President Trump's State of the Union

President Trump delivered his State of the Union Address this week, outlining his administration’s progress and priorities for the year ahead. The speech focused on restoring economic stability, strengthening national security, securing the border, and lowering costs for American families after years of inflation and uncertainty. The zddress also highlighted the work being done in partnership with House Republicans to implement pro-growth policies and deliver results for communities across the country, including here in Upstate New York. My statement is below:

“President Trump’s State of the Union made it unmistakably clear: America is back on track and the state of our Union is strong. After years of reckless spending, soaring inflation, open borders, and weak leadership, we are finally restoring strength, stability, and common sense. Inflation has come down dramatically from the Biden-era 40-year high to 2.4 percent, gas prices have fallen to a four-year low, and mortgage rates are easing. Under President Trump, private sector job creation is booming by growing real opportunity for American workers.

House Republicans worked with President Trump to pass the Working Families Tax Cuts, delivering historic relief for the American people. This bill provided an expanded deduction for seniors, and cut taxes for hardworking Americans earning between $55,000 and $80,000 by eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, and by permanently expanding the Child Tax Credit. Families are keeping more of their hard-earned money and small businesses are hiring and investing. We are investing in rural healthcare, strengthening Medicaid by removing waste, fraud and abuse, modernizing air traffic control, unleashing American energy production, and securing our border after years of chaos. These are the results that matter to families across Upstate New York.

Under President Biden, inflation crushed middle-class families, energy costs soared, and our enemies were emboldened. President Trump has reversed course with peace through strength, energy dominance, secure borders, and pro-growth economic policies that put American workers first. The State of the Union is strong and getting stronger because we are focused on lowering costs, expanding opportunity, and restoring accountability in Washington. I will continue working alongside President Trump to deliver policies that strengthen our economy, secure our nation, and ensure the people of NY-24 are never left behind again.”

Renewed Push to Invest in Warfighting Capabilities at Fort Drum

Fort Drum remains at the forefront of our nation’s warfighting capability. I joined Representatives Elise Stefanik and Tom Kean, Jr., in sending a letter to the Secretary of the Army urging the establishment of a Close Combat Innovation Cell in partnership with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum and Picatinny Arsenal. The Army’s FY2026 NDAA review confirmed that this model is already improving close combat lethality and adaptability in modern, multi-domain environments. The letter calls for $20 million from the $500 million in counter-UAS funding provided in last year’s reconciliation package to expand this proven effort. This is a smart, immediate investment that strengthens readiness, accelerates innovation, and ensures that Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division continue to lead the way in protecting our nation.

As your representative in Congress, my top priority is championing legislative initiatives that benefit you and your families. Each week, I review numerous bills and letters, engaging in thorough discussions with members of our community to determine which actions to support and address your needs. Below are a few bills I recently cosponsored.

H.Res. 1073, Expressing support for the designation of February 21 through February 28, 2026, as ‘‘National FFA Week’’, recognizing the important role of the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Organization in developing the next generation of globally conscious leaders who will change the world, and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the chartering of the State of Alaska as a State FFA Association. The National FFA Organization is a chartered, school-based, national youth leadership organization with more than 1,000,000 student members and over 9,000 local FFA chapters across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Washington, DC, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The 24th Congressional District is the largest agricultural district in the Northeast, the 5th-largest dairy district in the U.S., and includes Wayne County, the 3rd-largest apple-producing county in the U.S. and the largest outside Washington State. The district is home to thousands of FFA students who have dedicated themselves not only to agriculture but also to learning essential skills to become leaders in their communities. The FFA ensures that our students will continue to lead in agriculture and innovation, and it’s an honor to recognize their achievements. 

H.R. 4375, the Great Lakes Icebreaker Act of 2025: This bill directs the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to submit a plan for developing new icebreaker ships specifically for the Great Lakes. This construction plan would begin adding to the small fleet the U.S. currently uses in the Great Lakes. The USCG oversees the navigation and safety of our waterways, and this bill will help provide the tools needed to keep essential Great Lakes waterways open year-round. 

H.R. 3881, the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act: This bill would require states and local jurisdictions to comply with federal immigration enforcement efforts in order to receive certain federal law enforcement grant funds. This includes requiring states and localities to honor immigration detainers and sharing relevant information. Sanctuary cities have proven to be a serious threat to the safety of American citizens, and this bill would ensure that jurisdictions cooperate with President Trump’s effective immigration policies or risk federal financial assistance.

Transparency in Congress and a well-informed electorate are vital to preserving our self-governing Constitutional Republic. My constituents deserve to know how their members of Congress vote, which is why I have explained every vote I have cast in Congress since I was first elected. 

To read more about my votes and see the full list with explanations of all the legislation considered this week by the House, please click here.

Tuesday, February 24

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 6329, the Information Quality Assurance Act. This bill requires federal agencies to use the best reasonably available information and evidence when developing and issuing rules and guidance. Federal agencies must rely on accurate, high-quality, and objective data when creating rules that affect everyday Americans, ensuring their decisions can withstand public accountability. This legislation improves the quality of key information federal agencies rely on to establish new rules and guidance, ensuring accountability and transparency to the public. This bill passed the House by a vote of 362-1. 

I voted “No” on S. 2503, the ROTOR Act. This bill would have enacted several reforms to civil and military aviation, including requiring all aircraft to have ADS-B transmission equipment installed. Additionally, this bill sought to prohibit military helicopter missions over Washington, D.C., by repealing Section 373 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. On January 29, 2025, a tragic collision occurred between a U.S. Army helicopter and an American Airlines Flight during the final approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), resulting in the loss of all 67 passengers and crew members. Following this collision, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted an investigation and issued a Final Report with 50 recommendations to prevent future collisions. While I wholly support reforms to our aviation system to ensure such a tragedy never happens again, S. 2503 would have imposed excessive requirements and does not address all of NTSB’s recommendations. This bill also would have created burdensome barriers for some aircraft operators and hinder further development of new safety technology by requiring a specific device, rather than a device that performs a comparable function. Further, mandating specific transmission equipment for sensitive military aircraft jeopardizes national security by exposing operational details to adversaries and places military aircraft safety standards under FAA jurisdiction rather than military commanders. We must ensure American skies remain the safest in the world, and Congress must address the NTSB’s recommendations comprehensively without imposing burdensome safety standards that provide no tangible benefits. This vote required a 2/3 majority to pass and failed by a vote of 264-133. 

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 4626, the Home Appliance Protection and Affordability Act. This bill clarifies the Department of Energy's requirements to ensure that new or amended energy efficiency standards for covered consumer products and commercial equipment are both technologically feasible and economically justified. Additionally, this bill establishes a process for the Secretary of Energy to reduce regulatory burdens deemed harmful to consumers. Further, this bill prevents future administrations from prioritizing a green agenda over affordability and the availability of reliable household appliances. H.R. 4626 provides commonsense changes that ensure certainty for appliance manufacturers and allow consumers to choose appliances that suit their needs. This bill passed by a vote of 217-190. 

Wednesday, February 25

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 4758, the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act. This bill repeals three unnecessary Department of Energy environmental programs established by the Biden Administration’s 2022 Inflation Reduction Act and rescinds unobligated balances for two of those programs. The federal government should not dictate which appliances best meet the needs of American households, and previous restrictions on appliances stifle consumer choice and create even more regulatory burdens for housing projects. H.R. 4758 cuts red tape by ending costly building code mandates that have made homeownership out of reach for millions of hardworking American families. This bill passed the House by a vote of 210-199, with one member voting present. 

Applications For Community Project Funding Process for Fiscal Year 2027

The Community Project Funding process for Fiscal Year 2027 is now open, and I encourage eligible local governments and nonprofit organizations across NY-24 to apply before the March 9 deadline. This process allows my office to advocate directly for high-priority projects that deliver real results for our communities, while ensuring transparency, accountability, and strong congressional oversight. Every proposal must meet rigorous eligibility standards, demonstrate clear local support, and include a detailed plan to use taxpayer dollars responsibly and efficiently. My office works closely with applicants to make sure funded projects are executed properly and benefit the people of Upstate New York. For more information or to begin the application process, please contact AppropriationsRequestsNY24@mail.house.gov.

Inter-County Association of WNY

I recently attended the Intercounty Association of Western New York meeting in Hector to provide an update on the work underway in the House of Representatives and to hear directly from local leaders across our region. Counties, towns, and villages play a critical role in delivering essential services, maintaining infrastructure, and keeping our communities strong. Supporting our municipalities and ensuring they have the tools and flexibility they need to serve residents effectively remains a top priority. Open communication between federal and local leaders is essential to making sure the voices of Western New York are heard in Washington.

Joey's Northside Small Business Tour

Last week, I visited Joey’s Northside in Newark for a small business tour with Maryann Nicosia McCarthy and spent time talking about the history of the restaurant and its role in the community. Small businesses like Joey’s are the backbone of Newark and communities across NY-24. They create jobs, bring neighbors together, and keep our local economy strong. Conversations like these help guide my work in Washington to ensure federal policies support, not burden, our small businesses.

Cody Volunteer Fire Department

Recently, I visited the Cody Volunteer Fire Department in Granby to see firsthand the new equipment they recently received, totaling more than $130,000 in critical upgrades. This new apparatus is designed to help mitigate exposure to hazardous chemicals and better protect the courageous men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe. During my visit, I watched a demonstration of the equipment and spoke with volunteers and department leadership about the challenges facing volunteer fire departments across NY-24. It is vital to support our first responders and ensure they have the resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.

Congressional Art Competition is Now Open

This year’s Congressional Art Competition is now open to high school students across NY-24. This nationwide contest celebrates the incredible creativity of young artists, and the winning artwork from our district will be displayed for one year in the United States Capitol alongside pieces from across the country. Students may submit original paintings, drawings, photography, mixed media, computer-generated art, and more, provided the work follows the official guidelines. All entries must be original and meet size requirements. Submissions must be received by my district offices no later than Friday, April 17, 2026, and include the required release form. I encourage our talented students to participate and showcase the artistic excellence of our community.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE

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