WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-New York, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following news release: House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), along with Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) reintroduced the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, one of the most comprehensive marijuana reform bills ever introduced in the U.S.  more

WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, issued the following news release on May 26, 2021: The House Small Business Committee, under Chairwoman Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY), held a remote hearing examining the administration of crucial small business pandemic relief efforts. During the hearing, Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabel Guzman updated members on the progress the agency had made on improving pandemic  more

WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. John Katko, R-New York, issued the following news release on May 28, 2021: Ahead of Memorial Day, U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) today reintroduced the Lawrence J. Hackett Jr. Vietnam Veterans Agent Orange Fairness Act and the William Becker Promoting Careers in Aviation for America's Veterans Act, two bipartisan measures inspired by Central New York veterans that provide relief and support to veterans and returning servicemembers. "Memorial Day is a time where we pay   more

WASHINGTON, May 26 -- The House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism issued the following joint statement in response to the rise of antisemitic attacks and violence targeting the Jewish community. The co-chairs of the Task Force are Reps. Randy Weber, R-Texas, Ted Deutch, D-Florida, Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pennsylvania, Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, Marc Veasey, D-Texas, Kay Granger, R-Texas, Grace Meng, D-New York, and Ted Lieu, D-California. * * * "Amidst the Israel-Gaza conflict, we  more

WASHINGTON, May 25 -- The Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations issued the following joint statement by co-chairs Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Florida, Brenda Lawrence, D-Michigan, and Lee Zeldin, R-New York, on the rise in violent antisemitic attacks across the U.S.: * * * "On behalf of the Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations led by Representatives Lawrence (D-MI), Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), and Zeldin (R-NY), we express our support for the Jewish community and condemn the a  more

WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-New York, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following opening statement on May 27, 2021, during a Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties hearing entitled "Oversight of the Voting Rights Act: A Continuing Record of Discrimination": * * * "The purpose of today's hearing is to continue the Subcommittee's oversight of the Voting Rights Act, in part by revisiting the extensive record we compiled during the   more

WASHINGTON, May 25 -- The Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations issued the following joint statement by co-chairs Brenda Lawrence, D-Michigan, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Florida, and Lee Zeldin, R-New York, on the rise in violent antisemitic attacks across the U.S.: * * * "On behalf of the Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations led by Representatives Lawrence (D-MI), Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), and Zeldin (R-NY), we express our support for the Jewish community and condemn the a  more

WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-New York, issued the following statement on May 26, 2021: * * * Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) today released the below statement following reports that President Biden is asking the intelligence community to "redouble their efforts" and submit a report within 90 days on the origins of COVID-19: "In a significant turn of events, I'm pleased to see President Biden taken more interest in investigating the origins of COVID-19, however, we need a   more

WASHINGTON, May 26 -- The House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism co-chairs issued the following joint statement in response to the disturbing rise of antisemitic attacks and violence targeting the Jewish community. The co-chairs of the Task Force are Reps. Ted Deutch, D-Florida, Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pennsylvania, Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, Marc Veasey, D-Texas, Kay Granger, R-Texas, Grace Meng, D-New York, Randy Weber, R-Texas, and Ted Lieu, D-California. * * * "Amidst the Isr  more

WASHINGTON, May 26 -- The House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism issued the following news release on May 25, 2021: The eight co-chairs of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism issued the following joint statement in response to the disturbing rise of antisemitic attacks and violence targeting the Jewish community: "Amidst the Israel-Gaza conflict, we have witnessed an unacceptable surge in antisemitic incidents, including violent attacks, across the countr  more

WASHINGTON, May 19 -- The House Education and Labor Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education issued the following testimony by Jennifer Erb-Downward, senior research associate at Poverty Solutions in the University of Michigan, as part of a virtual hearing entitled "Picking up the Pieces: Strengthening Connections with Students Experiencing Homelessness and Children in Foster Care": * * * I come before you today to share my research and what we know about the educati  more

WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, issued the following statement after President Biden's release of his fiscal 2022 budget: * * * "President Biden's proposed budget is a welcome sight for small businesses that have been struggling for well over a year under the COVID pandemic. This transformative proposal makes a generational commitment to American small businesses. It will help provide the boost small firms need to get  more

WASHINGTON, May 18 -- The House Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics issued the following testimony by NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies Director Gavin Schmidt as part of a video conference hearing entitled "NASA's Earth Science and Climate Change Activities: Current Roles and Future Opportunities": * * * My name is Gavin Schmidt, and I am the Director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York and, since February, the acting Senior  more

WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following news release on May 28, 2021: U.S. Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $2,400,000 in federal funding for the BOC Capital Corporation in New York City. This funding was allocated by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was championed by the senators. Specifically, this funding w  more

WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following news release on May 27, 2021: U.S. Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $79,342,581 in federal funding for three major New York City and Long Island airports. Secured in the CARES Act championed by the senators, this funding was allocated through the Department of Transportation (DOT) and will serve as a lifeline to local airports struggling to stay afloat after more  more

WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-New York, issued the following news release: Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) will introduce companion legislation to Sens. Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Bernie Sanders' (I-VT) College Athlete Right to Organize Act, legislation to provide collective bargaining rights for college athletes. Rep. Bowman is joined by Reps. Andy Levin (D-MI) and Lori Trahan (D-MA) on the House bill. The College Athlete Right to Organize Act is supported by the AFL-CIO, United Steelwo  more

RHINEBECK, New York, May 28 -- Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-New York, issued the following news release: U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) visited Columbia-Greene Community College (C-GCC) to meet with President Dr. Carlee Drummer and College leadership to discuss American Rescue Plan funding, the status of higher education during the pandemic, and C-GCC programs. Via the American Rescue Plan, C-GCC will receive $3,226,821. "Columbia-Greene Community College's diverse programs and focus o  more

COOPERSTOWN, New York, May 28 -- Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-New York, issued the following news release: U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) and state and local officials announced the delivery of American Rescue Plan local government funding to Otsego County. Rep. Delgado's Direct Support for Communities Act funding formula is delivering $130.2 billion to counties, cities, towns, and villages across the United States. New York's 19th Congressional District will receive over $400 million i  more

WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Rep. Andrew Garbarino, R-New York, issued the following statement on May 27, 2021: * * * Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino issued the following statement on the Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) newly announced Security Directive for critical pipeline owners and operators: "DHS' announcement of the new cybersecurity requirements for critical pipeline owners and operators is an important step forward in enhancing the resilienc  more

WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Vicky Hartzler, R-Missouri, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) announced the appointment of Harrison Wepener of Hume to the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point. The Hume High School graduate recently spoke by phone where Hartzler shared the news with him and congratulated him on his achievement. The local gridiron standout and class president is expected to report to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York  more

WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) and New York State Senator Tim Kennedy are detailing serious safety factors among the many reasons for removal of the Buffalo Skyway. "The problems associated with the Skyway are never going away so we need to decide as a community if we are going to settle or demand better," said Higgins, who issued a report detailing the safety concerns related to the Skyway. "For too lo  more

WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced a federal grant totaling $499,999 to ensure the continued support of The Service Collaborative of WNY's AmeriCorps Builds Lives Through Education (ABLE) Early Childhood program, which helps prepare preschool children for success in mathematics. "The Service Collaborative of WNY has done an incredible job of helping prepare our community's youth for educational su  more

WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following news release on May 26, 2021: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins, and U.S. Congressman Tom Reed today announced that, following twelve years of activism by the families of the victims of Colgan Air Flight 3407, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has finalized the rule to establish a long-awaited pilot record database. This decision comes aft  more

WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Rep. Chris Jacobs, R-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) named Robert Sudbrink of Youngstown as the May 2021 New York 27th Congressional District Veteran of the Month. "This award honors veterans who give to their country and their community and always strive to go above and beyond the call of duty," Jacobs said. "Robert showed incredible heroism and bravery throughout his military service. Notably, he saved a child from a burning  more

WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Chris Jacobs, R-New York, issued the following statement: * * * Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) released the following statement in response to the President's $6 trillion budget proposal designed to "reshape the American economy." "This President has taken reckless spending to unimaginable heights. His spending binge has resulted in an abysmal jobs report, small businesses struggling to find employees, and Americans experiencing a decade-high increase in inflation  more

BROOKLYN, New York, May 25 -- Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, issued the following statement: * * * U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) issued the following statement on the one year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. "A year ago today, the murder of George Floyd made clear the challenge that our nation has with police violence, police brutality and the police abuse of force. Over the past 12 months, people of goodwill throughout America spoke up, stood up and showed up to d  more

WASHINGTON, May 22 -- Rep. Mondaire Jones, D-New York, issued the following statement: * * * Congressman Mondaire Jones (D-NY) released the following statement upon the Biden Administration's redesignation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS): "The Biden Administration's decision to redesignate Haiti for TPS rescues tens of thousands of people from lives lived in limbo. It restores certainty and safety to the roughly 50,000 Haitians in the U.S. unsure of their TPS status thanks to th  more

SYRACUSE, New York, May 26 -- Rep. John Katko, R-New York, issued the following news release on May 25, 2021: U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) today announced Angelia Scholz, a junior at Union Springs High School, has been named the winner of the Congressional Art Competition for New York's 24th Congressional District. Angelia's piece, a charcoal portrait of her sister titled 'Turning over a new leaf' will hang in the U.S. Capitol for one full year. "I'm always impressed by the incredible submissi  more

WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Rep. John Katko, R-New York, issued the following news release on May 27, 2021: U.S. Rep. John Katko (R, NY-24) today reintroduced the Preventing Lead Poisoning Act, bipartisan legislation that would expand testing for lead exposure among children enrolled in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), helping to combat the severe and life-long effects of lead poisoning. Rep. Katko introduced this bill alongside U.S. Reps. David Cicilline (D, RI-01), Brian  more

WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-New York, issued the following news release on May 28, 2021: Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), today with House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Congressmen Ken Buck (CO-04), Michael Guest (MS-03), Darrell Issa (CA-50), Brian Mast (FL-18), and Pete Sessions (TX-17), introduced the Stars and Stripes Act of 2021, legislation that directs the Secretary of State to restrict the display of certain flags or banners at diplomatic and  more

WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-New York, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, today joined Ranking Member Steve Scalise (R-La.), and over 200 members of the Republican Conference in calling on Speaker Pelosi to direct her committee chairs to join House Republicans in investigating the origins of COVID-19. It has been nearly 18 months s  more

STATEN ISLAND, New York, May 25 -- Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-New York, issued the following news release on May 24, 2021: Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) today joined local elected officials in highlighting the recent increase in crime in New York City, including a string of bank robberies on Staten Island. The group called for additional changes to Governor Cuomo's bail reform policy, the reinstatement of the NYPD's plainclothes unit, the full refunding of the department, and federal law enfo  more

STATEN ISLAND, New York, May 27 -- Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-New York, issued the following news release on May 26, 2021: Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) today joined Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon, local Rabbis, elected officials, members of the NYPD and community leaders that make up the Hate Crime Task Force, in forcefully condemning the recent spike in hate crimes committed against Asians and members of the Jewish community in New York City. "We are here today to strong  more

WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, issued the following news release on May 26, 2021: Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), lead sponsor of H.R. 3110, the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, today celebrated the bill's passage out of the House Education and Labor Committee. The bill next heads to the House floor. Congresswoman Maloney introduced the bipartisan bill on May 11, 2021, with Congressional Maternity Care Caucus co-chairs Congresswomen Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) a  more

WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, issued the following statement: * * * Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), author of the Never Again Education Act, released the following statement condemning the recent spike in antisemitism in New York, the country, and around the world. "The recent spate of antisemitism online and here in New York, across the country, and around the world is disturbing and cannot be tolerated. I am extremely concerned that many American Jews have  more

WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, issued the following news release: At today's Financial Services Committee virtual hearing titled "Holding Megabanks Accountable: An Update on Banking Practices, Programs and Policies," Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), senior member of the committee, announced her intention to reintroduce the Overdraft Protection Act. This bill will crack down on unfair overdraft fees, and would establish fair and transparent practices for overdraf  more

WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, issued the following news release on May 28, 2021: Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) today introduced the Flexibility for Working Families Act. This legislation would ensure that hardworking Americans can request that their employer to modify their schedules so workers can balance the demands of their jobs and their home life without fear of reprisal. "The COVID pandemic and the pressures it has put on hardworking Americans have mad  more

WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, chair of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, issued the following statement on May 25, 2021, at a committee business meeting on the I.G. Independence and Empowerment Act (H.R. 2662): * * * Below is Committee on Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney's opening statement, as prepared for delivery, for today's hybrid business meeting to consider bills that will promote accountability, help federal workers, and protect the i  more

WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, chair of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, issued the following statement on May 25, 2021, at a hybrid business meeting on the Preventing a Patronage System Act (H.R. 302): * * * Below is Committee on Oversight and Reform Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney's opening statement, as prepared for delivery, for today's hybrid business meeting to consider bills that will promote accountability, help federal workers, and protect the independe  more

WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, chair of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, issued the following statement on May 25, 2021: * * * Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, issued the following statement after the Committee voted favorably to send her bill, the IG Independence and Empowerment Act, to the House floor: "I am proud that the Committee passed my comprehensive package to ensure that Inspectors General can do th  more

WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, chair of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, issued the following statement: * * * Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, issued this statement following the Senate vote against establishing an independent, bipartisan 9/11-type commission that would examine the attack on the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021: "I am deeply disappointed that Republicans in the Senate put party over   more

WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, issued the following statement: * * * "One year ago, George Floyd's murder changed the national conversation around police brutality. And while it should not have taken 9 minutes and 29 seconds of a police officer kneeling on his neck for our country to collectively recognize the reality of police brutality, we must take hold of this moment and enact real change. "I am thankful that we are seeing accountability in George Floyd's case - w  more

WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-New York, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following news release on May 25, 2021: Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, introduced comprehensive legislation entitled the "Ensuring American Global Leadership and Engagement" or EAGLE Act. The legislation calls for the revitalization of American diplomacy, leadership, and investments globally in response to the policy challeng  more

WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-New York, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following news release on May 27, 2021: Following his introduction yesterday of H.R. 3524, the historic Ensuring American Global Leadership and Engagement (EAGLE) Act, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, delivered a speech outlining the major provisions of the bill, along with his vision for renewing American leadership in the wor  more

WASHINGTON, May 21 -- Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-New York, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on Nord Stream 2: * * * "I continue to oppose the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, which is clearly a means for Russia to engage in malign influence activities and efforts to undermine European energy security. Its completion will be a long-term problem for Europe and our close partner and friend Ukraine. "After the previous Administration failed to stop this fo  more

WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-New York, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on May 25, 2021, in response to Secretary of State Antony Blinken's trip to Israel: * * * "Secretary Blinken's travel to Israel is an important step in bolstering the ceasefire in Gaza and restarting American-Palestinian diplomacy abandoned by the previous administration. "There is no doubt that greater U.S. - Palestinian engagement will better serve the needs  more

WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-New York, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on May 28, 2021, regarding the Biden administration's budget request: * * * "The foreign affairs budget request released by President Biden today recognizes that the challenges we face will require global cooperation. Whether it's stopping the spread of COVID-19, mitigating climate change, addressing the root causes of migration, or combatting the growing threat  more

WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Grace Meng, D-New York, issued the following news release on May 27, 2021: U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) today commended Attorney General Merrick Garland for putting forward a plan to better combat hate incidents. The steps are outlined by the Attorney General in a memorandum released late this afternoon, and are the result of Meng's COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act and a 30-day review of how the Department of Justice can better use its resources to counter hate crimes and  more

WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Grace Meng, D-New York, issued the following news release on May 28, 2021: To help commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) introduced the Menstrual Equity for All Act of 2021, a bold, whole-of-government, and comprehensive initiative that seeks to help different populations of women and girls afford and access needed menstrual products, including tampons, pads and many other items. "Period products are necessary and essential items for an  more

WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Rep. Grace Meng, D-New York, issued the following joint statement: * * * The eight co-chairs of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism issued the following joint statement in response to the disturbing rise of antisemitic attacks and violence targeting the Jewish community: "Amidst the Israel-Gaza conflict, we have witnessed an unacceptable surge in antisemitic incidents, including violent attacks, across the country. From New York to Los Angeles, hat  more

WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Mondaire Jones, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Mondaire Jones (D-NY) is the most legislatively active freshman member of Congress so far, according to an analysis published by Axios this week. In his first 140 days in office, Jones has sponsored or co-sponsored more than 287 pieces of legislation, more than 60 more pieces than the second-most active freshman member. "I came to Congress intent on meeting the numerous crises we face with the  more

ROCHESTER, New York, May 27 -- Rep. Joseph Morelle, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Joe Morelle announced the launch of the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Community Navigators Program to provide support for small businesses struggling with the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This important program, which Rep. Morelle helped fund as part of the American Rescue Plan, will help connect small businesses in underserved areas with recovery grants they are   more

ROCHESTER, New York, May 29 -- Rep. Joseph Morelle, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Joe Morelle announced the delivery of over $1 million in emergency grant funding for Head Start early childhood services at Action for a Better Community (ABC). The funding is made available by the Department of Health and Human Services and was allocated through the American Rescue Plan, which Rep. Morelle helped pass. "I'm proud to have helped deliver these funds for vital early chi  more

WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-New York, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following opening statement on May 27, 2021, during a Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet hearing entitled "The SHOP SAFE Act: Stemming the Rising Tide of Unsafe Counterfeit Products Online": * * * "Thank you, Chairman Johnson, for holding a hearing on this important bill. I was proud to reintroduce the bipartisan SHOP SAFE Act last week with you, Ranking Memb  more

WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-New York, issued the following news release: House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), along with Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) reintroduced the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, one of the most comprehensive marijuana reform bills ever introduced in the U.S. Congress. "Since I introduced the MORE Ac  more

WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Gary Palmer, R-Alabama, issued the following news release: The Biden Administration released its first budget proposal, which includes record high spending levels of $6 trillion in FY2022. Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) released the following statement: "Biden's budget will dramatically raise taxes, increase inflation, and push America further into debt. It is reckless and will bring more financial harm to American families," Palmer said. "Even the New York Times ad  more

WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Rep. Tom Reed, R-New York, issued the following news release on May 26, 2021: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins, and U.S. Congressman Tom Reed today announced that, following twelve years of activism by the families of the victims of Colgan Air Flight 3407, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has finalized the rule to establish a long-awaited pilot record database. This decision comes after ye  more

GARDEN CITY, New York, May 28 -- Rep. Kathleen Rice, D-New York, issued the following news release: U.S. Representatives Kathleen Rice (NY-04), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), and Andrew Garbarino (NY-02) sent a letter to House and Senate leadership calling for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) program to be replenished with enough funding for the first tranche of applicants. The $28.6 billion RRF program was created in the American Rescue Plan Act (H.R. 1319), which Presiden  more

WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, issued the following news release: This week, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik cosponsored the Broadband for Rural America Act, sponsored by Republican Leader of the Agriculture Committee, Representative Glenn 'GT' Thompson. "Broadband is a critical component of our nation's infrastructure, and far too many North Country families, businesses, and students lack reliable internet access. I am proud to support the Broadband for Rural America Act,  more

WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, issued the following news release: This week, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik cosponsored the Preventing Anti-Semitic Hate Crimes Act, led by Congressman David Kustoff and Leader Kevin McCarthy. "The recent and drastic surge in Anti-Semitic violence, attacks, and rhetoric is vile and un-American, and I am proud to take action to ensure the perpetrators of these evil hate crimes are brought to justice. Every Member of Congress has a moral obli  more

WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, issued the following news release on May 18, 2021: Congresswoman Elise Stefanik introduced the Military Spouse Student Loan Deferment Act, legislation to ease the financial burden that higher education poses on active duty military spouses and their families. If passed, the bill would defer student loans for certain military spouses for 90 days with no interest accrual to help compensate for the loss of employment due to their spouse's cha  more

WASHINGTON, May 25 -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Elise Stefanik today sent a letter to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai, encouraging USTR to fully enforce dairy provisions in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement. Canada's allocation of dairy tariff-rate quotas undermines the ability of U.S. dairy farmers to access a large portion of the Canadian dairy market. Congresswoman Stefanik previously led the House efforts to  more

WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Elise Stefanik joins Congressman Steve Scalise, Leader Kevin McCarthy, and 209 House Republicans in sending a letter to Speaker Pelosi demanding Congress investigate the origins of COVID-19. In part, the letter reads, "We request that you instruct the appropriate Democrat committee chairs to immediately join Republican calls to hold the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) accountable for its role   more

WASHINGTON, May 24 -- Rep. Paul D. Tonko, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Paul D. Tonko today led a powerful conversation on his bipartisan HEART Act with local advocates and parents whose children are living with rare disease. Tonko's Helping Experts Accelerate Rare Treatments (HEART) Act--introduced alongside Congressman David McKinley (R-WV)--strengthens the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review process for drugs that treat rare and ultra-rare diseases by  more

WASHINGTON, May 25 -- Rep. Paul D. Tonko, D-New York, issued the following news release on May 24, 2021: U.S. Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) and David Trone (D-MD) announced today that they have reintroduced the Medicaid Bump Act in the House, legislation that would increase the federal reimbursement rate for mental and behavioral health care services under Medicaid. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced identical legislation on the same day and are leading this  more

WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, issued the following statement on May 26, 2021, at a hearing entitled "An Examination of the SBA's COVID-19 Programs": * * * "Administrator Guzman, welcome to the Small Business Committee, and thank you for being here today. First and foremost, I want to commend you for the tremendous work you've done for our nation's small businesses. "And it is important to point out that, you took   more

WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-New York, issued the following news release on May 26, 2021: Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) formally submitted the below statement to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs urging support for his bipartisan legislation, H.R. 1476 - the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act. The PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program was created by Rep. Zeldin during his time serving in the New York State Senate. The Dwyer Program established a succe  more

RHINEBECK, New York, May 26 -- Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-New York, issued the following news release: U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19), Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), and Rep. Lee Zeldin (NY-01) introduced the Stamp Out Lyme Disease Act, bipartisan legislation to raise funds for the research and development of treatments for Lyme and tick-borne diseases. The bill would create a postage stamp to supplement congressionally-appropriated research funding for the National Institutes of Health (N  more

WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Rep. Andrew Garbarino, R-New York, issued the following news release on May 26, 2021: Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) and Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY) introduced H.R. 3392 - The Family Fun Act - which would expand eligibility for the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Shutter Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program to include amusement parks and other community businesses. They were joined by Reps. Lee Zeldin (R-NY), Kathleen Rice (D-NY), Chris Jacobs (R-NY), and  more

BROOKLYN, New York, May 28 -- Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, issued the following news release: This week, U.S. Representatives Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08), Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-10), Nancy Mace (R-SC-01) and Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX-18) introduced the bipartisan First Step Implementation Act of 2021 to advance the goals of the historic First Step Act. In the 115th Congress, Rep. Jeffries worked across the aisle as the lead Democratic sponsor of the First Step Act, which h  more

WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, chair of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, issued the following news release on May 25, 2021: Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform Carolyn B. Maloney and Ranking Member James Comer sent a letter to Tammy L. Whitcomb, Inspector General of the U.S. Postal Service, expressing concerns about reports that the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) is using the Internet Covert Operations Program (iCOP) to perform   more

WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-New York, issued the following news release: This week, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) joined U.S. Representatives Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Don Bacon (R-NE), Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) to introduce the bipartisan First Step Implementation Act of 2021 to advance the goals of the historic First Step Act. "I'm proud to cosponsor the bipartisan First Step Implementation Act. As we saw with the First Step Act  more

WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-New York, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following news release on May 27, 2021: This week, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) joined U.S. Representatives Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Don Bacon (R-NE), Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) to introduce the bipartisan First Step Implementation Act of 2021 to advance the goals of the historic First Step Act. "I'm proud to cosponsor the bipartisan First  more

WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, issued the following news release: This week, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik introduced the Family Child Care Networks Act with Congressman Lloyd Smucker (R-PA). The legislation would allow states to repurpose child care funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to establish Family Child Care Networks, a proven solution that creates family child care providers in communities where options for working families are non-existent or limited.  more

WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Rep. Thomas Suozzi, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY) and Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) introduced The Family Fun Act, legislation which would expand eligibility for the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Shutter Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program to include amusement parks and other community businesses. The bill was announced today by Reps. Suozzi and Garbarino during a press conference at Adventureland Amusemen  more

WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-New York, issued the following commentary the Jerusalem Post with Reps. Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado, and Joe Wilson, R-South Carolina: * * * Sirens blasting, rockets exploding, constant fear - that is no way to live. Yet this was the reality for Israeli civilians for 11 days in Tel Aviv, Ashkelon and even Jerusalem. More than 4,000 rockets were launched at Israel by the terrorist group Hamas. In many cases, the rockets are provided to Hamas directly from t  more

WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following news release: In case you missed it, late last night Senator Gillibrand delivered a speech on the Senate floor calling for a vote on the Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act, which would move the decision to prosecute serious crimes from the chain of command and put it in the hands of trained, independent military prosecutors. Roll Call published a piece highlighting Gillibrand's push for a vot  more

WASHINGTON, May 25 -- Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, the Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the following statement regarding the Empire Builder and Coast Starlight Amtrak routes resuming daily service: "For 50 years, Amtrak has been connecting us to our destinations. Whether it is Seattle to San Francisco, New York to Washington DC, or Chicago to Dallas, it had provided riders wi  more

WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Sen. Benjamin Cardin, D-Maryland, issued the following statement: * * * U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, shared the following statement this week as we reach the conclusion of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. "This annual commemoration offers the opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the rich history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. "Representatives Frank Horton of New York and Norman Mi  more

WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following news release on May 27, 2021: U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, secured inclusion of the Trade Act of 2021 into the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act. The amendment was adopted by an overwhelming bipartisan majority, 91-4. Prior to the vote, Senator Crapo delivered remarks on the Senate Floor describing the bipartisan agreement h  more

WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, issued the following news release on May 27, 2021: Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today called on the Interior Department to suspend its Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Incentive Program over reports that some program participants have abandoned animals at slaughter auctions in direct opposition to the program's requirements. "I write with great concern regarding the attached New York Times article, which indicates that the Departme  more

WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following news release on May 27, 2021: Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan amendment offered by U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and Roger Marshall M.D. (R-KS) that calls for transparency into the World Health Organization's (WHO) potentially flawed report on the origins of the COVID-19 outbreak, which largely dismissed the possibility that the virus had acci  more

WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, reintroduced the Safe School Meals for Kids Act to eliminate harmful pesticides from produce served in kids' school meals. Chlorpyrifos is a pesticide that is widely used on fruits and vegetables across the country -- including on apples, oranges, strawberries, corn, and wheat that regularly end up in school meals -- and studi  more

WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism joined nearly 60 senators in the introduction of a bipartisan resolution condemning recent antisemitic incidents in the United States and around the world. The resolution also includes a call for leaders to denounce antisemitism and take specific steps to address it and prevent it. "The surge of hat  more

WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-New York, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Chair of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock and Dairy, and Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer are calling on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide additional relief to New York dairy farmers who have taken a financial hit during the COVID-19 crisis. The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) was created   more

WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following statement on May 28, 2021: * * * U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued the following statement in response to the Biden administration's release of the Environmental Impact Statement for the Gateway Tunnel Project, which clears the path for the project to receive federal funding: "Repairing and strengthening the Hudson River tunnels, which were severely damaged during Superstorm Sandy, is critical to New York an  more

WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-New Mexico, issued the following statement: * * * U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after voting to confirm Kristen Clarke as the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. Clarke is a veteran of two of the Civil Rights Division's sections, served as the chief civil rights official for the New York State Attorney General's Office, and led one of the nation's preemin  more

WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, applauded committee passage of his bipartisan legislation to prevent burnout, suicide, and mental and behavioral health issues in health care workers. Reintroduced by Kaine in March, the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act is named after a Charlottesville-born physician who died by suicide while work  more

WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following joint commentary with Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, D-New York, to the Africa Report: * * * U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-N.Y.), Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today wrote a joint op-ed titled, "Ethiopia: The Biden administration must put its foot down" which was published in The Africa Report. The op-ed appea  more

WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-New York, issued the following news release: After filing the bipartisan U.S. Innovation and Competition Act last week, which combines his Endless Frontiers Act, other bipartisan competitiveness bills, and $52 billion in emergency supplemental appropriations to implement the semiconductor-related manufacturing and R&D programs authorized in last year's National Defense Authorization Act and a program to support legacy chip produ  more

WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-New York, issued the following news release on May 26, 2021: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins, and U.S. Congressman Tom Reed today announced that, following twelve years of activism by the families of the victims of Colgan Air Flight 3407, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has finalized the rule to establish a long-awaited pilot record database.   more

WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, issued the following news release: U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor against anti-Semitism: "The despicable, age-old specter of anti-Semitism continues to rear its head, even here in America. "Last week, authorities from New York to Los Angeles were investigating assaults on Jewish people. According to press reports, in New York City, one Jewis  more

WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, issued the following news release on May 28, 2021: Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire) today introduced legislation to ensure wounded officers and their families have immediate access to specialized facilities at Walter Reed. "Brave Americans wounded in the service of our country deserve every measure of our support. I'm proud to join my colleagues on   more

WASHINGTON, May 24 -- Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-North Dakota, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee member, joined Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) in reintroducing the Water Quality Certification Improvement Act, legislation to amend section 401 of the Clean Water Act by making key clarifications about the appropriate scope of review for a water quality certification and placing procedural guardrails and requirements o  more

WASHINGTON, May 25 -- Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-North Dakota, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee member, joined Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) in reintroducing the Water Quality Certification Improvement Act, legislation to amend section 401 of the Clean Water Act by making key clarifications about the appropriate scope of review for a water quality certification and placing procedural guardrails and requirements o  more

WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Chair of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock and Dairy, and Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer are calling on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide additional relief to New York dairy farmers who have taken a financial hit during the COVID-19 crisis. The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) was created last year to provi  more

WASHINGTON, May 25 -- The Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations issued the following statement by co-chairs Lee Zeldin, R-New York, Brenda Lawrence, D-Michigan, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Florida, to express support for the Jewish community and condemn the rise of violent antisemitic hate in the U.S.: * * * "We stand for free speech and the historic American right to assemble and protest the policies of our country, or any other. But we unequivocally denounce and condemn the alar  more