Highlighting my Fort Ontario Legislation at House Natural Resources Committee Hearing

This week, the House Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on my Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park Establishment Act. This legislation would provide national recognition and permanent federal support for preserving this historic site in Oswego. From 1944 to 1946, Fort Ontario served as the only refugee shelter established in the United States for victims fleeing the Holocaust, providing safety to 982 predominantly Jewish refugees escaping Nazi persecution. I was grateful to have Oswego County Clerk Terry Wilbur testify before the committee and bring our community’s voice directly to Congress. As the number of Holocaust survivors continues to decline, advancing this legislation is an important step toward ensuring the story of Fort Ontario and the refugees who found safety there is preserved for generations to come.

Celebrating House Passage of My End Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act

Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas have already endured unimaginable hardship and should never return home to penalties from their own government for tax deadlines they could not possibly meet. This week, the House unanimously passed my End Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, which would pause certain federal tax deadlines during captivity and provide protections for the spouses and families of Americans held abroad. The bill would also allow eligible Americans to receive refunds for applicable penalties, interest, and additional taxes assessed because they missed deadlines while in captivity. Families working to bring their loved ones home should be focused on their safety and recovery, not fighting the IRS, and House passage brings this commonsense fix one step closer to becoming law. 

Hosting House Intelligence SCALE UP Event in Syracuse on CCP

This week, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford and I hosted a SCALE UP event at Hancock Air National Guard Base in Syracuse focused on the counterintelligence threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party in Upstate New York and across the country. We brought together federal, state, local, and private sector partners to discuss how the CCP targets American industry, research, agriculture, critical infrastructure, and educational institutions and how we can better detect and disrupt these activities. Bringing the Intelligence Committee's work directly to Upstate New York helps connect federal expertise with those on the ground and strengthens the cooperation necessary to protect our communities from foreign threats.

Guest Hosting the Bob Lonsberry Show

I had a great time returning to 570 WSYR this week to guest host the Bob Lonsberry Show for three hours of conversation about two issues that have a direct impact on New Yorkers: energy and public safety. During the Power Hour, I was joined by Ken Girardin and State Senator Thomas O’Mara to discuss New York’s energy policies, rising costs, grid reliability, and the need for an affordable, reliable, all-of-the-above energy approach. Later, during the Law Enforcement Lowdown, Wayne County Sheriff Robert Milby joined me to discuss supporting our law enforcement officers and the importance of cooperation among local, state, and federal agencies to keep our communities safe. Be sure to listen above to my conversation with Sheriff Milby about Albany’s Local Cops, Local Crimes Act and what it means for law enforcement cooperation in New York.

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. 6055, the Strengthening Essential Manufacturing and Industrial Investment (SEMI) Act: This bill would strengthen incentives for investment in the domestic semiconductor supply chain by expanding and extending the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit. Strengthening domestic semiconductor manufacturing and its supporting supply chain is critical to reducing reliance on foreign sources such as China for technologies essential to our economy and national security. This legislation encourages private investment in American semiconductor manufacturing, strengthens critical domestic supply chains, and supports American technological leadership.

H.R. 6219, the Conscience Protections for Medical Residents Act: This bill would protect medical residents from being required to participate in abortion-related training that conflicts with their conscience or beliefs. Specifically, it would change Medicare's definition of an approved medical residency program so that programs providing training in performing or assisting with induced abortions, or providing abortion counseling or referrals, must require residents to voluntarily opt in before receiving such training. The bill would also protect residents from discrimination for declining to participate in abortion training, procedures, counseling, or referrals. Medical professionals should not be forced to participate in procedures that violate their deeply held beliefs as a condition of completing their medical training. This legislation helps protect conscience rights, preserve individual choice for medical residents, and ensure physicians are not penalized for declining to participate in abortion-related activities.

H.R. 4638, the Federal Working Animal Protection Act: This bill would include strict deportation requirements for noncitizens who harm service animals who work for law enforcement. Working animals play an important role alongside law enforcement officers in protecting our borders, detecting dangerous or prohibited materials, and keeping American communities safe. This legislation protects the animals that serve alongside law enforcement and ensures noncitizens who harm them face appropriate immigration consequences.

My Votes Explained

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.

Monday, September 14

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 3276, the Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act of 2026. This bill codifies the Urban Bird Treaty Program to support voluntary urban bird conservation through technical and financial assistance, including a competitive grant program for eligible entities. The bill authorizes $200,000 annually for Fiscal Year 2027 through Fiscal Year 2033 to carry out the program. Conserving bird habitats strengthens local ecosystems, supports outdoor recreation, and allows communities to pursue practical conservation through voluntary partnerships. This legislation promotes responsible stewardship while keeping local communities at the center of conservation decisions. This bill passed the House by a vote of 345-60.

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 4219, the National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Act of 2025. This bill codifies the National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Program in federal statute to identify and respond to priority invasive species threats on or near National Wildlife Refuge System lands and waters. The bill also requires at least one strike team in each FWS region and authorizes $10 million annually from FY 2027 through FY 2033 for the Interior Secretary to carry out this program. Invasive species can destroy native habitats, threaten wildlife, harm agriculture, and impose high costs when left unchecked. This legislation strengthens on-the-ground coordination and protects our public lands and natural resources. This bill passed the House by a vote of 371-33.

Tuesday, September 15

I voted “Yes” on the Motion to Table H.Res. 1486, Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. Under President Trump’s leadership, this administration has turned away from the dangerous Biden-era policies that made our country weak, reasserted our position as a global leader, and bolstered our economic growth and stability. Within the past two years, President Trump has secured fair trade deals with our international partners, ended multiple conflicts, stood up to the brutal Islamic Republic of Iran, and ended taxpayer funding for woke policies like DEI and the Green New Deal. Despite President Trump’s work to strengthen our country, Democrats continue to unjustly target President Trump for impeachment due to their Trump Derangement Syndrome. These impeachment efforts are meant to distract the American people from the Democrats’ support for socialism, abolishing the police, and gender mutilation surgeries. I voted to table this resolution because unlike the radical Do-Nothing Democrats, House Republicans are committed to working to address the real issues that the American people face, instead of playing partisan political games. The motion to table the resolution passed the House by a vote of 232-147, with 47 members voting present. 

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 2978, the GUARD Act. Financial scams targeting older Americans have become increasingly sophisticated, including schemes where criminals build a victim’s trust over time before luring them into fraudulent investments. This bill allows state, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies to use eligible federal grant funding they already receive to investigate elder financial fraud and other financial scams. It also clarifies that federal law enforcement can assist these agencies in using blockchain tracing tools to follow illicit transactions. By giving law enforcement greater flexibility to investigate these crimes and follow the money, this legislation helps protect seniors from criminals attempting to steal the savings they spent a lifetime building. This bill passed the House by a vote of 414-7.

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 8278, the FUTURES Act. This bill requires federal financial regulating agencies, such as the Federal Reserve or the Treasury Department, to evaluate whether their existing technology can keep pace with modern financial systems and identify ways to improve their oversight capabilities. It also requires regulators to examine whether outdated procurement practices are impeding them from adopting better technology as the financial sector continues to evolve. As financial institutions adapt, the agencies responsible for overseeing them must be able to keep pace. This bipartisan legislation helps ensure our financial regulators have modern tools to protect consumers and maintain a safe and sound financial system. This bill passed the House by a vote of 417-7.

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 4646, the Whistleblower Protection Act of 2025. This bill strengthens efforts to uncover waste, fraud, and abuse involving taxpayer dollars by ensuring employees working under Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) covered agreements are protected from retaliation when they report wrongdoing. Under current law, some older HUD-funded agreements fall outside these protections because they were entered into before the current whistleblower law took effect. This legislation closes that gap and ensures whistleblowers receive the same protection regardless of when their agreement was executed. Protecting those who come forward to expose waste and fraud is critical to holding government accountable and safeguarding taxpayer dollars. This bill passed the House by a vote of 424-0.

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 2140, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2025. This bill reauthorizes a voluntary diesel emissions reduction program under which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides grants, rebates, and loans for replacing diesel engines or retrofitting the engines with updated emissions control technologies. Diesel engines remain essential to our farmers, construction companies, manufacturers, and transportation networks. Modernizing equipment can improve fuel efficiency while avoiding costly, overly burdensome mandates that harm small businesses and local communities. This bill advances practical technology modernization while keeping essential diesel equipment operating safely and efficiently. This bill passed the House by a vote of 343-79.

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 9500, the Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act. This bill restores tax relief for Americans who suffer personal casualty and theft losses and provides additional protections for victims of private-sector fraud. Under current law, losses due to fraud are not tax deductible unless they are connected to a declared disaster. This means that victims of Ponzi schemes, identity theft, investment scams, and other forms of fraud can lose substantial savings while also having to pay taxes on those funds they no longer possess. H.R. 9500 corrects this by allowing qualifying fraud victims to deduct stolen funds from their taxable income and gives greater flexibility for victims to claim the loss in either the year it occurred or the year they discovered it. This is particularly important because sophisticated fraud schemes can go undetected for months or even years. Americans who have already had their hard-earned savings stolen should not face an additional financial burden from the tax code while trying to recover. That is why I supported this bill when it passed through the House Ways and Means Committee, and I strongly supported its passage through the full House of Representatives. This bill passed the House by a vote of 408-17.

I voted “Yes” on H.J.Res. 210, Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; Ocean-Going Vessels At-Berth; Notice of Decision”. This resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to rescind the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waiver under former President Biden that allowed California to impose radical Green New Deal policies that raised costs on nearly all goods nationwide. Specifically, H.J.Res. 210 nullifies a Biden EPA waiver that allowed California to impose unworkable, unaffordable emissions mandates on the ships and harbor craft using California's ports. California’s ports are critical gateways for goods distributed throughout the United States, and these burdensome mandates would raise shipping costs, strain port infrastructure, threaten maritime jobs, and add pressure to our national supply chains. One state should not be allowed to impose its radical environmental agenda on maritime commerce nationwide. This resolution restores federal accountability, protects reliable port operations, and prevents these higher costs from being passed on to hardworking families and businesses. This resolution passed the House by a vote of 216-211.

I voted “No” on H.Con.Res. 93, Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran. This resolution would require President Trump to withdraw all U.S. Armed Forces from Operation Epic Fury against Iran pursuant to the War Powers Resolution. This aims to prevent President Trump from defending American interests and regional allies from the grave threat posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Like President Trump, I strongly oppose allowing Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon and remain committed to accountability for the Islamic regime, the leading state sponsor of terrorism, which has targeted and killed Americans for decades. If Operation Epic Fury is prematurely ended before its objectives have been fully achieved, the Ayatollah and his radical regime will be able to continue to threaten Americans, hold the Strait of Hormuz hostage, destabilize the Middle East, and develop nuclear weapons. Instead of supporting President Trump’s efforts to keep our nation safe, Democrats have once again forced a vote to enable Iran to develop a nuclear weapon unimpeded. I greatly appreciate the service and sacrifice of all our servicemembers and will continue working in Congress to ensure they have all the resources they need to remain safe and accomplish the objectives of Operation Epic Fury. Unfortunately, this resolution passed by a vote of 220-204.

Wednesday, September 16

I voted “Yes” on the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5334, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. In February 2022, Russia began its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and for the last four and a half years, Russia has committed heinous atrocities against Ukraine, including kidnapping Ukrainian children, massacring and torturing civilians, targeting hospitals and energy infrastructure, and committing acts of sexual violence. This bill would further cripple Putin’s war machine, support Ukraine, and further isolate the Iranian regime which is supporting Putin’s war. This bill imposes new and expanded sanctions on the Russian government, energy sector, and government officials involved in the war against Ukraine, while extending existing sanctions on Iran. This bill also creates new authorities for President Trump to hold countries that evade these sanctions and purchase Russian oil and gas accountable, incentivizing them to help cut off Putin’s funding for his war. Oil and gas are among the Russian government’s most important sources of government revenue and a key asset keeping Russia’s economy afloat. By targeting these sectors, this legislation would pressure Putin to come to the negotiating table to put an end to the war. Putin’s invasion has brutalized Ukraine for over four years now, and the United States must do more to support bringing an end to this conflict. I am disappointed that so many of my Democrat colleagues opposed this bill due to their Trump Derangement Syndrome and refusal to give President Trump the tools he needs to bring this war to an end. I stand with President Trump and the people of Ukraine in supporting this bill to advance President Trump’s Peace through Strength agenda. This bill passed by a vote of 262-159.

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 9576, the National Fraud Enforcement Division Act. This legislation codifies the National Fraud Enforcement Division within the Department of Justice (DOJ) to crack down on fraud in federal programs, ensure program integrity, and protect taxpayer dollars. The division would be led by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Attorney General nominated by the President. It would also subject division employees to the same restrictions on active participation in partisan political campaigns that apply to employees of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, helping protect enforcement decisions from political influence. Fraudsters exploit fragmented government systems, steal taxpayer dollars, undermine critical programs, and harm vulnerable Americans. This commonsense legislation will strengthen accountability, improve coordination among federal prosecutors and law enforcement agencies, and ensure sophisticated fraud schemes receive the sustained attention they demand. This bill passed the House by a vote of 352-72.

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 10326, the PROOF Act. This bill combats fraud in federally funded, state-run programs by requiring states to share program data with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to support the investigation and prosecution of fraudsters. Specifically, this bill requires states, upon receiving a written request from the Attorney General, to provide records necessary to investigate or prosecute alleged fraud involving federally funded programs such as Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and unemployment compensation. Importantly, this bill requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to comply with federal privacy laws, encrypt transferred records, restrict access to authorized personnel, and permanently destroy the information after the investigation or legal proceedings conclude. Fraudsters who exploit public programs steal from taxpayers and divert resources from families, seniors, and vulnerable Americans who legitimately depend on assistance. This bill strengthens program integrity, protects individual privacy, and gives law enforcement the tools necessary to root out fraud and hold criminals accountable. This bill passed the House by a vote of 217-207.

I voted “Yes” on H.J.Res. 213, Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to the "California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; Commercial Harbor Craft Regulations; Notice of Decision”. This resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to rescind the waiver granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Biden Administration that allowed California to impose costly and burdensome emissions mandates for commercial harbor craft. Specifically, this resolution revokes the EPA Rule that allowed California to impose zero-emission and Tier 4 diesel engine mandates on tugboats, ferries, and barges operating in California waters. These costly and impractical mandates depend on technologies that are not widely available for marine use and could create serious safety and operational challenges. California should not be allowed to impose its radical environmental agenda on industries and supply chains that impact the entire country. This commonsense resolution reins in regulatory overreach, protects maritime commerce, and prevents higher costs from being passed on to American consumers. This resolution passed the House by a vote of 214-208.

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act. This bill requires state utility regulators and nonregulated electric utilities to consider a standardized policy requiring large data centers to pay the full incremental cost of energy generation, transmission, and distribution upgrades needed to serve their electricity demand. Under the proposed standard, these customers would also provide financial assurances or contributions before utilities begin necessary grid upgrades, protecting other ratepayers if a data center later cancels its agreement or stops purchasing electricity. As digital infrastructure continues to grow, hardworking families, seniors, farmers, and small businesses should not see increased utility bills for their own households. This bill establishes a commonsense energy framework to encourage economic growth and national security while protecting households and small businesses from bearing the costs of electricity infrastructure needed to serve the tech industry. This bill passed the House by a vote of 417-3.

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026. This bill reauthorizes and enhances the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) water resources development programs, expedites federal water infrastructure studies and projects, deauthorizes inactive or completed projects, authorizes new water resources development projects, and makes targeted changes to dam safety and flood-risk management programs. Reliable ports, waterways, dams, and flood-control systems are essential to public safety, commerce, agriculture, and economic growth. This commonsense legislation cuts red tape, improves accountability, and helps communities complete critical infrastructure projects more efficiently. This bill passed the House by a vote of 415-9.

I voted “Yes” on S. 2403, the Retire through Ownership Act. This bill provides much-needed clarification to employee-owned stock ownership plans (ESOPs) by allowing them to determine fair market value by independent evaluators and appraisers that use IRS guidance. ESOPs allow employees to reap the benefits of partial ownership in the company at which they work, and ESOPs support millions of American workers. However, for decades, the law has been unclear on how ESOPs may determine the fair market value of the stock ownership they purchase from the company, creating risk and uncertainty. This bill provides clarity by allowing ESOPs to use independent evaluators and appraisers to determine the fair market value, giving ESOPs the legal framework they need to operate fairly and in workers’ best interests. As a strong supporter of ESOPs, I was pleased to support this bill and look forward to it being signed into law by President Trump. This bill passed the House by a vote of 401-14.

Civil Air Patrol Change of Command 

Our office attended the F.R. Sussey Composite Squadron NY-408 Civil Air Patrol Change of Command Ceremony at the Oswego County Airport, marking the transition of command from 1st Lt. Graig Arcuri to 1st Lt. Kristopher Ferrara. As the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, Civil Air Patrol volunteers serve their communities through emergency services, cadet programs, and aerospace education. I am grateful to 1st Lt. Arcuri for his leadership and service to the squadron and wish 1st Lt. Ferrara continued success as he takes command and leads its members into their next chapter.

Celebrating Arc GLOW’s New Albion Offices

Recently, our office attended the ribbon cutting for Arc GLOW’s new offices in Albion, celebrating an expanded space that will help the organization better serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families throughout Orleans County. The new location provides additional room for Arc GLOW’s Community Services and Self-Direction programs, including a larger recreation area and kitchen where individuals can develop skills, connect with others, and work toward greater independence. Arc GLOW serves individuals across Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties, and this new space will help its dedicated team continue providing support and opportunities for people to live fulfilling lives in their own communities. Congratulations to the entire Arc GLOW team on this exciting new chapter.

Fulkerson Winery and Farm Ribbon-cutting

For more than two centuries, the Fulkerson family has carried on a remarkable agricultural tradition along Seneca Lake. Our office attended a ribbon cutting at Fulkerson Winery and Farm in Dundee celebrating a new mural in the winery's juice room, where customers come to purchase locally produced juice for their own winemaking. Now spanning generations, this family-owned farm and winery continues to cultivate more than 200 acres and contribute to the Finger Lakes' rich agricultural and winemaking heritage. Congratulations to the Fulkerson family on this celebration and on continuing a family tradition rooted in our region for generations.

Service Academy Nomination Applications Due October 1

For young people interested in serving our nation, attending a United States Service Academy offers an extraordinary opportunity to receive a world-class education and prepare to become a leader in our Armed Forces. As your representative in Congress, I have the privilege of nominating qualified students to four of our nation’s five Service Academies, and I encourage interested students across New York’s 24th District to complete their applications.

Completed nomination packets must be received by my Oswego office by close of business on October 1, 2026. Applicants can find the required forms, application instructions, and additional information on my website, or contact my Oswego office at 315-236-7088 with questions about the process.

To apply, click here.

Need Help with a Federal Agency? Call us today.

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.