The Hypocrisy of the Biden Crime Family

Joe Biden's sweeping pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, is an outrageous abuse of power that highlights the two-tiered system of justice this administration has created. This unprecedented pardon, covering any and all offenses Hunter Biden committed or may have committed between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024, is a slap in the face to every American who believes in fairness and accountability under the law. It underscores that there's one set of rules for the Biden family and another for the rest of us.

For two years, I have been working with the Ways and Means Committee to investigate the Biden family's crimes, where we uncovered extensive evidence that proves this pardon was always a part of the Biden Crime Family's plan to illegally enrich themselves at the expense of the American people. 

Not only is it a blatant attempt to evade accountability, but it also represents the blatant betrayal of Biden's promise to the American people. But I want to know your thoughts: Do you agree with President Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden?

Making Our Government More Efficient

Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk joined House Republicans this week to host a brainstorming session to lay the framework for how we are going to make our government more efficient and lower costs.

We must eliminate unused office spaces that are wasting precious tax dollars or ensure federal workers return to their desks. With only 6% of federal workers showing up in person on a full-time basis, we must sell underutilized properties and consolidate operations. In addition, the GAO found that 17 of the 24 federal agencies were using 25% or less of their headquarters building's capacity at the beginning of 2023.

American taxpayers deserve better—a more responsive, efficient government focused on fulfilling Congress's intended purpose.

President Trump’s Commitment to Free the Hostages and Confront Hamas

If the Biden Administration refuses to act before January 20, rest assured that President Trump will take immediate, bold, and decisive action to free the hostages and seek justice for the innocent civilians killed on October 7 and in the days that followed. The Biden Administration has repeatedly abandoned Israel while emboldening our adversaries. Under President Trump’s leadership, Hamas and any other terrorist group or country holding Americans hostage will face swift and severe consequences. I stand with President Trump and support any necessary steps to free the hostages and eliminate the threat posed by Hamas.

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. 7248 - FDA Modernization Act 3.0 – This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary to establish a process to qualify test methods to reduce or replace animal tests. The new methods must either 1) improve test predictivity for safety and efficacy or 2) reduce development time for drugs and biologics.

H.R. 10265 - the Securing the Northern Border Act – As the crisis at the Northern Border rages on under the Biden administration, Congress must do more to secure our Northern Border. This bill centralizes DHS’ efforts on the Northern Border by creating a Northern Border Mission Center that will take the lead in coordinating the activities and personnel of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Coast Guard, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). This will increase the efficacy of DHS’ efforts and support President Trump’s mission of securing our borders.

H.R. 7174 - Ensuring Pathways to Innovative Cures (EPIC) Act: The EPIC Act corrects the Inflation Reduction Act's misguided 'pill penalty' to ensure continued investment in life-saving small molecule drugs. By leveling the playing field, this bipartisan legislation safeguards critical research and innovation, offering hope to millions of patients who rely on these therapies for a better future.

Transparency in Congress and a well-informed electorate are vital to preserving our self-governing Constitutional Republic. My constituents deserve to know how their members of Congress vote, which is why I have explained every vote I have cast in Congress since I was first elected. 

To read more about my votes and see the full list with explanations of all the legislation considered this week by the House, please click here.

I voted “Yes” on S. 3791, the America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act. This bill reauthorizes the American Conservation Enhancement program, investing in wetlands and habitat restoration projects across the country as well as strategies to reduce conflicts between wildlife and livestock. Reauthorizing this critical program will ensure that America’s fish, wildlife resources, wetlands, and natural habitats are preserved for future generations. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 366-21.

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 390, the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Enhancement Act. This bill directs the National Park Service to assess the suitability and feasibility of adding the rest of Saratoga County and Washington County in New York to the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area in New York. The Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area was designated by Congress in 1996 and is one of the now sixty-two federally recognized National Heritage Areas throughout the United States. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 378-16.

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 8219, the Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act. This bill directs the National Park Service to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating Lahaina, Maui County, Hawaii, as the Lahaina National Heritage Area under the National Heritage Areas Act. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 378-25.

I voted “Yes” on S. 709, the Federal Agency Performance Act. The bill would require reviews of each agency’s performance goals, increase data posted on Performance.gov, require at least 2 government officials to be designated and responsible for accomplishing agency performance goals. For too long, Washington bureaucrats have failed the American people and failed to accomplish their agency’s mission. This bill requires more transparency and accountability to ensure federal agencies work effectively and efficiently in serving the American people. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 389-6.

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 9598, the Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act. This bill would reauthorize the Office of National Drug Control Policy, along with various anti-drug programs run by the federal government. As the opioid epidemic continues to plague our communities, these programs are even more critical in the fight against illegal substances. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 399-1.

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 9600, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 119 Main Street in Plains, Georgia, as the "Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Post Office". This bill would rename the Plains, Georgia post office after former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn. President Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946 and served our country with distinction. President Carter and Rosalynn dedicated their post-presidency lives to expanding human rights and promoting peace, and in 2002 President Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 381-15.

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 7198, the Prove It Act. While federal law already requires federal agencies to consider the economic impact of regulations on small businesses, many agencies simply ignore this requirement. This is completely unacceptable. This bill would require agencies to not only consider the direct impact of regulations, but also the indirect costs, and it creates a mechanism for small businesses to challenge regulations if the agency fails to consider the costs of the regulation on small businesses. Our House Republican Majority is committed to fighting for Main Street small businesses against Washington bureaucrats’ desire to regulate small businesses into oblivion. I strongly supported this commonsense legislation and urge my colleagues in the Senate to send this bill to the President’s desk for his signature. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 208-196.

I voted “Yes” on the Motions to Refer H.Res. 1608 and H.Res. 1609 to the House Ethics Committee. These resolutions would have directed the House Ethics Committee to release any reports or records of alleged misconduct by former Representative Matt Gaetz (FL). Under Congressional precedent, the Ethics Committee only investigates and releases information about currently serving members of Congress, and under rare circumstances, individuals seeking other elected or appointed offices. Former Representative Matt Gaetz has resigned from Congress, made it clear he does not intend to serve in the 119^th Congress, and is not actively seeking another elected or appointed position. As such, in standing with Congressional precedent, I voted to refer these resolutions to the House Ethics Committee for further deliberation. These motions passed by a vote of 206-198 and 204-198 respectively. 

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 5349, the Crucial Communism Teaching Act. This bill directs the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation to develop a civic education curriculum and resources to teach the importance of democracy and the evils of communism. Sadly, shocking numbers of our Nation’s youth view communism positively. 18% of Gen Z believes communism is fairer than capitalism, and 19% of Gen Z believes a dictatorship is the best political system. These beliefs are antithetical to our American values of democracy, liberty, and capitalism. Importantly, this bill does not impose any mandates on local school systems, but rather directs the memorial to create materials that schools can voluntarily use to reach the dangers of communism and totalitarianism. I strongly support this commonsense legislation and was pleased to see it pass by such an overwhelmingly bipartisan margin. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 327-62.

Honoring Omer Neutra

This week, we learned of the devastating death of New Yorker Omer Neutra, who was murdered during the horrific October 7 attack.

A grandson of Holocaust survivors, Omer felt a profound call to duty. He deferred his acceptance to Binghamton University to serve in the Israeli Defense Forces. On October 7, Omer was among the first to respond to Hamas's brutal attacks, courageously risking his life to save others.

Our hearts go out to his family, who have fought tirelessly for over 400 days to bring their son home. We pray for the swift return of his body to his loved ones and for justice to prevail against those responsible.

May his memory be a blessing.

Thank You Patty Hotchkiss

For the last 30 years, Patty Hotchkiss, owner of Patty's Place, has embodied the true spirit of Thanksgiving by providing meals to those in need.

Thank you, Patty and your team of volunteers, for delivering meals to hospice centers, veterans' housing, and the Canandaigua Police and Fire Departments. Your kindness ensures that those in need or working during the holiday are well-fed and cared for.

READ MORE: 'It's the little things': Canandaigua restaurant owner continues Thanksgiving tradition

Winter Weather is Here!

Here comes the snow!

As much of our district braces for the first big snowstorm of the year, here are a few tips to stay safe this winter:

• Stock up on essentials: food, water, batteries, and blankets.
• Keep a flashlight and emergency kit handy in case of power outages.
• Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy snow—stay off the roads if you can!
• If you must drive, keep a full gas tank and pack a winter survival kit in your car.
• Check on elderly neighbors and loved ones who may need assistance.

Stay safe and warm, NY-24!

FEMA's Firefighter Grant Program Application Deadline is Quickly Approaching

ICYMI: My team of expert caseworkers hosted a webinar with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide details on grant opportunities for fire departments under their Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). This year, FEMA has announced a second round of applications from November 12 and will close applications on December 20 at 5 PM EST. If you are interested in applying, the link for the grant is here, and the FEMA AFG Help-Desk Number is 866-274-0960 Mon-Fri 8 AM-4:30 PM.

Recordings of this webinar and past webinars can be found on my website here.

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.