A Message from Gabe:

Greetings Rhode Islanders,

This week, we marked the 23rd anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attack. I joined Americans across the country in observing a moment of silence for the nearly 3,000 innocent people who lost their lives. We must take the time to mourn as we resolve to Never Forget.

We've all heard the stories of those who ran toward danger on 9/11. In the face of unspeakable tragedy, countless firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and everyday citizens put themselves in harm’s way to help others. These brave first responders were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow Americans; and hundreds of them did. For many first responders, the toll didn’t stop once the dust settled and the rubble was cleared away. Over two decades, first responders have had to grapple with long-term health challenges as well as the emotional scars of what they saw.

We owe it to these brave heroes to make sure they get the care and support they need. And each year, we must reaffirm our ironclad commitment to supporting those who serve and protect us.

Congressman Amo with Senator Reed, Senator Whitehouse, Providence Mayor Smiley, and East Providence Mayor DaSilva announcing grants to fire departments in Providence, East Providence, and volunteer departments throughout Rhode Island.

As part of this commitment, I'm proud to work alongside my delegation colleagues to deliver federal funding for our local fire departments. Last Friday, I joined Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, as well as Mayors Brett Smiley and Bob DaSilva, to celebrate over $22 million in federal grants to provide firefighters in Providence and East Providence with the equipment and training they need.

And, on Monday of this week, Senator Whitehouse and I followed up with an event in Smithfield to announce nearly $478,000 for the Smithfield Fire Department to upgrade their essential communications systems and provide training for their firefighters. These events go hand in hand with my work in Congress. I’m a co-sponsor of the CARE for First Responders Act, legislation that would expand mental health services, peer support programs, and crisis hotlines for first responders who face immense challenges in the line of duty. I’ll continue to fight for our first responders every step of the way to ensure they have what they need to do their jobs safely.

Every September 11th, I take time to reflect on the ways our country came together in the aftermath of that senseless attack. We stood united, looked out for one another and found strength through our first responders who answered the call when we needed them most. As we honor this anniversary, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on those we lost, to thank those who served, and to consider how we can come together as a community. When we lift each other up, we show the true spirit of our country.

Sincerely,

Gabe Amo

Member of Congress

Exciting news! The Economic Development Administration’s Build to Scale program announced a $50 million funding opportunity for organizations that help startups and entrepreneurs grow their business and create jobs. The program is open to nonprofits, universities, cities, states, and Indian Tribes with grant amounts up to $5 million. If you're interested in applying, the deadline is October 28, 2024. For more information, click here.

Funded in part by the federal American Rescue Plan, the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation is offering grants for small businesses impacted by the Washington Bridge closure. If your business has experienced at least a 10% drop in revenue, you could qualify for a grant ranging from $500 to $2,500. Nonprofits are eligible to apply too! Applications close on September 24, 2024. For more details and registration, click here.

	This week, I signed a bipartisan discharge petition to bring Rep. Abigail Spanberger’s Social Security Fairness Act to the House floor. House Republicans need to allow a vote NOW to help millions of Americans and ensure our public servants are not robbed of their hard-earned Social Security benefits.
	I dropped by the famous annual Cranston Greek Festival! Saw my friend Sen. Lou Raptakis in action in the kitchen — with lots of tasty gyro to go around!
	What an amazing crowd at the Festival Guatemala at Roger Williams Park! I’m grateful for the contribution of rich Guatemalan traditions and culture to our amazing Rhode Island tapestry.
	I was honored to attend the Officer Class of 2024 Commissioning Ceremony at Camp Fogarty. Congratulations to the six Rhode Islanders commissioned to be Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army. Thank you for your service to our Rhode Island National Guard and to our nation!
	I had a spectacular time at PVD Fest! It's always a joy to celebrate Providence with so many friends and members of our vibrant community!
	I was thrilled to join Senator Jack Reed and the EPA's New England Regional Office to announce $1.5 million in Southern New England Watershed Implementation Grants going to seven Rhode Island organizations. These federal funds will boost our coastal ecosystem and support high-priority environmental restoration projects .

Celebrating Committee Passage of  Bipartisan AI Literacy Bill Congressman Amo participates in a committee markup hearing for his LIFT AI Act I'm thrilled to announce that on Wednesday, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology passed H.R. 9211, the Literacy in Future Technologies (LIFT) Artificial Intelligence Act. This bipartisan bill, which I am proud to co-lead with Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. from New Jersey, would improve artificial intelligence literacy for K-12 students. I talked about the LIFT AI Act last month when I held a roundtable at Smithfield High School. To me, it's clear that we have to teach students — even young students — how to effectively and responsibly use AI. To me, students shouldn’t have to wait until college or their first job to learn about artificial intelligence. In fact, delaying this digital education could prevent them from entering those spaces in the first place. Our bill would make sure the next generation of students have the skills needed to responsibly use AI, regardless of the career they decide to pursue.

Amo Honors George Nee on House Floor

Congressman Amo speaks on the House Floor about George Nee's retirement

as President of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO.

This week, I joined Representative Seth Magaziner in honoring George Nee and his 50+ years of service as a champion for workers’ rights in Rhode Island.

For 5 decades, George has been a tireless advocate — standing up for fair wages, better benefits, and the dignity of hard-working families. His leadership in the labor movement has improved the lives of countless Rhode Islanders and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. As George prepares to hand over the reigns as President of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, I was proud to highlight his unwavering dedication to our state with a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of the Representatives.

To watch my full remarks, click here.

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