New York City Insider: Espaillat, Dickens to Hold Vigil for Garrett Warren and Alfa Barrie Tomorrow at Democracy Prep Harlem.

 

NEW YORK, NY –  Tomorrow, Monday, May 22nd starting at 7:30 a.m., Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), joined by NYS Assemblywoman Inez E. Dickens, will lead a vigil in memory of Garrett Warren and Alfa Barrie at Democracy Prep Harlem Middle School located at 207 W 133rd Street, New York, NY 10030.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of Garrett Warren and Alfa Barrie following this heartbreaking news that no parent should ever have to face. Our community embraces the families and friends of these two young men, and we pray for their strength and comfort during this time of grief," said the elected officials.

WHO: Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)
New York State Assemblywoman Inez E. Dickens
Community Leaders

WHAT: Vigil for Garrett Warren and Alfa Barrie

WHEN: Monday, May 22nd at 7:30 a.m. (EDT)

WHERE: 
Democracy Prep Harlem Middle School
207 W 133rd Street
New York, NY 10030

 

New York City Insider: Espaillat, CHC Applaud Biden Decision Providing DACA Recipients Access to Affordable Care Act Benefits.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release April 13, 2023

Espaillat, CHC Applaud President Biden’s Decision Providing DACA Recipients Access to Affordable Care Act Benefits.  The decision will deliver a signature win to CHC on a priority issue.  NEW YORK, NY – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Deputy Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), and CHC leadership issued the following statement on President Biden’s announcement that Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients will soon be able to access Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid benefits: “Today, we applaud President Biden’s decision to provide more equitable access to health care to hundreds-of-thousands of Latinos in our communities and throughout the country. This decision also marks a significant accomplishment for the CHC. This change in policy has been a priority for the CHC and we have pushed multiple Administrations to provide access to quality, affordable, health care for DACA recipients. This morning, the hard work of the CHC, our members, and DACA recipients and advocates has paid off. The change CHC fought for is finally underway. “As a result of this change, approximately 600,000 DACA recipients and their U.S. citizen children will be able to secure and purchase health insurance through the ACA. Access to ACA and Medicaid benefits will allow a significant number of Latinos to improve their quality of life, obtain affordable, quality health care, and make way for a healthier future for our communities. “We thank the Biden-Harris Administration for their commitment to Latino communities who have historically been disadvantaged when it comes to accessing health care. We also ask the Department of Health and Human Services to act with urgency and implement the changes as soon as possible so that DACA recipients can quickly access the benefits that - as taxpayers - they have earned.”

New York City Insider: Representatives Adriano Espaillat, Mark Green, and Maria Salazar Introduce the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Act.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release March 28, 2023

Representatives Adriano Espaillat, Mark Green, and Maria Salazar Introduce the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Act. Bill Would Strengthen Security Cooperation in the Caribbean to Combat Corruption, Halt Illicit Drug Trafficking, and Improve Regional Stability. WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13),  a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Representative Mark Green, M.D. (TN-07), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, and Representative María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Western Hemisphere Subcommittee introduced a bill to provide substantial funding to the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) for the next half-decade. CBSI funding remains in an annual state of uncertainty, as funding for this important program currently requires reauthorization each fiscal year. To resolve this, the Espaillat, Green, Salazar bill would provide the program with greater long-term stability and authorize robust funding of $82,000,000 per year for the next five years. “The Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) is critical to our efforts to improve security cooperation with Caribbean nations and combat illicit drug trafficking, support justice sector reforms to strengthen the rule of law, and address instability caused by natural disasters throughout the region,” said Congressman Espaillat. “Strengthening the security of the Caribbean in a multidimensional manner will help fortify stability and development with some of the United States’ closest allies. As we continue our work together, we are taking vital steps to increase citizen safety, build resilience to natural disasters caused by global heating, and improve strategies to reduce illegal narcotics trafficking in the region. I look forward to my continued partnership with my colleagues in the Senate—Senators Time Kaine (D-VA) and Marco Rubio (R-FL)—who recently introduced a Senate companion to this legislation. Our joint engagement to bolster support for the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative will help improve the United States’ effectiveness in addressing the ongoing concerns in the region and provide real, long-term solutions.” “Strengthening security operations in the Caribbean Basin is crucial to addressing rampant narcotics trafficking and to support the efforts of Caribbean nations to enforce the rule of law. The more secure Caribbean nations are, the more secure the United States will be. Our legislation is the strong stand we need to combat transnational crime and the corruption that emboldens criminal organizations to victimize their own countries and the United States. It’s time to protect our third border—and this legislation does just that,” said Congressman Green, M.D. “The Caribbean is a critical part of Miami’s economy, and the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative provides the necessary structure for growth, stability, and security in the region” said Congresswoman Salazar. “We must continue to help our partners in the Caribbean invest in resilient infrastructure, develop a workforce for the future, fight gangs and criminal activity, and oppose the malign influence of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela in the region.” The Caribbean region is particularly susceptible to the destabilizing effects of the drug trade. Since its creation in 2010, the CBSI has been crucial in helping our partner nations in the Caribbean improve their capacity to combat transnational crime, violence, and the regional instability that has been caused by years of devastating hurricanes. The CBSI has served as an important means of enhancing regional security of the United States while strengthening important partnerships in the Western Hemisphere. This robust long-term funding for the program will promote civilian safety, security, and the rule of law in the region by enhancing law enforcement and military capabilities, strengthening strategic cooperation, and bolstering local justice systems.  Last week, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women’s Issues, and Subcommittee Ranking Member Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the Caribbean Basin Security Authorization Act companion bill in the Senate reaffirming support for the Caribbean region.

New York City Insider: Espaillat, Community Leaders Hold Press Conference Monday (at 10:30AM) in Solidarity with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

 

For Immediate Release March 26, 2023

Representative Adriano Espaillat, Community Leaders Hold Press Conference to Speak Out Against Racist Threats Targeting Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Monday, March 27, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. NEW YORK, NY – Join Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and community leaders this Monday, March 27th at 10:30 a.m. during a press conference to speak out against the vile racist attacks targeting Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg amid the criminal investigation of former President Donald Trump.  The Espaillat led press conference will take place at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building located at 163 West 125th Street, New York, NY  10027. During the press conference, Rep. Espaillat and leaders will offer remarks in solidarity with D.A. Bragg's ongoing lawful investigation and potential indictment of former President Trump and speak out against the Republican-backed racist and hate-based rhetoric targeting D.A. Bragg and his family.  WHO: Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) NYS Senator Cordell Cleare NYS Senator Robert Jackson NYS Assemblymember Al Taylor NYS Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs NYS Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia NYS Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos NYC Council Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala NYC Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa NYC Councilmember Shaun Abreu NYC Councilmember Julie Menin NYC Councilmember Pierina Sanchez NYC Councilmember Oswald Feliz Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine The Honorable C. Virginia Fields Lloyd A. Williams, CEO of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce WHAT: Press Conference in Solidarity with Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg WHEN: Monday, March 27, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.  WHERE:  Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building 163 West 125th Street New York, NY  10027

New York City Insider: Today's the Deadline to Apply for Congressional Funding for Local Community Projects.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release March 17, 2023

Espaillat: Apply for Congressional Funding for Local Community Projects Today.  Up To 15 Public, Non-Profit Projects Can Be Submitted to House Appropriations Committee.  Deadline to Apply is March 17th!   NEW YORK, NY – Last week, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, which funds federal agencies and programs—announced the start of a new cycle of community project funding for state and local entities to receive direct federal funding through the Appropriations process.   Community Project Funding allows Members of Congress to direct congressional funding to their districts to help address the needs of the community. This funding is critical to helping support the administrative and operational functions of eligible groups in the district.  Eligible entities that can apply for funding include state or local governmental entities and certain eligible non-profit organizations.  All for-profit groups and entities are ineligible.  Eligible projects are broken down by each spending bill. “We are incredibly excited to announce that New York state and local governments, and non-profit organizations, are now able to request Community Project Funding in upcoming annual federal spending bills,” said Reps. Espaillat, Meng, and Morelle.  “This process ensures that Members of Congress can work with their communities to identify projects which need funding and has successfully allowed us to target funding to projects in our congressional districts that need this support the most to continue their work. Members of Congress know our districts best, and we look forward to collaborating closely with community groups to identify the projects and what steps may be involved to ensure this process and funding opportunity is available to all.”

New York City Insider: Espaillat, González-Colón Urge Exemption of the Dominican Republic from Steel & Aluminum Tariffs to Help Ongoing Recovery in Puerto Rico.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release March 16, 2023

Espaillat, González-Colón Urge Exemption of the Dominican Republic from Steel & Aluminum Tariffs to Help Ongoing Recovery in Puerto Rico.   WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-D) and Representative Jenniffer González-Colón (PR-R) sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo urging that the Dominican Republic be exempt from Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs in order to help facilitate the ongoing hurricane recovery efforts in Puerto Rico.  “The Dominican Republic is an important ally of the United States, with robust commercial and security ties through CAFTA-DR and the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. Importantly, the Dominican Republic is a critical exporter of steel and aluminum to Puerto Rico, as Puerto Rico’s local economy does not produce steel. Exempting the Dominican Republic from the steel and aluminum tariffs under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act will support hurricane recovery efforts while also bolstering our relations with an important partner in the Caribbean,” stated the Members. “Exempting the Dominican Republic from Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs would directly assist Puerto Rico’s recovery efforts by providing the island with the commodities necessary to rebuild its critical infrastructure. The United States has already exempted several countries from Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs—including Brazil, South Korea, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Mexico, the European Union, Japan, and the United Kingdom.  “It is critical for this administration to take additional action to advance Puerto Rico’s recovery efforts from these devastating hurricanes. In this spirit, we request that you exempt the Dominican Republic from Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs,” concluded the Members.

New York City Insider: Espaillat: Apply for Congressional Funding for Local Community Projects Today.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release March 7, 2023

Espaillat: Apply for Congressional Funding for Local Community Projects Today. Up To 15 Public, Non-Profit Projects Can Be Submitted to House Appropriations Committee. Deadline to Apply is March 17th!   NEW YORK, NY – Last week, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, which funds federal agencies and programs—announced the start of a new cycle of community project funding for state and local entities to receive direct federal funding through the Appropriations process.   Community Project Funding allows Members of Congress to direct congressional funding to their districts to help address the needs of the community. This funding is critical to helping support the administrative and operational functions of eligible groups in the district.  Eligible entities that can apply for funding include state or local governmental entities and certain eligible non-profit organizations.  All for-profit groups and entities are ineligible.  Eligible projects are broken down by each spending bill. “We are incredibly excited to announce that New York state and local governments, and non-profit organizations, are now able to request Community Project Funding in upcoming annual federal spending bills,” said Reps. Espaillat, Meng, and Morelle.  “This process ensures that Members of Congress can work with their communities to identify projects which need funding and has successfully allowed us to target funding to projects in our congressional districts that need this support the most to continue their work. Members of Congress know our districts best, and we look forward to collaborating closely with community groups to identify the projects and what steps may be involved to ensure this process and funding opportunity is available to all.” Please note that, unfortunately, the House Republican Majority has stripped all Department of Labor, Education, Health and  Financial Services/General Government (Small Business) projects. The new GOP majority also set stringent limitations on the Department of Housing and Urban Development, CDBG – Economic Development Initiatives account. This year, no programmatic or operational expenses are eligible for this account. The only eligible use of funds will now be for land or site acquisition; demolition or rehabilitation; blight removal; and construction and capital improvements of public facilities, except for “buildings used for the general conduct of government”.  Additionally, Republicans have barred museums, commemoratives, memorials, swimming pools, water parks, golf courses, healthcare facilities, and venues strictly for entertainment– e.g., theaters and performing arts venues from receiving EDI funds. Eligible organizations are encouraged to call the Office of Congressman Adriano Espaillat at 202-225-4365 should groups have questions regarding this funding cycle's process and other updates.