Email from Rep. Garbarino Weekly Newsletter from the Office of Congressman Andrew Garbarino If you were forwarded this email, click here to subscribe An update from the office of Congressman Andrew Garbarino SPOTLIGHT Wishing NY-02 a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah With both Christmas and Hanukkah beginning this upcoming week, Andrew extends his warmest holiday wishes to everyone across NY-02. This is a time to reflect on faith, give thanks, and celebrate with loved ones. May your holidays be filled with joy, peace, and hope for the year ahead. Andrew is honored to serve you and looks forward to continuing to work hard for NY-02 in the new year. ANDREW IN THE NEWS Power & Politics: 1:1 with Rep. Andrew Garbarino Click here to watch. WHAT'S NEW IN NY-02 Andrew Helps Secure Workforce Training Grant For Local Nonprofit United Way of Long Island has received funding from the U.S. Department of Labor's YouthBuild Program. This grant will help provide at-risk youth in our community with education, skills training, and career pathways in high-demand industries like construction and healthcare."United Way of Long Island has a proven record of empowering young adults through comprehensive workforce training and is well-deserving of this competitive grant,” Andrew said in a statement. “I was honored to support their grant application and look forward to seeing their continued impact on our vulnerable communities." This grant will help equip young adults with the skills needed for stable employment, bolstering job equity and economic growth in our community. CASEWORK HIGHLIGHT: Correcting a Social Security Error A constituent contacted Andrew’s office after Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) mistakenly awarded them a significantly reduced monthly payment, despite suffering multiple workplace injuries over decades of work in heavy construction. Andrew’s casework team contacted the Social Security Administration (SSA) to correct the error and ensure the proper payment was processed. Andrew knows how frustrating dealing with bureaucracy can be. That is why he has an entire team dedicated to helping constituents get what they need from the government. If you need help dealing with a federal agency, contact our office and our team will get to work on your case. KEEPING UP WITH CONGRESS Andrew Calls For Action To Address Growing Drone Concerns Recent drone sightings over New York and the East Coast have highlighted an emerging concern for public safety and security. That's why this week, Andrew and Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan called on Congress to take action on their bipartisan counter-drone legislation to provide law enforcement with the tools needed to protect our communities. The Safeguarding the Homeland from the Threats Posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act would enhance the federal government’s ability to address the risks posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). This legislation reauthorizes critical existing authorities and creates new opportunities for federal agencies to collaborate with state and local law enforcement to detect and mitigate drone threats. Andrew remains committed to ensuring the safety of New Yorkers and communities nationwide. Improving Veterans' Benefits The Veterans Benefits Improvement Act passed the House this week with Andrew’s proud support. This bill streamlines disability claims and expands recruitment at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals to reduce wait times for veterans. Andrew remains committed to ensuring veterans receive timely access to the benefits they’ve earned. Advancing Health Care Priorities for NY-02 Families This week, the House passed two important bipartisan bills focused on improving health care outcomes, both of which Andrew was proud to support. The Autism Cares Act of 2024 reauthorizes critical programs for autism education, early detection, and intervention. This legislation ensures continued resources for research, caregiver support, and public awareness, making a real difference for individuals with autism and their families. The Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act calls for a comprehensive interagency review to improve prevention, treatment, and public awareness of lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths among women. Andrew remains committed to health care initiatives that provide resources, drive research, and improve outcomes for families across NY-02 and the nation. Andrew Votes to Keep Government Open This week, Andrew voted to pass H.R. 10545, the American Relief Act of 2025, which extends government funding through March 14, 2025. “A government shutdown is bad for the American people, plain and simple. While I am frustrated by the absence of 9/11 health funding and other important provisions that were included in the initial CR, I voted for the final package to keep the government open for the next three months, prevent a lapse in government resources, and ensure that our troops, border patrol agents, and tens of thousands of federal employees living on Long Island would not have to go without pay over the holidays. There continues to be widespread bipartisan and bicameral support for preventing impending cuts to the World Trade Center Health Program, and I remain confident in our ability to secure a path forward in the next Congress,” Andrew said. Andrew remains committed to fighting for Long Island’s families, securing funding for vital programs, and ensuring the government works effectively for the American people. Thanks for reading! Do you know someone who might like to receive these updates? Forward this email to your friends and families and tell them to click below to subscribe! Click Here To Subscribe Rep. Andrew R. Garbarino Congressman representing New York's 2nd Congressional District Washington, D.C. 2344 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-7896 Patchogue 31 Oak Street, Suite 20 Patchogue, NY 11772 Phone: (631) 541-4225 Rep. Garbarino | 2344 Rayburn House Office Building | Washington, DC 20515 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice