Advancing My Essential Caregivers Act through Ways and Means

This week, my bipartisan Essential Caregivers Act advanced through the House Ways and Means Committee, bringing us one step closer to ensuring nursing home residents and individuals in long-term care facilities are never again separated from the loved ones they rely on during a federal, state, or local emergency, including a public health emergency. During the COVID-19 pandemic, too many seniors and individuals with disabilities endured unnecessary isolation when families were prevented from providing care, advocacy, and emotional support. My legislation protects the right of residents to have access to a designated essential caregiver while establishing clear safety guidelines to protect patients, caregivers, and facility staff. I will continue working to advance this commonsense, bipartisan legislation to preserve the dignity, well-being, and quality of care for some of our most vulnerable Americans.

Introducing the No Hostile ONLOOKERS Act

America's National Laboratories are at the forefront of scientific research and technological innovation that are critical to our national defense and economic security. That's why I introduced the No Hostile ONLOOKERS Act, which would strengthen safeguards to prevent hostile foreign adversaries like Communist China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from accessing sensitive laboratory facilities, research, and technology. This commonsense legislation ensures Intelligence Community funding only supports laboratories that maintain strong national security protections while helping defend against espionage, intellectual property theft, and other threats. Protecting America's research enterprise and technological advantage is essential to keeping our nation safe and maintaining our competitive edge.

Celebrating the Appointment of Rich Andres to USTR Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee

Congratulations to Niagara County Legislator Rich Andres on his appointment to the Office of the United States Trade Representative's Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee. Rich Andres is a strong voice for Niagara County and Western New York, and his appointment to USTR’s Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee is great news for our region. Trade policy has a direct impact on our farmers, manufacturers, small businesses, and hardworking taxpayers. Rich understands these issues and will bring commonsense Upstate New York values to this important advisory role. Thus, when USTR sought my recommendation for individuals to serve on the IGPAC, I strongly recommended Rich Andres to represent the interests of our region and our communities. I look forward to seeing him advocate for policies that strengthen American workers, support our local economy, and keep Western New York competitive.

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. 951, the 250 Years of Service and Sacrifice Commemorative Coin Act: This bill would direct the Department of the Treasury to mint commemorative gold, silver, and half-dollar coins honoring more than 250 years of Americans' service and sacrifice as part of the Nation's celebrations. Recognizing the sacrifices of our servicemembers, veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families helps preserve our nation's history while supporting those who have given so much for this country. This legislation helps commemorate America's 250th anniversary by honoring generations of service and sacrifice while providing meaningful support to the families and communities that continue that legacy.

H.R. 824, the Government Office Realignment And Closure (GORAC) Act of 2025: This bill would require the Comptroller General to conduct a comprehensive review of federal agencies and programs every 10 years to identify duplicative, wasteful, or outdated functions and recommend whether these agencies and programs should be eliminated or realigned. Regularly evaluating the size and effectiveness of the federal government helps ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and that agencies remain focused on their core missions. This legislation helps reduce waste, improve government efficiency, and strengthen fiscal accountability while preserving essential government services.

H.R. 1520, Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act: This bill would prohibit health care providers, transplant centers, and organ procurement organizations from denying or restricting an individual's access to an organ transplant solely because of an individual’s physical or mental disability. Ensuring that organ transplant decisions are based on sound medical judgment rather than discriminatory assumptions helps protect equal access to lifesaving care while preserving appropriate clinical standards. This legislation helps safeguard the rights of individuals with disabilities and ensures that transplant eligibility is determined by medical need and the likelihood of a successful transplant. 

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, July 13

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 3106, the Weatherizing Infrastructure in the North and Terrorism Emergency Readiness Act of 2025. This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to test the Department’s ability to respond to terrorist attacks, including attacks against critical infrastructure, during an extreme cold weather event. Communities across Upstate New York understand how extreme cold can strain critical infrastructure, which can quickly complicate disaster response. This legislation helps ensure emergency officials are prepared to protect families when natural disasters and national security threats overlap. This bill passed the House by a vote of 400-7. 

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 8897, the Improving Travel for American Families Act. This bill allows the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to establish a two-year pilot program at airports to expedite access to security screening for adults traveling with children 12 years of age and younger. Importantly, the bill preserves existing security protocols, and only travelers already eligible for TSA PreCheck or another expedited screening program may use those lanes. Ensuring that children and parents can go through security screenings together can limit potential delays for passengers. This commonsense bill helps families move through airports more efficiently without weakening critical security standards. This bill passed the House by a vote of 398-12.

Tuesday, July 14

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 1181, the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act. This bill prohibits payment card networks and payment processors from assigning a merchant category code (MCC) that distinguishes firearms retailers from general merchandise or sporting goods retailers. Under the Biden administration, left-wing activists sought to pressure credit card companies to create a new MCC for firearm purchases, which would allow the Biden administration to easily surveil Americans exercising their Second Amendment rights. I was an original cosponsor of this important bill to prevent credit card companies from ever creating this specialized MCC and opening the door for further surveillance of law-abiding citizens. This legislation protects Americans’ financial privacy and ensures that firearms businesses are not unfairly singled out by financial institutions. One of my top priorities throughout my time in Congress has been to preserve and uphold the sacred right to bear arms, and I will continue to fight against efforts to infringe on our Second Amendment. This bill passed the House by a vote of 221-201.

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 139, the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025. This bill makes Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent across the United States. Changing clocks twice a year forces families, workers, schools, and small businesses to continually readjust their schedules. Eliminating this burdensome and confusing time-change system will provide more usable daylight during evening hours, when Americans are more likely to be active. Locking the clock also provides consistency and reduces disruptions for farmers and would support small businesses by providing a stable, year-round time system. This bill passed the House by a vote of 308-117.

Wednesday, July 15

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027. This bill supports American national security interests around the world while continuing to cut wasteful and bloated spending. This bill cuts spending by 6%, or $2.69 billion, as compared to the FY26 enacted level. This bill continues to support our allies abroad, including Taiwan and Israel, and also includes critical restrictions on funding for UNRWA, the World Health Organization, the International Criminal Court, and the International Court of Justice. This bill also continues to combat the threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party and restricts foreign embassies and consulates from flying woke and progressive flags, which undermines U.S. interests. This bill also includes one of my amendments to encourage the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom to support equal access for all to the Temple Mount, the holiest site in the world to the Jewish people. This bill wholly supports President Trump’s commitment to Peace through Strength and ensures that the U.S. continues to be the global leader in fighting for freedom, democracy, and peace. This bill passed the House by a vote of 217-209.

Thursday, July 16 

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 5362, To name the Department of Veterans Affairs multispecialty clinic in Marietta, Georgia, as the "Colonel Michael H. Boyce Department of Veterans Affairs Multispecialty Clinic”. Colonel Boyce served our country for nearly 30 years in the United States Marine Corps, including in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Restore Hope, Desert Thunder, and Desert Fox. After his military service, he remained active in public service and veterans' advocacy as Chairman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, where he led efforts to establish the first Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Cobb County, Georgia. H.R. 5362 honors his memory and his service following his passing in 2022. This bill passed the House by a vote of 418-0. 

Town of Ovid Meeting

I recently met with local officials and community leaders in Ovid to discuss the community's ongoing efforts to rebuild following the devastating downtown fire that destroyed several businesses, apartments, and the village's only grocery store. It was encouraging to learn more about the Ovid Local Development Corporation's plans to redevelop the site into a vibrant mixed-use space that will bring new housing, commercial opportunities, and renewed economic activity to the heart of the community. This project represents an important investment in Ovid's future, helping attract new residents, strengthen the local economy, and support long-term growth. I appreciate the dedication of the Town, Village, and OLDC leaders who are working together to move this vision forward.

Wilbert's Premium Auto Parts of Ontario

Recently, I visited Wilbert's to tour their facility and learn more about their growing family-owned business, which plays an important role in supporting jobs and the automotive recycling industry in our region. During my visit, we discussed how outdated regulations are preventing businesses from reusing and selling certain catalytic converters, even though advances in vehicle technology have made many of these decades-old policies obsolete. Modernizing these regulations would help reduce consumer costs, support local businesses, and encourage the responsible reuse of automotive parts. I appreciate the Wilbert family for taking the time to share their insights and the challenges they face as they continue investing in our Upstate New York communities.

Seneca County Senior Center Grand Opening

Congratulations to the Seneca County Office for the Aging and the Seneca Senior Center on the grand opening of their beautiful new senior center. This new gathering space, along with a new bus service, will help ensure that local seniors have greater access to programs, services, and opportunities to stay connected with their community. It was wonderful for our office to join so many residents in celebrating this milestone and recognizing the strong partnership among local leaders, volunteers, businesses, and community organizations that made this project possible. To commemorate the occasion, our office presented commendations to both organizations in recognition of their outstanding commitment to serving the seniors of Seneca County.

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