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 Andrew Chairs the Annual Worldwide Threats Hearing on Homeland Security This week, Andrew chaired the House Homeland Security Committee’s annual Worldwide Threats hearing with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. The hearing examined the evolving global threats facing the United States and the steps needed to keep the country safe. During the hearing, Andrew emphasized the importance of strong federal support for New York, including counterterrorism grant funding that helps protect Long Island and the greater New York region. He made it clear that proposed reductions to these grants would have weakened preparedness and put communities at risk. Following continued advocacy, this critical funding was fully restored. “I appreciate Secretary Noem and the witnesses for their testimony and their commitment to confronting the threats facing our country. This hearing underscores how Congress and the administration must work together to strengthen our homeland security and ensure states like New York have the resources they need to keep our communities safe.” — Congressman Garbarino Watch Andrew's Full Opening Statement ANDREW IN THE NEWS Tense exchanges with Homeland Security Secretary Noem dominate at Garbarino's first big hearing “Garbarino himself questioned Noem about a proposal in September that would have cut Homeland Security counterterrorism grant allocations for New York City by 80%. "Considering New York was a top terror target for terrorism, this was surprising," Garbarino said, noting President Donald Trump ultimately restored that grant funding. But Garbarino wanted to understand why, from Noem, this even happened. New York City at the time of the allocation still had over $440 million in reserve that was available to them to utilize," Noem said. "So the intention of these grants is that communities and cities will use these to build up the security measure they need for a long-term impact." Noem added, "When we’re looking at cities that have hundreds of millions of dollars in reserves we recognize that giving them millions of dollars more may not be appropriate considering all the threats that we have." But she acknowledged that Trump did decide to send more resources to New York City. Garbarino said the committee was able to learn other important information at the hearing, which was to focus on worldwide threats, including that there are 17,000 known or suspected terrorists in the country that federal authorities are trying to find." Read the Full Article. WHAT'S NEW IN NY-02 Celebrating 125 Years of the Patchogue-Medford Librar Andrew’s team was proud to attend the Patchogue-Medford Library’s 125th anniversary celebration, recognizing more than a century of service to the community. For generations, the library has created learning opportunities for families across the region. Andrew remains grateful to the staff, volunteers, and supporters who have helped make the Patchogue-Medford Library a lasting community resource for 125 years and counting. Wreaths Across America Yesterday, Andrew’s team attended Wreaths Across America to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes. Andrew is grateful his team could take part in laying more than 7,100 wreaths in memory of loved ones who served this great nation. CASEWORK HIGHLIGHT: Helping a Constituent Get the Benefits They Earned Our office recently assisted a constituent who was experiencing delays in receiving Social Security backpay. After working directly with the Social Security Administration, we helped ensure their representative payee was approved, and the issue was resolved. As a result, more than $70,000 in owed benefits was successfully released and deposited. Helping constituents cut through red tape and access the benefits they’ve earned is a core part of our work. Whether it’s the VA, Social Security, Medicare, the IRS, passports, or other federal services, Andrew’s team is always ready to step in and get answers. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Helping constituents is one of the most important parts of Andrew’s job. Please contact our office and our team will get to work on your case. KEEPING UP WITH CONGRESS FY26 NDAA Wins for National Security and Servicemembers Andrew was proud to support the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act, which delivers important wins for national security and our servicemembers. The bill strengthens America’s cyber defenses, invests in emerging technologies, and provides a 3.8 percent pay raise along with quality-of-life improvements for the men and women who serve. Supporting our troops and securing our homeland go hand in hand. Protecting Collective Bargaining for Federal Workers This week, the House passed H.R. 2550, the Protect America’s Workforce Act, bipartisan legislation to restore collective bargaining rights for federal employees that had been limited earlier this year. The vote reflected concerns from members of both parties about preserving a stable, nonpartisan federal workforce and protecting the rights of federal workers. Passing the INVEST Act This week, Andrew voted to pass the bipartisan INVEST Act, a package of bills designed to expand investment opportunities and strengthen small businesses. Andrew supported the INVEST Act because small businesses are the backbone of Long Island’s economy. By reducing unnecessary barriers and encouraging responsible investment, this legislation helps create jobs and support economic growth across NY-02. 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