Email from Rep. Tenney

Ensuring FEMA’s Focus is on Natural Disaster Relief

As we continue to cope with the devastating damage from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, my thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by these storms.

Communities across the Southeast are in dire need of assistance to rebuild, and we must ensure that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stays focused on its mission—providing critical relief in times of natural disasters, not the resettlement of illegal immigrants. I have cosponsored legislation to end FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program, which currently funds the resettlement of illegal immigrants. I believe we need to prioritize FEMA’s resources for disaster-stricken American citizens and ensure relief efforts are directed where they are most urgently needed.

Reflecting on the One-Year Anniversary of the Horrific October 7th Attacks & the Urgent Need to Stand with the Jewish Community

On October 7th of last year, Hamas, an Iranian-backed terrorist organization, carried out its heinous October 7th attacks against Israeli civilians. More than a thousand innocent civilians, including Americans, were killed, raped, tortured, beaten, brutalized, or kidnapped at the hands of Hamas. October 7th was the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust, and I continue to mourn the loss of the precious souls murdered on that day. May their memories be a blessing and their murderers be brought to justice.

This week, I attended the October 7th Night of Remembrance at Temple Concord in Syracuse alongside Rep. Brandon Williams, Assemblyman John Lemondes, and other local officials. I met with Grace Dean, the mother of Staff Sgt. Jonathan W. Dean Chaim who was killed by Hamas. Grace spoke powerfully about her son and the inspiring life he led. We honored the female Surveillance Soldiers who were captured and killed along with Oz Davidian, the Kutz Family, Amit Mann, Shaylee Atary, the Golan Family, and Yahav.

One would think that unequivocally condemning this horrific attack would be common sense. Yet, one year later, I am horrified by the pro-Hamas encampments, riots, and mobs that we have seen across our country, particularly on college campuses. Even some of my colleagues in Congress continue to refuse to condemn Hamas’ terrorism. We have witnessed individuals engage in anti-Semitic chants of “from the river to the sea,” calling for the erasure of Israel, the lone democracy in the region. Further, while these individuals claim to support a “ceasefire," those calls only seem to apply to Israel’s attempts to defend itself and not to Iranian and Iranian-backed attacks against Israel. These individuals also remain shockingly silent in joining calls for Hamas to release its hostages.

One year later, Hamas still holds captive over 97 hostages from October 7th, including American citizens. Throughout the last year, I have met with dozens of family members of hostages being held by Hamas, and I have joined their calls for Hamas to immediately and unconditionally release all of its hostages. We recently learned that out of fear that Israel may free him, Hamas killed Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an American citizen whom they held captive for almost a year. I continue to mourn the loss of Hersh, along with all the hostages who have been killed. I wholeheartedly support Israel’s ongoing campaign to free the remaining hostages in Gaza and commend the work of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to liberate the remaining hostages and recover the bodies of those killed by Hamas.

Sadly, one year later, the Biden administration still refuses to address the true root cause of the October 7th attacks: the brutal Iranian regime. Without the backing of the despotic Iranian mullahs, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis could not have launched the October 7th attacks. Iran provides these terrorist proxies with critical funding, training, arms, and intelligence. Under the Biden administration, the United States has failed to enforce our existing sanctions, allowing Iran to earn an estimated $100 billion in oil and arms sales, which fund their aforementioned terrorist proxies. The Biden administration must reinstate the Trump administration’s Maximum Pressure Campaign and encourage our E3 allies to invoke snapback sanctions on Iran immediately. The Biden administration must also give their full and unequivocal support to Israel as it eliminates the terrorist leadership and infrastructure of Hamas and Hezbollah, which are not only Israel’s enemies but also our adversaries.

One year later, however, there is still reason for hope. Over the last year, we have seen the promise of the Abraham Accords in action when the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan helped Israel repel an attack by Iran. Ayatollah Khamenei’s worst nightmare is a peaceful coexistence between Israel and its neighbors. We must continue working to expand and strengthen the Abraham Accords to achieve a lasting peace in the region. I am hopeful that an expansion of the Abraham Accords is possible and that Israel will succeed in freeing the remaining hostages and eliminating the threat posed by Hamas and Hezbollah. I will never waver in my support of Israel, one of our greatest allies, and will continue working to ensure that Never Again truly means Never Again.

Receiving the "Friend of the Family" Award for Defending Conservative Values and Religious Freedom

The woke Left continues its assault on conservative values, religious liberty, and the sanctity of life. It is essential to stand behind legislation that defends these priorities. I am deeply honored to receive the Friend of the Family Award, which highlights my commitment to safeguarding freedom, religious liberties, and supporting Israel. This includes my support for numerous bills, including the Parents Bill of Rights Act, which ensures parents have the right to know what their children are being taught and what is happening in our nation’s schools and the Protecting Women and Girls in Sports Act, aimed at preserving fairness by preventing biological men from competing in women’s sports, further advocating for conservative principles and traditional values. I am grateful to the Faith and Freedom Coalition for this recognition and remain dedicated to fighting for the values NY-24 holds dear in Congress.

As your representative in Congress, my top priority is championing legislative initiatives that benefit you and your families. Each week, I review numerous bills and letters, engaging in thorough discussions with members of our community to determine which actions to support and address your needs. Below are a few bills I recently cosponsored.

H.R. 9002 - The Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act: This bill would provide a federal tax credit to convert vacant or underutilized commercial buildings into affordable housing. This bill would benefit small towns by revitalizing empty spaces, creating affordable housing, and stimulating local economies through job creation and increased vibrancy in community centers.

H.R. 9745 - Lifesaving Gear for Police Act of 2024: The 1033 program is a vital resource for local law enforcement agencies as it provides excess Department of Defense (DOD) property to state and local law enforcement agencies. This helps our state and local law enforcement agencies get new and better equipment, and saves taxpayer dollars from having to buy the equipment again. H.R. 9745 would prevent the Biden administration from implement any regulations, rules, or guidance restricting the 1033 program, unless enacted into law by Congress.

H.R.7980 - the End Chinese Dominance of Electric Vehicles in America Act: This bill excludes from the new clean vehicle tax credit vehicles that contain components or material processed by an enemy of the United States and/or an entity with ties to China, Iran, Russia, or North Korea. Our government should not be incentivizing the purchase of goods from our adversaries, especially when it comes to critical components of our way of life like automobiles.

Join Us at Our Vietnam War Commemoration Pinning Ceremony in Wayne County On October 18

Pictures from the Oswego Commemorative Pinning Ceremony

Our team is hosting another Vietnam War Commemoration Pinning Ceremony to honor our Vietnam Veterans next week on October 18.

This event is dedicated to recognizing and honoring the service of Vietnam veterans and providing them with a formal “Welcome Home.” Our veterans will be presented with a commemorative Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin, symbolizing our nation’s deep gratitude for their service

I recently honored 30 Vietnam veterans at a similar ceremony in Oswego. I am eager to bring the event to the Finger Lakes Region to recognize the Vietnam Veterans from this community.

Information for Vietnam Veterans wishing to attend to be recognized and honored for their sacrifice can be found below:

What: Vietnam Pinning Ceremony
When: Friday, October 18, 2024
Time: 11 AM
Where: Lyons VFW, 202 Geneva Street, Lyons, New York, 14489
RSVP: Vietnam veterans who wish to participate in the ceremony are kindly asked to RSVP by calling our Victor District Office at (585) 869-2060. Please provide your name, rank, dates of service, and branch of the military.

Celebrating Success at Arc GLOW's Reward Banquet

This week, I had the privilege of attending Arc GLOW's Reward Banquet in Genesee County, a significant event that celebrates the remarkable achievements of the staff, volunteers, and ARC members from the past year.

Arc GLOW is a unique organization that trains members of our community with intellectual and developmental disabilities for employment and supports small businesses.

Congratulations to all the awardees! I look forward to continuing to work hand in hand with this outstanding organization to uplift members of our community.

Visiting Fox Run Vineyards in Penn Yan

Thank you to Scott and Ruth Osborn and Kathleen and Albert Zafonte for hosting us this week at Fox Run Vineyards.

Originally a dairy farm, Fox Run transitioned into a winemaking facility in 1990, becoming a cornerstone of our community. This family-owned business spans 50 acres of vineyards and produces an exceptional variety of wines. Its family-owned wineries like Fox Run that make Finger Lakes wine world-renowned.

Thank you again for hosting us and giving us the opportunity to try some of your wonderful wines!

Members of Our Community Exemplifying Bravery Following Hurricane Helene

We are immensely grateful to Dennis Kelly, a member of our community, who quickly sprang into action to assist those in need after Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina.

After rescuing three elderly individuals stranded on top of Beach Mountain, Dennis and his girlfriend Kat connected with an organization called Operation Airdrop and continued their efforts over the next eight days, delivering oxygen, insulin, generators, gas, and food to those affected.

Thank you Firefighter Ronald Bement for Your Service to Canandaigua

Photo from the Canandaigua Professional Firefighters I.A.F.F. Local 2098 Facebook Page

Thank you to Firefighter Ronald Bement for your 39 years of dedicated service to the city and town of Canandaigua!

He began as a volunteer firefighter with the Merrill Hose Co. in April 1985, serving until October 1990. His commitment led him to join the Erina Hose Co., where he remained until being hired as a city firefighter in 1994. His recent retirement on September 27, 2024, marks the end of a remarkable career.

The Canandaigua Fire Department and our community are incredibly grateful for Bement's outstanding devotion and dedication to the people of Canandaigua.

Thank you for Applying for our 2024 Military Service Academy Nominations!

Our Academy Nomination Applications, as of October 11th, are closed.

Our 2025 applications will open in mid-2025, so be on the lookout for more information in our newsletter and website.

Need Help with a Federal Agency? Call us today.

If you or someone you know ever needs assistance with a federal agency, we are just a phone call away and are ready to help you! Please contact my Victor Office at 585-869-2060, my Oswego Office at 315-236-7088, or my Lockport Office at 716-514-5130. I am honored to have the opportunity to represent you.

Have News or Updates to Share? Email Me!

If you have updates regarding events in the community or other news to share from across New York's 24th District, please visit the "Contact Me" page on my website to share it with me. My team will try to include as many of your updates from around #NY24 as we can each week.

tenney.house.gov