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...

Our office is saddened by the recent passing of our Veterans' Roundtable member Lee Covino. Lee was a true American patriot who dedicated his entire life to service of others, and I know I speak for our entire community and city when I say his commitment to fighting for our nations veterans was extremely appreciated.

In addition to commemorating Lee's life and legacy on the House Floor, we also honored our nation's veterans at Memorial Day parades across Staten Island and Southern Brooklyn. We are grateful to all who've served and sacrificed to keep our nation free and secure!

Our office was pleased to announce $750,000 for Lifestyles for the Disabled, a disability services and support organization on Staten Island. Lifestyles will use the funding to purchase new mobile trainings sites in the Green Houses Program and make their facilities more ADA-compliant. Over 400 families in our community benefit from the workforce training provided by this great organization and I’m proud to support their work to empower those with developmental disabilities to reach their full potential.

One of the greatest honors I have as Congresswoman is nominating impressive students from Staten Island and Southern Brooklyn for our country's service academy On June 6, my office will be hosting an information night for students, parents, and educators who are interested in learning about the service academy application process, requirements, and congressional nominations. If you know a student who's eager to serve our country by pursuing higher education at a U.S. Service Academy, make sure they attend this event!

I joined a bipartisan group of Staten Island elected officials in writing to the city expressing concerns over recent reports that constituents were unable to reach emergency service call centers after bystanders discovered an unconscious individual on a sidewalk in New Dorp Beach. Despite multiple rings and several callback attempts, the bystanders could not connect with a 911 operator on a seemingly routine Monday night when no other significant events were occurring. Ensuring safety and access to emergency services will always be a top priority!

NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

In honor of National Police Week, our office announced $2.2 million for the NYPD to purchase new personal protective equipment, belt-worn trauma kits and replace out-of-date tasers. I believe having this critical equipment will significantly increase the number of lives saved in emergency situations and help keep our officers safe while on duty.

I was also privileged to welcome Staten Island constituents and family of Lt. Maureen Gill-Donohue to the capitol for a candlelight vigil to honor the lives of our nation's fallen law enforcement officers. Lt. Gill-Donohue sadly passed away in December 2022 after a long battle with ovarian cancer brought on by the harmful chemicals she was exposed to at Ground Zero after the September 11 terrorist attacks. We are forever grateful for the sacrifice Lt. Gill-Donohue made for our community and country.

FIGHTING FOR 9/11 VICTIMS & FAMILIES

I was proud to join Reps. Mike Lawler, Josh Gottheimer, and Dan Goldman, in introducing bipartisan legislation to correct the structure of the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund to ensure the widows, children and family members of victims of state sponsored terrorism continue to receive the funding they deserve. I am proud to continue my work on behalf of victims of terrorism, and although financial compensation cannot bring their loved ones back, families in my district and across the country can begin to rebuild their lives with the funds they are entitled to through their judgments. 

IMPROVING AIRLINE SAFETY & PROTECTING AMERICAN JOBS

The House passed the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act that included provisions I cosponsored to improve airline maintenance and safety standards and protect American jobs. Our legislation will stop the bleeding of American maintenance jobs to foreign countries like China, and give passengers and flight crews peace of mind, knowing the best practices and safety standards are being met to ensure the highest level of safety and reliability on every flight.

INCREASING ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

In honor of Mental Health Awarness Month, I've introduced several bipartisan bills to increase the number of available psychiatric beds, expand access to Telehealth services and remove barriers to receiving mental health treatment.

The utilization of telehealth services has only increased since the pandemic, and now, in a post-pandemic world where more than 20% of Americans, including more than three million New Yorkers, are battling mental health issues, we should be doing everything we can to continue expanding access to this critical care.

BRINGING OUR SUPPLY CHAINS HOME

I joined a bipartisan group in introducing legislation that would leverage tax credits to facilitate a rapid movement of critical U.S. supply chains to Puerto Rico from less desirable and unreliable locations such as China. With 80% of our active pharmaceutical ingredients being manufactured overseas, Congress must prioritize bringing our supply chains home to not only reduce our reliance on foreign nations and protect Americans from life-threatening drug shortages, but allow us more control over production processes and quality standards, and more opportunities to invest in and manufacture materials for the pharmaceutical, semiconductor and aerospace sectors.

CRACKING DOWN ON FOREIGN ELECTION INTERFERENCE

The House Committee on Ways & Means approved my legislation to prohibit foreign nationals from using tax-exempt organizations to funnel millions of dollars into our political campaigns. I'm pleased to see the Committee advance my bill so we can prevent adversaries from exploiting our democratic processes and safeguard our political system.

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