Releasing My 2026 Agriculture Plan

This week, I released my 2026 Agriculture Plan to strengthen New York’s farm economy and support the hardworking farmers and producers who feed our families and sustain our rural communities. As the largest agricultural district in the Northeast and the fifth-largest dairy-producing district in the nation, NY-24 is home to a diverse agricultural economy that includes dairy, apples, grapes, maple syrup, and other specialty crops. My plan focuses on expanding market opportunities, strengthening the agricultural workforce, protecting American farmland from hostile foreign interests, and pushing back against burdensome policies that make it harder for family farms to compete. We must give our farmers the stability and resources they need to succeed today and pass their farms on to the next generation.

To view my full Agriculture Plan, click here.

My 2026 Energy and Environment Plan

New Yorkers pay some of the highest electricity rates in the nation as Albany Democrats' unrealistic energy mandates continue to drive up costs and strain our electric grid. My 2026 Energy and Environment Plan offers a commonsense path forward focused on unleashing American energy dominance, expanding reliable domestic energy production, supporting nuclear, hydroelectric, biofuel, and emerging technologies, strengthening our critical mineral supply chains, and preserving consumer choice. We can lower costs and strengthen our energy security while responsibly conserving the Finger Lakes, Great Lakes, and the natural resources that make Upstate and Western New York such a special place to live. New York families and businesses deserve an energy policy that delivers affordability and reliability while making full use of America’s abundant resources and innovation.

To view my full Energy and Environment Plan, click 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. 4782, the Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act: This bill would direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program that provides cooperative agreements to state, local, and Tribal governments to increase the purchase of locally produced food. Specifically, the bill would support the purchase of unprocessed and minimally processed local foods from farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and other producers, expand partnerships between producers and food distribution organizations, provide technical assistance to local producers, and require that at least 25 percent of purchased products come from small, mid-sized, beginning, or veteran farmers and ranchers. Strengthening local and regional food systems helps expand market opportunities for agricultural producers while increasing access to fresh, nutritious food. This legislation helps support family farms, strengthen local food supply chains, and promote long-term growth in American agriculture.

H.R. 4363, the Defend Girls Athletics Act: This bill would require elementary schools, secondary schools, and institutions of higher education receiving federal funds to ensure biological fairness in women’s and girls’ athletic programs. Preserving fair competition and equal athletic opportunities for women and girls helps uphold the intent of Title IX and protects the integrity of women’s sports. This legislation ensures that female athletes have a level playing field to compete for roster spots, scholarships, championships, and other athletic opportunities.

H.R. 3859, the Returning Illegals over Turmoil Act: This bill would require the removal and permanent inadmissibility of certain removable aliens who incite or participate in violent civil unrest involving assaults on law enforcement officers or members of the Armed Forces. Individuals who violently attack law enforcement or military personnel while unlawfully present in the United States should be held accountable. This legislation helps strengthen public safety, support law enforcement, and reinforce the enforcement of federal immigration laws against individuals who commit serious crimes during civil unrest.

US Coast Guard Oswego Station

Recently, I visited the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Oswego to spend time with the men and women who work around the clock to keep Lake Ontario and our waterfront communities safe. I met with crew members to hear about their mission and some of the challenges they face, toured the station, and even got out on the water with them. Whether responding to emergencies, assisting local boaters, or working alongside law enforcement, these servicemembers are always ready when our communities need them. Thank you to the entire Station Oswego crew for welcoming me and for their continued service to our region and our nation.

Novelis Restart Tour

This week, I returned to Novelis in Oswego to see the progress the team has made following the significant fires at the facility last year. After a challenging period for the company and its employees, it was encouraging to see the repairs and updates underway as the plant continues moving forward. Novelis has a longstanding presence in Oswego County, and I enjoyed speaking with the team about their recovery and the future of the facility.

Walmart Academy Tour

At Walmart in Fulton, I learned more about the company's efforts to help employees gain new skills, advance into higher-paying positions, and build long-term careers. The Walmart Academy combines classroom instruction with hands-on training, while other programs help employees pursue degrees and professional credentials at no cost. I was glad to meet members of the Fulton team and hear how these opportunities are helping workers invest in their own futures.

Cape Vincent CPF Press Conference

Clean, reliable water is something every family should be able to count on. I joined Cape Vincent Town Supervisor Christine Stark to discuss the town's plans for Water District No. 7 and see the areas that would benefit from the proposed expansion. In Congress, I helped secure $850,000 for the project in the House version of the FY2027 Interior Appropriations bill. There is still work ahead in the appropriations process, but I am fighting to bring these federal dollars home and help Cape Vincent complete this much-needed investment.

St. Lawrence Seaway Pilots

Navigating a large commercial vessel through the St. Lawrence Seaway takes tremendous skill, precision, and knowledge of our local waterways. I recently met with the St. Lawrence Seaway Pilots Association to hear directly about the work these highly trained pilots do every day to safely guide vessels through the Seaway. Their expertise helps protect our waterways while keeping commercial shipping moving through a corridor that is vital to communities and businesses throughout our region.

L3 Harris Tour

This week, I toured L3Harris in Rochester, where they develop and manufacture some truly impressive technology. The Rochester team produces secure communications systems used by our military and public safety professionals and also works on precision optical equipment supporting space missions. Seeing this work up close reinforced just how much talent and technical expertise we have here in Upstate New York. Our region's workforce is helping equip those who protect our country and keep America at the forefront of advanced technology.

UR Laboratory for Laser Energetics Tour

Some of the nation's most advanced research in laser technology, fusion, and high-energy-density science is happening right here in Rochester. I visited the University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics to learn more about research that supports our national security and advances the potential of fusion energy. Just as impressive is the laboratory's work preparing students to become the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technicians. With around 450 employees and more than 120 students participating each year, LLE is helping ensure America continues to lead in science and innovation.

Optimax Tour

Recently, I toured Optimax and saw the precision and expertise that go into producing advanced optics used in aerospace, defense, research, and space exploration. The company's work has supported an impressive list of NASA missions, including the Mars rovers and the International Space Station. It is exciting to see that components manufactured by skilled workers here in our region have helped enable some of America's greatest achievements in space and scientific discovery.

Eoptic Tour

Innovation is alive and well in Upstate New York. I had the opportunity to visit Eoptic and meet the team of engineers and innovators developing advanced optical hardware and software to solve complex challenges. Their work brings together imaging technology and specialized software to provide useful data for their customers. It was great to learn more about a local team putting its technical expertise and creativity to work developing the next generation of imaging technologies.

Meeting with Steve Giroux at Middleport Pharmacy

I recently stopped by Steve Giroux's pharmacy in Middleport to meet his team and discuss the challenges independent pharmacists are facing. Hearing directly from local business owners like Steve is incredibly valuable as we work on Washington policies that affect community pharmacies' ability to keep their doors open and continue serving our neighbors.

MOOG 75th Anniversary Celebration

Seventy-five years is an incredible milestone for any company, and I was thrilled to celebrate it with the team at Moog in Elma. What started in 1951 with three founders and $3,000 has grown into a world-class engineering and technology company whose work supports our military, space exploration, aviation, and other cutting-edge industries. The celebration also marked the opening of Moog's new Advanced Integrated Manufacturing Building, representing another major investment in Western New York and its talented workforce. Congratulations to everyone who has been part of Moog's remarkable story over the past 75 years, and here's to the next chapter of American innovation right here in Western New York.

Boxler Family Farm

This week, I spent time with the Boxler family in Wyoming County to learn more about the family businesses they have built around agriculture, maple production, and Hidden Valley Animal Adventure. We also had a chance to talk about the dairy industry and what producers like the Boxlers are experiencing on the ground. Their story is a great example of the entrepreneurial spirit that runs throughout our agricultural communities, with a family farm that has continued to grow, diversify, and find new ways to welcome people into rural New York.

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.

Have News or Updates to Share? Email Me!

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.