An update from the office of Congressman Andrew Garbarino
SPOTLIGHT
House Passes Bill To Support Veteran Services
This week, the House of Representatives voted to pass H.R.4601, the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act, a bill cosponsored by Andrew, with wide bipartisan support. This bill would authorize $50 million annually for five years for competitive grants to expand the work of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), local county employees who assist veterans in understanding and obtaining the benefits they have earned, in addition to connecting them with other important resources. They are often the first point of contact in the community for veterans’ services. Andrew is proud to have supported this legislation and is pleased to see it moving closer to becoming law.
WHAT'S NEW IN NY-02
DAV Drivers Are Back For Northport VAMC
Andrew is proud to announce the return of Northport VAMC’s transportation services for Long Island’s veteran community. For almost three years, Long Island’s veterans have been unable to utilize transportation services to make in-person appointments at Northport VA Medical Center. For several months, Andrew been leading the fight for a solution to bring back these services so Long Island’s veterans are able to make their appointments. Andrew will always fight to ensure our veterans receive the highest quality care. Details below:
  • Starting: December 5, 2022
  • Schedule: Monday – Thursday (Fridays are currently not available but may be in the near future)
  • How to book: DAV Call Center will commence scheduling appointments which started on Monday November 28, 2022. The DAV Call Center can be reached at extension 7980
  • Where to go: Drop off/Pick up area close to entrance of Building 200 (during current construction)
  • DAV Vans have been equipped with supplies mandated by Infection Control and will be utilized accordingly
CASEWORK HIGHLIGHT: Securing A Student Visa
Recently, a student from Oakdale contacted Andrew's office asking for help getting his FBI Apostille to study abroad in Spain starting in 2023. He was planning on applying for his Spanish student visa in November, but the Office of Authentications was not responsive. Our caseworkers reached out on his behalf, and he was able to receive the appropriate documentation in time to enroll in the academic program.

Andrew knows how frustrating dealing with bureaucracy can be. That is why he has an entire team dedicated to helping constituents get what they need for the federal government. If you need help dealing with a federal agency, contact our office and our team will get to work on your case. 
KEEPING UP WITH CONGRESS
Andrew Sounds Alarm on Potential Northeast Energy Blackouts Due To Diesel Shortages
This week, Andrew joined a group of bipartisan Members of Congress in sending a letter to President Biden warning of potential heating issues in the Northeast this winter due to a shortage in heating oil supplies. The letter called on President Biden and the U.S. Department of Energy to work with Congress to proactively address natural gas and diesel supply shortages in the Northeast, rising energy costs and develop a plan to prevent rolling blackouts should the region experience frigid temperatures this winter. Read more here.
Andrew Votes To Support At Risk Mothers and Children
This week, Andrew voted in favor of the Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022, which passed the House with bipartisan support. This bill reauthorizes the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program, which aims to support expecting mothers and families with young children who live in communities that face greater risks and barriers to achieving positive maternal and child health outcomes. Families choose to participate in home visiting programs, and partner with health, social service, and child development professionals to set and achieve goals that improve their health and well-being.
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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