Newsletter: Upcoming Town Hall, Section 8 Housing, American Climate Corps Applications, and more

A Message from the Office of Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez

To our Neighbors in NY-14,

Earlier this year, we celebrated delivering $12 million to The Bronx and Queens for community projects. This month, we officially submitted requests for funding to support an additional 15 projects in the district. The proposed projects include investments in violence interruption, green infrastructure to mitigate flooding, youth literacy programming in the South Bronx, and more. Learn more about the projects here.

Bringing these federal funds back to The Bronx and Queens has a tangible impact on our communities. Just last week, we visited GrowNYC, which provides fresh food access to NYC residents by delivering produce to over 300 community organizations from more than 60 local farms. Earlier this year, our office secured $1 million for GrowNYC’s new food warehouse in Hunts Point. We are so excited for the grand opening of this new location in The Bronx and the accessibility to fresh foods it will bring.

Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez visited the GrowNYC Regional Food Hub in Hunts Point last week.

Over the long weekend, Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez gathered in Queens to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives to defense our nation. These soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice for all Americans — even those they never met, disagreed with, or who weren’t born yet. Their sacrifice is a gift to all of us — one that demands our utmost respect and care, not just on Memorial Day, but every day.

Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez gathers in Queens to honor our Veterans on Memorial Day.

We have also been working on legislation in Washington. We recently introduced the DEFIANCE Act with Senator Dick Durbin. About 96% of all AI deepfake videos generated online are *nonconsensual* pornography. Virtually all of it — 99% — targets a woman without her consent. This content is designed to humiliate victims, strip people of their agency, destroy reputations, and haunt victims for the rest of their lives. No American should live in fear of being targeted by it. That's why we've introduced the DEFIANCE Act — to empower survivors of AI porn and help them start fighting back.

Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez explains why we need the DEFIANCE Act.

Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez also recognized Rear Admiral and SUNY Maritime College President Michael A. Alfultis on the House Floor for his years of service and to celebrate his retirement. We thank President Alfutis for his dedicated service to our country, academic institutions, and community. His leadership and contributions have been invaluable.

Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez gives a speech on the House Floor recognizing SUNY Maritime College President.

We'll be discussing more legislative updates and happenings in The Bronx and Queens at our town hall in Parkchester this Thursday at 6 p.m. Spanish and ASL interpretation will be available, in addition to CART open captions. Register here to join us in person, or join us virtually at @RepAOC on YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter.

We've included more updates below, including information about Section 8 housing in NYC and how to join the American Climate Corps. As always, please do not hesitate to contact our office if you need help with federal issues or other concerns. You can reach us online or by phone at 718-662-5970.

In service,

The Office of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

How the Government Can Help You

Join the American Climate Corps! The Climate Corps is a program where young people can roll up their sleeves and make a real difference in the fight against climate change — and get paid to do it. Initially, our office introduced the Civilian Climate Corps for Jobs and Justice Act with Senator Markey. Our legislation allowed us to push the Biden administration to introduce a similar program. And now, hundreds of jobs are open at acc.gov. Apply today to work on projects that promote sustainability, renewable energy, and environmental justice.

The New York City Housing Authority is reopening the waitlist for its Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). The Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as Section 8, provides rental subsidies for eligible low-income families to rent decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. The application for the waitlist will be available online at on.nyc.gov/section8-application from Monday, June 3, 2024, at 12:00 am through Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 11:59 pm.

Stay safe ahead of hurricane season. Hurricane season starts on June 1st and lasts through November 30th. Download Notify NYC to receive local emergency alerts, and check out ready.gov to make sure you’re prepared in the event of a hurricane.

Check your passport expiration date ahead of international travel this summer. Many countries will not accept a passport within six months of its expiration date, so it's important to double-check to ensure smooth travel. Learn more about passport renewals and processing times here.