New York City Insider: Espaillat Statement on Appropriations Committee Fiscal Year 2023 Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Funding Bill.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release June 29, 2022

Representative Adriano Espaillat Statement on Appropriations Committee Fiscal Year 2023 Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Funding Bill.   Legislation lowers costs for working families, creates good-paying jobs, invests in clean energy, and rebuilds water infrastructure   WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement during yesterday’s House Appropriations Committee markup to approve the fiscal year 2023 Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies bill:  “I rise in strong support of this year’s energy and water federal funding bill. As the nation grapples with soaring gasoline prices, it is critical that we not only lower energy costs for American families but enact policies to protect them from high energy prices in the future. This bill does just that by increasing our investment in clean and renewable energy efforts. And for the first time ever, this bill includes $100 million for the Defense Production Act Domestic Clean Energy Accelerator, a new program at the Department of Energy meant to fund domestic manufacturing of renewable energy technologies.   “The measures set out in this funding bill make clear that Congress is prioritizing clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and clean water—especially in disadvantaged communities that have been historically marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution.  “Furthermore, this bill includes vital funding to support the work of the Army Corps of Engineers— for fiscal year 2023, the bill provides a total of $8.889 billion, an increase of $545 million above the fiscal year 2022 level. This Corps funding will allow the agency to continue its excellent work, including the New York and New Jersey Harbor Tributaries Focus Area Study which will advise a comprehensive plan for managing future potential coastal storm risks facing the region, including those from predicted sea level and extreme weather events. The Corps plays an integral role in working with governmental partners to help reduce risks to coastal areas and improve resilience to coastal hazards, including natural disasters which have ravished many coastal communities including the Bronx and Harlem, which I proudly represent. I am pleased to support this increased investment and look forward to working with this committee and the Corps to protect coastal communities through nature-based solutions.  “Finally, this bill incentivizes growing the STEM workforce pipeline across the Department of Energy disciplines by encouraging student research participant programs, supporting pre-college research and internship programs, and mentoring experiences to engage high schools locally.   “We must support the next generation of innovators who will build upon and maximize the impact of not only this funding bill but the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s investment. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote YES on this bill.”   For 2023, the Energy and Water bill provides $56.275 billion, an increase of $3.4 billion above the fiscal year 2022 level. The legislation: * Helps lower energy costs by strengthening America’s energy independence * Creates tens of thousands of good-paying jobs with a focus on deploying clean energy technologies and the green jobs of tomorrow in communities across the country * Confronts the climate crisis with more than $16 billion of transformative investments in clean energy and science, which will help develop clean, affordable, and secure American energy * Rebuilds our nation’s water infrastructure, critical to protecting communities from more frequent and severe storms and to addressing the worsening western drought * Strengthens our national security by providing for a safe and secure nuclear deterrent and protects our environment by funding legacy nuclear cleanup work   A summary of the bill is here. The text of the draft bill is here. The bill report, before the adoption of amendments in full Committee, is here. In keeping with the Appropriations Committee’s commitment to transparency, information on Community Project Funding in the bill is 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: Representative Adriano Espaillat Statement in Response to Reversal of Roe v. Wade.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release June 24, 2022

Representative Adriano Espaillat Statement in Response to Reversal of Roe v. Wade.   NEW YORK, NY – Today, in the wake of the United States Supreme Court’s decision this morning to overturn Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement: “The Supreme Court’s decision to abolish the reproductive rights recognized in Roe and Casey relegates women and others to second class status, delegitimizes the Supreme Court, and erodes our nation’s commitment to the rule of law,” said Rep. Espaillat. “Millions of women in America today lost a fundamental constitutional protection – and the freedom of choice. As Justices Breyer, Sotomayor, and Kagan stated in their dissenting opinion, the legitimacy of the Court is earned over time and ‘it can be destroyed much more quickly.’   “On this day, women across this nation woke up with less reproductive rights than the generation of women before them,” Espaillat continued. “This decision will disproportionately harm women of color, women living in poverty, and undocumented women who will be unable to travel. Banning freedom of choice does not prevent individuals from seeking out and receiving abortions and potentially putting their health at risk and lives in danger as studies indicate that pregnancy-related deaths will increase by 21 percent by restricting reproductive rights.  "We are supposed to preserve and protect the people of our country as a matter of justice – and the Supreme Court’s conservative majority has done the exact opposite. It is unconscionable that on the same week that the Supreme Court overturned New York’s century-long gun law regulating who can carry a concealed handgun, the Supreme Court permits states to regulate a person’s bodily autonomy. It is unimaginable that in our nation as strong as ours, this has been allowed to happen. “While I am grateful to represent the 13th congressional district of New York where reproductive rights are protected, we must not forget about the millions of people who live in states that will criminalize a person's right to choose and seek to control their bodies. This day will forever be remembered as a day when the Supreme Court obliterated decades of progress for equality and reproductive justice. It is clear that there are some that do not regard our rights and liberties as immutable. These protections require our ardent attention and protection. I remain committed to correcting this wrong, adding Justices to the Supreme Court, and ensuring the fight for reproductive justice continues.” 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: Reps. Espaillat, Lee, Torres, Watson Coleman, Aguilar, Meng Decry Adoption of Title 42 to Homeland Security Funding Bill for FY2023.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release June 24, 2022

Reps. Espaillat, Lee, Torres, Watson Coleman, Aguilar, Meng Decry Adoption of Title 42 to Homeland Security Funding Bill for FY2023.  Amendment to FY2023 DHS Appropriations Bill Prolongs Border Expulsion Policy Under Title 42.   WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Grace Meng (NY-06), Pete Aguilar (CA-31), Norma J. Torres (CA-35),  Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Barbara Lee (CA-13) released the following joint statement in response to the attempt to codify Title 42 during the Appropriations Committee's markup of the fiscal year 2023 Homeland Security bill.   “Title 42 is not an immigration authority, but a public health authority employed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and codifying this horrific policy does not serve any legitimate health or safety goals,” said the members. “Title 42 prevents the ordinary operation of our asylum laws in the United States, and immigration and public health professionals have shown that the order does not function as a border management tool and was never really about public health but rather was cloaked in bigotry and hate. Maintaining Title 42 puts individuals in great danger, worsens the situation at the border, and serves no valid public health aims. This change will have serious, long-term repercussions for future government actions and civil society. “It is particularly harmful to make Title 42’s rescission and asylum access contingent on termination of the COVID-19 emergency declaration, a decision with widespread public health and safety ramifications,” the members continued. “The decision to end the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration is an incredibly consequential one. The termination will restrict or eliminate the government's ability to respond to public health issues associated with COVID-19, including the granting of waivers or changes to the criteria for Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP. “We are deeply troubled that this Committee has adopted a measure to prolong the shameful Title 42 and hold it victim to the National public health crisis. Connecting asylum access to the requirements of millions of people in need of public health care will unduly politicize both immigration and public health, with negative results for both. We are committed to working with our colleagues to fully restore asylum access and stop the adoption of legislation that would extend this Trump administration policy and we vehemently oppose the amendment to extend Title 42,” the members 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: Representative Adriano Espaillat Statement on Full Appropriations Committee Markup of Fiscal Year 2023 Defense Funding Bill.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release June 22, 2022

Representative Adriano Espaillat Statement on Full Appropriations Committee Markup of Fiscal Year 2023 Defense Funding Bill.   NEW YORK, NY – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) delivered the following remarks during today's House Appropriations Committee markup of the fiscal year 2023 Defense bill: "There is bipartisan consensus in Congress to support this Defense Appropriations Bill, especially as war rages in Ukraine. I hope that we can also achieve bipartisan consensus to increase funding for education, COVID relief efforts, health care, crime prevention initiatives, and programs that help hard-working families who are struggling to get by. "I will vote in favor of this bill because it contains several important provisions, including: $300 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative; $225 million for the Baltic Security Initiative, supporting; three NATO allies on the frontlines of Russian aggression - Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania; and at least $5 million to expand Fisher Housing. My district has a Fisher House in the Bronx, which supports veteran families of patients receiving care at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center. "Additionally, there is $2.5 billion in clean energy and climate adaptation to protect facilities, readiness, and global security; more than $500 million to address violence against women with funding to tackle sexual assault in the military. "Funding is also included to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, limit our involvement in Yemen, and protect the Reproductive Rights of Servicemembers. "I support decreasing the Defense Budget so that we can reallocate those funds to programs that invest in programs that expand opportunities in our society." Today's legislation provides $761.681 billion in discretionary spending, an increase of $33.207 billion above 2022, and aligns with President Biden’s budget request, a funding level also endorsed by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. 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 Adriano Espaillat Hosts Community PRIDE Breakfast.

 

For Immediate Release June 22, 2022

Representative Adriano Espaillat Hosts Community PRIDE Breakfast. Honoring Maite Junco, Vice Chancellor for Communications and Marketing at the City University of New York; Curtis D. Young, Executive Director, Artistic Noise; Allen Roskoff, Activist and New York City Leader; and Leigh Howard, Vice President, 1199SEIU. Sunday, June 26th at 8:30 a.m.  WASHINGTON, DC – Join Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) this Sunday, June 26 at 8:30 a.m. for a breakfast celebrating members of the LGBTQIA+ community at The Chipped Cup located at 3610 Broadway, New York, NY 10031. This weekend’s Pride Month celebration will be held in collaboration with New York City Council Member Shaun Abreu, New York City Council Member Carmen De La Rosa, NYS Assembly Member Al Taylor, and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine.  Special guests and honorees for this year's event include New York City community leaders Maite Junco, Vice Chancellor for Communications and Marketing at the City University of New York; Curtis D. Young, Executive Director, Artistic Noise; Allen Roskoff, Activist and New York City Leader; and Leigh Howard, Vice President, 1199SEIU. New York City is home to the largest LGBTQ+ community in the nation, and this weekend, leaders and allies will gather  celebrate these members of our community this Pride Month and acknowledge the significant contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community throughout our region.   WHO: Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) NYC Councilmember Shaun Abreu NYC Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa NYS Assemblymember Al Taylor Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine Honorees: Maite Junco, Vice Chancellor, Communications and Marketing, CUNY Curtis D. Young, Executive Director, Artistic Noise Allen Roskoff, Activist and New York City Leader Leigh Howard, Vice President, 1199SEIU  WHAT: A community breakfast celebrating members of the LGBTQIA+ community WHEN: Sunday, June 26 at 8:30 a.m. EDT WHERE: The Chipped Cup, 3610 Broadway, New York, NY 10031   All events are public and residents are required to RSVP prior to attendance by emailing RSVP.Espaillat@mail.house.gov or calling 212-497-5959.

New York City Insider: Representative Adriano Espaillat Statement In Response to Harlem Mass Shooting.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release June 20, 2022

Representative Adriano Espaillat Statement In Response to Harlem Mass Shooting.   NEW YORK, NY – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement in response to this weekend's mass shooting in Harlem that resulted in the death of college basketball star Darius Lee and injured eight others.  “My heart goes out to the family and loved ones of Darius Lee— a fine gentleman, scholar, and rising star basketball player for Houston Baptist University who was killed in his hometown of Harlem last night due to senseless gun violence," said Espaillat. "Darius was loved by his family, friends, community, and teammates and I demand that justice be brought to his untimely death.  "My thoughts are also with the gunshot victims who suffered injuries as a result of the mass shooting that shook our community last night heading into the early morning. Gun violence is a national public health crisis, and I urge my Senate colleagues to move swiftly in enacting legislation that will help prevent future mass shootings.  "This afternoon I spoke with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and the New York Police Department’s Manhattan North Deputy Chief of Police Olufunmilola 'Lola' Obe—and they both have assured me that an investigation is ongoing and that they are working to apprehend the shooters. Community leaders will issue a community response soon.  "I strongly urge anyone who may have witnessed the mass shooting to come forward and help bring the suspects responsible to justice. Anyone with information regarding the mass shooting can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on Twitter @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential. The Harlem community and the nation mourns this grave loss.” 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 Adriano Espaillat Hosts Puerto Rican Day Community Breakfast.

 

For Immediate Release June 10, 2022

Advisory: Representative Adriano Espaillat Hosts Puerto Rican Day Community Breakfast. Espaillat, in collaboration with NYC Council Member Diana Ayala and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, Recognize Puerto Rican Heritage and Honorees Making a Difference in the District.   NEW YORK, NY –  Join Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), New York City Council Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine on Sunday, June 12th at 9:00 a.m. (EDT) during a community breakfast to recognize the rich Puerto Rican heritage and history in New York City. The breakfast will be held at the Santiago Beer Garden located at 2337 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10035.   During this year's commemorative event, the elected officials will honor: Maria Cruz, Executive Director, Taino Towers; Jorge Ayala, Owner, Fonda Boricua; and Lymaris Albors, CEO, Acacia Network - for their ongoing respective contributions to the Puerto Rican community and throughout New York City.   WHO: Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) NYC Council Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine WHAT: Community Breakfast Recognizing Puerto Rican Heritage WHERE: Santiago Beer Garden, 2337 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10035 WHEN: Sunday, June 12, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. (EDT) Please RSVP for the event by emailing RSVP.Espaillat@mail.house.gov or by calling 212-497-5959.

New York City Insider: Espaillat, Escobar Resolution Declares Gun Violence a Public Health Crisis.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release June 10, 2022

Espaillat, Escobar Resolution Declares Gun Violence a Public Health Crisis.   WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Veronica Escobar (TX-16) introduced H.Res.1165 - a resolution declaring gun violence a public health crisis. The Espaillat-Escobar resolution: Urges a whole-of-government effort to address the gun violence public health crisis and ensure the safety of all children; Urges the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to continue its work utilizing the 4-step public health approach to violence prevention and collaborate with other Federal Government agencies to resolve the gun violence public health crisis; Urges the Surgeon General to issue a report on firearm injuries and violence prevention;   Supports the resolutions drafted, introduced, and adopted by cities, localities, and States across the Nation declaring gun violence a public health crisis or emergency;   Commits the House of Representatives to ending the gun violence public health crisis so that all people can enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.   “Addressing the daily horrific acts of violence that take the lives of our children and loved ones should be among our nation’s top priorities,” said Congressman Espaillat. “In my district, gun violence has taken the lives of one too many – including Krystal Baron-Nieves in East Harlem, NYPD Officers Rivera and Mora in Harlem, and severely injuring an 11-month-old in the Bronx who only recently was released from the hospital, and many others. This resolution calls for a whole-of-government effort and commits the House to ending the gun violence public health crisis.” “The gun violence epidemic in our country has long been a public health crisis," said Congresswoman Escobar. "Today’s resolution acknowledges the severity of this issue, urging our nation to designate the appropriate federal resources to the tragically high number of communities impacted by gun violence while also working to prevent the next tragedy. We must commit to ending this public health crisis so that future generations of Americans can live worry-free from the impacts of gun violence.” "YWCA is devastated and outraged at the ongoing gun violence epidemic impacting our communities," said YWCA USA CEO Margaret Mitchell. "As the largest network of domestic violence and sexual assault service providers, YWCAs see firsthand the need to take immediate action to address this growing public health crisis. YWCA applauds the introduction of this resolution that lifts up the intersection of gun violence and domestic violence and also highlights the real threats YWCAs experience each day in our communities while working to meet the needs of the survivors and families we serve. The time for our legislators to implement common sense measures to keep our communities safe is NOW. We urge the House to pass this legislation without delay." The resolution is cosponsored by: Reps. Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Juan Vargas (CA-51), Emanuel Cleaver II (MO-05), Jim Cooper (TN-05), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), John B. Larson (CT-01), and Dwight Evans (PA-03), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Thomas Suozzi (NY-03), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Eric Swalwell (CA-15), John Garamendi (CA-03), Tony Cardenas (CA-29), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Albio Sires (NJ-08), Anthony G. Brown (MD-04), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Caroline B. Maloney (NY-12), Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Dina Titus (NV-01), Danny Davis (IL-07), Andre Carson (IN-07), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), David Trone (MD-06), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Zoe Lofgren (CA-19), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Jim Himes (CT-04), Jim Cooper (TN-05), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Colin Allred (TX-32).  Endorsing Organizations: Giffords, March for Our Lives, National Education Association, Newton Action Alliance, YWCA USA, Maine Gun Safety Coalition, CT against Gun Violence, Ceasefire PA, Orange Ribbons For Gun Safety, Gun Sense Vermont, Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort, TX Gun Sense.   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 Adriano Espaillat Votes to Empower Communities to Prevent Gun Violence Through Extreme Risk Protection Orders.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release June 9, 2022

Representative Adriano Espaillat Votes to Empower Communities to Prevent Gun Violence Through Extreme Risk Protection Orders.   WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) voted to empower communities to prevent incidents of gun violence before they occur.  The Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act empowers family members and law enforcement to seek a federal court order to temporarily remove access to guns from those who pose a danger to themselves or others, while incentivizing states to adopt their own so-called “red flag laws.” “America’s daily drumbeat of gun violence continues to inflict terror and grief on families in New York and across the nation,” said Rep. Espaillat. “Building on yesterday’s passage of our landmark gun safety package, House Democrats proudly passed another common-sense measure: empowering communities to keep guns away from those who pose a threat to themselves or others.  By allowing federal courts to issue extreme risk protection orders, this new legislation will help keep deadly weapons out of dangerous hands.  Extreme risk laws are saving lives, already implemented effectively across 19 states, including New York.  As we fight to get life-saving gun safety legislation over the finish line, House Democrats remain committed to bringing our nation’s gun violence epidemic to an end once and for all.”  In recent weeks, Americans have witnessed horrific mass shootings in Uvalde, Texas and Buffalo, New York – and just this past weekend, at least thirteen mass shootings terrorized more communities across the country.  A study by Everytown for Gun Safety found that most mass shooters exhibit warning signs before carrying out an attack.  But without an extreme risk law, family and law enforcement lack the ability to temporarily disarm individuals considering acts of violence.  The Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act will allow family members and law enforcement officers to petition a federal court for an extreme risk protection order, empowering federal judges to prevent tragic shootings by temporarily removing firearms from potentially dangerous individuals.  Additionally, this legislation will establish a new grant program at the U.S. Department of Justice, incentivizing more states to allow their courts to take this same life-saving action.  Yesterday, Rep. Espaillat voted for the Protecting Our Kids Act, a robust legislative package of common-sense gun safety measures that will crack down on illegal gun trafficking, keep weapons of war out of the hands of teenagers, ban high-capacity magazines and bump stocks for civilian use, strengthen safe gun storage, impose background checks on untraceable “ghost guns” and more.  This legislation builds on the Democratic House’s twice-passed, widely-popular legislation to secure universal background checks for gun purchases and close the Charleston Loophole – action that is supported by nearly nine in ten Americans.      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 Adriano Espaillat Attends Summit of the Americas.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release June 9, 2022

Representative Adriano Espaillat Attends Summit of the Americas. Led by Speaker Pelosi, Espaillat Joins Congressional Delegation to Further U.S. Relations Throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.   WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) departed Washington as part of a Congressional delegation led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the Ninth Summit of the Americas.  The summit, which is being hosted by the U.S. State Department, will focus on “Building a Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable Future” for the Western Hemisphere.  “Our delegation heads to the Summit of the Americas to make crystal clear that the Congress remains fully committed to advancing security, prosperity and democracy in the Western Hemisphere,” said Speaker Nancy Pelosi.  “Nearly three decades after the United States hosted the first Summit of the Americas, President Biden, Vice President Harris and Secretary Blinken are convening leaders of the Americas at a pivotal moment.  Right now, our nations are grappling with serious and urgent challenges: long-standing economic inequality, the climate emergency, the migration crisis and the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, while at the same time we continue to confront Russia’s brutal aggression against Ukraine.  In Los Angeles, our Members will engage with key leaders of our neighbors in the region as we embrace an ambitious, wide-reaching agenda aimed at sustainable, resilient and equitable development – now and for decades to come. It is my privilege as Speaker to lead this knowledgeable and experienced delegation, which includes many Chairs of relevant committees, subcommittees and caucuses related to the subjects that are the focus of our engagements.  We look forward to an informative and productive trip.”  “The Summit of the Americas brings together heads of state, industry, and diplomatic corps from the Western Hemisphere and is an opportunity for the United States to reaffirm our commitment and responsibility to build a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future across the region,” said Rep. Espaillat. “As we participate with leaders from the Americas during this momentous week at the summit, I look forward to discussing concrete legislative ideas with leaders to reassure our neighbors and partners that our nation is invested in a thriving Western Hemisphere and will work toward fulfilling our promise to ensuring a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future throughout the region.”  This week, Rep. Espaillat published an Op-Ed detailing how “we must bring concrete legislative ideas to the table to reassure our neighbors and partners in the Western Hemisphere that we are invested in a thriving Western Hemisphere.”  Additionally, Rep. Espaillat introduced the Opportunities in the Americas Act, to expand critical supply chains in the Americas and economic opportunity throughout the Western Hemisphere, as well as the Las Americas Energy Security Act to establish a sovereign lending program in the Western Hemisphere that will support our partners during this critical time, when energy prices and climate change pose a direct threat to the stability of the region. These two initiatives complement Espaillat’s bipartisan bill, the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Act, which passed the House and reaffirms our commitment to security and prosperity in the Caribbean.    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: Reps. Espaillat and Cherfilus-McCormick Introduce Opportunities in the Americas Act.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release June 6, 2022

Representatives Espaillat and Cherfilus-McCormick Introduce Opportunities in the Americas Act.  Bill Aims to Bolster Trade and Strengthen Relationships throughout Latin American & Caribbean.   WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) introduced legislation to promote clean energy infrastructure and advance strategic investments throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.  “As our nation launches the Ninth Summit of the Americas, it remains critical that we advance legislation that reaffirms our commitment to supporting our partners in the Western Hemisphere, while also advancing our national security,” said Rep. Espaillat. “Bolstering economic integration and supporting energy infrastructure  in the Americas will lower shipping costs, further commercial ties, increase investment opportunities, and expand opportunities in the region, which are crucial for our continued growth and development. As a Caribbean Caucus member, I am proud to be joined by Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick to introduce this legislation as we continue our unified efforts to strengthen U.S. relations in Latin American and the Caribbean.” “This week I will travel to the Ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, CA. Throughout, the United States has demonstrated, and will continue to demonstrate, our commitment to a process that incorporates input from people and institutions that represent the immense diversity of the Western Hemisphere. The United States has long turned to trade policy as a foundation for supporting economic development and political stability in the Western Hemisphere. The introduction of the Opportunities in the Americas Act will further enhance that development and stability. This bill will show that the United States is committed to strengthening and deepening our trade relationship with the hemisphere as well as celebrating its important contributions to the world,” said Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick. The Opportunities in the Americas Act will reinforce commercial relationships with Latin American and Caribbean partners as well as expand supply chains throughout the Americas. Additionally, the bill will:  •           improve grid and energy efficiency in the Western Hemisphere to encourage investment, enhance living conditions, and develop clean energy; •           advance our national security by increasing supply chain resiliency; •           grant low-interest loans to businesses already engaged in Latin America or the Caribbean, to expand their operations; and •           provide low-interest loans to businesses that relocate from the People’s Republic of China to a Latin American or Caribbean country that is a party to a free trade agreement with the United States.   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/.