I stood with the family of 20-month-old River Wilson, who tragically drowned at a Bronx residential day care, to demand justice and accountability. Earlier this year, I introduced River’s Law - legislation to ban swimming pools at residential child care facilities and require door and window alarms to prevent future tragedies.

Our continued advocacy is about ensuring that River’s story leads to real change. No parent should ever have to endure what River’s family has faced, and no community should have to grieve a preventable loss. The Bronx deserves safety, transparency, and action, and through River’s Law, we are fighting to make sure no child’s life is ever put at risk again.

It was deeply moving to stand with neighbors at the vigil for Erik Farmer, a true pillar of our community and a tireless advocate for the Bronx. As president of the Forest Houses Tenant Association, Erik was a bridge-builder who never stopped showing up for his neighbors. His leadership, love, and commitment made our community stronger, and his impact will be felt for years to come.

I was honored to attend the street co-naming ceremony for Luciel Boles-Wilson, “The Poet of the Bronx.” A lifelong Bronx resident, Luciel devoted her life to serving children, seniors, and neighbors through her work, volunteerism, and poetry. The newly co-named corner of Nereid Avenue and Hill Avenue stands as a lasting tribute to her compassion, creativity, and commitment to community.

I joined a roundtable on the Cross Bronx Expressway to discuss how we can reconnect our neighborhoods, reduce pollution, and improve quality of life for Bronx residents.

Resources for Federal Workers During the Government Shutdown

If you are a federal employee affected by the government shutdown, there are several programs available to help you manage temporary financial hardship.

United States Senate Federal Credit Union (USSFCU)

Offers 0% APR loans up to $5,000 for 90 days to eligible members. Membership is open to all federal employees through the American Consumer Council, the U.S. Capitol Historical Association, or the USSFCU Foundation.
800-374-2758 | ussfcu.org/federal-government-shutdown-assistance

Congressional Federal Credit Union (CFCU)
Provides a Relief Line of Credit of up to $4,000, with 0% APR during the initial 60-day draw period, followed by 4% APR on the remaining balance for up to 36 months.
800-491-2328 | congressionalfcu.org/furlough-solutions

Department of Commerce Federal Credit Union (DOCFCU)
Offering Furlough Loans up to $10,000, with 0% interest for the first month, then 8.99% APR thereafter. Payments begin after a 60-day grace period.
888-626-9845 | docfcu.org/furlough

Navy Federal Credit Union
Providing zero-interest loans up to $6,000 for members and eligible federal employees facing paycheck disruptions.
888-842-6328 | navyfederal.org

Army Emergency Relief (AER)
Offers interest-free loans up to one paycheck (maximum $6,000) for soldiers and their families experiencing hardship due to the shutdown.
866-878-6378 | armyemergencyrelief.org

USAA
Through its Government Shutdown Program, USAA offers no-interest loans from $500 to $6,000 and other payment-relief options for eligible members with direct deposit.
210-531-8722 | usaa.com

PenFed Credit Union
Offering zero-interest loans equal to missed paychecks for existing members with direct deposit through PenFed.
800-247-5626 | penfed.org

Unemployment Insurance for Furloughed Federal Workers

If you are a federal employee furloughed during the shutdown, you may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance benefits through the Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees program.

This program is managed by the New York State Department of Labor and follows the same rules as regular state unemployment benefits.

Federal workers should file as soon as they miss a paycheck or stop receiving pay. You can apply and review eligibility requirements here: dol.ny.gov/unemployment-assistance-eligibility-federal-employees

Federal Employee Education and Assistance (FEEA) Fund

The FEEA Fund offers national and state-specific resources to support federal employees during a shutdown, including hardship grants, emergency loans, and guidance on additional assistance programs. Visit FEEA’s Shutdown Resource Page.

The stress of a government shutdown extends far beyond Washington. It reaches families, workers, and communities across the Bronx and our nation.

My office remains open and ready to help connect you with federal, state, and local resources, including assistance programs for furloughed workers.

If you or someone you know is impacted, please contact my District Office at 718-503-9610.

We stand with every public servant who keeps our government, and our democracy, running.

Share Your Story

New Yorkers are feeling the real-world effects of this shutdown. If your Affordable Care Act premiums have gone up or you’re facing other hardships, I want to hear from you. Your experiences help guide my work and allow my office to connect you with available resources. Please share your story via this link.

D.C. Updates

I cosponsored H.R. 5740, which would amend the Child Nutrition Act to make funding for the WIC program (Women, Infants, and Children) mandatory rather than discretionary. It ensures stable, predictable support for maternal and child nutrition.

I cosponsored H.R. 5762, which establishes a new federal program to restore and safeguard our region’s waterways, improve water quality, and enhance climate resilience through community-based grants and conservation projects. This legislation invests in cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable watersheds for the future of our region.

Community Institution of the Week: NAACP Williamsbridge Branch

For 67 years, the NAACP Williamsbridge Branch has been a powerful voice for justice, equity, and empowerment in the Bronx - especially in the Northeast Bronx. From advancing education and civic engagement to defending civil rights, the branch continues to strengthen our communities and uplift future generations. Congratulations to the Williamsbridge NAACP on its 67th Anniversary Gala and its enduring legacy of advocacy and leadership.

While Washington remains gridlocked, our work for the Bronx does not stop. My team and I will continue standing with working families, seniors, and small businesses, making sure you have access to the services and support you need. The Bronx deserves better than dysfunction; it deserves action, compassion, and accountability. Together, we’ll keep building a Bronx that works for everyone.

Sincerely,

Fighting for the Bronx