A Message from Gabe:

Greetings Rhode Islanders,

This week, our Blue Economy tour continued strong with stops at some of Rhode Island's leaders in the marine-based industries that are creating jobs, driving innovation, and growing our local economy.

I started with a visit to the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) in Newport, where I met the people working tirelessly to support our nation’s naval readiness. NUWC is a pioneer in submarine research — with benefits that stretch far beyond our borders through partnerships with organizations like Australia's Flinders University. This collaboration strengthens our relationships with allies while supporting jobs and our local economy here at home. I'm proud to support it in Congress through my amendment to enhance our critical defense production capabilities.

Congressman Amo visited the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport to discuss how they participate in the Blue Economy and tour their Narragansett Bay Test Facility.

For my next stop, I toured VATN Systems, an emerging company in the manufacturing of affordable autonomous underwater vehicles. As cost-effective ways to gather data, these drones open up exciting new possibilities in underwater exploration, research, and national security. Earlier this year, the House of Representatives passed two of my amendments that would support and encourage companies like VATN to scale their operations and develop drones for our Navy.

Congressman Amo at VATN Systems in Portsmouth to learn more about their autonomous underwater vehicles and advanced navigation software.

We ended the day with a tour of Flux Marine, a local startup in Bristol that is working to build all-electric outboard motors. Electric outboard motors are quieter and cleaner than traditional combustion engines, making time on the water more pleasant and more environmentally friendly.

Congressman Amo tours the Narraganset Bay on an all-electric boat with Flux Marine.

I had the pleasure of closing out our Blue Economy tour at 401 Tech Bridge’s NavalX Summit, where I shared our findings. I consistently heard how we need to continue to strategically convene stakeholders working to accelerate progress in our Blue Economy. It is why I will continue to support the ecosystem of partners — government, industry, and higher education — to achieve growth and unlock opportunities.

Congressman Amo shared his findings from his Blue Economy tour at 401 Tech Bridge's NavalX Summit.

I know Rhode Island has the talent, partnerships, ideas, and drive to lead our nation in the Blue Economy. Over my time in Congress, I will ensure that my partners in the federal government stays focused on supporting our tradition of innovation in the Ocean State to keep our people moving forward.

Sincerely,

Gabe Amo

Member of Congress

Attention RI-01 High School Seniors! The deadline for RI-01 High School seniors to apply for Service Academy Nominations is November 1st. Call our Pawtucket Office at 401-729-5600 or check out our website for more information.

In 2024, the State Department issued around 24.5 million passports, which is half a million more than in 2023, marking the third year in a row of record-breaking numbers. To make applying for a new passport easier, they introduced an Online Passport Renewal system, letting folks renew their passports from the comfort of their home. Processing times have been reduced from four to six weeks for routine applications to support the increase in international travel. For more information, click here.  Click here to renew your passport online or call our Pawtucket office for assistance at 401-729-5600.
	The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced over $1 million in new grants through the Southeast New England Program Opportunity to Advance Resilience (SOAR) Fund. This brings more than $2.3 million in funding that will support resilience work in communities like Providence, East Providence, Warren, and Newport. I'd like to thank Senator Jack Reed — who helped secure the Southeast New England Program’s first appropriation more than a decade ago! Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the SOAR Fund supports climate resiliency projects in disadvantaged communities. This funding will support climate resiliency and workforce development training, a tree planting project, and engagement with the Spanish-speaking community. For more details, click here.
The U.S. Treasury’s Clean Energy Storytelling Program invites people and organizations to share how they’re using clean energy incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act. The program will highlight real stories about lowering energy costs, reviving manufacturing, and creating jobs. If you choose to submit, your story could be shared by the U.S. Treasury Department or even the White House. Participation is voluntary. Your story could inspire others to take advantage of these opportunities! For more information, click here.

	The motto of Boys & Girls Club Rhode Island is “Futures Start Here” — and by the success of their alumni, like my friend Superior Court Justice David Cruise, that is certainly true. I am glad to support their federal funding, keep up the great work!
	Last month, I spoke at a Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute panel on the importance of supplier diversity. This week, at a supplier summit hosted by the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at Community College of Rhode Island, I discussed driving our state’s economic growth by ensuring access to minority-owned businesses.
	The dedicated team at the Rhode Island Historical Society just opened brand-new exhibits at the John Brown House Museum that take an unvarnished look at Rhode Island’s role in the transatlantic slave trade. Understanding our past is critical as we work to create a better future.
	Last week, we laid to rest the remains of Byron Johnson, a Civil War veteran who helped preserve the Union & ensure the freedom of all. Thanks to Pawtucket Mayor Grebien & city leaders, he’s buried in his family plot. Byron, thank you for your service — welcome home.
	Congratulations to Rhode Island’s first-ever National Truck Driving & Step Van Driving Champion, Joe Hicks! With over 900,000 accident-free miles driving for XPO logistics, it’s no surprise that he took home a top prize in the “Super Bowl of Safety!”
	I had to answer some hard-hitting questions from Barrington Girl Scout Troop 245, but thankfully they were very kind. I am always glad to help our youngest learn more about public service. Now, they’ve earned their Democracy for Juniors and Inside Government Junior badges!
	For Dyslexia Awareness Month, I joined Decoding Dyslexia Rhode Island at the State House to show my support for children in our community with dyslexia. Thank you to the advocates and educators whose tireless work makes all the difference.
	Last week, I stopped by White Cross Pharmacy’s Lincoln headquarters. Run by the Lacobucci family since 1933, a third-generation fixture here in Rhode Island. I learned more about how they are innovating, sustaining a workforce of 25, and providing long-term care services to our state.
	Thanks to Joyce Acciaioli Rudge’s visionary leadership, the Splendor of Florence’s Sott’Acqua is back in Providence, November 9-17! As we celebrate our strong cultural ties to Italy, we are also swapping best practices on climate resilience to ensure our cities thrive.
	Congratulations to HousingWorksRI on their 20th Anniversary! Thank you for your advocacy, annual Fact Book, and focus on ensuring that all Rhode Islanders have a safe, affordable, and secure place to call home.

Rhode Island Delegation Secures $13 Million in New Lead Poisoning Prevention Funds for
Providence & Woonsocket

Last week, our congressional delegation secured $13 million in new federal funds to fight lead poisoning in homes across Providence and Woonsocket. This federal investment comes directly from the federal Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program, which focuses on reducing lead-based paint hazards, especially for children.

I am encouraged that our communities will use these resources to help expand local efforts that will address lead hazards in housing units. Our shared goal is to make houses and apartments healthier and safer for families while raising public awareness about the risks associated with lead paint.

For more details, 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