Friday - March 29, 2024
U.S. Congressional Tipoffs Involving New York Newsletter for Sunday December 27, 2020 ( 79 items )  

After Long, Difficult Road, Schumer, Higgins Announce U.S. Agreement With Sudan Will Finally Deliver Justice for Buffalo's Granville Family
WASHINGTON, Dec. 24 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following news release: Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer and Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the omnibus budget package approved by Congress includes long-overdue justice for a Western New York family. On January 1, 2008, Buffalo-native John Granville and his colleague, Abdel Rahman Abas, were murdered by terrorists in Sudan after leaving a New Year's Eve event at the British Embassy in Khartoum. At the time,  more

After Months of Working on Stimulus Compromise, Brindisi-Backed Bipartisan COVID Relief Bill Announced In Congress
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Anthony Brindisi, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Anthony Brindisi announced his support for a bipartisan relief package to send desperately needed federal aid to communities across the country ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic. Brindisi, a member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, joined members of both parties in the House and Senate in calling for an emergency aid package throughout the Summer and Fall. House and Senate leadership   more

Chairman Nadler Issues Statement on Work of Judiciary Committee on FY 2021 Omnibus
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-New York, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement on Dec. 21: * * * House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) issued the following statement on the work of the Committee on the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) Omnibus bill passed by the House of Representatives: "I am very proud that numerous provisions the Judiciary Committee worked tirelessly on were passed in the FY 2021 Omnibus bill today. This legislati  more

Chairwoman Maloney Seeks Details From National Archives on Trump Administration Compliance With Presidential Records Act
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, issued the following news release on Dec. 21: Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, sent a letter to David S. Ferriero, Archivist of the United States, expressing grave concerns that the outgoing Trump Administration may not be adequately preserving records and may be disposing of them without first obtaining his views, as required by law.   more

Chairwoman Velazquez Issues Statement on House Passage of Omnibus, Emergency Small Business Relief Package
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, issued the following statement on Dec. 21: * * * House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY) issued the following statement after the House voted to pass H.R. 133, a bill consisting of omnibus spending, coronavirus relief, and authorizations: "Small businesses have voiced the need for additional stimulus for months. Republicans have finally dropped their obstru  more

Final COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package Based on Original Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Tom Reed, R-New York, issued the following joint statement: * * * U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) applauded the final COVID-19 emergency relief package.   more

Five Tonko Energy & Climate Bills Advance in Federal Spending Package
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Paul D. Tonko, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Paul D. Tonko, Chair of the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Environment & Climate Change, cheered the passage of five clean energy and climate action bills he authored as part of the must-pass omnibus spending package advanced in the House tonight. Tonko's bills drive key federal investments in building weatherization, clean energy research and development (R&D), climate mitigation, adv  more

Following Her Push, Sen. Gillibrand Announces $6 Billion in WIC Funding Included in FY 2021 Bipartisan Appropriations Package
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following news release on Dec. 22: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that the bipartisan FY 2021 appropriations package includes $6 billion in funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to address the growing hunger crisis. Nationwide, 1 in 5 parents do not have enough money to feed their children. Millions of Americans, especially women, continue to be affecte  more

Following Her Push, Sen. Gillibrand Announces Snap Increase and P-EBT Eligibility Expansion Included In Coronavirus Relief Package
WASHINGTON, Dec. 24 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, announced that following her push, a vital 15% increase in SNAP benefits and her proposal to expand the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) program are included in the latest coronavirus relief package. Senator Gillibrand also secured $175 million for Older Americans Act Nutrition Services to support efforts to deliver nutritious meals for   more

House Oversight & Reform Committee: '20 Ways to Secure Full & Fair Election During Coronavirus Pandemic'
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, issued the following report in October 2020 entitled "Our Vote 2020: 20 Ways to Secure a Full and Fair Election During the Coronavirus Pandemic": SUMMARY The 2020 General Election is just over a month away. As the ongoing coronavirus pandemic jeopardizes the safety of in-person voting and President Trump raises unfounded objections to absentee voting, the American promise of free an  more

House Oversight Committee Chairwoman Issues Statement at Role of Purdue Pharma, Sackler Family in Opioid Epidemic Hearing
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, issued the following opening statement at a virtual hearing entitled "The Role of Purdue Pharma and the Sackler Family in the Opioid Epidemic" on Dec. 17: For too long, justice has been out of reach for millions of American families whose lives have been ravaged by our nation's opioid epidemic. For decades now, parents and family members have watched with broken hearts as their l  more

House Passes Coronavirus Relief and Federal Funding Legislation With Delgado Priorities to Support Upstate Communities
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-New York, issued the following news release: U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) voted to pass a bipartisan legislative package that will provide American families and businesses with urgently needed pandemic relief. The package is comprised of a $1.4 trillion FY21 budget and a $900 billion COVID-19 assistance package. Before casting his vote, Rep. Delgado spoke on Facebook Live to explain critical provisions within both bills. "After mont  more

House Passes Funding Bill With COVID Relief, Maloney Priorities
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, D-New York, issued the following news release on Dec. 21: The House of Representatives passed a bipartisan, bicameral funding package for Fiscal Year 2021, which contained several priorities of Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), including COVID-19-relief provisions aimed at providing critically-needed assistance for New York families, health care providers, farmers, and small businesses. Additionally, this bill will advance the Dam Safety Improv  more

Key Provisions of Rep. Meeks, and Sens. Warner, Schumer, Harris and Booker Legislation Included in COVID-19 Relief Package
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, D-New York, issued the following news release on Dec. 21: Rep. Gregory Meeks (NY) thanked his colleagues and bipartisan leadership across both the House of Representatives and US Senate for including key provisions of the Jobs and Neighborhood Investment Act in the year-end COVID19 stimulus package, which will bring desperately needed relief to the hardest hit communities. Rep. Meeks introduced the legislation on July 21st, 2020, with Senators Warn  more

Oversight Subcommittee Launches Investigation Into Poor Performance, Waste, Mismanagement in Organ Transplant Industry
WASHINGTON, Dec. 24 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, issued the following news release on Dec. 23: Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy, and Subcommittee Member Katie Porter sent letters to 11 Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) and a letter to the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) requesting documents about the performance, finances, operations, and potential  more

Rep. Antonio Delgado Holds 50th Town Hall Since Swearing In, Provides Update on COVID-19 Relief Negotiations
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-New York, issued the following news release: On Saturday, December 19, U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) held his 50th town hall, this one on Facebook Live. The Congressman opened the event on Saturday morning with an update on the current status of COVID-19 relief negotiations and his work at the federal level to advocate for our small businesses and rural communities. After his introductory remarks, Rep. Delgado answered questions submi  more

Rep. Brindisi Secures Key Provisions & Funding for Rome Lab In Legislation Heading To President Trump's Desk
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- Rep. Anthony Brindisi, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Anthony Brindisi included key funding provisions for Rome Lab and cemented Central New York's place in the national defense space. Brindisi, a member of the powerful House Armed Services Committee, advocated for the funds to be included in final government funding legislation that passed both houses of Congress last night. The legislation heads to President Trump's desk. Included in the gov  more

Rep. Brindisi Statement in Support of UMWA Local 717 & Against Union Busting From Remington Arms
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Anthony Brindisi, D-New York, issued the following statement: * * * Congressman Anthony Brindisi issued the following statement after being alerted of union busting activities from the new owners of Remington Arms, Roundhill Corporation. Employees, terminated by old Remington, are receiving offers from the new owners that go after the rights and benefits that United Mine Workers Association (UMWA) Local 717 collectively bargained for during negotiations. "The hardw  more

Rep. Brindisi Statement on Presidential Veto of National Defense Authorization Act
WASHINGTON, Dec. 24 -- Rep. Anthony Brindisi, D-New York, issued the following statement: * * * Congressman Anthony Brindisi issued the following statement after President Trump vetoed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). "Pay raises for our troops and our national defense should not be dragged into a petty partisan fight. This veto threatens jobs in our area, our national security, the crucial work done at Rome Lab, and a much-deserved pay raise for our troops--right before the hol  more

Rep. Delgado Discusses Vaccine Distribution and State and Local Funding With Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan
KINGSTON, New York, Dec. 24 -- Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-New York, issued the following news release: U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) met with Ulster County Executive Patrick Ryan at the Ulster County Office Building in Kingston. The Congressman and County Executive's meeting focused on understanding the county's plan to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine. Their conversation also included a discussion of the most recent coronavirus relief package passed by Congress this week, and their s  more

Rep. Delgado Successfully Advocates for Inclusion of Small Business Priorities in COVID-19 Relief Package
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-New York, issued the following news release on Dec. 22: Last night, U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) voted to pass a bipartisan legislative package made up of a $1.4 trillion FY21 budget and a $900 billion COVID-19 assistance bill. This legislation included several measures introduced by Rep. Delgado that will provide urgently needed relief for small businesses. Specifically, the bill includes Rep. Delgado's Small Business Debt Relief E  more

Rep. Delgado Visits Five Counties in NY-19, Delivers Holiday Cards for Heroes to Frontline Health Care Workers
RHINEBECK, New York, Dec. 24 -- Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-New York, issued the following news release: U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) crisscrossed New York's 19th Congressional District and dropped off holiday cards for health care workers in five counties. Last Monday, Rep. Delgado also delivered greetings to Ellenville Regional Hospital and Garnet Health and thanked the staff for their work during the holiday season. The cards delivered by Rep. Delgado came from community members o  more

Rep. Engel Issues Statement on President Trump Refusal to Sign State Department Authorization, Support American Diplomacy
WASHINGTON, Dec. 24 -- Rep. Eliot L. Engel, D-New York, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on Dec. 23: * * * "Earlier this week, Congress passed the Omnibus spending bill, but without the key bipartisan State Department Authorization Act. Democrats and Republicans in both Houses had accomplished a goal not achieved in 17 years and agreed upon this bill, but at the last minute, Ivanka Trump demanded that her self-styled women's economic empowerment p  more

Rep. Engel U.S.-Northern Triangle Enhanced Engagement Act Passes Congress
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- Rep. Eliot L. Engel, D-New York, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on Dec. 22: * * * Representative Eliot L. Engel, the Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today lauded Congress's passage of the U.S. - Northern Triangle Enhanced Engagement Act (H.R. 2615) which he authored and which was included in the omnibus appropriations and COVID-19 relief package. The President is expected to sign the legislation into la  more

Rep. Higgins Announces Approval of 2021 Budget Package Funding Critical Government Programs and Services
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) outlined components of the omnibus budget package of particular interest to Western New York. The legislation, approved by the House of Representatives, directs funding for the federal government for fiscal year 2021. Higgins said, "2020 has been a challenging year in many ways. We are looking forward to a new year that rises to meet the challenges before the nation cente  more

REP. Jeffries Statement on Funding for the First Step Act in Omnibus Spending Bill
NEW YORK, Dec. 23 -- Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, issued the following news release: U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which includes provisions to fund the continued implementation of the First Step Act. The spending bill provides $409,483,000 in funding for fiscal year 2021. Signed into law in 2018, the First Step Act was historic, bipartisan legislation to posit  more

Rep. Katko Votes to Pass Bipartisan, Bicameral Pandemic Relief Bill Spearheaded by Katko & Colleagues in Problem Solvers Caucus
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- Rep. John Katko, R-New York, issued the following statement on Dec. 22: * * * U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) today released the following statement after voting in support of COVID-19 relief legislation: "Today, I voted in support of legislation to give necessary and long overdue relief to our communities. "For the many local small businesses facing continued financial strain, this bill provides additional direct relief and extends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) t  more

Rep. Lowey Appreciation Remarks on House Floor
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Nita M. Lowey, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following floor remarks in appreciation of 32 years of congressional service on Dec. 20: * * * Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for supporting this stopgap measure to avoid a government shutdown as we finish our critical work to fund government and respond to the COVID pandemic. As my time in Congress nears a close, I must briefly reflect on my 32 years of service, which has b  more

Rep. Lowey Delivers Vital Funds for Local Priorities, COVID-19 Relief, and Legacy Programs in Government Funding Bill
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Nita Lowey, D-New York, issued the following news release on Dec. 21: Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, today introduced the spending bill that passed the House to fund the federal government through September 2021 and provide $900 billion for COVID-19 relief. "I am proud of the bill we have negotiated and introduced today," said Congresswoman Lowey. "This legislation is the product of a biparti  more

Rep. Lowey Issues Floor Remarks on Omnibus Spending Bill
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Nita M. Lowey, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following floor remarks on the omnibus spending bill on Dec. 21: * * * I am proud to present legislation that comprises all 12 fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills, a number of items agreed to on a bipartisan basis between authorizing committees, and a coronavirus relief package. The 12 appropriations bills include a strong increase in non-defense discretionary funding, allowin  more

Rep. Lowey Issues Remarks on Omnibus Spending Bill
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Nita M. Lowey, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following floor remarks on Dec. 21: * * * House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey (D-NY) today delivered the following remarks to the House Rules Committee in support of an appropriate rule for the House to consider H.R. 133, an omnibus spending bill consisting of all 12 fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills, coronavirus relief, and authorizations: Chairman McGov  more

Rep. Lowey: House Clears One-Day Funding Extension
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Nita M. Lowey, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release on Dec. 20: The House today passed, on a bipartisan 329 to 65 vote, a continuing resolution to extend federal government funding through Monday to complete action on appropriations, authorizations, and coronavirus relief. The text of the legislation, H. J. Res. 110, is available HERE: https://appropriations.house.gov/sites/democrats.appropriations.house.gov  more

Rep. Lowey: House Democrats File Omnibus Spending Bill
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Nita M. Lowey, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release on Dec. 21: House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey (D-NY) today released the text of an omnibus spending bill consisting of all 12 fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills, coronavirus relief, and authorizations. The legislation, a product of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations, is expected to be considered in the House today. "As I prepare to   more

Rep. Lowey: House Democrats File Stopgap Funding Bill
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Nita M. Lowey, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release on Dec. 20: House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey (D-NY) today introduced a continuing resolution to extend federal government funding an additional day to allow year-end spending legislation to be adopted. The House is expected to consider the legislation this evening. The text of the legislation, H. J. Res. 110, is available HERE: http  more

Rep. Lowey: House Passes Omnibus Appropriations, Coronavirus Relief Package
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Nita M. Lowey, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release on Dec. 21: The House today passed an omnibus spending bill consisting of all 12 fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills, coronavirus relief, and authorizations. The measure was considered as a divided question, with Divisions B, C, E, and F being agreed to on a bipartisan 327 to 85 vote and the remainder of the legislation being adopted on a bipartisan 359 t  more

Rep. Maloney and Sen. Markey Applaud Inclusion of $25 Million in Gun Violence Research Funding in Omnibus Funding Package
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, issued the following news release: With funding for federal gun violence prevention research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) beginning for the first time this past fall, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (NY-12) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) applauded the inclusion of $25 million in the 2021 Fiscal Year package to continue that research. Last year, the lawmakers were also successful in securing $25 million in   more

Rep. Maloney Applauds Essential Federal Funding for MTA in the FY21-Pandemic Relief Omnibus
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, issued the following statement: * * * Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) released the following statement after House and Senate passage of the FY21 Omnibus and Coronavirus Relief Bill, applauding the inclusion of approximately $4 billion in emergency federal funding for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). "I want to thank House and Senate leadership for including approximately $4 billion in emergency relief funding fo  more

Rep. Maloney Applauds HHS Grant Recipients Who Continue Lifesaving Research During Pandemic
WASHINGTON, Dec. 24 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, issued the following news release on Dec. 23: Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) today thanked and congratulated all of the Health and Human Services (HHS) grant recipients in New York's 12th Congressional District who were awarded federal grants to conduct lifesaving research since March 13, 2020, when the President declared a national state of emergency due to the coronavirus. The grants awarded to NY-12 researchers total more than  more

Rep. Maloney Celebrates Women's Museum Legislation in Omnibus
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, issued the following news release on Dec. 21: Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), sponsor of H.R. 1980, the Smithsonian Women's History Museum Act, was joined by original cosponsors Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Brenda L. Lawrence (D-MI), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) in celebrating the bill's inclusion in the omnibus package announced today. "Building a Smithsonian Women's History Museum, a testament to the women who  more

Rep. Maloney Helps Pass Critically-Needed Coronavirus Relief Legislation
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, D-New York, issued the following news release: Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) helped pass a bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19-relief bill that will provide critically-needed relief for New York families, health care providers, farmers, and small businesses. "As the roll-out of the vaccine begins nationwide, it is crucial our health care systems are supported and prepared to distribute the vaccine quickly. With jobless claims rising and the evic  more

Rep. Maloney Statement on Coronavirus Relief and Omnibus Agreement
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, issued the following statement: * * * Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) released the following statement ahead of voting for the bipartisan, bicameral coronavirus relief and omnibus agreement package. "I applaud my colleagues who worked on this agreement to ensure much needed relief for the American people during this unprecedented health and economic crisis. "Our first goal must be to protect the health of our citizens, and this  more

Rep. Maloney's National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Commemorative Coin Act Signed Into Law
WASHINGTON, Dec. 24 -- Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, D-New York, issued the following news release: This week, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney's (NY-18) bill, the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Commemorative Coin Act was signed into law by President Trump. The bill will honor the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and all our Purple Heart recipients with a commemorative coin provided by the U.S. Mint, and produced at the United States Mint at West Point. Proceeds from the sale of the coin would b  more

Rep. Meng Secures Record Amount of Federal Funding to Help Houses of Worship and Nonprofits Improve Security
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Grace Meng, D-New York, issued the following news release on Dec. 21: U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced today that she secured a record breaking $180 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, the federal initiative that provides houses of worship (synagogues, churches, mosques, temples) and nonprofit entities such as educational institutions and community facilities with funding to protect their properties   more

Rep. Meng Statement on End of Year Coronavirus Relief Package and Government Spending Bill
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Grace Meng, D-New York, issued the following statement: * * * U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed a massive package that included $900 billion in coronavirus relief funds and $1.4 trillion to fund the government. "It's been nearly nine months since American families received any COVID-19 relief from the federal government. In fact, since the last ti  more

Rep. Nadler Statement on Congressional COVID-19 Relief Package
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-New York, issued the following statement on Dec. 21: * * * "Today, I will vote in support of the Congressional coronavirus relief package. While I will vote for the bill to deliver American families the desperately needed relief that Senate Republicans have been holding up for months, I remain deeply concerned by its shortcomings. Senate Republicans' inaction and complacency have plunged millions of Americans into dire financial straits and their   more

Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Holds December Town Hall for NY-14 Constituents
QUEENS, New York, Dec. 24 -- Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, issued the following news release on Dec. 23: On Thursday evening, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez held her monthly town hall for the constituents of New York's 14th Congressional District. The Congresswoman used the bulk of the virtual event to provide an update on negotiations around a COVID-19 relief bill. "Folks in our community are on the brink of eviction. We have just an insane amount of food instability in   more

Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Recognizes Congressional App Challenge Winner, Runner-Up
WASHINGTON, Dec. 25 -- Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, issued the following news release on Dec. 23: Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez unveiled the winner of the Congressional App Challenge from New York's 14th Congressional District: CrownCatch by Michael Batavia. Crown Catch is a mobile app designed to help users minimize their risk of catching and spreading COVID-19 by providing news from reputable sources, notifying users of local case counts, and encouraging users to social  more

Rep. Reed Spearheads Passage of Emergency Relief Package
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- Rep. Tom Reed, R-New York, issued the following news release on Dec. 22: Yesterday, Rep. Tom Reed spearheaded the passage of a COVID-19 emergency relief package and voted in favor of the FY21 Omnibus Appropriations bill that passed the House and the Senate. The vote comes after months of hard work between the Problem Solvers Caucus and a bipartisan group of Senators to craft a relief framework that broke the gridlock and laid the parameters for a final deal. "We care ab  more

Rep. Reed: Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Statement on Final COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package Based on Original Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Tom Reed, R-New York, issued the following joint statement: * * * Sunday, December 20, 2020, Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Tom Reed (NY-23) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement on the announcement of a final COVID-19 emergency relief package: "What started months ago as bipartisan, bicameral negotiations led by the Problem Solvers Caucus and our Senate partners will now be heading to the House floor. For the American people, this deal mean  more

Rep. Rice Votes for Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief and Government Funding Bill
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- Rep. Kathleen Rice, D-New York, issued the following statement on Dec. 22: U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice (NY-04) released the following statement after voting last night in favor of the bipartisan COVID relief and government funding agreement, H.R. 133, The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The legislation passed the House of Representatives and the Senate last night. "This agreement is far from perfect, but in this case something is absolutely better than not  more

Rep. Stefanik Announces Support for COVID-19 Relief Package
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has announced that she will vote in favor of House passage of the 4th major legislative phase of Congress' emergency coronavirus response later this afternoon. This most recent package will provide economic relief to small businesses, individuals, and families across the North Country. "Throughout the past several months, I have consistently advocated for direct federal suppo  more

Rep. Stefanik Secures Results for North Country in FY21 Appropriations Package
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, issued the following news release on Dec. 21: Congresswoman Elise Stefanik today voted in favor of the FY21 Omnibus Appropriations package that passed the House and the Senate. "Alongside the much-needed COVID-19 relief for families and small businesses, this year-end package fully funds the government through September 2021 and includes key funding priorities I fought to secure for the North Country," said Congresswoman Stefanik. "Commun  more

Rep. Suozzi Helps Get Funds for Live-Entertainment Venues and Restaurants in New York in COVID-19 Relief Package
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- Rep. Thomas Suozzi, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Long Island, Queens) helped deliver a COVID-19 relief package that would provide economic support for local restaurants and live-entertainment venues on Long Island and in New York. Under the relief package, the Paycheck Protection Program will be revised to better support independent restaurants with their payroll expenses and $15 billion in targeted Small Business Administration  more

Rep. Tonko Bill to Strengthen Alzheimer's Care Passes in Year-End Package
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- Rep. Paul D. Tonko, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Paul D. Tonko heralded passage of his bipartisan bill, H.R. 1873, Improving HOPE for Alzheimer's Act, out of the House and Senate last night as part of the must-pass federal funding package H.R. 133, expected to be signed into law quickly by the President. Tonko's bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to notify healthcare providers about care planning benefits for Alzhe  more

Rep. Tonko Broadband Coordination Legislation Advances in Key House Vote
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- Rep. Paul D. Tonko, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Paul D. Tonko cheered the advance of his bipartisan ACCESS BROADBAND Act (H.R. 1328) in the House last night as part of the omnibus federal spending bill H.R. 133, which also passed the Senate and is expected to be signed into law quickly by the President. Tonko's coordination bill would make it easier for businesses and local leaders to bring federal funding to underserved or unserved areas in  more

Rep. Tonko Horseracing Reform Bill Nearing Finish Line to Become Law
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Paul D. Tonko, D-New York, issued the following news release on Dec. 21: Congressman Paul D. Tonko tonight cheered the passage of his bipartisan legislation--H.R. 1754: the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act--as part of the bipartisan omnibus and COVID-19 relief legislation, H.R. 133, expected to be signed into law quickly by the President. Tonko's bill, which he was able to convince 260 of his colleagues to cosponsor, would designate the Horseracing Integrity and   more

Rep. Tonko Racks Up Legislative Wins for Capital Region in Year-End COVID Rescue
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Paul D. Tonko, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Paul D. Tonko marked a decisive set of year-end legislative achievements today with the passage of H.R. 133, sweeping emergency legislation in the House and Senate, including a short-term COVID rescue package that funds testing, tracing and vaccine distribution and delivers support for struggling small businesses and families. The rescue legislation advanced as part of the broad funding bill to  more

Rep. Tonko Releases District Scorecard Marking Year of Service to Capital Region
AMSTERDAM, New York, Dec. 23 -- Rep. Paul D. Tonko, D-New York, issued the following news release on Dec. 22: Congressman Paul D. Tonko today released his 2020 District Office scorecard detailing constituent services he provided for Capital Region communities and residents this year, including COVID-19 resources and services, small business assistance, help with federal agencies and much more. "This COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped our lives in countless ways," Congressman Tonko said. "Like so m  more

Rep. Tonko Unveils New Constituent Portal Ahead of 117th Congress
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- Rep. Paul D. Tonko, D-New York, issued the following news release on Dec. 22: Congressman Paul D. Tonko unveiled his newly redesigned constituent portal today, providing the people of New York's 20th Congressional District with a simpler and easier-to-use interface making it easier to contact the Congressman to share ideas, request help with a federal agency or keep up with the latest news and information impacting our Capital Region communities. "One of my highest prior  more

Rep. Velazquez on House Passage of COVID-19 Relief and Government Funding Bill
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez, D-New York, issued the following statement: * * * Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY) issued the following statement on the House passage of the Omnibus and Coronavirus Relief bill. "Over 315,000 Americans are dead. 3 out of every 4 small businesses have seen their revenues fall, and thousands have shut their doors for good. Food insecurity has doubled for families with children, and millions of Americans are turning to food banks for the first time.  more

Rep. Zeldin Secures Vital CDBG-DR Extension in Congressional Spending Bill to Save 3 Local Sewer Projects
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 -- Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-New York, issued the following news release: In the past two weeks, as Congressional funding was being negotiated, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) worked closely with House and Senate leadership, as well as White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows to secure an extension of the September 30, 2022 deadline for the use of Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to September 30, 2023. This will save three local sewer projects in   more

Rep. Zeldin Statement on Fiscal Year 2021 Spending Legislation and Coronavirus Relief Bill
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-New York, issued the following statement: * * * Congressman Lee Zeldin issued the following statement following House passage of the Senate Amendment to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (H.R. 133), which includes government funding through September 30, 2021, and additional coronavirus relief: "Throughout December, as Congress' new COVID-19 relief and annual appropriations legislation was being negotiated, I worked closely with House and Se  more

Rep. Zeldin: 'Don't Break Up the T-Band Act' Included in New Congressional Spending Bill
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) announced the "Don't Break up the T-Band Act" has been included in Congress' upcoming spending bill. This legislation repeals the provision of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, which mandates the sale of the T-Band spectrum, therefore allowing law-enforcement, fire officials, and EMS to continue using the T-Band spectrum to operate their radios for day-  more

Rep. Zeldin: Congress' New COVID-19 Relief and Annual Appropriations Bill Contains Key Local Wins for NY-1
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-New York, issued the following op-ed: Throughout December, as Congress' new COVID-19 relief and annual appropriations legislation was being negotiated, I worked closely with House and Senate leadership, and the White House and other officials in the Administration, to secure important local priorities for Long Island to save Plum Island and multiple local sewer projects, as well as advance six Army Corps of Engineers projects located in our Congressiona  more

Rep. Zeldin: Coronavirus Relief Bill Keeps Paycheck Protection Program Expenses Tax Deductible
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-New York, issued the following statement: * * * Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) issued the following statement in support of language in Congress' new coronavirus relief bill to ensure that recipients of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) can deduct expenses covered using PPP's forgivable loans: "Our communities' small businesses have been hit hard in the last year. If state and local governments are going to shutter a business because of a pandem  more

Rep. Zeldin: FIMP Plan Included in New Congressional Spending Bill
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) announced authorization for construction of the Fire Island to Montauk Point (FIMP) Project on Long Island's south shore and Hashamomuck Cove Coastal Storm Risk Management Project in Southold, as well as authorization for feasibility studies for Wading River Creek in Riverhead, Reel Point Preserve on Shelter Island, Goldsmith Inlet in Southold and Lake Montauk Harbor in Montau  more

Reps. Levin, Meeks, Sires Statement on Recent Developments in Haiti
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- Rep. Andy Levin, D-Michigan, issued the following joint statement on Dec. 22 with Reps. Gregory Meeks, D-New York and Albio Sires, D-New Jersey: * * * Congressman Andy Levin (MI-09), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, along with Congressman Gregory Meeks (NY-05), incoming Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Albio Sires (NJ-08), Chair of the Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security and Trade Subcommittee, released the following statement on recent  more

Reps. Pallone, Tonko Celebrate Climate and Environment Wins in Omnibus
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following joint statement on Dec. 21 with Rep. Paul Tonko, D-New York: * * * Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Climate Change and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Paul Tonko (D-NY) released the following joint statement today after the House of Representatives passed its end of year omnibus package, which included landmark legislation to phase d  more

Reps. Smith, Maloney, Labor Leaders Urge President Trump to Sign FY21 National Defense Authorization Act Into Law
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, issued the following news release on Dec. 21: Representatives Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, and major labor leaders today issued the following statements of support for corrections to the Paid Parental Leave benefit included in the National Defense Authori  more

Reps. Stefanik, Langevin Statement Regarding DOD Decision to Split NSA/Cyber Command Appointment
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, issued the following joint statement with Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York: * * * Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee's Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, respectively, released the following statement regarding the Department of Defense's reported plan to separate the "dual-hat" appointment of the Commander   more

SEEC Co-Chairs Applaud Passage of Sustainable Recovery Policies as First Step
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- Rep. Doris O. Matsui, D-California, issued the following joint statement on Dec. 21 with Rep. Gerald "Gerry" Connolly, D-Virginia and Rep. Paul D. Tonko, D-New York: * * * SEEC Co-Chairs Reps. Doris Matsui, Gerry Connolly and Paul Tonko made the following statement in response to the passage of SEEC priorities in the end-of-year-funding package. "We applaud the passage of bipartisan Covid relief for Americans across the country and the inclusion of important SEEC climat  more

Sen. Blackburn's Top Concerns in the Omnibus and Relief Package
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release: Here are some of Sen. Blackburn's serious concerns with provisions buried in the 5,593 page Omnibus and Relief Package: 1. Unconscionable Spending Spending $2.4 trillion of Americans' hard-earned tax dollars will make it even harder for our economy to recover 2. New York Public Transportation Mass transit will receive over $4 billion for public transportation despite subway ridership plummeting m  more

Sen. Gillibrand Announces Passage of Her Horseracing Integrity, Safety Act
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following news release on Dec. 22: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced the passage of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), which was included in the bipartisan FY 2021 appropriations funding bill. Gillibrand successfully led Democrats in pushing for this bipartisan legislation, which will create an independent regulatory authority to set national standards and increase safety protocols for thoroughbre  more

Sen. Gillibrand Statement Following Meeting With Secretary of Agriculture Nominee Vilsack
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following statement on Dec. 21: * * * Following her meeting with Secretary of Agriculture nominee Tom Vilsack, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement: "Today I had a productive meeting with Secretary of Agriculture nominee Tom Vilsack about the incoming Biden administration's plans to address hunger and food security, and the challenges facing our natio  more

Sen. Gillibrand Statement on Senate Passage of $900 Billion Relief Package, Omnibus
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following statement: * * * Following Senate passage of a $900 billion coronavirus relief package and omnibus, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, released the following statement: "While I am disappointed that Senator McConnell continues to oppose funding for state and local governments, I voted for the $900 billion aid package and omnibus in order to get urgent relief to New York families. "This bill has many important pro  more

Sen. Schumer Details Impact of Just-Passed COVID Relief Deal to Upstate New York
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-New York, issued the following news release on Dec. 21: With a bipartisan spending and COVID relief deal just reached, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer detailed its pending impact on Upstate New York as more than $50 billion dollars. The deal includes direct stimulus checks, extending enhanced unemployment insurance, and secures another round of forgivable PPP for small businesses, restaurants and nonprofits across the state. As part of the deal, mo  more

Sens. Menendez, Schumer Announce Breakthrough in Negotiations on Legislation to Protect Victims of Terrorism, Enhance Relations With Sudan
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following joint statement with Chuck Schumer, D-New York: * * * Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) issued the following statement announcing they have reached an agreement with the Trump administration to include historic legislation to protect victims of terrorism and restore Sudan's immunity from terror-related lawsuits as part of the   more

Sens. Menendez, Schumer Announce Breakthrough in Negotiations on Legislation to Protect Victims of Terrorism, Improve Relations With Sudan
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following joint statement on Dec. 21 with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York: * * * Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) issued the following statement announcing they have reached an agreement with the Trump administration to include historic legislation to   more

Speaker Pelosi, Sen. Schumer Issue Joint Statement on Coronavirus Relief & Omnibus Agreement
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, issued the following joint statement on Dec. 20 with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York: * * * House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) issued the following statement after reaching agreement on coronavirus relief and omnibus package: "Today, we have reached agreement with Republicans and the White House on an emergency coronavirus relief and omnibus package that deliver  more