• I voted “No” on H.R. 6531, the Targeting Resources to Communities in Need Act of 2022. This bill will direct additional federal funding to high-poverty areas throughout the country. While it may be well-intentioned, this bill is overly broad and fails to fairly consider areas of high poverty across the country, including in rural areas like those across upstate New York. For example, none of the communities in New York’s 22nd district would fit under the definition of communities in need as outlined in the legislation. The broad authority of this bill in the hands of the Biden Administration – or any Administration for that matter – also means that Executive Branch agencies could utilize taxpayer dollars in inappropriate ways and without adequate oversight and direction from Congress. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 258 - 165.

• I voted “No” on S. 2938, a bill to designate the United States Courthouse and Federal Building located at 111 North Adams Street in Tallahassee, Florida, as the ‘Joseph Woodrow Hatchett United States Courthouse and Federal Building.’ As a member of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge Hatchet wrote the majority opinion overturning the right of students at the Duval County School System to select, by majority vote, a message or prayer to be read during their graduation ceremony. This overreaching decision violated the right of freedom of religion and had a chilling effect on American civic life. It is important as a country that we resist radical attempts to demonize faith and our nation’s strong and proud heritage of religious expression. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 230-190, with one member voting present.

• I voted “Yes” on H. Res. 1125, Condemning Antisemitism. This resolution calls on elected officials, faith leaders, and civil society leaders to condemn anti-Semitism in all its forms. It also calls for renewed efforts to combat anti-Semitism domestically, globally, and online. We must unequivocally denounce and condemn hate, violence, and harassment targeting the Jewish people. Congress must continue to stand together and work tirelessly to identify, call out and eradicate anti-Semitism in any form. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 420-1.

• I voted “Yes” on H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to guarantee that each VA medical center has a location, separate from a restroom, for mothers to breastfeed their children. This location must be private, handicap accessible, clearly identifiable, and easy to locate. Similar spaces are already available for women who work in VA medical facilities, and this legislation expands upon available breastfeeding spaces to include women Veterans and visitors. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 420-0.

• I voted “Yes” on H.R. 7335, the MST Claims Coordination Act. This legislation requires that the VA provide additional resources to individuals immediately following situations involving military sexual trauma (MST). These additional resources include outreach letters, information on the Veterans Crisis Line, information on how to make an appointment with a mental health provider, in addition to any additional resources such as peer support specialists that may be relevant. I will always support our nation’s Veterans and their access to critical mental health services, especially following such traumatic events. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 417-0.

• I voted “Yes” on H.R. 6064, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine for a review of examinations, furnished by the Secretary, to individuals who submit claims to the Secretary for compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code, for mental and physical conditions linked to military sexual trauma (MST). This legislation requires the VA and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to collaborate in conducting a review of VA medical examinations for those submitting service-connected MST disability claims. This review shall also include an examination of MST-related physical and mental examinations to assess the connection between MST and any identifiable impairments. This legislation ensures a comprehensive review of the VA’s claims process to identify and correct potential shortfalls. This bill passed by a vote of 414-2.

• I voted “Yes” on H.R. 2724, the VA Peer Support Enhancement of MST Survivors Act. This legislation requires the VA to provide a peer support specialist for each individual filing an MST claim unless the individual declines. Peer support specialists must be trained as victim advocates and are not involved in adjudicating a service member’s claim. This legislation guarantees that sexual assault survivors in the military have access to vital peer support networks that the VA has not yet developed. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 420-0.❖   I voted “Yes” on S. 4089, the Veterans Rapid Restraining Assistance Program Restoration and Recovery Act. This legislation restores benefits for Veterans whose education was halted as a result of school closures and loss of eligibility under the Veteran Rapid Restraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) and authorizes the VA to recoup federal dollars from fraudulent schools. This program served as a critical source of job training and economic support, yet countless Veterans were defrauded by ill-intentioned schools looking to make a profit. This legislation rights this egregious wrong and restores benefits for affected Veterans. This bill passed by a vote of 401-17.

• I voted “Yes” on S. 2533, the Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options for Veterans Act. This legislation requires the VA to submit a plan for improving Veteran breast imaging services. Under this bill, the VA must implement a tele-screening mammography program for those lacking access to VA facilities, upgrade facility mammography services, update policies to improve service, and ensure accessibility of breast imaging sites when transferring veterans to non-VA providers. The VA must also partner with centers for the National Cancer Institute across each Veterans Integrated Service Network to expand and increase the quality of women veteran cancer care, including tele-health options for rural areas. An estimated 1 in 8 women across the United States will develop breast cancer over the course of this lifetime, presenting an urgent need to update existing VA infrastructure to account for the needs of women veterans everywhere. This bill passed by a vote of 419-0.

• I voted “Yes” on S. 2102, the Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas SERVICE Act. This legislation expands eligibility for VA mammography screenings for veterans who served in various locations and combat zones, across specified time periods, that may have placed them at an elevated risk of exposure to toxic substances. As service-related illnesses involving toxic exposure continue emerging, it's essential that Congress expand eligibility for life-saving screening services. This bill passed by a vote of 418-0.

• I voted “Yes” on H.R. 6052, the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Training Act of 2021. This bill would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide training to its employees developed by the VA’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) on topics such as how to report wrongdoing or respond to requests from the OIG. This bill would recognize the opportunities for employees to engage with OIG staff to improve the VA’s programs, operations, and services. In doing so, it also protects employees from unwarranted retaliation. This bill would also help the VA to identify circumstances and mechanisms for better reporting fraud, waste, and abuse. This bill passed by a vote of 407-11.

• I voted “Yes” on H.R. 6943, the Public Safety Officer Support Act. This bill would expand the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program to include coverage for public safety officers who die because of suicide or are disabled because of job-related trauma. Currently, the PSOB provides disability relief to families of officers who died or who have been permanently disabled as a result of a physical injury. The work of public safety officers – firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians – places them at an increased risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The bill creates an avenue for officers to seek disability benefits for PTSD linked to severe job-related trauma and allows the families of officers who are lost to trauma-linked suicide to apply for death benefits. This bill passed by a vote of 402-17.

• I voted “Yes” on H.R. 2992, the TBI and PTSD Law Enforcement Training Act. This bill would provide better training to law enforcement for interactions with individuals suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Developing and implementing training programs that provide information on recognizing the signs and symptoms of TBI and PTSD can help improve emergency response, public and first responder safety, and interactions between first responders and individuals with these conditions. Further, by better understanding the prevalence of TBI and PTSD among our nation’s law enforcement officers and first responders, we can take essential steps to promote officer health and wellness. This bill passed by a vote of 400-21.

• I voted “Yes” on H.R.7791, the Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022. Across the country countless families have had trouble finding baby formula, making them spend countless hours searching stores for this necessity. This formula shortage is even worse for families who rely on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. Current WIC guidelines limit the types of baby formula that recipients can buy for their infants. This bipartisan bill will allow the Secretary to temporarily waive these limits to allow WIC beneficiaries to have greater choice during periods of supply disruption. It is a reasonable solution to provide immediate relief to families in need. This bill passed the House by a vote of 414-9.

• I voted “No” on H.R. 350, the partisan Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2022. All persons performing acts of terrorism must be brought to justice under the full force of the law. That is why the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, and Federal Bureau of Investigation all have multiple agencies, offices, and initiatives to prevent, investigate, and prosecute acts of domestic terrorism. This current legislation was originally drafted by House Democrats to target Americans who lawfully advocated against excessively restrictive COVID-19 mandates and parents who attended their local school board meetings. Now, Democrats are using a tragic situation to revive this deeply flawed bill. Like the Biden Administration’s proposed “Ministry of Truth,” this bill needlessly injects partisanship into the non-partisan work of the Homeland Security Department, which should not be motivated by politics in carrying out its vital law enforcement and investigative functions. The bill creates new, duplicative, and costly processes and could also negatively impact American civil liberties. It also focuses on a narrow definition of domestic terrorism that deliberately omits far-left extremist movements like Antifa. This bill passed the House by a vote of 231-192.

• I voted “No” on H.R. 7790, the Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act. This bill gives $28 million to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to address the ongoing baby formula shortage, without providing any meaningful guidance or requiring the Biden Administration to take meaningful actions to ensure this never occurs again. But the fact of the matter is that the FDA and Department of Agriculture already have millions of dollars available to address supply chain issues. That’s why this bill is a too-little-too-late feel-good measure designed to create the illusion of action without providing any immediate relief. Rather than this political theater, Congress should be taking real action to force President Biden to immediately lift key regulatory barriers that are limiting production and remove restrictions that are preventing well-regulated formulas from being imported. These steps will provide immediate relief and address critical supply issues. Ultimately, this bill as drafted and considered will not put more formula on store shelves, nor will it hold the FDA accountable for its mishandling of this issue. However, it will needlessly waste more of your money without proper guidance or oversight – it is the worst impulse of Washington to think it can throw money at a problem, without actually providing meaningful solutions to address it. We need real, sensible solutions that reinforce our domestic baby formula production so American families can always have access to this staple. This bill passed by a vote of 222 - 203.

• I voted “No” on H.R. 7309, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Many businesses across the country are suffering from worker shortages and are unable to find employees with the proper skill sets and training. The solution should be to work with companies and employers to boost workforce development training options and opportunities for Americans. Unfortunately, this bill includes many far-left provisions that completely detach workforce training from the actual needs of employers, diluting employer voices and needs in our nation’s workplace training policies and programs. In addition, it bans workforce boards from partnering with employer-based apprenticeships and mandates the use of union-preferred registered apprenticeships, needlessly reducing options for students. It also bans any for-profit institutions from participating in federal workforce training programs, excluding many existing training facilities with strong track records of success. Finally, it allows training programs to bypass the needs of employers in determining their training standards, undermining the entire system. These irresponsible changes will damage our nation’s workforce training programs and fail to provide the necessary reforms needed to unleash opportunities for America’s workers and job creators alike. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 220-196.

• I voted “Yes” on S. 2520, the State and Local Government Cybersecurity Act of 2021. This bill would encourage federal cybersecurity experts to share information surrounding cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and breaches with state and local government officials, as well as share resources to prevent and recover from cyber attacks. State and local governments increasingly find themselves the targets of cyberattacks, resulting in millions in taxpayer dollars lost and private data for millions of Americans compromised. This legislation would help local governments provide critical services to residents in the event of such attacks. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 404-14.

• I voted “Yes” on H.R. 6873, the Bombing Prevention Act of 2022. This bill formally establishes the Office of Bombing Prevention in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and creates additional measures to enhance our government’s ability to detect, protect against, and respond to explosive terrorist attacks. This would help protect our critical infrastructure, houses of worship, and schools from bomb threats and attacks. This bill passed by a vote of 388-26.

• I voted “Yes” on H.R. 6871, the DHS Acquisition Reform Act. This bill tasks the DHS undersecretary for management with new responsibilities including leading the Department's acquisition oversight body, the DHS Acquisition Review Board, in addition to evaluating the risks of failure to achieve costs and advising the secretary on all acquisition management activities. This bill passed by a vote of 398-15.

• I voted “Yes” on H.R. 6868, the Cybersecurity Grants for Schools Act of 2022. This bill authorizes the Director of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to award grants to states, local governments, and education institutions for cybersecurity curriculum and educational tools. The idea is to incorporate cybersecurity into K-12 education to train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. By incorporating cybersecurity into our school's curriculum, we will be able to bring up the next generation with a strong foundation in the cybersecurity workforce. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 383-30.

• I voted “Yes” on S. 3527, to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to transfer the name of property of the Department of Veterans Affairs designated by law to other property of the Department. This bill updates the requirements for transferring the name of a property from one Department of VA property to another. This allows the Department to transfer naming of properties more efficiently and effectively. This bill passed by a vote of 412-2.

• I voted “Yes” on S. 1760, to designate the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs planned to be built in Oahu, Hawaii, as the “Daniel Kahikina Akaka Department of Veterans Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Clinic”. Senator Akaka was the first native Hawaiian to serve in the Senate. He strongly supported many vital defense programs and was active in bringing attention to drug addiction and supporting harsher sentences for drug dealers. After retiring from the Senate in 2013, he passed away in 2018. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 384-22, with 4 members voting present.

• I voted “Yes” on S. 2514, to rename the Provo Veterans Center in Orem, Utah, as the “Col. Gail S. Halvorsen ‘Candy Bomber’ Veterans Center.” Col. Halverson was born in Utah, where he joined the Civil Air Patrol prior to enlisting in the Air Force in 1942. Assigned to Germany in 1948, Halverson was selected as one of the pilots to participate in the Berlin Airlift, during which he gained the nickname “Candy Bomber” for dropping candy to German Children during the operation. He was also the founder of “Operation Little Vittles” where he dropped candy using miniature parachutes to the people of Berlin, for which he received a Congressional Gold Medal. Col. Halverson’s candy dropping efforts continued across the world for another 25 years. Colonel Halverson delivered compassion, kindness, and, yes, candy during some of the most tumultuous years of the 20th century. Following his passing this February at 101, it is my privilege to honor Col. Halverson’s memory by supporting this legislation. This bill passed by a vote of 410-1, with 2 members voting present.

• I voted “Yes” on H.R. 7500, the Fiscal Year 2022 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act. This legislation authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out specified major medical facility projects for FY22 and establishes a maximum amount that can be spent for each project. These projects include hospitals, community living and mental health centers, research facilities, spinal cord injury buildings, as well as various renovations and repairs for facilities across the nation. Included in this bill is up to $443,900,000 for the construction of a community living center and renovation of a domiciliary and outpatient facilities in Canandaigua, New York. Congress must do more to support our nation’s Veterans and guarantee access to the care they so desperately need. A brand new, state-of-the-art facility in Canandaigua will provide a much-needed update to New York’s veteran service network. This bill passed the House of Representative by a vote of 402-2.

• I voted “Yes” on H.R. 5754, the Patient Advocate Tracker Act. I am a cosponsor of this bill, which requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Patient Advocacy to establish an electronic system for veterans and patient advocates to file a complaint, as well as review its status once submitted. It is imperative that we increase transparency and accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs, especially as countless veterans struggle daily to receive much needed care, or simply schedule an appointment. While there is still much more progress to be made, this legislation serves as a positive step in the right direction. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 411-1.

• I voted “Yes” on H.R. 6604, the Veterans Eligibility to Transfer School (VETS) Credit Act. This legislation streamlines the method by which college credits are transferred if a student Veteran’s school closes or their program abruptly ends. This bill requires that the VA work with students to explain the transfer process and provide necessary certificates of eligibility to show proof of restored benefits. After bravely serving our country, Veterans are rightfully entitled to a full range of education benefits. In the event that an institution or program concludes unexpectedly, it is essential that we eliminate unnecessary confusion and ensure our Veterans retain their hard-earned course credits. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 412-1.

• I voted “Yes” on S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act. This legislation grants the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA OIG) the power to subpoena witnesses until May 31, 2025. The VA OIG may not issue any subpoenas as part of a criminal proceeding and must notify the Department of Justice (DOJ) of the witnesses to be subpoenaed. Providing the VA OIG with subpoena authority will increase accountability and expand Congress and the VA’s ability for oversight and review of the health care system. The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 404-6.

• I voted “Yes” on H.R. 7375, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update the payment system of the Department of Veterans Affairs to allow for electronic fund transfer of educational assistance, administered by the Secretary, to a foreign institution of higher education. This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to update its payment system to allow for electronic fund transfer of VA educational assistance to a foreign institution of higher education that provides an approved course of education to eligible recipients and does not have an employer identification number or an account with a domestic bank. Student Veterans should have the opportunity to receive education abroad. The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 397-15.

• I voted “Yes” on H.R. 6376, the Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act. This bill would allow part-time student Veterans to access the VA Work Study programs, ensuring they can complete their certification or degree without taking on unmanageable amounts of student debt and still care for themselves and their family. Currently, work-study programs are available through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for student Veterans enrolled in secondary education programs full-time, including vocational or professional programs. But many Veterans have difficulty enrolling full-time while balancing their work, family, and oftentimes a VA-related disability. This legislation would help ensure that our Veterans have the full range of work opportunities while furthering their education. The bill passed by a vote of 370-43.

• I voted “Yes” on H.R. 7153, the Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act. This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a plan for the modernization of the information technology systems of the Veterans Benefits Administration over the next five fiscal years. This bill would help modernize the delivery of compensation benefits to disabled veterans and bring the Veterans Benefits Administration into the 21st century. The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 410-3.

• I voted “Yes” on H.R. 6824, the President’s Cup Cybersecurity Competition Act. This bill would financially reward the best and brightest federal employees and service members who prove their skills by successfully completing an array of cyber challenges. Since 2019, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has run the President’s Cup Cybersecurity Competition, an annual event which aims to identify, challenge, and reward the best cybersecurity talent in the federal workforce. The President’s Cup was created in response to Executive Order 13870: America’s Cybersecurity Workforce, but it had never become law. This legislation would codify the competition and ensure that CISA can provide a monetary award to the successful competitors. This bill passed the House by 386-61.

• I voted “Yes” on H.R. 6825, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program Improvement Act of 2022. This bill would expand and strengthen the Nonprofit Security Grant Program that helps secure nonprofits and houses of worship against terrorism. In response to the growth in the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which was funded at $180 million last year, the bill directs FEMA to establish a dedicated office within FEMA to administer the program and provide greater outreach, engagement, education, technical assistance, and support to eligible nonprofits. This legislation would enhance security for houses of worship and protect Americans and our faith communities from terrorism and hate crimes. This bill passed the House by 288-129.

• I voted “Yes'' on H.R. 5658, the DHS Roles and Responsibilities in CyberSpace Act. Within a year of passage, this bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to submit a report to the House and Senate Homeland Security committees outlining its responses to various cybersecurity incidents. The report must also clarify the responsibilities of the Department in responding to those incidents. This legislation will help policymakers determine the current threat environment and improve it to meet future threats and cyber attacks. It is critical that the federal government has well-formulated and transparent roles and responsibilities for dealing with such attacks and that Congress understands these roles and has the ability to shape them. This bill passed the House by 313-105.