What a month it's been already, team.

Not only did many of you become citizen co-sponsors of the Rebuild Rural America Act, but I've recently been appointed to chair of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit.

It's an honor to lead the CEEC, where I'll focus on rural development, energy, rural electrification, commodity exchanges, and agricultural credit. I'm looking forward to advancing legislation that improves the lives and livelihoods of the residents of NY-19 and the 1 in 5 Americans who live in rural communities.

I also haven't lost sight of the #1 mission of our new Congress and White House: fighting COVID-19 and helping our communities through this crisis. 

It's now been a year since the virus first arrived in America, and there remains the urgent need to pass a robust COVID-19 package that meets the moment and delivers meaningful relief to the American people. I am hand in hand in that fight for you, your family and friends, and our communities.

Earlier this week, I sat down with elected officials in Delaware and Broome counties to discuss the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Democrats and Republicans agreed that the need for COVID-19 relief at the local level is critical to continue essential services and get shots into residents' arms. My funding formula, which is included in the latest House relief package, would deliver over $400 million to counties, towns, and villages across New York's 19th District. 

In other news, things are looking up for vaccinations. Just last week, President Biden announced we will receive 600 million doses of the vaccine by the end of July. If you'd like to keep track of the vaccination process in New York state and find out your eligibility, click here.

Until we've stopped the spread of this deadly virus, we must remain vigilant. As always, wear your mask (double up with a surgical mask and cloth mask if you'll be indoors) and practice social distancing when you're out.

With love,

Antonio