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Standing Up for Law Enforcement

WKTV: Tenney introduces bill to preserve legal protections for local law enforcement Every day law enforcement officers risk their lives and safety to serve our communities and protect the most vulnerable. They intervene daily in dangerous and life-threatening situations, acting commendably to deescalate tensions, render emergency care, apprehend criminals, and protect our rights. In the face of such risks, we owe these heroes the protections and support they need to do their jobs. That's why I've introduced the Local Law Enforcement Protection Act, which protects qualified immunity for police at the state and local level. Today, progressive activists and many politicians are attempting to undermine vital safeguards and resources for law enforcement. Countless states and local jurisdictions throughout the country are passing legislation to defund the police. Some states and localities are even eroding qualified immunity for police officers. This commonsense legal doctrine protects law enforcement from frivolous lawsuits and liability for reasonably performing their official duties. Police officers should not be subjected to increased personal financial costs or unfairly targeted simply for doing their jobs. Accountability and transparency are vital for law enforcement, but removing qualified immunity is a step too far that would prevent police officers from responding to crises and doing their jobs.

Fighting for Our Second Amendment Rights

WATCH: Tenney Discusses Efforts to Defend Second Amendment The Supreme Court is set to hear the most significant Second Amendment case in more than a decade. In New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Corlett, New Yorkers are challenging our state's law that unreasonably restricts the right of lawful firearms owners to conceal carry for self-protection. I’m leading a congressional amicus brief to the Supreme Court with more than 170 of my House colleagues to defend our Second Amendment rights. My brief makes clear that law-abiding New Yorkers, and law-abiding Americans across the country, should be allowed to protect themselves and their families.

My Thoughts on President Biden Inviting UN "Experts on Racism" to the United States

President Joe Biden is trying to divide Americans further by painting our great country as racist yet again. Now he's using the UN Human Rights Council to do it by inviting UN "experts" into our country to conduct an investigation. Yet, when it comes to real national security threats and human rights abuses, the Administration refuses to stand up against the abhorrent behavior by countries like China, Iran, Russia, Venezuela, Cuba, and others. Why has this Administration invited the Human Rights Council’s so-called “experts” to the United States, but has yet to even press the body for action on Cuba in the face of unprecedented protests? The Biden Administration should be spending its time exposing egregious human rights abuses, like the genocide in China or violent crackdown on peaceful protestors in Iran. He should be holding international organizations accountable for their failures to act in each of these cases. Americans see past the hypocrisy and divisiveness.

America Must Stand with the People of Cuba LISTEN: Claudia Joins WUTQ to Discuss the Situation in Cuba I stand in support of the legitimate aspirations of the Cuban people, who are so bravely expressing their desire for a free, open, and prosperous Cuba. The Cuban people are demanding freedom and democracy and rejecting this communist regime that abuses their rights and infringes on their liberties.   At this critical moment, the Biden Administration must stop equivocating and stand boldly with the Cuban people in their fight against socialism. President Biden must support the aspirations of Cubans to live free from this brutal dictatorship. He must also make clear that any individual who commits acts of violence against protestors or contributes to censorship will be held accountable.

Weekly Cosponsor Update I am pleased to share several bills that I cosponsored in Congress this week. I am focused on representing you in Washington and will continue to support commonsense legislation that delivers results for New York families, small businesses, and seniors. Below are the bills I cosponsored this week: H.R. 4319: To amend the Lacey Act of Amendments of 1981 to prohibit the import, export, transport, sale, receipt, acquirement, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce of mink, and for other purposes. H.R. 1282:  Major Richard Star Act. This bill provides that combat-disabled uniformed services retirees with fewer than 20 years of creditable service may concurrently receive, without reduction, veterans' disability compensation and retired pay or combat-related special compensation. H.R. 3919: Secure Equipment Act of 2021. This bill ensures that the Federal Communications Commission does not approve radio frequency devices that pose a national security risk. Cosigned a letter, led by Rep. Bob Gibbs sent to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives  opposing proposed rule “Definition of Frame and Receiver and Identification of Firearms” Cosigned a letter, led by Rep. Kat Cammack to Twitter regarding Cuban President Diaz-Canel's presence on the platform following his crack down on protests against the Cuban regime.

Bipartisan Election Integrity Roundtable in Herkimer I was honored to host the House Committee on Administration Ranking Member Congressman Rodney Davis in our community this week for a bipartisan roundtable discussion focused on election integrity. As the Republican Leader of the committee, he oversees election policies at the federal level. I appreciate him coming to Herkimer this week to highlight our joint efforts in Congress to preserve election integrity and implement commonsense election safeguards across the Nation. Wednesday’s conversation highlighted areas where we must improve the administration of elections in New York, especially after several serious issues were exposed and corrected in last year's race for the 22nd Congressional District. We also discussed dangerous proposals in Congress like H.R. 1 and H.R. 4, which would make it harder for states to administer free, fair, and transparent elections. It is imperative that we oppose efforts in Washington to federalize our elections and put more power into the hands of unelected, partisan bureaucrats in Washington. I would like to thank all those who participated, including New York State Senator Peter Oberacker, New York State Assemblyman John Salka, New York State Board of Elections Commissioner Anthony J. Casale, Chairman of the Herkimer County Legislature Vincent J. Bono, Herkimer County Board of Elections Commissioner Kim Tranter, Madison County Board of Elections Commissioner Mary Egger, and members of the Herkimer County Legislature.

Water Infrastructure Roundtable in Marathon I was in Marathon this week to host a roundtable discussion with local elected officials focused on the infrastructure needs of rural New York. During the roundtable, I was pleased to announce that the House Appropriations Committee has granted initial approval to Marathon's request for federal funding to repair a broken water line. Since this funding has been approved by the Committee, it will now continue to move through the legislative process and must also be agreed to by the United States Senate. I was happy to be joined by local officials, including New York Senator Peter Oberacker, New York Assemblyman John Lemondes, Village of Marathon Mayor William McGovern, Village of Marathon Water and Waste Water Superintendent Mike Rook, Superintendent of Marathon Central School Rebecca Stone, and Business Manager of Marathon Central School Tom Goskoski. I am determined to help the communities in New York-22, and I am working hard in Congress to fight for targeted and bipartisan investments in our community. I continue to call on Speaker Pelosi to bring a realistic and affordable spending bill to the House Floor so we can meet the true needs of our region.

Essential Caregivers Roundtable in Binghamton I held an Essential Caregivers roundtable this week in Binghamton to discuss my bipartisan Essential Caregivers Act and hear from local community members affected by the mandates that denied them access to their loved ones in long-term care facilities during the pandemic. Our seniors and their family members cannot go through the issues they faced in nursing homes and long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic again. They were denied their basic human rights and left in isolation to suffer alone for months on end. That is why I introduced the Essential Caregivers Act, which permits two caregivers access to nursing home residents during a national health crisis. It is so important for me to hear how constituents feel about this issue and I had a very detailed discussion with the men and women who faced these challenges firsthand. I am inspired by the tenacity of those I spoke with and will continue to work to preserve and protect the rights of our seniors and essential caregivers.

Adirondack Railroad On Wednesday, my office was able to attend the ground-breaking of the Adirondack Railroad in Utica. It's a great new development for our region. I look forward to the positive impact it will have on our community and economy!

Supporting Our Local Businesses This week I visited several local businesses across our district. I first went to Ames Linen in Cortland to meet with their President, Johanna Ames.  This business has been in operation for 100 years, and it was so wonderful to see this family business still thriving right here in our community! I also visited Casa Imports in Utica. This is another family-owned business that has been in operation since 1975 and now serves thousands of customers in several states and employs several hundred people in our area. They are a staple in our community and it was great to see their business up close. Lastly, I visited Jay and Kinna Lalkiya of Apalachin Pharmacy to learn more about their operations and meet with their great staff. I’m honored to support legislation in Congress to lower prescription drug costs and I spoke with them about burdensome regulations at the federal level that impact their business . As a small business owner and a member of the House Small Business Committee, I enjoyed meeting with these local businesses and will continue my work in Congress to ensure they have the resources and support they need.

Investing in our Local Memorials It is imperative that we ensure communities have the resources they need to preserve the memories and legacies of those who have fought for and defended this country. I was honored to be in Cortland alongside veterans, local officials, and first responders this week to highlight the need to invest in Cortland’s Veterans Memorial. It was great to see the Cortland Police Department announce a donation of $1,000 for the memorial's restoration at the event! Communities in New York and across the country are struggling to maintain and restore memorials like these, which is why I’ve introduced the Remembering Our Local Heroes Act in Congress. This bipartisan bill provides funding directly to communities to assist in maintaining these memorials and honoring those who have served, including veterans, police officers, and firefighters.

Touring Flood Damage in Whitestown

I met with Whitestown officials this week to discuss their important flood mitigation efforts and tour damage from recent flooding in the community. Flood mitigation projects to address the problem and prevent future flooding are so important. I thank Supervisor Shaun Kaleta, Mayor Robert Friedlander, and other officials for providing a comprehensive overview of the work they’re currently undertaking. I’m committed to providing our community with whatever support is needed from Congress and federal agencies.

US Air Force Thunderbirds in Binghamton I was honored to meet the pilots of the United States Air Force Thunderbirds yesterday morning at the Greater Binghamton Airport! I expressed my deep appreciation for their service. These men and women are the world’s most capable aviators. Since 1953, the Thunderbirds have been displaying the power and talent of our United States Air Force.

July Mobile Office Hours I am pleased to announce that my office will be holding office hours in Cortland County this week. If you or someone you know are interested in attending a session, please contact my Binghamton District Office at 607-242-0200 or my Utica District Office at 315-732-0713 to schedule an appointment today. Cortland County Tuesday, July 20 11:00AM - 1:00PM Marathon Town Hall 40 West Main Street Marathon, NY 13803 Chenango County Tuesday, July 27 11:00AM - 1:00PM Bainbridge Town Offices 15 N Main Street Bainbridge, NY 13733

Have news or updates to share? Email me! If you have updates regarding events in the community or other news to share from across New York's 22nd District, please visit the "Contact Me" page on my website to share it with me. My team will try to include as many of your updates from around #NY22 as we can each week.

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