A Message from Gabe:

Greetings Rhode Islanders,

With Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day on April 24th, I wanted to take a moment to recognize this solemn anniversary means to me.

From 1915 to 1923, nearly 1.5 million ethnic Armenians — men, women, and children alike — were systematically massacred at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. This genocide is widely recognized as the first genocide of the 20th century. After decades of silence, The House of Representatives properly recognized these events in the 116th Congress by passing H.Res.296. The impact of this history is still felt more than a century later.

Here in Rhode Island, we are blessed to have a thriving Armenian-American community that many can trace its roots back to those who fled the brutal reign of terror. It is why, I stand in solidarity as the Armenian people seek justice for both the horrors of the Armenian genocide and the recent campaign of ethnic cleansing carried out by Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh. We must send a clear message to the Government of Azerbaijan and our partners around the globe that the United States will not stand for unprovoked attacks on the Armenian people, which is why I was proud to co-lead bipartisan legislation to stop military aid to Azerbaijan as one of my first pieces of legislation.

Congress has a duty to promote democracy and uphold human rights around the world. I will continue to steadfastly defend our allies around the world while staunchly advocating for peace.

Sincerely,

Gabe Amo

Member of Congress

Should Congress stand for democracy and human rights abroad?

Connecting Rhode Island & Washington

To help residents and communities recover from the devasting floods earlier this year Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation pushed for a federal disaster declaration. Thank you President Biden for heeding our calls. As a result of this advocacy, FEMA recently announced that federal disaster relief is now available for those who were affected by severe storms and flooding from January 9-13 of this year in Kent, Newport, Providence, and Washington counties. Individuals and business owners in the designated areas can begin applying for relief by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App.

You should know that tax relief is available for individuals and businesses in Kent, Newport, Providence and Washington counties that were affected by severe storms and flooding that began on December 17, 2023, and January 9, 2024. Affected individuals and businesses have until July 15, 2024, to file returns and pay any taxes that were originally due during this period. The July 15, 2024, deadline applies to individual income tax returns and payments normally due on April 15, 2024.

Information on the Federal Student Aid Programs

Federal financial aid can help students pay for certain educational expenses at institutions of higher education or career technical schools.

To receive this federal support, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to apply for this aid.
 
These forms can be complicated, and I understand there have been challenges with the new FAFSA form. It is why I joined our Congressional delegation in pushing the Department of Education to address the issues that have frustrated many Rhode Island parents and students.

You can find additional information here or call our Pawtucket office at (401) 729-5600.

2024 Congressional Art Competition

I am excited to announce that I am now accepting submissions for the 2024 Congressional Art Competition!

Our state’s arts community is second to none. This competition offers young Rhode Island artists the opportunity to display their skills and earn recognition for their hard work. The 1st place winner of our competition will have their artwork proudly displayed in the Halls of Congress for all visitors to see.

High school students residing in Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District should talk to their art teachers and complete the registration form here. The deadline to submit artwork to our office is Friday, May 3rd, at 5:00 PM. Artwork will be accepted Monday - Friday between the hours of 9:30AM - 5:00PM at our District office at: 1070 Main Street, Suite 300, Pawtucket, RI 02860.

For more information visit our website and if you have any questions, please call us at
(401) 729-5600.

I am looking forward to seeing the submissions this year!

Connecting with Rhode Islanders

North Smithfield High School goes to Washington! Always love engaging with students from Rhode Island on my work in Congress when they’re visiting our nation’s capital — Go NSHS Northmen!

Today, spoke with Rhode Island Optometric Association about how our state provides high-quality eye care for those who need it. I look forward to working together on improving RI’s eye care system while lowering costs for patients.

Appreciated the opportunity to speak about supporting our Veterans at the 89th convention of the Rhode Island chapter of the Disabled American Veterans. Our veterans sacrificed so much to safeguard the freedoms we value & enjoy, and it’s our obligation to ensure they get the support they deserve.

Wonderful conversation with members of the RI Developmental Disabilities Council! I’m proud to support bills that will improve equity and enable the DD community to live fulfilling lives by earning wages and getting married without severe financial penalties.

Great meeting with Ranking Member Gregory Meeks of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Rep. Steven Horsford, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, and the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virgina E. Palmer to discuss the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which offers duty-free access for more than 6,000 Ghanaian products into the U.S.

Great to see the hard work of partners across government at the RI State Offices Community Fair, bringing our state agencies & services directly to RIers. My office in Pawtucket can help you navigate federal government programs & departments, so give us a call at (401) 729-5600!

Committee Corner

This week, as the House of Representatives considers a long-overdue national security package, I asked witnesses in House Foreign Affairs Subcommittees on the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and Europe about the need to stand strong against Russian and Iranian aggression. 
You can find my full remarks here. 

If you need help with personal casework: Contact the district office in Pawtucket: 1070 Main Street, Suite 300 Pawtucket, RI 02860 Phone: (401) 729-5600 Fax: (401) 729-5608

If you need help with legislative issues: Contact the Washington, D.C. office: 2233 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-4911 Fax: (202) 225-3290