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Weekly Update - Week of March 15th, 2021

March 25, 2021

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This Week in Washington
 
Called on President Biden to Demand Resignation and Removal of Governor Cuomo
 
President Joe Biden has failed the American people and New Yorkers who demand transparency, accountability, and good government. Rather than hold elected officials to the highest standards of ethical conduct, President Biden has prioritized partisan politics over the overwhelming and unified bipartisan calls for Governor Cuomo's immediate resignation. As bipartisan calls for Governor Cuomo's resignation and impeachment at the federal and state levels continue to grow, President Biden has the responsibility to stand up for the American people and all New Yorkers. I am publicly calling on President Biden to demand Governor Cuomo's immediate resignation and removal from office.
Stefanik Offers Amendment on House Floor to Provide Extension for Violence Against Women Act
 
Last week, along with 50 House colleagues, I introduced the Violence Against Women Extension Act of 2021, which provides a clean extension of funding for Violence Against Women Act programs for the upcoming fiscal year. This legislation would ensure these critical programs can continue to fight domestic violence and sexual abuse, and it would also provide Congress the opportunity to work together to pass a truly bipartisan and noncontroversial long-term reauthorization of VAWA. Instead, Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats brought a version of the legislation that is filled with controversial provisions to the House Floor. On Wednesday, offered an amendment to their bill to provide a clean extension of the important programs funded by this legislation without the new, controversial provisions injected by Speaker Pelosi. Read more here and watch my floor speech above.
 
This Week in The People's House
 
On Tuesday, I voted in favor of H.R. 1799 – the PPP Extension Act of 2021. This legislation would extend the PPP application deadline to May 31, 2021. Currently, the deadline is March 31, 2021.
More than $128 billion for small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program remains, but the deadline to apply is less than 2 weeks away. North Country small businesses are still hurting, and it’s essential this bill is signed into law immediately to allow small businesses more time to apply for much-needed relief.
 
Additionally, I voted in favor of the following bipartisan bills:
 
H.R.1651 - COVID-19 Bankruptcy Relief Extension Act of 2021
 
H.R.1085 - To award three congressional gold medals to the United States Capitol Police and those who protected the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021
 
H.R.1652 - VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021
 
H.R.1112 - Protect Democracy in Burma Act of 2021
 
H.Res.134 - Condemning the military coup that took place on February 1, 2021, in Burma and the Burmese military detention of civilian leaders, calling for the release of all those detained and for those elected to serve in Parliament to resume their duties, and for other purposes
 
H.R.1868 - To prevent across-the-board direct spending cuts, and for other purposes.
 
On Thursday, I voted against H.R.6 – the Dream and Promise Act of 2021. Since taking office, I have consistently opposed amnesty, supported increased border security, resources for our border patrol officers and law enforcement, and fixing our legal immigration system. The Dream and Promise Act of 2021 undermines each of these critical goals by providing mass amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants and granting green cards to illegal immigrants not currently living or working in the United States, gang members, and individuals with criminal convictions. Further, this bill does not provide critical funding for our U.S. Border Patrol Agents, many of whom are from the North Country and have been temporarily reassigned to the southern border to address the worst border crisis in decades caused by President Biden’s disastrous policies.
 
I also voted no on H.J.Res.17 - Removing the deadline for the ratification of the equal rights amendment
I proudly helped author and co-lead H.R. 2480 – the Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), and Tuesday, it passed through the House with bipartisan support. As children across the country remain out of school and child abuse and neglect cases continue to rise, it’s more critical than ever that this bill is signed into law. Children, families, and community-based programs urgently need the support provided in this bill, including my provision to establish a National Child Abuse Hotline. I also co-led this legislation in the 116th Congress. Read my op-ed on the importance of Stronger CAPTA in the Washington Examiner here.
On Tuesday, I joined Reps. Claudia Tenney (NY-22), Lee Zeldin (NY-01), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), and Chris Jacobs (NY-27) in sending a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Department of Justice requesting a comprehensive investigation to assess whether Governor Cuomo’s COVID-19 group home directive violates the civil rights of individuals living in group homes in New York State. In April 2020, the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) issued a directive that effectively returned COVID-positive patients who were no longer symptomatic to group homes. The OPWDD has publicly reported 552 COVID-related deaths in group homes, and this letter requests an investigation into this statistic and into the initial directive. Given the Governor’s reckless and reprehensible nursing home directive, and the cover up that ensued, we have reason to fear that the number of COVID-related deaths in group homes is higher than what the state has reported.
This week, the Center for Effective Lawmaking ranked me in the top ten most effective Republican lawmaker in the 116th Congress, and as the most effective Republican lawmaker for commerce policy which impacts small businesses, workers, and entrepreneurs. I am proud to be among the top 10 most effective Republican lawmakers in the entire House of Representatives, and I am especially proud to be the most effective Republican lawmaker in supporting policy relative to small businesses and economic growth. Read the Center for Effective Lawmaking’s full report here.
This week, I cosponsored the Broadening Online Opportunities through Simple Technologies (BOOST) Act. This bipartisan legislation allows rural homeowners to claim a $300 tax credit after purchasing a mobile hotspot or a signal booster to connect to the Internet and increase connection speeds. This credit would be available to homeowners who live in rural areas where they cannot connect to the Internet, or where Internet speeds do not currently meet federal requirements. The COVID pandemic has highlighted that it is essential that rural regions like the North Country have greater access to reliable broadband connection.
Congresswoman Stefanik Commemorates Women's History Month, Women in United States Armed Forces
 
This week, I cosponsored a bipartisan Resolution to Mark Women's History Month with Representative Mike Thompson (CA-05), to honor the history of women in the United States. As the youngest Republican woman ever elected to the United States Congress, I am especially proud to be an original cosponsor of the Resolution to Mark Women’s History Month and honor the tremendous contributions women have made to advance our politics, economy, and culture. In honor of the brave women of the United States Armed Forces, I authored and will introduce a bill calling on President Biden to designate March 21st as Women's Military History Day. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the remarkable achievements women have made since the founding of our country. Read my full op-ed featured in the Military Times.
Announced Significant Grant Funding
 
On Monday, I announced the Administration for Children and Families in Plattsburgh will receive $1,944,948 for the Office of Head Start from the Department of Health and Human Services. 
 
On Wednesday, I announced that Hudson Headwaters Health Network will receive $3,024,292 from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
 
I am proud to announce that significant funding is being returned back to the North Country to help our Head Start programs and community health centers during this unprecedented time!
 
On Thursday, I honored former New York State Senator Doug Barclay:
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Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former New York State Senator and former U.S. Ambassador H. Douglas “Doug” Barclay for his lifetime achievements in both the private sector and public service.
A New Yorker through and through, Doug dedicated his entire life to the people of New York State. While he was born in New York City in 1932, his parents quickly returned to Pulaski, New York in Oswego County and Doug became the 7th generation to live on the beloved family farm. Doug graduated from Yale University and Syracuse University College of Law, subsequently practicing at an esteemed Syracuse law firm, now Barclay Damon, LLP, as a named partner for over 40 years. He was elected to the New York State Senate in 1964 and served the people of Oswego County for 20 years, until 1984. Doug will always be remembered as a compassionate and caring representative for whom no constituent’s concern was too small. He championed meaningful legislation reform around criminal justice, court reform, housing, and economic development matters. From his years in the U.S. Army to the New York State Senate to his appointment as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of El Salvador during President George W. Bush's Administration, Doug’s positive impact and exemplary leadership extended far beyond his cherished North Country home.
Doug was an extraordinary leader in his community and genuinely cared for those around him. He offered sage advice to candidates seeking office in New York State and became a renowned and well-respected figure in the Republican Party. He and his wife, Dee Dee, were committed to giving back locally by raising funds for county emergency services and by supporting families with children with disabilities. The Barclays fostered a strong sense of service within their own family and Doug’s son, Will, has followed closely in his father’s footsteps. Will was elected to the New York State Assembly in 2003 and is now serving as the Assembly Minority Leader. Ever the family man, Doug was an integral part of the North Country community and will be greatly missed. On behalf of New York’s 21st Congressional District, I am honored to recognize his remarkable leadership.
 
District Meetings and Events
Met with US-Canada Working Group
I participated in a great discussion on Monday morning with Canada-US Inter-Parliamentary Group. I shared North Country priorities for safely reopening our Norther Border, cross-border tourism and manufacturing strength, our military partnerships, and the importance of the Keystone XL Pipeline.
Met with NY-21 Dairy Farmers
It was great to meet with North Country dairy farmers on Monday to discuss important issues like ag labor reform, lowering taxes, reducing regulations, and COVID-19 relief. Our dairy farmers work tirelessly to provide for our communities and I am proud to support and represent them!
Met With Chamber Alliance of the Mohawk Valley
It was great to meet with the Chamber Alliance of the Mohawk Valley on Wednesday to discuss the PPP deadline extension I helped pass and my commitment to providing federal relief for small businesses!
Met with Indian River Central School
On Thursday, I met with representatives from Indian River Central School to discuss federal funding and how our school districts have adapted to hybrid and online learning.
Met with AIPAC Representatives
It was great to meet with members of the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee on Tuesday to discuss the importance of our US-Israel relationship, security assistance, and countering Iran. The United States must continue to stand strongly with our ally and friend, Israel.
Met With U.S. Bobsled & Skeleton Para National Sliding Team
 
Today, I met with athletes from the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Para National Sliding team who are competing this week in Lake Placid. I am proud to represent "home ice" and support funding for adaptive sports programs. We discussed the importance of the VA Adaptive Sports Program to disabled veterans in order to enable them to compete. It was great to hear personal stories of the team members, and I wish them the best of luck in their National Championship competition this weekend!
 
In The News!
 
 
In Case You Missed It: My Op-Ed Commemorating National Agriculture Month
 
In the North Country, agriculture is the backbone of our economy and an indispensable part of our culture. A wide array of agricultural goods, products, and agribusinesses, close proximity to the Canadian border, and a long history of conservation and family tradition are critical to economic prosperity and job security in our rural communities. Since taking office, I have been honored to visit and work closely with many farms, agricultural organizations, and agribusinesses to learn about and advocate for their key priorities to ensure our family farms grow and thrive for the next generation.
 
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, North Country producers have stepped up to the challenges of providing a safe and abundant food supply for families. As we work to beat the pandemic, I will continue to push for enhanced flexibility for Paycheck Protection Program loans and other support programs for farmers, ranchers, small craft breweries, and distilleries, as their survival is vital to our vibrant ag sector.
 
I have also called on the Biden Administration to resume direct payments to eligible farmers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program and improve the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. This program relieved many North Country families of food insecurity by providing them with fresh and local food. In another effort to tackle this unfortunate reality, I recently supported the GIVE MILK Act, which would increase access to milk products for WIC program participants.
 
In addition, a stable and reliable workforce continues to pose a challenge for North Country farmers, especially our dairy farmers. I recently co-sponsored the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, bipartisan legislation that would modernize the H-2A visa process to support our local farms' workforce needs. I was a proud supporter of this solution last Congress, and I continue to work with my House colleagues to provide farmers with a modern agricultural labor program to further secure our nation’s food supply.
 
Additionally, any North Country farmer knows that broadband access is essential as agriculture becomes increasingly reliant on advanced technologies. Last year, I worked directly with the FCC to ensure upstate New York was eligible for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) and helped secure more than $99 million for broadband buildout in some of the most rural portions of the North Country. I will continue to cosponsor bipartisan legislation that increases rural broadband access and keeps our communities connected.
 
As one of the leading conservative voices for fiscally responsible solutions to the growing challenge of climate change, I will ensure our North Country farmers have a seat at the table. Farmers are the original stewards of the land, and discussions about climate change must involve their important perspectives. That is why I originally cosponsored the Growing Climate Solutions Act, to reduce barriers for farmers seeking enrollment in the carbon marketplace.
 
This Congress, I will continue to work closely with farmers to meet their changing needs and support legislation to deter government over-regulation and expand market access for free and fair trade. And this National Agriculture Month, I commemorate our North Country dairy farmers, maple producers, apple growers, breweries, wineries, equipment dealers, and agribusiness owners for their hard work, grit, and determination in providing for our rural communities and local families.
 
 
Sun Community News:
Nearly $2 million for North Country head start programs
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Watertown Daily Times:
 
 
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Permalink: https://stefanik.house.gov/2021/3/weekly-update-week-march-15th-2021