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 Standing With Law Enforcement During Police Week During National Police Week, the House of Representatives passed several important bills to support law enforcement officers. These measures reflect a strong, ongoing commitment to the men and women who risk their lives to keep communities safe. Andrew voted in favor of H.R. 2240, the Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act of 2025, which would enhance officer safety through improved data collection and reporting. He also supported H.R. 2243, the LEOSA Reform Act, to expand concealed carry rights for qualified law enforcement officers, and H.R. 2255, the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act, to allow federal officers to purchase and keep their service weapons upon retirement. In addition, Andrew helped reintroduce the Local Law Enforcement Protection Act, which safeguards qualified immunity protections for law enforcement officers serving at the state and local levels. "Qualified immunity has long protected law enforcement officers from being sued for doing their jobs when acting lawfully in the line of duty," Andrew said. "Police protect and serve our communities every day—we have a responsibility to stand with them, not tie their hands." Andrew remains committed to ensuring officers have the support, resources, and respect they deserve. He will always stand with our heroes in blue. ANDREW IN THE NEWS LI congressional Republicans hold the line on SALT cap lift as negotiations continue " Long Island House Republicans are doubling down on their demand that the massive budget bill backed by President Donald Trump include an increase to the existing $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions...House Speaker Mike Johnson — aware that he can only afford to lose three Republican votes in order to pass Trump’s plan in the chamber — has said he is willing to continue negotiating with the coalition of blue-state Republicans...Garbarino and LaLota were part of a group of so-called 'SALTy Republicans' who huddled with Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, on Tuesday evening and Thursday morning, to press for an increase beyond a proposed $30,000 cap for households earning $400,000 or less that was passed by the House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday. LaLota and Garbarino said because of the nature of negotiations they could not disclose what dollar amount they are shooting for, but during negotiations they continue to invoke Trump’s campaign pledge to 'get SALT back,'...'It’s about being fair — we are being taxed on dollars that we're already spending,' Garbarino said. 'It was the reason why the original deduction was created,'...LaLota and Garbarino said they are constantly reminding other lawmakers that New York is a so-called 'donor state,' whose taxpayers send more money to Washington than the state receives back in federal funding. " Click here to read the full article. WHAT'S NEW IN NY-02 Lindenhurst Fire Department Installation Dinner At this year’s Lindenhurst Fire Department Installation Dinner, several dedicated members were recognized for their extraordinary service. Honorees included Ex-Chief Robert Pflug, James Rochel, Philip Santoli, and John Sredniawski for 50 years of service; Ex-Chief Al Gosline and William Kraft for 60 years of service; and Howard Rutherig Jr. for 70 years of service. The department also recognized outgoing Chief David Collins. Andrew was proud to provide Congressional Certificates of Recognition and Capitol-flown American flags in honor of their long and faithful service on behalf of our community. Recognizing NYPD TOP COPS Honorees This week, Andrew proudly recognized two NY-02 constituents from Babylon—NYPD Sergeant Christopher Leap and NYPD Detective Fabio Gonzalez—who received Honorable Mentions in the 2025 TOP COPS Awards from the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO). These prestigious awards honor officers who go above and beyond the call of duty. Sergeant Leap and Detective Gonzalez exemplify the courage, dedication, and commitment to public safety that these awards celebrate. Andrew thanks them—and all law enforcement officers—for their service and sacrifice in protecting our communities. Hundreds Turn Out for SCPD Family Day Hundreds of Long Islanders came out to support the police during Suffolk County Police Department Family Day. Different units within the SCPD set up their equipment for kids and families to see and enjoy. Andrew applauds this show of community support for the men and women of law enforcement. STARTING TODAY: Free Cardiac Screenings for EMS Personnel From May 18th through May 24th, during EMS Week, Catholic Health Services will be offering free cardiac screenings for eligible EMS personnel. This simple, non-invasive test—a coronary calcium score scan—can help detect coronary artery disease before symptoms appear or a heart attack occurs. Andrew encourages EMS personnel in NY-02 to take advantage of this potentially life-saving opportunity and help spread the word to colleagues across Long Island. To schedule a free appointment, call (631) 465-6880 and use code “EMS Week.” Testing is available at Catholic Health locations in West Islip, Smithtown, Bethpage, Commack, Centereach, and more. CASEWORK HIGHLIGHT: Securing Disability Benefits A Patchogue resident recently reached out to Andrew’s office for assistance with his Social Security Disability benefits, specifically regarding a delay in receiving his back pay. Andrew’s casework team contacted the Social Security Administration on his behalf to help resolve the issue. Thanks to those efforts, the agency released the full back pay owed to the constituent. 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 Fights For Tax Relief Budget negotiations remain underway, and Andrew, as Co-Chair of the SALT Caucus, spent this week holding the line against the continuation of the unfair cap on the amount of State and Local Taxes (SALT) Long Islanders can deduct on their federal tax returns. For nearly a decade, middle-class families have suffered under double taxation. Andrew is working with his fellow New Yorkers and SALT Caucus colleagues to reach an agreement with House leadership that will raise the current $10,000 SALT deduction cap and provide meaningful tax relief. Stay tuned for more updates as negotiations develop. Andrew Questions DHS Secretary Noem During this week’s full Homeland Security Committee hearing, “A New Era of Homeland Security: A Review of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the Department of Homeland Security,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem testified on the Administration’s proposed budget for the department. As Chairman of the Committee’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee, Andrew questioned Secretary Noem on the path forward for critical cybersecurity initiatives, the role of CISA, and ongoing efforts to protect our nation’s critical infrastructure. Watch here. Andrew Chairs Hearing on Reauthorizing the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act Andrew chaired a Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee hearing this week focused on the reauthorization of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) of 2015. With the law set to expire in September, the hearing examined next steps for strengthening cybersecurity collaboration across sectors. Andrew will continue working with public and private sector experts to ensure the path forward protects our national cyber defense. Watch the full hearing. Andrew Welcomes Transatlantic Friends of Israel to the Capitol As U.S. Co-Chair of the Transatlantic Friends of Israel (TFI), Andrew was honored to join the American Jewish Committee in welcoming international TFI members to the U.S. Capitol for a roundtable discussion on shared security and democratic values. Israel is one of America’s closest and most important allies, and TFI plays a vital role in strengthening the U.S.-EU-Israel partnership. Andrew remains firmly committed to standing with Israel and supporting the transatlantic alliance that defends our mutual interests. 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