Honoring Staff Sergeant John A. Pagliuso

It was a privilege to join local veterans, members of the New York Army National Guard, and the family of Staff Sergeant John A. Pagliuso in Lyons to honor his life and service during a funeral with full military honors. A native son of Lyons, he grew up as an Eagle Scout, a forestry student, and a young man who loved his community so much he planted one hundred trees before leaving to serve our country at just twenty-four years old. Those trees still stand today, a quiet reminder of his devotion to his hometown.

Staff Sergeant Pagliuso served as an aerial photographer with the 405th Bombardment Squadron, 38th Bombardment Group, in the Southwest Pacific Theater during World War II and was killed in action over Papua New Guinea in 1942. After more than eighty years of waiting and praying for answers, his family’s hope was fulfilled thanks to the extraordinary work of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and the Wayne County Veterans Service Office, which identified his remains and brought him home to be laid to rest beside his parents. His courage and sacrifice remind us that freedom is never free and that we have a responsibility to honor those who secure it. May God bless Staff Sergeant Pagliuso, his family, and all who continue to serve our nation.

Democrat-led Shutdown Entering November

The Democrat-led government shutdown has now entered its second month, and the consequences for working families, small businesses, and national security are growing more severe by the day. More than 40 million Americans have seen their food assistance reduced, millions of federal employees have missed paychecks, and small business lending, along with rural air service, is grinding to a halt. Our servicemembers continue to work without pay as vital national security programs remain stalled. This is no longer political theater; it’s a crisis created by Democrat leaders who refuse to govern. While President Trump has acted to protect our troops and keep essential services running, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand continue to block House Republicans’ clean funding bill. It’s time to end the chaos, reopen the government, and put the American people first.

Socialism in New York

Socialism has taken hold in New York City, and the consequences will be severe for families, small businesses, and our state’s economy. With Zohran Mamdani’s victory, New York is now the testing ground for a far-left agenda that will raise taxes, weaken public safety, and accelerate the exodus already hollowing out our communities. His platform of government-run grocery stores, rent freezes, free bus fares, and higher taxes will destroy jobs and drive investment out of our state. He has openly promised to replace police with social workers and to stop cooperating with ICE and federal law enforcement, turning New York into a destination for criminal activity. As someone who lived under a communist regime, I know exactly where these policies lead. They trap people in dependency, concentrate power in government, and strip away individual freedom. What happens in New York will not stay here. It will shape the direction of our entire country. We must stand firm against socialism and fight for safe, free, and prosperous communities for every New Yorker.

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. 529, the RACE Act: This bill would require states to finish counting ballots for federal elections no later than 10:00 p.m. on the day of the election. Additionally, states would be required to certify the election results not later than 48 hours after the election. Voting is a powerful expression of self-governance and one of the most sacred rights we hold as Americans. This bill enhances the systems and processes to make elections more efficient, secure, and trustworthy. 

H.R. 591, the Defending American Jobs and Investment Act: This bill would require the Department of the Treasury to submit reports to Congress that list each foreign country that has one or more extraterritorial or discriminatory taxes. Under an international deal negotiated by the Biden Administration, foreign countries would be able to impose unfair taxes on American workers, making the United States less competitive in the global economy. President Trump rejected this deal, and this bill would help push back against countries like China that seek to undermine our economic sovereignty and target American companies. 

H.R. 1529, the Access Technology Affordability Act: This bill would establish a refundable tax credit to blind and vision-impaired people to purchase equipment that assists them in their jobs. Specifically, this bill would allow a $2,000 tax credit for individuals to purchase technology such as Braille note takers or screen readers. Creating better access to these tools would empower more blind Americans to fully participate as employees, adding jobs and allowing individuals to compete in the job market. 

The Grand Opening of North Star Ammo and Defense

It was a honor for our team to attend the ribbon-cutting and grand opening of North Star Ammo and Defense in the Village of Albion. Owned by Shawn and Kelly Malark, North Star Ammo and Defense is a family-run business that reflects the values of hard work, perseverance, and community. This new store will serve local sportsmen, hunters, and defenders of our Second Amendment rights while supporting law enforcement and first responders across the region. It was wonderful to see such a strong turnout from community leaders, including the Orleans County District Attorney, Undersheriff, and members of the county legislature, all showing their support for this remarkable family and their exciting new venture.

Celebrating the 6th Anniversary of Save the Michaels Recovery Center

This week, our team attended the 6th Anniversary Celebration for Save the Michaels Recovery Center in Lockport, an outstanding organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by substance use. The event brought together staff, local officials, and community partners to recognize six years of life-changing service and advocacy in Niagara County. President and CEO Avi Israel delivered heartfelt remarks reflecting on the organization’s growth from a grassroots effort in Buffalo to a regional network offering hope, healing, and recovery. As Avi prepares for his well-earned retirement after 14 years of leadership, we are grateful for his commitment to saving lives and strengthening families across Western New York.

Ribbon Cutting at Family First Credit Genesee

Our team was delighted to join community members and local leaders at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Family First Federal Credit Union branch in LeRoy, hosted by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce. This new location expands Family First’s footprint in Genesee County and strengthens access to community-based financial services for families and small businesses. CEO Tom Dambra emphasized the credit union’s ongoing commitment to financial education, community engagement, and local investment. It was inspiring to see so many business and chamber members come together to celebrate this important addition to LeRoy’s growing local economy.

Visiting Wyoming County Community Hospital

Our team visited Wyoming County Community Hospital to meet with leadership and discuss the challenges rural hospitals face in maintaining access to care for Upstate families. Hospital officials shared updates on major modernization efforts, including expanded surgical and emergency facilities, as well as the importance of programs that sustain essential services in rural areas. Despite financial pressures from post-pandemic costs and federal reimbursement gaps, Wyoming County Community Hospital continues to provide exceptional care, earning a five-star CMS rating for cleanliness and patient experience. I remain committed to advancing policies that strengthen rural healthcare and protect access to quality medical services for every New Yorker.

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.