Calling on DOJ to Investigate New York’s Plan to Use Medicaid for Automatic Voter Registration

Albany Democrats are pushing to use the state’s Medicaid system for automatic voter registration, despite repeated audits exposing major verification failures within the program. This week, I called on the Department of Justice to investigate New York’s proposal and review whether sufficient safeguards exist to prevent improper voter registration. A recent State Comptroller audit found that New York paid roughly $509 million in Medicaid premiums for more than 155,000 individuals who may not have even lived in New York, while hundreds of thousands of enrollees were not properly submitted for federal data matching because of data integrity failures. Using this same broken bureaucracy for voter registration creates serious risks for election integrity, especially when Medicaid programs also serve large populations of noncitizens who are ineligible to vote in federal elections. New Yorkers deserve secure elections, accurate voter rolls, and confidence that our laws are being enforced properly.

READ THE FULL LETTER HERE

Honoring Those Who Protect and Serve

During National Police Week, I’m especially grateful for the brave law enforcement officers across NY-24 who put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities and keep families safe. At a time when radical politicians push anti-police rhetoric, dangerous sanctuary policies, and failed bail laws that put criminals back on the streets, I remain firmly committed to Backing the Blue. In Congress, I have supported legislation to strengthen protections for law enforcement, improve public safety, crack down on illegal immigrants who assault police, protect qualified immunity, and protect first responders from deadly fentanyl exposure. I also remember the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and keep their families in my prayers.

Urging the UK to Proscribe the IRGC as a Terrorist Organization

I also led a bipartisan group of lawmakers in urging the United Kingdom to formally proscribe Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. The IRGC has long played a central role in funding and directing terrorism across the globe, including support for Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, while also carrying out intimidation campaigns, cyberattacks, and plots targeting Americans and our allies. President Trump took the historic step of designating the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organization during his first term, and our allies should stand with the United States in applying maximum pressure on this dangerous regime. The free world must send a clear message that terrorism, political violence, and antisemitic attacks will never be tolerated.

READ THE FULL LETTER HERE

Reintroducing the RISE Act

I joined bipartisan lawmakers in reintroducing the RISE Act to help small businesses and service providers expand access to retirement savings plans for their employees. Many micro-businesses across NY-24 want to offer retirement benefits but face challenges accessing the full value of existing startup tax credits under current law. The RISE Act fixes that problem by ensuring the smallest employers can fully benefit from these incentives while also expanding eligibility to more service-based businesses that support local employers and workers. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities, and this commonsense legislation will help more workers save for retirement, strengthen Main Street, and support long-term economic growth across Upstate 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.Res. 373, Expressing support for the month of May as "Fallen Heroes Memorial Month": This resolution would express support for designating the month of May as “Fallen Heroes Memorial Month.” The resolution honors the service and sacrifice of members of the United States Armed Forces, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty. Recognizing Fallen Heroes Memorial Month provides an opportunity to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities and country, and this resolution reaffirms the nation’s gratitude and respect for the courage and dedication of America’s fallen heroes.

H.R. 31, the POLICE Act: This bill would make assaulting a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder by a non-U.S. national a deportable offense under federal immigration law. Law enforcement officers and first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities and maintain public safety. This legislation strengthens accountability and helps enhance protections for the men and women who serve on the front lines.

H.Res. 395, Establishing a "Bill of Rights" to support United States law enforcement personnel nationwide in their work to protect our communities: This resolution would affirm a “Bill of Rights” to support law enforcement personnel nationwide in their efforts to protect our communities and uphold public safety. Specifically, the resolution outlines principles supporting law enforcement officers’ right to self-defense, protection from physical harassment, enhanced legal protections, and access to mental health resources. Law enforcement personnel face significant risks and responsibilities as they serve their communities and enforce the law. This resolution recognizes the importance of ensuring officers have the support and protection necessary to carry out their duties safely and effectively.

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.

Tuesday, May 12

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 2853, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act. This bill directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish the Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center. Retailers across the country are facing increased theft and fraud in stores due to organized criminal activity, threatening the livelihood of small business owners and their employees. This center will ensure coordination of federal assistance to work with state and local law enforcement agencies to combat these national and transnational criminal organizations. This bill passed the House by a vote of 348-60. 

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 2071, the Save Our Shrimpers Act. This bill requires the Treasury Secretary to direct U.S. representatives at international financial institutions to oppose financial assistance for shrimp farming, shrimp processing, and shrimp export projects in foreign countries. For too long, international financial institutions, like the International Finance Corporation and the Asian Development Bank, have been funding competition for American shrimpers, leading to depressed prices and excess capacity. Barring international financial institutions from using taxpayer money to incentivize foreign competition is a commonsense way to level the playing field and strengthen American industry. This bill passed the House by a vote of 391-18, with one member voting present.

Wednesday, May 13

I voted “Yes” on H.Res. 1252, a Resolution memorializing law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. This resolution acknowledges the police officers and other law enforcement personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This resolution also expresses support for law enforcement officers across the United States for their tireless efforts to keep our communities safe. Our dedicated law enforcement officers who put on the uniform deserve unequivocal support and gratitude and I will always back the blue and support the families of our fallen law enforcement officers. This resolution passed the House by a vote of 418-2.

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025. This bill extends the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) volatility waiver to enable the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends up to 15 percent, commonly referred to as E15. The bill would also reduce renewable fuel compliance requirements for small refineries by 75 percent and phases out the current small-refinery petition process. Allowing E15 fuel sales year-round will lower fuel costs and increase energy security, as ethanol is largely produced domestically, including in Upstate New York. This bill supports President Trump’s efforts to support our farming communities, lower fuel prices for working families, and reinforce the energy consumption our economy depends on. This bill passed the House by a vote of 218-203.

I voted “Yes” on H.Con.Res. 96, Expressing Support for Law Enforcement Officers. Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to serve our communities and keep us safe. I will always back the blue and support our law enforcement officers for their service to our communities. This resolution sends a clear message to state and local officials that the House of Representatives stands with our local law enforcement officers and commends the work of President Trump to restore law and order in our country. It is unbelievable that so many of my Democrat colleagues voted against this commonsense resolution and continue to support the Defund and Demoralize the Police movement. I strongly condemn all efforts to vilify our law enforcement officers, who risk their lives every day for us. This resolution passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 243-137, with 3 members voting present. 

I voted “Yes” on H.Res. 1251, Calling on elected officials and civil society leaders to counter antisemitism and educate the public on the contributions of the Jewish-American community. Over the last few years, we have seen incidents of anti-Semitism increase dramatically across the country, including at college campuses. Violence, hatred, and anti-Semitism must be unequivocally condemned. I will always stand with the Jewish community in these trying times and will continue my work to combat anti-Semitism in all its forms. This resolution passed the House unanimously by a vote of 419-0. 

I voted “Yes” on H.Res. 1259, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should prioritize securing the release of Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Jimmy Lai detained by the People’s Republic of China during future engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This resolution urges President Trump to fight to release the many religious and political leaders being held captive by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The CCP’s continued assault on individual’s rights to freedom of religion and freedom of speech is unconscionable, and I strongly supported this commonsense resolution. President Trump must work to free these individuals and end the CCP’s practices of suppressing individual rights. This resolution passed the House unanimously by a vote of 414-0. 

Thursday, May 14

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 5625, the Cashless Bail Reporting Act. This bill requires the Attorney General to publish annually a list of State and local governments that permit people who have been charged with certain serious offenses to be released pending trial on personal recognizance or upon execution of an unsecured appearance bond. States and cities like New York have adopted a policy of radical bail reform laws that restrict judges’ ability to apply cash bail, making our communities more dangerous. In fact, a recent study found that approximately 72% of violent felons who were released without bail were re-arrested while awaiting trial. While the radical left continues to coddle violent criminals and vilify law enforcement in our community, House Republicans stand for law and order in America. This legislation provides a concrete step in identifying the states and localities that choose criminals over our children’s safety. This bill passed the House by a vote of 308-116.

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 6260, Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act of 2025. This bill defines bail bonds as an insurance product, ultimately subjecting them to federal insurance fraud law and allowing states to enact licensing and regulatory requirements for entities that post bail on behalf of defendants. Charitable bond funds, such as the Minnesota Freedom Fund, regularly provide bonds for individuals held while awaiting trial for violent offenses. For example, the Executive Director of the Minneapolis Freedom Fund admitted that he often does not check defendants' charges before posting their bail, which has resulted in funding violent criminals who are awaiting trial on charges including armed robbery and sex crimes. While Democrats work to free violent offenders and eliminate cash bail, House Republicans are committed to ensuring that these bonds are properly regulated to keep our communities safe. This bill passed by a vote of 243-179.

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 8365, the Monitor Accountability Act. This bill requires the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to establish new conditions relating to cost and duration of a court monitor appointed by a consent decree. Court monitors are independent oversight officials appointed through agreements between a government agency and a public or private entity, often in response to concerns about civil rights violations and other misconduct. While sometimes necessary, some court monitors have remained present for decades and have cost states and localities hundreds of millions of dollars by charging exorbitant fees without producing results. For example, in Maricopa County, Arizona, the monitorship of the County sheriff’s office has cost nearly $350 million since 2013. This is profiteering. This legislation restores the intent of monitorship to its intended purpose, time-limited and not designed to become a grifting operation. This will also help improve transparency and oversight, ensuring that monitoring arrangements are conducted responsibly and with accountability to taxpayers. This bill passed the House by a vote of 219-204. 

I voted “No” on H.Con.Res. 75, Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran. This resolution would mandate President Trump to withdraw all U.S. Armed Forces from the conflict with Iran. I unequivocally agree with President Trump that Iran can never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. A nuclear Iran poses a grave threat to the United States and U.S. interests. For decades, Iran has not only been the leading state sponsor of terror, but also made it clear that it seeks to destroy the “Big Satan”, or the United States. I applaud President Trump for taking the threat of a nuclear Iran so seriously and am disappointed that so many of my colleagues chose to stand with Iran instead of the United States. These operations are critical to keeping the American homeland safe, and I thank and pray for the brave U.S. service members and allies in the region for their efforts. This resolution failed by a vote of 212-212.

Friday, May 15

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 8469, Making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes. Ensuring our nation’s servicemembers and veterans receive the top-tier benefits, care, and facilities they deserve while reinforcing our national security is critical to America's continued strength. H.R. 8469 ensures that those who have served our country, along with their families, are supported and given the benefits they have earned through their service and sacrifice. Additionally, this bill bolsters support for veteran mental health and suicide prevention programs and delivers key funding towards veteran housing programs. Furthermore, this bill also delivers a key investment in our military infrastructure by upgrading Department of Defense (DOD) facilities and improving military families' quality of life through crucial funding for housing and child care centers. This bill includes a recommended $90 million for the construction of a new headquarters for the New York National Guard’s 42^nd Infantry Division and will support critical infrastructure projects at Fort Drum and Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. H.R. 8469 upholds pro-life values, defends veterans’ Second Amendment freedoms, and upholds the Trump Administration’s efforts to stop harmful DEI programs and gender mutilation surgeries. Congress stands firm on our promise to support our troops and veterans, ensuring their health care, housing, and benefits are covered while reinforcing our country’s national security. This bill passed the House by a vote of 400-15. 

Clifton Springs YMCA Tour

Recently, I visited the Clifton Springs YMCA to tour the facility and meet with Executive Director Charles Bollinger to discuss the important programs and services the YMCA provides for local families. During the visit, we toured both YMCA buildings, including the historic theater that has been converted into a fitness center, and discussed the organization’s childcare programs, recreational opportunities, and community outreach efforts. Organizations like the Clifton Springs YMCA play a significant role in strengthening our communities and supporting families across NY-24, and I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from their team about the work they are doing.

Travertine Tech Tour

It was a pleasure to visit Travertine’s demonstration facility in Wayne County to learn more about the innovative work they are doing to recycle mining waste into materials used for concrete production. I met with the founder, Dr. Laura Lammers, and the Travertine team to discuss how their technology helps reduce pollution, recycle waste, and trap carbon through advanced manufacturing processes. After learning more about the company’s background and future goals, I toured the facility to see the operation firsthand. It was great to see the kind of innovation happening right here in NY-24, where businesses and researchers are developing new technologies that support economic growth, manufacturing, and environmental stewardship.

Wendt’s Propane & Oil Tour

I recently toured Wendt’s Propane & Oil in Sanborn and met with Paul Wendt and members of the Wendt family to discuss the important role local energy providers play in our communities. During the visit, we talked about the company’s operations, the challenges facing the energy industry, and the importance of maintaining affordable and reliable energy for families and businesses across Western New York. Family-owned businesses like Wendt’s Propane & Oil are a critical part of our local economy, supporting jobs, serving residents, and helping keep our communities running strong.

Hoover's Dairy Tour

I visited Hoover’s Dairy in Sanborn for a tour of their family-operated dairy processing and bottling facility and to discuss the challenges facing New York’s dairy industry. While on-site, I toured the bottling operation, ice cream production area, and saw the company’s collection of historic milk delivery trucks that reflect the long history of this iconic local business. We also discussed issues impacting dairy producers and processors across the region, including energy reliability concerns, and infrastructure needs. Dairy farms and family-owned processors like Hoover’s Dairy play a major role in keeping Western New York’s agricultural economy strong, and I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from their team.

NASCAR Cup at the Watkins Glen

Recently, I attended NASCAR Cup Series race weekend activities at Watkins Glen International for the Go Bowling at The Glen event and had the opportunity to see the incredible coordination and preparation that goes into one of the Finger Lakes region’s biggest tourism and economic events. During the event, I toured the garage area as teams prepared their race vehicles, attended the drivers’ meeting, visited the Richard Childress Racing pit box during the race, and met briefly with NASCAR driver Kyle Busch. It was amazing to engage with NASCAR officials, racing personnel, and local leaders while highlighting the important economic impact that Watkins Glen International and major motorsports events have on local businesses, tourism, and communities across Upstate New York.

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