New York City Insider: Secretary Blinken Praises Representative Espaillat's Leadership on Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release April 28, 2022

Secretary Blinken Praises Representative Espaillat's Leadership on Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. Comes On Heels of House Passage of Espaillat's Bill, H.R.4133 – The Caribbean Basic Security Initiative Authorization Act.   WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, during a House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations hearing on the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Request for the Department of State, Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised Representative Adriano Espaillat's (NY-13) spearheading of H.R.4133 - The Caribbean Basic Security Initiative Authorization Act – which passed the House last night. In response to Representative Espaillat’s questioning, Secretary Blinken said: “So, first let me just thank you for your leadership on this. One of the things we’re trying to do more on – and I had an opportunity to talk to the Chairwoman about this as well yesterday – is to focus more on the Caribbean Basin across the board. Of course there’s the climate challenge which is – as you know very well – acute, and helping to make sure our nearest neighbors have the means to engage in adaptation and building resilience.” You can watch the full clip of Rep. Espaillat’s questioning, and Sec. Blinken’s responses, by clicking HERE. The Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Act would allocate nearly $75,000,000 per year from 2022 through 2026 to improve security cooperation with Caribbean nations and combat illicit drug trafficking, support justice sector reform and strengthen the rule of law, and address instability caused by natural disasters. Rep. Espaillat secured $80,000,000 for the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative in the fiscal year 2022 federal budget. Rep. Espaillat’s H.R.4133 would codify multi-year funding as well as improve the efficacy and focus of CBSI to address continuing concerns in the region. It will incorporate efforts to promote disaster resiliency given increasing and worsening hurricanes in the region that threaten long-term security. Read the bill in its entirety HERE. Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his third term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities. He is also a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Second Vice Chair and is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, where he serves as Deputy Whip. Representative Espaillat also currently serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

New York City Insider: House Passes Bipartisan Espaillat Bill to Boost Security and Cooperation in the Caribbean.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release April 27, 2022

House Passes Bipartisan Espaillat Bill to Boost Security and Cooperation in the Caribbean. Bill Increases Funding to Caribbean Basin Security Initiative - Enhances U.S.-Caribbean Relations, Combats Corruption and Drug Trafficking, and Supports Civil Society.   WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement on House passage of his bipartisan bill, H.R.4133 – The Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Act. This legislation would allocate nearly $75,000,000 per year from 2022 through 2026 to improve security cooperation with Caribbean nations and combat illicit drug trafficking, support justice sector reform and strengthen the rule of law, and address instability caused by natural disasters. "This bill is vital to combatting drug trafficking, promoting good governance and independent justice sectors, and empowering civil society in the Caribbean," said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). "The U.S.’s partnership in strengthening the security of the Caribbean in a multidimensional manner will help fortify stability and development with some of our closest allies. Working together, we can help increase citizen safety, build resilience to natural disasters caused by climate change, and improve strategies to reduce illegal narcotics trafficking." Rep. Espaillat secured $80 million for the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative in the fiscal year 2022 federal budget. Rep. Espaillat’s H.R.4133 would codify funding increases as well as improve the efficacy and focus of CBSI to address continuing concerns in the region. It will incorporate efforts to promote disaster resiliency given increasing and worsening hurricanes in the region that threaten long-term security. Read the bill in its entirety HERE. Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his third term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities. He is also a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Second Vice Chair and is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, where he serves as Deputy Whip. Representative Espaillat also currently serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/

New York City Insider: New Americans Caucus Co-Chairs Espaillat and Torres Honor Secretary Madeleine Albright’s Legacy.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release April 27, 2022

New Americans Caucus Co-Chairs Espaillat and Torres Honor Secretary Madeleine Albright’s Legacy. WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Norma J. Torres (CA-35), co-chairs of the New Americans Caucus, released the following statement honoring the life and legacy of Secretary of State Madeleine Albright on the day of her funeral.   “Secretary Madeleine Albright was a champion for democracy and human rights. Her personal experience as a refugee and naturalized American shaped her values and decisions, and her success showed that our country is full of opportunity and hope. Secretary Albright’s diplomatic work made our country safer and more welcoming to immigrants and refugees who came to the United States – often when they had nowhere else to turn. Her leadership demonstrated that she deeply valued the diverse fabric of America and the impact immigrants have on their communities. The New Americans Caucus today remembers and honors Madeleine Albright’s life and celebrates her legacy. Her work and leadership will continue to shape America and the world for generations to come.” Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his third term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities. He is also a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Second Vice Chair and is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, where he serves as Deputy Whip. Representative Espaillat also currently serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

New York City Insider: Representatives Espaillat, Clarke, Chu Call on DHS to Expand Immigrant Access to Public Benefits.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release April 26, 2022

Representatives Espaillat, Clarke, Chu Call on DHS to Expand Immigrant Access to Public Benefits. Lawmakers Provide Public Comment to Notice to Replace Trump-era Public Charge Rule.   WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), and Judy Chu (CA-27) led their 40+ of their colleagues in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to provide a public comment to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on the Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility.  DHS recently issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to replace the Trump-era 2019 Public Charge Rule—which expanded the list of public benefits that immigrants were prohibited from using—with a rule that would not penalize non-citizens for accessing the public benefits that are available to them. “First, we want to express our support for Department’s effort to repair the damage caused by the harmful Trump Administration’s public charge rule, which disproportionately harmed communities of color,” the members wrote. “We strongly agree that ‘the 2019 public charge rule was not consistent with our nation’s values’ […] And while we applaud the Biden Administration’s prompt efforts to end this Trump-era policy, our communities are still experiencing the consequences of the Trump Administration’s actions.” The members advocate for the inclusion of further provisions to ensure immigrant’s continued access to public benefits—through the clarification of exemptions and definitions to eliminate any confusion that may deter noncitizens from applying for benefits. “Data reveals that there is little awareness of this policy reversal among individuals in immigrant and mixed-status families,” the members added. “We urge DHS to provide funding to trusted community organizations that can conduct outreach and education to immigrants and their families in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.” This clarification—along with public outreach—would stop hundreds of families from abstaining from the critical support they may need, such as housing or nutrition assistance. Unfortunately, the pandemic illustrated the impact of this public charge rule clearly, when hundreds of Latinx and AAPI families did not apply for potentially life-saving assistance due to fears that it would negatively impact their immigration status or their family members. In addition to Reps. Espaillat, Clarke, and Chu, this letter was also signed by Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Juan Vargas (CA-15), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-03), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Dina Titus (NV-01), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Albio Sires (NJ-08), Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32), Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Ayanna Presley (MA-07), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D. (NY-16), Bobby L. Rush (IL-01), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Jesús G. "Chuy" García (IL-04), and Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18).  You can read the full text of the letter HERE and below:  April 25, 2022 RE: DHS Docket No. USCIS-2021-0013, Comments in Response to Proposed Rulemaking, Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility Dear Secretary Mayorkas: As Members of the United States Congress, we write to provide comments to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on the Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility. First, we want to express our support for Department’s effort to repair the damage caused by the harmful Trump Administration’s public charge rule, which disproportionately harmed communities of color. We strongly agree that “the 2019 public charge rule was not consistent with our nation’s values.”  In fact, many members represented in this letter today joined the Congressional Tri-Caucus in filing four amicus briefs in opposition to the 2019 rule, citing our belief that it was “written with the clear intent of intimidating and discriminating against immigrants of color.”  And while we applaud the Biden Administration’s prompt efforts to end this Trump-era policy, our communities are still experiencing the consequences of the Trump Administration’s actions. Data reveals that there is little awareness of this policy reversal among individuals in immigrant and mixed-status families. In September 2021, a poll of 1,000 mostly Latinx and AAPI individuals in immigrant families found that “nearly half (46%) of families who needed assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic abstained from applying for assistance due to concerns over immigration status.” We urge DHS to provide funding to trusted community organizations that can conduct outreach and education to immigrants and their families in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner. Among many things, we are encouraged by the recognition of this NPRM that the use of critical supports such as healthcare, nutrition and housing assistance programs should in no way be linked to the exclusionary “public charge” provision. Congress created these programs to help workers and families, including eligible immigrants and U.S. citizen family members in immigrant families. Additionally, we write to express our support for the proposed updates, clarifications and improvements to long-standing public charge policy. Exemptions for survivors of trafficking, domestic violence and other serious crimes The proposed rule incorporates the law that makes T and U non-immigrants, or survivors of trafficking or serious crimes, seeking adjustment of status exempt from the public charge ground of inadmissibility. In March 2013 Congress enacted several changes to the William Wilberforce Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) & Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA), including an exemption from the public charge ground of inadmissibility for T and U visa holders and applicants. We support the proposed rule, which clarifies that these individuals are exempt from a public charge determination regardless of which pathway they use to adjust to lawful permanent status.  We recommend a similar clarification for the VAWA self-petitioners and qualified immigrants in 8 USC § 1641(c), who were included in the same provision of the 2008 law. This clarification would be consistent with Congressional intent.  Definitions - Receipt of public benefits The Proposed Rule defines what constitutes “receipt” of public benefits and specifically clarifies that an individual is not receiving a benefit unless they are listed as a beneficiary. Therefore, receipt of a benefit by someone else in an applicant’s family or household would not be a factor in the applicant’s public charge assessment. Moreover, simply applying for a benefit, applying for a benefit on behalf of another person (such as a child), or assisting someone with an application does not constitute “receipt” of a benefit. We believe that this clarification will mitigate the chilling effect caused by uncertainty in immigrant communities. Beginning in 2019, even before the finalization of the Trump-era public charge rule, the uncertainty surrounding the definition caused significant declines in enrollment of social programs among eligible immigrant households. In 2019 and into January 2020, a series of focus groups revealed that more than one-quarter of immigrant parents who were surveyed reported that they stopped using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or other food programs due to immigration-related concerns, and this was confirmed by nutrition service providers. This same chilling effect spilled into other programs including those that were not included in the prior administration’s public charge rule, such as school meals. Definitions - Likely at Any Time to Become a Public Charge We agree with DHS’s proposal to exclude programs that are essential to a family’s health, stability and ability to earn income, including housing, nutrition assistance and health programs. These programs are critical for all parents who work hard in low-wage positions that do not provide employer-sponsored health coverage or an adequate, living wage for their families. We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this important matter. Sincerely, Members of Congress Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his third term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities. He is also a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Second Vice Chair and is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, where he serves as Deputy Whip. Representative Espaillat also currently serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

New York City Insider: Representative Espaillat, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Members Attend White House Meeting to Request Executive Actions From Biden Administration.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release April 25, 2022

Representative Espaillat, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Members Attend White House Meeting to Request Executive Actions From Biden Administration. WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) met with President Biden and senior White House officials to discuss topics of critical importance to the Hispanic community and the CHC. Members shared a slate of executive actions on immigration, education, environmental justice, healthcare, and an equitable implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Proposed executive actions on immigration reflect the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’ “all of the above and every which way” approach to building a more humane and fair immigration system in the United States. They aim unleash the nation’s economic potential by meeting labor needs, keeping families together, and improving border efficiencies.  The requests also included executive actions in four additional policy issue areas such as the equitable implementation of the Biden Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law; securing environmental justice protections for frontline communities; supporting Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and Hispanic students; and improving access to healthcare for all. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) provided the executive action requests to President Biden and White House officials in a letter.   "After four years of traumatic, xenophobic, and inhumane immigration policies being forced on our most vulnerable communities, we have a duty to deliver them the protection and support they and their families so desperately need," said CHC Second Vice Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat. "Protecting our nation's immigrants remains the central priority for our Caucus and must remain at the forefront of Democrats' efforts to build a better America – and President Biden has been a welcomed partner in our fight to ensure no one is left behind."  “As Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I thank President Biden and Vice President Harris for their continued partnership to meet the CHC’s legislative goals and priorities. Today’s discussion on the CHC’s proposed executive actions underscores how our continued partnership has and will continue to deliver results for Hispanic communities. We look forward to working with the Administration to roll out this slate of executive actions on immigration, infrastructure, environmental justice, Hispanic students, and healthcare that will help boost our economy, keep families together, and help our communities thrive,” said Chair Dr. Raul Ruiz.   Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his third term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities. He is also a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Second Vice Chair and is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, where he serves as Deputy Whip. Representative Espaillat also currently serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

New York City Insider: Mayor, NYC City Council Should Cut Congestion Tax to Help Recovery: Group.

 

Keep NYC Congestion Tax Free 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: GROUP URGES MAYOR ADAMS, CITY COUNCIL TO HALT CONGESTION PRICING TAX TO AID NEW YORK CITY RECOVERY.

New York-Apr. 26…As the New York City Council discusses targeted tax cuts to help the ailing New York City tourism and hospitality industries recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, Keep NYC Congestion Tax Free, a diverse coalition of civic, business, and labor organizations and businesses throughout New York City, has one simple solution: stop the incoming Congestion Pricing Tax from going into effect. 

The Congestion Pricing Tax, scheduled to begin next year, would create an expensive paywall to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street — the exact area of the city most struggling to recover. It is estimated that the Congestion Pricing Tax will range from $9 - $35 per vehicle per day. 

“Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council are right to worry about the future of Manhattan, and the Congestion Pricing Tax is certain to make the situation worse,” said Keep NYC Congestion Tax Free spokesman Joshua Bienstock. “Adding a paywall to enter Manhattan while we’re trying to encourage repopulation makes no sense whatsoever. The message ought to be that New York City is wide open to business and tourism; not that New York City is open to business and tourism for a $35 fee if you drive a car. This is a simple matter of common sense, and we urge the Mayor and Council leadership to consider it.”

“A new tax on drivers is a bad idea for so many reasons,'' Mr. Bienstock continued. “In addition to hurting low-income New Yorkers living in transit deserts the most, this regressive tax would massively increase traffic north of 60th Street in Manhattan and redirect carbon-belching trucks into communities of color. Besides,” Mr. Bienstock noted, “New York now has federal infrastructure dollars; it doesn't need another tax.” 

Keep NYC Congestion Tax Free, a diverse coalition of civic, business, and labor organizations and businesses throughout New York City, argues that implementing a tax on vehicles traveling south of 6oth Street in Manhattan will, among other things, permanently damage efforts to revitalize the two districts.  

New York City Insider: Espaillat Statement in Recognition of Earth Day.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release April 22, 2022

Espaillat Statement in Recognition of Earth Day. Member to Announce The Earth Bill to Ensure 100% Renewable Electricity, Zero-Emission Vehicles and Regenerative Agriculture by 2030.   NEW YORK, NY – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement in recognition of Earth Day and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring initiatives to promote environmental protections and sustainable clean energy. “Today in recognition of Earth Day, we recommit our efforts to protecting our environment and keeping our community healthy for future generations,” said Rep. Espaillat. “I am encouraged by the progress we have made throughout New York and the 13th congressional district with efforts that incorporate the use of green infrastructure and technology to protect the environment and keep our air, land and water clean, and truly believe that we each have an active role to play in keeping our environment healthy.  “The decisions we make today to preserve and protect our environment will have a lasting impact for generations.  I am proud to promote the importance of environmental health in the local community through tree plantings, park cleanings, mulching, composting, and more. “This year in recognition of Earth Day, I will soon announce The Earth Bill, which will aim to ensure 100% renewable electricity, zero-emission vehicles, and regenerative agriculture by 2030.  Organizers and grassroots activists from across the United States have been calling for this, and I am delighted to be leading these efforts in Congress.  Transitioning to sustainable and renewable practices is important to protect our planet as well as our national security interest by promoting energy security and independence.  I look forward to introducing The Earth Bill in the coming days and continuing my efforts to ensure an environmentally friendly and clean future.”     Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his third term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities. He is also a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Second Vice Chair and is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, where he serves as Deputy Whip. Representative Espaillat also currently serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

New York City Insider: Statement from Representative Adriano Espaillat on Administration’s Crack Down on Ghost Guns.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release April 11, 2022

Statement from Representative Adriano Espaillat on Administration’s Crack Down on Ghost Guns. Provisions of Espaillat’s Ghost Guns Legislation Included Within Framework of Actions to Strengthen Gun Laws.   WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) met with President Biden and administration officials at the White House during today’s announcement to crack down on ghost guns in an effort to further strengthen gun laws around the nation. “Gun violence remains a crisis that takes countless lives and a toll on our communities, and undoubtedly ghost guns are making our fight against gun violence more difficult. Over the past several years, we have witnessed a drastic increase in ghost guns on our streets, wreaking havoc on our communities, and tearing our families apart. I have introduced my ghost gun legislation each Congress since 2017 - H.R. 1454, the Ghost Guns Are Guns Act - to ensure that gun parts and gun kits are classified as firearms under federal law, ensuring that they are subject to background checks. I am proud that the administration has announced the completion of a rule defining ghost guns as firearms, and urge passage of my bill so that this important action cannot easily be overturned.” said Espaillat.  During the meeting, President Biden and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco announced additional steps the administration is taking to combat gun crime. Additionally, the President nominated Steve Dettelbach to serve as Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the nation’s top federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing our commonsense gun laws, and which has been vacant since the previous administration. “Ensuring that the ATF has the leadership it needs to enforce our commonsense gun laws and fight gun crime is critical in our efforts to address the ongoing surge of violence in communities around the nation. Today’s nomination of Steve Dettelbach is a welcomed first step and reaffirms President Biden’s commitment to addressing this crisis that has plagued too many families for far too long,” Espaillat concluded.  Espaillat’s bill, H.R. 1454, the Ghost Guns Are Guns Act, currently has nearly 90 cosponsors and has been endorsed by Brady, March for Our Lives, Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, Newtown Action Alliance, Violence Policy Center, and Honor with Action Coalition.    Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his third term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities. He is also a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Second Vice Chair and is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, where he serves as Deputy Whip. Representative Espaillat also currently serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

New York City Insider: Call for Submissions: 2022 Art Competition Now Open!

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release April 8, 2022

Representative Adriano Espaillat Announces Launch of Congressional Art Competition for District High Schools. Call for Submissions: 2022 Art Competition Now Open!    NEW YORK, N.Y. –  The 2022 Congressional Art Competition is now accepting entries from high school students from New York's 13th congressional district for the opportunity to display their winning artwork in the United States Capitol and the district offices of Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) for up to one year. Artwork may be emailed to Art.NY13@mail.house.gov. The deadline to submit entries from NY-13 is Friday, April 22, 2022. Watch a virtual gallery presentation highlighting the winners and honorable mentions of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition.  Original artwork may include digital submissions of paintings, drawings, collages, and photography and must be submitted via email along with the student release form. For questions about entries and this year's competition for New York's 13th congressional district, please contact Debby Nabavian at Debby.Nabavian@mail.house.gov, Laurie Tobias-Cohen at Laurie.Tobias-Cohen@mail.house.gov, or Marc Carlo at Marc.Carlo@mail.house.gov.  Visit online for a full list of the 2022 Rules and Regulations.  Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his third term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities. He is also a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Second Vice Chair and is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, where he serves as Deputy Whip. Representative Espaillat also currently serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

New York City Insider: Representative Espaillat Hails Strengthened Postal Service, Ensuring Reliable, On-Time Mail Service for New Yorkers.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release April 8, 2022

Representative Espaillat Hails Strengthened Postal Service, Ensuring Reliable, On-Time Mail Service for New Yorkers.   Improved Mail Services To Come To NYC Following POTUS Signing of Postal Service Reform Act of 2022.   NEW YORK, NY – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) hails President Biden’s signing of the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 this week to improve mail delivery across New York City and strengthen the U.S. Postal Service, which he voted in the House to pass.  By saving billions in funding, increasing performance transparency and creating new sources of revenue, this bipartisan legislation will strengthen the financial footing of USPS so that it can continue to deliver reliable, on-time mail service to New Yorkers who rely on the Postal Service to receive hard-earned paychecks, lifesaving prescriptions, tax returns and more. “The U.S. Postal Service has long been a model for the world, tying together communities in New York City and across our nation,” said Rep. Espaillat.  “Yet, decades of underinvestment and onerous financial restrictions have undermined this essential public service. With passage and this week’s signing of the Postal Service Reform Act, Democrats have taken bold action to strengthen the Post Office, support our postal workers, and preserve reliable nationwide mail service for generations to come.”  Because of the extremely unusual requirement that the Post Office fund 75 years of retiree benefits in advance, this institution is on the path to insolvency, facing an urgent shortage of funding as its delivery obligations continue to grow.  The Postal Service currently provides mail to nearly 159 million delivery points and adds an additional one million every year.  As postal workers service more locations, revenue has continued to fall due to lower mail volume.  Having suffered fourteen consecutive years of net losses, the Postal Service is projected to run out of funds entirely by 2024, threatening to worsen delays and service reductions that are already hampering the ability of New Yorkers to receive their mail and deliveries on time.  The Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 enacts several overdue changes to address these financial challenges, improve mail delivery and support postal workers and retirees, including: *     Welcoming all future postal retirees into Medicare, delivering quality health care to our committed public servants while saving the Postal Service $22.6 billion over the next decade. *     Repealing a burdensome requirement forcing the Postal Service to prefund retirees’ health care 75 years in advance, saving $27 billion over the next decade. *     Promoting reliable delivery and transparency through a public-facing, online dashboard featuring national and local level service performance data. *     Codifying the Postal Service’s longtime tradition of delivering mail and packages six days per week.  *     Allowing the Postal Service to raise additional revenues by offering non-commercial property and services to state, local and tribal governments.   “The pandemic has reminded New Yorkers of the extent to which we rely on the Postal Service for timely deliveries – from prescription drugs to mail-in ballots and holiday gifts to paychecks and Social Security payments. I am proudly committed to providing our diligent postal workers with the tools to get the job done for the American people.  With this bill becoming law this week, Democrats have taken a key step forward in bolstering mail service for every community across New York City,” Espaillat concluded.     Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his third term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities. He is also a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Second Vice Chair and is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, where he serves as Deputy Whip. Representative Espaillat also currently serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

New York City Insider: Espaillat Votes to Secure Additional Relief Funding for New York’s Restaurants and Small Businesses.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release April 7, 2022

Representative Adriano Espaillat Votes to Secure Additional Relief Funding for New York’s Restaurants and Small Businesses.   WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) voted to secure urgently needed relief for small businesses across New York. The Relief for Restaurants & Other Hard Hit Small Businesses Act will deliver $55 billion to replenish funding for New York restaurants. Additional funds will help establish a new program supporting other small businesses impacted by the pandemic. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of New York’s economy and are helping power our historic recovery,” said Rep. Espaillat.  “In our American Rescue Plan, Democrats created the Restaurant Revitalization Fund: a lifeline for nearly 28,000 New York businesses to help them reopen, recover and rehire.  I have met regularly with impacted restaurant owners and workers in my district and know first-hand the challenges the pandemic created for them on a daily basis. Today, I proudly voted for legislation that will provide additional relief and enable restaurants that weren’t able to take advantage of this program the first time to access essential relief in the wake of the omicron wave.  This bill will establish a new program to support New York’s hardest-hit small businesses – delivering assistance to businesses that have suffered revenue losses of at least 40 percent during the pandemic.  Democrats remain laser-focused on Building a Better America, and I will continue fighting to help entrepreneurs keep New Yorkers on payroll and continue serving our communities.”  Established through Democrats’ American Rescue Plan, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) distributed $28.6 billion to restaurants across the country – including $9.6 billion for nearly 28,000  New York businesses.  Due to its popularity, the program quickly exhausted its funding before more than 170,000 eligible businesses could access relief.  The Relief for Restaurants & Other Hard Hit Small Businesses Act will provide $42 billion to replenish the RRF so that these restaurants can apply for this assistance.  This legislation also takes action to support other struggling small businesses: *     Providing $13 billion to establish the Hard Hit Industries Award Program, which will assist New York small businesses with 200 or fewer employees that have experienced 40 percent or more in lost revenue. *     Updating the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program to provide New York entertainment venues with more time and flexibility to use federal relief funds.     Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his third term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities. He is also a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Second Vice Chair and is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, where he serves as Deputy Whip. Representative Espaillat also currently serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.