PATCHOGUE, New York, March 26 -- Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-New York, issued the following news release: Representatives Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), Elise Stefanik (R, NY-21), Tom Reed (R, NY-23), and John Katko (R, NY-24), urgently called on Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer to sign off on the United States Senate making a technical change that would free up over $6 billion in Medicaid funding for the State of New York as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Federal M  more

WASHINGTON, March 23 -- Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-New York, issued the following news release on March 20: Following a major push to get full and expedited consideration for New York state's request to the administration for a Major Disaster Declaration (MDD), U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that President Trump has approved New York's MDD request, officially providing the state with further federal funding, in addition to the over $6 billion for New   more

WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Anthony Brindisi, D-New York, issued the following news release: Following more than 20,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New York and a state of emergency for New York State, Congressman Anthony Brindisi (NY-22) and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21) urged Secretary of Defense Mark Esper to use Department of Defense personnel to consider retrofitting old hospitals and facilities across Upstate. Brindisi and Stefanik noted the shortage of facilities and thanked S  more

WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, issued the following news release: * * * - Brindisi and Stefanik, New York's Only Members of the House Armed Services Committee, Urge Administration To Include Upstate In Their Plans - Members: Our Communities Stand Ready To Support Coronavirus Response Efforts * * * Following more than 15,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New York and a state of emergency for New York State, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21) and Congressman Antho  more

WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Max Rose, D-New York, issued the following news release: * * * - Congressman urges Secretary of VA to increase staffing, capacity, and deploy mobile hospital unit in Brooklyn VA campus parking lot * * * Congressman Max Rose, Member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, is urging the Department of Veterans' Affairs to take steps to drastically increase capacity for treatment at the Brooklyn VA Medical Center. This push follows guidance from VA that all New Y  more

WASHINGTON, March 26 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following news release: * * * - Experts Predict Increase in Domestic Abuse and Need for Support Services During Coronavirus Pandemic * * * U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a champion in the Senate for survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, called on the Trump administration to ensure that organizations that help victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence have the funding and resources needed to  more

WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following news release: * * * - Resource Will Provide New Yorkers with a Step-By-Step Guide to Navigate Grant Process; Guidebook Will Be Updated As New Funds Become Available After The Passage Of The Stimulus Bill * * * U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released a new funding guidebook to help New Yorkers navigate disaster relief funding during the coronavirus outbreak. The guidebook details funding opportunities for indiv  more

WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-New York, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement on the Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act (H.R. 6379): "As the world grapples with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that Congress work to protect and strengthen our nation's health, safety and security at every level. I am proud to join with my Democratic colleagues, in leadership and across committees, to craft comprehensive legisl  more

WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, issued the following statement in response to the House introduction of a comprehensive coronavirus emergency response bill, the Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act: "For the millions of American small businesses and their employees suffering from the consequences of the coronavirus, House Democrats have unveiled sweeping legislation that prioritizes the health and financ  more

WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Rep. Eliot L. Engel, D-New York, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following news release: Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and Representative Adam Smith, Chairman of the House Committee on Armed Services led an effort calling on the Trump Administration to keep humanitarian assistance flowing to Yemen during the Coronavirus pandemic. In a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and USAID Adminis  more

WASHINGTON, March 21 -- Rep. Anthony Brindisi, D-New York, issued the following news release: Following Congressman Anthony Brindisi's bipartisan call, President Trump approved New York's request for a Major Disaster Declaration. This declaration will provide additional federal funds beyond the billions secured for New York in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. "This is the right thing to do for the Administration," Brindisi said. "I am happy to see the Administration is listening to  more

WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following news release on March 23: * * * - Joint Letter Calls for Action by the Trump Administration to Approve All Public and Individual Assistance Still Under Review by FEMA * * * Democratic Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand urged the Trump Administration to approve all disaster assistance requested by New York State. The state received the nation's first Major Disaster Declaration  more

WASHINGTON, March 26 -- The Government Accountability Office has issued a report on aviation. The report (GAO-20-164) is entitled "FAA Needs to Better Prevent, Detect, and Respond to Fraud and Abuse Risks in Aircraft Registration". The report was sent to Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, D-Massachusetts, chairman of the House Oversight and Reform subcommittee on National Security, and Rep. Pete King, R-New York on March 25, 2020. Here are excerpts of summaries associated with the report. What GAO Found:   more

WASHINGTON, March 24 -- The Government Accountability Office has issued a report on the Freedom of Information Act. The report (GAO-20-406R) is entitled "Federal Agencies' Recent Implementation Efforts". The report was sent to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, D-Vermont, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, chairwoman, and Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, ranking member of   more

WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, issued the following news release: Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, and Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, each sent letters to Joseph V. Cuffari, the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These letters request information and documents regarding numerous shortc  more

WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, issued the following news release March 21: * * * - Seeks Urgent Briefing from HHS on Administration's Plan to Address Shortfalls * * * Today, the Oversight Committee sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) expressing grave concerns about widespread shortages of personal protective equipment, severe shortfalls with ventilators and other critical medical  more

WASHINGTON, March 26 -- The Library of Congress issued the following news on March 25: * * * - Whitney Houston, Tina Turner and Selena Among Inductees * * * The gentle sounds of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood"; Russ Hodges' thrilling play-by-play of the National League tiebreaker between the New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1951; the Village People's international dance anthem, "Y.M.C.A."; "Cheap Trick at Budokan"; and the original 1964 Broadway cast recording of "Fiddler on the Roo  more

WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, issued the following news release on March 24: Today, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Rep. Gerry Connolly, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations, sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell urging the Senate to pass a stimulus package with emergency funds to help save the Postal Service from bankru  more

WASHINGTON, March 26 -- Rep. Anthony Brindisi, D-New York, issued the following news release: * * * - Congressman Secures Six Figures to Help Area Hospitals Fight Coronavirus - Brindisi: These Dollars Will Go a Long Way to Help Fight Back Against Coronavirus & More Are on the Way * * * Congressman Anthony Brindisi announced grants totaling six figures for medical facilities across New York's 22nd district. Brindisi secured these grants through his support of the Families First Coronavirus R  more

WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Anthony Brindisi, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Anthony Brindisi (NY-22) demanded Washington politicians put aside partisan politics and pass a new coronavirus economic relief package. Brindisi, a known problem solver and champion of bipartisanship, called on leaders of both parties to stop trying to fill the crucial relief legislation with partisan gifts. "This pandemic is a global crisis. Now is the time to cut the politics, work toge  more

WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Rep. Anthony Brindisi, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Anthony Brindisi announced his support of a bipartisan coronavirus economic relief package. Following Brindisi's call for Washington to put politics aside, Congress announced a bipartisan deal for an economic relief package for hard working Americans. Brindisi fought to secure critical dollars for New York in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Brindisi wor  more

WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-New York, issued the following news release on March 26: This week, House and Senate leadership announced a bipartisan $2 trillion stimulus package that includes needed support for working families across the country. This legislation also includes two Delgado-led provisions to support small businesses and family farmers. Last week, Rep. Delgado introduced the Small Business Repayment Relief Act to provide federal funding for the Small Business Ad  more

KINGSTON, New York, March 23 -- Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-New York, issued the following statement after the first confirmed death of a Dutchess County resident with coronavirus: "This weekend, our community lost a neighbor and a friend. "My condolences and prayers are with his family members and loved ones during this painful time. "We owe a debt of gratitude to the health care professionals on the front lines of this public health emergency. "I will continue to work alongside our state, comm  more

WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-New York, issued the following op-ed published in the Times Union: Wanted to be sure you saw this op-Ed by U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) published in the Times Union on the urgent need for the President to utilize the Defense Production Act in order to protect our medical professionals and save lives with needed masks, ventilators, and other respiratory equipment. Now is not the time for half-measures. As of this writing, New York f  more

WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Florida, issued the following statement on March 26 after the Department of Justice announced charges against Nicolas Maduro, members of the Maduro regime and high-level operatives in Venezuela: * * * Today's announcement revealed charges brought in district courts in Florida, New York, and Washington D.C. against Maduro and 14 current or former members of his regime, including the current Minister of Defense, the head of Venezuela's sham Natio  more

WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Rep. Eliot Engel, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Eliot Engel is pleased to announce he has once again received a perfect 100% score on the League of Conservation Voters 2019 Environmental Scorecard. Engel received a perfect score because of his "continued work to push back against the Trump Administration's efforts to gut our environmental protections that threaten public health and champion Congressional action to combat the climate crisis,  more

WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Rep. Eliot L. Engel, D-New York, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on March 26 on the State Department briefing for the members of Congress on repatriation efforts: "Yesterday, at my request, Under Secretary of State Brian Bulatao briefed members of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Appropriations State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee on the State Department's response to the coronavirus crisis. I've been in contact w  more

NEW YORK, March 23 -- Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-New York, issued the following news release: Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement calling for all American citizens and legal permanent residents to return home from abroad as the global coronavirus pandemic continues to spread. "Per guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of State and Department of Health and Human Service, I am   more

NEW YORK, March 24 -- Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-New York, issued the following news release: Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, calls for federal support of public transit agencies around the nation to be included in the COVID-19 economic recovery package. "Public transit agencies around the nation are facing immediate emergency needs, and we must ensure policies are in place to help foster a speedy recovery once this  more

NEW YORK, March 24 -- Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-New York, issued the following news release: Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement on his efforts calling for federal support to immigrant communities as part of the economic recovery stimulus package due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "We must put meaningful resources into the pockets of those hardest hit by the coronavirus. However, the current economic stimulus proposal is limited to one-time cash payments that e  more

WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following news release on March 26: Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) and other members of the House of Representatives' New York delegation sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), asking the Secretary to authorize the transfer of 20,000 ventilators to New York State from the national stockpile. The members write: "New York State has been able to independently obtain 7,000 ventilators. However,   more

WASHINGTON, March 23 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced that the White House has authorized a federal disaster declaration for New York State. The action will allow for the flow of additional federal funding to address the urgent needs of the state and local governments in response to coronavirus (COVID-19). Under the order, New York State will be provided further federal resources under the following categories: P  more

WASHINGTON, March 26 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced new federal resources to help federally qualified health clinics in Western New York respond to COVID-19. Three local clinics will receive a total of $192,735 in new federal funding. Higgins said, "Our health centers serve as primary care providers for many residents, serving as the first point of contact and a trusted medical resource in communities that are   more

WASHINGTON, March 26 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is asking the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) to postpone audits related to a discount drug program (340B) to allow hospitals and health centers to put patients before paperwork during the COVID-19 outbreak. Higgins's call comes in response to conversations with healthcare providers, who are already stretched thin working around the clock to prepa  more

WASHINGTON, March 26 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following statement on March 25 regarding a bipartisan agreement on a third emergency package in response to the coronavirus outbreak: "We are in the midst of a public health emergency with enormous implications for our community and economy. Americans are getting sick, losing their jobs, and small business owners are struggling. I am pleased that the Senate recognizes the gravity of this crisis and devotes significant resources  more

WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is responding to multiple reports confirmed by the Canadian government that the White House is making plans to send 1,000 U.S. troops to the border between the U.S. and Canada. Higgins, who serves as Co-Chair of the House of Representatives Northern Border Caucus, released the following in response: "This plan by the Administration to deploy over 1,000 U.S. troops to t  more

WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26), New York State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, and New York State Senator Tim Kennedy are asking the President to immediately commence national coordination of emergency supply production, authorized under the Defense Production Act. New York State is home to 50% of the total confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States. The Defense Production Act (DP  more

WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following news release on March 24: Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26), New York State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples, and State Senator Tim Kennedy are welcoming today's announcement that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is putting the Defense Production Act (DPA) into action for the first time, since the DPA was authorized by Executive Order. The Western New York State and Federal leaders, who called for  more

SYRACUSE, New York, March 26 -- Rep. John Katko, R-New York, issued the following news release: U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) announced $130,000 in federal funding for Syracuse Community Health Center, Inc. and East Hill Family Medical, Inc. to support their evolving efforts to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded these grants through the Health Resources and Services Administration. The funding is available through the Coronavirus Preparednes  more

SYRACUSE, New York, March 24 -- Rep. John Katko, R-New York, issued the following statement: Following news this weekend that the Senate failed to pass an initial procedural hurdle in moving forward a bipartisan and bicameral relief package, U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) released the following statement: "In this time of crisis, our country is looking to Congress to put politics aside and legislate. The Senate must take immediate action to pass a bicameral, bipartisan relief package that suppor  more

SYRACUSE, New York, March 25 -- Rep. John Katko, R-New York, issued the following news release: With many Central New York schools and businesses forced to close amid new restrictions aimed at limiting the spread of the Coronavirus, U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) has requested that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) take necessary steps to maintain food security for those impacted by these extraordinary conditions. In Central New York, hundreds of individuals, families, and child  more

SYRACUSE, New York, March 26 -- Rep. John Katko, R-New York, issued the following news release on March 25: To address New York's critical shortage of personal protective equipment, ventilators, and other medical supplies, U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) introduced the bipartisan Medical Supply Chain Emergency Act. With Governor Cuomo calling for 30,000 additional ventilators for New York State, Rep. Katko's legislation would require the President to use the authority invoked under the Defense Pr  more

WASHINGTON, March 23 -- Rep. Fred Keller, R-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release: Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) Sunday sent a letter to federal Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajal telling him to not transfer federal inmates to USP Lewisburg, USP Canaan, or FCC Allenwood. On March 21, 2020, the Associated Press reported that the first federal inmate, located in New York City, has tested positive for COVID-19. "[I]t is clear that BOP can no longer guarantee transferred inmat  more

WHITE PLAINS, New York, March 26 -- Rep. Nita Lowey, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester) announced that New York State will receive $5,223,535 in federal funding to support 63 health centers in their response to COVID-19. Of this funding awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), four health centers in Westchester and Rockland will receive $653,676 to ease some of the burden caused by the spread of the cor  more

WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Rep. Nita M. Lowey, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release: * * * - More than $2.5 trillion bill boldly addresses the impacts of the coronavirus crisis on families, businesses, and communities * * * House Democrats introduced the Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act, a bold and comprehensive phase three coronavirus response bill that injects more than $2.5 trillion into the American economy. Among m  more

NEW YORK, March 23 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), was joined by a bipartisan group of 9 of her colleagues in asking Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to include $4 billion in emergency federal aid for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in the federal stimulus package. As the Members state in the letter, "MTA is experiencing a shocking loss of revenue; the agency reports that it  more

NEW YORK, March 26 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) led the bipartisan New York State Delegation in a request to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar for 20,000 ventilators for New York State from the national stockpile. New York State remains the center of the coronavirus pandemic in the country and Governor Andrew Cuomo has said that the state will see its apex of cases in the next 14-21 days  more

WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, issued the following statement after House Democrats introduced a bill to assist people during the coronavirus pandemic: "American workers are the backbone of our government, so it is critical they have the resources they need to take care of themselves and their families. Congress must ensure that we put families before corporations and use our resources effectively and efficiently  more

NEW YORK, March 23 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, issued the following news statement regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency major disaster declaration for state: "New York State has the largest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the nation, and New York City has the highest concentration in the state. I am thankful that FEMA has recognized the gravity of New York's situation and issued our nation's first coronavirus related Major Disaster Declaration. As the national epicen  more

NEW YORK, March 27 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, issued the following statement regarding senate passage of the coronavirus emergency legislative package: "We need to pass this emergency relief legislation to get immediate help to our hospitals, individuals and small businesses. Let me be clear: this is disaster relief to address the immediate crisis in front of us; there is much more that needs to be done to help restart the economy and we will be turning our efforts to that as soon as   more

NEWBURGH, New York, March 24 -- Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, D-New York, issued the following news release: Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) cosponsored the Retirement Protection Act, which will safeguard retirement savings during the economic turmoil caused by the global COVID-19, novel coronavirus pandemic. The bill was led by Rep. Jennifer Wexton (VA-10). "As families and workers across the Hudson Valley deal with the immediate impact of the coronavirus, the last thing they should have to wo  more

NEW YORK, March 24 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, issued the following statement: Following ten of her constituents being brought home after being stranded in Morocco due to COVID-19, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) issued the following statement praising the State Department's action and urging the continued work to bring home every American stranded abroad due to the coronavirus pandemic. "I am incredibly thankful for the Department of State and United States Embassy's actions  more

WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, issued the following statement after the Senate passed a stimulus bill to assist the people during the coronavirus crisis: "This bill will go a long way towards helping American workers, families, and businesses. As Chairwoman of the Oversight Committee, I am very pleased that the bill includes important provisions to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used effectively and efficiently  more

WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, and Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Virginia, chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations, issued the following joint statement after House Democrats introduced a bill with emergency funds to save the Postal Service from imminent bankruptcy as a result of the coronavirus crisis: "The Postal Service is in need of urgent help as a direct result of the coronavirus crisis. Based on a n  more

WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, issued the following news release: * * * - More than $2.5 trillion bill boldly addresses the impacts of the coronavirus crisis on families, businesses, and communities * * * House Democrats today introduced the Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act, a bold and comprehensive phase three coronavirus response bill that injects more than $2.5 trillion into the American eco  more

WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, issued the following statement on March 23 with Sens. Tom Carper, D-Delaware, and Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, after a report put the total amount of taxpayer funds spent as a result of President Trump's weekend stopover at his Trump Turnberry golf resort in Scotland in 2018 at more than $1 million: "American taxpayers should not be on the hook for President Trump's golf weeke  more

QUEENS, New York, March 25 -- Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Meeks released a policy plan establishing his priorities for coronavirus response legislation: "Congressional response to the coronavirus pandemic must be immediate, and it must be comprehensive to utilize every aspect of industry and government capable of addressing the disruptions caused by this pandemic. Congress must provide substantial relief to families and small businesses in   more

WASHINGTON, March 26 -- Rep. Grace Meng, D-New York, issued the following news release: U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives that denounces the anti-Asian sentiment caused by the outbreak of the coronavirus. "The increased use of anti-Asian rhetoric, particularly from our nation's leaders such as the President, and their use of terms like 'Chinese virus,' 'Wuhan virus,' and 'Kung-flu,' is not only irresponsible, reckless, and downright disgus  more

QUEENS, New York, March 25 -- Rep. Grace Meng, D-New York, issued the following statement on President Trump's tweet about Asian Americans and the coronavirus: "Are you kidding me? President Trump spews xenophobia about Asian Americans and now, after an increase in threats and attacks, says he wants to protect the Asian American community? "He says the spreading of the coronavirus is not the fault of Asian Americans after insinuating that it was? "Too little, too late. "He must first apologi  more

QUEENS, New York, March 26 -- Rep. Grace Meng, D-New York, issued the following news release: U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) announced that she plans to introduce legislation which would temporarily suspend all rent and mortgage payments for commercial and rental properties for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic. This temporary suspension would be active during and up to six months after the pandemic to provide those affected by it time to find employment and other relief as necessary. She   more

QUEENS, New York, March 23 -- Rep. Grace Meng, D-New York, issued the following news release: U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) announced that she has called for Congress' third coronavirus relief package to address the serious shortages of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and the need to lift restrictions for prescription drug refills. The Congresswoman made her request in the following letter. "The shortages of Personal Protective Equipment is creating dire working conditions for our health ca  more

NEW YORK, March 24 -- Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) led a bipartisan group of New York and New Jersey Members in a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) calling for financial assistance to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to be included in the next COVID-19   more

WASHINGTON, March 23 -- Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Massachusetts, issued the following statement: Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) and several federal lawmakers are calling on the U.S. Department of Justice and the Bureau of Prisons to grant compassionate release for individuals held at federal detainment facilities. Their statement comes following the first report of an individual in federal custody testing positive for COVID-19. The individual is detained at Metropolitan Detention Center in   more

WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Rep. Max Rose, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Max Rose was joined by a bipartisan group of 14 other Members of the New York Congressional Delegation in calling for a cost of living adjustment (COLA) in calculating economic stimulus payments to individuals. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's latest proposal includes limits on coronavirus (COVID-19) stimulus payments for individual with annual salaries over $75,000. "The figure in this bi  more

WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Rep. Max Rose, D-New York, issued the following news release: Following Secretary of Defense Mark Esper stating that the Department of Defense is prepared to deploy military field hospitals to help address the coronavirus (COVID-19) surge, Congressman Max Rose requested Ft. Hamilton be examined as a potential location for deployment. "We're waging war on the coronavirus and here in New York City we desperately need reinforcments," said Rose, an Army combat veteran. "We'  more

WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is a cosponsor of the Immediate Relief for Rural Facilities and Providers Act, bipartisan legislation that provides relief to rural hospitals to help address the COVID-19 crisis. This legislation uses an emergency mandatory one-time grant to Critical Access Hospitals and rural Prospective Payment System hospitals equal to $1,000 per patient per day for three months. The bill   more

WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Elise Stefanik sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf, and Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia requesting comprehensive resources and guidance for communities across New York State to address the impact that COVID-19 will have on the ability for migrant workers to access the H-2A visa program. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many   more

WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is introducing a Resolution in the House calling for an international investigation into the Chinese Communist Party's cover-up of the early spread of the coronavirus pandemic. The Resolution calls on China to pay back all nations impacted due to China's intentional, early coverup of the deadly virus. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) has introduced companion legislation in the Sen  more

AMSTERDAM, New York, March 25 -- Rep. Paul D. Tonko, D-New York, issued the following statement: Congressman Paul D. Tonko released the following statement on the passing of Walter Robb, local philanthropist and renowned chemical engineer at GE who shaped the careers of many entrepreneurs in the Capital Region. "On Monday, our Capital Region lost an incredible leader, innovator and hero. Dr. Walter Robb spent his 92 years tirelessly working to improve our community. From his decades-long caree  more

WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez, D-New York, issued the following news release: With thousands of Americans stranded abroad due to travel restrictions stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY) is looking to waive fees for travelers who require evacuation assistance from the U.S. Department of State. The bipartisan bill is cosponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ). "In the middle of this crisis, it is unconscionable that our government would foist enorm  more

WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez, D-New York, issued the following news release: As the COVID19 epidemic continues, it is important that New Yorkers have access to reliable information. Please utilize the following information to prepare yourselves and address any problems or pressing concerns you may have. IMPORTANT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES If you are a small business owner who needs assistance during this outbreak I encourage you to take action immediately. First, read this SBA  more

WASHINGTON, March 23 -- Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez, D-New York, issued the following news release: Several federal lawmakers are calling on the U.S. Department of Justice and the Bureau of Prisons to grant compassionate release for individuals held at federal detainment facilities. Their statement comes following the first report of an individual in federal custody testing positive for COVID-19. The individual is detained at Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn (MDC Brooklyn), New York. A joi  more

AQUEBOGUE, New York, March 23 -- Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), member of the bipartisan Congressional Coronavirus Task Force, joined the Riverhead Central School District, on Friday, March 21, 2020, at Aquebogue Elementary School to help promote the district's Grab & Go Meal Distribution, cosponsored by Island Harvest, at all K-4 elementary schools in the Riverhead Central School District, Monday-Friday from 11am - 1pm.  more

WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-New York, issued the following news release on March 24: Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), member of the bipartisan Congressional Coronavirus Task Force, just announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is sending 4,000 additional ventilators to New York State over the course of and tomorrow. Congressman Zeldin has been working closely with incoming White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Governor Andrew Cuomo's office not only on  more

PATCHOGUE, New York, March 23 -- Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), member of the bipartisan Congressional Coronavirus Task Force, urged the United States Senate to make a technical change that would free up over $6 billion in Medicaid funding for the State of New York as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP) is a rate enacted in 1965 that determines the  more

STONY BROOK, New York, March 23 -- Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), member of the Bipartisan Coronavirus Task Force, released the following statement after the Trump administration announced a deferment on student loan payments of at least 60 days. This comes on the heels of the announcement that the federal government would waive interest on these same loans for 60 days. "During this outbreak, everyone's first priority should be  more

WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-New York, issued the following news release: New York is the state hardest hit in the country by the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, and containing its spread and combatting this outbreak must continue to be a whole-government, top-to-bottom approach. On the national level, the federal government has taken unprecedented steps to ensure that travelers do not spread the virus in the United States, including travel restrictions from highly affected countri  more

WASHINGTON, March 19 -- Rep. Anthony Brindisi, D-New York, issued the following news release: U.S. Reps. Anthony Brindisi (NY-22) and John Katko (NY-24) urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to prioritize sending supplies to Upstate and Central New York as the region races to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and cases in New York continue to multiply. Reps. Brindisi and Katko, who have spent this week working with local hospitals, nursing homes, community health centers  more

WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Rep. Eliot Engel, D-New York, issued the following news release: Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and Representative Adam Smith, Chairman of the House Committee on Armed Services led an effort calling on the Trump Administration to keep humanitarian assistance flowing to Yemen during the Coronavirus pandemic. In a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and USAID Administrator Mark Green, the lawmakers acknowledged that r  more

NEW YORK, March 23 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) and Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), today were joined by members of the New York City Delegation in requesting that Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy include $4 billion in federal assistance for the nonprofit museum industry in the next coronavirus recovery package. New York City is home to more than 100 nonprofit museums. As the Members s  more

NEW YORK, March 24 -- Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) were joined by members of the New York City Delegation in requesting that Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy include $4 billion in federal assistance for the nonprofit museum industry in the next coronavirus recovery package. New York City is home to more than 100 nonprofit museums. As the Members state in t  more

WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, issued the following news release: Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) wrote to President Donald Trump requesting that all National Guard troops activated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic be transitioned to Title 32 authority. Duckworth is urging the federal government to continue covering all of the costs of these activations, as it has now done in New York, Washington and California. In part, Duckworth wrote: "A  more

WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following news release: * * * - Gillibrand, Democrats Secure Assistance for Workers, Families, and Health Care System in CARES Act * * * Following aggressive actions by U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to stand up for American workers and families instead of big corporations, the Senate passed the third coronavirus emergency package to support Americans, health care providers, and small businesses. Throughout days of nego  more

WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following news release: * * * - As Nation Responds to Coronavirus Outbreak, Bipartisan Coalition Urges HHS to Ensure States Adhere to Existing Disability Anti-Discrimination Laws * * * U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, alongside U.S. Senator James Lankford, led a bipartisan, bicameral call on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to protect against disability discrimination in sta  more

MIAMI, Florida, March 27 -- Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, issued the following statement: U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement after Attorney General William Barr, U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan of the Southern District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman of the Southern District of New York, and Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski of the Justice Department's Criminal Division formally indicted Venezuelan narco-dictator Nicolas Maduro and members of   more

WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-New York, issued the following news release on March 24: U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and U.S. Congressman Joseph Morelle urged General Motors (GM) Chairman and CEO, Marry Barra, to locate ventilator production at GM's Rochester Components plant as GM increases ventilator production to mitigate the severe shortage of the life-saving device that is expected as coronavirus (COVID-19) rapidly spreads. Schumer, Gil  more

WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-New York, issued the following news release: On the heels of the U.S.-Canadian agreement on border travel restriction, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins demanded that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acting Secretary Wolf designate Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officers as employees working under hazard, given the severe spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in New York. Schumer and Higgins said that the designat  more

WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following news release: * * * - Reps demand DHS secretary immediately implement payscale meant for officials work * * * On the heels of the U.S.-Canadian agreement on border travel restriction, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins demanded that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acting Secretary Wolf designate Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officers as employees working under hazard, given the s  more

WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida, issued the following news release: Senator Rick Scott released the following statement commending the 20 Florida counties that have implemented mobile testing sites, and continuing his call for robust testing across the state. Last week, Senator Scott called for every county in the country to have at least one mobile testing site - with counties in hot spots like New York and South Florida needing more than one. Senator Rick Scott said, "I th  more

WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following news release: Democratic Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, along with a bipartisan group of senators representing states along the United States-Canada border, called on President Trump to consider the effect of closing the U.S.-Canada border on border communities. The letter highlights concerns regarding the border closure's effect on the supply chains of companies that produ  more

WASHINGTON, March 23 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following statement: Addressing her vote against the phase three coronavirus response package put forth by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement: "Our country is in the midst of an unprecedented public health and economic crisis, and Congress has a duty to provide leadership. "Instead of supporting American families, Senator McConnell put forth a stimulus   more

WASHINGTON, March 26 -- Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-New York, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Charles Schumer formally announced the expected passage of the latest COVID-19 emergency package he directly negotiated, delivering +$40 billion dollars to the state, city, and its citizens. In reaching an agreement, the Senate will help New York address the coronavirus crisis, support our local communities, and most importantly put workers first. "This is not a moment of celebration bu  more