Email from Rep. Tenney Congresswoman Tenney's Weekly Newsletter   Have Questions? Contact Me Here In Memory of Charlie Kirk I am heartbroken by the tragic death of Charlie Kirk. My prayers are with his wife, Erika, and their children as they endure this unimaginable loss. Charlie dedicated his life to awakening young Americans to love their country and defend its values. He inspired countless students and future leaders to stand boldly for America. This horrific act has stolen a husband, a father, and a courageous voice for truth. As we grieve this devastating loss, may God bring comfort to Erika, their children, and all who loved him. Charlie’s legacy will live on in the generation he inspired to rise and fight for the future of our great nation. Supporting the FY26 NDAA and Strengthening America’s Defense This week, I voted in favor of passing the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which delivers on President Trump’s Peace through Strength agenda by fully funding our Armed Forces, deterring foreign adversaries, prioritizing American-made equipment, and restoring merit and accountability to the Department of War. This bill, which passed the House 231-196, provides our servicemembers with a pay raise, strengthens missile defense and border security, and eliminates the woke bureaucracy that has distracted from the military’s core mission. I was honored to secure 39 of my amendments, the most of any Member of Congress, including my FORKS Made in America Permanency Act, which will support good-paying jobs in Central New York while ensuring our troops use top-quality, American-made products. This NDAA reaffirms our commitment to deterring threats, defending freedom, and equipping those who serve, including our servicemembers at Fort Drum, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, and Rome’s Air Force Research Lab. Key Provisions in the FY26 NDAA: Provides junior enlisted servicemembers with a 3.8% pay raise . Reforms the defense acquisition process to fully equip our warfighters in a quicker, more cost-effective manner Strengthens deterrence against the Chinese Communist Party and foreign influence in U.S. supply chains and research institutions. Increases U.S.-Israel military cooperation and fully funds joint missile defense programs. Expands investments in the Indo-Pacific to bolster Taiwan’s defense and support regional allies. Cuts billions in inefficient programs and Pentagon bureaucracy. Supports President Trump’s Golden Dome for America to defend our nation. Abolishes the DEI bureaucracy, institutes merit-based promotions, and bans taxpayer funding for gender transition procedures. Includes H.R. 1919, the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act to ban the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency. Background on my Bill Included in the FY26 NDAA: FORKS Made in America Permanency Act of 2025 – This bill will require DoW to only purchase domestically produced stainless steel flatware. This will help support American manufacturers of stainless-steel flatware, such as Sherrill Manufacturing. In last year’s NDAA, I secured a 3-year mandate for the purchase of domestically produced stainless steel flatware, but this year’s provision would remove the sunset clause and make this mandate permanent.  My Key Amendments included in the FY26 NDAA: Prohibiting DoW from covering or furnishing gender-related medical treatment under TRICARE or the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). Prohibiting the Superintendent of a Service Academy from allowing a cadet or midshipman who is male from participating in an athletic program or activity that is designated exclusively for females. Prohibiting individuals from accessing or using single-sex spaces on military instillations which do not correspond to the biological sex of the individual. Authorizing APEX Accelerators to assist small businesses in acquiring procurement contracts for defense articles for AUKUS. Prohibiting the use of foreign social media platforms on all government-issued devices while on military instillations. Expressing that each NATO member state should annually commit to providing, at a minimum, 3.5 percent of GDP to core defense spending and an additional 1.5 percent of GDP to defense-related infrastructure spending to ensure NATO military readiness. Requiring the Secretary of War to compile a report and global mapping of the PRC’s efforts to build or buy strategic foreign ports. Extending the Vietnam Veteran Commemoration Program, which honors and recognizes Vietnam veterans for their service. Requiring the Secretary of the Air Force to submit a plan to Congress to recapitalize and modernize the Air National Guard's fighter fleet. This report must be made in consultation with the Director of the Air National Guard. Requiring the Department of War to address our dependence on Communist China for critical minerals. Meeting National Guardsmen Protecting DC I had the privilege of joining my colleagues in Congress for a walk on the National Mall alongside courageous National Guard members who are serving our nation with honor and distinction. These servicemembers stand on the front lines to keep our capital safe as President Trump works to make Washington, D.C., strong, secure, and beautiful once again. During the visit, I met with Guard members on patrol and expressed my deep gratitude for their service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to protecting our communities and defending our freedoms. Reauthorize Lifesaving Stem Cell Program I joined Congressman Chris Smith in introducing the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025, which will extend critical programs that provide lifesaving bone marrow and umbilical cord blood transplants. Since first becoming law in 2005, these initiatives have facilitated more than 135,000 transplants for patients battling leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell disease, and other devastating conditions, including children who depend on these therapies for survival. The 2025 reauthorization invests $280 million over five years to expand donor networks, improve access to treatment, and continue advancing ethical, effective research that saves lives without destroying embryos. This legislation ensures that families in Upstate New York and across the nation have a greater chance of finding a match and receiving the care they need at the moment they need it most. As your representative in Congress, my top priority is championing legislative initiatives that benefit you and your families. Each week, I review numerous bills and letters, engaging in thorough discussions with members of our community to determine which actions to support and address your needs. Below are a few bills I recently cosponsored. H.R. 309, the National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support and Community Outreach Act: This bill would temporarily direct the Department of the Interior to award grants to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund for the expenses associated with operating and enhancing the community outreach, public education, and officer safety and wellness programs of the National Law Enforcement Museum. The National Law Enforcement Museum is an organization that honors and commemorates the extraordinary service and sacrifice of America's law enforcement officers. I will always support our first responders and ensure that our communities continue to benefit from these outreach programs. H.R. 1410, the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025: This bill would modify the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) by updating the formula for determining the program’s annual funding and authorizing mental health providers to provide certain evaluations under the program. The WTCHP is a federal healthcare program that offers monitoring and treatment for certified medical conditions related to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, for first responders and survivors. We will never forget our brave 9/11 first responders, and we remain committed to supporting them and all the survivors facing ongoing health challenges. H.R. 2551, The Military Installation Retail Security Act of 2025: This bill would prevent companies owned or controlled by China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea from operating on military installations. Additionally, this bill would require national security reviews of existing on-base retailers with possible foreign ties and terminate existing contracts that lied about foreign ownership. Foreign companies owned by our adversaries that operate on military installations pose a national security risk. We must protect U.S. troops from hostile foreign influence by banning companies owned by adversarial nations from operating retail stores on U.S. military installations. Transparency in Congress and a well-informed electorate are vital to preserving our self-governing Constitutional Republic. My constituents deserve to know how their members of Congress vote, which is why I have explained every vote I have cast in Congress since I was first elected. To read more about my votes and see the full list with explanations of all the legislation considered this week by the House, please click here. Monday, September 8 I voted “Yes” on H.R. 3424, the SPACE Act of 2025. This bill requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to collaborate with tenants of federally leased space to better identify solutions with Federal agencies regarding shared-space arrangements and work to develop a set of criteria that would facilitate the expanded use of space-sharing. Many federal buildings throughout our nation are not being used cost-effectively, and agencies often fail to share space to fill vacancies. This bill supports the Trump administration's efforts to create a more efficient federal workforce and will save American tax dollars by consolidating the number of buildings our government owns, maintains, and pays for. This bill passed by a bipartisan vote of 397-1. I voted “Yes” on H.R. 3425, the Personnel Oversight and Shift Tracking Act of 2025. This bill requires the Director of the Federal Protective Service (FPS) to establish processes to improve safety at federal buildings, address security failures, improve training for contract guards, and make critical improvements to personnel tracking. The FPS is responsible for protecting nearly 9,000 federal facilities nationwide and oversees over 15,000 contract guard personnel. On March 11, 2025, the Government Accountability Office published a report that contract guards failed to detect prohibited items in about half of covert tests. This bill modernizes outdated security systems and strengthens accountability for the FPS to ensure federal spaces are safe for workers. This bill passed by a unanimous vote of 402-0. Wednesday, September 10 I voted “Yes” on H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. The FY26 NDAA is a decisive step forward in restoring America’s strength at home and abroad. This legislation rebuilds our defense industrial base, ensures our servicemembers have the best equipment and training in the world, and cuts out the woke bureaucracy that has distracted from the military’s core mission. It delivers a well-deserved pay raise to our troops, fully funds critical defense priorities like missile defense and border security, and invests in American manufacturing so we are never dependent on foreign adversaries for essential tools of defense. This bill also defunds the radical and woke policies by banning transgender mutilation surgeries, banning men from competing in women’s sports at service academies, and fully eliminates DEI and CRT programs. By implementing President Trump’s Peace through Strength agenda, this NDAA reestablishes our commitment to deterring threats, defending freedom, and providing for those who serve. This bill fully supports and equips all our nation’s servicemembers, including those serving at Fort Drum, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, and Air Force Research Lab-Rome. I am honored to have 39 of my amendments, including my FORKS Made in America Act included in this package, which will continue to support local jobs in Central New York while supplying our troops with top-quality products made in the USA. The bill passed the House by a vote of 231-196. Thursday, September 11 I voted “Yes” on H.R. 3486, the Stop Illegal Entry Act of 2025. This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase penalties for aliens who illegally enter or illegally reenter the United States. Specifically, this bill increases the maximum term of imprisonment from two years to five years for an alien who illegally enters the United States and between five years and life imprisonment for an alien who illegally enters the United States and is later convicted of any crime punishable by more than one year of imprisonment. Those who repeatedly enter the United States illegally should be held accountable, including those who commit crimes like drug smuggling and human trafficking. This bill supports the Trump administration in securing our borders and stopping those who would harm our communities. This bill passed by a bipartisan vote of 226-197. 24th Anniversary of 9/11 This week marked the 24th anniversary of September 11, 2001, a day that forever changed our nation. Nearly 3,000 innocent lives were taken in the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil. We remember the unmatched courage of the first responders who ran into danger, the families in New York and across America who still carry the pain of that day, and the servicemembers who stepped forward in its aftermath to defend our freedom. We will never forget. My team joined community leaders and veterans at the VA Medical Center in Batavia for a moving 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. The program honored the heroism of first responders on that tragic day, while reminding us of our responsibility to teach future generations the meaning of sacrifice, patriotism, and service. Veterans, volunteers, and staff gathered for the placing of a wreath, a 21-gun salute, and a display of 2,977 American flags, one for each life lost. This was a powerful tribute not only to those we lost but also to the servicemen and women who have defended our freedom in the years since. We also attended the 24th Anniversary Observance for Patriot Day at the American Legion Post 256 in Canandaigua. This solemn event honored the victims of 9/11 with remarks, reflection, and fellowship. Thank you to the leadership at Post 256, our local officials that attended, and the community that joined to ensure that we never forget this day and that we recognize those who lost their lives on this tragic day. Deputy Michael J. Finerson Bridge Dedication My team was honored to attend the dedication ceremony in Chaumont, where the community came together to rename the village’s newly renovated bridge in memory of Deputy Michael J. Finerson. Deputy Finerson, a Jefferson County sheriff’s deputy, was tragically killed in the line of duty 55 years ago while responding to a domestic dispute. This fitting tribute, made possible through the efforts of local leaders, ensures that his sacrifice and service will never be forgotten. We were inspired to see so many neighbors, law enforcement officers, and family members gather to celebrate his legacy and honor the enduring impact he left on Jefferson County. Serenity Vitality Café Ribbon-cutting My team was delighted to attend the ribbon-cutting for the new Serenity Vitality Café in Albion, a wonderful addition to our community that promotes healthy living and local entrepreneurship. Owners Doris and Lionel Heydel have created a welcoming space that pairs with their existing Serenity Spa and Holistic Center, offering everything from smoothies and quinoa bowls to farm-to-table dinners in their cozy setting. It was a pleasure to present Doris with a certificate on behalf of our office recognizing this exciting new venture, which will support wellness and foster economic growth in Orleans County. Successful Casework Story A Niagara County constituent applied for her Global Entry pass in 2023, providing all the requested information. The constituent was consistently checking for updates with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), only to be told her application was still processing. After waiting for over 22 months, she contacted my office, and our team worked with DHS to resolve this delay: [Your staff] was always professional and respectful. He understood my concerns and persevered until he reached a positive outcome. I appreciate all of his help and positivity. US Coast Guard Academy Admissions Workshop On Saturday, September 27, 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy will host an Admissions Workshop at USCG Station Rochester from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM. This event is open to high school students who want to learn more about the Coast Guard and the unique path offered through the Academy. I encourage all interested students and families to attend and take advantage of this chance to hear directly from Academy representatives. To register for this event, click here. Internship Opportunities My office is accepting applications for internships in both our Washington, D.C., and district offices. Interns play an important role in serving the people of NY-24, whether it’s assisting constituents, conducting legislative research, or supporting community outreach. This is a valuable opportunity to gain firsthand experience in public service, learn how Congress works, and make a real impact on our district. If you or someone you know is a motivated, hardworking individual with a passion for serving our communities, I encourage you to apply! To apply for an internship, click here. Need Help with a Federal Agency? Call us today. If you or someone you know ever needs assistance with a federal agency, we are just a phone call away and are ready to help you! Please contact my Canandaigua Office at 585-869-2060, my Oswego Office at 315-236-7088, or my Lockport Office at 716-514-5130. I am honored to have the opportunity to represent you. Have News or Updates to Share? Email Me! If you have updates regarding events in the community or other news to share from across New York's 24th District, please visit the "Contact Me" page on my website to share it with me. My team will try to include as many of your updates from around #NY24 as we can each week.     tenney.house.gov Rep. Tenney | 2230 Rayburn House Office Building | Washington, DC 20515 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice