Urging the European Union to Reject Anti-Israel Sanctions

This week, I sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urging the European Union to reject proposals that would impose sanctions on Israeli officials, target organizations operating in Judea and Samaria, and discourage businesses from engaging in lawful economic activity in the region. Israel remains our closest ally in the Middle East and the region’s only democracy. At a time when Israel continues to face threats from terrorism and regional instability, the international community should be standing with our ally, not pursuing policies that undermine its security or economic prosperity. I also raised concerns about the potential impact these proposals could have on American businesses and organizations operating in the region. As Chair of the Congressional Friends of Judea and Samaria Caucus, I will continue fighting against efforts to isolate Israel and will always stand with our democratic ally in its right to defend itself and pursue peace and security for its people.

Read the full letter here.

Joining Mornings With Maria to Discuss the SAVE America Act

I joined Mornings with Maria Bartiromo to discuss the importance of advancing the SAVE America Act and protecting confidence in our electoral system. This commonsense legislation would require proof of citizenship to register to vote, helping ensure that only American citizens participate in our elections. Requiring proof of citizenship is a straightforward safeguard that strengthens public trust and reinforces a simple principle: American elections should be decided by American citizens. As Chair of the Election Integrity Caucus, I remain committed to advancing policies that protect the sanctity of the ballot box, preserve confidence in the democratic process, and ensure every legal vote counts. The SAVE America Act is an important step toward securing our elections and strengthening the integrity of our voting system. 

Watch the full video here.

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. 801, the Charitable Act: This bill establishes a permanent charitable deduction for non-itemizing taxpayers. Specifically, it allows non-itemizing taxpayers to deduct charitable contributions up to one-third of the standard deduction allowed to them. This legislation helps encourage widespread charitable giving from American taxpayers to help nonprofits serving their communities.

H.R. 7769, the MINT Act: This bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code to restore favorable tax treatment for certain tax-exempt bonds guaranteed by Federal Home Loan Banks. Tax-exempt municipal bonds are an important financing tool for infrastructure, health care, education, and community development projects. This legislation helps expand access to financing options for state and local governments, supporting investment in critical community projects.

H.R. 578, Sarah’s Law: This bill would strengthen the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policies to detain certain noncitizens who are unlawfully present in the United States and have been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admitted to committing offenses that result in death or serious bodily injury. Public safety is a core responsibility of the federal government, and illegal aliens who commit violent crimes should be subject to appropriate detention while immigration proceedings are pending. This legislation strengthens immigration enforcement and helps ensure accountability for individuals who commit serious criminal offenses.

Livonia, Avon & Lakeville Railroad Corporation

It was a pleasure to visit the Livonia, Avon & Lakeville Railroad, a remarkable local success story that has supported jobs, businesses, and economic growth across Western New York for more than 60 years. Originally saved from abandonment by local residents determined to preserve rail service for their communities, the railroad now plays a vital role in connecting manufacturers, agricultural producers, food processors, and distributors to markets across the country. I toured the locomotive shop, spoke about how federal investments and infrastructure improvements are helping strengthen operations, and discussed the many businesses that depend on reliable freight rail service. I have supported policies like the Short Line Railroad Tax Credit that help railroads such as LA&L continue to invest in their infrastructure, create opportunities for economic growth, and keep Upstate New York competitive.

Schum-Acre Dairy Farm

I also visited Schum-Acres Dairy Farm in Naples, where I had the opportunity to meet with Laura, Daniel, and John Schumacher and tour their family-run operation. Family farms like Schum-Acres are the backbone of our rural communities and play a vital role in feeding our nation while supporting local jobs and economic growth. We discussed some of the challenges farmers continue to face, including energy costs and the need for reliable infrastructure to keep operations running efficiently. I am grateful to the Schumacher family for welcoming me to their farm and for sharing their perspective on the issues impacting agriculture in Upstate New York. I will continue working to ensure our farmers have the support they need to remain competitive and successful for generations to come.

Wellesley Island CBP Station

I visited the U.S. Border Patrol’s Wellesley Island Station in the Thousand Islands to receive an operational briefing and meet with the dedicated men and women working every day to secure our northern border. During my visit, I toured the facility and discussed current border security operations, emerging trends, and the challenges facing agents on the front lines. The Northern Border remains a critical part of our national security, and I am grateful for the professionalism, commitment, and sacrifice of the Border Patrol personnel serving our communities. It is critical to ensure our agents have the resources and support they need to carry out their mission and keep our communities safe.

Meeting with Sheriff Peter Barnett

Recently, I met with Jefferson County Sheriff Peter Barnett to discuss the important work his office is doing to keep North Country communities safe. Sheriff Barnett and his team serve a vast region spanning more than 1,200 square miles of land and hundreds of miles of waterways, while tackling everything from major criminal investigations and drug trafficking to border security, school safety, search-and-rescue operations, and community outreach programs. It was a valuable opportunity to learn more about their efforts to combat crime, support families, and protect residents across Jefferson County. Our law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way every day, and I will continue fighting to ensure they have the resources, support, and respect they deserve as they carry out this critical mission.

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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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