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's BIlls In Support of Veterans Pass House Committee This week, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a full committee markup for several bills to strengthen benefits for veterans across America. Andrew is proud to announce that three bills he helped introduced were passed out of the committee and are awaiting a full vote before the House of Representatives. They include H.R. 8260 - the Faster Payments to Veterans’ Survivors Act, H.R. 7299 - the Strengthening VA Cybersecurity Act of 2022, and H.R. 5606 – the Return to Home Housing Act. Andrew said, "These bills would expand and streamline veterans’ access to benefits and make sure that their personal information is protected from cyber criminals. I am pleased that my bills were passed by the Committee, and I will continue to push for critical reforms like those offered in this legislation on behalf of our veterans." ANDREW IN THE NEWS Andrew joins John Catsimatidis and Former Congressman Pete King on Cats at Night to discuss his work protecting health care benefits for 9/11 first responders and survivors. Listen Here. WHAT'S NEW IN NY-02 Saluting Our Soldiers This week in Massapequa, the community came together to salute our soldiors at the Long Island AFA Vietnam 50th Anniversary Commemorative Medal Ceremony. The ceremony was followed by a Shootout for Soldiers 24 hour lacrosse event at the John J. Burns Park. Our veterans put everything on the line to serve this country. They deserve every appreciation and recognition that we can offer them for their sacrifice. New Suicide and Crisis Hotline Available Addressing the nation wide mental health crisis has been a priority for Andrew in Congress. That's why he wants you to know that, starting last week, Long Islanders experiencing a mental health, substance use or suicide crisis can call or text 988 or chat with the Lifeline at 988lifeline.org and be connected to trained crisis counselors in the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline network (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). These crisis counselors are trained to help anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress, and they can resolve more than 80-90 percent of contacts over the phone, text or chat. KEEPING UP WITH CONGRESS Andrew Votes For 9/11 Memorial Funding This week, Andrew voted to double the funding of the Department of the Interior's 9/11 Memorial Grant Act Program. This funding will ensure that the grounds and facilities of the 9/11 Memorial can remain open safely and allow space for visitors to remember and honor the lives taken on that deplorable day. Andrew is committed to ensuring that we Never Forget, and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum has a critical roll in that mission. Homeland Security Committee Holds Hearing on Election Security This week, the Committee on Homeland Security held a hearing called “The Changing Election Security Landscape: Threats to Election Officials and Infrastructure.” Ensuring our elections are secure is of the upmost importance for our democracy. As the lead Republican on the Cybersecurity Subcommittee, Andrew emphasized the growing importance of cybersecurity in both the public and private sectors with “cybersecurity, infrastructure security agencies, and now the election system being declared as critical infrastructure.” Click here to watch Andrew question Frank LaRose, Ohio's Secretary of State about the role of cybersecurity in election security. Andrew Supports Preserving Access to Contraceptives This week, Andrew voted for Congresswoman Ashley Hinson’s bill, the Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act, to expand access to over-the-counter contraception. Additionally, Andrew became a cosponsor of Representative Stephanie Bice’s bill, the Access to Safe Contraception Act of 2022, safeguarding contraceptives while also maintaining healthcare provider conscience protections. These bills would preserve women’s health without restricting religious freedom and are superior alternatives to the partisan bill Democrats pushed through this week. Thanks for reading! Do you know someone who might like to receive these updates? Forward this email to your friends and families 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. 1516 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-7896 Fax: (202) 226-2279 Massapequa Park 1003 Park Boulevard Massapequa Park, NY 11762 Phone: (516) 541-4225 Fax: (516) 541-6602 Rep. Garbarino | 1516 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]