Congresswoman Tenney's Weekly Newsletter Have questions? Contact Me Here Continuing to Stand With Israel This week, Republicans took multiple steps to reassure our alliance with Israel in this critical time of need. I supported several initiatives to aid Israel's effort to defend themselves and ensure American taxpayer dollars are never inadvertently used to fund and support terrorist organizations. The Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act provides Israel with $14.3 billion in much needed emergency funding for additional resources needed to defend itself against the horrific and unprecedented attacks by Hamas terrorists. I was disappointed that 196 of my Democratic colleagues voted against this commonsense bill to provide our ally with the tools it needs to counter Hamas extremism. In addition to my efforts to support Israel, I have been fighting against the rise in anti-Semitism we have seen across America. I recently led a letter along with all my New York Republican colleagues to the New York State Education Department and Board of Regents regarding an anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist video that was published for children. This video is antithetical to New Yorkers' strong support for Israel, and our state educational agencies should never elevate content such as this. You can read this letter here. Additionally, I led a letter to Cornell University in response to Cornell Professor Russell Rickford's comments that the invasion of Israel was "exciting" and "exhilarating." These heinous comments "demonstrate no regard whatsoever for humanity," as Cornell President Martha Pollack phrased it. I urge President Pollack to fire Professor Rickford immediately for his disgraceful behavior. You can read this letter here. Finally, you may be interested to know that I recently introduce the Countering Hate Against Israel by Federal Contractors Act. This bill would prohibit the federal government from using contractors that engage in or plan to engage in BDS campaigns. This bill builds off the laws of 38 states, including New York, which ban this practice at the state level. Finally, President Biden’s call for a military “pause” in Israel is dead wrong. A pause or ceasefire lets Hamas get away with the slaughtering, torturing, raping, and kidnapping of Americans and thousands of Israeli civilians. I strongly oppose any efforts by the Biden administration to pressure Israel into accepting a ceasefire or "pause". By calling for a pause, Biden is siding with Hamas & Iran instead of the fallen Americans and Israelis. Responding to the Biden Administrations Repeated Attempts to Circumnavigate the Supreme Court With Student Loan Bailouts on Kudlow Once again, the Biden Administration has attempted to circumnavigate Congress and the Supreme Court by bailing out billions of dollars in student loan debt. Broad debt forgiveness of the kind President Biden has proposed, especially forgiveness done unilaterally without congressional approval, will do nothing to lower the costs of education or to reform this broken system. I will continue to oppose any and all efforts by this administration to transfer hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars to the wealthy beneficiaries of this democratic party cash grab. You can see my full comments on the issue above. Boosting American Energy Production and Cutting Wasteful Spending This week I voted on legislation that continues House Republicans’ mission of cutting waste in the federal bureaucracy while funding vital programs in an efficient manner. H.R. 4821, the Interior and Environment Appropriations package, funds the Department of Interior and related agencies at a topline of $25.417 billion, which is $13.433 billion (35%) below the Fiscal Year 2023. This brings the fiscal allocations to below FY18 funding levels. This critical legislation protects hunting, fishing, and recreational activities, and includes pro-American energy policies that will unleash our energy independence. Among other things, this bill: Cuts funding for programs that are unauthorized for FY24. Rescinds $7.8 billion from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund created in the IRA. Rescinds $1.4 billion for Environmental and Climate Justice funding provided in the IRA. Rescinds $200 million designated by the Department of the Interior for the Presidio Trust in San Francisco. Eliminates funding for climate change activities and programs Prohibits funds for implementing DEI executive orders and offices, and prohibits funds to promote CRT. Cuts funding for the EPA by 39%. Additionally, this legislation promotes American energy security and competitiveness while continuing House Republican’s efforts to lower energy costs across the board:  Requires oil and gas lease sales in the Central Gulf of Mexico, the Western Gulf of Mexico Planning Area, and in the Alaska region. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct quarterly onshore oil and gas lease sales. Prohibits EPA from implementing permitting requirements for livestock emissions under the Clean Air Act. Repeals the Biden Administration’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulation. Expands access to critical minerals, reducing our domestic reliance on the Chinese supply chain. Having now passed six of twelve appropriations bills, House Republicans will continue to uphold our promise to the American people to fund our government through regular order. Democrat Primary Election Overturned After Ballot Stuffing Video Surfaced This week, a judge in Bridgeport, Connecticut tossed out the results of a Democratic Primary election after a concerning video surfaced showing a woman stuffing numerous ballots into a drop box. As the founder and Chairwoman of the Election Integrity Caucus, this is extremely concerning. Our right to vote is sacred and anyone caught cheating or manipulating an election should be held accountable to the full extent of the law. Imposing Vital Sanctions on Iran This week I supported the Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum Act (SHIP) Act, which imposes sanctions on foreign ports and refineries that process petroleum exported from Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions. Revenue from oil sales provides significant resources to enable the Iranian regime to advance its nuclear program, continue its support for Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations, and continue its repression of the Iranian people. Since Joe Biden took office, Iran has made over $80 billion from these illegal oil sails. Cutting off these streams of revenue will significantly impair Iran's ability to exhibit influence in the Middle Eastern region. My Votes Explained Transparency in Congress and a well-informed electorate are vital to preserving our self-governing Constitutional Republic. My constituents deserve to know how their members of Congress vote, which is why I have explained every vote I have cast in Congress since I was first elected. To read more about my votes and see the full list with explanations of all the legislation considered this week by the House, please click here. · I voted “Yes” on H.R. 4821, the Interior and Environment Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2024, which provides funding for the Department of Interior and related agencies. The bill protects hunting, fishing, and recreational activities, and includes pro-American energy policy riders that will return the country back to energy independence. Among these policies, the bill repeal’s the Biden Administration’s illegal and vague Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulation, which hinders our farmers and landowners with over burdensome regulations. The Bill also gives incentives for additional oil, gas, and mineral leases on federal lands to boost American energy production, reduce energy prices, and curb our reliance on China. Finally, the bill eliminates countless far left pet projects that distract the EPA and Department of Interior from its core responsibilities, responsibly managing our federal land and keeping our water and soil clean. This bill passed the House by a vote of 213-203. · I voted “Yes” on H.Res. 798, Condemning the support of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations at institutions of higher education, which may lead to the creation of a hostile environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff. This resolution calls on campus administrators to condemn anti-Semitism and urges the enforcement of federal civil rights laws to protect Jewish students. Across the country, we have seen a sharp rise of anti-Semitism, particularly on college campuses. Institutions like Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, and SUNY Binghamton have had numerous incidents which have created a hostile environment for Jewish students. And just a few days ago, a Cornell student was arrested for inciting the killing ofJewish classmates. The administrators and chancellors of these universities must take urgent and decisive actions to protect students on these campuses and to condemn the horrific attack by U.S. designated terrorist organizations. I cosponsored this resolution and strongly supported its passage. This resolution passed the House by a vote of 396-23. · I voted “Yes” on H.R. 3774, the Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum Act. This bill would impose new sanctions on Iranian oil and make it the official policy of the United States to restrict Iranian oil exports. Under President Trump, the United States engaged in a “Maximum Pressure” campaign to restrict Iran oil sales, which are used to fund terrorism and oppress the Iranian people. However, President Biden has willfully not enforced these sanctions, and during his administration, Iran has sold over $80 billion worth of oil mostly to China. These funds have directly contributed to the ongoing conflict in Israel, terrorism throughout the Middle East and abroad, and the oppression of the Iranian people. This critical legislation will work to crackdown on these illicit oil sales and cut off key funding for the brutal Iranian mullahs. This bill passed by a vote of 342-69. · I voted “Yes” on H.R. 6126, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024. This bill provides $14.3 billion of critical military assistance to Israel for defense of its sovereignty and from the brutal assault by Hamas which is fully offset by rescinding extra funds provided to the IRS by the Inflation Reduction Act. As our greatest ally in the Middle East continues to pursue justice for the Israeli and American civilians killed and kidnapped by Hamas, the United States must stand steadfast in its support of the Israeli people. Despite President Biden’s calls for a massive $100+ billion omnibus, I strongly supported considering Israel aid separately in a standalone measure. That is why I introduced a similar bill to H.R. 6126 called the “Operation Swords of Iron” Supplemental Appropriations Act. I was very disappointed that the overwhelming majority of my Democratic colleagues chose to oppose this commonsense package, but I was glad to see that 12 of them had the courage to break party lines and stand with Israel. I urge the Senate to quickly take up this piece of legislation so we can get this critical aid to Israel to support them in their fight. This legislation was adopted by a vote of 226-196. · I voted “No” on the Motion to Table H. Res. 829, Censuring Representative Rashida Tlaib for antisemitic activity, sympathizing with terrorist organizations, and leading an insurrection at the United States Capitol Complex. This resolution would have censured Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib for supporting the attack by Hamas on Israel and her various anti-Semitic comments. Representative Tlaib has a long history of anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist comments, as well as a history of engaging in blood libel against the Jewish people. Congresswoman Tlaib has had a multitude of opportunities to apologize for her comments but has refused to do so. She deserves to be censured for these horrific comments which is why I voted against the motion to table. This motion passed the House by a vote of 222-186. · I voted “Yes” on H.Res. 559, Declaring it is the policy of the United States that a nuclear Iran is unacceptable. This resolution would officially make it U.S. policy that a nuclear Iran is unacceptable and that the United States must work proactively to prevent Iran from gaining nuclear weapons. As Iran continues to fund and support terrorism throughout the world and oppress its people, the United States must prevent Iran’s attempts at creating a nuclear weapon, especially given Ayatollah Khomeini’s vow to use it against Israel and the Jewish people. I was honored to be a cosponsor of this resolution and support its passage on the floor. This bill passed the House by a vote of 354-53. · I voted “Yes” on H.R. 340, the Hamas International Financing Prevent Action. This bill would impose sanctions on Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, the Lion’s Den, or any affiliate or successor thereof, as well as on states which provide them support. As terrorist groups continue to violently attack Israel and target civilians, the United States must do everything in its power to cutoff support for these groups. The Biden administration has been weak in enforcing sanctions against Iran and its partner and proxy groups, and we have seen the grave consequences that come with this weakness. This bill would finally impose harsher sanctions on Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and other terrorist groups in the same way that Congress imposed sanctions on Hezbollah in the past. This bill passed the House by a vote of 363-46. · I voted “Yes” on H.R. 4364, the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2024. This bill funds the Legislative Branch at $262.9 million less than in Fiscal Year 2023, and over $400 million less than the President’s budget request. This bill is a perfect example of the House Republican majority’s commitment to reining in wasteful government spending and restoring fiscal sanity to Washington. This bill abolishes the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and bans any Critical Race Theory or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion education. It also prohibits any closure of tours, except for security reasons, ensuring the people’s branch remains open and accessible to Americans. Additionally, the bill maintains the freeze on Member pay, and requires any unspent funds to be used for debt and deficit reduction. After the passage of this appropriations bill, the House of Representatives has now passed 5 of the 12 appropriations bills, while the Senate has still yet to pass any individual spending bills. House Republicans will continue working to fund the government through regular order, while cutting wasteful government spending. This bill passed the House by a vote of 214-197. · I voted “No” on H. Res. 773, Providing for the expulsion of Representative George Santos from the House of Representatives. This resolution would have expelled Representative George Santos from the House of Representatives and required a 2/3 majority to pass. While the allegations against Representative Santos are deeply concerning and potentially criminal, he has yet to be afforded the due process to which all American citizens are entitled. The House Ethics Committee and judicial system are actively investigating Congressman Santos, and Congress should not expel him until we receive the results of these investigations and prosecutions. This resolution is premature and would erode the critical due process that I swore an oath to uphold. This motion failed to pass by a vote of 179-213 Worth Fighting For — A Farm Bill that Puts NY-24 First New York’s 24th Congressional District is the beating heart of our state’s agricultural industry and I will continue to drive change in Washington to deliver results for our rural and farming communities. This year is an especially important one. As you may know, in 2023, Congress will be reauthorizing the comprehensive farm bill. Every five years, Congress drafts and passes a farm bill, which reauthorizes a variety of programs within the Department of Agriculture. That means this year, Congress has a unique opportunity to update or reform these programs to ensure they best meet your needs. In the face of the headwinds our agricultural economy has experienced in the past five years, including the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, decades-high inflation, record-high energy prices, and crippling staff shortages, it is important that we take advantage of this moment. The agriculture industry is the backbone of our region and has driven our economy for generations. The 24th Congressional District is one of the top agricultural regions in the Northeast with the 24th District being the largest dairy district in New York, Wayne County being the largest apple producing county outside of Washington State, Wyoming County being one of the top maple syrup producing regions in the nation, and the Finger Lakes region being home to countless vineyards, orchards, and other specialty crops. These enterprises are the engines of our Upstate and Western New York economy that provide jobs to local workers and fill our grocery stores and schools with nutritious local products. In recent years, this indispensable industry has suffered in the face of unfair foreign trade practices and hostile state and federal policies. Farms and agricultural producers are essential to the success of our communities and providing needed jobs and opportunities. We must do all we can to enact commonsense agricultural policies to allow our farmers and rural communities to compete in the global marketplace. I am backing a multipronged approach that advances pro-farmer agriculture policies and supports programs that allow our food industry to continue as the engine of our local economy. My plan will unleash the potential of our rural communities, push back against hostile foreign interference in our agriculture sector, and give farmers and producers the certainty and opportunities they need to succeed. READ MORE ABOUT MY AGRICULTRE PLAN HERE: NY-24 Casework Success Story Providing quality constituent services is my highest priority in Congress. I will always work to ensure the federal government works for you, not against you! A constituent reached out after we helped them with an issue: “I am extremely happy with the fast response, excellent communication and positive outcome I received in addressing the issue of a replacement veterans grave marker for my grandfather. I was told by others that it would be near impossible to obtain a replacement marker, however, with the help of Claudia Tenney and her staff it is becoming a reality. Many thanks!” If you or a family member is having a problem with any government paperwork or federal office, please reach out to my office for assistance! -------------------------------------------------------------------- Need Help with a Federal Agency? Call us today. If you or someone you know ever needs assistance with a federal agency, we are just a phone call away and are ready to help you! Please contact my Victor Office at 585-869-2060, my Oswego Office at 315-236-7088 or my Lockport Office at 716-514-5130! Thank you for the opportunity to represent you. 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 24th 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 #NY24 as we can each week. ‌ ‌ ‌ Rep. Tenney | 2349 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]