Hi Folks!
This week, I joined Representatives across New York to advocate for a variety of priorities, from federal assistance for weather-impacted areas in Oneida and Madison Counties, to full accountability for the terrorist masterminds behind the Sept. 11 attacks.
Here are the items we'll cover in today's newsletter: - Defense Secretary Austin revokes 9/11 plea deal
- New York Representatives support Gov. Hochul's request for a Presidential Emergency Declaration
- Interior and Environment Appropriations Act passes in the House of Representatives
- Meetings Across NY-22
|
A Message from Rep. Brandon Williams:
Our 22nd Congressional District encompasses all of Oneida, Madison, and Onondaga counties, and a sliver of Oswego County. As always, I am working to support families in CNY and the Mohawk Valley, improve our local infrastructure, grow manufacturing, and rein-in energy costs through common sense engineering and business practices. As a Navy Veteran, I stand with and for our veterans. I am protecting Social Security and Medicare for our elderly, and I always speak up for our law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders.
|
Earlier this week, it was dismaying to learn that the masterminds responsible for the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, were slated to receive a pre-trial agreement from the federal government that would take the death penalty off the table.
I joined Rep. Lawler, along with Reps. Stefanik, Tenney, Ryan, Molinaro, D'Esposito, LaLota, Malliotakis, Garbarino, and Langworthy in urging President Biden to reconsider this mistake, on the grounds that failure to hold these terrorists accountable for their atrocities would send a message of weakness to our enemies.
Thankfully, on Friday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin revoked the plea deal, sending a much clearer message to those who seek to do our nation harm. We don't negotiate with terrorists. If you come after Americans, expect no mercy.
Read our letter here.
|
On Monday, I sent a joint letter with Reps. Tenney, Tonko, Langworthy, and Stefanik to President Biden, to support Governor Hochul's request for a Presidential Emergency Declaration in response to July's severe weather across our congressional districts.
Included in the Governor's request is financial assistance for eligible Category A and B expenses under FEMA's Public Assistance program, for activities such as debris removal, sheltering, and evacuations. Also included is a request to waive the $5,000,000 limitation on assistance imposed by the Stafford Act.
It is more important now than ever that we come together, across levels of government, to respond to the disaster that has struck our communities. A Presidential Emergency Declaration would greatly aid ongoing efforts to provide relief to constituents who have been impacted, and I join my colleagues in supporting the Governor's request.
Read the letter here.
|
The House of Representatives passed the Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, which includes support for three water infrastructure projects that my Office secured funds for. I worked with representatives from each recipient to advocate for them, and we're thrilled to reach this important milestone. CNY priorities in this bill include: - $2,250,000 for a joint water system improvement project in Elbridge and Jordan
- $2,250,000 for a water service replacement and transition project in Tully and Lafayette
- $565,000 for improvements to a wastewater treatment plant and research facility in Minoa
An important part of working in Congress is collaborating with local leaders to identify where the federal government can responsibly help improve vital infrastructure at the municipal level. Water infrastructure is one of those areas, and I'm glad that we've taken this important step toward helping these community projects in Central New York. All told, my office has secured nearly $45 million in funding, through the appropriations process, for community projects across CNY, since I was sworn in last January.
|
On Friday, Stephanie and I met with scientists at MMRI to hear about their current research on lupus and view their facilities. A few months ago, I joined MMRI for their annual Lupus Walk in Utica and had the honor of sharing a few words of support for their tireless work and important mission.
This week, I also joined Rabbi Shore and the congregation at Shaarei Torah in Syracuse for a prayer vigil to mark 300 days since the Oct. 7 massacre in Israel. We came together to send a clear, unified message. Bring them home.
|
If you are experiencing difficulty with a federal agency, my office can help.
Trained caseworkers can assist with agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. While we cannot guarantee a favorable outcome, we will do our best to help you receive a fair and timely response to your problem.
NY-22 residents can contact our Syracuse (315-233-4333) or Utica (315-732-0713) offices for assistance. You can also submit a request on my website, here.
Thank you for reading this week's wrap-up!
|
|
|
|
Brandon Williams Member of Congress
|
|
|
|