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...

Earlier this month I was pleased to announce $2.5 million in federal funding for the New York City Economic Development Corporation to renovate the currently closed Pier 1 on Staten Island's North Shore. This will reestablish public access to the waterfront pier and provide recreational and educational and employment opportunities for the local community.

I had the profound honor of meeting Virginia Allen and Curlene Jennings Bennett, two of the last surviving "Black Angels" who served at Staten Island's Sea View Hospital 70 years ago. These brave African-American nurses treated thousands of tuberculosis patients at a time when such service was both dangerous and groundbreaking. I presented them with Congressional Records recognizing their invaluable contributions, formally enshrining their legacy in the history of Congress and the United States.

Our office was proud to participate in a street renaming ceremony on Staten Island to commemorate the life of NYPD Detective Christopher Cranston, who passed away from a 9/11-related cancer five years ago.

Detective Cranston selflessly dedicated months of his life to searching through the wreckage and rubble at Ground Zero and the former Fresh Kills landfill. We remain deeply grateful for his unwavering service to our city and our nation.

Our office attended the Change of Command ceremony at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn. We've worked closely with Col. Brian Jacobs to announce significant investments and improvements to the base and we look forward to continuing this partnership with new Commander Col. Misty Cantwell!

The state recently announced the completion of a $28.5 million project to rehabilitate the Woolley and Bradley Avenue bridges over the Staten Island Expressway. After being worn down by over sixty years of heavy commuter traffic these bridges were in desperate need of repair. By making significant structural repairs and ADA upgrades, we’ve improved safety and extended the service lives of these structures for an additional forty years. I’m proud to have voted for the federal infrastructure law that provided the funding to make this project a reality.

Following my recent meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, I visited the Tibetan Art Museum on Staten Island, one of our community’s cultural gems, and presented them with an autographed photo from His Holiness’ 1991 visit to the museum as well as a Buddhist scroll presented by the Tibetan government in exile. Learn more about the museum by clicking below.

HOLDING COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES ACCOUNTABLE

I'm pleased to see the House Committee on Ways & Means advance my legislation to fine tax-exempt schools for violating students' civil rights under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, particularly when it comes to addressing the troubling rise in antisemitic incidents on college campuses. If passed, my bill would be a crucial step toward holding universities accountable and ensuring a safer academic environment for all students.

ADVANCING THE AMERICAN WOMEN'S HISTORY MUSEUM

As a Wonder Woman fan it was great to have the original Wonder Woman, Lynda Carter, at the Capitol to advocate in support of my bipartisan effort with Rep. Judy Chu to make the American Women’s history museum on the National Mall a reality. By establishing this museum, we can share the stories of the trailblazing women who came before us so future generations can learn about their many contributions, how they helped build our nation and fought for equal rights and protections under the law.

MAKING COLLEGE TUITION MORE AFFORDABLE

Over the past 20 years, the cost to attend college has risen 45 percent, forcing students to choose between pursuing higher education and taking on tens of thousands of dollars in burdensome student loan debt. I've introduced bipartisan legislation to allow millions of students and recent graduates to continue receiving reimbursement through their employer up to $5,250 per year tax-free, which can be used to repay student loans, pay tuition, and purchase required books, supplies, and equipment for academic courses. This tax incentive will continue to strengthen our workforce, increase our nation’s competitiveness, and provide much-needed economic relief to millions of Americans.

PROTECTING AMERICA'S CHILDREN

There are hundreds of thousands of children in foster care who need our support. Our House Committee on Ways & Means unanimously passed bipartisan legislation to reform and modernize our nation’s child welfare programs, strengthen our most vulnerable families so they can stay together, improve recruitment and retainment of caseworkers, protect children in and transitioning out of foster care and promote adoption into loving homes.

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