Congresswoman Tenney's Weekly Newsletter   Have questions? Contact Me Here   President Biden MUST Immediately Close our Borders The number one issue voiced to me while I travel around our community is the Biden administration's failure to address the migrant crisis at our borders. Since Biden took office, there have been over 8.7 million illegal crossings nationwide. Of these 8.7 million, 7.4 million have been released into our country with no way to track their movements. This has cost taxpayers BILLIONS. Here is the math to prove it: Estimated cost of each illegal immigrant to the taxpayer: $8,776 per year. Number of illegal immigrants released into our county: 7.4 million. Total: $65 billion. With many families barely able to afford the skyrocketing cost of living thanks to Biden's reckless economic policies, it's unacceptable to burden Americans with the responsibility of funding these illegal immigrants. President Biden must immediately close our borders and get this crisis under control. It's Time to End the Left's Oppressive EV Mandate Joe Biden and his far-left administration continue to push their Green New Deal Agenda on hard-working Americans, trying to dictate what you can use to cook your food, heat your home, and what car you can drive. Under his administration's recent EV Mandate, Biden proved that he would rather force American families to buy unreliable and expensive electric vehicles than allow families to choose the best car or truck for their needs, businesses, and farms at an affordable price. The lack of vehicle charging infrastructure in many parts of the country, especially rural areas like NY-24, makes electric vehicles impractical for many Americans. That's why I recently sent a letter alongside 130 of my colleagues urging the Biden administration to immediately withdraw the proposed rule to attempt to replace liquid fuels and combustion engines with unreliable and unaffordable electric vehicle. READ MORE: 130+ House, Senate Republicans join forces in opposition of Biden's upcoming EV mandate Congress MUST Recognize the Rightful Name of Judea and Samaria The Israeli people have an undeniable and indisputable historical and legal claim over Judea and Samaria, and at this critical moment in history, the United States must reaffirm this. The term Judea and Samaria dates back millennia to the ancient Kingdoms of Judah and Samaria. In 1967, after Israel’s Arab neighbors launched the Six-Day War, Israel reclaimed Judea and Samaria from Jordan. The term “West Bank” is used to delegitimize Israel’s historical claim to this land. In November 2019, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the United States would formally recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and Judea and Samaria. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently reversed this position, stating the Biden administration's disappointment in Israel's recent decision to expand its settlements in the region. This misguided decision by the Biden administration to undermines our greatest ally in the Middle East. I introduced the RECOGNIZING Judea and Samaria Act this week to require all U.S. legal documents to use the rightful term "Judea and Samaria" to refer to this territory instead of the "West Bank." This bill reaffirms Israel's rightful claim to its territory. I remain committed to defending the integrity of the Jewish state and fully supporting Israel's sovereignty over Judea and Samaria. 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. 7463, Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2024 (FY24). Over the past few months House Republicans have been deep in negotiation with Senate Democrats to fund the federal government for the remainder of the 2024 fiscal year and to undo many of the harmful Biden Administration’s policies that are harming our nation. However, even though Congress is close to a finalized deal, it will most likely still take a week to draft text and current funding for many federal agencies expire on Friday March 1st. In response this bill avoids a short-term government shutdown by extending funding for the USDA, FDA, HUD, Veterans Affairs, and the US DOT thought March 8th and extending the remaining government departments though March 22nd. In addition to these funding extensions, this bill also blocks the Biden Administrations unilateral and costly Pell Grant expansion to 280,000 new borrowers, saving taxpayers billions of dollars. My hope is Congress can soon release text for a FY24 funding deal that can secure much needed wins for the American people. This bill passed the House by a vote of 320-99. I voted “Yes” on H.R. 7102, the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act. For years, the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Native American Affairs has worked to advance small businesses run by members of Indian tribes and to promote economic development in Indian country. However, it has not yet been authorized by Congress. To address this, H.R. 7102 brings the office under congressional control and requires it to be overseen by an existing SBA function. These reforms will allow this office to continue to do its work under adequate oversight, ensuring it is achieving its mission while responsibly using taxpayer resources. H.R. 7102 passed the House by a vote of 402-16. I voted “Yes” on H.R. 7454, the Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2024. H.R. 7454 extends various expiring Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs and authorizations until May 10, 2024. This will ensure our local airports have the funds they need to improve and grow, while keeping our airspace safe. In addition, H.R. 7454 gives Congress more time to negotiate a long-term extension of these authorities so we can improve air travel and innovation for years to come. H.R. 7454 passed the House by a vote of 401-19. I voted “Yes” on H.R. 4984, the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act. This bill would transfer the jurisdiction of RFK stadium, which is currently controlled by the National Park Service, to the District of Columbia government. This allows Washington, DC to revitalize this land for economic growth, and saves the federal government thousands of dollars in environmental and maintenance costs. Importantly, this bill also prohibits any federal funds from being used to build another stadium on this land. This bill passed the House by a vote of 348-55. I voted “Yes” on H.R. 6544, the Atomic Energy Advancement Act. This bill would reform to current regulations set forth by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to accelerate growth in the nuclear energy industry as a clean, reliable, and affordable source of power. For far too long the construction of new nuclear reactors and new nuclear technologies have been held up in red tape, resulting in billions in extra costs and countless canceled projects. This is even though nuclear power is one of the safest and most reliable sources of power known to humankind. In response to these challenges, the bill will update the NRC’s mission statement to state that it cannot unnecessarily limit the potential of nuclear energy to improve the general welfare, give the NRC direct hiring authority to help expand the nuclear workforce, lower annual fees for advanced nuclear reactor license applications, and establish a pilot program for nuclear power purchase agreements. Additionally, the bill will include policies designed to expedite the approval of construction and operation permits needed for nuclear reactors. Finally, the bill will allow the NRC to deny licenses based on whether covered fuel is sourced from China or Russia, as well as lift the prohibition on licensing nuclear reactors to foreign individuals, corporations, or governments—in select circumstances. These reforms will help create a stronger and more innovative American nuclear industry that can benefit both current and future Americans with clean and reliable power. This bill passed the House by a vote of 365-36 with 1 voting present. Launching the Community Project Funding Process for FY25 This picture is from one of the fifteen FY24 CPF Projects our team submitted and advocated for. This project in Genesee County would promote water conservation and improve drinking water quality. As we anticipate the upcoming Community Project Funding Process for Fiscal Year 2025, I'd like to offer an update on the state of our appropriations process. As Congress continues to work finalizing appropriations for the remainder of FY24, we would like to invite our localities and non-profits in New York's 24th Congressional District to start organizing their requests for the FY25 appropriations cycle. While we do not yet have updated guidance from the House Appropriations Committee regarding the deadlines for the FY25 CPF process, we expect everything to move quickly once dates are announced. As a result, we are asking all organizations interested in applying for FY25 CPF funds to fill the form here to start organizing potential projects and keep updated with all developments. The upcoming FY25 CPF process is an important opportunity for members of Congress to advocate for high-priority community projects in New York’s 24th District. Instead of relying on bureaucrats to make critical funding decisions, this process provides transparency, accountability, and rigorous oversight with congressional input. All CPF applications supported by our office must meet rigorous eligibility requirements, as outlined in the appropriations guidance. Additionally, applicants must exhibit robust community backing for projects and present a clear strategy using the funds in a timely manner. Our office collaborates with all grantees throughout the process to vet requests and ensure allocated funds are utilized responsibly and for their intended purpose. The CPF process is targeted and limited; it has historically been capped at .5% of federal spending and 15 submissions per member. It is therefore important that you put together the strongest possible application for funding. Local elected officials and non-profits planning on submitting applications for projects should fill out this form to signal their interest. After signing up, interested organizations will be updated when guidance for the FY25 CPF process is released, and the formal application window opens. Please contact my office at 202-225-3665 with questions, we are here to assist you! Introducing the Ensuring States Support Law Enforcement Act Illegal immigrants have swarmed our state, causing chaos in our streets. Yet, current state law does not allow the DMV to share critical records with Customs and Border Patrol agents, making it nearly impossible to track down dangerous criminals. I recently hosted multiple law enforcement roundtables, where I met with local CBP agents and police officers. One of the top issues they shared with me was this inability to cross-check and share information across law enforcement agencies. I introduced the Ensuring States Support Law Enforcement Act this week as a solution to the problems outlined by local law enforcement by promoting cooperation among the multiple levels of law enforcement. I will continue to ensure the brave men and women dedicated to protecting our communities have the resources and information they need to do their jobs effectively and safely. Are you or a talented high schooler you know an aspiring artist in #NY24? Here's a fantastic opportunity! Sign up for the 2024 Congressional Art Contest for a chance to have your masterpiece displayed in the prestigious halls of the Capitol! Since 1982, high school students from across the country have been invited by members of the U.S. House of Representatives to participate in this nationwide art competition. This contest has provided a platform for over 10,000 works of art to be exhibited and celebrated. The winning artwork will be displayed in the United States Capitol for an entire year, offering unparalleled exposure. Additionally, the winner will be given an exciting opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to witness their masterpiece showcased at the Capitol. Southwest Airlines is donating two round-trip tickets for the winner and a guest to attend this year's celebration on June 27, 2024. All submissions must be delivered to one of MY district offices by the close of business on Friday, April 19, 2024. For additional information about the competition, including guidelines and student release forms required to participate, please visit the official competition page here. 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]