Referring Potential 501(c)(3) Violations to IRS for Investigation

Recent reporting uncovered deeply concerning evidence that hundreds of nonprofit organizations in New York may have violated federal law by engaging in partisan political activity. A Times Union investigation found more than 1,000 political contributions totaling over $400,000 from at least 650 nonprofits that are legally prohibited from supporting candidates or participating in campaigns. Even more troubling, many of these organizations certified to the IRS under penalty of perjury that they were not involved in political activity. This is not a minor technical violation. It is a widespread breakdown in enforcement that undermines trust in our elections and allows taxpayer-subsidized organizations to influence the political process in ways that are clearly prohibited under federal law.

In response, I took immediate action and formally referred this matter to the Internal Revenue Service, calling for a full investigation and enforcement of the law. Federal law is clear: 501(c)(3) organizations cannot engage in partisan political activity, and those that do must be held accountable, including revocation of their tax-exempt status where appropriate. The integrity of our elections depends on a level playing field, and when organizations that benefit from taxpayer support secretly pour money into campaigns, it corrupts that process. As Chair of the Election Integrity Caucus, I will continue working to ensure our laws are enforced and that no one is allowed to exploit the system at the expense of the American people.

READ THE FULL LETTER HERE

Introducing Legislation to Establish a Permanent Full Risk ACO Program in Medicare

Alongside Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10), we introduced bipartisan legislation to establish a permanent full risk Accountable Care Organization (ACO) program within Medicare, building on a model that is already delivering real results for patients and taxpayers. Today, more than 14 million seniors receive care through ACOs, which have improved outcomes and generated billions in savings by focusing on prevention, coordination, and managing chronic conditions. However, these programs have remained stuck in temporary pilot phases, limiting long-term investment and access. This legislation creates a permanent pathway for providers to take full accountability for both the cost and quality of care, with dedicated tracks for broader populations and high-need patients. The goal is simple: move away from one-size-fits-all care and toward a system that delivers better outcomes, lowers costs, and strengthens Medicare for the future.

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.R. 5518, the Integrated Cross-Border Law Enforcement Operations Expansion Act: This bill would strengthen cross-border law enforcement cooperation between the United States and neighboring countries to address transnational crime, including drug trafficking, human smuggling, and other criminal activities that cross international borders. Transnational criminal organizations exploit jurisdictional gaps to evade enforcement, underscoring the need for coordinated law enforcement efforts to safeguard the public. This legislation enhances law enforcement capabilities and improves collaboration to combat cross-border threats and keep our communities safe. 

H.R. 5462, the Michelle Alyssa Go Act: This bill would expand federal support for mental health outreach and intervention programs for individuals experiencing severe mental illness, including those who may pose a risk to themselves or others. Specifically, it would provide grants to support community-based treatment, crisis response services, and coordination between mental health providers and local authorities. Untreated severe mental illness can have serious consequences for individuals and pose threats to public safety. H.R. 5462 helps strengthen early intervention efforts and improve access to care, helps reduce risks, and supports individuals in crisis.

H.R. 563, the No Retaining Every Gun In a System That Restricts Your Rights Act: This bill would prohibit the federal government from creating or maintaining a registry of firearms, firearm owners, or firearm transactions. Federal entities have no business maintaining a digital, searchable database of law-abiding gun owners that could be used for future gun confiscation that would harm individual privacy and law-abiding citizens' Second Amendment rights. This legislation reinforces these protections by ensuring that lawful firearm ownership is not subject to centralized tracking or monitoring.

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, March 24

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 6422, the American Water Stewardship Act. This bill reauthorizes funding at current funding levels for several EPA programs aimed at improving water quality and carrying out ecosystem restoration projects across the country. Additionally, this bill contains provisions directing the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to Congress on ways the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of these programs. Clean water is vital to communities and helps residents, farmers, and businesses thrive. This program ensures common-sense accountability and efficiency in protecting clean water and ecosystems. This bill passed the House by a vote of 378-32.

Wednesday, March 25 

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 5103, Make the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Act. This bill establishes a program under the Department of the Interior Secretary to beautify the District of Columbia, including removing graffiti and restoring public property. Additionally, this bill establishes a D.C. Safe and Beautiful Commission comprised of federal and D.C. government officials to enable coordination and full enforcement of federal and local laws within the District. Radical left-wing policies turned our Nation's capital into one of the most dangerous cities in our country and the world, allowing vandalism and property destruction throughout the city. Upstate New Yorkers who visit our Nation’s capital should never feel unsafe or be threatened by violent criminals. This will support the Trump administration’s efforts to preserve our historical sites, keep every American safe, and enhance cooperation with law enforcement. This bill passed the House by a vote of 218-206. 

Thursday, March 26 

 I voted “Yes” on H. Res. 1128, Expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the Department of Homeland Security. This resolution recognizes the importance of fully funding all components of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and emphasizes that withholding funding of individual DHS components would create uncertainty in an increasingly heightened threat environment. DHS plays a crucial role in protecting our nation across multiple fronts, including securing our borders, ensuring airport safety, and defending critical infrastructure. Their work is fundamental to maintaining the security and resilience of our nation, and it is important to recognize the good work that these brave men and women do to protect our communities. It is vital that we fully fund this department. This bill passed by a bipartisan vote of 225-187, with 13 members voting present. 

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 8029, the Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act. This legislation provides full funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and restores operational capacity across its agencies, including Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Coast Guard, TSA, FEMA, and the Secret Service. DHS plays a central role in protecting the United States from terrorism, cyber threats, illegal border crossings, and other national security challenges. In recent weeks, operational disruptions have limited several DHS components to performing only essential functions, raising concerns about preparedness amid heightened global threats. The House passed the bill to ensure these critical agencies have the resources they need to protect the American people and maintain national security readiness. With threats around the world escalating and national security on the line, the United States cannot afford to allow the continued Democrat shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. DHS protects our borders, secures our airports, defends our critical infrastructure, and responds to emergencies nationwide. The House has once again done its job and passed legislation to fund these essential missions. Now Senate Democrats must stop playing political games, pass this bill immediately, and fully reopen the government. Weakening homeland security at a time of rising threats is simply unacceptable, and the American people deserve better. This bill passed by a bipartisan vote of 218-206. 

Friday, March 27

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 7084, the Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026. This bill authorizes the President to prohibit vessels from entering or operating in U.S. waters if the vessel has called at ports, harbors, or marine terminals that were controlled by a U.S. person and have been nationalized or expropriated by a government agency or official of a Western Hemisphere trading partner. Ensuring the safety of investments by American companies is vital to our economy and national security. This legislation holds nations accountable for unlawfully seizing American assets, safeguarding American businesses from foreign interference. This bill passed the House by a vote of 247-164.

I voted “Yes” on H. Res 1142, a resolution agreeing to the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 7147, the Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026. House Republicans have repeatedly voted for a clean FY26 Homeland Security appropriations bill to fully fund all of the Department’s vital work to keep Americans safe. This includes all 10 agencies under DHS, including Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Coast Guard, TSA, FEMA, and the Secret Service. Unfortunately, Congressional Democrats have dragged their feet and put Americans’ lives in danger due to their refusal to support commonsense border security policies. Disappointingly, the Senate caved to the Democrats’ demands and sent the House a bill that would fund all of DHS except ICE and CBP. This is unacceptable. Congress must fund the entirety of DHS to keep our nation safe, not allow law enforcement to be defunded in the dead of night. That is why the House has further amended this bill to be a 60-day continuing resolution for all of DHS. This bill keeps funding at FY26 spending levels, reopens DHS, pays our TSA employees, and funds ICE. The House has done its job once again and passed legislation to fully fund DHS. Now, the Senate must pass this funding bill and allow DHS to return to the critical work of defending the home front. Weakening homeland security is simply unacceptable, and the American people deserve better. This resolution passed the House by a vote of 213-203. 

SUNY Niagara

Our team recently visited SUNY Niagara to meet with college leadership and discuss ongoing priorities that will strengthen workforce development and educational opportunities in our region. SUNY Niagara continues to deliver results, including securing federal funding to support its health and nursing programs and expanding opportunities for students pursuing careers in high-demand fields. Future priorities were also discussed, including enhancing training programs, investing in new equipment such as an MRI machine to support healthcare education, and continuing capital improvements across campus. From advanced manufacturing labs to their unique planetarium and childcare center, SUNY Niagara is playing a critical role in preparing students for good-paying jobs and supporting our local economy. I will continue working to ensure institutions like SUNY Niagara have the resources they need to succeed and serve our communities.

Justin Rogers Farewell Luncheon

Our team attended a farewell luncheon at the Niagara County Fairgrounds to recognize Justin Rogers, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Niagara County, for his years of leadership and service to our community. On behalf of our office, we presented a certificate to thank him for his dedication to strengthening agricultural programming, expanding community outreach, and supporting families and farmers across Niagara County. His work through CCE has made a lasting impact on our region’s agricultural economy and local communities. We wish him the very best in his next chapter and thank him for his commitment to serving our farmers. 

Watertown First Responders Appreciation Night

Our office attended the first responders appreciation night at the Elks Lodge in Watertown, where first responders from across our region came together for an evening of well-deserved recognition. Events like this are a reminder of the dedication, sacrifice, and courage shown every day by the men and women who keep our communities safe. It was encouraging for our team to see such strong support from local businesses, organizations, and individual community members stepping up to make the night special and show their appreciation. It was clear just how much our first responders mean to our communities. We are grateful for their service and remain committed to ensuring they have the support and resources they need to continue their vital work.

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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If you or someone you know ever needs assistance with a federal agency, we are just a phone call away and are ready to help you! Please contact my Canandaigua Office at 585-869-2060, my Oswego Office at 315-236-7088, or my Lockport Office at 716-514-5130. I am honored to have the opportunity to represent you.

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If you have updates regarding events in the community or other news to share from across New York's 24th District, please visit the "Contact Me" page on my website to share it with me. My team will try to include as many of your updates from around #NY24 as we can each week.