Representative Brandon Williams

Hi Folks!

Now that a Speaker has (finally) been elected, the House of Representatives is able to get back to the People's business.

Right now, it is critical that Congress roll up its sleeves and go about the important work of funding our government, standing up for our allies abroad, and addressing the ongoing migration crisis.

Here is a snapshot of what I've been working on this week:

Appropriations bills to keep our government funded
AUKUS Security Partnership meeting with Australian Prime Minister and Ambassador
CNY Tech Hub designation from the Department of Commerce
Standing with Israel
Announcement of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funding

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.

Individual Appropriation Bills

Just a day after electing a Speaker of the House, we've passed an energy funding bill (H.R. 4394) which invests in American energy while reining in out-of-control spending that has skyrocketed inflation.

The clock is ticking to fund our government, and yesterday's vote takes us a step in the right direction. However, Congress has a lot of work ahead to ensure that every part of our government is responsibly and sufficiently funded.

Our job is to ensure that every dollar we spend is put to good use, and I will continue to work to that end.

AUKUS Security Partnership

I met recently with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, as well as Ambassador Kevin Rudd, to discuss the AUKUS Security Partnership, which maintains stability and strengthens our intelligence in the Indo-Pacific region.

The diplomatic relationship we have with our friend and ally Australia is an instrumental part of preserving peace in the Indo-Pacific region. I am eager to contribute however I can to strengthen ties between our nations moving forward.

Congressmen Williams meets with Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Amb. Kevin Rudd

CNY "Tech Hub" Designation

Central New York is the new Silicon Empire - bringing strategic and long-term investment back to our region and signaling that it's time for our families and friends to come back home, the jobs are on their way.

With this designation from the U.S. Department of Commerce, it's clearer than ever that Central New York will lead the American charge into the future of science and technology, keeping America competitive and bringing more long-term investment to our region.

I want to congratulate Reps. Molinaro, Morelle, Higgins, and Langworthy, along with Senator Schumer and Governor Hochul, on this achievement for the people of CNY. Their diligent work paved the way for this game-changing designation. I am honored to build on the success of County Executive Ryan McMahon in making CNY a magnet for innovation & technological advancement. A new era for CNY has begun.

Click here or on the image below to read my full press release:

Full Press Release on CNY Tech Hub Designation

Standing Up for Our Allies

Now that the House of Representatives is able to pass legislation, it is imperative that we take the necessary steps to support and defend Israel during its time of need. There is no question that Iran is complicit in the horrendous attacks which occurred on October 7.

I cosponsored H.R. 771 to stand with Israel as it defends itself against the attacks launched against it by Hamas, as well as H.R. 793, calling for the immediate release of American hostages and H.R. 803, to honor the American and Israeli civilians murdered or still unaccounted for as a result of October 7's attacks.

In Israel's moment of dire and existential need, it is important that we act swiftly to aid their defensive capabilities, authorizing funding without attempting to attach additional, unrelated spending.

I spoke with Dave Allen on 570 WSYR about this issue, among others. Feel free to listen by clicking here.

Rep. Williams counterprotesting anti-Israel activists

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Funding

The State of New York was awarded $360,015,351 in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Administered through the Administration for Children and Families’ Office of Community Services (OCS) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), this funding will help individuals and families with low incomes pay their home heating costs this winter, and with cooling bills in the summer. LIHEAP can also be used to weatherize homes to make them more energy efficient, and during disasters and extreme weather to mitigate energy emergencies.

LIHEAP assistance lowers the costs of home heating and cooling bills, reconnects energy services that have been disconnected, prevents energy shutoffs, and can fund minor energy-related home repairs. In doing so, LIHEAP comes alongside our neighbors to meet their home energy needs and ensure that they can stay safe in their homes, regardless of the weather outside.

LIHEAP exists to ensure that families and individuals have the support they need to affordably stay warm through the coming months. With winter coming soon, I encourage you to see whether you or your loved ones qualify for this assistance, which is open to both homeowners and renters.

Individuals interested in applying for LIHEAP can visit energyhelp.us or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline toll-free at: 1-866-674-6327. Not sure whether you qualify? Households can easily identify if they may be eligible for assistance by using the LIHEAP Eligibility Tool on energyhelp.us.

LIHEAP exists to keep Americans safe in their own homes during seasons with extreme temperatures.

Final Notes

Join our team in Utica or Syracuse for the FALL!

My office is seeking college-age interns for my Syracuse and Utica offices this fall. Click here if you are interested in applying or learning more.

We Are Here To Help

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