Email from Rep. Malliotakis Here's a quick update on what I've been working on during a busy few weeks in Washington, DC, Staten Island and Southern Brooklyn   My friend, Here's a quick update on what I've been working on during a busy few weeks in Washington, DC, Staten Island, and Southern Brooklyn... HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE HILL HONORED FOR ADVANCING ANIMAL PROTECTION LEGISLATION I was honored as a Legislative Leader by the Humane World Action Fund for my commitment to advancing multiple pieces of animal protection legislation in Congress. As a member of the Animal Protection Caucus, I made rescuing animals from abusive environments and ending inhumane & necessary animal testing priorities. This month, I was pleased with the FDA’s decision to phase out some animal testing in favor of safer and more reliable modern alternatives. CRACKING DOWN ON ANTISEMITISM ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES When New York colleges have allowed antisemitism to run rampant, people march in the streets waving Hamas and Hezbollah flags without accountability & hate crimes are reduced or dropped entirely, it allows antisemitism to fester. That is why I reintroduced the University Accountability Act along with Rep. Elise Stefanik & Rep. Claudia Tenney to hold institutions allowing antisemitism & other hate accountable to help foster a safe academic environment for all students. LEARN MORE PROTECTING MEDICAID, MEDICARE, AND SOCIAL SECURITY WATCH I joined my colleagues in urging House leadership to protect Medicaid and ensure that the final reconciliation package does not cut the benefits our seniors, disabled individuals, and most vulnerable citizens rely on. I am grateful to President Trump and Speaker Johnson for reaffirming their commitment to preserving Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. We can achieve significant savings while still protecting these vital programs. RESTORING THE WOMEN'S HEALTH INITIATIVE We are pleased that the administration has recognized the tremendous health and economic benefits of the Women’s Health Initiative and has halted the proposed cuts. This program, which costs just $10 million a year, has saved an estimated $35.2 billion in medical costs while dramatically improving the healthcare and lives of post-menopausal women — a true success story that deserves continued support. LEVELING THE TRADE PLAYING FIELD Since President Trump’s election, we’ve attracted $5 trillion in private investment, foreign and domestic companies have committed to "Made in USA" manufacturing, and countries have reduced tariffs or shifted their foreign policies. His efforts to level the playing field, reduce barriers to entry, repatriate manufacturing, and strengthen our supply chain are delivering real results for American workers, farmers, and our national security. At the same time, we must remain cautious and mindful of potential unintended consequences — a point I raised with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during our Ways and Means Committee hearing this month. WATCH WELCOMING THE 2024 WINNERS OF THE CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE It was an honor to host Brooklyn and Staten Island’s winning team in the 2024 Congressional App challenge and show them around our Nation’s Capitol. These bright students exemplify the talent that many of the younger generation in New York’s 11th district have, and display everyday!   IN THE DISTRICT RENEWED PUSH TO REIN IN TOUR HELICOPTERS FOLLOWING HUDSON RIVER CRASH I was joined by local residents and leaders of civic associations to address growing concerns over the frequency of helicopter tours following a recent tour helicopter crash in the Hudson River. I am calling for stricter regulations on non-essential helicopter tours, which frequently fly at low altitudes over densely populated residential neighborhoods including those on Staten Island. At a minimum, the FAA must impose strict altitude requirements, enforceable no-fly zones to protect residential neighborhoods, and a reduction in non-essential helicopter flights. READ MORE HELPED SECURE AGREEMENT TO PRESERVE AVIATOR SPORTS COMPLEX WITH NPS We’re pleased to hear that the National Park Service (NPS) has reached an agreement with Aviator Sports and Events Center to continue operating the outdoor facilities— including the sports fields, Green Meadows Farm, and golf—through April 14, 2026. Additionally, Chris Werstine of Aviator Hockey & Ice Figure Skating will take over operations of the interior facilities dedicated to hockey and figure skating programs. This announcement ensures continued access to the facility for both our community and the youth sports leagues that have long utilized Aviator. We thank Aviator Sports and Events Center and Aviator Hockey & Ice Figure Skating for their cooperation and partnership with the National Park Service, and we appreciate the unified efforts of parents and local elected officials who helped make this possible. SUPPORTING OUR SENIOR CITIZENS Stopped by local senior centers to say hello! One of my biggest priorities in Washington right now is to reduce the taxes senior citizens pay on their social security income. This month, I was also proud to introduce bipartisan legislation focused on expanding access to mental health care for seniors and individuals struggling with depression and substance abuse by incentivizing primary care providers to integrate behavioral healthcare into their practices. LEARN MORE REAL ID DEADLINE MAY 7 Next month on May 7, a REAL ID-compliant form of identification, such as a US passport, New York State Enhanced Driver’s License, or REAL ID driver’s license, will be required for domestic flights. Make your DMV appointment today at DMV.NY.GOV   IN CASE YOU MISSED IT   Hockey, skating, outdoor facilities at Aviator Sports to continue for another year U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis and Assemblymember Jaime Williams shared their thoughts about the news on social media. “This announcement ensures continued access to the facility for both our community and the youth sports leagues that have long utilized Aviator,” Malliotakis said. “We thank Aviator Sports and Events Center and Aviator Hockey & Ice Figure Skating for their cooperation and partnership with the National Park Service, and we appreciate the unified efforts of parents and local elected officials who helped make this possible.”   READ MORE Hochul, MTA set to blow off Trump April 20 deadline to kill congestion tolls Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island), a plaintiff in one of the many lawsuits seeking to block the tolls, accused the Hochul administration of violating federal law by pushing through congestion pricing without completing a “full” environmental study on the impact on neighborhoods throughout the Big Apple. “It’s not the first time the governor has violated our laws, right?” said Malliotakis Saturday at an unrelated press conference on Staten Island. “Whether it’s the sanctuary [city policies], state policy, whether it’s ignoring federal directives, this is just another example of how it’s rules for me, not for thee. They don’t want to comply with our federal law.”   READ MORE Bill seeking to combat thievery of tax refund checks passed by Congress In a win for Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, her bill looking to combat the thievery of tax refund checks passed through Congress’ House of Representatives Monday. The legislation is meant to give replacement checks to taxpayers who had their “tax refunds from the U.S. Treasury stolen in the mail” to be deposited directly in personal bank accounts, according to a written statement. Presently, the replacement checks are sent via snail mail, which could be subject to the same thievery as their predecessor check, the statement said. READ MORE Washington DC Office 1124 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-3371 Staten Island Office 1698 Victory Blvd Suite 2L Staten Island, NY 10314 (718) 568-2870 Brooklyn Office 7716 Third Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11209 (718) 306-1620   [link removed] Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) | 1124 Longworth House Office Building | Washington, DC 20515 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice