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 Hosts Telephone Townhall This week, Andrew held a telephone town hall where he took live questions from constituents, provided updates on his work in Congress, addressed concerns related to federal agencies, and shared helpful resources as more than 10,000 constituents tuned in. “I always value hearing directly from my constituents about the issues that matter most to them. The strong participation in this town hall shows how effective these events are in reaching a broad audience across my district,” Andrew said. “I’m grateful to everyone who took the time to join and provided me the opportunity to answer your questions directly.” He took questions and provided updates on a range of topics—from SALT and tariffs to proposed cuts to federal agencies. Check out some highlights here. ANDREW IN THE NEWS Feds bow to pressure, reinstate head of WTC Health Program " Rep. Andrew Garbarino, R-Long Island, announced Saturday that HHS had reversed its decision to terminate John Howard as it planned to lay off two-thirds of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health staffers. Howard oversees the World Trade Center Health Program and certifies health conditions for 9/11 first responders and survivors. His departure would have brought the program to a virtual halt, advocates said. Garbarino and other New York legislators immediately reached out to the White House, demanding Dr. Howard’s reinstatement. Dr. Howard was brought back into the fold Friday, advocates said. 'The firing of Dr. Howard and the subsequent impact on the World Trade Center Health Program was an unfortunate mistake, and we are deeply grateful for HHS’s swift action to reinstate him as Administrator of this critical program,' Garbarino said in a joint statement Saturday that also included Reps. Mike Lawler, Nick LaLota and Nicole Malliotakis. 'The Administration’s continued support of the program is encouraging, and we look forward to working together to address any remaining issues,'...'[We] want to thank Congressman Garbarino and the New York Republican members of Congress for to convince the Trump administration to reinstate Dr. Howard. They know that it is critical that Dr. Howard be able to continue his work on behalf of the 137,000 9/11 responders and survivors,' said Ben Chevat, executive director of Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act. " Click here to read the full article. WHAT'S NEW IN NY-02 Andrew Wishes NY-02 a Happy Passover As Passover continues, Andrew is wishing a happy and meaningful holiday to all NY-02 residents who are celebrating. This season is a time for reflection, tradition, and time with loved ones. Andrew hopes it brings peace and joy to all observing. Chag Pesach Sameach! Andrew Welcomes New Farmingdale State College President On Friday, Farmingdale State College held the inauguration of Dr. Robert S. Prezant as the 10th President of the college. To mark the occasion, Andrew provided an official Congressional Certificate of Recognition congratulating Dr. Prezant on his inauguration and acknowledging this important milestone in the college’s history. Andrew wishes President Prezant continued success as he leads Farmingdale State—a vital institution on Long Island—into its next chapter. Andrew Recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness about sexual violence, support survivors, and strengthen prevention and response efforts in our communities. That's why this week, local leaders, advocates, and community partners gathered at IBEW Local 25 for the Crime Victims Center’s annual “Just Do 1 Thing” press conference. The event brought together voices from government, law enforcement, healthcare, education, and labor to highlight the importance of prevention initiatives and support services for survivors. In recognition of the CVC’s continued leadership in this effort, Andrew provided a Congressional Certificate of Recognition and a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol to honor their work in Suffolk County and beyond. CASEWORK HIGHLIGHT: Standing Up For Veterans and Their Families A constituent reached out to Andrew’s office after facing months of delay in receiving a VA life insurance benefit following the passing of his father, a veteran, in September 2024. Although the claim was filed promptly, an error during the online process caused the benefit to be held up, and repeated outreach to the VA brought no resolution. Andrew’s casework team stepped in and worked directly with the agency to resolve the issue, and the benefit was finally deposited. Andrew remains committed to ensuring veterans and their families receive the support and benefits they’ve earned. 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 Votes To Advance The Reconciliation Process This week, Andrew voted to pass the Budget Resolution—a step that does not make any funding cuts to specific programs. Instead, it sets the stage for committees to begin work on the policy details of the reconciliation package. Andrew supported the resolution to move the process forward and ensure priorities like SALT relief, Medicaid protection, and other key commitments to the American people remain front and center. Andrew Stands With Local Workers Andrew held a productive meeting this week with Local 66 to discuss the importance of protecting Davis-Bacon and prevailing wage laws, which ensure that federally funded projects support local workers and uphold fair wages. He remains committed to working with labor partners to defend these standards and support the men and women who build and strengthen our communities. Andrew Votes To Protect the Integrity of Our Elections This week, Andrew voted in support of the SAVE Act. The bill reinforces what Andrew views as a commonsense principle rooted in the Constitution—that only American citizens should vote in American elections. Contrary to what some claim, the SAVE Act does not disenfranchise married women who have changed their name, or any other eligible voters. Please rest assured, every U.S. citizen who is currently eligible to vote will continue to have that right. The bill allows for standard forms of identification—such as a REAL ID, NYS Enhanced ID, passport, or military ID—and directs states to ensure those who have changed their names can still register without issue. Andrew supported the bill because it strengthens voter integrity while protecting the rights of all American citizens. It’s important to know that REAL IDs will be required to board domestic flights nationwide beginning May 7, 2025, in compliance with the REAL ID Act of 2005. Visit the DMV website for more information. For help renewing your passport, please don't hesitate to contact my office. 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