A Message from Gabe:

Greetings Rhode Islanders,

Few acronyms are as impactful on our national security as N-D-A-A, which stands for the National Defense Authorization Act. This is the budget plan for our armed forces. It is the primary way we support our service men and woman, safeguard our national security, and ensure our military is prepared for the threats we face.

Traditionally, the defense authorization bill includes several measures that help support those who serve. The very bipartisan bill that passed out of the House Armed Services Committee would raise pay for servicemembers, provide better housing for them and their families, and expand access to health care for those in uniform. Here in Rhode Island, where we have a longstanding tradition of supporting our naval readiness, this bill provides critical funding for shipbuilding, submarine manufacturing, and maintenance. It also boosts our local economy while supporting good-paying jobs in our community.

Last week, I was proud to speak on the House floor in support of my amendment to highlight the partnership forged by the Australia, United Kingdom, and United States Security Pact (AUKUS) and its importance to states like Rhode Island. This is a critical alliance for our interests, and in our state, we have already seen the University of Rhode Island and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport partner with Australian counterparts to create good-paying jobs and support small businesses. This amendment passed the House by a voice vote.

Unfortunately, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle also chose to add extreme, partisan amendments to the defense authorization bill. Restricting servicemembers’ access to reproductive and LGBTQ+ health care, undermining efforts to counter extremism within the Armed Forces, and blocking diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, these toxic provisions undermined the bipartisan committee passed bill. Ultimately, I voted against the final House version because the partisan provisions added last minute would undermine our values of tolerance and acceptance, weaken our national security, and make it more difficult to recruit and retain servicemembers. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues, led by Armed Services Committee Chairman and Rhode Island's senior Senator, Jack Reed, as we work to amend this legislation and remove these dangerous provisions. Investing in our military through the NDAA must always be a truly bipartisan initiative.

My focus will always remain on defense policy that supports our nation’s servicemembers and works towards a stronger, safer, and more united nation.

Sincerely,

Gabe Amo

Member of Congress

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Connecting Rhode Island & Washington

Vice President Kamala Harris and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Rohit Chopra announced a proposal to prohibit medical bills from being included on credit reports to help Americans raise their credit scores and increase mortgage approval rates. This proposed rule would ensure no Americans have medical debt on their credit reports, impacting 15 million people nationwide. For more details, you can read the full fact sheet Here.

For most taxpayers, the deadline to file their personal federal tax return, pay any tax owed or request an extension to file was:  Monday, April 15, 2024. 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. For more details, visit the IRS website Here.

Connecting with Rhode Islanders

I am grateful for the bravery of the many firefighters who put their lives on the line to keep us safe. I was glad to speak on my work in Congress and celebrate them at the 122nd Warren Fire and Rescue Memorial.

It was great to join many leaders in our community  at the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce for the annual Congressional Breakfast. From Artificial Intelligence to Foreign Affairs to Infrastructure, I discussed my work in Congress and why I am optimistic that we can find solutions with the right leadership in Washington.

I recently joined Diana Garlington, Moms Demand Action and Safer Communities for Justice and engaged about how they are for creating space in Roger Williams Park for survivors of violence. On Wear Orange Day, I am committed as ever passing commonsense legislation to prevent gun violence.

World Refugee Day is a time to honor the resilience and bravery of refugees who have had to flee their homes. It was an honor to commemorate, speak on my work in Congress, and share cultures with the Refugee Dream Center!

We cannot address a problem without diagnosing it first. Hate crimes are underreported in our communities and our country. I am working in Congress to address this issue so we can eradicate hate crimes. I was proud to join law enforcement, faith leaders, and advocates of all stripes at the 2024 Hate Crime Summit hosted by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha.

I recently visited the students who completed the HASTE workshop at Brown University Data-thon! I am working in Congress to open doors of opportunity for students interested in science. I will continue to push for solutions that ensure that tomorrow’s leaders are well-equipped to engage in the rapidly changing future of Artificial Intelligence in health care.

House Passed First Amo Amendment Supporting Rhode Island Jobs and Research Institutions

Congressman Amo speaks on House Floor in support of his amendment supporting domestic research, production and procurement for Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States agreement to boosts local economies and improve national security.

Last week, I spoke on the House Floor in support of my amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This amendment encourages the Secretary of Defense to prioritize domestic production of defense articles for Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (AUKUS) security pact.

The AUKUS pact is crucial for our Indo-Pacific security and brings about significant local benefits, including good-paying jobs, support for small businesses, and expanded research partnerships in Rhode Island. This amendment urges the Department of Defense to promote and prioritize domestic manufacturing, supply chains, and research to boost local economies and improve national security.

Video of House Floor remarks HERE.

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