Email from Rep. Tenney Congresswoman Tenney's Weekly Newsletter   Have Questions? Contact Me Here Democrat-led Government Shutdown House Republicans did our job. We passed a clean, bipartisan continuing resolution to keep the government open, protect paychecks for our troops, Border Patrol agents, TSA officers, and air traffic controllers, while ensuring essential services continue for the American people. Democrats chose political theater over the people they represent and voted to shut the government down. By voting no, Democrats turned their backs on our service members, veterans, and all our federal law enforcement officers. Instead, they are demanding a reckless $1.5 trillion partisan spending spree, slashing rural hospital funding, forcing taxpayers to bankroll healthcare for illegal immigrants, funneling billions into foreign DEI programs, and handing $500 million to liberal media outlets. This is irresponsible and dangerous. A short-term clean CR simply extends funding for seven weeks to give Congress time to finish Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations. Democrats voted for this same kind of measure 13 times under Joe Biden without a single shutdown. The only difference now is President Trump. To oppose him and advance their radical agenda, they are holding the government hostage. House Republicans remain committed to governing responsibly. We voted to keep the lights on, safeguard essential services, and protect taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars. Democrats must explain to the American people why they chose chaos over common sense. For more information and resources, click here. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Begins October 15 Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment Period begins on October 15 and runs through December 7, 2025. This is the best time for seniors and eligible constituents to review their coverage, compare options, and make any changes for the year ahead. Medicare offers two main paths for coverage: Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and Medicare Advantage (Part C). Those on Original Medicare may also add prescription drug coverage under Part D. If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, there is a separate window from January 1 through March 31 to switch to a different Advantage Plan, with changes taking effect the first of the following month. This enrollment period, however, does not allow individuals to move from Original Medicare into a new Advantage Plan. Even if you’re already enrolled, it’s important to review your options each year since both your health needs and available plans can change. Comparing plans could save you money or give you access to new benefits. Any changes made during open enrollment will take effect on January 1, 2026. Compare health and drug plans at Medicare.gov/plan-compare or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). President Trump's 20-point Gaza Peace Plan Joining Evening Edit to Discuss Trump's Plan to Bring Peace to the Middle East President Trump has put forward a bold and comprehensive 20-point plan to bring peace to Gaza and end Hamas’ reign of terror. The plan makes the return of every hostage, including Americans, a top priority and requires the full demilitarization of Gaza so it can never again serve as a base for attacks on Israel or the region. It links reconstruction with security, ensuring that aid, infrastructure, and investment are delivered only with strict verification and international oversight. A Trump-led “Board of Peace” and an International Stabilization Force will oversee governance and security, giving civilians a future of opportunity while protecting Israel’s right to defend itself. President Trump made clear that Hamas has until October 5 at 6 PM to accept this deal or face the consequences. This is a real path forward that secures Israel, restores stability, and proves once again why Trump is the President of Peace the world needs. 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. 1932, Pay Our Troops Act of 2025: This bill would ensure that members of the Armed Services, including active-duty members of the reserves and the civilian personnel and contractors of the Department of Defense, receive pay during a lapse in federal funding. Our troops are critical to our nation's security and defense, and we must ensure that they and their families are supported during their active service. This bill ensures that any future government shutdown does not affect our servicemembers. H.R. 1916, Pay Our Border Patrol and Customs Agents Act of 2025: This bill would provide appropriations to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for the salaries and expenses of agents and officers who are required to continue working during a lapse in federal funding. CBP employees put their lives on the line every day to protect our borders, and their work is necessary to maintain our national security. It is imperative that CBP personnel and their families are well cared for during their essential service protecting our communities. H.R. 5398, Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act of 2026: This bill would ensure that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel receive pay during a lapse in federal funding. Additionally, this bill recognizes that law enforcement personnel at DHS shouldn’t have to worry about their next paycheck and are paid according to their normal salary schedule. It is vital that DHS personnel, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), are paid while securing our borders and stopping illegal drug trafficking. 2025 Service Academy Night in Syracuse This week, our team participated in the 2025 Service Academy Night in Syracuse, an event that showcased the extraordinary opportunities offered by the nation’s military service academies, ROTC programs, and Cyber Service Academies. Students and families had the chance to hear directly from representatives of the Academies, learn about the rigorous nomination process, and explore the pathways of service. As the mother of a Naval Academy graduate, I understand the discipline, commitment, and tenacity required to answer this call and commend all who wish to serve our country. Erie Canal Bicentennial Photo Credit: the Village of Newark Our team was honored to take part in the Erie Canal Bicentennial Commemorative Voyage, celebrating 200 years of one of New York’s greatest achievements. We boarded the Seneca Chief, a faithful recreation of the original boat that carried Governor DeWitt Clinton in 1825, joining local leaders for the journey from Palmyra to Newark. Upon arrival, we participated in a ceremony marking this historic milestone, where a certificate was presented to Mayor Taylor and water from Newark was added to the ceremonial barrel that will be poured in New York City at the conclusion of the voyage. The Erie Canal is a symbol of innovation and perseverance, and its legacy continues to shape the communities of NY-24 today. Naples Grape Festival Our team was pleased to join the community at this year’s Naples Grape Festival, a signature celebration of the Finger Lakes. Hosted by the Naples Historical Society and Naples Rotary Club, the festival brought together families, artisans, and vendors for a weekend of food, music, and the beloved grape pie contest. We met with local organizations and visited the beautiful setting that makes Naples such a special part of NY-24. Festivals like this showcase the rich traditions of our region and underscore the importance of supporting local producers, artists, and community groups. Lockport Medical Park Open House Our team attended the Lockport Medical Park Open House, marking the launch of a new specialty office park that expands access to health care for Niagara County residents. This facility now brings Kaleida Health’s Laboratory Blood Draw services together with providers all under one roof. During the visit, we toured the new space and spoke with Kaleida Health CEO Don Boyd, who emphasized the organization’s commitment to delivering high-quality care close to home for families in Lockport. Successful Casework Story An Orleans County Veteran had been waiting for over two years for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to approve his claim for benefits he earned in defense of this nation. After contacting my office, the VA was able to approve his claim: "[Your staffer] is such a great person. He was the ONLY person that reached out to me about my VA claim that took two years to get approved. I am grateful for the time he took to talk to me and steer me towards some services to assist." Internship Opportunities My office is accepting applications for internships in both our Washington, D.C., and district offices. Interns play an important role in serving the people of NY-24, whether it’s assisting constituents, conducting legislative research, or supporting community outreach. This is a valuable opportunity to gain firsthand experience in public service, learn how Congress works, and make a real impact on our district. If you or someone you know is a motivated, hardworking individual with a passion for serving our communities, I encourage you to apply! To apply for an internship, click 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 Canandaigua 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.     tenney.house.gov Rep. 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