Email from Rep. Tenney Congresswoman Tenney's Weekly Newsletter   Have questions? Contact Me Here   Honoring our Nation's Heroes this Veterans Day Weekend During this Veterans Day Weekend, I want to extend my deepest thanks to all the veterans of New York’s 24th District for their brave service and sacrifice to our nation. We not only remember their honorable service but also renew our commitment to the promises our nation has made to them. Veterans Day is more than just a moment of thanks; it's a renewed pledge to support our veterans in every way possible. As your member of Congress, I am continuously advocating for our veterans. This includes supporting the Major Richard Star Act, which would expand the VA’s capacity to assist veterans by enabling combat-disabled uniformed services retirees to receive veterans’ disability compensation concurrently with retired pay or combat-related special compensation. Beyond legislative support, our office is here to assist you directly. If you are facing issues accessing your earned veterans benefits, please call (315) 236-7088 or visit our website tenney.house.gov. Please join me in honoring the dedication and valor of the men and women who serve and have served in our military. May God bless our veterans, their families, and our great nation. Protecting New Yorkers By Securing Our Borders Under the Biden-Harris administration, hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants, many with criminal records, have been released into the United States. As of July 2024, data shows that the Biden-Harris administration has released 425,431 convicted criminals and 222,141 individuals with pending criminal charges into the United States. Among them, 62,231 were convicted of assault; 56,533 of drug-related offenses; 14,301 of burglary; 15,811 of sexual assault; and 13,099 of homicide. These criminal illegal immigrants are allowed to remain in our country under Kamala Harris' failed border policies. The Biden-Harris administration has failed to remove 99.7% of the illegal immigrants released into the United States, contributing to the rising numbers of criminals in our neighborhoods. Many have committed heinous crimes against American citizens, such as the murders of mother-of-five Rachel Morin, college student Laken Riley, and 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray. In New York, an illegal alien who had been apprehended by DHS in 2023 was released and then murdered Joselyn Jhoana Toaquiza on her birthday, later burying her in a public park. These vicious and heart-wrenching acts could have been prevented with strong border policies and an end to pro-criminal bail reform practices that allow dangerous criminals to be released back into our communities. House Republicans passed the Laken Riley Act, of which I am an original co-sponsor of, to ensure that illegal aliens charged with a crime remain in police custody until their cases are adjudicated. Our immigration laws must prioritize the safety of American citizens and ensure that criminals are deported. READ MY FULL OP-ED ON THIS HERE Examining the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Misguided Priorities Governor Hochul and Albany Democrats continue to use our tax dollars to weaponize our own government against us. In Pine City, NY, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) raided the home of a law-abiding citizen, then confiscated and euthanized two of this citizen's pets, Peanut the Squirrel and Fred the Raccoon. This misguided decision by the DEC to confiscate and euthanize these beloved pets has raised significant concerns about the DEC's priorities, its use of taxpayer resources, and its commitment to due process, mainly when dealing with domesticated animals that pose little to no risk to public safety. Not only does this situation impact those directly involved, but it also sets a dangerous precedent for how the state addresses cases involving wildlife and domesticated animals kept in a safe, regulated environment. To provide oversight of the DEC, I joined my colleagues in calling for a detailed account of how its resources were used in this case and the decision-making criteria that led to the seizure and euthanasia of Peanut and Fred. 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. 9462, the Educational Choice for Children Act: The bill would offer tax incentives for individuals and businesses that make charitable donations to scholarship funds. Incentivizing these donations will bolster scholarship programs that support low-income students by providing financial assistance for various educational expenses, such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment H.R. 5586, the Prohibiting IRS Financial Surveillance Act: This bill would prohibit the Treasury Department from making future political attempts to spy on the private information of American taxpayers. Congratulations to the Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department Photo from Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department Facebook page Congratulations to the Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department on their new fire and rescue boat! This addition will enhance safety and emergency response for the Canandaigua Lake community. This vessel is outfitted with advanced technology, featuring a fire pump capable of 1,250 gallons per minute and twin Honda 225 outboard engines. NY-24 is excited to see the positive impact it will bring as it begins serving our community next summer! Paying Tribute to Our Service Members at Fort Drum Wreath Laying Ceremony Our team had the honor of attending the Fort Drum Wreath Laying Ceremony this week. Brigadier General Joseph Escandon presided over this meaningful event featuring the Guest of Honor, Dr Janice Gravely, a 28-year combat Veteran appointed as the United States Army Reserve Ambassador – New York in 2024. This was an excellent opportunity to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve in our armed forces and their families. Our November Webinar Focused on FEMA's Firefighter Grant Program The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides grant opportunities for fire departments under their Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). This year, FEMA has announced a second round of application from November 4th to December 13th. For potential applicants wishing to learn about this grant, our office will be hosting a webinar on November 13th at 12PM with FEMA AFG Specialists to provide an overview and best practice advice for applying. To sign up to receive the Zoom link, please email [email protected]. Casework Success Story A constituent reached out to our team, seeking help to expedite a memorial urn for her father so that he could be honored for his military service properly at his memorial service. Our team quickly intervened and contacted the VA to ensure the urn arrived in time for the service. “Mr. McNerney got my number from a family friend. He contacted me and left a message as I was unable to answer the phone at the time. He then answered my returning call the next day and had me fill out some paperwork. I got that in to him, and I heard back from the VA the very next day! I was given a 4-6 week turn around time at that point, but my request must have been extremely expedited and I had my father's VA Memorial Box/Urn the next week! I am soo grateful and appreciative of Mr. McNerney's efforts on behalf of Ms. Tenney's office.” If you need assistance with a federal agency, please be sure to call us today. We are here to help! 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 Rep. Tenney | 2349 Rayburn House Office Building | Washington, DC 20515 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice