Rep. Williams, NASA Administrator Discuss Public-Private Partnerships for Space Operations

At this week's Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and I discussed how public-private collaborations, such as with SpaceX, have enhanced NASA’s ability to reach Space cheaper and more efficiently.

NASA's cooperation with commercial partners has enhanced its ability to affordably deliver payloads of materials, satellites, and science experiments into low earth orbit and beyond.

With the recent announcement of NASA's Artemis II crew, we should all feel excited and inspired for America's future in Space. As Administrator Nelson said in response to my encouragement of more public-private partnerships, "why not tap the genius of American ingenuity in its enterprise." As a member of the Science Committee, I will continue supporting NASA's mission to explore Space, but we should also seek opportunities to partner with industry to reduce project overruns and delays.

----------------

Rep. Williams Introduces Bipartisan ‘DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act’

I am thrilled to announce the introduction of the DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act. My legislation recognizes the need for cross-agency and collaborative research between the Department of Energy and NASA, and codifies their working relationship into law.

Under this legislation, the DOE and NASA will collaborate directly on various research and development projects for propulsion systems (including nuclear propulsion and power for spacecraft), fundamental high-energy physics, quantum information sciences and network infrastructure, lunar surface infrastructure, and many more projects now made easier through this improved coordination.

These two agencies share a common goal of advancing scientific knowledge and improving our understanding of the universe. This bill will facilitate that mission and I look forward to the report on their joint findings and progress for years to come.

Read the bill text by clicking here.

----------------

Congressman Williams Partakes in Farm Bill Policy Conference

To deliver an effective farm bill for rural America, we must prioritize the needs of our farmers, whether it's livestock, dairy, or crops. But our fight to defend and protect rural America doesn't end there.

Out-of-touch policies both federally and in New York State are only making matters worse. A recent report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture not only highlighted the alarming rate at which we are losing farms but that there are half as many dairy farms as there were 20 years ago. 

Central New York is a significant dairy-producing region. According to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, New York is the fourth-largest milk-producing state in the United States, with much of its production coming from the Central New York and Finger Lakes regions.

During a time when grocery costs are already high enough, we cannot afford more progressive policies making matters worse such as Biden's revised WOTUS definition, NYS's lowering of the overtime threshold on farm workers, and the overregulation and banning of products such as whole-milk.

I am proud to have introduced legislation such as the Protect Local Farms Act, co-sponsored legislation including the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act of 2023, and organized and met with my 22nd District Agricultural Advisory Council to protect our local farmers.

----------------

Congressman Williams Speaks at Event for the Combat Antisemitism Movement

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with members of the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) in support of Jewish American Heritage Month.

It was an honor sharing my early success in advocating for antisemitism education initiatives, such as my amendment in the Parents Bill of Rights that expresses a sense of Congress that all students should have the opportunity to learn Holocaust history. Education is the best defense against antisemitism which is why now, more than ever, is the right time to teach this history to our next generation

I also wished our ally, Israel, a happy 75th birthday. We share a unique bond with the State of Israel that has sustained the last 75 years through our shared values and extensive bilateral cooperation in key areas. Happy birthday Israel!

----------------

Congressman Williams Meets with Local Tech Companies and Leader in Small Modular Nuclear Reactor Development

Central New York and the Mohawk Valley boast a burgeoning technical prowess in the realm of advanced research and groundbreaking development of drone technology, quantum computing & information science, and cyber capabilities. This state-of-the-art work is taking place between Syracuse and Rome and is poised to create exciting opportunities for the region's growth and development.

One of those innovators who is leading in cyber is Assured Information Security (AIS), whom I had the pleasure of meeting with in my DC office this past week. AIS has developed several specialized products in cybersecurity and computer network operations for the highest levels of government. Currently, AIS supports the Rome Air Force Lab with over 100 research contracts, employs more than 200 people, and generates revenue exceeding $150 million. It is noteworthy that AIS is headquartered in Rome, which is a testament to the growth and development of the region.

I also had the opportunity to chat with Ken Stewart of NUAIR (Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc.), a Rome-based nonprofit with a mission to safely integrate uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) into the national airspace, enabling scalable, economically viable commercial drone operations. NUAIR manages operations of the FAA-designated New York UAS Test Site at Griffiss International Airport, Rome, NY on behalf of Oneida County and is responsible for the advancement of New York’s 50-mile UAS Corridor between Rome and Syracuse, NY. This 50-mile drone testing corridor is just one of seven FAA-designated UAS Test Sites in the country. NUAIR continues to advance, develop and maintain the radar and technologies throughout the corridor. 

As the Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee, I hold jurisdiction and responsibility for researching, developing, and demonstrating emerging energy technology projects with commercial applications on behalf of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. Given my background as the first Nuclear Submarine Veteran to serve in Congress in 50 years and my experience qualifying on two different pressurized water reactor designs, I am particularly dedicated to advocating for innovative and advanced technologies as part of our nation's energy policy to address our growing consumption needs. This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with NuScale (pictured above), who has developed the first and only small modular reactor (SMR) to receive design approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. I am excited to see their continued success and welcome more players and innovation in the nuclear industry to help secure a responsible, reliable, and affordable supply of American energy. I wish NuScale the best of luck as they work to bring the first small modular reactor plant online by 2030.

----------------

Congressman Williams Advocates for Mohawk Valley and CNY Infrastructure Funding

During a reception held by the New York Roadway and Infrastructure Coalition (NYRIC) earlier this week, I emphasized my dedication to securing infrastructure investments and resources for Central New York (CNY) and the Mohawk Valley. The NYRIC is composed of construction trade associations and unions that design and build NY's highways, transit, and water infrastructure. As heavy construction projects like Micron's chip fabs and the I-81 Viaduct & Community Grid Project loom in Central New York's near future, it is crucial to establish and maintain a robust and productive relationship with our skilled workers and tradespeople.

----------------

Congressman Williams Staff Attends Opening of Rome Health's New Women's Surgical Suite

"The suite is located next to the Maternity Department and will mainly be used for women who have a scheduled surgery or are in need of an emergency procedure." - WKTV

----------------

Congressman Williams Constituent Service Representative Receives Award for Her Service in Assisting a Veteran in Need

As a Navy Veteran and your Representative, it is an honor to serve and show appreciation to fellow service members and veterans. My office is committed to providing excellent constituent services to veterans in various ways, including assistance with VA claims, general veteran benefits, healthcare, mental resources, and record retrieval. Our dedicated staff has had many successes, such as Kelly Lantry, pictured above, who received a medal from an Air Force veteran in recognition of her hard work.

If you are a veteran in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office.

Thank you for reading this week's wrap-up.

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.

Residents of the 22nd Congressional District 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.

----------------