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An update from the office of Congressman Andrew Garbarino

SPOTLIGHT

Bill To Increase Veteran Access To Healthcare Benefits Passes House

Andrew was proud to cast his "Yes" vote this week for H.R 4673, the Ensuring Veterans Smooth Transition (EVEST) Act. This legislation would ensure all eligible separating servicemembers are enrolled into the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system. Currently, less than half of the 19 million eligible veterans are enrolled in the VA system. If this bill is passed by the Senate and becomes law, 10 million eligible veterans will be enrolled and receive access to the benefits they earned with brave service to this country.

ANDREW IN THE NEWS

Scoop: Lawmakers warn of states using risky Chinese tech

" Two lawmakers are urging the federal government to ensure state governments are not procuring telecommunications equipment from Chinese companies deemed a security risk, according to a letter viewed by Axios...In a letter dated Jan. 12, Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y.), ranking member on the House Homeland Security Committee, and Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.) asked Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to ensure that all telecommunications equipment used by government agencies is secure. " Read the full article.

WHAT'S NEW IN NY-02

Federal Infrastructure Grant Opportunities Become Available For Long Island Projects Andrew has been fighting in Congress to bring federal dollars directly into our community to repair our crumbling physical infrastructure. Now, a series of federal grant opportunities have opened up. Some of these include: Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Grants – This Department of Transportation program supports highway and rail projects of regional and economic significance. Applications will open in the first quarter of 2022. Learn more about how to apply here. Port Infrastructure Development Program Grants – This $2 billion Department of Transportation program funds investment in the modernization and expansion of U.S. ports to remove supply chain bottlenecks, ensure long-term competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability while reducing impacts to the environment and neighboring communities. The Department of Transportation expects to open applications in February 2022.  Safe Streets and Roads for All – This new $5 billion competitive grant program at the Department of Transportation will provide funding directly to and exclusively for local governments to support their efforts to advance “vision zero” plans and other complete street improvements to reduce crashes and fatalities, especially for cyclists and pedestrians. Applications are expected to open in May 2022. Flood Mitigation Assistance – $3.5 billion from this FEMA program can be used for projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program. FY21 applications are open until January 28th, 2022. Applications for FY22 are expected to open no later than September 30th, 2022. Contact our office for information about additional infrastructure grant opportunities available to NY-02 communities.

CASEWORK HIGHLIGHT: Securing Social Security Benefits A constituent from Massapequa reached out to our office after being denied retroactive Social Security Spousal Benefits that she was entitled to. After almost a year of trying to obtain her benefit, our casework team was able to resolve the issue within a month and her benefit is being paid out. Andrew knows how frustrating dealing with government agencies can be. That is why he has an entire team dedicated to helping constituents get what they need from the federal government. If you need help dealing with an agency, our team is here to help! Contact our office and we will get to work on your case right away.

KEEPING UP WITH CONGRESS

Andrew calls on DHS Inspector General to review Biden Administration's Border Actions Andrew joined dozens of his colleagues in the House and Senate to request the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) review the actions taken by the Biden administration in relation to the crisis at the southern border. "This lack of information hinders Congress’ ability to effectively legislate solutions to both fix the immediate crisis and to ensure that political considerations do not outweigh national security in the future," they wrote in a letter. "The Inspector General is best positioned to provide such apolitical oversight and report to Congress such findings."

Andrew Cosponsors the Save Democracy Act This week, Andrew became a cosponsor of the Save Democracy Act which would strengthen our nation's election security and integrity. This bill addresses issues involving voter registration, casting of ballots, and tabulation of ballots in federal elections. Among other things, this bill would require proof an I.D. to vote, proof of U.S. citizenship, prohibit ballot harvesting, and implement fair bi-partisan supervision of ballot counting. Read more here.

NOTICE FREE at home COVID-19 tests available to be delivered to your home through USPS. CLICK HERE for more details and to place your order.

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Rep. Andrew R. Garbarino Congressman representing New York's 2nd Congressional District

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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