Delivering Results for Rome Lab |
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The House voted on and passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) earlier this week, which included six of my amendments that will strengthen our national defense. I'm especially pleased that my amendment to establish a quantum network computing testbed at Rome Lab was included in the final bill. This is s huge win for Rome Lab that will boost our nation's technological capabilities and support our region's continued economic growth.
The NDAA reverses President Biden's disastrous cuts to our military and advances many of our most important national security objectives. It holds the Administration accountable for its calamitous withdrawal from Afghanistan, invests $118 billion in cutting-edge research, provides our warfighters with a 2.7% pay raise, and prohibits funding for medical research in China. It also ensures members of the military who choose not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine cannot be dishonorably discharged. In addition to my quantum computing amendment, the bill also included five other amendments I introduced to counter China, hold Iran accountable, and oversee the situation in Syria.
Click here to learn more about the NDAA and my amendments.
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I voted "NO" on Speaker Pelosi's Blank Check |
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This week I voted against providing Speaker Pelosi with a blank check to add trillions more in reckless spending to our national debt and raise taxes on hardworking New Yorkers. If Democrats in Washington want to unilaterally add trillions to our debt through a partisan process with no input, accountability, or transparency, then they bear the sole responsibility of addressing the consequences of their disastrous policies. |
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Introduced Legislation to Stand with Israel |
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The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement is fueling anti-Semitism in the United States and around the world. Unfortunately, I do not have confidence that the Biden Administration will stand firm against radical activists who are advancing this dangerous and discriminatory agenda. The United States must remain steadfast in our support for Israel, which is why I introduced the Anti-BDS Labeling Act. My bill defends the integrity of the Jewish State and prohibits the Biden Administration from targeting specific goods made in Israel by banning “Made in Israel” country-of-origin labels. I was so pleased that fellow New York Congressman Lee Zeldin joined me in this important effort along with several other Members of Congress. To read more about the bill click here.
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Town Hall on Overreaching Mandates |
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I’ve heard from hundreds of New Yorkers who are against the vaccine mandates being imposed by Washington and Albany. I hosted a roundtable discussion with Assemblymen John Salka and Brian Miller as well as healthcare workers, educators, and others to discuss these concerns and my fight in Congress to stop this overreach. I will be addressing the federal overreach with new legislative action I'll be announcing next week. Please make sure you're connected with me on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.
I received my vaccine and support voluntary vaccination efforts. If you are interested in getting the vaccine, I encourage you to do so. Former-President Trump’s Operation Warp Speed was a model public-private program that developed life-saving vaccines in record time, despite the naysayers and skeptics. However, I believe in the fundamental freedoms of our Nation and absolutely respect that the decision to be vaccinated should be an individual choice we each make in consultation with our doctors.
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Investing in the Next Generation |
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I enjoyed welcoming several New York students to my office for a discussion on the importance of career and technical education initiatives. These students are leaders in their school communities, and it was a pleasure to speak with them about the future of our education system. These jobs are key to our Nation's future and with sharp minds like these, I'm confident our future will be bright! |
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I'm committed to restoring transparency to government, which is why I explain every vote I take on the House floor. While we may not always agree, you will always know where I stand on the issues and how I vote in Congress. To read more about my votes, please click here.
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I voted “Yes” on H.R. 5293, the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2021. This bill will ensure that our veterans have continued access to crucial VA benefits. This includes much-needed services like dental insurance and travel to health appointments. This bipartisan legislation was passed by a vote of 423-0.
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I voted “Yes” on S. 189, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2021. This bill will increase the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities, as well as the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for eligible survivors of disabled veterans. Especially with high increases to the cost of living over the past several months, our veterans need this help now more than ever. This bipartisan legislation was passed by a vote of 423-0.
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I voted “Yes” on S. 1828, the HAVANA Act. This bill provides added financial assistance to American public servants suffering from “Havana Syndrome.” Since 2016, more than 40 U.S. Embassy staff in Havana, at least a dozen U.S. diplomats at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, and several more around the world have incurred brain injuries from likely directed energy attacks. It is important these victims are not tied up in endless bureaucracy and are able to receive the care and compensation they deserve. This bill passed the House by a vote of 427-0.
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I voted “No” on H.R. 5305, the Extending Government Funding and Delivery Emergency Assistance Act, a short-term spending bill that also raises the debt limit. In the past Democrats and Republicans have come together to address the debt ceiling and fund the government, however Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer have prioritized their bitterly partisan agenda that completely shuts Republicans out of the legislative process. This legislation would suspend the debt limit through December 2022, giving Speaker Pelosi a blank check to add trillions to our national debt without any limit at all and raise taxes on hardworking New Yorkers.This bill passed the House by a vote of 220-211.
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I voted “Yes” on H.R. 4350, FY22 National Defense Authorization Act. This legislation provides our military with the resources it needs to defend the nation, supports service members, and hold the Administration accountable for its disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. While I did not agree with every provision in this bill, its passage prioritizes policies to strengthen our defenses, improve readiness, and advance research and development that will give our military forces critical advantages. Importantly, it included six of my amendments to boost investments in quantum computing in Rome, hold Iran accountable, and counter China’s malign activity. This legislation passed by a vote of 316-113.
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I voted “No” on H.R. 3755, the misleadingly named Women’s Health Protection Act of 2021. This radical bill is nothing more than a veiled attempt to upend current federal and state limitations on abortion in order to allow abortion on demand until birth. It would also fully legalize discriminatory abortions on the basis of the baby’s sex, race and disability.This partisan bill passed the House by a vote of 218-211.
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Remembering Former Congressman Boehlert
Former Congressman Sherry Boehlert passed away earlier this week on September 20, 2021. Sherry was a lifelong resident of upstate New York. He represented our region for decades, first as Oneida County Executive and then in Congress for 12 terms. He was a fierce advocate for Upstate and a dedicated member of our community. Please join me in recognizing his many years of service and praying for his family during this difficult time.
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Have you completed the Community Opportunity Survey? |
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If you haven't already, I hope you will take a brief minute to complete my Community Opportunity Survey. It’s only a few short questions. This feedback will provide valuable, first-hand insights on the economic challenges and opportunities in our region. I’m fighting every day to bring dynamism and growth back to New York. This survey will provide me with key insights from our community that I will take with me to Washington to drive my advocacy.
Please click here or on the image above to complete the survey.
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Deputy Kurt B. Wyman Memorial Ride |
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It was an honor to join the Deputy Kurt B. Wyman Memorial Motorcycle Ride last weekend. This annual event honors the life and service of Oneida County Sheriff’s Deputy Kurt Wyman, who was tragically killed in the line of duty in 2011. I am forever grateful for his service and sacrifice. |
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Service Academy Night is this Tuesday! |
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Please don't forget that our region’s Academy Night will be this coming Tuesday! It will be held virtually for any high school student interested in attending one of the US Service Academies. This is a great opportunity for students to speak directly with representatives from each of the five U.S. Service Academies, which includes the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Learn more about the nomination process at the link here.
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Reminder: USDA Rural Water Infrastructure Seminar for Elected Officials on Monday! |
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This Monday, September 27 at 9:30am, I'm hosting USDA for a seminar on current rural water infrastructure programs and available funding for our communities. I invite all local officials across the District to attend this seminar.
Attendees will have the opportunity to speak directly with USDA representatives and ask questions about the programs it administers. Anyone interested in attending must RSVP in order to receive the virtual link to participate in the seminar. Individuals should call 202-225-3665 with any questions.
When: Monday, September 27, 2021
Where: Virtual Zoom, rsvp required
Time: 9:30am EDT
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September Mobile Office Hours
I am pleased to announce that my office will be holding office hours in Chenango 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.
Chenango County
Wednesday, September 29, 2021 11AM - 1PM
Town of Oxford Offices
20 Lafayette Park
Oxford, NY 13830
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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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