Email from Rep. Garbarino Weekly Newsletter from the Office of Congressman Andrew Garbarino If you were forwarded this email, click here to subscribe An update from the office of Congressman Andrew Garbarino SPOTLIGHT Andrew Fights For Long Island Priorities Safeguarding 9/11 Health Care Earlier this week, Dr. John Howard was dismissed as Administrator of the World Trade Center Health Program. Andrew immediately met with the White House to urge the Administration to reverse this unfortunate mistake, and yesterday he received word that the Department of Health and Human Services reinstated Dr. Howard to his position. Andrew will always fight to protect this program and the 9/11 heroes and survivors it serves. Read Andrew's joint statement with his New York colleagues applauding this decision. Demanding Real SALT Relief Andrew and California Congresswoman Young Kim, Republican co-chairs of the Congressional SALT Caucus, released a statement this week in response to reports that a $25,000 cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions is under consideration as part of budget reconciliation. The co-chairs reiterated that such a cap would be inadequate, falling far short of the relief families need, and emphasized their continued commitment to working with their colleagues to address the SALT deduction cap. Andrew is committed to securing meaningful SALT relief in the reconciliation package. Read their full statement here. ANDREW IN THE NEWS Blue state Republicans ready for fight to raise cap on state and local tax deduction " Lawmakers from high-tax blue states like New York, New Jersey and California have opposed the [State and Local Tax deduction] cap and have pushed for years to repeal it or at least increase it to provide some relief for their constituents. Mr. Trump has sided with Republicans who want some SALT relief but has not prescribed a specific solution. GOP leaders and tax writers have been trying to find a compromise that can pass through the narrow House and Senate majorities. Bloomberg reported earlier this week that Republicans are increasing the SALT deduction cap to as high as $25,000 for an individual. On Friday, Reps. Young Kim of California and Andrew Garbarino of New York, the Republican co-chairs of the SALT Caucus, put out a statement making clear that would not be enough to earn their support. 'A $25,000 SALT cap does not get close to bringing relief to families unfairly burdened by the current cap,' the lawmakers said. 'We remain committed to working with our colleagues to fulfill President Trump’s promise to address this pressing issue, and we look forward to a serious discussion.' " Click here to read the full article. WHAT'S NEW IN NY-02 Honoring a Dedicated Public Servant Andrew was proud to recognize Suffolk County Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition and a Capitol flown flag in honor of his service to the youth of Suffolk County. The award was presented at the SCC Scouting America, Sagtikos District’s Heart of the Community Award Dinner, where Presiding Officer McCaffrey was honored for his leadership and commitment to the community. The Heart of the Community Award highlights individuals who go above and beyond in their efforts to support and uplift the next generation. Celebrating a True American Hero Yesterday in Sayville, Andrew had the honor of recognizing a remarkable milestone— the 100th birthday of World War II veteran, Kenneth Rehm, who bravely served our nation. To mark the occasion, Andrew provided a Congressional Certificate of Recognition and a Capitol flown flag in the veteran’s honor. This tribute reflects the deep gratitude we owe to the men and women who served in defense of our freedoms. Moments like this remind us of the strength, courage, and resilience of the Greatest Generation—and the importance of honoring their legacy in every community across our district. CASEWORK HIGHLIGHT: Preserving a Brother’s Service and Sacrifice Andrew’s office recently provided assistance to a constituent seeking help in obtaining his late brother’s military records and medals. While the military records were among those tragically lost in the 1973 National Archives fire, Andrew's casework team worked with the National Personnel Records Center to ensure the service medals were located and provided to the family. Though the full records could not be recovered, the medals serve as a meaningful reminder of his brother’s honorable service. The constituent expressed sincere gratitude for the support and thanked Andrew for his continued commitment to veterans and their families across the district. Andrew knows how frustrating dealing with bureaucracy can be. That is why he has an entire team dedicated to helping constituents get what they need from the government. If you need help dealing with a federal agency, contact our office and our team will get to work on your case. KEEPING UP WITH CONGRESS Andrew Helps Introduce Bipartisan Hot Foods Act to Modernize SNAP Andrew has joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers to introduce the Hot Foods Act, legislation that would allow recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to use their benefits to purchase hot and ready-to-eat foods like rotisserie chickens, soups, and hot sandwiches. Right now, SNAP benefits can be used for cold or uncooked items—but not hot meals. “A working mom trying to put food on the table for her kids can use SNAP to buy a cold sandwich—but not a hot bowl of soup or a rotisserie chicken. That just doesn’t make sense,” Andrew said in a statement. “Outdated restrictions like this ignore the reality many families face.” Learn more here. Supporting The National September 11 Memorial and Museum Andrew is proud to support the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Commemorative Coin Act, legislation that directs the U.S. Mint to design and issue commemorative coins in honor of the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Proceeds from the sale of the coins—expected to be available in 2027—will support the mission of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. “As we approach 25 years since 9/11, we do so with the same resolve we felt in the days, weeks, and months that followed these attacks,” said Andrew. “This legislation helps uphold our promise to Never Forget by supporting the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum’s mission to honor the lives lost, recognize the courage and sacrifices of our first responders, and educate future generations about the impact of that day. I’m proud to join my colleagues in this effort and ensure that the stories of 9/11 are never lost to history.” Andrew Chairs Hearing on State and Local Cybersecurity Grants This week, Andrew chaired a hearing titled "Cybersecurity is Local, Too: Assessing the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program." The hearing brought together public and private sector experts to discuss how this program is supporting state and local governments in defending against cyber threats. As Chairman of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee, Andrew remains committed to ensuring that communities have the tools and resources they need to protect critical infrastructure. Watch the full hearing here. Honoring Lives Lost and Preserving a Legacy on Fire Island This week, Andrew helped reintroduce the Fire Island AIDS Memorial Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation that honors the lives lost in Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove during the AIDS epidemic and ensures future generations understand the lasting impact it had on the community. Andrew introduced the bill alongside Senator Kirsten Gillibrand as part of a shared commitment to recognizing the full scope of our history and supporting efforts to educate, remember, and honor those affected. Thanks for reading! Do you know someone who might like to receive these updates? Forward this email to your friends and families and tell them to click below to subscribe! Click Here To Subscribe Rep. Andrew R. Garbarino Congressman representing New York's 2nd Congressional District Washington, D.C. 2344 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-7896 Patchogue 31 Oak Street, Suite 20 Patchogue, NY 11772 Phone: (631) 541-4225 Rep. Garbarino | 2344 Rayburn House Office Building | Washington, DC 20515 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice