Congresswoman Tenney's Weekly Newsletter   Have questions? Contact Me Here   Ensuring Illegal Immigrants are not Reaping the Benefits of our Taxpayer-Funded Programs & Resources The Biden administration continues to advance policies that incentivize illegal immigration at the taxpayers’ expense, turning every community into a border community. Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams have only exacerbated this crisis by allowing migrants to run unchecked in New York, even using taxpayer resources to house them on public park land. That is why I voted for the Protecting Our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act of 2023 this week to put a stop to this blatant abuse of taxpayer dollars and prohibit the Biden administration from using federal funding to house illegal immigrants on federal property. I will always work to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used in a responsible manner to assist American citizens. Halting the Transfer of $6 Billion to Iran & Refusing to Fund Terrorism In September, the Biden administration made a dangerous hostage deal with Iran that put a price on every American head all over the world. Not only did President Biden’s reckless decision incentivize our foreign adversaries to take more Americans hostage in return for a payout, but it also provided Iran with additional financial resources to fund its terrorist activities worldwide. By passing the No Funds For Iranian Terrorism Act and refusing to send $6 billion to a state sponsor of terrorism, the United States sends a clear message that Iran will face consequences for its role in funding, training, and supporting terrorism, including the attack on Israel. The United States must remain steadfast in its commitment to counteracting terrorism and supporting Israel’s right to self-defense. Restoring Fiscal Responsibility in Washington for NY-24 It’s hard to find any part of a household budget that hasn't been affected by the Left’s policies. Since January 2021, ⬆️ Groceries have been up 25% ⬆️ Used car prices have climbed 35% ⬆️ Auto insurance is up by 33% ⬆️ Rent is up by 20% Democrats continues to claim “Bidenomics” is working. Yet, prices have risen by 17.1% since Biden took office, and a recent survey reported that 7 out of 10 Americans don't believe the economy is getting better. This struggling economy is a direct result of Joe Biden and extreme Democrats’ reckless spending, which House Republicans are committed to reining in. I am dedicated to continuing to work on your behalf to restore fiscal responsibility in Washington. 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 “No” on H. Res. 878, Providing for the expulsion of Representative George Santos from the United States House of Representatives. This resolution expelled Representative George Santos from the House of Representatives and required a 2/3 majority to pass. The finding of the House Ethics report on Santos reveals a pattern of lies, false statements and inappropriate use of donor funds that are unlawful and will more than likely lead to a conviction of Santos in a court of law before a jury of his peers. However, Santos has not been afforded Constitutionally guaranteed due process, which includes the right to offer a defense and to cross-examine the evidence against him, which must be provided to every citizen. Since the Civil War, only two members of the House of Representatives have been expelled, but only after being convicted of a crime or after pledging allegiance to the Confederacy. Neither of those charges applies to Santos. Two Democrats voted “No.” The hypocrisy of the Democrats voting “Yes” is glaring because Democratic members of the House, past and present, have been indicted or convicted of crimes and were not expelled. For example, former Democrat Ways and Means Committee Chair, Charlie Rangel, was found guilty of 11 counts from the Ethics Committee in 2010 and was censured, but not expelled. Democrats Jamaal Bowman, Senator Robert Menedez, Adam Schiff and others have repeatedly lied to the American people - but never faced an expulsion on the floor. Schiff knowingly advanced a hoax over years to cripple an American President and undermine the security and the integrity of the American people. In the name of consistency and transparency, I implore the Ethics Committee to take up an investigation into these glaring acts of deceit and harm to the American people. This premature and politically charged action erodes due process, which all members of Congress and public office holders have taken an oath to uphold. This motion was passed by a vote of 311-114, with two members voting present. I voted “Yes” on H.R. 5283, the Protecting our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act of 2023. While Biden’s border crisis continues to be exacerbated by willful inaction from Democrats in Washington, the Biden Administration and Mayor Adams have now decided to house migrants on parkland such as the Floyd Bennet Field in the New York City Gateway National Recreation Area, ending community access in order to make way for a tent city. In response, House Republicans continue to advance legislation to secure the border, protect our communities, and in this case, ensure that failed border polices don’t result in our parkland being used as housing grounds for illegal immigrant overflow. H.R. 5283 protects local communities and our parks from Biden’s border crisis by prohibiting taxpayer dollars from being used to house illegal immigrants on federal lands owned by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management. It also revokes a Department of Interior lease located at the “Floyd Bennett Field, in the Jamaica Bay Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area” in New York City to return this important park to community use. It is time the Biden Administration finally works with Congressional Republicans to address the president’s border crisis, but in the meantime, it is essential we protect the American people from paying the price for this willful incompetence. H.R. 5283 passed the House by a vote of 224-203, with 1 member voting present. I voted “Yes” on H.R. 5961, the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act. In September 2023, the Biden Administration finalized negotiations to unfreeze $6B in Iranian financial assets, which Iran would inevitably use for terrorism and the oppression of its people. Despite claims by President Biden to the contrary, money is fungible, and these funds could easily be used for any malevolent purpose. Iran financially backs terrorist proxies and partners in the region, such as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command. H.R. 5961 would effectively freeze the $6B of Iranian funds by imposing immediate sanctions on financial institutions attempting to engage in transactions with these funds. Further, this bill would prevent the Biden Administration from waiving these important sanctions on Iran. For years, I have sounded the alarm about the danger posed by Iran, and yet the Biden Administration has given the regime billions in the form of sanctions relief and lack of enforcement. I wholeheartedly support H.R. 5961 and will continue pushing back on the Biden Administration’s pro-Iran agenda. This bill passed the House by a vote of 307-119, with 1 member voting present. I voted “Yes” on H.Res. 793, Calling on Hamas to immediately release hostages taken during October 2023 attack on Israel. H.Res. 793 condemns Hamas in the strongest terms for its brutal attack on Israel and hostage-taking, which violates international law. On October 7, the world watched in horror as Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists brutalized, tortured, kidnapped, raped, and killed Israeli civilians. Over 200 Israelis were kidnapped, including dozens of Americans. This resolution makes it clear that the United States will not tolerate Hamas kidnapping innocent civilians. H.Res. 793 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 414-0. I voted “Yes” on H.Res. 888, Reaffirming the State of Israel’s right to exist. H.Res. 888 unequivocally supports Israel’s right to exist and recognizes that denying Israel’s right to exist is anti-Semitism. On October 7, the world watched in horror as Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists brutalized, tortured, kidnapped, raped, and killed Israeli civilians. Over 1,400 Israelis and over 30 Americans have been killed. The United States must unequivocally support Israel’s right to exist and continue to back Israel as it works to defend itself against radical Palestinian terrorism. H.Res. 888 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 412-1 with 1 member voting present. Advocating for the Residents of Bethany Ensuring that communities in rural America have reliable access to water is a top priority for our office, and the small farms and families in Bethany are no exception. Earlier this year, I submitted multiple applications for water infrastructure projects through the FY-24 Community Project Funding program, one specifically for Genesee County. I will continue to work tirelessly to implement lasting solutions to ensure that our rural communities in NY-24 have consistent access to water. Introducing Legislation To Officially Recognize Veteran Suicide Awareness Flag Every year, thousands of veterans tragically die by suicide, making it imperative we raise awareness around this important issue and dismantle the barriers preventing our brave servicemembers from seeking help. I joined a group of my colleagues in introducing a House Resolution to officially recognize the Suicide Awareness and Remembrance (SAR) flag and designate the flag as the nation’s symbol to raise awareness of military and veteran suicide and honor the lives and service of those servicemembers and veterans who have died by suicide. By designating the SAR flag as a national symbol of this crisis, we take a significant step towards eliminating the stigma associated with seeking help, bringing us closer to resolving military and veteran suicide. Worth Fighting For — America First Foreign Policy In the Middle East Over the past two and a half years, the Biden administration’s terrible foreign policy has brought U.S. leadership on the international stage to an all-time low. As the mother of a Marine officer and former member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I understand the importance of American leadership in the Middle East during these turbulent times. I am working to hold the Islamic Republic of Iran accountable for the oppression of its people, its support for global terrorism, and the expansion of its nuclear program. This includes urging President Biden to take action against Iran for its involvement in funding, training, and supporting an attack on Israel by the Iran-backed terror groups Hamas and Hezbollah. The United States must support our strongest ally in the Middle East, Israel, and its unequivocal right to defend itself and pursue justice for the Israeli and American citizens harmed by Palestinian leadership. I am working strengthen our national security while assisting Israel in defeating terrorist organizations that seek to kill as many Jews as possible. READ MORE: My America First Foreign Policy Plan Ensure a Seamless Journey to Your Holiday Festivities! The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, full of family, friends, and travel. To ensure you make it to your festivities in time, be sure to check your passports before you head on your merry way! My office has helped over 125 constituents with their passports this year and is ready to help you as well! Please contact any of our district offices in Oswego, Victor, or Lockport if you need assistance with an expired passport! Lockport Office: 169 Niagara St, Lockport, NY, 14094 716-514-5130 Victor Office: 7171 Pittsford-Victor Rd, Suite 210, Victor, NY 14564 585-869-2060 Oswego Office: 46 E Bridge St, Suite 102, Oswego, NY 13126 315-236-7088 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! I am honored to have 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.     tenney.house.gov Rep. Tenney | 2349 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]