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 Remembering Superstorm Sandy and Strengthening Long Island’s Resilience This week, Andrew commemorated the 13-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, which devastated Long Island and communities across the Northeast, leaving behind lasting impacts on families, neighborhoods, and local infrastructure. As we remember the lives lost and those forever changed, as well as the first responders who worked tirelessly to help us rebuild, Andrew commends the resilience and enduring strength shown by our coastal communities. In Congress, Andrew has worked tirelessly to strengthen Long Island’s infrastructure and protect families from future storms. He has championed legislation such as the Community Flood Coverage Savings Act to make flood insurance more affordable, the Emergency Advance Payments Modernization Act to speed up disaster aid for families in need, and the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) to address storm damage and reinforce shoreline protection. These efforts reflect Andrew’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding Long Island’s coastal communities and ensuring that they are better prepared for whatever lies ahead. ANDREW IN THE NEWS House Republicans urge caution as HUD proceeds with homeless housing program cuts " The lawmakers warn that the substantive changes to the Department of Housing and Urban Development program 'should be implemented carefully to avoid destabilizing programs that serve individuals with severe disabilities related to mental illness, chronic health conditions, or substance use disorders, as well as seniors with disabilities.' The draft letter, signed by more than 20 House Republican signatories and led by Long Island Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.)... urged HUD Secretary Scott Turner to extend for an additional year all existing grants expiring in 2026 under the agency’s Continuum of Care program. The lawmakers said the 'extension is essential to prevent service disruptions for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, sustain continuity of care for vulnerable populations, and allow HUD adequate time to implement its next generation of homelessness policy reforms.' " Click here to read the full article. WHAT'S NEW IN NY-02 Suffolk County American Legion Holds Legislative Breakfast Recently, the Suffolk County American Legion held a Legislative Breakfast at the Legion Post in Islip. Veterans and local leaders gathered to discuss key priorities affecting those who have served our nation. Andrew applauds the American Legion’s ongoing work to advocate for veterans and ensure they receive the benefits, care, and respect they have earned. He remains committed to working with the American Legion and other veteran service organizations to uphold our nation’s promise to those who wore the uniform and sacrificed for our country. Andrew Recognizes Bay Shore Community Service Efforts Andrew supported the recent DEA Drug Take Back event in Sayville, where more than 100 pounds of unused and expired medications were collected to help keep drugs out of the wrong hands. The event also provided Narcan, First Aid, and Stop the Bleed trainings to the community at no cost, giving residents valuable tools to save lives and respond to emergencies. This effort carries forward the legacy of Jamie Atkinson, Andrew's dear friend, who lost his battle with 9/11 related cancer earlier this year. Jamie dedicated his life to serving his community as a volunteer with a community ambulance company and an MTA police officer, and was instrumental in organizing this initiative and building the partnerships that made it successful. CASEWORK HIGHLIGHT: Securing Military Honors for a Navy Veteran The family of a recently deceased Navy veteran of the Korean War from Blue Point contacted Andrew's office for assistance in arranging military honors for a funeral scheduled three days later. The Department of Defense had lost the veteran’s records decades ago in a fire, complicating verification of his honorable service and preventing authorization of military honors. Andrew's casework team contacted the Department of Defense to notify the Department of a document found by the veteran's family proving his honorable service and eligibility for military honors. Thanks to those efforts, the veteran received proper military honors at his funeral—a gesture of the nation’s gratitude for his service to our country. 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 Supports Continued Funding for Community Banking Program Andrew joined more than 100 of his colleagues in the House and Senate in sending a letter to Treasury Secretary Bessent and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought affirming support for the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund. The letter highlights the CDFI Fund’s critical role in expanding access to capital, supporting small businesses, increasing affordable housing, and promoting economic growth in communities that need it most. It urges the Administration to continue carrying out the Fund’s statutory obligations to ensure private investment reaches states and districts across the country, strengthening local economies and creating new opportunities for working families. Andrew will always fight for access to financial services in underserved communities to enable investment and growth in local small businesses and our communities. Andrew Recognizes National Down Syndrome Awareness Month Recently, Andrew introduced a resolution to designate October 2025 as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. The resolution celebrates the contributions of individuals with Down Syndrome to our communities and reaffirms Andrew's commitment to supporting policies that promote inclusion, opportunity, and quality of life. Andrew is proud to support individuals with Down Syndrome, like John Cronin of John's Crazy Socks, who passionately advocates on behalf of those with Down Syndrome. Andrew recognizes that we are fortunate to have him and so many others with Down Syndrome as part of our Long Island community. Thanks for reading! Do you know someone who might like to receive these updates? Forward this email to your friends and family 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