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 Urges Support For Local Small Businesses This Holiday Season Yesterday was Small Business Saturday, a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. Andrew knows that small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. They are job creators and they ensure Long Island can continue to thrive and grow. He encourages all in NY-02 to shop small and shop local this holiday season to support our small business community. ANDREW IN THE NEWS We must act to end veteran suicide By Rep. Andrew Garbarino " We must always remember that freedom is not free. Our service members put themselves in harm’s way to keep America safe, and some of them do not come home. Those who do often face challenges when returning to civilian life, including physical and mental health challenges. Suicide rates among veterans are 1.5 times higher, on average, than among those who have not served in the military. That is an unacceptable reality, and one that we must actively work to change. The horrors of war can leave scars that are invisible, but no less real than physical injury... the lack of data about why veteran suicide rates are so high, impedes efforts to make a meaningful impact in reducing their number. Suicide is a serious public health problem, but it is also preventable. We need more information, so that we can learn the warning signs and better help our veterans with the resources and support they need when they return home. I recently reintroduced the Veteran Suicide Prevention Act, bipartisan legislation I am leading with Congressman Derek Kilmer, from Washington, which would help us shine a light on veteran suicide...We can never repay our veterans or their families for their service and sacrifice, but we must do all we can to show our thanks and appreciation. Whether it’s access to health care, mental health resources, job resources, or other areas of support, they deserve the very best we can offer them. " Read the full op-ed here. WHAT'S NEW IN NY-02 Andrew Calls For The Release Of Hamas Hostages This week, Andrew joined with the American Jewish Committee (AJC), local leaders and Natalie Sanandaji, a Long Islander who survived the October 7th attack by Hamas at the Nova Music Festival, to call for the release of all hostages being held by Hamas. One such hostage is Omer Neutra, a 22-year-old from Plainview. In October Hamas committed the worst atrocities against the Jewish people since the Holocaust and they continue to attack Israel and hold civilians hostage, including Americans. Andrew will continue to stand by Israel in their fight against Hamas and pray for the safe return of all hostages. CASEWORK HIGHLIGHT: Securing Disability Benefits A Sayville resident contacted Andrew's office for assistance after the Social Security Administration (SSA) stopped his disability payments. The constituent undergoes regular treatments for a chronic illness and, as a result, is only able to maintain part-time employment with income well below the SSA threshold. The SSA miscalculated his income which resulted in the halting of his disability payments, causing financial hardship. Andrew's office reached out to the SSA, cleared up the discrepancy, and ensured disability benefits were resumed. 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 from 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. KEEPING UP WITH CONGRESS Andrew Helps Introduce Bill To Strengthen Border Security Our open borders pose a national security and public safety threat. That's why Andrew helped introduce H.R.6391, bipartisan legislation to require the Department of Homeland Security to develop a comprehensive plan to identify, deploy, and integrate emerging technologies to achieve greater situational awareness along the northern and southern borders of the United States. The legislation was referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security, of which Andrew is a Member. Andrew is committed to securing our border and ensuring border patrol has the tools they need to effectively do their jobs. 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]