My friend,

Here's a quick update on what I've been working on during a busy few weeks in Washington, DC, Staten Island and Southern Brooklyn...

After Whoopi Goldberg wrongfully disparaged Staten Island's Holtermann's Bakery on live TV, we brought their famous Charlotte Russe cakes to Capitol Hill to show our support and share the sweet treats with our Congressional colleagues. We're proud to represent this 146-year-old small business and encourage Whoopi to apologize for her misguided remarks!

IMPROVING VETERANS HEALTH CARE

As someone who represents a large veteran population and VA medical facilities, I'm pleased to see the House pass the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act to improve health care services for our veterans, their caregivers and their families. 

This bill will address many of the issues raised in our quarterly veterans roundtables, including expanding economic opportunities for our veterans, making mental health care and addiction treatment more accessible, providing housing assistance for homeless vets, and increasing transparency at the VA.

FIGHTING CONGESTION PRICING

I joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in New York and DC in pushing Governor Hochul to end the state's Congestion Pricing scheme. The Governor should learn and listen to the will of the people who've made it very clear that they do not want this cash grab.

I've personally spoken with President Trump about the congestion tax. He opposes it, sees how detrimental it would be to our city's economy, and that it will hurt hard working New Yorkers. I believe as long as we can continue to delay the implementation until after January 20, President Trump will terminate the program when he assumes office. In the meantime, we're looking for every legal and legislative angle from the federal perspective to see how we can stop this before or after it potentially takes effect.

ENDING ANIMAL CRUELTY AT COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

I've introduced the HELP PETS Act to stop taxpayer dollars going to colleges and universities that perform cruel and unnecessary experiments on dogs and cats. We've seen progress in cutting federal funding for abusive animal testing at other agencies, and now it’s time to hold academic institutions accountable too. Not only is animal testing is cruel, but it has become absolutely needless. Taxpayer money shouldn't be used to fund outdated experiments that harm our pets!

FRIENDSGIVING WITH THE U.S. COAST GUARD

I had the pleasure of joining U.S. Coast Guard Sector New York for a “Friendsgiving” Dinner at the Staten Island Base with President Biden and the First Lady who served our Coasties and their guests. It was a nice evening of fellowship and Thanksgiving for our service members!

TURKEY GIVEAWAY AT NEW LANE SENIOR HOUSES

I joined members of the community, Councilman David Carr and humanitarian organization Embrace Relief to deliver turkeys to seniors and residents of NYCHA's New Lane Senior Houses. We wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving!

HOLDING 9/11 TERRORISTS ACCOUNTABLE

The decision to reinstate pre-trial agreements with the monsters who orchestrated the worst terrorist attack on American soil is a travesty. These agreements were previously nullified by Secretary Austin who is granted the authority to do so as the leader of his department, under the Military Commission Act of 2009, and the military’s Manual for Military Commissions.

President Biden must immediately step in, schedule a trial and swiftly put these monsters to death. If not, it’s my hope the incoming Trump Administration, which previously set a trial date, will deliver the long overdue justice that these families deserve.

HONORING OUR FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS

Our office was honored to attend a dedication ceremony for Lt. Joe Maiello, a 22-year veteran of the FDNY who passed away in the line of duty in 2021. His name was added to the FDNY monument on Staten Island, where it serves as a solemn reminder of the courage and sacrifices New York's Bravest make to keep our city safe.

HUGUENOT PARK LIBRARY GROUNDBREAKING

Our office is proud to support the groundbreaking of New York Public Library's Huguenot Park Library. Woodrow residents of all ages will benefit from this 7,500-square-foot facility, which will feature a program room for community events, outdoor programming space, and dedicated parking for patrons.This project builds on NYPL's prior commitment to investing in Staten Island, with over $100 million dedicated to capital improvements over the past decade.

WELCOMING THE BROOKLYN CHAMBER TO DC

It was great to have members of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC, this month, including Brooklyn business owners, non-profits, and community leaders. We discussed preventing the expiration of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions that benefit our small businesses, Congestion Pricing and support for New York City's safety net hospitals.

Why a New York City Republican thinks Trump increased his NYC vote share

Five questions for … Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-New York): Vice President Kamala Harris won New York City last week by 37 points — a substantial drop from President Joe Biden’s 53-point margin of victory there and the worst performance by a Democratic presidential nominee in the city since Michael Dukakis in 1988.

President-elect Donald Trump’s newfound strength in the city where he was born and lived most of his life led Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York) to ask New Yorkers who voted for Trump but also supported her to explain why they had done so.

We talked with Malliotakis, who represents a district that includes Staten Island and part of Brooklyn, about why more New Yorkers were voting for Trump.

Washington DC Office

351 Cannon House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

(202) 225-3371

Staten Island Office

1698 Victory Blvd

Suite 2L

Staten Island, NY 10314

(718) 568-2870