Andrew recently introduced a House Resolution to officially recognize the Suicide Awareness and Remembrance (SAR) flag and designate September 22 as National Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day. The flag, inspired by the POW flag, has a black background to represent mourning, a gold star for all five branches of the military, and the words “Honor the Fallen” as a reminder that we must always stand with those who have served. Andrew noted that too many of our nation’s heroes return home only to be lost to the unseen wounds of war, and by recognizing the SAR flag and establishing a national day of observance, we honor their sacrifice, break the stigma around mental health, and reaffirm that America will never leave its heroes behind. Learn more here.

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The Republican-led House Committee on Homeland Security is probing a handful of social media companies following reports that Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer spent large swaths of time online and confessed the attack to friends on Discord, the committee exclusively told Semafor. In identical letters sent Monday to the CEOs of Discord, Twitch, Reddit, and to the chief operating officer of Microsoft-owned GitHub — copies of which were viewed by Semafor — the committee asked for documents and explanations for how they monitor and flag extremist content, share threats with law enforcement, and audit their platforms for vulnerabilities. Communications platforms, 'while serving as essential tools for legitimate privacy and free expression, have also been exploited to further extremist agendas,' wrote cosigners Reps. Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y., and August Pfluger, R-Texas, who chair the Homeland Security Committee and intelligence subcommittee, respectively. Two House Democrats were also copied on the letters. The inquiry challenges the extent to which social media companies are responsible when users engage with and confess to violence online. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act shields platforms from liability for what users post, leaving victims and their families with limited legal footing against them. Instead, pressure for companies to boost moderation efforts and report suspicious content has largely risen from Congress and the public. 'Lone wolf actors inspired by content shared online by extremist groups, often espousing radical ideologies, present significant challenges for law enforcement agencies, particularly as digital platforms can provide a hidden breeding ground for encouraging and coordinating acts of violence,' Garbarino said in an emailed statement to Semafor. 'The public and private sectors must work together to remain vigilant in this evolving threat landscape.'

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Andrew is once again joining community partners to organize an annual Haircuts for Vets event, which will take place NEXT WEEK on Sunday, October 5, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Capozzi & Co Salon in Sayville. The salon will close its doors to the public and dedicate the day to serving local heroes with free haircuts, food, and fellowship. The event will also feature veteran resources, giveaways, a senior medical ID program, and a service dog meet-and-greet. Andrew is deeply grateful to Capozzi & Co Salon for dedicating this day to our veterans and their families and is proud to continue this special annual tradition. Veterans can call 631-589-1133 to make an appointment.

Recently, Andrew was proud to provide a U.S. Capitol flown flag to Vietnam veteran Tony Guardino of Bay Shore after the American flag he displayed on his car window was stolen while he was visiting the Northport VA. In addition, Andrew’s team raised Tony’s concerns about security at the facility with VA officials to ensure his voice was heard. Andrew is deeply grateful for the service and sacrifice of our Vietnam veterans and thanks Tony for bringing these important concerns to his attention.

This week, the 10th annual America’s VetDogs 5K Run & Dog Walk took place as part of the Suffolk County Veteran Run Series. Participants wore red, white, and blue to honor and support veterans and first responders, with proceeds benefiting America’s VetDogs, an organization dedicated to providing service dogs that help veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders live with greater dignity, mobility, and independence. The family-friendly event welcomed dogs to join in the run or walk and also offered a virtual option for those unable to attend in person. Andrew has been an avid supporter of America's VetDogs and its mission to give our heroes the independence they deserve, and he commends both the organization and all who took part in this special event.

On Saturday, October 4, the Friends of Heckscher State Park, Bayard Cutting Arboretum Horticultural Society, Friends of Connetquot River State Park Preserve, and the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference are teaming up to host a special One Day, Three Parks event. Families are invited to explore three Suffolk County treasures including Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Bayard Cutting Arboretum, and Heckscher State Park through guided tours, nature walks, children’s activities, scavenger hunts, demonstrations, live music, and more. With over 5,700 acres of diverse landscapes just miles apart, this daylong celebration will showcase the unique beauty and community spirit of Long Island's state parks, and Andrew applauds the local volunteers and organizations who make local events like this possible.

When a constituent from Patchogue went to renew his passport at the New York City Passport Agency, the IRS had mistakenly flagged him as owing a large sum of back taxes even though he did not owe anything. Because of that error, his valid passport was confiscated and destroyed, and he faced missing urgent travel to Germany to celebrate his daughter’s birthday. Andrew’s casework team intervened immediately, working with both the IRS and the State Department to correct the mistake and expedite a new passport. The error was cleared, a 10-year passport was issued, and the constituent made his flight in time to be with his family.

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. 

As Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, Andrew joined Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence Chairman August Pfluger in sending letters to Discord, Twitch, Reddit, and GitHub requesting information on their policies for detecting and reporting extremist activity in the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The Committee’s inquiry follows reports that the suspect confessed in a Discord chat and comes amid a series of attacks in which online platforms were used to spread extremist content and coordinate violence. Andrew stressed that these tragic events underscore the importance of early detection and timely intervention, and the Committee must hear directly from these companies about what more can be done to prevent extremist violence from being orchestrated online.

This week, Andrew introduced the NFIP Extension Act of 2026, to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program. The NFIP is critical to protecting Long Island homeowners and businesses from the financial devastation of flooding, and Andrew is working to ensure that this vital program does not lapse. As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, Andrew has made safeguarding coastal communities and strengthening resiliency a top priority.

Andrew joined his colleagues on the House Financial Services Committee in urging SEC Chair Atkins to support the President’s recent executive order to expand 401(k) options and give workers more choice in how they invest for retirement. Andrew believes that Americans deserve to have investment decisions in their own hands, and expanding options will help hardworking families build stronger financial futures. Read the letter here.