Email from Rep. Tenney Congresswoman Tenney's Weekly Newsletter   Have Questions? Contact Me Here Delivering for Upstate New York and Reopening the Government After more than six weeks of dysfunction and delay, Congress has finally acted to reopen the federal government and restore stability for families, small businesses, and our troops. This shutdown was entirely avoidable. Democrats manufactured a crisis to damage President Trump’s America First agenda while federal workers went without pay and essential services were disrupted. House Republicans stayed focused on results, passing a clean plan weeks ago to keep the government open and pay our servicemembers, but Democrats blocked it repeatedly before ultimately accepting nearly the same terms they rejected from the start. While they wasted time on political theater and hypocrisy, we remained committed to delivering for the American people and for Upstate New York. In addition to reopening the government, this package includes a three-bill “minibus” that makes critical investments in our region through the FY26 Community Project Funding and general appropriations process. I was pleased to champion several key projects that will deliver long-term benefits to our communities and upgrade local infrastructure across Upstate New York: City of Oswego Police Department: $1,000,000 for a new police station to enhance public safety operations.  Orleans County Public Safety Building: $1,750,000 for vital safety and security upgrades.  Town of Torrey Water District #2: $2,050,000 for infrastructure improvements expanding access to clean water.  Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station: $16,110,000 for a new Combined Operations Airfield Facility.  Fort Drum: $9,500,000 for the design of the Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Addition and $8,300,000 for the design of the ORTC Transient Training Barracks. These projects will strengthen public safety, expand access to clean water, bolster our national security, improve troop readiness, and deliver meaningful results for our region. While Democrats wasted weeks on political games, House Republicans stayed focused on solutions: reopening the government, funding essential services, and delivering for the people of Upstate New York. Democrats Shutdown the Government to Defend a Broken Obamacare System For 43 days, Democrats held the entire federal government hostage to protect a failing Obamacare system that has driven premiums through the roof, eliminated choice, and punished working families. Their obsession with extending temporary, COVID-era subsidies, bailouts that now cover up to 87% of exchange-plan costs and let nearly half of enrollees pay $0 premiums, led to the longest shutdown in American history. They refused to fund the government unless taxpayers kept pouring billions into a system that rewards insurance companies for raising prices and squeezes out the private market. Premiums have more than tripled nationwide since Obamacare took effect, and states like New York now face the highest premiums in the country, with regulators approving increases of 7–13% next year for individuals and small businesses. That’s not affordability, it’s government-driven inflation that families and job creators in Upstate New York cannot afford. Obamacare is collapsing, and Democrats still chose to shut down the government in an effort to extort more taxpayer money for a failing system. The law punishes work and rewards dependency, driving an estimated 2 million Americans out of the full-time workforce, and it has devastated small businesses. Employer coverage at small firms has plummeted from 76% to 51%, forcing workers onto government plans with fewer doctors and narrower networks. New Yorkers are being pushed into state-run plans such as the Essential Plan, which offers less choice at a higher cost while enriching insurance companies. Instead of fixing the system, Democrats doubled down on political theater, demanding more subsidies, more bailouts, and more government control. House Republicans stood firm. We refused to tie government funding to a partisan healthcare fight, and Democrats ultimately achieved nothing but harm for the American people. I’ll continue fighting for real reforms that lower costs, expand choice, and put patients, not bureaucrats or insurance companies, back in charge. 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.Res. 864, Honoring the service and sacrifice of America's veterans on Veterans Day, 2025: This resolution expresses the sentiment of Congress that all Americans should remember and honor our veterans this Veterans Day. America’s veterans have risked their lives to defend our great nation and protect our freedoms. We owe our veterans dignity and support, and I remain committed to the men and women who served our nation and fought for our freedoms. H.Res. 254, Recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps: This resolution honors and celebrates the 250th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps, which was celebrated this week. On November 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Marines, permanently founding the modern-day U.S. Marine Corps. For 250 years, Marines have stood guard for our nation, and we remain strong due to the commitment and service of our men and women in uniform. We are grateful for the bravery of the New Yorkers and other Americans who have worn the uniform and protected us all. H.Res. 869, Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald: The S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald was a Great Lakes freighter, and at the time of its launching, it was the largest vessel to ever sale the Great Lakes. 50 years ago this week, the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald tragically sunk in Lake Superior, killing all 29 crew members aboard. This resolution honors the memory of the 29 crew members that tragically lost their lives and recognizes the importance of Great Lakes Shipping to our economic strength, security, and cultural heritage. Transparency in Congress and a well-informed electorate are vital to preserving our self-governing Constitutional Republic. My constituents deserve to know how their members of Congress vote, which is why I have explained every vote I have cast in Congress since I was first elected. To read more about my votes and see the full list with explanations of all the legislation considered this week by the House, please click here. Wednesday, November 12 I voted “Yes” on the Senate amendment to H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026. After weeks of senseless disorder and delay, the House has finally taken action to reopen the government and deliver stability to families, small businesses, and our troops. This shutdown was entirely avoidable. Democrats manufactured a crisis to damage President Trump’s America First agenda while federal workers went without pay and essential services were disrupted. Their partisan games hurt the very people they claim to represent. House Republicans delivered a clean CR to fund the government and pay our servicemembers. Democrats blocked every effort and used hardworking Americans as political leverage. Only after weeks of using the American people as leverage did they finally accept nearly the same terms we offered from the start. This bill includes a continuing resolution through January 30, 2026 and a three-bill “minibus” includes the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations bill; the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill; and the Legislative Branch appropriations bill. This three-bill “minibus” included three of my Community Project Funding projects which will provide $1 million for the City of Oswego Police Department for a new police station, $1.75 million for the Orleans County Public Safety Building for critical safety and security improvements, and $2.05 million for the Town of Torrey Water District #2 for resource and infrastructure upgrades. These projects will strengthen public safety, expand access to clean water, bolster our national security, improve troop readiness, and deliver meaningful results for our region. While Democrats wasted weeks playing politics, House Republicans remained focused on getting things done for the American people and for Upstate New York. The bill passed the House by a vote of 222-209. Veterans Day Each Veterans Day, we pause to commemorate the courageous men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform and defended the freedoms we hold dear. Veterans in Upstate New York and across America represent the very best of us: patriotic, selfless, and steadfast in their love of country. To every veteran and military family, thank you. Your service and sacrifice keep our nation safe and free, and I will never stop fighting to ensure you receive the care, respect, and support you have earned. This Veterans Day, it was an honor to go to VFW Post 369 in Mexico, Oswego County, where our community came together to celebrate the strength and patriotism of those who served. The event brought together veterans, Auxiliary members, local leaders, and youth from the Mexico CSD JROTC and local scout troops. It was remarkable to see our veterans’ powerful legacy continue to inspire the next generation. Speaking with these heroes and their families reaffirmed my commitment to always stand with those who stood for us. Our team also joined the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District for their Veterans Day Assembly, where students, teachers, and community members gathered to pay tribute to active-duty servicemembers and veterans in attendance. We presented a congressional proclamation recognizing the district’s commitment to commemorating our veterans and preserving the values they fought to defend. Moments like this remind us that patriotism is alive and well in our communities, and that teaching our students to appreciate service is one of the greatest responsibilities we share. East Palmyra Christian School Trap Team Banquet It was a pleasure to attend the East Palmyra Christian School Trap Team for their annual banquet to recognize the incredible skill, dedication, and sportsmanship of these young athletes. Shooting sports teach responsibility, focus, and respect for our constitutional freedoms, values that are central to our Upstate way of life. When Albany and Washington politicians tried to block schools from offering programs like trap shooting and archery, I supported legislation restoring access to these vital programs and defending our Second Amendment rights. I will continue to protect responsible gun owners, sportsmen, and youth shooting programs that keep our traditions and freedoms alive. Canandaigua Treaty Day Commemoration This week, our team joined local leaders, members of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and community representatives at the annual Canandaigua Treaty Day commemoration. This historic treaty continues to shape our region, reflecting a long-standing relationship built on dialogue, respect, and cooperation. It was a privilege for us to stand alongside President J.C. Seneca of the Seneca Nation, Mayor Bob Palumbo, and other Haudenosaunee leaders to acknowledge its enduring importance to our shared history. I remain committed to upholding our responsibilities, engaging in good faith with every community, and working to ensure this partnership remains grounded in mutual respect and understanding. 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. Tenney | 2230 Rayburn House Office Building | Washington, DC 20515 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice