A Message from Gabe:

Greetings Rhode Islanders,

Here in Rhode Island, we have a rich tradition of military service. As your Member of Congress, I am committed to ensuring our Veterans and their families receive the support and care they deserve — whether it's affordable health care, comprehensive mental health services, educational opportunities, or job training programs. I’ve proudly directed funding to local housing authorities to combat veterans homelessness and I’ve introduced bipartisan legislation to help Veterans access the great outdoors and take care of their mental health. I’ve also established a District Veterans Advisory Committee to make sure that Rhode Island voices have a seat at the table where decisions are made on important policies and Veterans issues.

Lastly, I’m focused on implementing the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, a landmark law that expands benefits for Veterans exposed to toxic substances like Agent Orange and burn pits while serving in conflicts from Vietnam and the Gulf War to Iraq and Afghanistan. Here in Rhode Island, nearly 5,000 Veterans in our state have already applied for PACT Act benefits. I’m working to make sure that every eligible Veteran can access the full range of benefits unlocked by this law. If you have any questions or need help accessing benefits, please don’t hesitate to contact my Veterans caseworker and community liaison, Fred McLin, by calling our District Office at (401) 729-5600.

We support Veterans and military families by taking the time to reach out, listen to their stories, and offering them our gratitude every day — not just on Veterans' Day. We must never forget their service and sacrifice as we uphold the values they fought to protect — freedom, justice, and equality for all. Thank you to all our nation's Veterans who have bravely answered the call.

Sincerely,

Gabe Amo

Member of Congress

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In honor of Veterans Day, the Biden-Harris Administration announced some critical steps forward in how we care for our Veterans and their families. In 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provided more benefits and more care to Veterans than ever before. The VA shortened wait times, enhanced support for Veterans in crisis and those facing homelessness, and expanded access to care for women Veterans and those impacted by toxic exposures. This year marks the lowest levels of Veteran homelessness since 2009. It’s a big step driven by efforts to provide Veterans with the stable housing and resources they need. The Biden-Harris Administration and Democrats in Congress have been working hard to make health care more accessible for our Veterans, aiming for faster and more comprehensive care. The PACT Act has been especially important in expanding benefits for Veterans exposed to toxic substances. Here are some key resources for Veterans: State of Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services The PACT Act and your VA benefits Click here or call my Pawtucket office at (401) 729-5600 if you need help accessing Veterans benefits.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program (AFG) has been a game-changer in supporting fire departments and emergency responders secure the equipment, protective gear, vehicles, and training they need to keep us safe. The 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program application period is open until: Dec. 20, 2024 at 5 p.m. ET. If you are interested in applying for the AFG Program, click here.

	This week, I voted YES on the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset. These harmful provisions slash benefits for many retired police officers, firefighters, teachers, and government employees — penalizing hardworking Americans for their dedication to public service.
	To recognize the service of Rhode Island’s heroes, I celebrated Veterans Day by speaking with community leaders at the Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol. Thank you to ALL the Veterans who have given so much to defend our great nation.
	I joined Pawtucket public safety retirees and Veterans to dedicate the new flagpole at Notre Dame Cemetery, where over 3,000 of the city’s Veterans are laid to rest.
	I was humbled to share a toast to recognize and celebrate Rhode Island’s Veterans at the Infantry Lodge Association’s 105th Annual Veterans Day and Armistice Day Celebration.
	I spent Veterans Day at the Garden of Flags in East Providence to show gratitude for the service of Veterans past and recent. We honored the bravery and lifetime of service to East Providence from Vietnam Veterans Sgt. Clarence Butler Jr and Lt. John Wolf.
	I had a great discussion with the New Zealand Ambassador to the United States, Rosemary Banks. Strengthening the ties between the United States and New Zealand is important for the future of the Indo-Pacific, and impacts Rhode Island’s Blue Economy.
	I joined many friends from Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church to celebrate Armenian culture! I am proud to be on the House Foreign Affairs Committee to support our Armenian community in Rhode Island and across the world.
	For National Care at Home Month, I shared some laughs and talked about my work in Congress to support home care with 96 year-old Jacky who is receiving care through the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) of Care New England.
	I joined the Providence City Council last week to pay tribute to Rhode Island Veterans and celebrate Barnaby Evans’ work behind the annual Veterans Waterfire. Over the past week, I honored the sacrifices of those who have defended our freedoms.

Rhode Island Delegation Secures $11.25 Million for Quonset to Strengthen Port Infrastructure

This week our delegation shared some great news for the Port of Davisville at Quonset—another $11.25 million in federal funding is on the way. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this Port Infrastructure Development Program grant will help fund essential upgrades at the Port.

The Quonset Development Corporation (QDC) will use these funds to streamline the Port’s terminal access to make operations smoother and improve overall efficiency. The grant will also allow QDC to build a new terminal to handle large cargo including components for offshore wind. Additionally, the funds will support the new Frys Cove Road, which will create more coastal access for the public to enjoy!

I am glad that our delegation helped secure this federal investment to help increase efficiency and capacity at Quonset Point, extend the service life of this critical port, and benefit our state’s Blue Economy. I thank my colleagues for their work to bring these resources home as we continue to drive progress, support job growth, and build sustainable infrastructure in Rhode Island!

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