Every year, on the Fourth of July, we commemorate the day 13 colonies declared themselves to be an independent and free nation, the United States of America. Earlier this week, Andrew was glad to participate in the Village of Amityville’s Fourth of July parade to celebrate America’s Independence with local leaders, officials, and members of the community.

New York residents are experiencing weeks of delays in receiving passport renewals and new passports due to a backlog at the New York City Passport Agency. Processing times are currently going beyond the stated time frame for receiving a passport. Andrew urges all NY-02 residents considering international travel to renew their passports early, before booking travel, to ensure that they receive their documentation on time. If you have already booked your travel and are concerned that your passport will not arrive on time, contact our Patchogue office at 631-541-4225 for assistance.

A married couple from Lindenhurst had been fighting for a year to receive their 2021 federal tax return due to a case of identity theft in which a fraudulent tax filing had been submitted in their name. They contacted Andrew's office and his casework team got to work with an IRS taxpayer advocate to resolve the issue. The couple was issued their tax return check in a matter of weeks after reaching out to Andrew's office.

Andrew knows how frustrating dealing with bureaucracy can be. That is why he has an entire team dedicated to helping constituents get what they need for the federal government. If you need help dealing with a federal agency, contact our office and our team will get to work on your case. 

This week, Andrew joined with his New York colleagues to call on New York City Mayor Eric Adams to change the city's proposed policy on coal- and wood-fired pizza ovens. The new emissions rule would have a negligible impact on air quality but significant impact on these small businesses which would be required to pay up to $20,000 on emissions filtration equipment in addition to other costs. "Coal-and wood-burning ovens have been integral to the traditional pizza-making process for centuries, with some brick ovens dating back as far as the Roman Empire," the letter states. "These ovens impart a unique flavor profile and texture that many patrons seek and appreciate." The rule would cost jobs and even force the closure of mom and pop pizzerias, harming the local economy. Read more.

Andrew recently became a cosponsor of the Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act, legislation to recognize long-term risks of military firefighting, strengthen VA benefits for veteran firefighters, when it was reintroduced this Congress. The bill, which Andrew also supported when it was first introduced in January 2020, is named for a former U.S. Air Force firefighter who was twice deployed to the Middle East. Following his military service, Lecik became a civilian firefighter and then became chief fire inspector at U.S. Army Garrison Fort Lee. In February 2019, Lecik was diagnosed with multiple myeloma — a condition tied to the high-risk, carcinogenic workplace conditions that come with being a military firefighter. Lecik passed away in 2021. Our veterans and first responders are the very best of us and Andrew will always fight to ensure they are taken care of.