‘American Has Always Stood Up To Bullies’: Congressman Williams Passes His First Piece of Legislation

For half a century, our nation stood against the tyranny of the Soviet Union. As a Veteran of the Cold War era, I volunteered to serve in the Navy making six strategic deterrent patrols in the Pacific aboard a nuclear submarine.

The mission was clear, to project strength, to stand ready to defend our nation and our allies, and to deter the aggression of our enemies.

On March 14th, 2023, we were reminded of what happens if American leaders fail in that mission. One of our MQ-9 Reaper drones, flying safely in international airspace and in accordance with international law, was attacked by two Russian Su-27 fighter jets.

My resolution condemns and holds Russia accountable for their reckless aggression, and it reaffirms that the United States will not be deterred by Russia.

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In Bipartisan Fashion, the House Voted to Block Washington DC's Dangerous Anti-Police Reforms

All Americans, including residents of Washington DC, have the right to live in safe neighborhoods and our law enforcement officers should feel valued and encouraged, rather than vilified.

For the second time this Congress, my House colleagues and I exercised our exclusive legislative power and authority over the District of Columbia, outlined in Article 1, Section 8, Clause 17 of the Constitution, to reverse another piece of misguided anti-police policy by the DC Council.

Anti-police reforms, enacted as a consequence of the 2020 "defund the police" movement, have led to an alarming surge of violent crime, and record levels of law enforcement are leaving DC as a result. This includes, but is not limited to:

• 20-year highs in homicides in DC;
• Motor vehicle theft up 107% and sexual abuse crimes up 84% compared to April 2022;
• At least 1,000 officers having left in just the last two years;
• and fewer police officers now than at any moment in the past fifty years.

Nationwide, after years of demands by anti-police demonstrators to defund and abolish entire police departments, we are witnessing similar crime and staffing trends take place. However, as the dangerous effects of progressive policing reforms become more apparent, there is an increasing call for policies that prioritize public safety. I will continue to stand with the men and women in blue as they strive to uphold the rule of law and ensure that they receive the necessary resources to do so.

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Congressman Williams Investigates Stock Trading By Dept. of Energy Employees

Earlier this year, a Wall Street Journal article alleged that hundreds of Department of Energy employees, including one third of senior employees, held stock and other assets in companies related to their work. These employees continue to hold stock in companies highly relevant to their work, despite receiving notice from ethics officials within the agency about potential violations.

Earlier this month, I, as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, with Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Obernolte, sent a letter to DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm requesting information about the alleged conflict of interest violations by current DOE employees.

At Wednesday's Science, Space, and Technology hearing, I questioned Teri Donaldson, Inspector General of the DOE, on what further action can be taken to clarify or strengthen federal conflict of interest laws, and to what extent is her office investigating these potential violations.

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Congressman Williams Recognizes the Importance of Protecting Women's Sports

On Wednesday morning, I spoke in support of the decades of progress our nation has made in providing women and girls equal opportunity since the enactment of Title IX.

By shielding women from sex-based discrimination in educational programs, including sports, Title IX has created countless opportunities for young women to avail the same opportunities as young men from their success in sports, including college scholarships.

Within just a few years, our nation will entrust the awesome responsibility of commanding our nuclear submarines to the first women. In almost every instance, these women's journey towards this extraordinary responsibility and call to leadership began with their participation in competitive sports. Leadership, excellence, teamwork, inspiration, and sacrifice are all qualities learned and earned on the sports field. These women are champions, scholars, and warriors.

As a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, I will continue to support policies that ensure women and girls have equal opportunity to compete against one another in sports, and that their opportunities are not taken away from them.

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Congressman Williams Recaps First 100 Days With Dave Allen

This week, I joined Syracuse's Morning News with Dave Allen to recap my first 100 days in office and to provide a quick glimpse into the upcoming debt ceiling negotiations, China's overseas police stations, and my first piece of legislation.

Click here to listen.

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Lastly, this week my office attended a ceremony in Syracuse to embrace newly naturalized citizens as our fellow Americans.

Congratulations on this significant milestone in your lives!

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.

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