A Message from Gabe:

Greetings Rhode Islanders,

We face a rapidly changing world. It’s more important than ever for Rhode Islanders to have the skills they need to get ahead. Earlier this week, I led a discussion at Smithfield High School on their first day of school on the promising potential of artificial intelligence.

Artificial intelligence isn’t some futuristic concept in science fiction movies. It's a technology that is already reshaping every aspect of our lives. We need artificial intelligence education and literacy to be part of the curriculum, even in K-12 classrooms, to ensure that folks are using the technology appropriately and responsibly. We limit the opportunities students can compete for by waiting to teach them about artificial intelligence only when they graduate or enter the workforce. That's why I'm proud to be co-leading the bipartisan Literacy in Future Technologies Artificial Intelligence (LIFT AI) Act.

Congressman Gabe Amo with participants of his roundtable discussion on Artificial Intelligence.

The LIFT AI Act is a crucial step towards ensuring that our students are ready for the future. If enacted into law, it would establish grants through the National Science Foundation’s existing budget to help school leaders develop artificial intelligence literacy curriculum and evaluation tools for students in grades K-12.

During our time at Smithfield High School, we discussed the importance of supporting teachers and strategies for integrating artificial intelligence into lesson plans. Roundtable participants included former Congressman Jim Langevin, officials from the Rhode Island Department of Education, professors from Brown University, as well as local education leaders and a student. At the conclusion of the conversation, I committed to continuing to engage stakeholders on the LIFT AI Act and additional efforts to address the role of AI in the classroom.  

When Congress comes back into session, I’ll be working to advance this bill through the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, of which I am a member. I look forward to doing everything possible to support our incredible students, teachers, and school leaders and create a brighter future for Rhode Island.

Sincerely,

Gabe Amo

Member of Congress

President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris recently announced that the number of publicly available electric vehicle chargers in the U.S. has doubled to over 192,000 since the administration began. This growth will continue thanks to $521 million in new grants to expand our charging network and improve access across the country. Here in Rhode Island, the Department of Transportation will receive $15 million to set up charging stations across our state. This investment will support good-paying jobs, slash emissions, encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, and provide a cleaner and safer transportation option for Rhode Island drivers. For more information, click here.
	The Community Change Grants Program that was created by the Inflation Reduction Act is offering $2 billion to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate issues. This funding will support efforts to build climate resilience, reduce pollution, and strengthen community capacity to solve environmental and climate justice challenges. Entities eligible include: A partnership between two community-based non-profit organizations. A partnership between a community-based non-profit organizations and: a Federally-Recognized Tribe; a local government; or an institution of higher education. The deadline to apply is November 21, 2024. For more information, click here.
Great news! The Department of State has launched a new online platform for passport renewals. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can renew your passport from the comfort of your home. It's a straightforward process — just create an account, upload a digital photo, and pay online. Please note that only routine service is available, and daily application limits apply. For more details and to see if you qualify, visit the State Department's website.  You can always call our Pawtucket office at 401-729-5600 if you have any questions.

	Cheers to the Rao family who received the honor of Providence’s Hawkins Street forever being known as Mr. Lemon Place! We’re forever grateful to the legacy of Joseph and Mama Rao and their family who unite the community through frozen treats — and much more.
	As the first water-powered spinning mill in the nation, Pawtucket’s Slater Mill was the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. This week, I explored the archives of the mill’s complex industrial and labor history with the Old Slater Mill Association.
	This week, I had a great 1-on-1 meeting with Vice Admiral Nancy Hann. As the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) builds out its footprint and the future home of its Marine Operations Center-Atlantic on Naval Station Newport, we discussed how to continue investing in climate action and innovating to grow our blue economy.
	Thank you to all who came out to our First District Veterans Barbeque! I appreciate the sacrifices that our veterans have made and all they’ve done to protect our nation and values. I’m grateful for their service.
	I was honored to speak at SENEDIA’s Defense Innovation Days 2024. We must work together to advance Rhode Island’s efforts to protect our national security and to create good-paying jobs.
	Last weekend, I had a double dose of food, friends, and fun in Woonsocket at the annual St. John the Baptist Romanian Orthodox Church’s Food Festival and Twilight on the Blackstone. Thanks to the Downtown Woonsocket Collaborative for sponsoring a great event!
	I was proud to honor Rhode Island’s First Regiment at the Newport County NAACP’s 56th Black Regiment Commemoration in Portsmouth. We shared our appreciation for these brave, trailblazing soldiers for their service in the Revolutionary War, even though many lacked the freedom that they deserved.
	Thank you to Warren’s Fire Department Engine 6 for hosting a great clambake! I enjoyed joining first responders & residents from across Warren for a traditional bake and celebration of community.
	It was an honor to join the RI Fire Chiefs Honor Flight Hub for their High Voltage Meet and Greet! I hope their trip to Washington D.C. serves as a small reminder of the gratitude that we share for their unwavering willingness to answer the call.
	I was proud to join the Annual Billy Taylor Day in Providence to commemorate his life and profound impact on the Mount Hope community. I enjoyed seeing friends and hearing about the importance of civic participation!
	We celebrated the beauty of accessibility and the strides R.A.M.P. has taken to ensure every individual, regardless of their ability, has the same opportunities and resources as everyone else. Let’s continue to support access for all!
	With back-to-school season here, I joined The Back-to-School Celebration of Rhode Island in Cumberland and Pawtucket to distribute backpack and supplies and wish students a great start to the school year!

Scams are on the Rise Nationwide:
Key Resources and Strategies to Stay Safe

Congressman Amo and constituents in East Providence discussing protecting Social Security.

1. Government impersonation
2. Medicare and health insurance
3. Sweepstakes and lottery
4. Computer tech support
5. Grandparent
6. Romance
7. Investment

• Scammers often impersonate reputable organizations such as the FTC, Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, or Medicare. Do not share personal or financial information in response to unexpected requests. These organizations will never contact you by phone, email, or text asking for sensitive information like Medicare or Social Security details. If a call is suspicious, hang up immediately.

• Never click on an email link or attachment if you are unsure of the sender.
  
  
• Scammers create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. Take your time and resist any push to make immediate decisions.
  
  
• Be cautious of payment methods. Scammers may insist on payment through cryptocurrency, wire transfers, payment apps, or gift cards. Avoid using these methods.
  
  
• Take a moment to consult with someone you trust before taking any action.
  
  
• Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry to control whether or not you receive telemarketing calls.

• [reportfraud.ftc.gov] Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
  Fraud Hotline: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
• National Elder Fraud Hotline
  Phone: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
• Medicare Fraud Line
  Phone: 1-800-Medicare or 1-800-HHS-TIPS
• Rhode Island Adult Protective Services
  Phone: (401)-462-0555
• Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office
  Phone: 401-274-4400

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