A Message from Gabe:

Greetings Rhode Islanders,

This week, we took an exciting step forward for Rhode Island, our blue economy, and our efforts to combat climate change. I was proud to join federal and state leaders as we broke ground on a new National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Operations Center at Naval Station Newport.

Congressman Gabe Amo celebrates the groundbreaking of the new NOAA Marine Operations Center with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Secretary Gina Raimondo, and Governor Dan McKee

However, this isn’t just any ordinary project — it’s a $146.7 million investment in our local community made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act and President Joe Biden's "Investing in America" agenda. This new facility is expected to be completed in 2027 and bring hundreds of good-paying jobs to Rhode Island. I also look forward to its future role in helping coordinate NOAA's fleet of research and survey ships — from large oceanographic vessels to smaller ships responsible for charting the shallow bays and inlets of U.S. waters.

The work to construct and staff NOAA's Marine Operations Center-Atlantic on Naval Station Newport will be a massive jobs and economy boon for years to come. It will improve both our national security and our non-military operations.

As we eagerly await the ribbon-cutting for NOAA's growing footprint in the Ocean State, I'm particularly grateful for the leadership of Senator Jack Reed, the Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, who was instrumental in relocating this facility to Rhode Island. His vision, along the vision of our colleagues and partners, is a key driver of our investments in climate-resilient infrastructure and our effort to help Rhode Island fight against the effects of climate change.

Sincerely,

Gabe Amo

Member of Congress

Do you support federal funding to invest in Rhode Island's Blue Economy?

Connecting Rhode Island & Washington

On Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris announced a new $5.5 billion funding initiative to enhance affordable housing and address homelessness in America. Benefiting 1,200 communities through grants to states, cities, and local organizations, this initiative supplements a larger effort by the Administration to reduce costs and increase housing supply by supporting various Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs  Key priorities include building and preserving affordable homes, supporting renters and homeowners, and investing in community resilience and growth. The funding will also provide flexible resources to meet local housing needs, create jobs, and improve public facilities across the country.

The Social Security Board of Trustees recently released their 2024 annual report, and it found that Congress has just over a decade to shore up the program's finances before its essential promise to seniors is slashed for beneficiaries. We cannot allow this to happen. That is why am a proud cosponsor of the Social Security 2100 Act (H.R. 4583), a bill introduced by Representative John Larson (D-CT) that expands benefits expands the earned benefits of the program so our seniors can keep up with their expense today and well into the future. As your voice in Congress, I will never stop fighting for the dignity in retirement that our seniors deserve.

A Look Back At Last Week

My work to help our veterans is inspired by their stories of sacrifice and selfless service. We should always be thankful. Proud to have joined Honor Flight Rhode Island on Monday morning to speak with them on the work I am doing in Congress as they held a send-off ceremony for our community’s veterans before boarding their flight to DC!

Congrats to Rabbi Sarah Mack on celebrating 20 years at Temple Beth-El! Her work within both the Jewish community and with Rhode Islanders of different faiths and backgrounds is so important. I am proud to advance these efforts in Congress through initiatives to combat antisemitism.

In Congress, I am working to expand the Child Tax Credit & cap out-of-pocket costs so parents and children can thrive. Childcare is not just a family issue, it’s a workforce issue. I was honored to speak about these efforts as I joined advocates and colleagues at Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Annual Factbook Breakfast.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our office, Ambassador Cho! I greatly enjoyed our robust discussion on how the United States and the Republic of Korea can closely collaborate as we meet the moment and address the global challenges we face. I am committed to supporting the ties between the U.S. and Korea through my work in Congress.

Great meeting with a bipartisan delegation of Labour and Conservative Members of Parliament. Our Special Relationship remains special due to shared values that cross aisles and ponds. Proud to stand with our allies in Congress as we further cement the United States and Great Britain's economic & diplomatic relations.

This week I participated in a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing that focused on efforts to outcompete China’s Belt and Road Initiative. During the hearing, I asked how we can best use congressionally-appropriated funds to increase private investment in Ukraine and bolster its economy. I also asked how the U.S. can support countries like Ghana as they seek to end their reliance on coercive loans through China's Belt and Road initiative. You can watch my full hearing remarks HERE

Congressional Art Competition Winner

Today, I announced the winner of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition for Rhode Island’s First Congressional District, Burnout (Self-Portrait) by Vivian Wen. A 10th grade student at Barrington High School, Ms. Wen’s submission was selected by a panel of three local judges out of all the artwork received.

The winning submission, "Burnout (Self-Portrait)" by Vivian Wen, a 10th grade student at Barrington High School

In Rhode Island, we are proud to have a strong community of artists and creative visionaries who contribute their skills every single day. This year’s winning submission by Vivian Wen is a fantastic reflection of the talent that our district is blessed with, and I look forward to seeing this piece on display in the U.S. Capitol.

Thank you to all the students, parents, teachers, and schools that participated and I look forward to seeing what these young artists accomplish in next year's competition.

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