This week in Washington, I introduced my first piece of legislation, the Protect Local Farms Act (H.R. 353). Last year, the New York State Farm Laborers Wage Board gave their final recommendation to lower the overtime threshold for farm workers from 60 to 40 hours per week. As hardworking farmers know, farming is not like other industries. Farmers aren't working a desk job from nine to five and do not have a normal workweek or schedule. The Protect Local Farms Act would instead set the overtime wage threshold for agricultural employees to 60 hours nationwide. I have spoken to several groups, including the New York State Grange and the New York Farm Bureau, who have all expressed their support for this solution to this problem. To read my statement on the bill, click here. 

Auburn Citizen: Rep. Brandon Williams on first few weeks in Congress, committees, debt ceiling, and more

I was glad to sit down with Robert Harding on Monday to discuss my first few weeks in Congress and how I plan to serve the people of Central New York and the Mohawk Valley. We discussed the behind the scenes of the Speakership vote, my early priorities, my committee assignments (including one that continues a CNY tradition), and my first bill in Congress protecting local farms.

DAILY SENTINEL: Williams introduces first bill, would block state farm OT decision

I am proud to stand with Central New York farmers and agricultural workers to save our local farms. The decision by the New York State Farm Laborers Wage Board to lower the overtime threshold for farm workers from 60 to 40 hours threatens many family farms, especially in Madison and Oneida counties. The results of that decision will result in increased costs for farmers, fewer work hours and less pay for agricultural workers, and decreased overall productivity. My bill, the Protect Local Farms Act, will amend the Fair Labor Standards Act to prevent states from setting overtime wage thresholds for agricultural employees below 60 hours: a big win for farmers!

This week, I was asked by Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce to join her committee. I am honored by this appointment, and I look forward to advocating for school choice policies, workforce development, and standing up for parents and children of Central New York and the Mohawk Valley. Please read the statement below from Chairwoman Foxx welcoming my colleagues and I to the committee:

“The work of the Committee on Education and the Workforce touches every stage of Americans’ lives. From child care to workforce development to retirement, our jurisdiction is broad. I am excited to see such a strong crop of Members join this Committee for the 118th Congress; they will bring invaluable insight and real-world experience to the table. America’s families, students, and workforce are in good hands.”

This week, I was proud to cosponsor two pieces of legislation to hold the Biden administration accountable. 

I have joined several of my colleagues in sending a letter to the Biden administration condemning any potential action on the banning of gas burning stoves, and I have cosponsored the Guarding America's Stoves Act (H.R. 337), introduced by Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA). This legislation would prohibit federal agencies from banning the sale or use of gas-burning stoves. Gas stoves are a common household appliance that should not be arbitrarily banned by unelected bureaucrats. I look forward to this legislation being considered by the full House of Representatives. 

Additionally, I have cosponsored a resolution and joined my colleagues in sending a letter to the Biden administration that would block the final rule from the Environmental Protection Agency interpreting the definition of "Waters of the United States" under the Clean Water Act. The final rule from the EPA would significantly alter the definition of WOTUS and add greater uncertainty for farmers and landowners and expand the reach of the federal government. The resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act to strike down a rule or regulation within 60 legislative days of the rule being published in the Federal Register. 

This week, Stephanie and I were honored to host the Navy and Army Congressional liaisons at my office in Washington. As the first Nuclear Submarine Officer to serve in Congress in 50 years, I am excited to once again have the opportunity to work with our Navy and Military. I met with Captain Kyle Gantt and his team with the House Navy Liaison’s Office. In addition, with my wife Stephanie, we also met with Col. Jim Collins and his team with the House Army Liaison's Office. We discussed their global outlook, readiness, and priorities for the 118th Congress. Thanks for stopping by!

I am here to love and serve the people of Central New York and the Mohawk Valley. If my office can be of any assistance to you, please reach out to my Syracuse office at (315)-233-4333, my Utica office at (315)-732-0713, or my Washington, D.C. office at (202)-225-3701.