Email from Rep. Tenney Congresswoman Tenney's Weekly Newsletter   Have Questions? Contact Me Here Announcing Community Funding for Critical Infrastructure and Local Revitalization Across NY-24 This week, I was pleased to announce that our office helped secure critical funding, delivering real investments for communities across NY 24. Through the annual appropriations process, the House advanced Community Project Funding that supports essential infrastructure, preserves local history, and strengthens regional economies. These projects reflect months of coordination with county leaders, municipalities, and community partners to ensure taxpayer dollars are directed toward priorities identified at the local level. In Genesee County, $10 million in Community Project Funding was advanced for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to support water and wastewater infrastructure improvements. The funding advances the county’s environmental infrastructure project and moves forward with the next phase of a countywide initiative focused on improving water security and resiliency in a drought-challenged region. A central component of this effort is the VA Water Storage Tank, which supplies approximately 40% of the county’s drinking water. Expanding storage capacity by one million gallons will relieve pressure on the Batavia Water Treatment Plant, strengthen public health safeguards, and reduce constraints on economic activity. Reliable water infrastructure remains essential to supporting families, agriculture, major employers, and long-term growth across the county. In Lockport, $1 million in Community Project Funding was advanced for Phase III of the Erie Canal Flight of Five Locks Rehabilitation Project. The Flight of Five is the largest remaining intact section of the historic Erie Canal and features a unique series of five parallel locks. After sitting inactive for nearly a century, local leaders began rehabilitation efforts more than twenty years ago to restore the site and use it as a catalyst for community revitalization. Economic analysis estimates that a fully restored Flight of Five could attract up to 230,000 visitors each year, generate nearly $17 million in economic activity, support more than 300 jobs, and add approximately $600,000 in new tax revenue to Niagara County. While the House has acted to advance these investments, work continues to ensure they are fully enacted into law so communities in NY 24 see results delivered on the ground. Leading Bipartisan Letter Urging EU to Designate IRGC as a Terrorist Organization This week, incredible progress was made in holding Iran’s terrorist networks accountable. Alongside Rep. Brad Sherman, I led a bipartisan letter urging the European Union to formally designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. The letter was delivered ahead of a key meeting in Brussels, where European officials acted to designate the IRGC under EU law. This decision follows years of bipartisan advocacy and growing international consensus, after France, Italy, Spain, and Luxembourg withdrew prior objections that had delayed action. The IRGC is the engine behind Iran’s global terror operations, responsible for training, funding, and arming groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, while carrying out attacks and assassination plots across Europe and beyond. Inside Iran, the IRGC has violently suppressed anti-regime protests, killing thousands of civilians, and it has even plotted attacks on U.S. soil. The United States, Canada, and Australia have already designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization, and Europe’s decision sends a clear message that state-sponsored terrorism and human rights abuses will not be tolerated. This bipartisan effort builds on years of work to ensure our allies stand united against terror and in defense of freedom and human dignity. Healthcare Update: Consolidated Appropriations Act Last week, the House passed legislation I supported to strengthen our health care system, protect seniors, and prevent disruptions for patients and providers. The bill extends Medicare telehealth services, delays the expiration of Disproportionate Share Hospital funding for safety-net hospitals, and secures continued funding for Community Health Centers, rural hospitals, and ground ambulance services that many communities rely on for routine care and emergency services. It also includes bipartisan reforms to lower prescription drug costs by increasing transparency and reining in Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) middlemen that drive up prices for seniors at the pharmacy counter, while strengthening Medicare Advantage protections so seniors can more easily access the care they need.   In addition, the legislation expands access to innovative, FDA-approved cancer screening tests, improves billing transparency, increases access to home-based care when clinically appropriate, strengthens safeguards against health care fraud, and fully funds the National Institutes of Health at $48.7 billion, supporting lifesaving research and medical breakthroughs at institutions like the University of Rochester and the University at Buffalo. Leading Amicus Brief in Supreme Court Case on Birthright Citizenship This week, I led an amicus brief before the U.S. Supreme Court in a major constitutional case that goes to the heart of birthright citizenship and the rule of law. The case, Trump v. Barbara, examines whether the Fourteenth Amendment’s Citizenship Clause was ever intended to grant automatic citizenship to the children of individuals who are in the United States unlawfully or only temporarily. The brief supports President Trump’s executive order clarifying that citizenship requires being “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States, a standard rooted in the Constitution’s text, historical practice, and longstanding legal precedent. The Fourteenth Amendment was ratified to secure citizenship for newly freed slaves and their children, not to create a permanent loophole that rewards illegal immigration. I will continue working to defend the Constitution as written, uphold Congress’s authority over naturalization, and ensure that citizenship laws reflect lawful presence, allegiance, and accountability. Energy Costs Are Skyrocketing in New York Because Albany Democrats’ Climate Law Is Failing Families New Yorkers are feeling the impact of Albany’s failed energy policies every time they open their utility bills. Electricity costs in New York are now among the highest in the nation, not because of market forces, but because Albany Democrats rushed through sweeping climate mandates without a realistic plan for cost, reliability, or grid readiness. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) was passed in 2019 with big promises and no workable path forward, and families are now paying the price through higher monthly bills, growing reliability concerns, and increased dependence on out-of-state energy. Instead of delivering affordable and reliable power, the CLCPA has forced rapid electrification, restricted dependable energy sources, and required massive transmission upgrades that ratepayers are being asked to fund. State agencies and grid operators are now openly warning that New York’s electric system is under strain, with thin reliability margins and growing blackout risks, especially during winter months. As these policies fall short, New York is importing more electricity from Canada, Pennsylvania, and New England, sending energy dollars out of state while missing its own climate deadlines. Cleaner energy does not have to mean higher costs or unreliable service, but Albany must change course before these reckless mandates inflict even greater harm on working families and small businesses. Key Facts About New York’s Energy Crisis CLCPA passed in 2019 by Albany Democrats, mandating sweeping changes without a realistic implementation plan. 70% renewable electricity by 2030 - a deadline the state has already missed by more than three years. 85% greenhouse gas reduction by 2050, based on 1990 emissions data, not current conditions. Creation of a cap-and-invest “superfund”-style system, imposing fees based on a company’s carbon footprint - including emissions outside New York State. The CLCPA has directly caused New York electricity prices (26.49¢/kWh) to far exceed the national average (17.78¢/kWh). The Climate Action Council projected “net” costs of up to $295 billion, but state data show $4.9 trillion in total costs by 2050, masked by sketchy accounting assumptions. Compounding Policy Failures Albany Democrats have worsened the crisis by: Shutting down Indian Point Nuclear Plant, eliminating up to 17 TWh of emission free, clean energy annually. Banning safe, responsible gas drilling and restricting gas hookups, forcing greater reliance on electrification, further straining our electric grid. Banning the 100-Foot Rule, raising costs for new housing and limiting access to affordable energy. Mandating gas power plant shutdowns in New York City by 2030. Allowing repeated utility rate hikes approved by a Public Service Commission dominated by gubernatorial appointees. NYISO has warned that: New York will become a winter-peaking electric system, with demand increasing by 14,000 MW by 2040. Beginning in the summer of 2026, grid reliability margins will be extremely thin, increasing blackout risks during peak demand. EPA Reinstating Animal Testing Phase-out Plan The Trump administration is getting the EPA back on track by reviving a commonsense plan to phase out unnecessary mammal testing and accelerate modern, humane alternatives. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin recently announced a renewed commitment to ending mammal testing by 2035, restoring a goal first set during President Trump’s first term and later abandoned by the Biden administration. This approach supports scientific innovation, reduces wasteful government spending, and reflects advances in new testing methods that protect both public health and animal welfare. In 2024, I joined a bipartisan group of Members of Congress to press the Biden EPA to reverse course and uphold the original phaseout plan. Moving forward with responsible, science-based alternatives shows that environmental protection and ethical research standards do not have to be in conflict.   READ MORE HERE 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. 556, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025: This bill would prohibit federal land management agencies from restricting access to public lands and waters for hunting and fishing unless such restrictions are supported by clear scientific evidence and subject to appropriate public notice. Hunting and fishing sports are traditions that support conservation and outdoor recreation. This legislation helps ensure continued access for sportsmen while maintaining responsible wildlife management practices. H.R. 5688, the Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act: This bill would increase federal oversight of non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to ensure they are issued only to individuals who meet all eligibility, training, and language requirements. Specifically, it would require improved verification and enforcement measures to prevent abuse of the non-domiciled CDL process and ensure consistent application of federal standards across states. Maintaining the integrity of the licensing system by closing loopholes, improving accountability, and ensuring that CDL requirements are enforced fairly and consistently will increase public safety on our roads. H.R. 4655, the United States–Israel PTSD Collaborative Research Act: This bill would authorize cooperative research between the United States and Israel on post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including joint projects involving academic institutions, medical centers, and researchers in both countries. PTSD has significant long-term impacts on individuals and families, and advancing research is critical to developing more treatment methods. This legislation strengthens an important international partnership while expanding diagnostics and possible treatment options for PTSD. Tour of Parsons Pipe Organ Builders During a visit to Parsons Pipe Organ Builders, I had the opportunity to tour one of the few remaining pipe organ workshops in the country and see the craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations of the Parsons family. As one of only 25 organ builders left in the United States, their work represents a unique blend of artistry, skilled labor, and small business dedication. The visit included a demonstration of a working organ, time in the workshop meeting employees, and a look at an organ currently being restored and tested. We also discussed the current business climate in New York and the challenges local manufacturers face. Small, family-run businesses like this are an important part of our local economy, and it is critical that state and federal policies support, not hinder, the people who keep these traditions and jobs alive here in Upstate New York. Genesee Valley School Boards Legislative Day Our team attended the Genesee Valley School Boards Association Legislative Day, which brought together school leaders from 22 districts across Genesee, Livingston, Steuben, and Wyoming counties. The day included a meeting with superintendents, an awards ceremony recognizing innovative programs across local school districts, and a series of discussions with education leaders. These conversations provide a valuable opportunity to hear directly from those working every day to educate students and support families across our region. Connecting with school leaders helps ensure local school systems can provide support and opportunities for our communities. Orleans County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon Our team recently attended the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon, which brought together local leaders, business owners, and community members for a productive discussion on the priorities facing Orleans County. We met with members of the business community and engaged in thoughtful conversation about how government and local employers strengthen the regional economy together. Events like this are an important forum for sharing ideas, building relationships, and ensuring that the voices of local businesses are heard. Orleans Community Action This week, our office visited Community Action of Orleans and Genesee in Albion to tour their Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts & More facility and learn more about the services they provide to local families and young people. The visit included time with organization leadership to see how donated goods are processed and made available to the community, as well as a look at the educational space where students receive extra instruction and support. Organizations like Community Action play a vital role in strengthening our communities by providing practical support and resources. Understanding how these services are delivered here in Orleans County provided a valuable experience to our team. IRS Webinar My office is hosting a Zoom webinar with the IRS on February 25 at 2:00 PM to help constituents prepare for the 2026 tax filing season and make sure they are taking full advantage of the tax programs available this year. This webinar will walk through best practices for filing and explain how the Trump Tax Cuts can benefit you, including new deductions for eligible workers who earn tips or overtime pay, enhanced relief for seniors, and provisions that support small businesses and working families. These commonsense reforms are designed to reward hard work and let families keep more of what they earn, and it’s important that taxpayers understand how to claim the benefits available to them. If you would like to attend, RSVP at the link below to receive the Zoom webinar information. If you have questions or need assistance signing up, our Canandaigua District Office is happy to help at 585-869-2060. TO RSVP AND RECEIVE THE ZOOM WEBINAR LINK, 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