Weekly Newsletter from the Office of Congressman Andrew Garbarino If you were forwarded this email, click here to subscribe An update from the office of Congressman Andrew Garbarino SPOTLIGHT Andrew Introduces Legislation For Faster Advance Payment of Flood Insurance Claims Ahead of Sandy Anniversary Today is the anniversary of Superstorm Sandy hitting New York. That's why, this week, Andrew introduced the Emergency Advance Payments Modernization Act to ensure flood insurance policyholders receive swift and accurate advance payments on claims. In a statement Andrew said, "Long Islanders are no strangers to flooding. When dealing with structural damage or property loss, homeowners can't afford to sit around waiting to begin recovering after a storm. As we approach the anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, I introduced the Emergency Advance Payments Modernization Act to ensure Long Island families can quickly receive advance payments for flood insurance claims in the wake of natural disasters." Read more here. ANDREW IN THE NEWS Eleven years after Sandy: facing future floods By Rep. Andrew Garbarino " Sandy was one of the biggest natural disasters in U.S. history, devastating the East Coast and bringing life-changing destruction. The storm damaged, destroyed or severely flooded roughly 100,000 homes on Long Island. Massive coastal flooding reached heights of five and six feet. Over a decade later, the damage is still clearly visible on some parts of Long Island. We were wholly unprepared to meet the challenges of a storm of that magnitude. It is essential that Long Island continue to work on flood mitigation efforts, and that Long Islanders have reliable access to affordable flood insurance so they are able to recover when disaster strikes...It’s safe to say that we’ve learned a lot [since Superstorm Sandy], and that we have taken meaningful action at the federal, state and local levels to better prepare for future storms. Still, it is imperative that we maintain these efforts on an ongoing basis so that our shores, our homes and our communities are protected during future natural disasters. " Click here to read Andrew's full op-ed. WHAT'S NEW IN NY-02 Drug Take Back Day Event in Sayville Yesterday was the DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. Community Ambulance Company in Saville was able to collect over 62 pounds of prescription drugs. Andrew was proud to support this event and applauded all who participated. Restoring Monument For Local Vietnam Hero A monument dedicated to an Islip Terrace resident, Sargent Craig Barry Gariepy who was Killed In Action in Vietnam, was damaged in a car accident. The Islip Chamber of Commerce and members of the community came together to restore the monument and pay homage to our Vietnam War heroes. Andrew was glad to provide a Capitol-flown flag in recognition of this effort. Bohemia Trunk-or-Treat This week was the 3rd Annual Trunk-or-Treat event hosted by True North in Bohemia and supported by Andrew and his team. Dozens of families turned for the festivities including games, trick-or-treating, tables with community resources, and other family fun. KEEPING UP WITH CONGRESS Andrew Stands Against Antisemitism on Campus This week, a student group projected despicable antisemitic messages on a campus building at George Washington (GW) University. As an alumnus of GW, Andrew was disgusted by this incident and led his fellow GW alumni in Congress in sending a letter to the University President calling for GW to condemn these actions in the strongest terms, launch an investigation into those involved, and take immediate steps to protect its Jewish students. Antisemitism has no place on college campuses or anywhere in a decent and civil society. Andrew is deeply disturbed by this incident and similar incidents we have seen in New York and across the country. He will always stand with our Jewish community against hate. Read the full letter here. The House Elects A Speaker And Gets Back To Work This week, the House of Representatives elected a new Speaker of the House, Congressman Mike Johnson of Louisiana. Andrew had productive conversations with Speaker Johnson about New York priorities such as flood insurance and disaster relief, the SALT cap, and funding for 9/11 health and feels they will be able to work together on issues of importance to NY-02. After electing Speaker Johnson, the House immediately got back to work by passing a Resolution to stand with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and resuming the appropriations process by passing a funding bill addressing energy and water. Homeland Security Committee Holds Hearings on Cybersecurity and on Security Threats from Iran This week, the House Homeland Security Committee held several hearings. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection, Andrew presided over a hearing to evaluate federal cybersecurity governance and efforts, specifically by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD). Click here to watch his opening remarks. The full committee also held a hearing entitled, "An Examination of the Iranian Regime’s Threats to Homeland Security." Andrew questioned witnesses about Iran's efforts to undermine America's national security. Watch his line of questioning here. Andrew Holds Event Exploring The Future Of Work As co-Chair of the Future of Work Caucus, Andrew held an event this week focusing on workforce development applications to upskill the cybersecurity workforce. Specifically, the event sought to gather cybersecurity certification providers, workforce development professionals, and other cybersecurity stakeholders to discuss the training opportunities available to entry, mid-career, and senior professionals looking to change career paths or advance their careers in cybersecurity. Thanks for reading! Do you know someone who might like to receive these updates? Forward this email to your friends and families and tell them to click below to subscribe! Click Here To Subscribe Rep. Andrew R. Garbarino Congressman representing New York's 2nd Congressional District Washington, D.C. 2344 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-7896 Patchogue 31 Oak Street, Suite 20 Patchogue, NY 11772 Phone: (631) 541-4225 Rep. Garbarino | 2344 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]