A Message from Gabe:

Greetings Rhode Islanders,

If you tuned into the news this week from Washington, you heard how Congress fulfilled its most essential task — funding the government and averting a catastrophic shutdown. The overwhelming vote tally is a recognition that our most basic task can, and should, transcend partisanship.

For Rhode Island, it will create jobs, extend vital telehealth flexibilities for Medicare beneficiaries, and ensure our government continues to provide essential services and programs. Keeping our government open is a win for hardworking Americans and a rejection of Elon Musk’s temper tantrum.

However, this funding bill lacks many bipartisan wins that Democrats secured in the original funding deal such as:

• $190 million for research on childhood cancer,
• Consumer protections to prevent price gouging by live event ticket companies,
• Support for critical workforce development programs, and
• More nutrition and social services resources for seniors.

Sincerely,

Gabe Amo

Member of Congress

*DISTRICT DISPATCH UPDATES* As we close out this year, I want to make sure you continue to receive our regular updates by clicking the button below!

Social Security Fairness Act to be Signed Into Law! Last month, I voted YES on H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act, which would repeal two provisions that unfairly reduce benefits for roughly 2.4 million Americans. This week, I am glad to announce that the Senate passed H.R. 82, sending it to President Joe Biden's desk to be signed into law! For years, harmful provisions slashed benefits for many retired police officers, firefighters, teachers, and government employees — penalizing hardworking Americans for their dedication to public service. I’m glad public servants will no longer see their Social Security benefits unfairly reduced. I will continue to work to protect and expand the promise of Social Security for everyone who pays into the system.

Update On RIBridges Alert

Attention Rhode Islanders Open Enrollment for Health Coverage is Happening Now! The Open Enrollment period for health care coverage is an important time to review your options and make any necessary changes to your health care plan. It is essential to act by January 31, 2025 to secure the coverage that suits your needs. Apply by Mail if you need health insurance or want to choose a new plan. If you need assistance with the enrollment process or have questions about your health care options, do not hesitate to contact HealthSource RI by calling them at 1-855-840-4774 or visiting them between 8:00am to 6:00pm Monday-Friday at 401 Wampanoag Trail East, Providence, RI 02915. They are here to help you navigate the health care system and ensure you have access to the coverage you deserve.

	IMPORTANT REMINDER: Rhode Island small businesses and nonprofits affected by last year’s severe winter storms must apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans by MONDAY, December 23, 2024. These loans provide financial assistance to help repair damage and address economic losses caused by the storms. For more details and how to apply, click here.
The Rhode Island Food Policy Council and Groundwork Rhode Island will receive a $20 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Community Change Grants Program. This federal funding will support local organizations in Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Newport, and Middletown. It will uplift efforts to reduce food waste, provide more food to people in need, and expand local composting programs. For more information, click here.
	The Federal Trade Commission just announced a final rule to bans hidden junk fees from: hotels, vacation rentals, and or event tickets Consumers deserve to know what they are paying for upfront, without surprise fees that jack up costs. A victory for consumers across the country, the rule takes effect in April 2025. For more details, click here.

	This week, the House Artificial Intelligence Task Force published its long-awaited report. The report recommended investing in artificial intelligence literacy for K-12 students, a key provision of my bipartisan Literacy in Future Technologies (LIFT) Artificial Intelligence Act.
	I joined faith and community leaders to speak on my work in Congress to ensure economic opportunity for all and to celebrate the Christmas season at the King's Tabernacle Church's Royal Banquet.
	Happy 10th anniversary of being a National Park, Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park! This jewel of our state and region shapes our understanding of the Blackstone Valley’s history.
	Last week, I joined colleagues in state and local government, community leaders and local non-profit organizations for an holiday event in Pawtucket where we discussed my work in Congress to provide support and assistance to our most vulnerable neighbors.
	At Community Angels annual end-of-year event, I gathered with volunteers and local leaders to discuss how we can best coordinate my work in Congress with the service delivery partners who contribute to our community around the clock.

Need Help with a Federal Agency? Our District Office is here to help if you need assistance on a pending case with a federal agency! Call: 401-729-5600 Email: [email protected] Visit My Website

Working to Curb Gun Violence and Keep Communities Safe

Congressman Amo discussing the Responsible Retirement of Law Enforcement Firearms Act with local law enforcement leaders and advocates for gun violence prevention.

Last week, I joined community leaders to highlight my new legislation that would act on gun violence in America.

Since 2006, over 52,000 retired police firearms have been found at crime scenes. While law enforcement agencies sometimes resell retired firearms to their own officers, law enforcement agencies also routinely trade or resell their retired firearms to firearms dealers in exchange for discounts on new equipment. As a result, many retired police firearms end up being used to commit crimes.

The Responsible Retirement of Law Enforcement Firearms Act is a commonsense proposal to block the flow of retired police firearms to crime scenes. It would prevent state and local law enforcement from transferring firearms to — and purchasing firearms from — federally licensed firearms dealers with a history of selling guns that disproportionately end up being used to commit crimes. Simply put, this legislation would keep guns out of the wrong hands. I am proud to co-lead this legislation with Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08). It has been endorsed by Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence, Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, Rhode Island International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Nonviolence Institute, Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Giffords, Everytown for Gun Safety, March for Our Lives, Guns Down America, and Newtown Action Alliance.

I am proud to work with local officials, law enforcement leaders, and advocates to keep our communities safe.

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: 1119 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-4911 Fax: (202) 225-3290