Intelligence Committee’s Hearing on Worldwide Threats

This week, I questioned top U.S. intelligence officials during the House Intelligence Committee’s annual Worldwide Threats Assessment hearing on the growing threats facing our nation. I used my time to voice strong support for President Trump’s decisive action through Operation EPIC FURY to degrade Iran’s ability to attack Americans and to stand with the courageous Iranian people who have suffered for decades under that brutal regime. I also asked officials about the importance of internet freedom in Iran and what kind of access the Iranian people have. In addition, I raised concerns about security at our northern border, including the hundreds of terror watch list suspects encountered there in recent years, and asked about the types of threats we are seeing and the role of Canada in helping stop them. Finally, I highlighted the strategic importance of Micron and Upstate New York’s role in semiconductor and memory production, asking what it would mean for our economy and national security if China were to catch up to the United States in these critical technologies.

 House Passage of the Deporting Fraudsters Act

The House took an important step this week to protect American taxpayers and uphold the rule of law by passing the Deporting Fraudsters Act with a vote of 231-186. This commonsense legislation ensures that noncitizens who defraud the United States government or unlawfully receive taxpayer-funded benefits are no longer allowed to remain in our country. For too long, gaps in our immigration laws have allowed bad actors to exploit programs like Social Security and SNAP without facing proper consequences, undermining programs that seniors, working families, and vulnerable Americans rely on. This bill closes those loopholes, holds individuals accountable, and ensures that those who steal from American taxpayers are removed. Fraud against the federal government is not a victimless crime, and anyone who comes to this country and exploits these programs at the expense of law-abiding citizens should not be allowed to stay.

Ways & Means Health Subcommittee Hearing on Improving Kidney Health Through Better Prevention and Innovative Treatment

This week, I participated in a House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee hearing focused on improving kidney care through better prevention and innovation. More than 800,000 Americans are living with end-stage renal disease, including 1,200 in NY-24, and while these patients make up just one percent of Medicare, they account for over $50 billion in annual spending. Despite this, care has remained largely unchanged for decades. I emphasized the urgent need to improve early detection, as most patients do not even know they have chronic kidney disease until it is too late, and highlighted the importance of simple, accessible screenings. I also raised concerns about outdated Medicare payment policies that discourage innovation and limit access to new treatments. We need to modernize our approach, support the development of new therapies, and ensure patients receive the care they deserve before their condition reaches a critical stage.

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. 5461, the Special Diabetes Program Reauthorization Act of 2025: This bill would reauthorize funding for the Special Diabetes Program, which supports research, prevention, and treatment efforts for type 1 diabetes and diabetes in Native American communities. Diabetes remains a significant public health challenge, and continued investment in research and prevention is critical to improving outcomes. This legislation helps sustain ongoing efforts to advance treatment, reduce complications, and support those affected by diabetes.

H.R. 5017, the Greyhound Protection Act of 2025: This bill would prohibit wagering on live greyhound racing being transmitted across state lines, effectively limiting the practice. While greyhound racing has declined significantly in recent years, concerns remain about animal welfare and the treatment of racing dogs. This legislation helps restrict the expansion of greyhound racing by addressing interstate wagering and reinforcing existing protections for animal welfare.

H.R. 768, the Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons Act: This bill would expand federal support for Holocaust education by authorizing grants to develop and disseminate educational materials on the Holocaust and contemporary antisemitism. Education plays a critical role in combating hatred and preserving the lessons of the Holocaust for future generations. This legislation helps strengthen Holocaust education efforts and promotes greater awareness of antisemitism in schools and communities.

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, March 17

I voted “Yes” on S. 3971, the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act. This bill reauthorizes the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs through September 30, 2031. Additionally, this bill enacts several reforms to strengthen research security and improve the commercialization of federally funded technologies against foreign adversaries. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs play an important role in federal research and commercialization efforts that go to our nation’s small businesses and startups. S. 3971 ensures these programs remain available for small businesses and safeguards American innovations from theft by foreign countries. This bill passed by a vote of 345-41.

I voted “No” on H.R. 4294, the MAWS Act of 2026. This bill directs the Commerce Secretary to establish a pilot program for the sale of blue catfish caught within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Blue catfish are an invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, with no natural predators, and feed on several native species, including blue crabs, American shad, and striped bass. While this bill is well-intentioned, seafood processors have spent years developing commercialized processes for these fish. Further subsidies are not necessary, as they are already being sold. Congress should not intervene and distort this marketplace. This bill passed the House by a vote of 320-66. 

Wednesday, March 18

I voted “Yes” on H.J. Res. 139, Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring a balanced budget for the Federal Government. I have long supported a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution, which would end large annual deficits and curb the growth of our skyrocketing debt. Congress must do more to get our fiscal house in order, and start doing the real work of making difficult spending decisions. I am disappointed that all but one of my Democratic colleagues opposed this measure and refuse to engage in a serious conversation about fiscal discipline. Under Article V of the Constitution, amendments to the Constitution require a 2/3 majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and unfortunately this amendment failed to reach this threshold by a vote of 211-207.

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 1958, the Deporting Fraudsters Act. This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to explicitly clarify that aliens convicted of defrauding the United States or unlawfully receiving public benefits are inadmissible and subject to deportation. As more and more cases of mass fraud are revealed, such as in Minnesota or New York, we must do more to deport illegal aliens who take advantage of our system. The Deporting Fraudsters Act protects taxpayer dollars, and ensures that those who exploit our system are removed. This bill passed the House by a vote of 231-186. 

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 556, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act. This bill prohibits the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture from banning the use of lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters open to hunting and fishing. During the Biden Administration, misguided proposals to ban these types of ammunition on federal lands were seriously considered, which would have imposed overburdensome restrictions limiting recreational opportunities for Americans. Lead ammunition and fishing tackle are the most cost-effective options on the market and provide an important revenue source for conservation efforts. H.R. 556 prevents the implementation of these prohibitions and ensures that Americans can continue to enjoy hunting and fishing. This bill passed the House by a vote of 215-202.

Thursday, March 19

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 4638, the BOWOW Act of 2025. This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to specifically allow the deportation of aliens who admit to or are convicted of harming animals used in law enforcement. Animals like dogs and horses are crucial for law enforcement, border protection, and community safety. Noncitizens who intentionally harm animals serving in law enforcement should be held accountable, and this bill ensures those individuals are deported and inadmissible to the U.S. While Democrats choose to stand with animal abusers, House Republicans are committed to ensuring that illegal aliens who commit these heinous acts are deported. This bill passed the House by a vote of 228-190. 

GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare in Action & Career Expo

Our team recently attended the “GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare in Action & Career Expo” at Genesee Community College, where more than 650 students from across Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties connected with over 60 employers, agencies, and educational institutions to explore careers in healthcare. Students had the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops and engage directly with professionals in fields like EMS, nursing, radiology, therapy, and mental health. Events like this play a critical role in building a strong local workforce pipeline by exposing students to real career opportunities and helping ensure they can live, work, and serve right here in Western New York.

Successful Casework Story

A retired Seneca County couple had difficulty updating their direct deposit information with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to receive their retirement benefits. The couple could not get to a local SSA office to submit their paperwork or reach the SSA for help. The couple contacted my office for assistance, and our team contacted the SSA on their behalf. The SSA then reached out to the couple to assist and ensure they received their benefits in a timely manner. 

"I am grateful for your actions in solving my problem. God Bless"

Congressional Art Competition is Now Open

This year’s Congressional Art Competition is now open to high school students across NY-24. This nationwide contest celebrates the incredible creativity of young artists, and the winning artwork from our district will be displayed for one year in the United States Capitol alongside pieces from across the country. Students may submit original paintings, drawings, photography, mixed media, computer-generated art, and more, provided the work follows the official guidelines. All entries must be original and meet size requirements. Submissions must be received by my district offices no later than Friday, April 17, 2026, and include the required release form. I encourage our talented students to participate and showcase the artistic excellence of our community.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE

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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.