gillibrand.

The current fire station is presently the only emergency response force located on post. In addition to their emergency response mission on Arsenal grounds, the current fire station also provides emergency response to the local communities including Watervliet, Troy, Albany, Cohoes, and Green Island, conducting 386 mutual aid calls last year alone in the Capital Region. However—with the expansion of Watervliet Arsenal and the surge in manufacturing capacity, production rate, and workforce over the years—the current fire station has become too small and old to effectively meet its mission requirements. For instance, the size of the fire station does not provide sufficient storage space for all of the required emergency response apparatus onsite, resulting in significant delays in response times as personnel are forced to retrieve necessary equipment from various storage locations. Additionally, the current fire station is incapable of housing all fire department personnel when the department is at end strength, rendering first responders to reside in two different facilities located separately from their equipment while they’re on duty, placing responders at a tactical disadvantage and proliferating the risks to cohesion within response teams and responder and occupant safety alike.

The senators explained that all together, these issues put a serious strain on the Watervliet Arsenal Fire Department, which protects and saves countless lives, homes, and businesses every year. The senators also warned that if funding for a new fire station at Watervliet Arsenal isn’t included in the full-year FY2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MILCON-VA) Appropriations package, these issues will grow and further impact the fire department’s operations as Watervliet Arsenal continues to modernize and expand its operations in support of revitalizing the Army’s organic industrial base.

The senators explained that following their advocacy the funding was secured in the national defense bill – that both the Senate and House of Representatives agreed to this past weekend – in addition to both the Senate’s and the House of Representatives’ versions of the national budget bill. The new proposed facility will significantly reduce risks posed to personnel, civilians, and facilities such as toxic exposure, fires in manufacturing areas, and the need for emergency response at the fire station. The senators pledged to fight to make a final push and ensure this funding is included in the final annual budget bill.

The senators previously announced $1.7 billion in federal funding for the Watervliet Arsenal – the largest investment in the facility’s 200+ year history – to upgrade and modernize the facility. Schumer said the Arsenal has played a vital role in America’s defense as the nation’s sole producer of large-bore cannons and other critical artillery, but for nearly half a century that rarely translated into funding for the 800 civilian employee workforce, often putting the future of the Arsenal in doubt.

Constructed in 1813, the Watervliet Arsenal has played a vital role in America’s defense throughout its long history producing large caliber cannons, different-sized mortar tubes, and breeches for each. In addition, the facility has the capability to efficiently take on emergency projects, such as when it produced armor hardening kits for Humvees after they became targets of IED attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 1991, during the Gulf War, the Army found it needed a more robust explosive device to reach Iraq’s deeply buried command and control bunkers. In just 23 days’ time, the Watervliet Arsenal developed and produced the first “Bunker Buster” bombs, by modifying Howitzer tubes into 5,000-pound bomb casings. But more than land, equipment, and buildings, the Arsenal represents thousands of great Americans who have proudly served their country since 1813 by supporting our nation’s warfighters and allies for over 200 years.

Schumer is committed to supporting New York’s firefighters, earlier this year fighting to save the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program. Schumer has delivered historic funding for Capital Region firefighters. For example, last year, the Troy and Saratoga Springs fire departments received nearly $8 million to hire 30 new firefighters.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-secures-increase-in-fed-assistance-for-lake-champlain-basin-program-in-just-passed-water-resource-development-act,SCHUMER SECURES INCREASE IN FED ASSISTANCE FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN BASIN PROGRAM IN JUST-PASSED WATER RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT ACT,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Lake Champlain Basin Program, Which Helps Protect Watershed & Wildlife Across Region, Will Now Have Feds Cover 90% Cost Of Projects, Up From 65% Thanks To Schumer’s Efforts – WRDA Now Headed To President’s Desk To Be Signed Into Law

A Win-Win-Win Says Schumer: Increasing Fed Funding, Saving Local Conservation Groups $$ And Protecting Lake Champlain

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced he secured a provision in the just-passed bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) to increase the federal funding share in the Lake Champlain Basin Program. Schumer said this program provides vital federal assistance to projects dedicated to conservation in the Lake Champlain Region, and now thanks to this provision the feds will cover 90% of the cost, helping make the program more accessible to local partners and saving the funding of local conservation groups in Upstate NY.

“Lake Champlain is one of the crown jewels of Upstate NY, and the Lake Champlain Basin Program is how we protect the natural beauty of Lake Champlain’s waters and wildlife that is essential to the region’s tourism economy. That is why I am proud to announce I have just secured a provision to increase the federal cost share of projects in this program to 90%. This is a win-win-win increasing federal funding, saving local conservation groups money, and protecting Lake Champlain,” said Senator Schumer. “More federal funding will be flowing supporting tourism and jobs on all sides of the lake’s expansive shores. I’ll keep fighting to ensure Lake Champlain remains an economic anchor for the Adirondack region’s outdoor-recreation economy and continues to inspire generations to come.”

The Lake Champlain Basin Program supports New York and Vermont’s efforts to improve Lake Champlain’s water quality, support wildlife habitat, and enhance the environment. Previously eligible projects needed to be funded at least 35% from non-federal funding, but thanks to this Schumer-supported provision that is lowered to 10% which makes more projects eligible and affordable for local partners and means the feds now cover 90% of the cost. In addition, funding for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, which the Lake Champlain Basin Program occasionally uses as the local sponsor match, can now be used for other preservation projects in the Lake Champlain Basin.

Schumer has a long history of supporting the Lake Champlain Basin Program. Since winning his Senate seat in 1998 Schumer has cosponsored numerous bills to support the foundation, growth, and continued funding of the Lake Champlain Basin Program. Apart from fighting to secure the program funding through annual appropriations bills, Schumer also secured an additional $40 million in funding as part of his Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law. This year he proudly cosponsored the Lake Champlain Basin Program Reauthorization of 2024 which authorizes the program for another 10 years with $55 million in funding – a $20 million increase. This funding is critical to restore, protect, and prevent pollution of the Lake Champlain ecosystem and also to plan response for climate-related disasters. Alongside local, State, and Federal governments, the Lake Champlain Basin program will be able to continue its mission while focusing administrative and planning measures to optimize the implementation of numerous programs while working with the EPA to make its grants more accessible to the local communities and dedicated partners on the shore. Senator Schumer pledged to continue fighting to keep funding for Lake Champlain flowing and - with the hard work and dedication of locals on the ground – and ensuring this ecosystem stays healthy and beautiful for generations to come.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://clarke.house.gov/rep-clarke-addresses-the-increase-in-mail-theft-within-the-district/,REP. CLARKE ADDRESSES THE INCREASE IN MAIL THEFT WITHIN THE DISTRICT,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 18, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT:

e:jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

Brooklyn, NY—This week, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) met with representatives from the United States Postal Service (USPS) to address the disturbing increase in mail, check, identity theft cases, and drop boxes being removed within New York’s Congressional 9th District. In November, Rep. Clarke sent a letter to the Brooklyn Postmaster General raising concerns over the increase in constituent complaints to her District office.

“The USPS indicated the spike in mail theft increased during the pandemic as stimulus checks were being distributed. In the past four years, my district office has recorded over 140 mail and check theft cases from October 2020-24 – causing significant financial hardships for my constituents. Identity theft and fraud have become major concerns, as stolen checks and personal information are exploited, complicating economic recovery and decreasing a sense of security for victims,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.

“The surge in theft has disrupted the daily lives of my constituents and eroded the community’s trust and confidence in mail services throughout the district. I want to commend the USPS for its response, and for highlighting plans for 2025 to implement electronic mailboxes in high-crime areas to reduce theft. I also commend its efforts to seek a partnership with the American Banker Association that would provide resources and strategies to inform the public and businesses on how to prevent, protect, and report mail-related crimes. In addition, the USPS will work with the New York Police Department (NYPD) to enhance local crime prevention efforts.

“However, I’m still concerned about the lack of immediate security efforts within our community and the financial toll that these crimes are causing my constituents. My staff and I are committed to working closely with the USPS to monitor mail theft by conducting monthly check-ins with personnel and updating the district on our efforts to get this issue resolved.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/livestream-today-representative-adriano-espaillat-hosts-artificial,Livestream Today: Representative Adriano Espaillat Hosts Artificial Intelligence (AI) Roundtable on Housing and Financial Services,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Adriano Espaillat,E000297,espaillat.house.gov,espaillat,https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today at 3:00 p.m. EST, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairman-elect Adriano Espaillat will host a roundtable addressing the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Housing and Financial Services policies.

Watch Livestream here.

Today's roundtable will explore how AI innovations intersect with key stakeholder concerns and challenges in financial services, with an emphasis on fostering equity and opportunity for Latino communities. This roundtable marks the latest installment of Espaillat's continued AI series bringing together diverse voices to address challenges and opportunities in AI-driven advancements in housing affordability, financial inclusion, and sustainable community development.

The first AI roundtable, led by Espaillat, brought together key leaders to discuss the critical impact of AI technology, including AI biases and discrimination, as well as benefits such as use of the technology to prevent fraud, remove language access barriers, increase workforce outflow and engagement, and AI deployment across small business, agriculture, and education sectors.

“AI has the potential to revolutionize our society, but it must be developed and implemented responsibly,"" stated Espaillat. ""Our discussions set the foundation for an inclusive AI future that addresses the unique needs of Latino communities while emphasizing U.S. AI competitiveness, AI science, workforce issues, and managing national AI policies initiatives.""

WHO: Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus

Gerard Holder, Council of Large Public Housing Authorities

Ayrianne Parks, Senior Director, Enterprise Community Partners

AJ Bhadelia, Head of North America, Public Policy and Government Affairs Cohere

Robert Suarez & Musadiq Hassanali, Bethpage FCU (America's Credit Unions)

Noelle Porter, Director of Government Affairs, National Housing Law Project

Maureen Yap, Senior Counsel, National Fair Housing Alliance

Bill Hulse, Senior Vice President, Center for Capital Markets, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

WHAT: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Roundtable on Housing and Financial Services

WHEN: Today, Wednesday, December 18th at 3:00 p.m. EST

WATCH LIVE: https://x.com/RepEspaillat

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases/garbarino-announces-fix-911-health-program-funding-shortfall,Garbarino Announces Fix For 9/11 Health Program Funding Shortfall,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Andrew R. Garbarino,G000597,garbarino.house.gov,garbarino,https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) announced that a bipartisan, bicameral solution to the longstanding funding shortfall impacting the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) has been reached and included in the year-end continuing resolution. This fix is the result of negotiations led by Rep. Garbarino, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) with House and Senate leadership.

“After years of uncertainty, 9/11 survivors and first responders can breathe easier knowing their access to care is no longer under imminent threat. This fix will provide annual funding sufficient to cover the nearly $3 billion shortfall facing the WTCHP over the next 15 years and ward off program cuts for the heroes and survivors who rely on it to treat 9/11-related conditions,” said Rep. Garbarino. “I am proud to have led this effort in the House and thank Speaker Johnson for his attention to this critical issue that impacts so many New Yorkers and 9/11 responders across the country. I also thank my partners in the Senate, especially Senator Gillibrand, who stood shoulder to shoulder with me in the fight to get this done. Twenty-three years ago, we promised to never forget the horrors of 9/11, and saving this program is crucial to keeping that promise.”

The fix includes a significant change to the WTCHP’s funding formula, ensuring substantially more funding through 2040. Prior to this change, the projected funding deficit would have forced cuts to program services for sick and injured 9/11 responders and survivors starting in 2027.

Rep. Garbarino also expresses gratitude to his House Republican colleagues – Representatives Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY-04), Nick LaLota (R-NY-01), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11), and Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ-07) – for their unwavering support and steadfast advocacy on behalf of the program.

Background

Rep. Garbarino has led the effort to fund the WTCHP in the House since coming to Congress in 2021. He and Senator Gillibrand are the lead sponsors of the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act, which served as the basis for the new funding formula. Together, they have secured critical funding and program improvements, including addressing the funding shortfall, delaying program cuts, and expanding eligibility to 9/11 responders at the Pentagon and Shanksville sites who were active-duty DOD military, civilians, and other previously excluded federal employees. Including the funding formula fix in the 2024 year-end spending legislation, along with funding secured in previous years, Rep. Garbarino has helped secure the equivalent of at least $5.6 billion for the program on behalf of 9/11 responders and survivors.

About The WTCHP

Congress established the WTCHP on a bipartisan basis in 2011 with a five-year authorization to provide medical treatment and monitoring for 9/11 responders and survivors suffering from exposure to toxins at Ground Zero. The program covers the lifespans of all exposed individuals, including first responders, survivors of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the Shanksville crash site, children who attended schools in downtown Manhattan on 9/11 and during the clean-up, and those who have since developed, or are expected to develop, adverse health effects linked to the attacks.

The WTCHP was reauthorized in 2015 and extended through 2090 with bipartisan support. Today, the program provides medical treatment and monitoring for over 130,000 responders and survivors from the World Trade Center and lower Manhattan, the Pentagon, and the Shanksville, PA crash site, representing every state and nearly all Congressional Districts.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-langworthy-honors-retiring-channel-4-anchor-don-postles-house,Congressman Langworthy Honors Retiring Channel 4 Anchor Don Postles on the House Floor,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Nicholas A. Langworthy,L000600,langworthy.house.gov,langworthy,https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) took to the House floor today to honor the remarkable career of Don Postles, who is retiring after nearly five decades in journalism, including an incredible 32 years at WIVB-TV (Channel 4).

Watch the Floor Speech

The Congressman’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a true Buffalo legend—Don Postles. For nearly five decades, Don has been a trusted voice and a constant presence in the lives of Western New Yorkers, guiding us through the news that shapes our community.

Don’s journey began in 1976, and since then, he has been a cornerstone of journalism in Western New York. From his early days at Channel 7, to his time at Channel 2, and his remarkable 32 years at Channel 4, Don has been there for us through every significant moment. He has brought clarity to chaos, steadiness in uncertainty, and heart to every story he’s told.

Don embodies the very best of journalism: honesty, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the truth. At a time when trust in media is more important—and more elusive—than ever, Don has been a beacon of credibility. Whether reporting on the tragic Flight 3407 crash or sharing the joy of a Bills victory, Don delivered the news with professionalism, respect, and care for the community he served.

But Don’s legacy goes beyond the anchor desk. He has always been more than just a journalist—he is a devoted member of this community. His presence at charity events, his support for local causes, and his role as an advocate for Western New Yorkers have made him an integral part of our region.

Mr. Speaker, Western New York will not be the same without Don Postles on our screens each evening. His departure from Channel 4 marks the end of an era, but his impact will endure. He has set the gold standard for journalism and community service, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire for generations.

Don, on behalf of the people of Western New York, I want to thank you for your dedication to our community, your commitment to the truth, and the grace with which you’ve handled your role as our trusted voice.

As you enter retirement, I hope you find time to enjoy everything you love about Buffalo— spending time with Anne and your beautiful family, boating on Lake Erie, and savoring the pride of the community you’ve helped shape.

Congratulations, Don. You’ve earned this next chapter, and you leave behind a legacy of excellence that will not be forgotten. We wish you and your family nothing but happiness and success in the years to come.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4304,Tonko Announces Sweeping Offshore Wind Legislation,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,tonko,https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) today introduced the Offshore Energy Modernization Act, legislation that provides a comprehensive blueprint to ensure the long-term viability and success of U.S. offshore wind development.

In 2021, President Biden announced the nation’s goal to deploy 30 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2030. Tonko’s legislation implements critical measures and reforms to help responsibly develop offshore wind and enable the industry to meet those goals.

“Offshore wind investments don’t just benefit coastal regions, but provide significant benefits to communities across the nation — including New York’s Capital Region — in the form of good paying jobs, increased manufacturing, and development of critical components,” Congressman Tonko said. “While we’ve taken key steps to drive investment in wind, our work is far from over. In order to meet our national goals and take full advantage of the economic boon offshore wind presents, we need strong federal action from Congress — and my Offshore Energy Modernization Act is the solution. I hope my colleagues join me in supporting this legislation to ensure we unlock the full potential of American offshore wind energy production and deployment.”

The Offshore Energy Modernization Act:

· Reforms the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to better reflect the realities of offshore wind development and provide long-term certainty for this emerging industry.

· Facilitates timely and efficient permitting of offshore renewable energy projects by providing funding for early, robust community engagement, including Tribal consultation.

· Ensures that offshore renewable energy projects support good-paying, union jobs and a reliable, domestic supply chain.

· Invests in marine and coastal habitat protection and compensates fishing interests that have been impacted by offshore wind development.

· Establishes the Offshore Power Administration to provide Federal assistance to advance shared offshore transmission infrastructure.

· Creates new Department of Energy grant and loan guarantee opportunities to support U.S. shipbuilding needed to construct offshore wind projects.

A fact sheet of the Offshore Energy Modernization Act can be found HERE.

A section-by-section summary can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/senators-gillibrand-and-blackburn-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-remove-the-tax-penalty-on-settlements-awards-and-judgments-paid-to-survivors-of-sexual-assault-and-sexual-harassment/,"Senators Gillibrand And Blackburn Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Remove The Tax Penalty On Settlements, Awards, And Judgments Paid To Survivors Of Sexual Assault And Sexual Harassment",2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Marsha Blackburn introduced the Tax Fairness for Survivors Act, a bipartisan and bicameral bill that would remove the federal tax penalty on settlements, awards, and judgments paid to survivors of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

Current law exempts payments for damages due to physical and emotional injuries from physical injury cases from taxation. However, payments from sexual harassment and sexual assault lawsuits are taxed as income unless the survivor can prove that they received physical injuries, such as broken bones or bruises, during the incident. This can cause uncertainty in some cases regarding whether settlements from sexual assault or sexual harassment cases are taxed or not, causing additional anxiety for survivors.

“It is unacceptable to force survivors of sexual assault and harassment to pay taxes on the compensation they rightfully deserve,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Tax Fairness for Survivors Act is commonsense legislation that will eliminate this tax burden, allowing survivors to focus on healing in the wake of their trauma. I am proud to introduce this legislation, and I will continue fighting to ensure that survivors of sexual assault and harassment are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

“Survivors of sexual assault and sexual harassment should not be forced to pay taxes on compensation they receive as a result of the crime,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Tax Fairness for Survivors Act would ensure these courageous survivors do not have to bear the cost of unjust financial penalties.”

Gillibrand and Blackburn’s introduction of the Tax Fairness for Survivors Act follows the introduction of the same legislation in the House of Representatives by Reps. Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) and Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24) in August. The bill is endorsed by the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence and Lift Our Voices.

“Survivors of sexual harassment and assault deserve fair treatment under the law,” said Representative Frankel. “It is unacceptable for a woman who has been raped, who endures immense pain and trauma, or who had to quit her job to escape harassment, to face further tax burdens on the compensation she rightfully deserves. This bill ensures survivors receive equal treatment regarding their payments.”

“Survivors of assault have already endured the unimaginable; they should not face tax penalties on monetary settlements obtained in their pursuit of justice. This commonsense bill closes an unfair loophole in our tax code by exempting settlements and judgments from sexual harassment or assault claims from income taxes, aligning the tax treatment of these settlements with physical injury settlements and ensuring survivors are not further penalized,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-wool-trust-fund-vital-to-keep-hundreds-of-rochester-union-workers-jobs-safe-at-rochester-tailored-clothing-factory-extended-for-additional-year-in-end-of-year-budget-bill,"SCHUMER ANNOUNCES WOOL TRUST FUND, VITAL TO KEEP HUNDREDS OF ROCHESTER UNION WORKERS JOBS SAFE AT ROCHESTER TAILORED CLOTHING FACTORY, EXTENDED FOR ADDITIONAL YEAR IN END-OF-YEAR BUDGET BILL",2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Wool Trust Fund Payments Are Critical For American Textile Factories To Stay Competitive, Like At The Formerly-Known Hickey Freeman Factory, By Providing Crucial Tariff Relief

After Tom James Co. Took Over Rochester Factory Senator Vowed To Save Program That Is Vital To Their Business And Now Secured One-Year Extension Of Wool Trust Fund In End-Of-Year Budget Bill

Schumer: Wool Trust Fund Will Help Protect Hundreds Of Jobs At Rochester’s Iconic 113-Year-Old Factory

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced he has successfully protected the Wool Trust Fund securing a one-year extension, which Rochester’s iconic 113-year old Rochester Tailored Clothing’ factory, formerly known as Hickey Freeman, relies on for crucial tariff relief. The provisions has been included in the end of year spending bill which will be voted on later this week. The tariff relief is essential for the factory to keep its manufacturing operations and 207 workers, including 181 union employees, in Rochester by keeping its costs commensurate with overseas competitors that are not subject to these tariffs.

“The Wool Trust Fund is vital to creating a level playing field for this 113-year old Rochester institution and its signature ‘Made in the USA’ world-class clothing. I’m proud to announce I just secured a one-year extension of this fund in this year’s end-of-year legislation to support the factory’s world-class over 200 majority-union workforce making some of the best suits in the country,” said Senator Schumer. “This is a major victory for the Rochester Tailored Clothing factory, its wonderful workers, and the Rochester community. With another year of the Wool Trust Fund, this factory can continue to compete with foreign competitors, to keep their manufacturing and hundreds of jobs in Rochester.”

Schumer added, “When I visited this Rochester facility a few years ago and walked the floor alongside the factory’s hardworking employees, many of whom have worked there for decades, I committed to making sure their future was secure for years to come. I made a personal appeal to the Tom James Co. CEO to get them to help take over this institution that is woven into the very fabric of the community, and I promised to promote the legislation they needed to provide stability to their workforce. With the Wool Trust Fund now secured for another year we are ensuring this factory will continue to sew Rochester pride for years to come.”

Schumer explained that companies like Rochester Tailored Clothing are eligible recipients of the USDA’s Wool Trust Fund which compensates the domestic suit industry for the competitive disadvantage that results from an unfair “tariff inversion” where the duty on the imported finished product is lower than the duty on the inputs used to make the product here at home. The program is essential to put companies like Rochester Tailored Clothing back on a level playing field with overseas suit competitors who import suits into the U.S. without ever having to pay the same wool duties as U.S. suit producers. Without the Wool Trust Fund, the Rochester factory’s overseas competitors would have an unfair leg-up while putting our own U.S. manufacturers like the 113-year old Rochester factory in the lurch for making suits in the United States.

Todd Browne, CEO of Tom James Company and Rochester Tailored Clothing said, “Rochester Tailored Clothing is immensely grateful for the significant and meaningful work by Senator Schumer to secure inclusion of the Wool Apparel Manufacturing Trust Fund in this year’s farm bill extension. The Wool Trust is absolutely essential to supporting American manufacturing by helping level the playing field against foreign competitors. It allows the men and women of Rochester Tailored Clothing to compete fairly on the merits of our garments with any product made anywhere in the world. If it were not for the decades of steadfast leadership by Senator Schumer, we would not be able to continue making such fine clothes in America.""

Gary Bonadonna, Jr. Workers United Rochester Regional Joint Board Manager said, “We appreciate Senator Schumer going to bat for our members once again and working to keep the Rochester Tailored Clothing factory in business and our hundreds of skilled members on the job. This is not just another factory, and this is not just another job. This is an iconic business with a strong labor union representing its employees who have committed their lives to this factory and take tremendous pride in their craft.”

In 2014, Schumer was instrumental in first securing legislation in that year’s federal Farm Bill to extend the Wool Trust Fund’s authorization for five years through 2019 and to secondly restore adequate trust fund payment levels to address several years when the Trust was underfunded. In December 2018, Schumer secured the provision in the federal Farm Bill that fully funded the federal Wool Trust Fund program through 2023 which has saved the Rochester factory as much as $3 million a year in relief from unfair tariffs. The Wool Trust Fund was set to expire in 2019, and while the House of Representatives’ version of the Farm Bill included a provision to extend the trust fund until 2023 it also called for the Fund to be cut by 50% which would have jeopardized the viability of Rochester’s factory. Fortunately, Schumer secured a provision in the Senate’s version of the Farm Bill, and the final bill that was signed into law in December 2018 not only extended the Trust Fund program until 2023 but also fully funded it at 100%. When the 2018 Farm Bill was set to expire at the end of last year, Schumer was instrumental in securing an additional year of funding for the Wool Trust Fund and other “orphan” programs that did not have dedicated funding in the baseline of the Farm Bill. As a result of these efforts, Rochester’s factory is one of the few remaining US-based suit and apparel manufacturers.

Schumer has long fought to keep Hickey Freeman in business in Rochester. In 2023, Schumer made a personal appeal to U.S. apparel company Tom James and its CEO Todd Browne after the Rochester factory was put up for sale following the prior owner’s difficulties. Tom James agreed to Schumer’s call to move forward with plans to take over the factory and provide stability and growth for this long-time Rochester facility and its over 200 member workforce.

In 2009, when Hickey Freeman’s parent company at the time, Hartmarx, declared bankruptcy, threatening a liquidation and closure of the Rochester factory, Schumer led the charge to save this factory. Schumer successfully urged Hartmarx’s creditor, Wells Fargo, to keep providing Hartmarx with the credit they needed to continue manufacturing jobs in Rochester, saving hundreds of jobs. Ultimately, in 2012 Schumer helped save Hickey Freeman from bankruptcy, by working with new owners that kept the Rochester factory in business.

Tom James Co., founded in 1966 and 100% employee-owned is the largest custom clothing manufacturer in the world. Headquartered in the U.S., the company employs 3,000 workers across 13 factories including 10 U.S. factories in which workers are members of the Workers United union – the same union that represents the Rochester factory workforce. The Rochester factory is Tom James Co.’s 10th domestic manufacturing facility and the business has been in continuous operation in Rochester since its founding in 1899.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-20-million-for-capital-region-to-boost-community-preparedness-and-resiliency-for-disasters-and-extreme-weather,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $20 MILLION FOR CAPITAL REGION TO BOOST COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCY FOR DISASTERS & EXTREME WEATHER",2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Funding From Inflation Reduction Act Schumer Championed As Majority Leader Will Help Bolster Extreme Weather And Climate Resiliency Hubs In Albany’s Most Vulnerable Neighborhoods

Trinity Alliance Of The Capital Region And Other Local Environmental Justice Groups Will Also Work Together To Strengthen Local Workforce Training And Other Projects To Help Families Lower Energy Costs & Fight Climate Change Locally

Schumer, Gillibrand: Our Inflation Reduction Act Is Delivering To Help Keep Albany Safe During Emergencies And Reduce Energy Costs!

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $20 million via the Inflation Reduction Act for the ALL(bany) Together - Climate and Health Resilience Equity Project spearheaded by Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region to support emergency response and extreme weather hubs to keep Albany neighborhoods safe. The senators said the project will also support local workforce training energy efficiency upgrades, and energy-related trades to help families lower costs and other environmental justice projects to fight climate change locally.

“I championed the Inflation Reduction Act, the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history, because we need to invest in communities like Albany to give them both the resources and the skills to combat climate change locally–not to mention new tools to hold down energy costs. I am proud to deliver this major up to $20 million federal investment to make Albany neighborhoods more resilient and prepared in emergencies like snowstorms, flooding, heatwaves, and give people the hands on training they need to enter clean energy careers,” said Senator Schumer. “This is a win-win: making Albany stronger in the face of emergencies and boosting workforce training for good paying clean energy jobs. This will help build a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future for the Capital Region.”

“All New Yorkers should have access to life-saving resources during emergencies,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I’m proud to announce this $20 million in federal funding, made available through the Inflation Reduction Act, which will help keep Albany residents safe, train local workers for good-paying jobs, and boost the Capitol Region’s climate resiliency. I will continue fighting to ensure that communities across New York have the services they need to combat climate-related emergencies and pave the way for a greener future.”

Schumer and Gillibrand explained that Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region will use its $10 million share of the award to construct the Southern Community Resilience Hub, and $3.5 million will go to the Underground Railroad Education Center to construct the Northern Community Resilience Hub. $6.5 million will help increase opportunities for accessible workforce training, invest in green infrastructure, increase community composting, and work with local building trades professional and general contractors to conduct home energy audits, home inspections, and remediate indoor pollution. This project will increase resilience to extreme weather events among Albany's most vulnerable neighborhoods for generations thanks to improved infrastructure, disaster preparedness training, and reduced chronic exposure to indoor pollutants.

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “When the City of Albany awarded Trinity Alliance $1.7 million of our American Rescue Plan Funding allocation, we knew the much-needed investment was a significant first step to help improve their facilities and expand the scope and reach of their services. Since then Trinity Alliance, under the leadership of Harris Oberlander, has been working hard to secure even more funding to make their entire strategic plan a reality. Thanks to the leadership and advocacy of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, this $20 million grant for Trinity Alliance is a transformational investment in one of the South End’s most important community organizations — all in an effort to better serve the residents of the City of Albany. We are proud the City of Albany‘s ARPA grant to Trinity Alliance helped leverage an additional investment that increased the impact ten-fold — a domino effect of investment in our community that we all aimed for when the American Rescue Plan Act was first passed. Trinity Alliance is a prime example of how President Biden’s and Vice President Harris’ American Rescue Plan, coupled by the advocacy of Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and Congressman Tonko, and a comprehensive partnership at every level of government is making a historic impact on our city, and will continue to do so far into the future.”

Schumer fought to secure $2 billion to create the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program in the historic Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The program helps disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, build climate resilience, and help achieve climate justice. These place-based investments will be focused on community-driven initiatives to be responsive to community and stakeholder input. They are designed to deliver on the transformative potential of the IRA for communities most adversely and disproportionately impacted by climate change, legacy pollution, and historical disinvestments. To learn more, click here.

Schumer has long been a supporter of the ALL(bany) Together project, writing a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan earlier this year and personally calling the Administrator supporting this project. Schumer’s letter can be found here.

“This grant money will go far toward transforming downtown Albany, strengthening and supporting a marginalized community that for far too long has been overlooked,” said Harris Oberlander, CEO of the nonprofit Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region. “Trinity and its partners are grateful to Sen. Schumer for creating an initiative that will build neighborhood assets and pay dividends immediately and far into the future.''

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-announce-permanent-fed-funding-fix-for-world-trade-center-health-program-to-resolve-funding-shortfall-which-supports-9/11-heroes-with-ongoing-health-issues-in-end-of-year-budget,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE PERMANENT FED FUNDING FIX FOR WORLD TRADE CENTER HEALTH PROGRAM TO RESOLVE FUNDING SHORTFALL WHICH SUPPORTS 9/11 HEROES WITH ONGOING HEALTH ISSUES IN END OF YEAR BUDGET",2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer And Gillibrand Have Long Fought For Continued Funds To Support First Responders And Others With Long-Term Health Issues Stemming From 9/11 Terror Attack

Senators Explain They Secured Funding In Upcoming Budget Bill That Congress Will Vote On This Week

Schumer, Gillibrand: This Funding Fix Ensures 9/11 Heroes Never Have To Worry About Getting The Health Care They Need

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced he has secured permanent federal funding to support 9/11 first responders and survivors as part of the end-of-year federal budget bill. The senators explained that even 23 years after the attack many New Yorkers are still being diagnosed with 9/11-related health problems. The program was likely to start running at a deficit in a few years unless more funds were added due to more people who have developed health issues related to the 2001 attack in New York and new responders and survivors who continue to become sick from 9/11-related conditions.

“We have seen the emotional toll the healthcare funding crisis has taken on our 9/11 heroes. I’m proud to share I’ve secured billions in federal funding to keep this program funded permanently so 9/11 first responders and survivors can continue receiving the care they deserve,” said Senator Schumer. “From the moment of the attack, brave first responders and everyday folks made a sacrifice on that day – and in the months that followed – that honored their country. I always said that I would not rest until the victims of 9/11 knew that whenever they needed care, that care would be there for them. Now, with the permanent funding of the World Trade Center Health Program, I’m thrilled to say we are eliminating funding cliffs for this program once and for all to ensure survivors will always receive the care they need.”

""I'm thrilled that the end-of-year health extenders package includes a provision regarding funding for the World Trade Center Health Program that will help prevent a funding shortfall for years to come. This change solves our current projected funding deficit that would have forced cuts to program services in as little as 3 years and harmed 9/11 responders and survivors. This new formula, which will begin in 2026, provides substantially more funding and peace of mind for responders and survivors currently participating in the vital services the World Trade Center Health Program provides,"" said Senator Gillibrand.

The senators said after years of securing short-term funding for the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) he has finally secured permanent funding. The WTCHP helps pay for first responders diagnosed with conditions related to their service on 9/11 but needs more funds to continue supporting first responders with rising health needs. The senators explained that the funding dilemma has been solved—before it became a crisis—by attaching the funds to this year’s end-of-year federal budget bill.

The WTCHP program covers the medical expenses for WTC-related health conditions, including many types of cancers. The fund was established in 2011 as part of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and was originally funded for five years for $1.6 billion. The program was reauthorized in 2015 and extended through 2090 with bipartisan support. In 2022, Schumer and Gillibrand delivered $1 billion for the WTCHP in the end-of-year spending bill, and in 2023, the senator secured an additional $676 million for the program.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gillibrand-kennedy_with-push-buffalo--announce-20-million-to-boost-community-preparedness-and-resiliency-for-disasters-and-extreme-weather,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, KENNEDY – WITH PUSH BUFFALO – ANNOUNCE $20 MILLION TO BOOST COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCY FOR DISASTERS AND EXTREME WEATHER",2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Funding From Inflation Reduction Act Schumer Championed As Majority Leader Will Help Create Mobilization Hubs For Neighborhoods To Be Prepared For Emergencies With Equipment Like Backup Generators, Snow Removal Equipment, Portable Solar Kits, Batteries, Walkie-Talkies, And More

PUSH Buffalo, CoNECT, And Other Local Environmental Justice Groups Will Also Work Together To Strengthen Local Workforce Training In Solar Install & Energy Efficiency Upgrades To Fight Climate Change Locally & Help Families Lower Energy Costs

Schumer, Gillibrand, Kennedy: Our Inflation Reduction Act Is Delivering To Help Keep Buffalonians Safe During Emergencies And Reduce Energy Costs!

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Congressman Tim Kennedy along with PUSH Buffalo and a coalition of other Western NY environmental justice groups announced $20 million via the Inflation Reduction Act for Erie County’s Buffalo Neighborhood Mobilization Hubs Plan, which will support emergency response and extreme weather hubs and bring emergency preparedness resources to neighborhoods across Buffalo. The lawmakers said the project will also support local workforce training initiatives for solar installation, energy efficiency upgrades, and other energy-related trades to help families lower costs and fight climate change locally.

“I’m championed the Inflation Reduction Act, the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history, because we need to invest in communities like Buffalo to give them both the resources and the skills to combat climate change locally – not to mention new tools to hold down energy costs. I am proud to deliver this major up to $20 million federal investment to make neighborhoods across Buffalo more resilient, keep people prepared in emergencies like snowstorms, flooding and heatwaves, and give people the tools to enter clean-energy careers,” said Senator Schumer. “This is a win-win: making Buffalo neighborhoods stronger in the face of emergencies and boosting workforce training for good paying clean-energy jobs. This will help build a cleaner, greener and more resilient future for Western NY.”

“No one should be without access to critical support services during an emergency,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I’m proud to announce this federal funding, which will help make sure that residents of Buffalo have access to the resources they need during climate-related crises. I’m committed to building on this initiative, and I will continue working to guarantee that communities across New York have the services they need to combat the growing number of climate-related emergencies striking our state.”

“In times of crisis, many communities in Buffalo face acute challenges that require big ideas and teamwork,” said Congressman Kennedy. “PUSH Buffalo and CoNECT have demonstrated their ability to meet the needs of vulnerable neighborhoods by providing resources and support. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, this $20 million grant will empower this coalition to create 150 Neighborhood Mobilization Hubs, which will include emergency equipment to ensure communities are prepared for storms and other emergencies. This program will also invest in workforce training that will give people the tools required to increase community resilience, secure good-paying jobs, and strengthen our economy. This is an important step in making communities in Buffalo more equitably prepared for emergencies—improving and saving lives.”

Schumer fought to secure $2 billion to create the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Community Change Grants Program in the historic Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The program helps disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, build climate resilience, and help achieve climate justice. These place-based investments will be focused on community-driven initiatives to be responsive to community and stakeholder input. They are designed to deliver on the transformative potential of the IRA for communities most adversely and disproportionately impacted by climate change, legacy pollution, and historical disinvestments. To learn more, click here.

The Buffalo Neighborhood Mobilization Hubs Plan aims to create Community Resilience Hubs across Erie County to provide disadvantaged communities access to portable solar kits, batteries, walkie-talkies, backup generators, and other emergency equipment in emergencies. The project will purchase portable network kits, solar kits to power them, wired internet access, and other devices will be stored at Community Tech Labs. The project will additionally support local workforce training in solar installation, energy efficiency upgrades, and other trades and conduct outreach to potential employers. Project partners include Just Solutions Collective, Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition, Clean Air Coalition of WNY, University at Buffalo, Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, City of Buffalo- Department of Citizen Services, Erie County- Department of Health Equity. Rahwa Ghirmatzion, Senior Fellow at the Just Solutions Collective will provided strategy and overall project management.

“The Community Change Grant represents a turning point for climate resilience and environmental justice for frontline communities in the City of Buffalo. We celebrate President Biden’s investment in self-determined solutions and grassroots leadership right here in our own neighborhoods, and the Environmental Protection Agency’s commitment to climate justice. We will use this three-year award to develop and implement neighborhood-focused solutions and strategies that live into the People’s Climate Law (New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, or CLCPA, passed in 2019). These programs and services will directly address the unique needs of each neighborhood, and be implemented in collaborative, collective action,” said Dawn Wells-Clyburn, Executive Director of PUSH Buffalo.

“We are excited to launch this vital project to support community-led efforts in collaboration with government partners as we work towards health equity and environmental resiliency in Buffalo,” said Jessica Bauer Walker, Executive Director of CoNECT.

“We are so pleased to have selected the Buffalo Neighborhood Mobilization Hubs Plan (PUSH Buffalo) to receive funding to help support their amazing work,” said Lisa F. Garcia. “These EPA investments will advance local, on-the-ground projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity.”

“Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition is deeply grateful to the EPA for its investment in this innovative and collaborative community effort to heal and restore our neighborhoods and work towards building a healthy and sustainable Buffalo, where everyone can work, play, learn, live, and thrive,” said Dina Thompson, Executive Director, Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition.

“We are grateful to President Biden for listening to climate justice leaders on their decades-long fight to address the worst impacts of climate change in our communities. The Communities Change grant is meant to catalyze investments on the frontlines to pave the way for a just and equitable clean energy transition,” said Rahwa Ghirmatzion, Project Manager.

""Clean Air welcomes the EPA's tremendous investment in climate resiliency, led by and for the Buffalo community. Our work on the front lines of the climate crisis has highlighted the need for neighborhood-level resiliency, and we are proud to partner in this crucial effort,"" said Chris Murawski, Executive Director, Clean Air Coalition.

“We are grateful to President Biden and Senator Chuck Schumer for listening to climate justice leaders on their decades-long fight to address the worst impacts of climate change in our communities. The Communities Change grant is meant to catalyze investments on the frontlines to pave the way for a just and equitable clean energy transition,” said Rahwa Ghirmatzion, Project Manager.

""The University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences is excited to be collaborating with PUSH Buffalo and other partners on this resilience-building project in Buffalo. We look forward to supporting the students and faculty funded by this grant and are excited to witness the impact that it will make locally and throughout the region,"" said Robin G. Schulze, dean of the UB College of Arts and Sciences.

“It’s been two years since the Christmas Blizzard and other storms that dropped seven feet of snow hit Buffalo and Erie County . My administration continues to work tirelessly to prepare residents for all emergencies, especially winter storms that are increasing in frequency and intensity,” said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz. “Thanks to Majority Leader Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and Congressman Tim Kennedy, these EPA funds will allow us to coordinate with PUSH Buffalo and the City of Buffalo to continue that work and meet residents where they are to save lives and build community resilience.”

About PUSH Buffalo and CoNECT

PUSH Buffalo and CoNECT each have extensive experience working to engage the local community and outreach to disadvantaged residents. PUSH and CoNECT co-founded ANCHOR (Assisting Needs for Community Health, Opportunity, and Resiliency) as a community-based coalition in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to function as a bridge between systems, sectors, organizations, grassroots efforts, and community members. Their mission is to remove barriers and build up support to help Buffalo’s most vulnerable neighborhoods that disproportionately face the first and worst impacts of any acute events, including pandemics, mass shootings, and extreme weather.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://clarke.house.gov/rep-clarke-hosts-press-conference-to-urge-the-administration-to-protect-black-immigrant-community-during-the-lame-duck-session/,REP. CLARKE HOSTS PRESS CONFERENCE TO URGE THE ADMINISTRATION TO PROTECT BLACK IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY DURING THE LAME DUCK SESSION,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 17, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT:

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), colleagues, and advocacy groups held a press conference at the Capitol calling for the Biden Administration to protect Black immigrant communities during the lame duck session, with concern about how President-elect Trump’s proposed immigration policies will impact Black communities and families of mixed status.

The press conference comes on the heels of Rep. Clarke and colleaguesletter to the administration urging President Biden to exercise his existing legal authorities and take the following executive actions: extend and redesignate Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for currently designated countries, clear the TPS processing backlog, finalize a rule to provide auto-extensions for work permits, take immediate steps to prioritize the processing of work permits across all categories, and designate special student relief (SSR) to Nigerian F-1 students studying in the United States.

“During President-elect Trump’s previous term, we saw the Trump Administration enact detrimental policies, such as expanding migrant detention programs and building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico Border. Further in 2019, we witnessed Immigration and Customs Enforcement detain migrants at record-high levels with Black detainees facing abuse at disproportionate rates,” the lawmakers wrote. With his pledge to conduct the largest mass deportation in history and enlist the military to carry out this plan, we are extremely concerned that people of African descent will be targeted at higher rates. These actions are imperative to protect innocent people and families from further disruptions to their lives.”

Advocacy groups joined the lawmakers to show support and solidarity for this effort: Nils Kinuani, African Communities Together (ACT), Ronald Claude, Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI), Gbenga Ogunjimi, Nigerian Center, and Daniel Tse, Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA).

“The scapegoating of immigrants and immigration has placed Black immigrants at a dangerous crossroads, where they are both targeted by harmful rhetoric and policies, while simultaneously having their needs and contributions rendered invisible. With President-elect Trump’s promise of a mass deportation agenda, the clock is ticking for proactive action to protect our communities. We urge President Biden to use his authority to ensure that Black immigrants are safeguarded in an increasingly xenophobic and racist immigration landscape,” said Nils Kinuani, Federal Policy Manager of African Communities Together.

“We urge the administration to grant Nigeria Special Student Relief (SSR) designation, or, if possible, Temporary Protected Status (TPS). We request that the Biden administration extend these critical protections to Nigerian nationals and students in the U.S. before its term concludes. As the United States transitions to a new administration, we recommend prioritizing this request as a policy recommendation for the incoming administration, particularly given its stated commitment to favoring merit-based immigration. This approach is especially relevant for individuals with skills in demand in the U.S. economy,” said Gbenga Ogunjimi, Executive Director of the Nigerian Center and lead of the TPS Coalition for Nigeria.

“Renewing Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is advantageous for both the United States and the individuals who hold this status. TPS holders contribute more than $4 billion in taxes and are vital to our nation’s economy,” said Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. “If TPS is not renewed, this will create a massive socio-economic disruption and force thousands of people to leave their families behind. The answer is clear: we must extend TPS.”

The letter was also signed by Reps. Amo, Bishop, Carson, Carter, Cherfilus-McCormick, Cleaver, Connolly, Davis, Danny, Escobar, Evans, García, Garcia, Goldman, Grijalva, Jackson, Johnson, Kamlager-Dove, Lee, Lee Carter, McIver, Meeks, Meng, Holmes Norton, Ocasio-Cortez, Omar, Pressley, Quigley, Ramirez, Ruppersberger, Vargas, Veasey, Velázquez, Wasserman Schultz, Waters, Watson Coleman, Williams, and Wilson.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://clarke.house.gov/rep-clarke-releases-statement-on-the-bipartisan-house-task-force-on-artificial-intelligence-report/,REP. CLARKE RELEASES STATEMENT ON THE BIPARTISAN HOUSE TASK FORCE ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE REPORT,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 17, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT:

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

Washington, DC — Today, the bipartisan House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence delivered its 253-page end-of-year report and main findings to Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The report outlines pathways forward and progressive proposals for advancing the country’s capacity for AI innovation.

“As one of the first members of Congress to call out the potential harms of artificial intelligence, I’ve worked diligently to sound the alarm and introduced legislation on deepfakes and algorithmic bias. I’m pleased with the report’s findings – as a bipartisan effort and product that wasn’t geared to detail specific legislative recommendations, as a member of the bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.

“It’s imperative that Congress establishes a clear standard for identifying deepfakes and provides prosecutors, regulators, and especially victims with the necessary tools to combat fake or manipulated content. Americans do not forfeit their civil liberties when they go online. But when corporations with vast resources continue to allow their AI systems to carry biases against vulnerable groups, the reality is that countless have and will continue to face prejudice in digital spaces.

“It’s reassuring to know that civil rights and civil liberties were included and acknowledged. However, it is not a complete summation of my priorities and goals for AI legislation. This is a step forward to working across the aisle to ensure our AI resiliency, and a good foundation to build on heading into the 119th Congress.”

Read the full report and key findings here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases/press-conference-representative-adriano-espaillat-delivers-4-million-dollars,Press Conference: Representative Adriano Espaillat Delivers $4 Million Dollars in Federal Funding to CCNY,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Adriano Espaillat,E000297,espaillat.house.gov,espaillat,https://espaillat.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC -- This Friday, December 20th at 9:00 a.m. (EST), Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) will hold a press conference touting $4 million in federal funding secured through the Appropriations Fiscal Year 2024 process benefiting the City College of New York (CCNY) to transform the Historic Alumni House into a skills-based workforce development community center as part of the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative.

Espaillat will be joined by CCNY President, Dr. Vincent Boudreau, and others during the check presentation.

WHO:Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

CCNY President Dr. Vincent Boudreau

Dee Dee Mozeleski, Senior Vice President of the Office of Institutional Advancement, Communications and External Relations at CCNY

Local Elected Officials

WHAT: Check Presentation of $4 Million to CCNY

WHEN: Friday, December 20, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. EST

WHERE: The City College of New York

Shepard Hall, Room 350, 3rd floor

160 Convent Avenue

New York, NY 10031",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://lalota.house.gov/media/press-releases/lalotas-first-bill-signed-law-bipartisan-disaster-contract-improvement-act,"LaLota’s First Bill Signed Into Law, the Bipartisan Disaster Contract Improvement Act",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Nick LaLota,L000598,lalota.house.gov,lalota,https://lalota.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County), a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, released the following statement after his bipartisan and bicameral Disaster Contract Improvement Act was signed into law.

I’m incredibly proud that my bipartisan, bicameral Disaster Contract Improvement Act has been signed into law. This legislation ensures that taxpayer dollars are safeguarded and that recovery efforts following natural disasters are free from waste, fraud, and abuse,"" said LaLota. ""Every action Congress takes should prioritize helping the American people, not burdening them. I’m committed to delivering real results, and this law is a testament to that commitment. I will continue fighting for Suffolk County families to ensure accountability and effectiveness in government.""

“When our communities get hit by extreme weather, it’s critical that post-disaster services are ready to respond and that needed goods and services to those affected are delivered,” said Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH). “This bipartisan legislation will help tackle spending waste and fraud and improve government efficiency to strengthen disaster preparation and recovery efforts. I’m pleased that this bill has been signed into law to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and communities can recover quickly.”

“This hurricane season brought devastation to families and businesses across the state, but thankfully, Florida is resilient because of the intense preparation that goes into our disaster readiness planning. Sadly, even when we prepare, all too often we have seen waste, fraud, and abuse following storms. It hurts our families, local governments, and the American taxpayer,” said Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. “Our bill, the Disaster Contract Improvement Act, will help stop this waste and make sure that every dollar is spent with care, preserving resources for future disaster response efforts. I want to thank Representative LaLota for leading the charge in the House of Representatives and my colleagues in the Senate for its bipartisan passage earlier this Congress. The Disaster Contract Improvement Act is a win for American taxpayers and I thank President Biden for signing it into law.”

“Clear guidance on debris removal is crucial for communities to recover swiftly from extreme weather events like the ones we’ve seen this year,” said Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. “By enhancing coordination between FEMA and our dedicated disaster recovery partners, we can make cleanup efforts more cost-effective and efficient, ultimately helping our communities rebound and thrive quicker. I appreciate Representatives LaLota and Pappas’ work leading this bill in the House and am proud to see it signed into law.”

To read the full text of the bill, click HERE.

Background:

The Disaster Contract Improvement Act enhances the efficiency and transparency of disaster recovery efforts, with a particular focus on debris removal. The law requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish an advisory working group comprising representatives from FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers, state and local governments, the USDA Natural Resources and Conservation Service, tribal governments, and industry experts. This group is tasked with fostering collaboration and streamlining efforts among stakeholders involved in post-disaster recovery, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to assist impacted communities.

In addition to creating the advisory group, the law mandates FEMA to conduct comprehensive outreach and provide clear guidance to state, tribal, and local governments. This includes developing and disseminating support materials to improve their understanding and implementation of debris removal contracts. By prioritizing education and communication, the law ensures that all levels of government are equipped to respond swiftly and efficiently in the aftermath of disasters.

Furthermore, the Disaster Contract Improvement Act directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a thorough study on the use of advance contracts for debris removal. This study will evaluate the adoption rates of such contracts by state, tribal, and local governments and identify opportunities to enhance oversight, reduce delays, and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. The insights gained from this analysis will inform future policy improvements, reinforcing accountability and ensuring that taxpayer funds are used responsibly.

By addressing key challenges in disaster recovery, the Disaster Contract Improvement Act strengthens the nation’s ability to respond effectively to natural disasters, providing critical support to communities when they need it most.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-calls-social-security-administration-take-action,CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE CALLS ON SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION TO TAKE ACTION TO PREVENT SCAMS AGAINST SENIORS,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,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 wrote a letter to Social Security Administration (SSA) Acting Commissioner Carolyn Colvin regarding potential risks to seniors within the SSA’s current email practices. Specifically, Morelle criticized the use of a “no-reply” email address and embedded links within official email communications.

“The use of embedded links sent from the ‘no-reply’ email creates an opportunity for bad actors to take advantage of unsuspecting recipients,” wrote Congressman Joe Morelle in his letter. “Malicious actors can easily mimic this format and trick users into releasing personal and private information for their criminal gain; this risk is especially acute among recipients who may not have the tools or knowledge to determine whether the message is authentic or not. This increases the likelihood that already vulnerable populations fall victim to phishing schemes.”

Morelle expressed his continued concern over these practices in his letter, which builds on his existing work to keep seniors—and all Americans—safe from bad actors online. Recently, Congressman Morelle partnered with Lifespan of Greater Rochester to provide older members of our community with the tools and knowledge needed to make safe, informed decisions during the holiday season.

To hear Congressman Morelle’s tips-and-tricks to combat scams and keep you and your family safe online, watch his video here.

To read the full text of Congressman Morelle’s letter to the Social Security Administration, click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://stefanik.house.gov/2024/12/icymi-stefanik-delivers-remarks-on-house-floor-advocating-for-her-bill-the-strengthening-america-s-turning-point-act,ICYMI: Stefanik Delivers Remarks on House Floor Advocating for Her Bill the Strengthening America’s Turning Point Act,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Elise M. Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,stefanik,https://stefanik.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Watch her full remarks here.

View a transcript of her remarks below:

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you, Mr. Chair and Ranking Member. I rise today in support of my bipartisan legislation, the Strengthening America’s Turning Point Act.

I am always so proud to share with my colleagues in Congress and the American people that Upstate New York and the North Country are known as the cradle of the American Revolution, home to numerous battlefields and historic sites that were critical in shaping our nation’s founding and history.

I grew up going to these historic sites like generations of Upstaters and for years I’ve been proud to lead the charge in their preservation in Congress. Preserving and championing our battlefields and historic areas is one of my greatest privileges as the Representative of New York’s 21st District and Co-Chair of the Congressional Battlefield Caucus.

The Battles of Saratoga were the most significant turning point and one of the most decisive American battles of the American Revolution. The American defeat of British forces at Saratoga marked a changing of the tide in the Revolutionary War, securing foreign support from France and bolstering domestic support for the American patriots and our righteous cause.

This bipartisan legislation would rename Saratoga National Historical Park to Saratoga National Battlefield Park to more accurately reflect the historical significance of the site and emphasize the crucial military engagements that took place there.

The historic site was originally named the Saratoga Battlefield Park, but when it became a national park in 1938, the word ‘battlefield’ was left out of its name.

Unanimously supported by the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, this significant fix will help increase public understanding of the deep significance the site holds in our military history and honor the site where so many gave their last full measure of devotion - especially important as we are celebrating our nation’s Semiquincentennial.

I want to express my immense gratitude to my great friend and classmate Chair Bruce Westerman and Subcommittee Chair Tom Tiffany for their partnership in ensuring our battlefields and historic sites in Upstate New York and across America are preserved and protected for generations to come.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://stefanik.house.gov/2024/12/stefanik-s-bill-renaming-historic-site-saratoga-national-battlefield-park-passes-the-house,Stefanik’s Bill Renaming Historic Site “Saratoga National Battlefield Park” Passes the House,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Elise M. Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,stefanik,https://stefanik.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s Strengthening America’s Turning Point Act to rename Saratoga National Historical Park to Saratoga National Battlefield Park passed on the House Floor with bipartisan support.

“I am proud to see my legislation renaming this historic site ‘Saratoga National Battlefield Park’ pass the House today with bipartisan support. This change will more accurately reflect the historical significance of the site as the turning point in the Revolutionary War and one of the most decisive American battles of the American Revolution. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Battlefield Caucus, it is my great honor to preserve and protect our many battlefields and historic sites in Upstate New York and the North Country, the cradle of the American Revolution,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.

“On behalf of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, I thank Congresswoman Stefanik for her longstanding support for the promotion and preservation of our County’s revolutionary history. Redesignating the Saratoga National Historical Park as Saratoga National Battlefield Park will clearly identify the historical significance of this land for tourists and locals alike and is a timely honor for this hallowed ground as we near the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga and the American Revolutionary War,” said Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett.

On June 18, 2024, the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution requesting Congress and the National Park Service to rename the Saratoga National Historical Park to the Saratoga National Battlefield Park.

The site was originally named the Saratoga Battlefield Park, and that name was kept when it was designated as a New York State historical site in 1927. However, when it became a national park in 1938, the word ‘battlefield’ was dropped from its name.

In July 2024, Congresswoman Stefanik introduced the bipartisan Strengthening America’s Turning Point Act. In September 2024, Stefanik’s bill received a legislative hearing in the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands. In November 2024, the Strengthening America’s Turning Point Act passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee by unanimous consent.

As Co-Chair of the Congressional Battlefield Caucus, Stefanik has been a consistent champion for the preservation of our many battlefields and historic sites. In March 2023, Stefanik was awarded the National Preservation Leadership Award from the American Battlefield Trust for her leadership on battlefield preservation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4301,Tonko Asserts Need to Pass His SAFE Bet Act Ahead of Senate Judiciary Hearing,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,tonko,https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) today shared a statement ahead of a hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary examining legalized sports gambling in the U.S. and highlighting his trailblazing legislation that, for the first time, provides nationwide consumer protections for the mobile sports gambling industry, called the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet (SAFE Bet) Act:

“When the Supreme Court legalized mobile sports gambling in 2018, sportsbooks spared no time and no expense cozying up to state legislatures, lobbying leagues, and pumping out advertising to grow a new audience and new generation of consumers. What they know, yet what they have continuously denied and lied to the public about is the tremendous, lasting damage that this barrage of gambling opportunities has inflicting on individuals.

“People have lost their jobs, homes, marriages, communities and, tragically, their lives to the disease of gambling addiction. But, sportsbooks have done precious little to curb this growing public health crisis, instead placing the burden of blame on the consumer, while lining their own pockets at the expense of millions who are struggling with this addiction.

“Just as Congress came together to fight Big Tobacco decades ago, we must come together now to protect people and their families from the suffering related to problem gambling. My SAFE Bet Act is the answer. Much like the historic Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act that helped open our eyes to the harms of smoking, my legislation does not place an outright ban on online gambling, but instead holds this predatory industry to a higher standard in order to protect public health.

“I hope that — as they learn more about this issue and its growing threat to our communities — my colleagues join me in advancing this legislation as soon as possible to give sports back to the American people.”

Tonko introduced the SAFE Bet Act alongside U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) in September of 2024. The landmark bill addresses the public health implications resulting from the widespread legalization of sports betting in the nation by requiring states offering sports betting to meet minimum federal standards in the categories of advertising, affordability and Artificial Intelligence to create a safer, less addictive product.

A fact sheet of the SAFE Bet Act can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-in-response-to-national-archivists-refusal-to-certify-the-equal-rights-amendment/,Gillibrand Statement In Response To National Archivist’s Refusal To Certify The Equal Rights Amendment,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement following the archivist’s refusal to certify the Equal Rights Amendment:

“The archivist is correct that she has a responsibility to uphold the law. Unfortunately, by refusing to certify the ERA, she is wrongfully inserting herself into a clear constitutional process, despite the fact that her role is purely ministerial.

The archivist’s arguments on the ratification process for the Equal Rights Amendment are deeply flawed in multiple ways.

First, the 2022 Office of Legal Counsel memo did not affirm that a deadline was valid and enforceable; rather, it said that the deadline remained an open legal question. Furthermore, it should be obvious that the Trump administration’s 2020 OLC memo was a political document, given its departure from prior OLC opinions and its problematic reliance on superseded and invalid precedent. Clearly, it was issued as an attempt to kill the ERA after it had met the necessary requirements for certification. Finally, the simple truth is that OLC memos are advisory in nature and can easily be disregarded by the current administration.

Second, the statement mischaracterizes the district and circuit court decisions, which did not affirm that the ratification deadlines set by Congress were valid. In reality, the district court found that the parties lacked standing, and the circuit court found that the standard for injunctive relief was not met.

Third, there is no shortage of precedent demonstrating that so-called deadlines in the preamble of legislation—not in the text itself—are inoperative. In fact, the Constitution does not grant Congress the power to set ratification deadlines for amendments at all, nor does it include any timeliness requirement of its own. A previous archivist certified and published an amendment written more than two hundred years before its ratification.

Our argument has strong support from legal experts, twenty-three attorneys general, and the American Bar Association. I continue to urge President Biden to direct the archivist to certify and publish the ERA and enshrine equality for all in the Constitution.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-statement-on-inclusion-of-provision-for-world-trade-center-health-program-funding-in-end-of-year-spending-package/,Gillibrand Statement On Inclusion Of Provision For World Trade Center Health Program Funding In End-Of-Year Spending Package,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement on the inclusion of a provision to fund the World Trade Center Health Program in the end-of-year health extenders package:

“I’m thrilled that the end-of-year health extenders package includes a provision regarding funding for the World Trade Center Health Program that will help prevent a funding shortfall for years to come. This change solves our current projected funding deficit that would have forced cuts to program services in as little as 3 years and harmed 9/11 responders and survivors. This new formula, which will begin in 2026, provides substantially more funding and peace of mind for responders and survivors currently participating in the vital services the World Trade Center Health Program provides.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-gets-greenlight-for-utica-following-his-push-senator-secures-18-million-to-fix-uticas-infamously-outdated-traffic-signals-and-make-safety-upgrades-along-genesee-street,"SCHUMER GETS GREENLIGHT FOR UTICA! FOLLOWING HIS PUSH, SENATOR SECURES $1.8+ MILLION TO FIX UTICA’S INFAMOUSLY OUTDATED TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND MAKE SAFETY UPGRADES ALONG GENESEE STREET",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Utica Has Been Trying For Years To Pilot A Network of Smart Traffic Signals Along Genesee Street – Which Is Heavily Traveled Each Day By Thousands Of Vehicles & Pedestrians – And Feds Finally Deliver Funding Needed Following Schumer’s Advocacy & Personal Call To Secretary Buttigieg

Funding Comes From U.S. Transportation Department’s Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Program Created By Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law Schumer Led To Passage In Senate

Schumer: New Traffic Lights Put Utica In Fast Lane For Less Traffic & Safer Future

Following his push earlier this year, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced he has secured $1,809,957 via the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to fix the infamous and outdated Genesee Street traffic signals in the City of Utica. Schumer said Utica plans to pilot the latest in smart-traffic signals along Genesee Street, which local officials say will reduce traffic and accidents while strengthening safety for motorists and pedestrians along this busy corridor.

“I’m proud to announce the feds have officially greenlit funding to fix traffic lights on Utica’s Genesee Street! Every Utican knows that these traffic lights can be frustrating and outright dangerous and for years the City of Utica has been developing a plan to fix it. That’s why I urged U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for funding to increase safety in Utica & revamp this corridor with a new network of cutting-edge, smart-traffic signals,” said Senator Schumer. “New traffic lights are putting Utica in the fast lane to decrease traffic, accidents, and wait times. I created the Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation grant program in my Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law because I knew we have the technology to pave the way for a smoother and safer commute for all, and I’m thrilled that it’s delivering for Utica today.”

Michael P. Galime, Mayor, City of Utica said, “Senator Schumer’s unwavering commitment to this long-overlooked issue has paved the way for a transformative moment in Utica’s history. With the award of the SMART grant pilot funding, we are now poised to implement state-of-the-art smart grid technology along Genesee Street—marking the beginning of a comprehensive modernization of Utica’s signaling infrastructure. This milestone signals a brighter future for our city, enhancing public safety, improving community well-being, and laying the groundwork for a fully connected smart grid system. As Utica experiences a renaissance of redevelopment, these advancements are a critical step toward a more efficient, sustainable, and thriving urban center.”

Schumer said this federal funding allows the City of Utica to move forward with plans to upgrade its traffic signals. Schumer said the aging stop lights on Genesee Street have plagued Utica residents for years. Phase one of the city’s planned multi-phase upgrade was completed in 2012, but unfortunately officials later reported that there was not enough funding for traffic signal synchronization or timing. Over a decade later, many Genesee Street traffic signals are still out-of-time and frustrating Uticans every day. It can take 15 minutes or more to travel the length of Genesee Street in a car, causing traffic delays that drive vehicles off the city’s main drag and onto side streets.

This federal funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) grant program, which was created by his Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law. Schumer personally called U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg advocating for the project and followed up with a letter that can be found here.

With funding, Schumer said Utica will be able to install and pilot dozens of new, state-of-the-art, smart traffic signals along a 2-mile street of Genesee Street and a continuous 5-block offshoot of Bleecker and Elizabeth Streets, supporting key partner locations like Utica Fire Station #2, Utica’s nationally recognized refugee agency (The Center), Utica’s public transit hub (CENTRO), the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and more. Utica’s smart traffic signals will include long sought after synchronization, connectivity, and other smart city features, including:

Emergency preemption with multi-level right of way for fire, police, snowplow, and transit vehicles

360-degree video detection for vehicles and pedestrians

Pedestrian crossing accessibility features, such as audio / visual cues and passive detection

Data collection and analysis tools to enhance planning, engineering, management and traffic study

According to the NYS Sheriff’s Association, 38% of pedestrian-involved crashes and nearly 20% of all crashes in the City of Utica occur along this corridor. Schumer highlighted that the city expects new smart signals to have a wide range of benefits, including improving emergency response times, reducing traffic and wait times at traffic lights, and strengthening safety to reduce pedestrian injuries and crashes.

Mark Williams, Utica Chief of Police & Scott Ingersol, Utica Fire Chief said, “The award of the SMART grant pilot funding is a game-changer for public safety in Utica. With the implementation of advanced smart city technology along Genesee Street, we’re not only modernizing our traffic signaling system but also significantly enhancing our ability to protect and serve the community. These upgrades will improve emergency response times for police, fire, and ambulance services, while also ensuring safer streets for pedestrians and drivers alike. Additionally, as we modernize our infrastructure, this system will provide invaluable support for essential public works operations such as snow plowing and street maintenance. This marks a critical step in building a safer, more resilient Utica as we embrace the future of urban redevelopment. On behalf of Utica’s Police and Fire, we thank Senator Schumer for fighting to ensure that our city has the modern transportation infrastructure needed to support our exceptional police officers and firefighters in keeping our community safe.”

Nicholas F. Laino, Board of Members Chairman, CENTRO said, “Genesee St. is the heartbeat of Utica. It is CENTRO’s busiest corridor providing thousands of rides to Utica residents each week. Now, because of Senator Schumer’s tireless advocacy, Genesee St. will finally receive the upgrade we have all waited decades for. Smart, synchronized traffic signalization along the Genesee St. corridor will improve the reliability and on-time performance of CENTRO’s bus service, which will in turn improve the usability of our system, increase our ridership, and strengthen transportation access across the Mohawk Valley. It will also decrease idling time for all CENTRO vehicles, including our buses, which will decrease the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in our community. On behalf of CENTRO, our riders, and as a lifelong member of greater Utica, I thank Senator Schumer for delivering and look forward to the new and improved Genesee St.”

Edward Welsh, CEO, CABVI said, “As all Uticans know, the traffic lights downtown are terrible, antiquated, and stressful for motorists and pedestrians. They are also particularly unsafe for the blind, visually impaired, and other communities with disabilities. News of this award is very good for people with vision loss in Utica, particularly around CABVI’s facilities on Kent and Elizabeth Streets downtown. Public protection is one of Senator Schumer’s top priorities, for which we are grateful. This is one of those rare projects that simultaneously improves traffic and pedestrian safety while cutting reaction time for first responders utilizing one of Utica’s busiest streets. CABVI and the communities we serve thank Senator Schumer for his hard work to bring smart, accessible traffic signals to the City of Utica.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act included $100 million appropriated annually over five years (FY22-26) for the SMART grant program, which was established to provide grants to eligible public sector agencies to conduct demonstration projects focused on advanced smart community technologies and systems in order to improve transportation efficiency and safety.

Schumer has long been a champion for transportation projects in the City of Utica. This past June, Senator Schumer delivered $4,613,276 through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-funded Federal Highway Administration Transpiration Alternatives Program for the City of Utica’s Broad Street Corridor Project. In 2022, Schumer secured an $18.2 million grant through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program for Utica’s North Genesee Street Gateway Bridge & Multi-Modal Connector Project. In 2016, Schumer successfully unlocked $1.8 million in federal funds through the Federal Highway Administration and the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) that were previously secured for an obsolete project and blocked for reuse.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3543,Congressman Lawler Announces Resolution of Over 5000 Constituent Cases,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Michael Lawler,L000599,lawler.house.gov,lawler,https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) announced that his office has resolved more than 5,000 constituent cases brought to them by residents of New York's 17th District and their families. These cases have included helping veterans receive long-sought benefits they were due, expediting passports for hundreds of families in NY-17, helping those who came to the U.S. for a brighter future – including spouses and family members of U.S. citizens – acquire green cards or renew visas, advocating with the IRS to send long-awaited tax refunds, securing long-awaited Social Security or Medicare benefits, and bringing constituents home safely from Israel, Haiti, and countries across the globe.

""I'm proud to announce that my office has resolved more than 5,000 constituent cases,"" said Congressman Lawler. ""This wouldn't be possible without our dedicated caseworkers who work around the clock to assist every constituent who reaches out. From day one, they have worked arduously to resolve the many constituent casework needs brought to our attention.""

""Our constituents will always come first,"" Congressman Lawler concluded. ""I look forward to continuing to deliver the quality service they expect and deserve throughout my second term. I encourage all my constituents, if you have need of assistance in dealing with a federal agency or service, not to ever hesitate in reaching out. We are here to help!""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-announces-56-million-federal-support-town-rush,CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE ANNOUNCES $5.6 MILLION IN FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR TOWN OF RUSH,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,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, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced he has helped secure more than $5.6 million in federal funding to support the creation of a new water district in the Town of Rush. The completion of this project will provide public water to the town and help improve the overall health, welfare, and safety of residents.

“Reliable access to clean water is fundamental for healthy communities. I’m proud to announce significant federal funding to make this a reality for more people in the town of Rush by creating a new water district,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I’m grateful to Supervisor Woolaver and the Town of Rush for their partnership as we work to upgrade our aging water infrastructure and improve quality of life for everyone who calls Rush home.”

“I would like to thank Congressman Joe Morelle and everyone involved in securing the funding for the new water district in the Town of Rush,” said Town of Rush Supervisor Daniel Woolaver. “Creating reliable access to clean water would be life changing for so many of our residents, and I look forward to the work ahead.”

The total funding for this project consists of $500,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending that Congressman Morelle secured through the Fiscal Year 2024 Community Project Funding Process as well as $5,107,000 in Rural Development direct loan funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Town of Rush will use these funds to construct a new water district and provide public water and fire protection to residents relying on private wells. Currently, many town residents experience hardships concerning their private well supplies, including low yields during dry periods and failed water samples. The Town intends to install approximately 35,000 linear feet of new 6"" and 8"" water main, valves, fire hydrants, and related appurtenances to serve the area's residents.

This project will improve drinking water quality for approximately 285 residents living in 114 households in the Town. Upon completion of this project, the residents will be served with public water which will protect water resources for the future, reduce greenhouse gases, and reduce potential well water contamination.

To learn more about this project—as well as others Congressman Morelle has helped support through the Community Project Funding Process—visit the Congressman’s website here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-tenneys-forks-made-america-act-passes-house,Congresswoman Tenney’s FORKS Made in America Act Passes House,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Claudia Tenney,T000478,tenney.house.gov,tenney,https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Cleveland, NY – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today announced that her legislation, which would require the Department of Defense to purchase domestically produced stainless-steel flatware and dinnerware, was included in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the House of Representatives on December 11, 2024.

Since Rep. Tenney’s first term in 2017, she has been at the forefront of efforts to include stainless steel flatware under the Berry Amendment. Originally enacted during World War II, the Berry Amendment mandates that the Department of Defense purchase certain goods exclusively from domestic sources as long as they are available in sufficient quantity and at a fair market price.

“The FORKS Made in America Act strengthens the Berry Amendment by including stainless steel flatware and dinnerware, providing a much-needed boost to our domestic flatware industry,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “This legislation will significantly benefit American manufacturers like Sherrill Manufacturing in Central New York. I am thrilled that this legislation was included in the FY25 NDAA and look forward to seeing it strengthen New York’s manufacturing sector and support our regional economy.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4298,Tonko Honors 2024 NY-20 Congressional App Challenge Winners at Guilderland High School,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,tonko,https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"GUILDERLAND, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko visited Guilderland High School on Friday to recognize Atri Dey, Anthony Egan, and Joshua Ko, members of the winning team for the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for New York’s 20th Congressional District. During the visit, Tonko delivered congratulatory remarks and presented each winning student with a Congressional Certificate of Achievement and a letter of recognition for their outstanding work.

“Each year, I am impressed anew by the talent and innovative spirit shown by our Capital Region students through their submissions for the Congressional App Challenge,” Congressman Tonko said. “This year was no exception. With their Polibite app, Atri, Anthony, and Joshua demonstrated not only their outstanding coding skills, but also a commendable dedication to helping their peers participate in the political process and stay informed on current events. I’m proud to welcome these students into the storied ranks of Capital Region innovators, and I’m grateful to Atri, Anthony, and Joshua for their hard work. Congratulations to all the students who participated in this year’s App Challenge!”

During the lead-up to last month’s elections, with many of their peers and classmates registering to vote for the first time, Atri, Anthony, and Joshua set out to create an app that would help people stay informed and engage in the political process. Their winning submission, Polibite, is a web app that aims to help users keep up with news on current legislation while also encouraging them to take political action. The app serves as a one-stop hub for users to get daily updates on Congressional activity, learn more about the lawmaking process, and register to vote. The winning students coded the website from scratch using a combination of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python coding languages.

You can learn more about the app by viewing the students’ submission video on YouTube.

This year’s NY-20 Congressional App Challenge winner was chosen by a distinguished panel of local judges, including Dr. Mohammed J. Zaki, Professor and Department Head of Computer Science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Annmarie Lanesey, CEO and Founder of CanCode Communities, and Tobi Saulnier, CEO of 1st Playable Productions.

The Congressional App Challenge was created by Congress in 2013 to encourage innovation and engagement in coding, computer science, and STEM education. The App Challenge is open to all eligible middle and high school-aged students in New York’s 20th Congressional District, regardless of coding experience.

To view and download photos of Congressman Tonko’s visit with Atri, Anthony, and Joshua, see the Congressman’s social media posts HERE, HERE, and HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4299,Tonko Clarifies Opposition to Hateful National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA),2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,tonko,https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) clarified his firm opposition to the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the following statement:

“Last week, I mistakenly voted ‘YES’ for the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The NDAA has historically served as a non-partisan bill to reinforce our commitment to our service members and protect our national security. Unfortunately, Republicans have turned what should be a bipartisan declaration of our freedoms into an attack against our transgender friends, family, and heroes.

My deep apologies to those in my community who have been hurt by my mistake. Please know that I fully intended to vote 'NO' for this cruel bill that perpetuates hate and denies health care to those who need it. I have documented that error with the Clerk and clarified my opposition to this bill.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4300,"Tonko, Pallone Mark 50 Years of Safe Drinking Water Act with Introduction of AQUA Act",2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,tonko,https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, on the 50-year anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act, U.S. Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials, and Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) introduced the AQUA Act, legislation that fixes America’s drinking water systems. The bill provides needed federal investments to local communities to address critical water infrastructure needs, delivers a lifeline to beleaguered water utilities in return for a commitment to temporarily halt water shutoffs for struggling customers, and ensures that every one of the millions of lead service lines still in use will be replaced.

Among numerous other issue areas, Tonko’s Energy and Commerce Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the Safe Drinking Water Act, which was enacted on December 16, 1974, to protect public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply.

“50 years ago, Congress took historic action to protect public health and improve the quality of drinking water across America,” Congressman Tonko said. “Half a century later, that lofty but vital commitment continues with the introduction of our AQUA Act. I have often said that every life and every job is dependent on clean water. During my leadership role in the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee, I’ve pushed to strengthen and expand access to safe drinking water. We made significant progress in the past three years with the advance of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. However, our commitment to clean water for every U.S. community is far from complete. Regions across the nation need additional, targeted resources to fix their crumbling infrastructure, and that’s where our AQUA Act comes in. This bill tackles devastating PFAS contamination in our drinking water and helps local communities get their water systems onto more sustainable footing. As we celebrate 50 years of drinking water investments and improvement, let’s continue working to rebuild America’s infrastructure, removing dangerous contaminants, and creating a strong, healthy, resilient economy for all.”

“Access to clean, safe drinking water is a basic human right, and on this 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act, I’m proud to join Congressman Tonko in introducing legislation that protects that right and ensures every American can trust the water coming out of their tap,” said Congressman Pallone. “This bill not only requires EPA to set new, strict drinking water standards for dangerous PFAS ‘forever chemicals,’ but it also devotes much-needed funding to local governments so they can repair our aging water systems and remove toxic lead from our children’s schools. This is exactly what’s required for Americans to finally have what they deserve – full and complete trust in their drinking water – and I applaud Congressman Tonko for his unfailing determination to get the job done.”

Tonko has worked in Congress for years to ensure Americans have access to safe drinking water. Last month, he celebrated three years since the enactment of the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and its more than $16 million in clean water investments delivered directly to New York’s 20th District.

The AQUA Act

Invests nearly $104 billion over 10 years for our nation's water systems, including:

$49 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) over 10 years

$30 billion to support the full replacement of every lead service line

$5 billion to help systems with PFAS contamination

Requires EPA to set new, health-protective standards for PFAS, 1,4-dioxane, microcystin toxin, and chromium–6 while setting clearer criteria for EPA to set standards in the future

Authorizes $1.5 billion annually for 10 years for a permanent water affordability program, modeled on the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, to assist households in improving or maintaining access to affordable drinking water.

A fact sheet of the AQUA Act can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/icymi-gillibrand-op-ed-in-the-new-york-times-make-the-equal-rights-amendment-part-of-the-constitution/,ICYMI: Gillibrand Op-Ed In The New York Times: Make The Equal Rights Amendment Part Of The Constitution,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand published an opinion piece in the New York Times urging President Biden to direct the national archivist to certify and publish the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which would enshrine equality and reproductive rights in the Constitution, before he leaves office. Senator Gillibrand has led the fight for the certification of the ERA, which was approved by both houses of Congress in the 1970s and ratified by the last of the necessary three-quarters of the states in 2020 but never published.

Read the full op-ed here or below:

Make the Equal Rights Amendment part of the Constitution

Kirsten Gillibrand | December 15, 2024

With Republicans set to take unified control of government, Americans are facing the further degradation of reproductive freedom.

Fortunately, Mr. Biden has the power to enshrine reproductive rights in the Constitution right now. He can direct the national archivist to certify and publish the Equal Rights Amendment. This would mean that the amendment has been officially ratified and that the archivist has declared it part of the Constitution.

The amendment is concise: “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex. The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.”

The amendment would make discrimination on the basis of sex — like restrictions on reproductive care that single out women — unconstitutional, including, in my view, abortion. We’ve seen the potential of this approach; courts in several states with E.R.A.s have cited those amendments in striking down state prohibitions on Medicaid-funded abortion care.

The E.R.A. has met the requirements for certification — it passed two-thirds of Congress in 1972 and was ratified by three-quarters of the states as of 2020. Only a flawed Trump Justice Department memo prevented its certification as a constitutional amendment. The memo contended that the E.R.A. is no longer valid because it failed to meet the seven-year deadline that Congress initially set and then, when the ratification effort fell three states short, extended until 1982.

But the deadline was meaningless. The Constitution says nothing about a deadline for amending it.

No doubt this would be argued in the courts; right-wing legal challenges would follow the archivist’s certification and publication. But there is strong legal backing for our position. Mr. Biden should act now to protect reproductive rights and make the E.R.A. the law of the land.

Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democrat, is a United States senator representing New York.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-his-advocacy-schumer-announces-historic-hudson-athens-lighthouse-selected-for-us-army-corps-protection-program-opening-up-desperately-needed-funding-to-help-save-beloved-lighthouse-from-sinking-into-the-hudson-river,"FOLLOWING HIS ADVOCACY, SCHUMER ANNOUNCES HISTORIC HUDSON-ATHENS LIGHTHOUSE SELECTED FOR U.S. ARMY CORPS PROTECTION PROGRAM, OPENING UP DESPERATELY NEEDED FUNDING TO HELP SAVE BELOVED LIGHTHOUSE FROM...",2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"After months of advocacy, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has selected the historic Hudson-Athens Lighthouse for their protection program and identified the Lighthouse as a priority for the Corps opening the desperately needed federal funding to help restore this beloved site.

Schumer explained the historic lighthouse, which opened in 1874 and has served as a crucial navigation aid for commercial and recreational vessels, is on the national “11 Most Endangered Historic Places” list due to stronger waves and currents that are deteriorating wood pilings underneath the foundation, which puts the lighthouse at risk of collapsing into the Hudson River. Now thanks to Schumer’s efforts, the Army Corps will begin work with Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society to fund the engineering and construction work needed to save the lighthouse and stabilize the structure.

“The Hudson-Athens Lighthouse has stood for over 150 years as a powerful symbol of New York’s rich maritime history, and is still used to help guide ships along the Hudson River and beloved by both tourists and the families in Columbia and Greene counties. When community leaders came to me fearing this historic lighthouse could begin sinking into the Hudson River, I said not on my watch! Now just in time for Christmas, I am proud to announce that I have gotten the Army Corps of Engineers leadership to include the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse in its protection program, opening up the critical federal funding needed to save this beloved historic landmark,” said Senator Schumer. “I worked for months calling the leadership at the Army Corps to shine a spotlight on the lighthouse and said we need federal support for this project. After years of uncertainty, we’re finally exiting the storm and the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society can chart a path forward. It is the Christmas gift so many have been looking for and I am proud to deliver it. I thank Brigadier General Lloyd, Colonel Young, and his team at the Corps for their work with us, and will continue to advocate to see this Lighthouse shine brightly for years to come.”

Securing the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse into this program was a months-long effort by Schumer working behind the scenes to elevate the story of the lighthouse with the feds. Schumer personally called Assistant Secretary of Army Civil Works Michael Connor to advocate for the Army Corps to prioritize this project. Following his advocacy, the Army Corps allocated $50,000 for a feasibility study to assess appropriate next steps to restore the lighthouse’s base, which will open up continued federal investment for the restoration project.

Following Schumer’s request, Army Corps leadership last week approved the feasibility study, greenlighting the project to move into its next phase of design and construction work through the USACE’s Continued Authorities Program (CAP) Section 14. Schumer pledged to continue pushing the Army Corps to prioritize preserving this beloved lighthouse for the Hudson Valley and Capital Region.

Schumer said the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse is not just a physical structure, but a powerful symbol of the region’s identity and cultural heritage in Columbia and Greene Counties, and critical to the local tourism economy. For more than a century and a half, it has stood as a beacon of the Hudson Valley’s spirit and resilience, connecting generations of local residents to the history of their community and the river that has shaped it. The Hudson-Athens Lighthouse still serves as a navigational aid for ships along the Hudson River and for over a century was essential for the commerce that fueled the growth of America. Schumer said preserving the lighthouse is critical not only as a historic and cultural landmark, but a unifying symbol for the whole region.

""We are deeply grateful to Senator Schumer for his unwavering support and dedication to preserving the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, a cherished symbol of our community and the entire Hudson River region. Thanks to his proactive advocacy, the Army Corps' approval of the feasibility study is an essential and monumental achievement to secure the funding to stabilize, restore, and preserve this historic landmark and priceless community and state asset. The Lighthouse has stood as a beacon of safety but also of community identity for over 150 years, and with this federal investment, we will ensure that it will continue to shine for generations to come. We look forward to working closely with the US Army Corps of Engineers and all our partners to bring this vision to life. Thank you, Senator Schumer,"" said Kristin Gamble, President of the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society.

““In the summer of 2022, I was honored to welcome Senator Schumer to the Athens Riverfront Park on his annual tour of every county in New York. To see the seeds planted that day come to fruition is thrilling to say the least. With the lighthouse as a backdrop, we discussed Hudson River history, and the conversation inevitably turned to the dire need for funding to assist in the preservation of our beloved landmark. When I connected Senator Schumer to HALPS I wasn’t certain what would come of it. But I am incredibly grateful that we met that day and that the senator has worked so hard since then to bring us to where we are today. I’m optimistic for the future of the lighthouse, which not only serves as a point of community pride but draws visitors from near and far to experience a slice of history in our wonderful little village,” said Amy Serrago, Mayor of Athens.

“The US Army Corps of Engineers New York District is excited to announce that the Federal Interest Determination for the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse project was approved by our North Atlantic Division last week and we are now authorized to prepare a more detailed study to finalize the engineering and environmental analyses that are necessary to proceed into the design and construction phase. We look forward to working with the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society, the municipalities, and other interested stakeholders in advancing a project that will protect this critical cultural and historic resource for generations to come,” said USACE NY District Commander Colonel Young.

Today’s visit to Greene County marks the completion of Schumer’s 26th annual tour of all 62 New York counties. During his first Senate election in 1998, Schumer pledged to visit every single New York County every year. Schumer is the first New York public official to start a tour of every county in the state and has continued it throughout his tenure in the Senate. Schumer explained that this tour allows him to meet New Yorkers in every corner of the state and determine where federal investments are needed. For example, in 2022 Schumer met with leadership in Greene County which is how he first met the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society team and learned about their push to restore the historic lighthouse. Since then, Schumer has been a lead supporter of delivering critical federal funding to boost the project.

“This represents the beauty of my 62 county tour. I first met the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society team when visiting Greene County in 2022, and they put this project on my radar. This is exactly why I still do the tour even after all these years. I always learn something. By meeting New Yorkers in every corner of the state every year, I get to hear about what I can do to deliver critical federal support for local communities. Christmas came early this year for Columbia and Greene County and I am proud to help secure this major step forward in saving this beloved lighthouse,” added Schumer.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-completes-tour-of-all-of-nys-62-counties-for-26th-year-in-a-row-with-this-years-tour-the-culmination-of-legislation-he-championed-delivering-billions-for-ny-creating-thousands-of-good-paying-jobs-and-laying-foundation-for-empire-states-future,"SCHUMER COMPLETES TOUR OF ALL OF NY’S 62 COUNTIES FOR 26TH YEAR IN A ROW; WITH THIS YEAR’S TOUR THE CULMINATION OF LEGISLATION HE CHAMPIONED DELIVERING BILLIONS FOR NY, CREATING THOUSANDS OF...",2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Vowed To Visit Every Single NY County Each Year During His First Senate Election In 1998 & The Tradition Continues For An Historic 26th Year – With This Year As The Apex Of Decades-Long Vision He Has Had To Deliver On Investment Across NY State

Schumer Believes Visiting Every County Is Imperative To His Work In DC And Inspired Legislation He Passed As Majority Leader Including The CHIPS & Science Law Which Is Bringing Manufacturing Back To The State, The Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law Which Is Fixing Bridges, Broadband, & Roads Across The State, And Inflation Reduction Act That Is Lowering Costs Of Medicine & Energy For Families

Schumer: I’m Not Slowing Down – And Promise To Keep Traveling, Delivering, & Fighting For New York!

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer completed his 26th consecutive annual tour of all 62 New York State counties, with his final stop today in Greene County to announce he has successfully gotten the Army Corps to step up to help save the beloved Hudson-Athens Lighthouse. Schumer called this tour one of the most impactful, with this year as the culmination of decades of work and legislation he championed delivering billions of dollars in federal investment, creating thousands of good-paying jobs, rebuilding the state’s aging infrastructure, bringing manufacturing back to the state, and laying the foundation for the next generation.

“Today, you can flip one of my favorite numbers – 62, for every county in New York – and get another very important number for me today: 26. I am proud today that for the 26th year in a row, I completed my annual tour of all 62 counties in New York State!” said Senator Schumer. “From Rochester to Rockland County, meeting with New Yorkers from every walk of life, and listening to them, is what inspires me every day in Washington. It is what inspired major legislation like my bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law which has delivered billions in federal investment this year spurring over $110 billion in new private investment to bring manufacturing back to Upstate NY, create thousands of good-paying jobs, and make the Empire State a global leader in semiconductor production. This year was special because I got to see the culmination of years of work on legislation delivering more for my home state than many ever thought possible, laying the foundation for a brighter future and the next generation here in NY.”

During his first Senate election in 1998, Schumer pledged to visit every single New York county every year. Schumer is the first New York public official to start a tour of every county in the state and has continued it throughout his tenure in the Senate.

“From landing America’s first National Semiconductor Technology Center in the Capital Region to helping save the historic postal facility on Williams St. in Buffalo and bringing broadband to rural communities across Upstate NY, this year was about helping communities on issues of all types in every corner of the state. As Majority Leader in the Senate I have always made sure New York is front of my mind, and ensuring the laws we championed deliver in big ways for the Empire State has been my top goal,” added Schumer.

Schumer concluded, “And I have no plans on slowing down. God gave me a lot of energy, and I look forward to continuing this tradition again next year and continuing to fight and deliver for New York. Because no matter what’s happening in Washington, my favorite two titles will always be New York’s senator and a New Yorker, and I’m keeping my foot on the pedal so we can keep driving federal resources home to communities across the state.”

The legislation Schumer has championed delivered massive federal investment in every corner of New York State this past year, including:

Over $110 billion in new manufacturing investment made possible by billions in federal funding from his bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law locked in for Upstate NY, creating thousands of new, good-paying jobs and making New York a global leader in the semiconductor industry.

Schumer wrote and shepherded into law the bipartisan CHIPS & Science Act with Upstate NY in mind, and since then he has worked night and day to ensure it delivers for his home state. This year, billions in federal funding were announced for manufacturing and R&D projects in NY, locking in federal incentives to move forward major investments made by companies like Micron’s proposed massive $100 billion megafab memory chip complex near Syracuse – the largest private investment in New York State’s history – GlobalFoundries’ multi-billion dollar expansion in the Capital Region, Wolfspeed’s investment in the Mohawk Valley, Edwards Vacuum’s supplier investment in Western NY, Corning’s supplier investment in the North Country, and other critical investments such as America’s first National Semiconductor Technology Center being headquartered at Albany NanoTech, the prestigious federal Tech Hubs designation and investment across the I-90 corridor in Upstate NY, Binghamton University winning the NSF Regional Innovation Engines competition, JMA Wireless’s expansion in Syracuse, and much more.

Billions from his Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law to revitalize NY’s roads, bridges, broadband and more.

Schumer led the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law to passage in the Senate in 2021, which has delivered billions for NY, including $6+ billion this year for the Gateway Hudson tunnel project that is the largest mass transit federal grant in history, $180+ million to reconnect communities in Syracuse divided by the I-81 highway, a whopping $215+ million to help replace the Livingston Avenue Rail Bridge between Albany and Rensselaer, hundreds of millions to close the digital divide in rural and urban communities, and much more.

Lower costs for drug prices, home energy costs, and investments in clean energy thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act.

Schumer led the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to passage in the Senate in 2022, which has already made vaccines free for seniors, capped insulin at $35 for those on Medicare, negotiated lower prices for critical medication, and lowered out of pocket drug costs to roughly $3,100 for 2024, with an even lower cap to $2,000 coming in 2025, making healthcare more affordable for more than 3.8 million New York seniors. In addition to helping save families over $300 million by weatherizing their homes and replacing old appliances with more efficient models, the nearly $250 million investment in rooftop solar for low-income and disadvantaged communities will deliver at least $40 in energy bill savings annually to more than 800,000 eligible households, with the added benefit of increased electric grid reliability. These funds complement the tax credits, made possible by the IRA, that saved 189,680 New York families over $374 million last year for clean energy upgrades to their homes while also lowering their monthly utility bills.

These efforts have also allowed Schumer to successfully deliver on many top priorities across the state over the past year. These efforts can be found broken down region by region below:

CAPITAL REGION

Secured America’s first National Semiconductor Technology Center, along with a $825 million federal investment, for Albany NanoTech: After years of relentless advocacy, Senator Schumer announced the Capital Region was selected as America’s flagship location for the National Semiconductor Technology Center, which he created in his bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law with Albany NanoTech in mind. Albany NanoTech will now be the epicenter for America’s next leap in federal research for Extreme Ultraviolet technology, which is central to the global semiconductor industry.

Locked in $1.5 billion CHIPS Award for GlobalFoundries to expand operations and build a second, state-of-the-art fab in Malta, NY: After his successful efforts to convince GlobalFoundries to expand, Senator Schumer announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce has finalized its $1.5 billion direct CHIPS funding award, spurring the multi-billion dollar expansion of GlobalFoundries in the Capital Region that will include building a second state-of-the-art fab, helping to create thousands of new, good-paying manufacturing and union construction jobs. The U.S. Department of Commerce will disburse funds in the coming years as GlobalFoundries meets project milestones agreed to in the final award.

Delivered $215 million to replace the Livingston Avenue Rail Bridge between Albany and Rensselaer: After personally calling U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to secure federal funding for this project, Senator Schumer announced that he secured historic funding to replace the Livingston Avenue Rail Bridge, some of which dates back to the Civil War era. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program, which Schumer fought to boost funding for in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law he led to passage in the Senate and is the largest award in the history of the program.

WESTERN NY

Secured $40 million in federal funding for the “NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub”: After helping the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse Tech Hub land the prestigious federal Tech Hub designation Schumer created in his bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law, Senator Schumer announced the Tech Hub was awarded major federal funding from a highly competitive federal grant. The funding will help Upstate NY build out its workforce training initiatives, strengthen existing manufacturing and innovation, and help attract new supply chains to support the build-out of the billions in private and federal semiconductor investment the senator has helped bring to Upstate NY.

Delivered $100+ million for Buffalo to create a brand-new bus rapid transit line: After years of advocacy, Senator Schumer helped secure major federal funding for Buffalo to overhaul Bailey Avenue – one of Buffalo’s busiest streets, and increase affordable transportation for Buffalo’s East Side. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Neighborhood Access and Equity Program, which Schumer helped create in the Inflation Reduction Act that he led to passage in the Senate.

Saved Buffalo’s William Street Post Office: After a decision by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) put Buffalo’s historic William St. Postal Facility on the list for consolidation, Schumer joined with the community and union postal workers to fight this decision, which Schumer also helped save in 2012. After personal calls to Postmaster Louis Dejoy, Senator Schumer announced the USPS reversed plans to transfer mail processing operations from Buffalo’s William Street Postal facility to Rochester. This decision will protect quality mail delivery and postal workers across Western NY.

ROCHESTER-FINGER LAKES

Celebrated the groundbreaking of a new, state-of-the-art National Grape Improvement Center: After securing $68.9 million in federal funding to bolster Upstate NY’s wine industry, Senator Schumer celebrated the groundbreaking of the new National Grape Improvement Center in Geneva, a partnership between Cornell and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The facility will help establish the Finger Lakes as the center of innovation and R&D for wine and viticulture for all of America.

Landed $23.7 million for safer, more walkable & bikeable streets across Rochester: After standing at a notoriously dangerous roadway for cyclists and calling for federal investment, Senator Schumer returned to announce significant federal funding to help create a new safer network of streets for bicyclists and pedestrians in Rochester. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All Program, which Schumer helped create in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law that he led to passage in the Senate.

Secured an $18 million preliminary CHIPS agreement for Edwards Vacuum to create a first-of-its-kind in the United States dry pump manufacturing facility to supply the semiconductor industry: Following his relentless advocacy, Senator Schumer announced that Edwards Vacuum secured a preliminary federal funding agreement for its new $300+ million dry pump manufacturing facility. The project is expected to bring 600+ new jobs, and this investment will bring the production of semiconductor-grade dry vacuum pumps to the U.S., strengthening the domestic semiconductor supply chain.

Championed Judge Vacca’s historic judicial nomination in Western NY: After recommending Judge Meredith Vacca to serve as a judge on the United States District Court for the Western District of New York, Senator Schumer celebrated her swearing in. Judge Vacca, a Korean-American, is the first woman of color to serve as a judge on the Western District of New York bench, and with her swearing in the Western District of New York Court is one of the few 50% women benches in the country.

CENTRAL NY

Locked in a $6.1 billion CHIPS award to support Micron’s historic and massive investment in Central NY: After convincing Micron to select Clay, NY for its planned massive megafab memory chip manufacturing complex, Senator Schumer announced that Micron has finalized its $6.1 billion direct CHIPS funding award to support its $100+ billion project in Central NY. The project is expected to bring up to 50,000 good-paying jobs and be the largest private investment in New York’s history. The U.S. Department of Commerce will disburse funds in the coming years as Micron meets project milestones agreed to in the final award.

Delivered $180+ million for Syracuse’s I-81 viaduct project to reconnect communities, realize the community grid, and make streets safer: Following years of advocacy, including bringing U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to Syracuse for a tour of the I-81 project, Senator Schumer announced major federal funding to bring the project to life, reconnect the downtown communities that have long been divided by I-81, and improve the quality of life for communities across Syracuse. The highly competitive funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Neighborhood Access and Equity Program, which Schumer created in the Inflation Reduction Act.

Secured $50 million to build hundreds of units of new affordable housing for Syracuse’s East Adams Revitalization: After two years ago announcing a major push to secure federal support for Syracuse’s 15th Ward neighborhood, Senator Schumer announced one of the largest single federal housing investments in Syracuse’s history. The funding will help support the redevelopment of over 600 aging public housing units, into new, affordable, mixed-income housing units, revitalize urban green spaces, support educational and entrepreneurship, and more. This is the first award in NYS from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Choice Neighborhoods Initiative.

NORTH COUNTRY

Announce a $32 million CHIPS agreement for Corning Incorporated to increase specialized glass production for the semiconductor supply chain: After visiting Canton following the passage of his bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law and promising it would supercharge the demand for Corning’s critical technology, Senator Schumer announced that Corning secured a preliminary federal funding agreement for its planned $315 million investment that will boost its highly specialized glass production in Canton, which is a critical piece of the supply chain for the world’s most advanced microchips. The project is expected to create up to 130 new, good-paying manufacturing jobs, including new union jobs, and over 175 union construction jobs.

Churned up $22 million for Kraft Heinz to modernize production for their dairy factory in Lewis County: As part of his long history of supporting and protecting jobs at Kraft Heinz in Lowville, Senator Schumer announced major federal funding to help the food company upgrade, electrify, and decarbonize its heating process to significantly reduce carbon emissions. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Industrial Demonstrations Program, which Schumer boosted funding for in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law and Inflation Reduction Act.

Saved hundreds of manufacturing jobs in Plattsburgh after closure of former Nova Bus Facility: After Nova Bus announced its closure earlier this year, Schumer worked with local leaders and called Volvo’s top leadership to convince them to sell to another transportation manufacturer and protect the staple manufacturing facility. Earlier this year Schumer announced that Micro Bird will invest $38 million to establish new manufacturing at the Nova Bus site in Plattsburgh that was slated for closure, providing new job opportunities to the nearly 300+ workers there.

SOUTHERN TIER

Convinced Siemens Mobility to build a first-of-its-kind high-speed rail manufacturing facility: After his advocacy including personally writing the Siemens CEO, Senator Schumer announced that the company will build its new facility in Horseheads. The project is expected to create approximately 300 new good-paying jobs producing America’s fastest high-speed trainsets, the American Pioneer 220, for Brightline West, that will connect Las Vegas to Southern California.

Landed NSF Engine award for the Binghamton University-led New Energy New York, bringing up to $160 million in federal investment for Southern Tier battery development: After delivering a historic $113+ million for Binghamton to establish its battery manufacturing & innovation hub, and then securing for the Southern Tier the prestigious federal Tech Hub designation late last year, Senator Schumer announced that the Binghamton-led project was one of only ten projects across the country selected for this NSF Regional Innovation Engines award which will bring $15 million in federal funding immediately, with up to $160 million total in federal funding over the life of the program. The funding will help supercharge growth and cutting-edge research in the Southern Tier’s battery development and manufacturing.

Delivered nearly $9 million for Broome County to purchase 7 brand new, efficient electric buses: As part of his long history of delivering major federal funding to Broome County to boost its bus infrastructure, Senator Schumer announced major federal funding to help the county replace seven out-of-date diesel buses that are no longer reliable. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Low and No Emission Vehicle Grant Program, which Schumer fought to boost funding for in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law he led to passage in the Senate.

Secured nearly $16 million for Steuben County and partners to develop new battery technology for energy-efficient trains: Following efforts to boost the Southern Tier as a hub for battery research and development, Senator Schumer announced federal funding for the Steuben County IDA – in partnership with Norfolk Southern Railway, Binghamton University’s New Energy New York (NENY) consortium, and Alstom – to produce and test two hybrid, battery-powered trains at Alstom’s Southern Tier facility. This will enhance safety and improve climate resilience. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program, which Schumer fought to boost funding for in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law he led to passage in the Senate.

MOHAWK VALLEY

Secured a $750 million preliminary CHIPS funding agreement for Wolfspeed to increase silicon carbide chip production and accelerate jobs growth: After his tireless advocacy, Senator Schumer announced that Wolfspeed secured a preliminary federal funding agreement to supercharge its investment in Marcy, NY. Wolfspeed’s Mohawk Valley Fab is among the largest 200mm Silicon Carbide fabrication facilities in the world. This project is also planning to utilize an estimated $1 billion in CHIPS investment tax credit funds that Schumer secured as part of his bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law.

Delivered nearly $12 million to replace the Bridge Street bridge over Schoharie Creek: Senator Schumer helped deliver major federal funding to replace the aging bridge, which is a vital connector in Schoharie County. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bridge Investment Program, which Schumer helped create in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law that he led to passage in the Senate.

Saved 600+ jobs at Rome’s Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS): Following Schumer’s 10+ years of advocacy to prevent layoffs at Rome’s DFAS, Senator Schumer announced a commitment from DFAS management that no DFAS employees in Rome will lose their jobs because of automation. In addition, DFAS management will adopt 19 workforce training recommendations made by the union’s president to retrain and upskill employees for new roles.

HUDSON VALLEY

Delivered $16+ million to help reconnect the central New Rochelle Lincoln Avenue neighborhood: After years of advocacy to deliver federal funding to New Rochelle for this project, including personally speaking to the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary multiple times, Senator Schumer announced major federal funding to help reconnect the community by converting the six-lane Memorial Highway into a walkable and bikeable complete street with open space, greenery, and a new elevated park. New Rochelle was one of the first recipients of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Neighborhood Access and Equity Program, which Schumer created in the Inflation Reduction Act.

Delivered $4+ million for Yonkers to construct a recreation and transportation path: Senator Schumer announced major federal funding to construct a 3.1 mile path through distressed southwest Yonkers and the intertwined rehabilitation of the South Broadway (Route 9) commercial arterial. The funding comes from the FY2024 annual budget bill.

Secured $24+ million to help Stewart International Airport repair runway: As part of his long history of delivering federal support to help improve Stewart International Airport, Senator Schumer delivered major federal funding to help Stewart repair cracks in the runway pavement, which is important for preventing deterioration and maintaining safety. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Airport Improvement Program, which Schumer fought to boost funding for in this year’s FAA reauthorization bill.

LONG ISLAND

Secured $24 million to supercharge Riverhead downtown revitalization: Following his advocacy, Senator Schumer secured major federal funding that will allow Riverhead to transform its downtown by reclaiming the Peconic riverfront for public enjoyment; installing necessary flood mitigation measures; spurring mixed-use development; and making its downtown safer and more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. The funding comes from the highly competitive U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity program, which Schumer created in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law he led to passage in the Senate.

Pushed forward $405 million for the Long Island Power Authority to harden Long Island’s electric grid infrastructure: After tropical storm Isaias knocked out power for 650,000 Long Islanders and devastated Long Island’s infrastructure, Senator Schumer lit up the phones and pushed forward major federal funding to ensure Long Island could build back stronger. These funds will help upgrade 11,000 utility poles and over 1,300 miles of power lines while allowing LIPA to hire 100 additional rapid response workers.

Unlocked $52 million for Fire Island coastline: After back-to-back devastating storms washing out the beaches of multiple Fire Island communities, Senator Schumer called for the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to make emergency repairs. The USACE heeded Senator Schumer’s call and greenlit a $52 million project to rejuvenate the coastline of Fire Island and will add 2 million cubic yards of sand to the beaches and dunes between the Fire Island communities of Seaview and Davis Park, shoring up Fire Island’s coastal integrity for years to come.

Delivered over $154 million in federal funds to rescue two failing Long Island Teamster pension funds: After fighting to include the Butch Lewis Act securing pension solvency in the American Rescue Plan, Senator Schumer delivered major federal funding to save the Teamsters’ 1034 and 813 pension funds allowing members to receive the full amounts they have earned over the years.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases/garbarino-houlahan-call-counter-drone-legislation-be-included-continuing,"Garbarino, Houlahan Call for Counter-Drone Legislation to be Included in Continuing Resolution",2024-12-15,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Andrew R. Garbarino,G000597,garbarino.house.gov,garbarino,https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06) sent a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04) and Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08) this evening urging them to address the recent spate of drone sightings and activity by including the bicameral counter-drone legislation in the Continuing Resolution currently being negotiated as the 118th Congress draws to a close.

The Safeguarding the Homeland from the Threats Posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act would improve the federal government’s ability to safeguard Americans from threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) by reauthorizing existing authorities and creating new opportunities for federal agencies to coordinate counter-drone measures at the state and local level. Read the full text of the bill here.

Read the full letter from Reps. Garbarino and Houlahan here and below:

Dear Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries:

In light of the recent incidents involving drones spotted over the eastern seaboard, we urge you to swiftly take action on counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) legislation that will allow for state and local law enforcement to protect their communities from this emerging threat in the year end continuing resolution. In recent weeks, there has been a sudden surge in sightings of unknown drones over New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and other east coast states. Although the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security have claimed that there is not an immediate national security threat, senior officials from both departments have also been extremely clear in numerous appearances before Congress that the federal government does not have the resources to handle every drone threat alone. In his own testimony to the Bipartisan Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump and the United States Senate Homeland Security Committee, Acting Director Rowe of the Secret Service has been clear that additional C-UAS legal authority for state and local law enforcement could have helped prevent the assassination attempt on President-Elect Trump.

There are hundreds of thousands drones in the U.S. market alone, many of them unregistered with the FAA. These sorts of incidents are likely to become only more common, as will the number flights that do pose genuine threats to public safety. It is clearly time to end the blanket ban on the use of C-UAS technology by local law and state law enforcement to detect and mitigate drone threats, in favor of at least a limited pilot program that will allow the responsible use of these technologies throughout their jurisdictions in coordination with the FAA. There has been bipartisan legislation introduced in both the House and Senate that will address this emerging threat, including our bill H.R.4333. It is essential that as you consider a year-end continuing resolution, that this package include an expansion of the current C-UAS authorities to allow local and state law enforcement to access these technologies.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-goldman-announces-partnership-between-african-burial-ground,Congressman Dan Goldman Announces Partnership Between African Burial Ground Memorial and Foundation and National Park Service,2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Daniel S. Goldman,G000599,goldman.house.gov,goldman,https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"African Burial Ground Considered One of Most Historically Important Monuments to Black History in NYC

Site Currently Holds Remains of Estimate 15,000 Free and Enslaved Africans, and Early-Generation African Americans from Colonial Era

Partnership Allows African Burial Ground Memorial Foundation to Provide Resources, Support to Site Maintenance and Operation

Watch the Announcement Here

New York, NY – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) yesterday joined the African Burial Ground Memorial Foundation (ABGMF), the U.S. National Park Service, and the Department of the Interior to announce their newly established Philanthropic Partnership Agreement, which enables the ABGMF to provide resources and support towards maintaining and operating the site. This announcement follows a letter written by Congressman Goldman’s office in support of the ABGMF’s application of 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax status, which was a prerequisite for entering the partnership.

The African Burial Ground currently holds the remains of an estimated 15,000 free and enslaved Africans and early-generation African Americans from the colonial era and is one of the most historically important monuments to Black History in New York.

“This new partnership between the African Burial Ground Memorial Foundation and the National Park Service – which has been years in the making – is critical to the continued funding, operation, and maintenance of the African Burial Ground site,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “The African Burial Ground is one of the most historically important monuments to Black History in New York. I am proud to have helped the foundation receive the nonprofit status necessary to enter this partnership, and I will continue to work alongside the foundation – helmed by the monument's architect Rodney Leon – and the National Park Service in the effort to preserve the history of free and enslaved Africans in New York.”

Rodney Leon, President of the African Burial Ground Memorial Foundation said, “Congressman Dan Goldman and staff, we thank you for being a central part of our inaugural celebration and announcement on Thursday, December 12th, 2024 at the African Burial Ground National Monument. This event officially marked the establishment of a Philanthropic Partnership between the African Burial Ground Memorial Foundation and the US National Park Service. This historic moment was only made possible because of the support and advocacy that you and others have provided to our efforts to establish this foundation over the last 2 years. Thank you again, for continuing to work tirelessly and selflessly to protect and preserve this sacred national legacy.”

This announcement follows Congressman Goldman’s continued work to support the African Burial Ground Monument.

In February of last year, he announced the introduction of the ‘African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Act’ alongside Congressman Jerry Nadler (NY-12) to establish a museum and education center at the African Burial Ground.

In May, Goldman called on the National Park Service to make essential repairs to the African Burial Ground National Monument. These repairs are needed to reopen the Ancestral Chamber, which is currently closed due to multiple hairline fractures in the foundation of the exhibit that make it unsafe.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://lalota.house.gov/media/press-releases/lalota-named-house-appropriations-committee,LaLota Named to House Appropriations Committee,2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Nick LaLota,L000598,lalota.house.gov,lalota,https://lalota.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County), released the following statement after being appointed to the powerful House Appropriations Committee by his colleagues for the 119th Congress.

""I am deeply honored to have been selected to serve on the influential House Appropriations Committee and grateful for the support of my colleagues throughout this process. This new role is an incredible opportunity to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and transparently, strengthening national security, supporting hardworking families, and addressing the needs of communities across Suffolk County,” said LaLota. “Serving on the Appropriations Committee is both a privilege and a significant responsibility. I am committed to advocating for the priorities of Long Islanders, delivering critical funding to Suffolk County, and helping restore fiscal discipline in Washington, ensuring federal resources benefit the people I am proud to represent.""

Background:

The House Appropriations Committee is a cornerstone of the federal budgeting process, responsible for crafting legislation that determines how taxpayer dollars are allocated to fund government agencies, programs, and operations. This powerful committee plays a critical role in shaping national priorities, and overseeing funding for essential areas such as defense, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and more.

To effectively manage its vast responsibilities, the committee is divided into 12 specialized subcommittees, each focused on a distinct area of federal spendings, such as defense, homeland security, energy and water development, or transportation. This structure enables detailed examination of funding requests and ensures that resources are directed where they are needed most.

The committee's mission extends beyond simply distributing funds; it is also tasked with ensuring that federal spending is accountable, transparent, and consistent with established budgetary guidelines. Through its oversight, the committee works to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly to address the needs of the nation while maintaining fiscal discipline.

LaLota is the first Republican from New York to serve on the Appropriations Committee since former Congressman James T. Walsh from Syracuse who left office in 2009. In his first term, LaLota secured over $150 million in federal funding for communities and projects across Suffolk County.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-langworthy-named-house-energy-and-commerce-committee,Congressman Langworthy Named to House Energy and Commerce Committee,2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Nicholas A. Langworthy,L000600,langworthy.house.gov,langworthy,https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) was appointed to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Congressman Langworthy is the first member of Congress in modern history to represent the Southern Tier counties on this influential committee.

“I'm deeply honored to be named to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and have the opportunity to give a voice to Western New York and the Southern Tier — a region that sits atop the vast Marcellus Shale — on one of the most powerful committees in Congress. Under President Trump and a Republican Congress, this committee will be at the forefront of American energy independence and energy exploration, giving us the chance to bring long-overdue attention to the Southern Tier’s potential as an energy powerhouse. For too long, Democrats in Albany have held back our communities by blocking access to this transformative resource. On this committee, I will work tirelessly to ensure that our region’s needs are prioritized, its potential unlocked, and its voice heard in Washington,” said Congressman Langworthy.

“With the committee’s broad jurisdiction over energy, healthcare, telecommunications, and more, we have an unparalleled opportunity to influence the issues that impact families across the Southern Tier and Western New York. As we enter a new Golden Age of America, I look forward to working with the committee and President Trump to deliver real results that continue to make our country a better place to live, work, and raise a family,” Langworthy continued.

The Committee on Energy and Commerce is the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives and is vested with the broadest jurisdiction of any congressional authorizing committee. The committee is responsible for matters including telecommunications, consumer protection, food and drug safety, public health and research, environmental quality, energy policy, and interstate and foreign commerce, among others.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3533,Lawler Announces Passage of Authorizing Language for Critical Water Projects in New York's 17th Congressional District,2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Michael Lawler,L000599,lawler.house.gov,lawler,https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Mike Lawler released the following statement following the passage of the annual Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). This legislation is the result of bicameral, bipartisan negotiations between the House and Senate and contains the authorization language for several critical water projects in the 17th Congressional District.

""I'm thrilled that we were able to pass authorizing language for critical clean water investments in the Hudson Valley through this year's Water Resources Development Act,"" said Congressman Mike Lawler. ""These funds will prove transformational once appropriated for communities in Rockland, Putnam, and Westchester counties.""

""I will continue to build on the tens of millions of dollars my office has already brought back for clean water in the Hudson Valley over the past two years when we return for the 119th Congress,"" concluded Lawler.

A list of projects whose authorizing language was included in WRDA in New York's 17th Congressional District can be found below:

Environmental Projects:

Hallocks Mill Sewer District Extension: $10,000,000 for water and wastewater infrastructure in the Town of Yorktown. The extended district will dramatically improve and enhance the water quality of Sparkle Lake, a major recreational resource for town residents, as well as the Croton Reservoir, which provides drinking water for millions of residents in the metropolitan area. Since the Town of Yorktown and the Hallocks Mill Sewer District are part of the New York City watershed, septic failures have the potential to create environmental and public health hazards.

Lake Suzanne: $4,000,000 for water infrastructure, including related environmental infrastructure, in the Town of Ramapo, New York. Dredging and reducing the algae in Lake Suzanne will improve water quality and help restore the balance of the local ecosystem. The project would specifically remove accumulated sediments, pollution, and algae that have plagued the water body.

Town of Carmel Sewer District 4: $3,450,000 for water and wastewater infrastructure, including stormwater management, in the Town of Carmel, New York. The Town's ability to reduce lake levels before significant wetwater events will greatly increase the lake's storage capacity and reduce future environmental threats from untreated sewage release.

Brady Avenue: $2,000,000 for water and wastewater infrastructure, including stormwater management, in the Town of Mount Pleasant, New York. This project would mitigate an existing stormwater management system by installing a larger culvert under a Metro-North right of way and creating a stormwater basin to release the backwaters from a known flood-prone area. This project would prevent further damage to these areas and improve water quality.

North Washington-Valley Street Drainage System Repair: $2,000,000 for water and wastewater infrastructure, including stormwater management, in the Village of Sleepy Hollow, New York. This project will provide immediate remediation and resiliency to infrastructure that otherwise poses a water quality and economic risk to the community, particularly its most vulnerable residents.

Army Corps of Engineer Studies:

Orangetown Study: The Town of Orangetown is submitting this Water Resource Development Act Funding request for the opportunity to authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a Sparkill Creek flood control analysis to improve flood and storm protection and other water resources infrastructure protection. The Sparkill Creek, an 8-mile tributary of the Hudson River in the Town of Orangetown, Rockland County, New York, has a long history of flooding (including flash flooding). The frequency of flooding has increased in the last few years due to outdated and overwhelmed stormwater infrastructure, increased areas of impervious surfaces, and development that has predated stormwater regulations. The Town of Orangetown is looking to construct system-wide improvements along Sparkill Creek, which will cut through the heart of the Town. A flood control analysis would define existing floodplains along Sparkill Creek and recommend specific improvements to reduce flooding, erosion, and siltation. This analysis will include hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, floodplain delineation, a summary report, study methodology, project recommendations, project priorities, and project implementation costs. Flooding along Sparkill Creek is one of the most significant environmental concerns for the Town. Infrastructure, including roadways and utilities like the Town and County Sewer Plants, are located along Sparkill Creek. There are also many residential areas and businesses that reside close to the creek. Conducting a flood control analysis is the first step towards flood and storm resiliency to protect the health and safety of the residents in the Town of Orangetown.

Pascack Brook/Memorial Park Flood Mitigation Study: The Rockland County Highway Department – Drainage Agency is proposing to study an area located along the Pascack Brook, from south of Maple Avenue in the Village of Spring Valley to a to-be-determined point downstream. This study aims to examine the waterway's flow and identify alternatives to reduce flooding. This project's scope will include enlisting a qualified environmental consultant to create a hydraulic model using the flow values of the Brook as established by FEMA or other approved existing studies. The consultant will then use this model to evaluate two alternative mitigation recommendations to reduce flooding, specifically in the area of Memorial Park. This recreational facility lies in the heart of the Village and boasts a public pool, tennis court, football/soccer field, and basketball courts. The Pascack Brook runs through the park, creating a small pond in the middle. It frequently overflows its banks and causes severe flooding, which often renders the park unusable. Alternatives to resolve this issue will also be evaluated for any possible off-site impacts.

Valley View Drive Restoration: Feasibility Study for wetland restoration in the Town's Groundwater Protection Overlay District to mitigate lead impacts on public and private water supplies. Lead contamination has been documented in the Valley View Drive wetland system, which is a source of water for several public and private water supplies in the Town and feeds the New York City Department of Environmental Protection water supply.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/icymi-new-york-times-highlights-senator-gillibrands-efforts-to-enshrine-equality-and-reproductive-rights-in-the-constitution-via-the-equal-rights-amendment/,ICYMI: New York Times Highlights Senator Gillibrand’s Efforts To Enshrine Equality And Reproductive Rights In The Constitution Via The Equal Rights Amendment,2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"In case you missed it, the New York Times published an article highlighting Senator Gillibrand’s efforts to persuade President Biden to direct the national archivist to certify and publish the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which would enshrine equality and reproductive rights in the Constitution. Senator Gillibrand has led the fight for the certification of the ERA, which was approved by both houses of Congress in the 1970s and ratified by the last of the necessary three-quarters of the states in 2020 but never published.

Read the full story here or below:

Gillibrand Presses Biden to Amend the Constitution to Enshrine Sex Equality

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York is leading the charge for Democrats to persuade President Biden to adopt the Equal Rights Amendment, which would invite a Supreme Court battle.

Annie Karni | December 13, 2024

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York is on a mission in President Biden’s final days in office. She wants to convince him that he can rescue his legacy by adding the century-old Equal Rights Amendment, which would explicitly guarantee sex equality, to the Constitution as a way to protect abortion rights in post-Roe America.

He could do it all, she contends, with one phone call.

Both houses of Congress approved the amendment in 1972, but it was not ratified by the states in time to be added to the Constitution. Ms. Gillibrand has been pushing a legal theory that the deadline for ratification is irrelevant and unconstitutional. All that remains, she argues, is for Mr. Biden to direct the national archivist, who is responsible for the certification and publication of constitutional amendments, to publish the E.R.A. as the 28th Amendment.

The move would almost certainly invite a legal challenge that would land in the Supreme Court. But Ms. Gillibrand wants Mr. Biden to use his presidential power while he still has it to force the issue, effectively daring Republicans to wage a legal battle to take away equal rights for women.

Ms. Gillibrand’s is just one of the many entreaties Democrats in Congress are making to Mr. Biden in the waning hours of his term to take bold action before President-elect Donald J. Trump and an all-Republican Congress take over in January. Some are pressing him to protect undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children. Others are pushing for more clemency grants for incarcerated people.

Ms. Gillibrand has pleaded her E.R.A. case at every available opportunity. The third-term New Yorker has met with Jeffrey D. Zients, the White House chief of staff, and Anita Dunn, a former top adviser to Mr. Biden. Her request is for a five-minute meeting with Mr. Biden himself. She has used passing 30-second interactions in photo lines to personally pitch the president, so far to no avail.

Ms. Gillibrand has presented White House officials with fat binders full of legal research and polling, which have on the cover a printout of Mr. Biden posing as if he is on a Taylor Swift Eras Tour poster. (E.R.A. — get it?)

Ms. Gillibrand sat down with Minyon Moore, one of Vice President Kamala Harris’s top advisers and confidantes, to persuade Ms. Harris to champion the E.R.A. and asked her to speak to other White House officials about it. Still, nothing happened.

Undeterred, Ms. Gillibrand has continued to text and harangue and flatter, all in service of procuring a brief meeting with Mr. Biden to make a more comprehensive pitch.

“I’ve never done more legal analysis and work since I was a lawyer,” Ms. Gillibrand said. So far, she has been strung along.

“It’s ‘I’ll get back to you; I’ll get back to you.’ Everyone always says, ‘We love your arguments.’ I never know what the ‘but’ is.”

Kelly Scully, a White House spokeswoman, said senior administration officials had been discussing the proposal with lawmakers and other stakeholders.

“President Biden has been clear that he wants to see the Equal Rights Amendment definitively enshrined in the Constitution,” Ms. Scully said in a statement. “It is long past time that we recognize the clear will of the American people.”

The issue of the E.R.A., which was first proposed by women’s suffragists in 1923, is politically simple and legally complicated.

The Constitution states that proposed amendments must be passed by two-thirds majorities in both houses of Congress and ratified by three-quarters of the states. It makes no mention of a deadline for ratification, but Congress in modern times has typically included a seven-year clock for the states to sign on.

The House and the Senate approved the Equal Rights Amendment in 1972 with a seven-year deadline, and then when it had yet to be ratified by enough states by 1979, extended the deadline to 1982. By then, only 35 states had ratified it — still short of the three-quarters requirement. Since then, three more states — Nevada, Illinois and Virginia — have ratified the amendment, surpassing the threshold. But some other states have since rescinded their ratifications.

Conservative opponents have argued that the deadline was binding and the amendment is effectively dead. The Trump administration’s Justice Department instructed the archivist to take no action on the E.R.A. when Virginia in 2020 became the 38th and final state to ratify it.

The timeline issue has left the amendment in limbo. Many legal scholars, as well as attorneys general in 23 states, have argued that since there is no reference to a ratification deadline in the Constitution and no precedent for any state successfully reversing its approval, neither issue should stand in the way of the E.R.A. becoming the 28th Amendment and the law of the land.

The amendment has taken on greater urgency for many Democrats since the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned abortion rights. Ms. Gillibrand and other abortion rights advocates argue that Mr. Biden has one last opportunity to enshrine reproductive rights into law for millions of women, and that there are strong constitutional and political arguments for him to do so.

Ms. Gillibrand said she was not dissuaded by the possibility that a conservative-leaning Supreme Court might strike down the amendment.

“This will ultimately be decided by the courts, but this is a moment in time where we should stand up for what we’re for,” she said. “If you’re waiting for the people you don’t like on the court to die, we’re all going to be dead. That’s too long to wait.”

Republicans have generally called the measure gratuitous, arguing that equal protections for women are included in the 14th Amendment. But they, too, have conceded that adopting the amendment could provide a new legal basis for protecting abortion after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and said it should be opposed as a way to protect the lives of the unborn.

On Monday night, at the lightly attended White House Christmas party for members of Congress, Ms. Gillibrand said she tried again to press the issue when it was her turn to take a holiday photo with the Bidens.

“We know all about it,” Jill Biden, the first lady, assured her, expressing support for the idea. When Ms. Gillibrand approached Mr. Biden last summer on a photo line, he responded, “So you want me to make a big deal out of it?”

Ms. Gillibrand has even recruited former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to the cause, and Mrs. Clinton has also spoken to the archivist, she said.

As they lobby for action, Ms. Gillibrand and other lawmakers are also trying to appeal to Mr. Biden’s ego, contending that amending the Constitution to explicitly bar sex discrimination could burnish his damaged legacy.

“I’ve been working really hard just on the audience of one, trying to make the case to him personally, to say, ‘I want this to be part of your legacy as a president I respect and admire; you should make this part of your legacy,’” she said. “I’m trying to give them all the legal reasons and political reasons.”

A new survey by Data for Progress, a progressive think tank, showed strong support for Mr. Biden taking action and that doing so would “cause a significant, positive shift among voters in terms of how they think Americans will look back on Biden’s presidency.” About 61 percent of likely voters, including about 87 percent of Democrats, said they supported Mr. Biden taking action to adopt the Equal Rights Amendment.

The poll also showed a 30-point increase in the percentage of voters who said they would look back on Mr. Biden’s presidency more favorably if he were to take action on the amendment.

Kate Kelly, the senior director of the women’s initiative at the Center for American Progress, who has been working on the issue for a decade, said she hoped that Mr. Biden and Democrats would not argue themselves out of taking action.

“This is the closest we’ve ever come for it being considered,” Ms. Kelly said. “I always tell people, ‘Think of what the other side would do if they were one signature away from changing the Constitution.’ We need that energy.”

Ms. Gillibrand is hopeful, even as she grows more frantic with less time left to get her meeting. Last month, 45 senators, including Chuck Schumer of New York, the majority leader, signed a letter to Mr. Biden calling on him to take action on the E.R.A.

“Inaction is action,” they wrote. “We must answer the call to uphold equality and strengthen women’s rights by certifying the E.R.A. We urge you to direct the archivist to publish the E.R.A. as the 28th Amendment without further delay.”

A group of about 100 House Democrats is also expected to send a similar letter to Mr. Biden, urging him to take action in the final days of his presidency.

“To President Biden: Take action now,” Representative Cori Bush, Democrat of Missouri, said at a rally last week outside the Capitol. “You have the opportunity to make equal rights a defining part of your legacy. All it takes is your signature.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-congressman-dan-goldman-brings-prosecutorial-strength-bear-throughout,ICYMI: Congressman Dan Goldman Brings Prosecutorial Strength to Bear Throughout his First Term in Office,2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Daniel S. Goldman,G000599,goldman.house.gov,goldman,https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"December 12, 2024

Goldman Solidifies His Role as a Key Voice in Combating Republican Misinformation in the 118th Congress

Played Central Role in Exposing Republicans' Degradation of the Constitutional Impeachment Process

Watch the Full Length Video Here

Washington, D.C. – In an 118th Congress characterized by legislative impotence, partisan investigations of the Biden Administration, and bogus impeachments, Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) has cemented himself as a principal player in Democrats’ efforts to push back against Republican misinformation and extremism.

Utilizing his post on the Committees on Homeland Security, Oversight and Accountability, and the Subcommittee on the Weaponization for the Federal Government, Goldman has emerged as a powerful counterweight to an obstinate Republican house majority hell-bent on blocking the Biden Administration at every turn.

Link: Goldman Slams Jim Jordan for Willfully Ignoring Trump’s Promises to Weaponize Federal Government Against Political Rivals

February 6, 2024

“When we start talking about other things that are the real weaponization of the federal government, such as Donald Trump’s statements that he will just indict his political enemies, or that he would use the Insurrection Act to deploy the military against civil protestors, or even that he argued his lawyers, one of whom has appeared twice here, one of our favorite witnesses, John Sour, actually said that if Donald Trump ordered Seal Team 6 to assassinate a political rival it could not be a crime, unless he was impeached.

“Somehow, that is a predicate. The fact of the matter is the threat of weaponization is from Donald Trump and the Republicans, and we ought to move on from this charade.”

Link: Goldman Rebukes Chairman Comer for Using Indicted Foreign Agents as Key Impeachment Witnesses and Parroting CCP and Russian Propaganda

September 24, 2024

“What we really need to be focusing on, as it relates to CCP’s warfare, is defending this committee from that political warfare. Remember, we have two witnesses who were the star witnesses of the impeachment investigation. The first, Gal Luft, turned out to be an indicted, unregistered foreign agent of the Chinese government.

“Among the allegations in Gal Luft’s indictment was that he – at the behest of Chinese entities – recruited and paid an unnamed advisor to then President-elect Donald Trump to adopt pro-Chinese positions. And even though he also was charged with making false statements to the FBI, Chairman Comer bragged and said ‘Gal Luft is a very credible witness on Biden family corruption.’

“That wasn’t all the political warfare that we experienced during this impeachment investigation. Alexander Smirnov is a Russian indicted as a source for the FBI, who literally met with Russian officials to peddle lies to the FBI. You know what those lies were? They were the same allegations that the Chairman made against Joe Biden and this committee – Russian propaganda.”

Link: Goldman Condemns Republican Party for Willfully Embracing Vladimir Putin and the CCP

April 17, 2024

“Republican Chairmen of our National Security committees in the House have stated that Russian disinformation has infiltrated the Republican Party and is parroted on the House floor as more than half the Republican party has taken the side of Vladimir Putin against our democratic ally in Ukraine.

“Now, Professor Schneider has done a masterful job explaining how the CCP’s efforts to engage in political warfare is based on Russia’s previous efforts to do so. And in fact, China’s primary means of doing so is to amplify Russian disinformation and political warfare. Here, we have two spies. One Chinese spy on the top, Gal Luft, and one alleged Russian spy on the bottom, Alexander Smirnov.

“Alexander Smirnov is the one who planted the false information about the bribery that both Chairmen have said is the best evidence of wrongdoing by Joe Biden. Gal Luft is the Chinese spy who the Chairman has said was a very credible witness. So, you cannot discuss the CCP efforts to engage in political warfare without discussing Russia’s. But not surprisingly, the party of Putin in the majority wants to do just that.”

Link: Goldman Lights Up Republican Committee Members for Impeaching Sec. Mayorkas While Preventing Him from Fixing the Problems at the Southern Border

January 10, 2024

“So, this is what we have, we have Republicans suing Secretary Mayorkas to stop him from implementing his policies to address the issues at the border.

“And now, ‘we’re going to impeach him’, because you say he’s not addressing issues at the border! Which do you want?”

Link: Goldman Reveals the Partisan Motivations Behind Republicans’ Baseless Impeachment Investigation of President Biden

September 24, 2024

“The third installment of the ‘Defending America from the CCP’s Political Warfare.’ After the chairman’s impeachment investigation revealed zero connections between President Biden and Chinese businesses he nonetheless, shockingly views the nakedly partisan political sham impeachment as a success.

“Why? Because President Biden dropped out of the presidential race. Now that is a blatant admission that this committee was used improperly for partisan purposes.”

Link: Goldman Ridicules GOP Oversight Committee’s Baseless Impeachment Investigation into President Biden

January 10, 2024

“This is what you call an impeachment investigation into the President of the United States, based on compete fiction and smoke and mirrors.

""There isn’t a piece of evidence that links anything that Hunter Biden did to Joe Biden, and this is a complete sham.”

Link: Goldman Bashes House Republicans for Abusing Impeachment Power Against Sec. Mayorkas While Blocking Immigration Reform

January 29, 2024

“I have some familiarity with impeachment, and I can tell you this impeachment is an absolute abomination.

""If the impeachment clause could talk, it would beg for the Republicans to stop shaming its name.”

Link: Goldman Torches Republicans for Their Wasteful and Fabricated Impeachment Investigation of President Biden

July 25, 2024

“My colleagues on the other side of the aisle have spent most of this Congress wasting our time and taxpayer money on a bogus sham impeachment investigation of President Biden that yielded no evidence of wrongdoing, much less any high crime or misdemeanor.

""It was obvious that that phony effort was solely designed to provide election fodder for Trump in advance of November’s election.”

Throughout the GOP’s baseless impeachment investigations of President Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Goldman utilized his experience as a career federal prosecutor and the lead counsel during Donald Trump’s first impeachment to rebut Republicans’ baseless claims and defend the incumbent administration.

Goldman’s prosecutorial experience will be an irreplaceable asset as Democrats face down yet another Trump presidency that will push our institutions to the breaking point and shatter long-held political norms. Goldman’s fierce prosecutorial style and on-camera gravity will be a key asset as Democrats seek to sway public opinion in a historically narrow Republican majority that may be the weakest link in the GOP’s ability to enact Donald Trump’s extremist policies.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3520,Congressman Mike Lawler Slams Secretary of State Antony Blinken for Failed Foreign Policy of Biden Administration,2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Michael Lawler,L000599,lawler.house.gov,lawler,https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"At yesterday's House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on the State Department's Withdrawal from Afghanistan, Congressman Mike Lawler slammed Secretary of State Antony Blinken for his role in the failed withdrawal and for the Biden Administration's many foreign policy failures over the last four years.

A full transcript is available below:

Congressman Lawler: Mister Secretary, have you read this report in full?

Secretary Blinken: I have read the executive summary of the report. I haven’t read the entire report yet.

Congressman Lawler: I hope that you will take this copy with you on your flight to the Middle East and read it because this is your legacy. This is your legacy. Starting with the disastrous withdrawal in Afghanistan that resulted in the death of 13 U.S. service members, creating 13 Gold Star families. Families our vice president hasn’t even been bothered to meet with. Then the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the terrorist attack on Israel, the illicit oil trade between China and Iran to the tune of $200 billion under your watch.

That is what is funding Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other terror networks in the region, China threatening Taiwan. This is your legacy, and this stems from this disastrous withdrawal. So I hope you read the report in full and reflect upon that. You talk about the Doha agreement. It’s conditions-based.

This administration had no problem reversing policy decisions that it disagreed with President Trump on. In fact, Joe Biden revoked 94 executive orders to open up our southern border and create an absolute calamity. Seventy thousand Americans die every year from fentanyl overdose as this administration has allowed fentanyl to pour into our country, drug trafficking, gangs, human trafficking, women and children being sold into prostitution—not a care in the world. This is the legacy.

So don’t sit here and tell us, having not read the report, that you disagree with it or it’s not true, saying to my colleague from Florida, “Oh, it’s not true.”

We left people in Israel after October 7th. It most certainly is. I had constituents calling in a full-fledged panic, and we called the State Department and were told there is nothing we can do. Don’t tell us that that didn’t happen. This administration had no problem trying to renegotiate the Iran nuclear deal, no problem lifting sanctions on Iran, allowing for the illicit oil trade.

So when you say that the previous administration negotiated the Doha agreement and therefore we were bound by it, that is complete and utter bulls***, and you know it. You absolutely had the ability, based on the conditions on the ground, to keep our troops there, to ensure the safety and well-being of American citizens and to make sure what happened did not.

Mister Secretary, on August 26, 2021, who was the president of the United States?

Secretary Blinken: Joe Biden.

Congressman Lawler: On August 26, 2021, who was the Secretary of State?

Secretary Blinken: I was.

Congressman Lawler: Okay. Take responsibility. Don’t shirk in your responsibilities. Don’t try to shift blame.

The reality is you guys allowed the conditions on the ground to deteriorate. You did not hold the Taliban to account. And as a result, 13 U.S. service members are dead, and the world is a tinderbox. We are in the most precarious place since the lead-up to World War II. That is your legacy, period. Full stop.

And if Israel listened to this administration and didn’t go into Gaza and didn’t go into the south, Sinwar would still be alive. And if Israel listened to this administration, Nasrallah would still be alive, and Assad would still be in power in Syria, and Iran would be stronger than ever. That is your legacy.

This Congress has passed the SHIP Act and the Abraham Accord special envoy. You didn’t fill the special envoy, and you didn’t enforce the SHIP Act. You’ve had over a year to do both. That is your legacy. You leave the world worse off today than it was when you inherited it.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3522,Congressman Lawler Slams Governor Hochul for Lying about Sales Tax Surplus,2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Michael Lawler,L000599,lawler.house.gov,lawler,https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Mike Lawler released the following statement after it was revealed that Governor Hochul lied about a sales tax surplus funding her blatantly political ""inflation refund"" check program.

""It should come as no surprise that the most incompetent Governor in New York's history isn't capable of reading a balance sheet,"" said Congressman Lawler. ""But it is sad that Governor Hochul feels the need to lie to New Yorkers about how her political 'vote-for-me' checks are being paid for.""

""This lack of transparency is nothing new for the Hochul Administration, which has come under fire in recent weeks for a shady $9 billion CDPAP deal that has come under bipartisan scrutiny for its blatant opaqueness,"" concluded Lawler. ""New Yorkers deserve better than Governor Hochul's lies and obfuscation, and in 2026, they'll get it.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/big-week-dc-suozzi-barrels-toward-end-year-house-passes-three-bipartisan,"Big Week in DC!        Suozzi Barrels Toward the End of the Year: House Passes Three Bipartisan Suozzi Bills on Border Security, Combating Chinese Communist Party Threats, and Fiscal Responsibility",2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Thomas R. Suozzi,S001201,suozzi.house.gov,suozzi,https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC- This week, the House of Representatives passed three bipartisan pieces of Congressman Tom Suozzi’s (D - Long Island, Queens) legislation. These three commonsense bills, the Securing Our Northern Borders Act, the SHIELD Against CCP Act, and the Increasing Baseline Updates Act, were passed in resoundingly bipartisan fashion. These bills will, respectively, address the security of our Northern Border, counter threats to homeland security posed by the Chinese Communist Party, and promote fiscal responsibility.

""This week, we passed three of my bipartisan commonsense bills. When Republicans and Democrats come together, we can deliver real results for the American people. This spirit is precisely what America needs right now,” Suozzi said.

The Securing Our Northern Borders Act, co-led by Congresswomen Claudia Tenney (R-NY), was included and passed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2025. This bill will establish a Department of Homeland Security Northern Border “Mission Center,” which would coordinate the implementation of the DHS Northern Border Strategy.

""We must secure both the Northern and Southern Border Strategies to protect our communities,"" said Suozzi. ""This Mission Center would serve as the central hub for coordinating efforts to enforce immigration laws and combat illegal drug trafficking along our northern border. We need to secure our borders, reform the outdated asylum system that hasn't been updated since the 1980s, and modernize the legal immigration process, all while ensuring that we treat people with dignity and respect.""

The SHIELD Against CCP Act, co-led by Congressman Dale Strong (R-AL), would establish a Department of Homeland Security working group to identify, evaluate, and counter threats to homeland security posed by the Chinese Communist Party.

“The Chinese Communist Party is intent on promoting authoritarianism by weakening America from within,” Suozzi said. “Add to this theft of our intellectual property, threats to our critical infrastructure, and trying to intimidate US citizens through transnational repression. We must act.”

Watch Suozzi’s full speech on the House Floor in support of this bill here.

Suozzi’s third bill passed this week, the Increasing Baseline Updates Act, was co-led by Congressman Blake Moore (R-UT). This legislation would require the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to provide two annual updates to its baseline, and mandate that the President submit specific budget data to Congress to allow for accurate policymaking and oversight.

""I was trained as a CPA; I am concerned about our budget and deficits. I know the importance of accuracy in budget estimates. If Congress and the public can get better data, we will be in a better position to fix our budgets."" Suozzi explained. ""This bill will help tighten congressional procedures and result in more fiscally responsible policies.”

“While these bills may not be glamorous or generate major headlines, their passage this week by the House of Representatives proves that when Republicans and Democrats unite, they can deliver real results for the American people. This is the cooperative spirit that Washington urgently needs,"" Suozzi concluded.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-tenney-announces-ny-24s-nominations-united-states-military,Congresswoman Tenney Announces NY-24’s Nominations to the United States Military Service Academies,2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Claudia Tenney,T000478,tenney.house.gov,tenney,https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today announced that she has nominated 16 students from New York’s 24th Congressional District to the United States Military Service Academies.

As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Tenney can nominate a select number of candidates to the Service Academies each year. A panel of local community leaders and veterans selected the 16 students to be nominated based on their academic success, exceptional character, and commitment to community service.

“Every year I am in awe of the outstanding talent, dedication, and character of our students here in NY-24,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “As the parent of a Naval Academy graduate who is actively serving in the Marines, I know how challenging this process is can be. The hard work and devotion to service is evident in the applications we received. There were many very well qualified candidates this year, and our committee expressed that this year fielded among the best candidates we have seen in many years. Attending a Military Service Academy comes with great responsibility and commitment, and I am confident these outstanding individuals are up for the challenge. Congratulations to these 16 students, and thank you to all who applied for your hard work and commitment to our country. I wish you all the very best in the future.""

Listed below are the students who were nominated:

*student nominated to multiple academies

United States Air Force Academy

Kevin C. Duhamel*

Isaac T. Hansen*

Beckett G. Swanson*

Aryan W. Moore*

Joscelyn Coniski*

Aiden Shaver*

Zachary Simeone

Blade Surowiec

United States Naval Academy

Kevin C. Duhamel*

Isaac T. Hansen*

Beckett G. Swanson*

Aryan W. Moore*

Eugene Renzi*

Joscelyn Coniski*

Aiden Shaver*

Robert E. Piddock

Samantha Ray

United States Military Academy

Kevin C. Duhamel*

Isaac T. Hansen*

Aryan W. Moore*

Eugene Renzi*

Victoria C. Evangelista

Douglas T. Jarvie

Ava R. E. Moss

Ronan W. Turkovich

Ashlyn C. Wright

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases/tenney-blackburn-introduce-doge-acts-make-federal-government-more-efficient,"Tenney, Blackburn Introduce the DOGE Acts to Make Federal Government More Efficient and Slash Wasteful Spending",2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Claudia Tenney,T000478,tenney.house.gov,tenney,https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) today introduced the DOGE Acts, a package of bills to reform the federal government management of taxpayer dollars. The DOGE Acts coincide with President-elect Trump’s recently announced Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which will be led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.

“Under President Trump's leadership and a Republican-controlled Congress, we are determined to cut wasteful government spending and reduce costs for hard working Americans. Congress is ready to collaborate with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to rein in bloated budgets, relocate federal agencies out of Washington, DC, reform outdated bureaucracies, and ensure bureaucrats actually work for their pay. The DOGE Acts embody these priorities, serving as a bold first step in advancing the incoming Trump Administration's 'Make America Efficient Again' agenda,"" said Congresswoman Tenney.

“The American people have had enough of outsized bureaucracy and wasteful government spending. The DOGE Acts are the first step to achieving government efficiency by requiring federal employees to get back in the office, moving federal agencies into the heartland of America, cutting bloated federal spending across the board, and freezing federal hiring and salaries until we can rightsize the federal government,” said Senator Blackburn.

Tenney’s DOGE Acts include the separate pieces of legislation below:

The Federal Freeze Act would address out-of-control spending and save taxpayer dollars by implementing a one-year freeze on increases in federal civilian employees’ salaries, directing federal agency heads to establish a cap on the number of workers that can be employed over a period of three years, and decreasing the number of employees at federal agencies. This legislation would exempt certain employees deemed necessary to serve the interests of law enforcement, national security, public safety, and public health services

The Commission to Relocate the Federal Bureaucracy Act would decentralize the power held by unelected bureaucrats in Washington D.C. by establishing a plan to relocate non-national security related agencies to states across the country based on financial efficiency, existing infrastructure, and related industries.

The Federal Employee Performance and Accountability Act would establish a performance-based pay structure that bolsters government efficiency by incentivizing high performance among federal employees, exempting agencies deemed necessary for national security or public safety.

Implementing DOGE Act would limit increases in non-security discretionary appropriations by requiring all increases in non-security appropriations above one percent to be rescinded on a pro rate basis. This bill will help us get control of our deficit and national debt and require Congress to get serious about addressing our Nation’s spending problem.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-velazquez-secures-authorization-125-million-water,Congresswoman Velázquez Secures Authorization of $125 Million in Water Infrastructure Improvements for Climate Resiliency and Comprehensive Flood Protection in Brooklyn and Queens,2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Nydia M. Velázquez,V000081,velazquez.house.gov,velazquez,https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This week, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) voted in favor of S. 4367, the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. The bill included provisions to invest $125 million in projects to improve climate resiliency and water infrastructure throughout Brooklyn and Queens and measures to better address comprehensive flood risk through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ New York-New Jersey Harbor and Tributaries Focus Area Feasibility Study (HATS) with local partners.

“With climate change increasing instances of extreme weather, it’s vital that the federal government makes the necessary investments to ensure our city is prepared,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “The provisions included in WRDA will help ensure that Brooklyn and Queens have the infrastructure needed to prepare for flooding of all kinds. I look forward to seeing the positive changes these improvements will bring to our communities.”

WRDA includes authorization of funding for environmental infrastructure requested by Reps. Velázquez, Dan Goldman (D-NY), and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) for $100 million in water and wastewater infrastructure improvements, including stormwater management, in Kings County.

The bill also authorizes environmental infrastructure funding requested by Rep. Velázquez for $25 million in water and wastewater improvements for Newtown Creek and its watershed area neighborhoods in Queens and Brooklyn, as well as deauthorizing much of the creek’s East Branch navigation channel to support the Environmental Protection Agency’s early action in the Superfund cleanup and ecological restoration.

Importantly, the legislation also includes language from Rep. Velázquez and her colleagues requiring that the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) ensure their New York-New Jersey Harbor and Tributaries Focus Area Feasibility Study (HATS) better protects New Yorkers from all types of flooding, including heavy rainfall, groundwater emergence, erosion, and sea level rise and includes natural and nature-based infrastructure and maximizes local ecological and social public benefits.

WRDA is a water infrastructure bill that authorizes studies and projects under the Civil Works division of the USACE. Once the bill becomes law, Congress would still need to allocate funding during the appropriations process for the Corps to move forward with new environmental infrastructure projects.

Once the bill becomes law, Congress would still need to allocate funding during the appropriations process for the Corps to move forward with the environmental infrastructure projects.

""Thanks to the leadership of Representatives Velázquez and Goldman, and a bipartisan group of NY and NJ Members, the Army Corps will now be required to address all types of climate-induced flooding and prioritize cost-effective solutions for a stronger, more resilient New York City. These improvements from the New York New Jersey Harbor and Tributaries study will ensure our national parks like Gateway and surrounding communities near the Gowanus Canal, Newtown Creek and Flushing Bay are better prepared to deal with record floods and more frequent and severe storms that have shuttered public transportation and trapped people in basement apartments here. The Water Resource Development Act will protect NYC and Jamaica Bay’s treasured coast that connects urban residents with trails, scenic views, public beaches, and wildlife experiences they can’t get anywhere else in the City,” said Lauren Cosgrove, Northeast Campaign Director for National Parks Conservation Association.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/velazquez-and-schumer-applaud-does-365-million-investment-renewable,Velázquez and Schumer Applaud DOE’s $365 Million Investment in Renewable Energy in Puerto Rico,2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Nydia M. Velázquez,V000081,velazquez.house.gov,velazquez,https://velazquez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) applauded the Department of Energy’s (DOE) announcement that the agency will invest up to $365 million to install solar and battery storage systems at community healthcare facilities and public or privately owned, federally subsidized multi-family housing properties.

“For too long, vulnerable families in Puerto Rico have suffered under the combined weight of some of the highest energy rates in the nation coupled with an extremely unreliable electrical grid,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “Today’s $365 million investment in renewables on the island will help bring cleaner, less expensive, and more reliable energy to the communities that need it most. This investment will not only bolster renewable energy on the island but improve access to healthcare and create new jobs. I thank President Biden and DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm for their work to make this investment possible and continued commitment to creating a brighter future for Puerto Rico.

“When the hurricanes hammered Puerto Rico and left millions without power for weeks and more, we pledged to rebuild a more efficient, cheaper and much cleaner power system for our fellow Americans on the island. These $365 million in federal funding to deploy renewable, clean energy via state-of-the-art solar and battery storage systems are a giant step in the right direction,” said Senator Schumer. “I am proud to work with Rep. Nydia Velázquez to deliver $365 million for Puerto Rico’s energy infrastructure. These funds from the $1 billion Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund that I was proud to support in the Senate will provide multi-family housing and healthcare facilities with resilient solar and battery storage at a time where blackouts continue to impact communities. I will continue to champion investments in Puerto Rico’s energy infrastructure so that Puerto Ricans can have a resilient, clean, and efficient power grid.”

The $365 million investment is part of DOE’s new Programa de Comunidades Resilientes, funded by the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund (PR-ERF). The program will provide up to $190 million for installing solar panels and battery systems in common areas of public housing and privately owned, federally subsidized multi-family housing. Additionally, up to $175 million will be allocated for solar and battery storage systems at federally qualified healthcare facilities, including dialysis centers and diagnostic and treatment centers, in underserved and vulnerable communities.

Teams chosen for award negotiations under the Programa de Comunidades Resilientes already have a strong presence in Puerto Rico and will work with local stakeholders to implement projects.

The announcement marks the latest tranche of funding from the PR-ERF, established under the FY2024 government funding omnibus bill. The fund, which was first proposed by Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ), will provide over $1 billion to increase energy resilience on the island.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-schumer-booker-kim-send-letter-to-fbi-dhs-and-faa-requesting-briefing-on-drone-activity-in-new-york-and-new-jersey/,"Gillibrand, Schumer, Booker, Kim Send Letter to FBI, DHS And FAA Requesting Briefing On Drone Activity In New York And New Jersey",2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requesting a briefing on how the agencies are working with federal and local law enforcement to identify and address the source of recent unmanned aerial system activity in New York and New Jersey.

The senators noted that “since late November, communities in the New York City area and northern New Jersey have reported several incidents of unattributable drone sightings at night, alarming both residents and local law enforcement” and highlighted that “the potential safety and security risks posed by these drones in civilian areas is especially pertinent considering recent drone incursions at sensitive military sites in and outside of the continental United States over the past year.”

The letter requests a briefing from the agencies and that it “include any authorities, tools, or staff your agencies may require to address these ongoing incidents and the broader security challenge posed by UAS.”

Gillibrand has long been a leader on coordinating efforts across the federal government to identify and assess security challenges in our airspace. She created the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) in the FY22 NDAA to focus the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community on resolving UAP sightings, improve data sharing between DoD and the Intelligence Community on UAP sightings, address national security concerns, and report health effects people may experience in relation to UAP events.

A full copy of the letter can be found here and below:

Dear Secretary Mayorkas, Director Wray and Administrator Whitaker,

We write out of urgent concern regarding the unmanned aerial system (UAS) activity that has affected communities across New York and New Jersey in recent days. Due to the ongoing nature of these drone incidents, we request that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) brief us as soon as possible on how your agencies are working with federal and local law enforcement to identify and address the source of these incursions.

As you know, since late November, communities in the New York City area and northern New Jersey have reported several incidents of unattributable drone sightings at night, alarming both residents and local law enforcement. According to public reports, residents have reported that some of these drones are larger in size compared to other commercially available drone technology.1 Some of these drones have been observed maneuvering near critical infrastructure and sensitive locations, including reservoirs and military installations.2 In addition to potential privacy concerns raised by these aerial systems, we are also especially concerned about how these drones may harm public safety, especially given recent reports that a medevac helicopter was prevented from transporting a seriously injured patient for care because of the presence of these drones.3

The potential safety and security risks posed by these drones in civilian areas is especially pertinent considering recent drone incursions at sensitive military sites in and outside of the continental United States over the past year. Protecting civilian infrastructure, safety, and privacy as well as military assets and personnel will require a comprehensive response from Congress and the executive branch. For this reason, we request that the briefing you provide also include any authorities, tools, or staff your agencies may require to address these ongoing incidents and the broader security challenge posed by UAS.

Thank you for your consideration of this request. We look forward to your response no later than December 23, 2024.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-announces-nearly-44-million-for-syracuses-jma-wireless-from-his-bipartisan-chips-and-science-law-to-pioneer-new-state-of-the-art-american-made-5g-technology-creating-new-good-paying-jobs_new-production-in-central-ny,"SCHUMER ANNOUNCES NEARLY $44 MILLION FOR SYRACUSE’S JMA WIRELESS FROM HIS BIPARTISAN CHIPS & SCIENCE LAW TO PIONEER NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART AMERICAN-MADE 5G TECHNOLOGY, CREATING NEW, GOOD-PAYING JOBS, &...",2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"JMA’s CNY Facility Is The Only Major American-Owned 5G Manufacturing Factory; The Smart Factory Complies With “Buy America” Standards Schumer Included In The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law To Expand American Manufacturing Of Telecom Technology

Now, With Support From Wireless Innovation Fund Schumer Created In Bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law, JMA Will Invest A Total $75+ Million In CNY To Create Dozens Of New, Good-Paying Jobs With A New Production Line To Enhance 5G Networks At Leading Wireless Carriers Like AT&T, Verizon, Boost, And More

Schumer: Thanks To CHIPS & Science, JMA Wireless Will Make Central NY An Epicenter Of Keeping America Ahead Of China In 5G

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced $43,940,612 in federal funding from his bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law for JMA Wireless to pioneer the domestic manufacturing of 5G Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN)-compliant radio units (RU), and upgrade its state-of-the-art 5G manufacturing facilities in Central NY.

This award will support JMA to further invest $30 million in private capital, creating up to 30 new, good-paying jobs, with the potential for more down the road, to develop and commercialize new technology accelerating America’s wireless and 5G network capabilities. Schumer said this new production will help maintain America’s 5G leadership, which is critical to support advanced high-speed internet and the ability to directly compete with the Chinese Communist Party and companies like Huawei and ZTE, which the senator has long warned threaten U.S. national security.

“We need the future of America’s 5G technology built in Central NY, not China. Now thanks to my bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law, nearly $44 million in federal funding is on the way to make Syracuse’s JMA Wireless an epicenter for American innovation and manufacturing for the next generation of 5G wireless technology,” said Senator Schumer. “I’ve long sounded the alarm on companies backed by the Chinese Communist Party, like Huawei, and the threat their technology poses to our national security and economic primacy by stealing American’s personal data. Investments like this show the federal government is serious about taking back the reins on critical technology like 5G and making sure the future of broadband and wireless technology is stamped ‘Made in America’ with JMA leading the way.”

Schumer added, “Today’s investment works in tandem with the new Buy America requirements for telecom technology I delivered through the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, boosting opportunities for Syracuse’s JMA to manufacture the equipment needed for building new high-speed internet across the country. Because of these efforts, JMA is bringing back this industry & good-paying jobs from overseas and ensuring the future of America’s high-speed network is secure and developed right here in Central NY.”

""The future of global security and economic leadership hinges on our ability to control and protect the next generation of wireless technology. No one understands this better than Leader Schumer. While this was bipartisan legislation, he was there at the beginning – advocating for secure, American-made 5G solutions that not only strengthen our supply chain but also put a critical check on adversaries like China. With this Wireless Innovation Fund grant, we're bringing high-tech manufacturing jobs to upstate New York and accelerating the deployment of ORAN technology that will secure the U.S. position as a leader in wireless for years to come,” said John Mezzalingua, CEO of JMA Wireless.

Schumer explained that, currently, 5G wireless network coverage at major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and Boost are capped by the limitations of commercially available radio technology, and JMA’s ARMOR platform will provide carriers with a next-generation solution to overcome existing limitations, increase their high-speed network capacity, and bring high-quality 5G coverage to communities across Central New York, New York State, and the entire U.S. The senator added that JMA will combine this nearly $44 million in new federal funding with more than $30 million of matching private investment to inject $75 million into growing their CNY manufacturing and workforce.

According to JMA, the investment will create up to 30 new, good-paying jobs initially to develop the technology and ramp to full production – with the potential for significant demand from major wireless carriers to drive the addition of more new manufacturing jobs in the years to come. In addition to accelerating JMA’s leadership in 5G open radio access network (ORAN) technology, reshoring critical domestic manufacturing, and strengthening our national security, Schumer said this investment will allow JMA to centralize and co-locate their testing capabilities and advanced manufacturing process prototype at their new, state-of-the-art 5G Innovation Campus and Global HQ in CNY where the company projects to produce and sell more than 12,000 state-of-the-art 5G ORAN radios per year.

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Wireless Innovation Fund, funded by the bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law Schumer led to passage in the Senate, is dedicated to fostering U.S. wireless innovation and developing strong wireless networks across the country. The CHIPS & Science Law invested $1.5 billion for this program to reinforce U.S. leadership in the next generation of high-speed internet, foster competition, and strengthen U.S. supply chains. JMA is currently building a new ARMOR (American, Ruggedized, Modular, O-RAN, Radio) platform to improve operational efficiency and lower costs for 5G infrastructure across the country. This will increase capacity while lowering costs and reducing deployment time for 5G infrastructure, making wireless service more accessible.

Syracuse Mayor Walsh said, “JMA Wireless's leadership in 5G technology has and will continue to advance the Syracuse Surge, our strategy for inclusive growth in the New Economy. Thanks to the CHIPS & Science Law and the strong support of Senator Schumer, Syracuse is emerging as a global leader in technology manufacturing and innovation.”

Schumer explained that he worked to include the Build America, Buy America Act in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to ensure that Buy America rules apply to all taxpayer-funded infrastructure and public works projects. Before, American-made sourcing requirements applied to some federal infrastructure projects, but not all, including federal broadband programs. Schumer said that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law closed these loopholes and ensures taxpayer dollars are used to sustain and grow jobs in domestic manufacturing and throughout product supply chains when investing in the nation’s infrastructure.

Schumer said JMA Wireless – and its over 500 employees – received a boost from Build America, Buy America for high-speed internet expansion in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law. Schumer said JMA Wireless, which has invested over $400 million in RAN R&D, facilities, and manufacturing capacity since 2017, is working hard to restore U.S. leadership in cutting-edge wireless technology at a critical time in the transition to 5G by producing some of the world’s most advanced wireless broadband products right in Syracuse. By harnessing funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law and the “Build America, Buy America” requirement, the radios and antennas made at JMA’s new Syracuse factory are supplying efforts to help bridge the digital divide while also creating high-tech manufacturing jobs in Central New York.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law, which Schumer led to passage in the Senate, contained a record $65 billion for the expansion of high-speed internet, including $42.45 billion for broadband deployment grants to states which New York received over $600 million, $2.75 billion for Digital Equity and Inclusion, $2 billion for the Tribal Connectivity Fund and $1 billion for Middle Mile Broadband infrastructure – all of which will be distributed by the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

Schumer explained investing in American telecommunications companies like JMA Wireless is especially important amid fears that foreign-owned telecommunications companies, particularly Chinese state-owned ones, could spy on Americans. Schumer has long been critical of the Chinese state-owned telecommunications company Huawei, successfully fighting to put Huawei and its affiliates on the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Specially Designated Nationals list and introducing a bill to prohibit Huawei from operating in the U.S. The senator explained that by boosting companies like JMA, more American-made telecommunications equipment will be made available, reducing reliance on foreign-made technology, as well as helping make JMA a global leader.

""This Wireless Innovation Fund Grant is a critical step toward ensuring that the U.S. is at the forefront of global 5G innovation. By investing in companies like JMA, the US is creating a safer, more resilient supply chain while providing the tools our country and infrastructure need to remain competitive. JMA’s work, along with key partnerships from U.S. carriers, will drive forward the innovation that keeps America secure,” said Diane Rinaldo, Executive Director of the ORAN Alliance.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-secures-up-to-500-million-in-national-defense-bill-to-bolster-the-tech-hubs-program-he-created-in-his-bipartisan-chips-and-science-law-to-power-upstate-nys-innovation-industries-like-semiconductors_batteries,SCHUMER SECURES UP TO $500 MILLION IN NATIONAL DEFENSE BILL TO BOLSTER THE TECH HUBS PROGRAM HE CREATED IN HIS BIPARTISAN CHIPS & SCIENCE LAW TO POWER UPSTATE NY’S INNOVATION INDUSTRIES LIKE...,2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer Created Tech Hubs Program With Upstate NY In Mind, Fighting For Years To Land The Designation For Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse Region As America’s Semiconductor Superhighway & For Binghamton As A Major Battery Research Cluster

New Funding Schumer Has Secured In NDAA Will Help Continue Critical Work For EDA To Boost Regions Across The Country, Including Upstate, NY That Received Highly-Competitive Tech Hub Designations – As Well As Unlocking Opportunities To Invest In New Regions

Schumer: Tech Hubs Tap The Potential Of The Entire Country To Out-Innovate The World, And It Is Critical We Continue This Program For Upstate NY & America

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced he has secured up to $500 million in new funding for the Regional Tech Hubs program – which he created in his bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law – as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25), which is slated for floor consideration in the House of Representatives and the Senate in the coming days.

Schumer fought for years to land the prestigious Tech Hubs designation for Upstate NY, which received two coveted designations, one for semiconductor manufacturing and innovation across the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region and a second for the Binghamton University-led New Energy New York battery hub. Schumer said this new funding will help expand this vital program ensuring it continues to help bring the development of critical technologies back to our shores in the communities that need it most.

“I created the Tech Hubs program in my bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law, always with Upstate NY and communities like it across America in mind, and we are already seeing the tremendous benefits of this program. The Tech Hubs program must continue, and that is why I am proud to announce I have secured up to $500 million for Tech Hubs in the national defense bill we are working to pass before the end of the year,” said Senator Schumer. “From Buffalo to Binghamton, we are already seeing the benefits of the Tech Hubs program, helping create new, good-paying jobs, attracting companies, and preparing our workforce to make the technology America needs to power its future, from semiconductors to batteries. Now is not the time to slow down, we need to be investing more to ensure that the full benefits of the CHIPS & Science Law are realized and major investments like Micron are able to be connected to communities & businesses that are ready to help write the next chapter for American manufacturing and innovation in Upstate NY and around the country.”

Schumer added, “This new Tech Hubs funding will help keep this program strong to continue to breathe new life into our regions, positioning them to lead the industries of the future.”

Schumer explained that the provision he worked to include in the NDAA would direct up to $500 million in new funding to the Tech Hubs program, funding that will be generated from spectrum auction proceeds. The spectrum provisions secured in the package will allow the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) to conduct a one-time auction for the AWS-3 spectrum band to help meet the surging spectrum demands of wireless consumers. By securing up to $500 million, the Tech Hubs program will have the opportunity to consider support for currently designated Tech Hub regions or even expand investments to more regions.

Schumer created the Regional Tech Hubs competition in his bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law to help bring critical industries back from overseas to communities that have great potential to lead in new technologies. After years of advocacy, Schumer successfully landed two Tech Hub designations for Upstate NY, an exclusive group, comprised of only 31 total regional designations across the country that beat out nearly 400 initial applications in a nationwide competition. The two Upstate NY designations were:

The Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region’s “NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub” which is working to bolster Upstate NY’s booming semiconductor industry by attracting new suppliers to the region, advancing research & development programs for the semiconductor industry, and helping train the next generation of Upstate New York’s manufacturing workforce in the semiconductor industry. Earlier this year, Schumer secured the first major $40 million Tech Hubs implementation grant for the proposal, aiming to turn the corridor into America’s semiconductor superhighway. The Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region was one of only 12 implementation grant awardees nationally.

The Binghamton University-led New Energy New York (NENY) project which seeks to accelerate Upstate NY’s battery research & development cluster. According to Binghamton University, the effort is projected to have billions of dollars in regional economic impact and create thousands of good-paying jobs. Over the summer, Schumer delivered a $500,000 Consortium Accelerator Award through the federal Tech Hubs program to boost the region’s ongoing work. This builds on years of funding Schumer has secured for the Binghamton-based battery project, including both the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) Engines award that was also created by his CHIPS & Science Law that is providing up to $160 million in potential funding to boost their battery efforts and the Build Back Better Regional Challenge Award created by Schumer’s American Rescue Plan, which unlocked over $113 million in funding to jumpstart these efforts.

Both Upstate NY Regional Tech Hubs are tackling comprehensive regional priorities to position themselves to lead in critical technologies. These priorities range from workforce training to supply chain expansion and R&D investment.

In Buffalo, the EDA Tech Hub funding will play a critical role in strengthening the region’s position within the semiconductor supply chain through a concerted effort led by the University at Buffalo. This initiative aims to close gaps in the semiconductor supply chain and create growth opportunities for local businesses.

In Rochester, the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub’s Workforce Training efforts are being led by Monroe Community College, which is expanding internship and apprenticeship opportunities and establishing a program to pair industry partners with semiconductor supply chain firms to develop training and job placement efforts. MCC will develop new programs and expand on existing programs to provide skills workers will need to secure jobs in the semiconductor industry. For example, its only-in-the-nation associates degree in precision optics has sent graduates to I-Corridor chip supply chain manufacturers like Corning and Optimax.

In Syracuse, Syracuse University will spearhead the development of the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub’s commercialization component. Syracuse University will help coordinate stakeholders and the Tech Hub’s key commercialization assets and resources across academia, government, and industry. The university will also help expand access for small, mid-size, and minority-owned business and nurture regional growth in semiconductor-related innovation and entrepreneurship.

In Binghamton, the Binghamton University-led New Energy New York (NENY) battery Tech Hub has been instrumental in highlighting the region’s strength in battery R&D. NENY has supported regional innovation, manufacturing and supply chain development, as well as workforce development programs that have spanned all levels of education to connect students from underserved communities to opportunities in this growing industry. The NENY Tech Hub has partnered with local agencies and companies to develop new battery technology for energy-efficient trains thanks to federal funding Schumer helped secure. Binghamton’s Tech Hub designation also bolstered the Raymond Corporation and Toyota Material Handling’s decision to build lithium ion battery packs for their operation and incorporate other critical battery technology.

Thanks to Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Law, Upstate New York has seen a major revival in tech manufacturing. Earlier this year Schumer secured a major $825 million federal investment to make Albany NanoTech the first National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) flagship facility and headquarters for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) research and development that is critical to the global chip industry. Micron has announced plans for a historic $100+ billion investment to build a cutting-edge memory megafab in Central New York with the support of a finalized $6.1 billion CHIPS incentive award. GlobalFoundries plans to invest over $13 billion to expand and construct a second, new state-of-the-art computer chip factory in the Capital Region, with support from a finalized $1.5 billion CHIPS incentive award. Wolfspeed has opened a 200mm silicon carbide fabrication facility in the Mohawk Valley, one of the largest in the world, with a $750 million preliminary CHIPS agreement accelerating their ongoing expansion in the Mohawk Valley and boosting good-paying jobs expected to be created at the Marcy facility. TTM Technologies, a printed circuit board manufacturer, plans to invest up to $130 million to expand its facilities in Onondaga County, supported by federal investment to strengthen domestic supply chains, creating up to 400 good-paying jobs. Menlo Micro will invest $150 million to build their microchip switch manufacturing facility in Tompkins County, creating over 100 new good-paying jobs. In addition, Upstate New York is home to semiconductor supply chain companies like Corning Incorporated, which manufactures glass critical to the microchip industry at its Canton and Fairport, NY plants. Recently, Schumer announced that Corning Incorporated reached a $32 million CHIPS PMT funding agreement to make a $315 million investment that would increase production at their Canton facility of specialized glass vital for the semiconductor industry. Additionally, following Schumer’s advocacy, Edwards Vacuum has announced a $300+ million investment to build a dry pump manufacturing facility, made possible by a $18 million preliminary CHIPS agreement, creating 600 good-paying jobs to support the growing chip industry in Western New York.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://clarke.house.gov/reps-clarke-and-garbarinos-dhs-cybersecurity-internship-program-act-passes-in-the-house/,REPS. CLARKE AND GARBARINO’S DHS CYBERSECURITY INTERNSHIP PROGRAM ACT PASSES IN THE HOUSE,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Yvette D. Clarke,C001067,clarke.house.gov,clarke,https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 11, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT:

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

Washington, D.C. — Representatives Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and Andrew Garbarino’s (NY-02) bipartisan DHS Cybersecurity Internship Program Act passed in the House of Representatives by voice vote yesterday, December 10th, 2024. This bill grants the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) authority to provide paid cybersecurity internships to students attending secondary and technical schools, and undergraduate and postgraduate institutions. This legislation also requires DHS to provide an annual report to Congress regarding the number of participating individuals, job duties, supporting agencies, outreach, and recruiting efforts implemented by the DHS program.

“If our nation hopes to keep pace with our adversaries’ developing cyber capabilities and confront an ever-evolving threat landscape, ensuring our brightest young minds have the opportunities they need to succeed in the cyber workforce must be of vital importance. I am incredibly proud to see my bipartisan legislation, the DHS Cybersecurity Internship Program Act, pass in the House. While 2,000 cyber vacancies continue to impede DHS’s capacity to respond to attacks and proactively prepare for future intrusions, this critical legislation will serve as a necessary boon to the Department’s current limitations. My gratitude is with Rep. Garbarino for standing by my side in support of this essential cause, and I look forward to seeing our colleagues in the Senate advance our legislation and ultimately send it to the president’s desk,” said Congresswoman Clarke.

“The House took an important step toward strengthening our nation’s cybersecurity with the passage of the DHS Cybersecurity Internship Program Act. This bipartisan bill addresses the urgent need for skilled cyber talent to safeguard our national security. By codifying a comprehensive, paid internship program at DHS, we are equipping the next generation of cybersecurity professionals with hands-on experience and mentorship opportunities, while building a robust talent pipeline to confront evolving threats. I am proud to co-lead this effort with Congresswoman Clarke to invest in the workforce that will protect and defend America’s critical infrastructure,” said Congressman Garbarino.

Full bill text is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://lalota.house.gov/media/press-releases/lalota-secures-wins-servicemembers-gabreski-air-national-guard-gold-star,"LaLota Secures Wins for Servicemembers, Gabreski Air National Guard, Gold Star Families, and Merchant Marine Academy in Defense Bill",2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Nick LaLota,L000598,lalota.house.gov,lalota,https://lalota.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County), a Navy Veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 5009, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, which included several of LaLota’s priorities and amendments. This year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) builds upon last year's efforts to strengthen our military and deter adversaries by fully funding our national defense and includes a historic pay increase for junior enlisted.

“I voted to ensure our military remains the strongest in the world and our servicemembers are supported by voting to pass this year’s NDAA. This bill includes major wins for Long Island, including $14 million for the 106th Rescue Wing at Gabreski, $64 million for the Merchant Marine Academy, and critical investments in our defense industrial base,” said LaLota. “I was also proud to see two of my bills, the Plain Language in Contracting Act and the Gold Star Children’s Education Act, in the NDAA, along with important provisions to increase pay for junior enlisted by over 14%, take on China, and support Israel. Today’s bill is a win for our military, our allies, and our future.”

To read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.

Background:

The House Armed Services Committee is instrumental in ensuring our military has the policies and resources necessary to defend America. The culmination of the committee’s work is passing the NDAA, the annual bill that provides funding and policy updates to the Department of Defense. The NDAA authorizes funding levels and provides authorities for the U.S. military and other critical defense priorities, ensuring our troops have the training, equipment, and resources they need to accomplish their missions.

In this year’s NDAA are several of LaLota’s priorities:

Authorizes a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and supports a 4.5% pay raise for all other servicemembers

Authorizes $14 million for an Air National Guard Combat Rescue Helicopter Simulator at Francis S. Gabreski Airport

Authorizes $64 million for United States Merchant Marine Academy capital improvement projects

LaLota’s Plain Language in Contracting Act, requires the Department of Defense to write contract solicitations in plain language

LaLota’s Gold Star Children’s Education Act, which would make dependents of Armed Forces members who died while serving on active duty eligible for enrollment in Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools on a tuition-free, space-available basis.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to produce a report on the impact of bundled contracts on small businesses and the impact of reducing the number of bundled contracts

Protects servicemembers’ rights by requiring a report on the comprehensive review of the legal protections afforded to servicemembers abroad

Addresses chronic underfunding of housing maintenance to address poor conditions like sewage overflows, gas leaks, and mold

Ensures access to medical care, including mental health services and specialty providers.

Increases access to childcare by authorizing $176 million for the construction of new childcare centers

Supports military spouses by making it easier to find and maintain employment

Improves DoD schools by authorizing over $110 million to build new schools for children of servicemembers

Enhances career transition assistance, including ensuring the Transition Assistance Program includes a pathway to aid retiring members of the reserve components

Authorizes $15.6 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to enhance U.S. deterrence and defense posture in the Indo-Pacific region and over $490 million in INDOPACOM Commander priorities left unfunded in the Biden budget

Prevents Chinese espionage by prohibiting contracting with the subsidiaries of any Chinese civil-military companies to include any subsidiaries, the sharing of sensitive missile defense information with China, and Chinese nationals from being admitted to nuclear facilities

Bolsters Taiwan’s defense and supports our Indo-Pacific allies and partners

Authorizes $6.2 billion for Columbia-class submarine advanced procurement

Provides incremental funding authority for an additional Virginia-class submarine and wages to support the industrial base

Declares that it is the policy of the United States to ensure Israel has adequate stocks of air defense interceptors to defend itself against Iran and its proxies, including Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad

Authorizes full funding for joint U.S.-Israel cooperative missile defense programs (Iron Dome, Arrow, David’s Sling)

Fully supports deployment of National Guard troops to augment Border Patrol activities at the southwest border

Increases funding by $10 million for DoD counternarcotics activities

Expands DoD’s authority to assist Law Enforcement in the interdiction of narcotics traffickers

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://lalota.house.gov/media/press-releases/lalota-votes-create-long-overdue-unique-zip-codes-riverside-northampton,"LaLota Votes to Create Long-Overdue Unique Zip Codes for Riverside, Northampton, Flanders",2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Nick LaLota,L000598,lalota.house.gov,lalota,https://lalota.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County), released the following statement after voting to passH.R. 8753, a bipartisan bill that would give unique Zip Codes for the communitiesof Riverside, Northampton, and Flanders in Suffolk County. LaLota was an original cosponsor of the bill.

“The passage of today’s bill moves the communities of Riverside, Northampton, and Flanders closer to achieving long-overdue fairness,” said LaLota. “For far too long, residents of these communities have faced unnecessary hardships due to the absence of unique ZIP Codes—resulting in misdelivered mail, delayed medications, and lost packages. This simple yet impactful change will greatly enhance postal reliability and everyday convenience. I remain steadfast in my commitment to ensuring every Long Islander receives the resources, services, and recognition they deserve.”

To read the full text of the bill, click HER E.

Background:

The communities of Riverside, Northampton, and Flanders are among 46 across the country that would benefit from the bill. These communities have been fighting for this simple fix for over a decade.

The ZIP Code system, introduced in the 1960s, was designed by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to deliver mail efficiently and accurately as they adapted to the growing volume of mail from an increasing population. Since ZIP Codes were assigned based on the operational needs of the USPS rather than municipal or geographic boundaries, significant problems have arisen.

Communities lacking unique ZIP Codes often deal with misdelivered mail and major delivery delays, which can result in people receiving critical medications and other important items later than anticipated.

While small towns and cities can petition the Postal Service for a new ZIP Code, approvals are rare, and if denied, they cannot appeal the decision for up to 10 years. Congress has intervened in such cases, most notably enacting four new ZIP Codes through the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://stefanik.house.gov/2024/12/stefanik-secures-historic-results-for-ny-21-and-america-in-the-national-defense-bill,Stefanik Secures Historic Results for NY-21 and America in the National Defense Bill,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Elise M. Stefanik,S001196,stefanik.house.gov,stefanik,https://stefanik.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, today voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“As the Chief Advocate for Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division for over a decade, I am proud to help deliver another national defense bill that brings the priorities of Upstate New York and the North Country to the highest levels and enhances U.S. national security,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. “As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and on behalf of Fort Drum, I secured historic results for NY-21 including a requirement for the construction of an additional homeland missile defense site on the East Coast to be completed by 2030. Additionally, I led numerous provisions that will counter Communist China’s infiltration of our critical technology sectors and build up America’s domestic manufacturing capacity. I am proud to have worked on crafting, negotiating, and passing another national defense bill that strengthens America’s military, improves the quality of life for our service members and their families, and promotes America First peace through strength.”

The FY2025 NDAA authorizes $895.2 billion for national defense and saves the American taxpayer by cutting inefficient programs.

Congresswoman Stefanik led and secured numerous provisions to support Fort Drum, the 10th Mountain Division, military families, and U.S. national security including the following:

Strengthening Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division

Establishes a requirement for the Department of Defense to construct an East Coast Missile Defense Site at Fort Drum, New York to be completed by 2030.

Establishes Additional Skill Identifiers for Soldiers who attend Advanced Mountaineering Courses to advance the 10th Mountain Division’s Alpine initiative.

Requires the Army to establish a plan to align the 10th Mountain Division’s Alpine Initiative with the Army’s Arctic Strategy to ensure the 10th Mountain Division Soldiers are best prepared to contribute to our national security.

Requires the Army to develop a plan to field tethered-unmanned aircraft systems which are currently being used by the 10th Mountain Division during their Hunter EMS electronic warfare exercise.

Demands that the Army rapidly field and incorporate passive multi-static radar technology in counter-unmanned aircraft systems platforms to protect American soldiers from Iranian-backed drone attacks.

Requires the Service Secretaries to establish a plan to resource, transition, and scale advanced AI-enabled, combat-validated counter-unmanned aircraft systems so our forces are better protected from drone attacks.

Fighting for Wins for Upstate New York and the North Country

Authorizes robust funding for Air Force Research Lab – Rome’s Future Flag testing and evaluation exercise, conducted in Lewis, NY.

Authorizes $29 million for the Air Force to complete the engineering required to recapitalize the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing’s LC-130 skibird planes.

Authorizes $200M for the Air Force to purchase new LC-130 skibird planes for the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing.

Supports critical funding for electric vertical take off and lift aircraft to continue to be developed by the U.S. Air Force, including those in development at the Plattsburgh Airport by BETA Technologies.

Requires the Air Force and the DoD to set up a working group to transition electric vertical take off and lift technology, including those developed by BETA Technologies, into DoD programs that can be used operationally.

Authorizes funding for USSOCOM to procure blast exposure monitoring sensors like those manufactured by NY-21 company, Med-Eng.

Requires the Department of Defense to further examine and make plans to expand their work with non-profit research institutions, like the Trudeau Institute in NY-21.

Supports the critical role of aluminum extrusions, like those made by the Arconic Corporation in NY-21, in the defense industrial base.

Authorizes $4 million for silicon carbide flexible bus node development to ensure the U.S. defense industrial base, including Wolfspeed in Upstate New York, can meet the demands of guided missile destroyer advancements.

Authorizes robust funding for Army National Guard Heavy Dump Truck which enables the New York Army National Guard’s ability to conduct international and state-driven missions, such as natural disaster relief and recovery.

Supports the Army in pursuing composite rubber tracks, like those developed by Michelin in Plattsburgh, for their ground combat vehicles.

Requires the Army to examine the benefits of using thermoplastic for the UH-60 Black Hawk’s tail rotor drive shaft.

Requires the Air Force to establish a plan to improve the signals intelligence component of multi-domain, multi-ISR systems.

Commends the work being done at AFRL-Rome to ensure the validity and security of AI/ML tools.

Confronting the CCP and Foreign Adversaries

Requires CCP-drone manufacturers DJI, Autel Robotics, and their subsidiaries and affiliates to be placed on FCC's Covered List within a year of the passage of the act unless a national security agency determines they do not pose an unacceptable national security risk.

Prohibits the DoD from contracting with companies that retain lobbying firms that also lobby for Chinese military companies.

Mandates the DoD do a full teardown of Communist Chinese drones to ensure no U.S. technology is advancing their capabilities.

Prohibits the DoD from utilizing a Communist Chinese-owned tutoring service for service members and their families.

Requires the DoD to report on the proliferation and risks of Communist Chinese routers and modems in their systems.

Prohibits the DoD from operating or procuring light detection and ranging technology manufactured in Communist China.

Supporting Our Service Members and Their Families

Requires the Department of Defense and Department of Education to streamline the process for educational assistance so America’s service members do not have to worry about student debt after bravely serving our country.

Supports the Army’s Future Soldier Preparatory Course and encourages the other Services to establish a similar course to improve recruitment.

Authorizes a 14.5% pay increase for junior enlisted service members and 4.5% pay raise for all other service members.

Offers competitive pay for Child Development Center staff.

Provides service members with direct access to specialty medical providers by waiving the TRICARE referral requirement.

Authorizes $176 million for the design and construction of new childcare centers.

Establishes a pilot program to prevent and treat maternal mental health conditions for service members and their spouses.

Requires the Defense Health Agency to report on provider shortages at maternal health clinics in rural areas like Fort Drum.

Permanently bans DoD from providing minors with gender dysphoria medical treatments, like hormones and puberty blockers, that could result in sterilization.

Prohibits funding for the teaching, training, or promotion of Critical Race Theory in the military, including at service academies and DoD schools.

Keeping Pace with Emerging Technologies in the 21st Century

Requires the DoD to establish a strategy to build out the domestic drone industry and to work with industry to lower the cost of secure unmanned aircraft systems.

Ensures the DoD is examining the threat of artificial intelligence voice replication to trusted military communications and is identifying efforts to protect against these threats.

Requires the DoD to define “attritable unmanned aircraft system” to enable the DoD to acquire attritable systems at scale.

Requires the Chief Digital and AI Officer to develop a plan to scale Combined Joint All Domain Command and Control Mission Applications to enable global integration for early warning and detection.

Supports the Air Force’s Acquisition Instructor Course and examines how this program can be expanded across the DoD.

Ensures that the Army is considering soldier feedback when making a production decision on IVAS 1.2.

Strengthening U.S.-Israel Defense Cooperation

Authorizes robust funding for U.S-Israel anti-tunnel cooperation.

Authorizes $47.5 million for U.S.-Israel collaboration on emerging technologies like AI, c-UAS, and electronic warfare.

Authorizes full funding for U.S.-Israel missile defense cooperation.

Prohibits DoD from using or citing casualty data from Hamas and other terrorist organizations.

Prohibits the sale of goods at DoD commissaries and exchanges from any entities that have or are engaged in antisemitic BDS efforts.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-tenney-nominates-trump-netanyahu-gallant-nobel-peace-prize,"Congresswoman Tenney Nominates Trump, Netanyahu, Gallant for a Nobel Peace Prize",2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Claudia Tenney,T000478,tenney.house.gov,tenney,https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today nominated President Donald Trump, Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, and former Defense Minister of Israel Yoav Gallant for their tireless efforts on the Abraham Accords, to advance peace in the Middle East, to combat terrorist groups and to confront radical and oppressive Islamist regimes.

For decades, politicians and foreign affairs professionals claimed Middle East peace depended on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, through the efforts of President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and former Defense Minister Gallant, historic normalization agreements were secured between Israel and Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and Sudan, while laying groundwork for future agreements with Saudi Arabia.

During Israel’s recent war of self-defense, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant severely weakened Hamas, Hezbollah, and the IRGC. These men courageously stood up to radical Islamist dictators like Ayatollah Khamenei in Iran and, formerly, Bashar al-Assad in Syria, who waged war against their own innocent civilians through the indiscriminate use of violence.

“President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and former Defense Minister Gallant’s valiant work to combat terrorism and stand up to Islamist regimes has directly led to greater regional and global stability. Without their work, terrorist groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the IRGC would still pose a massive threat to all civilians in the Middle East and around the world. In a time of global turmoil, the bold and unwavering efforts of these leaders is unprecedented and offers hope for lasting peace in the Middle East and around the world. The Nobel Peace Prize Committee has honored esteemed world leaders and champions of peace; it is only fitting that valiant and heroic leaders like President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and Defense Minister Gallant join these esteemed ranks. I am eager to see these leaders receive the respect, honor, and distinction they richly deserve,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-tenney-supports-fy25-ndaa-and-touts-victories-ny-24,"Congresswoman Tenney Supports FY25 NDAA, and Touts Victories for NY-24 Servicemembers",2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Claudia Tenney,T000478,tenney.house.gov,tenney,https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today voted in favor of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025, which works to improve the lives of our servicemembers and strengthen our national security and defense capabilities. This legislation includes two bills originally introduced by Rep. Tenney, one of her amendments, and numerous priorities for NY-24 and the surrounding area.

This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 281-140.

“While the United States faces growing threats from adversaries like China, Iran, and Russia, who continue to jeopardize our national security and international stability, this NDAA provides our servicemembers with the necessary resources to strengthen our national defense and protect our interests around the world,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The FY25 NDAA delivers a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and authorizes $569 million to build new family housing units, along with an additional $1.2 billion to renovate and construct new barracks. This reaffirms our commitment to supporting our servicemembers and their families.

“The Biden administration has prioritized a woke agenda over strengthening our military’s lethality. This NDAA takes decisive action by banning the Department of Defense from performing dangerous transgender medical procedures on children and continues to roll back the DEI bureaucracy. This bill also includes $15.6 billion to bolster U.S. deterrence against China and fully authorizes funding for joint U.S.-Israel missile defense programs, including Iron Dome and David's Sling. By prioritizing our warfighters and the lethality of our Armed Forces, this year’s NDAA makes tremendous strides in implementing President Trump’s Peace through Strength agenda.

“Importantly, this bill authorizes critical funding for Fort Drum, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, and the Air Force Research Lab in Rome, NY. This includes $27 million for the Fort Drum Wellfield Field Expansion Project and over $19 million in design funds for future projects at Fort Drum and Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield. Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station also received $6.6 million for their taxiway/runway extension design which is critical to supporting its mission.

“This bill also included two bills that I introduced, the FORKS Made in America Act and the Parity for Child Exploitation Offenders Act. Additionally, my amendment to fully fund the first new LC-130J polar airlift planes will be critical in supporting the incredible work of the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing. While I am disappointed that this bill fails to fully fund two Virginia-class submarines, and that provisions in this bill jeopardize the ability of the 222 CACS to remain in New York, this bill is still a big win for House Republicans, our military, and our national security. I am eager to see this NDAA enacted to start restoring our America First Foreign Policy Agenda and reestablishing our position as a global force through peace through strength.""

Key Provisions in the FY25 NDAA:

Provide junior enlisted servicemembers with a 14.5% pay raise.

Support law enforcement operations along our southern and maritime borders.

Deter Chinese espionage in our military, supply chains, and research institutions.

Increase in U.S.-Israel military exercises and fully fund cooperative missile defense programs.

Expand funding for U.S. defense initiatives in the Indo-Pacific to bolster Taiwan’s defense and support Indo-Pacific allies.

Save taxpayers $31 billion by cutting inefficient programs, obsolete weapons, and bloated Pentagon bureaucracy.

Abolish the DEI bureaucracy, require merit-based promotions, and ban transgender medical treatment for minors.

Counter antisemitism by prohibiting sale of goods at DOD commissaries and exchanges from any entities that have or are engaged in a boycott of Israel.

Background on Tenney’s Bills and Amendments Included in Bill:

FORKS Made in America Act – This bill will require DOD to only purchase domestically produced stainless steel flatware beginning in 2026 until 2029. This will help support American manufacturers of stainless-steel flatware, such as Sherrill Manufacturing.

Parity for Child Exploitation Offenders Act – Under current law, loopholes allow individuals charged with sexual crimes involving children under the UCMJ do not receive the same enhanced penalties that civilians receive for the same heinous crimes. This bill closes these loopholes to ensure all offenders receive these enhanced penalties for their horrific crimes.

New Polar Planes – The New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing operates the current LC-130H fleet, the only planes in the world that can land and take off in the Arctic and Antarctic. However, the current fleet is over 50 years old and is only able to operate at roughly 40% capacity at any time, posing a grave national security threat. My amendment funds the first new LC-130J, beginning the process of recapitalizing these planes to ensure that our Armed Forces can continue keeping our Nation safe in the Arctic and Antarctic.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4294,"Tonko, McClellan Introduce MENTOR Act to Support Researchers’ Mental Health",2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Paul Tonko,T000469,tonko.house.gov,tonko,https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representatives Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and Jennifer McClellan (VA-4) today announced their introduction of the Mental Health Enhancement, Navigation, and Treatment for Our Researchers Act of 2024 (MENTOR Act). This new bill would establish federal guidelines through the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) in order to improve the mental health and mentoring of graduate and postdoctoral researchers.

Graduate student and postdoctoral researchers are vital to university productivity through their work that includes conducting and publishing cutting-edge research, helping secure grant funding, and serving as mentors and instructors for undergraduate students and researchers. Despite this fact, research shows 50 percent of graduate students experience depression, anxiety, or burnout symptoms during their training. In a survey of postdoctoral researchers by Nature, 51 percent considered leaving science altogether due to work-related mental health concerns.

“Our researchers provide so much, not only to our institutes of higher learning, but to our communities and society as a whole by driving innovation, technological development, scientific discovery, and more,” Congressman Tonko said. “Unfortunately, burnout, poor mentoring, and mental health concerns are seriously impacting students and researchers, shrinking a critical pipeline of workers and stunting innovation. We in Congress should do all we can to support our graduate and postdoctoral researchers. That’s why I’m introducing the MENTOR Act. By establishing guidelines to address and improve mentoring and mental health, we give our researchers the support they need while maintaining our nation’s spirit of innovation and scientific prowess.”

“Our national leadership in science and innovation depends on the work of highly trained graduate and postdoctoral researchers. However, too many researchers have negative experiences in the workplace that contribute to poor mental health or push them out of their training programs,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “I thank Congressman Tonko for his leadership on the MENTOR Act and look forward to working with him to advance this legislation. Together, we will continue fighting to support and strengthen our research workforce.”

Tonko’s bill is endorsed by: the American Suicide Prevention Foundation; Oyanova; Graduate Women in Science; Framework for Accountability in Academic Research and Mentoring Project; Graduate Workers Union at UW Madison; United Campus Workers Southeast; and Communications Workers of America Local 3821.

“The health and wellness of graduate and postdoctoral researchers is paramount to the strength, resilience, and longevity of the United States as a driver of scientific and technological discovery,” said Dr. Amanda Koenig, Past President, Graduate Women in Science. “The MENTOR Act ensures that the many prestigious institutions of research and higher learning in the U.S. have the appropriate resources to prioritize the enduring success of its trainees. And in so doing, it fortifies the United States as a leader on the frontiers of technology, invention, and philosophy.”

“The MENTOR Act provides for a fantastic, comprehensive set of efforts to address the graduate student mental health crisis,” said Kaylynne Glover, Co-Founder and Communications Director of The FAARM Project. “Graduate students are an essential workforce and talent pool for American technology development and national security - they do the hands-on work that keeps us ahead in AI, electronics, aerospace, biotechnology, and many other critical fields. The mental health crisis in this workforce has been widely acknowledged since 2019; we’re excited to see Congressman Tonko leading the way on comprehensively solving the problem.”

The MENTOR Act of 2024 would:

Direct the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to develop and implement comprehensive guidelines for federal research agencies to improve the mental health and mentoring of graduate and postdoctoral researchers by:

Establishing clear definitions for problematic behaviors at institutions of higher education.

Implementing standardized, confidential, and safe systems to report and address bullying, harassment, and poor mentorship.

Strengthening mentor-mentee relationships by assessing mentoring plans and benefit disclosures in grant applications and allowing grant funding to support mentoring activities.

Supporting mental well-being by ensuring access to affordable health care and implementing protections for researchers, with a focus on international and underrepresented groups.

Promote Continuous Evaluation and Improvement through Data Collection

The National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) will conduct biennial evaluations on the mental health of graduate and postdoctoral researchers.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) will evaluate the effectiveness of the guidelines, recommend improvements, and identify additional research needs.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-announces-pay-raise-for-service-members-expanded-eligibility-for-department-of-defense-food-security-program/,"Gillibrand Announces Pay Raise For Service Members, Expanded Eligibility For Department Of Defense Food Security Program",2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"FY2025 NDAA includes a 4.5% pay raise for all troops, additional 10% pay raise for junior enlisted service members

NDAA also expands eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance, the DoD’s program to address food insecurity for service members

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chair of the Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, announced several provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 that will increase pay and benefits for service members.

“Our troops are the armed services’ greatest asset, and they deserve fair pay and good benefits,” said Senator Gillibrand. “That’s why I’m pleased to announce that this year’s NDAA includes provisions that will significantly increase pay for troops and combat food insecurity among service members. I’m proud to have fought hard to secure these wins, and I will continue working to ensure that our nation’s service members have the resources they need to provide for their families and put food on their tables.”

Specifically, the FY2025 NDAA contains a 4.5 percent pay increase for all service members, as well as an additional 10 percent increase for junior enlisted service members in the ranks of E1 through E4.

The bill also expands eligibility for the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Basic Needs Allowance (BNA), which is a supplemental monthly payment for qualifying service members that is intended to address food insecurity in the military. This year’s NDAA increases the eligibility threshold to participate in the BNA program from 150 percent of the federal poverty line (FPL) to 200 percent. This change will help service members and their families afford groceries and other basic household necessities.

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Gillibrand has long advocated to increase pay and benefits for service members. Last year, Senator Gillibrand successfully pushed the department to accelerate the prior increase in BNA eligibility from 130 percent of the FPL to 150 percent of the FPL. This year, she worked to support the increase to 200 percent. She has also supported efforts to exclude service members’ Basic Allowance for Housing from the eligibility calculation for both BNA and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/with-new-yorkers-set-to-lose-health-insurance-or-pay-thousands-more-for-coverage-gillibrand-calls-for-extension-of-enhanced-affordable-care-act-subsidies/,"With New Yorkers Set To Lose Health Insurance Or Pay Thousands More For Coverage, Gillibrand Calls For Extension Of Enhanced Affordable Care Act Subsidies",2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Kirsten E. Gillibrand,G000555,www.gillibrand.senate.gov,gillibrand,https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/press-releases/page/,scraper,"With critical subsidies that help nearly 20 million Americans afford health insurance set to expire, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a video press conference to urge Congress to pass the Health Care Affordability Act by the end of this year. This legislation would permanently extend the enhanced premium tax credits (PTC) offered in individual marketplaces under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), helping keep health care costs lowered for all Americans. Without an extension, these enhanced subsidies will expire at the end of 2025, causing an estimated 4 million Americans to lose their insurance over the next several years.

“No one should have to forgo treatment because they can’t afford health insurance,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Allowing these tax credits to expire would create a financial burden that many New Yorkers cannot afford, jeopardizing public health and forcing hard-working families to choose between potentially life-saving care and putting food on the table. I am determined to get this bill passed by the end of this year so we can keep health care costs lowered for all Americans.”

Premium tax credits (PTC) were established as part of the ACA, which became law in 2010. PTCs are refundable credits that help low- and middle-income individuals and families cover the premiums for their health insurance purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

In 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) temporarily expanded eligibility for PTCs and lowered premiums for those who were already eligible. In 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act extended these enhanced credits for three years. Since ARPA’s passage, ACA enrollment has nearly doubled, helping more low- and middle-income households receive coverage and care. While the amount of savings varies by person, these enhanced PTCs have reduced premium costs by 44 percent on average.

If Congress does not act to again extend the enhanced PTCs, the provision will expire at the end of 2025, and nearly 20 million Americans will see a sudden increase in their health insurance costs. This includes tens of thousands of New Yorkers, who will, on average, face a yearly increase of $1,440 in the amount that they pay for their premiums.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases/garbarino-delivers-long-island-local-priorities-included-water-resources,Garbarino Delivers For Long Island With Local Priorities Included in Water Resources Development Act,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Andrew R. Garbarino,G000597,garbarino.house.gov,garbarino,https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) today celebrated the House’s passage of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which includes critical provisions for Long Island's South Shore. These inclusions, secured by Rep. Garbarino, would bolster flood risk management, storm damage prevention, and coastal restoration in towns across New York’s 2nd Congressional District, including Oyster Bay, Babylon, Islip, and Brookhaven.

WRDA also incorporates a pivotal change for the Fire Island National Seashore and waterfront hamlets, reducing the threshold for emergency shore restoration. This adjustment ensures that after damaging Nor’easters or similar coastal storms, federally authorized repair or restoration projects can proceed with 80-100% federal funding. This critical provision will help restore public beaches and storm damage reduction structures vital for protecting Long Island's coastal communities.

“This is a big win for Long Island,” Rep. Garbarino said. “Our coastal communities have long been vulnerable to the increasing frequency and severity of storms, and this legislation delivers on my promise to secure meaningful solutions for my district. From addressing flood risks to streamlining emergency response funding, these measures will safeguard our homes, infrastructure, and natural resources for years to come.”

Highlights of WRDA 2024 Inclusions for NY-02:

Fire Island Emergency Restoration: Reduces the emergency threshold for restoring hurricane and storm damage reduction structures or public beaches, permitting damages resulting from Nor’easters to satisfy the requirements for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers emergency assistance.

Included areas: The Fire Island National Seashore and the hamlets of Massapequa Park, Massapequa, Amityville, Copiague, Lindenhurst, West Babylon, Babylon, West Islip, West Bay Shore, Brightwaters, Bay Shore, Islip, East Islip, Great River, Oakdale, West Sayville, Sayville, Bayport, Blue Point, Patchogue, East Patchogue, Bellport, Brookhaven, Shirley, Mastic Beach, Mastic, Moriches, Center Moriches, East Moriches, and Eastport

Flood Risk and Ecosystem Projects: Feasibility studies authorized for flood risk management, storm damage reduction, and ecosystem restoration in:

Babylon: Flood risk management, hurricane, and storm damage risk reduction, navigation, and ecosystem restoration in the Town of Babylon

Brookhaven: Flood risk management, hurricane, and storm damage risk reduction, navigation, and ecosystem restoration in the Town of Brookhaven

Islip: Flood risk management in the Town of Islip

Oyster Bay: Coastal storm risk and flood management near Tobay Beach

In January, Rep. Garbarino testified before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to urge the inclusion of his proposal to protect Long Island's shoreline from erosion due to storm damage in WRDA. All of his proposed provisions were included in the final package, which passed the House of Representatives on December 10, 2024. Watch his full testimony here.

What’s Next:

Once WRDA is enacted, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will undertake feasibility studies in Oyster Bay, Babylon, Islip, and Brookhaven, paving the way for long-term, sustainable solutions for Long Island’s coastal challenges.

Rep. Garbarino’s leadership and advocacy in securing these provisions underscore his commitment to delivering real results for his district and ensuring Long Island's coastal resilience.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-goldman-secures-authorization-160-million-new-york-city,"Congressman Dan Goldman Secures Authorization of $160 Million for New York City to Improve Climate Resiliency Efforts, Measures Mandating Comprehensive Flood Protection Plan",2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Daniel S. Goldman,G000599,goldman.house.gov,goldman,https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"The ‘Water Resources Development Act’ (WRDA) of 2024 Includes Key Measures Fought for by Goldman to Authorize Vital Funding for New York’s 10th Congressional District

The Bill Includes Authorization of $160 Million for Environmental Infrastructure Improvements, Mandates Comprehensive New York-New Jersey Harbor and Tributaries Focus Area Feasibility Study (HATS) to Protect Against Multi-Hazard Flood Risks

Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) today secured the authorization of $160 million forenvironmental infrastructure improvements and authorization of measures mandating a comprehensive flood protection plan for the New York-New Jersey Harbor following the House of Representatives passage of the bipartisan ‘Water Resources Development Act’ (WRDA) of 2024.

The ‘Water Resources Development Act’ of 2024 includes a request from Congressman Goldman, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), and Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) to authorize $100 million for Kings County to improve water and wastewater management, including stormwater management such as combined sewer overflows. This legislation also includes a request from Congressman Goldman and Congressman Jerry Nadler (NY-12) to authorize $60 million for New York County for the same purposes.

Additionally, Congressman Goldman successfully secured language in the bill that mandates the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) include in their New York-New Jersey Harbor and Tributaries Focus Area Feasibility Study (HATS) plans that address the variety of flooding threats facing New York City including tidal and river flooding, heavy rainfall, groundwater emergence, erosion, and sea level rise. The bill also specifies that USACE must include in their plan, recommendations relating to projects and activities that maximize the net ecological and societal benefits to neighboring communities.

The updated ‘Water Resources Development Act’ of 2024 now heads back to the Senate for one last vote, before it goes to President Biden’s desk for his signature to become law.

“As extreme weather events continue to threaten the stability and safety of coastal communities, it remains the federal government's moral imperative to ensure our communities' protection,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “I am incredibly proud to have secured critical wins for our communities in this latest WRDA legislation, which will improve water management infrastructure in New York and Brooklyn and ensure that New Yorkers are protected from the multitude of flooding hazards that threaten our city. Now that the House of Representatives has passed these measures, I look forward to Senate passage and President Biden fulfilling his obligation to sign WRDA into law.”

Congressman Jerry Nadler said, “I am proud to have worked to secure the authorization of $60 million in environmental infrastructure improvements for Manhattan and language ensuring a comprehensive flood protection plan for the New York-New Jersey Harbor. 12 years after the devastation of Superstorm Sandy, New York City continues to face growing risk from the climate crisis. That's why I have pushed hard to secure critical funding and provisions to safeguard our communities and strengthen their resilience to future climate challenges. As Dean of the New York Congressional Delegation, I’ll continue advocating for improved water infrastructure and management to address future flooding in Manhattan and throughout New York City.”

Lauren Cosgrove, Northeast Campaign Director for National Parks Conservation Association said, “Thanks to the leadership of Representatives Goldman and Velazquez, and a bipartisan group of NY and NJ Members, the Army Corps will now be required to address all types of climate-induced flooding and prioritize cost-effective solutions for a stronger, more resilient New York City. These improvements from the New York New Jersey Harbor and Tributaries study will ensure our national parks like Gateway and surrounding communities near the Gowanus Canal, Newtown Creek and Flushing Bay are better prepared to deal with record floods and more frequent and severe storms that have shuttered public transportation and trapped people in basement apartments here. The Water Resource Development Act will protect NYC and Jamaica Bay’s treasured coast that connects urban residents with trails, scenic views, public beaches, and wildlife experiences they can’t get anywhere else in the City.”

WRDA gives the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers the authority to carry out water development projects and studies, among other things. Allowing the Army Corps of Engineers to spend the money is the first step in the process. If signed into law, Congress would still need to provide funding for the Corps to carry out the environmental infrastructure projects in the upcoming appropriations process.

Congressman Dan Goldman has worked throughout his first term to ensure that New Yorkers are protected from all flooding threats and extreme weather events.

Last year, Congressman Goldman and Congresswoman Velázquez led twelve Members of Congress from New York and New Jersey in sending a bi-partisan letter to the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) expressing concern that the Corps plan to address flood risk insufficiently protects their communities and demanding a new study be undertaken that comprehensively addresses all flooding risks.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://lalota.house.gov/media/press-releases/lalota-votes-improve-water-quality-and-natural-disaster-preparation,LaLota Votes to Improve Water Quality and Natural Disaster Preparation,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Nick LaLota,L000598,lalota.house.gov,lalota,https://lalota.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) released the following statement after voting to pass S. 4367, the bipartisan Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024. This legislation will enhance the efficiency of natural disaster response, strengthen the nation’s ports and harbors, and provide essential upgrades to improve water quality.

“Long Island is no stranger to natural disasters, including catastrophic hurricanes like Sandy and major flooding this summer, that have devastated our communities. The Water Resources Development Act is an incredibly important and bipartisan bill that will drastically improve our critical infrastructure and strengthen our preparation for and response to natural disasters while addressing water quality and microplastic toxicity,” said LaLota. “This common-sense legislation strengthens disaster preparedness, enhances flood mitigation efforts, and ensures Long Island’s water infrastructure is equipped to handle future disasters. It contains important measures aimed at protecting drinking water and limiting environmental exposures. From safeguarding homes and businesses to improving our harbors and coastlines, I’m proud to continue to deliver real solutions to keep communities across Suffolk County safe and resilient.”

To read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.

Background:

The bipartisanWater Resources Development Act (WRDA) would:

Authorize the Army Corps of Engineers to construct projects and conduct feasibility studies to improve navigation and flood management, mitigate storm and hurricane damage, and restore ecosystems.

Improve resiliency and flood mitigation by expanding access to materials for beach renourishment, restoring habitats, and codifying the beneficial reuse of dredged materials for non-Federal interests.

Invests in projects that improve water quality, drainage systems, environmental infrastructure, and stormwater management.

Requires a report on potential measures that may be implemented to reduce the release of microplastics into the environment, determine what can be effectively used to reduce the release of microplastics into the environment, and detail the costs-benefits analysis of implementing measures to reduce the release of microplastics into the environment.

Increase the efficient use of federally-owned office space, including setting occupancy standards, strengthening congressional oversight and public accountability of federal real estate projects, selling certain unused federal properties, and saving money for the taxpayers.

Redistribute unobligated balances under the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program to the states through the existing Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) program.

Reauthorize and modernize the Economic Development Administration and other regional commissions whose mission is to spur economic development in distressed communities across the country.

WRDA authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program to carry out projects to improve the nation’s ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, and other aspects of our water resources infrastructure. The final version of WRDA follows negotiations over recent months to reconcile House and Senate-passed versions of the legislation. This will be the sixth consecutive Congress that has considered a WRDA bill since 2014.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3519,Congressman Lawler Urges House Leadership to Hold Hochul Accountable for Shady CDPAP Deal,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Michael Lawler,L000599,lawler.house.gov,lawler,https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Mike Lawler announced that he and several of his New York congressional colleagues have sent a letter urging House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to prohibit federal Medicaid expending toward any Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage (FMAP) payments in support of changes to the New York Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) unless the State submits a State Plan Amendment (SPA) to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and receives approval of the proposed changes. The letter, sent on December 5th, was co-signed by Representatives Nick LaLota (NY-01), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Anthony D'Esposito (NY-04), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Marc Molinaro (NY-19), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), and Claudia Tenney (NY-24).

Earlier this year, Governor Hochul overhauled the CDPAP program by requiring the State to contract with a single fiscal intermediary (FI), putting the hundreds of operating FIs in New York State out of business. There are serious concerns here because FIs are essential in the delivery of care to the hundreds of thousands of participants in the CDPAP program. Separately, PPL, the company awarded the sole FI contract by the Governor, has a history of financial mismanagement as well as no experience working in New York. There have also been questions raised about rigging in the bidding process.

Almost every stakeholder has vehemently opposed the Governor’s changes and has called for an immediate reversal of policy. Congressman Lawler also sent a letter in July urging the same action. Since Governor Hochul has not heeded concerns and looks to move forward with this ill-thought-out change, it is instrumental that both Congress and CMS step in. Federal funding should only proceed once CMS has provided the necessary oversight and validated the effectiveness of the changes.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-statement-early-closure-floyd-bennett-field-migrant-shelter,Malliotakis Statement on Early Closure of Floyd Bennett Field Migrant Shelter,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Nicole Malliotakis,M000317,malliotakis.house.gov,malliotakis,https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(BROOKLYN, NY) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis today released the following statement after receiving notification that New York City will be terminating the lease for the Floyd Bennett Field migrant shelter on March 10, 2025, six months ahead of schedule. Migrants will be moved out of the facility by January 15, 2025.

""Today's announcement that the Floyd Bennett Field migrant shelter will close next month, days before President Trump is sworn in, shows the impact his agenda is already having on our country's migrant crisis. While we kept the pressure up by rallying, protesting, passing legislation and filing bipartisan lawsuits to terminate the lease, the reelection of President Trump was the final nail in the coffin to secure this closure, restore order in our community and put American citizens first. As I've said from the beginning, turning our federal parks into encampments for unvetted migrants from all over the world is unfair to the surrounding community and taxpayers who have been forced to foot the bill for this madness to the tune of $12 billion. It is my hope that the City will continue to close the remaining shelters down and work with the Trump Administration to reverse the failed immigration and sanctuary policies that are putting our public safety at risk.""

In September 2023, Malliotakis hosted members of the House Committee on Natural Resources on a tour of migrant shelters across New York City, including the Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan and Brooklyn's Floyd Bennett Field. Since then, the Committee held two hearings on Malliotakis' legislation which passed the House with bipartisan support on November 30, 2023.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases/strong-suozzi-bipartisan-legislation-counter-threats-chinese-communist-party,"Strong-Suozzi Bipartisan Legislation to Counter Threats from the Chinese Communist Party, Defend American Interests Passes the House",2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Thomas R. Suozzi,S001201,suozzi.house.gov,suozzi,https://suozzi.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC—Today, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY) announced that the House has passed bipartisan legislation that he is co-leading with Congressman Dale Strong (R-AL), H.R. 9668, the SHIELD Against CCP Act, to counter threats to our homeland from the Chinese Communist Party and defend American interests.

The bill would establish and authorize a dedicated Department of Homeland Security working group to identify, evaluate, and counter threats to homeland security posed by the CCP.

Congressman Suozzi is the Co-chair of the Congressional Uyghur Caucus and a former member of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China.

The transcript of Suozzi’s floor speech is below:

Mr. Speaker,

I rise in support of a bill I authored with Congressman Strong, the bipartisan “SHIELD Against CCP Act.”

The Chinese Communist Party is intent on promoting authoritarianism by weakening America from within. They seek to take our greatest strengths—pluralism, diversity, free speech, capitalism and representative government—and use them against us. China uses our freedoms, our social media, and our open society to sow chaos and division in our country. They know we cannot solve difficult problems in an environment of fear and anger, so they encourage fear and anger. They promote the most extreme sides of our thorniest debates. Whether its Black Lives Matter vs Blue Lives Matter, or Transgender vs Evangelicals, or Israel vs Gaza – the Chinese Communist Party promotes the most extreme positions on both sides of the debate, not with an objective of winning a debate, but of fomenting dissent in America.

Add to this theft of our intellectual property, threats to our critical infrastructure and trying to intimidate US citizens through transnational repression. We must act.

The fact that today we are promoting bipartisan legislation is our greatest possible response. Democrats and Republicans can work together to combat this threat!

Our bipartisan bill counters the Chinese Communist Party with strength by 1) building the capacity of the Department of Homeland Security to fight predatory economic and trade practices, 2) preventing identity theft, 3) strengthening border security, 4) providing the Department of Homeland Security with adequate resources to protect our critical infrastructure, 5) improving cybersecurity, and 6) fighting transnational repression and criminal organizations.

The FBI Director has stated that the CCP poses a “broad and unrelenting” threat.

The Chinese Communist Party is also engaged in a brutal campaign of transnational repression, targeting democracy advocates, Tibetans, Hong Kongers, Uyghurs and other ethnic minority groups.

The Chinese Communist Party actually targets Americans, including my constituents. Just before Thanksgiving, after years of fighting for his release, I received the incredible news that my constituent Kai Li was finally released to the U.S. after nearly a decade of wrongful imprisonment in China. If we are to honor the years Mr. Li spent in Chinese detention, we must remain clear-eyed about the CCP threat and redouble our efforts to counter it.

Among their provocative tactics is transnational repression, which can be illustrated through the torment of Dr. Gulshan Abbas and her family. In 2018, Dr Abbas, was taken to a Uyghur forced labor camp. Her crime? Her sister Rushan Abbas spoke out against the Uyghur Genocide during a panel discussion here in America.

Think about it—the CCP is not only carrying out mass detention, torture, forced sterilization and forced labor against religious minorities within China, but also imprisoning family members of American citizens to suppress freedoms within America!

Let me be clear: the United States cannot waiver in the face of this unrelenting strategic adversary.

Today, we can demonstrate our resolve by supporting the SHIELD Against CCP Act, which will help ensure that our government has a strong and unified response to the Chinese Communist Party’s aggression.

Working with Rep. Strong demonstrates that when we work together, we will succeed. I urge all Members to support this legislation.

Thank you.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-tenney-applauds-wrda-passage-secures-inclusion-wyoming-county,"Congresswoman Tenney Applauds WRDA Passage, Secures Inclusion of Wyoming County in Northern Border Regional Commission",2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Claudia Tenney,T000478,tenney.house.gov,tenney,https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today issued the following statement regarding the passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). This legislation authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program to carry out projects that enhance our nation's ports, harbors, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, and other critical water infrastructure.

This legislation, which Tenney supported, passed the House by a vote of 399-18. Notably, it included a provision that Tenney advocated for to add Wyoming County to the Northern Border Regional Commission Area.

""The Water Resources Development Act provides critical funding to enhance our nation's infrastructure, create jobs, and boost the efficiency and effectiveness of critical projects,"" said Congresswoman Tenney. ‘‘I’m especially pleased to announce that language to add Wyoming County to the Northern Border Regional Commission was included in the final bill. This Commission plays a vital role in supporting Northern Border communities by creating jobs, empowering small businesses, and boosting local economies. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this legislation and its programs.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/schumer-its-locked-in-announces-microns-historic-61-billion-award-from-his-bipartisan-chips-and-science-law-is-signed-securing-fed_needed-to-build-massive-memory-chip-facility-in-central-ny,"SCHUMER: IT’S LOCKED IN! ANNOUNCES MICRON’S HISTORIC $6.1 BILLION AWARD FROM HIS BIPARTISAN CHIPS & SCIENCE LAW IS SIGNED, SECURING FED $$$ NEEDED TO BUILD MASSIVE MEMORY CHIP FACILITY IN CENTRAL NY",2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer, Who Shepherded Bipartisan CHIPS & Science Act Into Law, Went All Out To Land Micron In CNY And Deliver This Historic Investment, Which Now Takes A Monumental Leap Forward To Make It A Reality

Finalized Agreement Ensures Micron Can Tap CHIPS Funding In Coming Years As It Meets Project Milestones For Micron’s Plans In Idaho & CNY To Invest Over $100 Billion In NY Over The Next 20+ Years Creating Up To 50,000 Good Paying Jobs – Micron Also Announces New Expansion Plans In Virginia Further Boosting American Semiconductor Production

Schumer: CHIPS Funding Is Locked In For Micron To Build In Upstate NY!

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced Micron and the Department of Commerce have finalized its CHIPS agreement for up to $6.1 billion in direct funding through the bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law. Schumer said this funding will support Micron’s planned landmark $100+ billion public-private investment over the next two decades – the largest private investment in New York’s history – as well as Micron’s expansion in Idaho – creating thousands of new good paying jobs.

“Micron’s CHIPS funding is locked for Upstate NY. $6.1 billion from my bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law is now secured for Micron to build its new, state-of-the-art complex of memory chip fabs in Central NY and Idaho. A historic day and historic agreement for Upstate NY and America. This final award locks in the federal investment Micron needs for shovels to be able to hit the ground and create thousands of good-paying jobs here in Upstate NY,” said Senator Schumer. “Without my bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law none of this would be happening and America would be over reliant on semiconductors from overseas. The memory chips Micron makes are the bedrock of America’s future, from AI to EVs to smartphones, as well as our most sensitive defense technology. The signed CHIPS award is the start of a new chapter for Central NY and America. Today the feds make the bold investment needed to bring manufacturing back, to strengthen our national security, and to make sure America stays #1, with Micron and Central NY leading the way.”

Schumer worked tirelessly for years alongside state and local leaders to advocate to Micron the many benefits of Upstate NY, including reliable and cheap water and power, a highly skilled workforce, top-notch educational and research institutions, and other capabilities to lead in semiconductor manufacturing and innovation. After years of advocacy and Schumer passing the bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law which created the federal programs needed to spur semiconductor industry investment, Micron selected Central New York for its new advanced memory chip fab complex.

Schumer added, “This is one of the largest single direct federal investments in Central NY’s history. I wrote the CHIPS & Science Law with Upstate NY as my north star, promising that it would deliver big. Today a promise made is a promise kept.”

Over the next 20+ years, Micron plans to build a colossal complex of memory chip plants in Central New York, constructing up to four manufacturing plants at White Pine Commerce Park in Clay, NY. The company’s plans call for building a clean-room space that will cover about 2.4 million square feet, the size of almost 40 football fields. Micron is the fourth largest producer of semiconductors in the world and makes memory chips that are essential to technology people use every day, from cellphones to cars, and to critical technologies like AI as well as technologies that are used by our military. Thanks to this CHIPS funding Micron plan’s will help the U.S. grow its share of advanced memory manufacturing from less than 2% today to approximately 10% by 2035.

The finalized agreement for federal CHIPS incentives will support the construction of Micron’s first two fabs in Central NY and an expansion in Idaho to help meet soaring demand for the chips Micron makes. The U.S. Department of Commerce will disburse funds in the coming years as Micron meets project milestones agreed to in the final award.

In addition, the Commerce Department also announced today a new Preliminary Memorandum of Terms (PMT) with Micron for up to $275 million in CHIPS incentives to support a planned $2 billion expansion project at its Manassas facility in Virginia, increasing wafer production and creating thousands of new good-paying jobs.

Schumer said, “We used to lead the world in making microchips, and thanks to the bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law we are seeing new investments every day to make America a major hub for chip manufacturing once again. The benefits extend across America to every corner of the country, in communities of all shapes and sizes, and I applaud Micron for continuing to lay the foundation for America’s technological future.”

Schumer said this transformational investment was just what he had envisioned when he championed the bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law. Now, Upstate New York is quickly becoming a global hub for the semiconductor industry thanks to his efforts, boosting the country’s national security and global competitiveness. Earlier this fall Schumer also secured a major $825 million federal investment to make Albany NanoTech the first National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) flagship facility and headquarters for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) research and development that is critical to the global chip industry.

Today’s award finalizes the second of five agreements in New York for federal CHIPS incentives funded by Schumer’s bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law that are spurring private sector investment and bringing manufacturing back to America. Last month, Schumer announced GlobalFoundries finalized its up to $1.5 billion funding agreement for a combined $12.5 billion public-private investment over the next ten plus years to expand and construct a second, new state-of-the-art computer chip fab in Malta, NY.

The senator also announced that Corning Incorporated reached a $32 million CHIPS PMT funding agreement to make a $315 million investment that would increase production at their Canton facility of specialized glass vital for the semiconductor industry. In addition, Edwards Vacuum announced plans to build a new first-of-its-kind-in-the-country $300+ million dry pump manufacturing facility, supported by an $18 million CHIPS PMT funding agreement. Wolfspeed has also reached a $750 million CHIPS PMT funding agreement and plans to tap nearly $1 billion from the CHIPS Investment Tax Credit that Schumer helped create in the bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law to build a new facility in North Carolina and support the expansion of their Silicon Carbide Fabrication Facility at Marcy Nanocenter in Oneida County.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/touchdown-schumer-successfully-passes-buffalo-bills-damar-hamlins-lifesaving-hearts-act,TOUCHDOWN! SCHUMER SUCCESSFULLY PASSES BUFFALO BILLS’ DAMAR HAMLIN’S LIFESAVING HEARTS ACT,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,NY,Charles E. Schumer,S000148,www.schumer.senate.gov,schumer,https://www.schumer.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Schumer & Hamlin Worked Together For Months, And Tonight Schumer Successfully Passed Hamlin’s Lifesaving HEARTS Act – UNANIMOUSLY! – To Bring More AEDs To Schools Across America

Schumer-Hamlin Bill Now Heads To The President’s Desk To Be Signed Into Law

Chuck & Damar: Together We Got This Lifesaving Bill In The Endzone To Bring AEDs To Schools Across America

After standing with Buffalo Bills’ Safety Damar Hamlin, student-athletes, and Bills Mafia earlier this week, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced he successfully passed their lifesaving HEARTS Act in the Senate, and that it will now head to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Schumer said this bipartisan legislation will help put more AEDs – like the one that saved Damar’s life – into schools and help make CPR training more accessible across America.

“Touchdown! I’m proud to announce, after months of working with Damar Hamlin and the Buffalo Bills, the Senate has just passed the lifesaving HEARTS Act to put more AEDs in schools across America – like the one that saved Damar’s life,” said Senator Schumer. “Damar and I formed the perfect team, bringing together teachers, healthcare leaders and athletes to make sure every student has access to the kind of life-saving care he did. This legislation goes beyond the field and its impacts will stretch thousands of miles outside Buffalo to help millions of kids. Now, the HEARTS Act is headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law and save lives.”

When Hamlin went into cardiac arrest during an NFL game in January 2023, the Bills medical team used an AED and performed CPR, saving Hamlin’s life. Since then Hamlin has used his miraculous and inspirational recovery story to help kids across the country, working with Schumer to create a new federal program that will help put more AEDs in schools. Hamlin and Schumer worked together to garner bipartisan support for the law, which passed in the House of Representatives earlier this year. Thanks to Majority Leader Schumer, that legislation has now passed the Senate and will be sent to the President’s desk.

Schumer said that the bipartisan Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Research and Training in Schools (HEARTS) Act, which has now passed both chambers and heads to the President’s desk, will provide direct grants to elementary and secondary schools. The bill will create a grant program at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) training, in addition to supporting the purchase of AEDs and the development of cardiac emergency response plans, which can more than double survival rates from cardiac arrest by empowering people nearby to dial 911, start CPR and use an AED.

In schools with AEDs, children who experience cardiac arrest are seven times as likely to survive as children in schools without AEDs. Schumer also highlighted the importance of CPR training for students and adults in schools, saying that for every minute without CPR, chances of survival drop by 10%. With more people confident in their ability to perform CPR, people experiencing cardiac arrest will get the care they need more quickly.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases/garbarino-help-lead-italian-american-congressional-delegation,Garbarino to Help Lead Italian-American Congressional Delegation,2024-12-09,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,NY,Andrew R. Garbarino,G000597,garbarino.house.gov,garbarino,https://garbarino.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) announced today that he will assume the role of Co-Vice Chair of the Italian-American Congressional Delegation during the 119th Congress.

“I am honored to take on the role of Co-Vice Chair and to be in a position to advance Italian-American priorities in Congress,” said Rep. Garbarino. “I take immense pride in my heritage and am committed to preserving the legacy of those who came before us. I look forward to working closely with the incoming Co-Chairs and the rest of the Italian-American Delegation to make a meaningful difference for our community.”

Representatives Michael Rulli (R-OH-06) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) will serve as Co-Chairs of the Delegation, with Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19) joining Rep. Garbarino as Co-Vice Chair.

The Italian-American Congressional Delegation is a bipartisan group of Members dedicated to advocating for the interests of Italian-Americans. The delegation collaborates with organizations to promote cultural preservation, recognize Italian-American heritage, and celebrate the community’s contributions to the United States. Through events, discussions, and policy initiatives, the delegation ensures that the voices of Italian Americans are represented in Congress.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-dan-goldman-senator-chuck-schumer-call-irs-expedite-processing-low,"Congressman Dan Goldman, Senator Chuck Schumer Call for IRS to Expedite Processing of Low-Risk Employee Retention Credit Claims, Resolve Delays Costing More than $10 Billion to American Small Businesses",2024-12-09,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,NY,Daniel S. Goldman,G000599,goldman.house.gov,goldman,https://goldman.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"December 9, 2024
Press Release
Employee Retention Credit Created to Provide Small Businesses Relief During COVID-19 Pandemic
Small Businesses Across New York City Have Been Awaiting Claim Resolution Since 2020
Read the Letter
Here
New York, NY –
Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) on Friday led nine of their New York delegation colleagues in sending a letter to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Daniel Werfel calling on the agency to expedite the processing and resolution of a backlog of legitimate Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims. The unresolved low-risk claims total more than $10 billion dollars in refunds that these businesses are awaiting.
The ERC was created in 2020 following the passage of the CARES Act to provide relief to small businesses and allow them to retain employees during the pandemic. Small businesses across New York City have been waiting for their claim to be processed since as early as 2020.
“We commend the agency’s work to resolve valid claims and protect against fraudulent ones, especially given the complexity of the ERC; however, our offices continue to hear from small businesses and nonprofits in our districts whose legitimate claims remain outstanding,”
the Members wrote.
This backlog has had negative effects on small businesses in New York and nationwide. The moratorium was put in place so that the IRS could study a sample of ERC claims and determine potential markers of fraud. According to its review, the agency identified 10-20% of claims as high-risk, 60-70% of claims as having an unacceptable level of risk, and 10-20% as low-risk.
“These recent announcements are a step in the right direction to protect against improper claims and provide relief for legitimate businesses,”
the Members continue.
“However, the slow review process and the moratorium have caused significant delays and hardship for legitimate small businesses who have waited years for their credits.”
The members call for the IRS to address the ERC claim backlog by prioritizing early submissions and low-risk claims from struggling small businesses. Among those claims are those submitted through IRS-certified Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs), which file a single consolidated ERC claim Form 941-X on behalf of dozens, if not hundreds, of small businesses. Claims submitted through PEOs are subject to additional levels of scrutiny, lowering the risk of ERC claim fraud.
Additionally, the members call for the IRS to provide information on the following questions:
For the 10-20% of low-risk claims identified by the IRS in its ERC review, how many of those claims have been processed to date? What steps will the IRS take to expedite the processing and payment of these claims?
What challenges does the IRS face with resolving claims submitted by PEOs? Has the IRS considered expediting claims submitted by PEOs? Why or why not?
What steps is the IRS taking to improve its cooperation with Members of Congress, the National Taxpayer Advocate, and the public to resolve ERC inquiries in a timely manner?
What steps is the IRS taking to increase transparency on the status of ERC claims? Is the IRS considering additional tools for claimants to check on the status of their claim such as an online web portal? Why or why not?
Mail theft is a significant concern for our constituents. Especially for ERC payments that can range upwards of $100,000, would the IRS consider allowing claimants to opt for direct deposit as a more secure method to receive their ERC payments instead of paper checks? If not, why?
Additional signatories to the letter include Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), and Representatives Tim Kennedy (NY-26), Grace Meng (NY-06), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07).
Read the full letter
here
or below:
Dear Commissioner Werfel,
We are writing to you concerning the backlog in Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). We commend the agency’s work to resolve valid claims and protect against fraudulent ones, especially given the complexity of the ERC; however, our offices continue to hear from small businesses and nonprofits in our districts whose legitimate claims remain outstanding. Therefore, we urge the IRS to swiftly resolve legitimate claims and provide more transparency on the status of existing claims, prioritizing early submissions and low-risk claims from struggling small businesses.
The ERC program has been a vital lifeline for small businesses across the nation and in our districts. Created by the CARES Act and furthered expanded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan, this refundable tax credit helped small businesses retain their workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last fall, the IRS announced a moratorium on processing ERC claims submitted after Sept. 14, 2023, to give the agency time to review and analyze a large study group of ERC claims. On August 8, 2024, the agency announced it completed its review and would begin processing claims filed between September 14, 2023, and January 31, 2024. According to its review, the agency identified 10-20% of claims as high-risk, 60-70% of claims as having an unacceptable level of risk, and 10-20% as low-risk. The agency noted that it would immediately begin processing 50,000 valid ERC claims identified during the review and expects to process another large block of low-risk claims this Fall.
We commend the agency for its vigilance and actions to prevent bad actors from abusing this program. These recent announcements are a step in the right direction to protect against improper claims and provide relief for legitimate businesses. However, the slow review process and the moratorium have caused significant delays and hardship for legitimate small businesses who have waited years for their credits.
On June 26, 2024, Erin. M. Collins, the National Taxpayer Advocate, released her mid-year report to Congress which identified delays in processing ERC as a key taxpayer challenge. Her report noted that the IRS has a backlog of about 1.4 million ERC claims that have been submitted but have not been paid. The report also highlights that “many [businesses] have already waited a year or longer for the IRS to determine if their claim is valid,” and argues that, “it’s time for the IRS to … move forward addressing these ERC claims to ensure it protects the taxpayer’s right to finality and right to challenge the IRS’s position and be heard.” More than four years after the ERC program was created, we agree that it is long past time for these claims to be adjudicated and processed.
Additionally, many of our constituents applied for the ERC through IRS-certified Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs), which file a single consolidated ERC claim Form 941-X on behalf of dozens, if not hundreds, of small businesses. According to the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO): “As of December 9, 2023, the number of unprocessed Forms 941-X was approximately 1,057,000.” Given that forms submitted by IRS-certified PEOs are already subject to additional layers of scrutiny to ensure accuracy and eligibility and that a single form filed by a PEO could represent hundreds of legitimate small businesses, we encourage the agency to expedite processing these claims as a low-risk step to rapidly clear the ERC backlog.
We also respectfully request answers in writing to the following:
For the 10-20% of low-risk claims identified by the IRS in its ERC review, how many of those claims have been processed to date? What steps will the IRS take to expedite the processing and payment of these claims?
What challenges does the IRS face with resolving claims submitted by PEOs? Has the IRS considered expediting claims submitted by PEOs? Why or why not?
What steps is the IRS taking to improve its cooperation with Members of Congress, the National Taxpayer Advocate, and the public to resolve ERC inquiries in a timely manner?
What steps is the IRS taking to increase transparency on the status of ERC claims? Is the IRS considering additional tools for claimants to check on the status of their claim such as an online web portal? Why or why not?
Mail theft is a significant concern for our constituents. Especially for ERC payments that can range upwards of $100,000, would the IRS consider allowing claimants to opt for direct deposit as a more secure method to receive their ERC payments instead of paper checks? If not, why?
Thank you, and we look forward to hearing from you on this important issue.
###
Issues
:
Small Business",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z