In Memory of Detective First Grade Didarul Islam

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope you and your loved ones have been enjoying the last month of summer. With Congress in recess all of August, I have had the pleasure of spending the entire month in our district. I have greatly enjoyed my time with constituents at family days, barbecues, block parties, and all the fun events that come with summer.

This month began on a somber note as I had the solemn honor of speaking at the vigil for Detective First Grade Didarul Islam. Detective Islam was tragically killed in the line of duty during the Midtown Manhattan shooting. In his memory, I arranged for a flag to be flown over the U.S. Capitol as a tribute to our nation’s deep gratitude for his service and sacrifice. We remain forever in his debt.

District Events and Meetings

State Senator Bailey’s and Assembly Speaker Heastie’s annual barbecues are always highlights of my summer!

As a Bronx born-and-bred son of public housing, I always love catching up with my constituents who reside in NYCHA buildings. This summer, I had a wonderful time visiting all the developments in my district.

I also had the privilege of bringing together representatives of NYCHA and tenant leaders from across the district for a two-hour town hall.

NYCHA families from Morrisania Air Rights and the Andrew Jackson Houses enjoyed a joyful day at Sesame Place in celebration of autism awareness. I was proud to co-sponsor this special event and help provide our families with a safe, inclusive, and memorable experience. A big thank-you to Tanya Pedler, Tenant Association President of Morrisania Air Rights, and Danny Barber, TA President of Andrew Jackson Houses, for making the trip possible.

Along with other elected officials representing the Northeast Bronx at the federal, state, and city levels, I held a two-hour meeting with the leadership of Bronx Community Board 12. I’m thankful for the collaboration of Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, State Senator Jamaal Bailey, Council Member Kevin Riley, and Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz.

I hosted a roundtable in my office with the Alzheimer’s Association to address Donald Trump’s proposed $1 trillion cut to Medicaid—the largest provider of long-term care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s—and his plan to slash the NIH’s budget by 40%, threatening the foundation of federally funded Alzheimer’s research. With the Bronx facing the highest Alzheimer’s rate in the nation at 16.6%, we cannot afford to lose ground in the urgent effort to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure this devastating disease that has placed an overwhelming burden on too many families for far too long.

This year’s National Night Out was a great opportunity to reconnect with constituents at eight police precincts across the Bronx: the 40th, 42nd, 44th, 47th, 48th, 49th, 50th, and PSA 7. It was a meaningful evening celebrating the service and sacrifice of the NYPD and its enduring commitment to community partnership. I’m grateful to the officers who work tirelessly to keep our neighborhoods safe and to the civic leaders who stand alongside them.

I had the pleasure of joining Assembly Member Jeff Dinowitz and Council Member Eric Dinowitz to speak with the Friends of the Hudson River Greenway in the Northwest Bronx. The word “river” is part of Riverdale’s very identity. Access to our waterfront—a shared public resource—is not a privilege, but a fundamental right.

I had the honor of visiting senior centers throughout the district, where I was grateful for the chance to hear directly from older adults as they shared their stories, challenges, and the wisdom gained from a lifetime of experience.

I also had the privilege of joining AARPNY to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Social Security—a program that lifts nearly 40% of American seniors out of poverty and allows millions to retire with dignity. Social Security remains one of our nation’s most enduring and impactful achievements.

I had the honor of attending a street renaming ceremony, hosted by Council Member Eric Dinowitz, in memory of Sandra Pabon, whose life was tragically cut short two years ago. Sandra had a remarkable ability to fill any room with her warmth and vibrant spirit. She was a shining example of the Bronx’s civic life at its finest.

I introduced the Epstein Crime Victims Act on the sixth anniversary of Jeffrey Epstein’s death. The bill would amend the Crime Victims’ Rights Act to require federal authorities to notify victims of any non-prosecution agreements (NPAs), regardless of charges filed, and allow victims to sue if this right is violated.

Prompted by Epstein’s case—where victims were kept unaware of a secret plea deal—the legislation aims to close loopholes that let powerful offenders avoid accountability. It follows a 2021 11th Circuit Court ruling that found victims’ rights were violated in Epstein’s original investigation.

As the summer wraps up, I am reflecting on the pleasure I have had of enjoying events with my constituents, listening to their concerns, and hearing their hopes for our district. I am forever grateful for your support and trust, and I am looking forward to returning to Washington and continuing to fight for our district and its needs. As always, please reach out to my office if you are in need of assistance - we are here to help. Enjoy the rest of the summer!

Sincerely,