My friend,

Here's a quick update on what I've been working on during a busy few weeks in Washington, DC, Staten Island and Southern Brooklyn...

Following the arrest of hundreds of migrants for murder, stabbings, robberies, and the assault of multiple police officers, I joined Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and a bipartisan group of colleagues in calling on Mayor Adams and the City Council to overturn de Blasio-era laws and restore NYPD cooperation with ICE. Those who enter our country illegally and then proceed to commit crimes in our city should be arrested, detained, deported immediately, and have any future immigration applications denied. 

The New York State Court of Appeals has affirmed the State Supreme Court's decision striking down noncitizen voting in New York City elections. I was proud to join local colleagues in leading the lawsuit against this reckless idea. The right to vote is a sacred right given only to United States citizens and it's my hope that left wing lawmakers stop pushing these unconstitutional and reckless measures that dilute the voices of American citizens.

This week I testified at an MTA hearing to reiterate our community's strong opposition to New York City's congestion pricing scheme that unfairly targets outer-borough commuters.

You can add your voice by submitting a written comment via email to [email protected], or online by March 11.

Our office will begin accepting applicants for the 2024 Congressional Art Competition which is open to all high school students in New York's 11th Congressional District. Visit my website to learn more about this year's rule and submission deadlines.

COMBATTING ANTISEMITISM ON CAMPUSES

Our universities should be safe places for ideological debate, fostering academic thought and promoting diversity - not a laboratory for professors and university leadership to brainwash students into spewing hateful rhetoric against the Jewish people. That's why I introduced two pieces of legislation to hold these institutions accountable and create a safer academic environment for all students, regardless of their gender, race or religion.

HONORING USCG CAPT. ZEITA MERCHANT

In honor of Black History Month, I took to the House Floor to honor U.S. Coast Guard Captain Zeita Merchant, Commander of the Port of New York on Staten Island, who will be making history by becoming the highest-ranking African American woman in USCG's 233-year history.

I admire Capt. Merchant’s dedication & commitment to protecting New York City’s waters, and she will be truly missed by our entire community. She will continue to make us proud when she assumes her new role as Rear Admiral in Washington, DC this April!

FIGHTING RISING CHECK THEFT & FRAUD

Staten Island and Southern Brooklyn residents have been the victims of stolen tax refunds to the tune of more than $1 million. At our Ways and Means Committee hearing with IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, I requested the IRS work with the U.S. Department of Treasury and Congress to address this issue so hardworking taxpaying Americans are not subject to fraud.

Washington DC Office

351 Cannon House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

(202) 225-3371

Staten Island Office

1698 Victory Blvd

Suite 2L

Staten Island, NY 10314

(718) 568-2870