January 14, 2023
Dear Friends,
Last week, I arrived in Washington for the start of the new congressional session energized and ready to build on our successes from the 117th Congress. House Democrats stood united and ready to get to work on behalf of everyday Americans, but our Republican colleagues had other ideas. Following a weeklong delay in the people’s business caused by GOP dysfunction and the chaotic selection of a new Speaker, we took our first votes which were on deeply troubling pieces of legislation advanced by House Republicans.
The very first bill introduced by the new Republican majority aims to reward their billionaire backers by making it easier for the wealthiest Americans to avoid paying their fair share of taxes, simultaneously eviscerating the IRS’ capacity to provide timely customer service to everyday Americans. Republicans have also wasted no time in launching new attacks against women’s reproductive freedoms and criminalizing abortion care. These bills do not reflect the will of the people, and I hope that we can soon right this ship and work in good faith with our partners across the aisle to deliver strong, meaningful legislation for our communities.
With that goal foremost in our minds, Democrats are already at work. The 117th Congress was one of the most productive in American history, featuring historic climate action, transformative investments in our infrastructure, and much more. In addition to advancing wide-ranging legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I was also crafting targeted legislation that addresses the priorities of families and working people in the Capital Region and beyond.
In the last session of Congress, I introduced 35 bills in the House, 23 of which were cosponsored by at least one Republican. 18 of my bills advanced out of the House of Representatives, with 15 signed into law by President Biden. Some of my priorities enacted into law include:
- The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act, or MAT Act, to eliminate outdated bureaucratic requirements that prevent those suffering from addiction-related disorders from getting the care they need.
- The Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant Act, to reauthorize a critical program providing sustained investment in programs that support communities battling the disease of addiction and our nation’s mental health crisis.
- The Helping Experts Accelerate Rare Treatments Act, or HEART Act, to accelerate and strengthen the FDA review process for drugs that treat rare and ultra-rare diseases.
- The National Heritage Area Act, to extend federal authorization for the nation’s 55 National Heritage Areas for another 15 years and ensure our cherished sites—including our own Erie Canalway and Hudson River Valley—can be enjoyed for years to come.
- Federal investments totaling over $27 million for 25 diverse Capital Region Community Projects, from the omnibus in Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023, ranging from clean energy initiatives and public health projects to broadband internet expansion and water infrastructure upgrades.
Federal dollars from these legislative accomplishments are already making their way into our communities, and I am eager to continue that strong work in this congressional session. House Democrats stand together in their commitment to build upon the monumental achievements of the 117th Congress with more efforts to lower costs for consumers, make all of our communities safer, create good-paying jobs, and strengthen our democracy.
This weekend as we celebrate and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I am reminded of Dr. King’s description of “the dream of American democracy” as “a dream yet unfulfilled.” As the 118th Congress gets underway, I’ll be working hard every day to redeem that promise by finding common ground, solving problems on behalf of the American people, and delivering meaningful results for our Capital Region and our nation.
As always, thank you for reading.
Your friend,
DID YOU KNOW?
My office and I are working to make sure you remain informed with the latest updates and recommendations from federal agencies. With that in mind, here is some information that may be of interest to you:
- On Thursday, January 19th, my office will be hosting Mobile Office Hours from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM at Moreau Town Hall, located at 351 Reynolds Road, Fort Edward, NY 12828.
- I welcome you to stop by and speak with my staff if you are in the area and have questions about federal government policies or services.
- My staff can assist with questions related to veterans’ benefits, Social Security, small business loans, and much more!
- Please feel free to share this information with family, friends, and neighbors. I look forward to our continued dialogue and appreciate any feedback or information you wish to share.
- You can RSVP for Mobile Office Hours on my Facebook page.
- If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call my office at (518) 465-0700.
