Opposing Hochul's Extreme Mandates

New Yorkers are facing one of the worst affordability crises in the country, and Albany’s extreme energy mandates are exacerbating the situation, making it even harder for families, seniors, and small businesses to keep up. This week, I joined my colleagues at a press conference to call out Governor Hochul’s reckless push to eliminate natural gas hookups, force all-electric construction, and overload a fragile grid already stretched thin. Utility bills are up more than 30 percent across many regions, and experts warn these mandates would add as much as $20,000–$30,000 to the cost of building a new home. Hochul’s so-called “pause” on her ban is nothing more than a political maneuver, not a real change in direction. New Yorkers deserve honesty, transparency, and policies grounded in affordability, not activist-driven mandates that ignore the everyday realities working families face.

That’s why I’m standing firmly for energy choice and common-sense solutions. The Energy Choice Act, which I cosponsor, protects your right to choose affordable, reliable energy, whether it’s natural gas, propane, electricity, nuclear, or hydropower. An all-of-the-above approach helps keep costs down and maintains a stable grid. New Yorkers shouldn’t be forced into higher bills, unreliable power, and one-size-fits-all mandates dreamed up by Albany bureaucrats. I’ll continue fighting to restore balance, protect consumers, and ensure our state’s energy future works for the people who live here, not the activists and politicians driving these extreme policies.

Condemning the Horrors of Socialism

This week, I voted to condemn the horrors of socialism by supporting H. Con. Res. 58, a resolution that exposes the atrocities committed by socialist regimes and reaffirms America’s commitment to liberty and human rights. Around the world, socialism has produced political repression, economic collapse, and the deaths of more than 100 million people in countries like the Soviet Union, China, Cuba, North Korea, and Venezuela. I saw the dangers of this ideology up close while working in Yugoslavia during the communist era, where I was the only American employed by the Consulate General and witnessed firsthand how every decision, every opportunity, and every movement required political approval from the state. It was a stark reminder of what happens when government controls every aspect of life and freedom becomes an afterthought. Today, we’re seeing alarming echoes of this ideology here in New York as radical politicians push government-run systems, undermine law enforcement, and drive families and job creators out of our communities. Socialism has never been about compassion; it’s about control, and we must ensure America never goes down this dangerous path.

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. 2574, No Iranian Energy Act: This bill would permanently impose sanctions on the importation of natural gas from Iran by the Government of Iraq. Additionally, this would apply to the sale, supply, or transfer of natural gas to or from Iran. The Iranian regime is a threat to our national security, and it is vital that we continue to apply maximum pressure on their government while advancing a commonsense energy policy that will promote domestic production.

H.R. 438, PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act: This bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to permanently establish a peer support program to make grants to eligible entities for peer-to-peer mental health programs for veterans. Additionally, these grants would be available to nonprofits that serve the mental health needs of veterans, as well as to state or local veteran service agencies. This builds on the New York State-level program that helps address the mental health challenges that our service members face, and we must do everything we can to support our veterans and know that their sacrifice is appreciated. 

H.R. 2813, Small Modular Reactor Commercialization Act of 2025: This bill would update the definition of a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) up to modern technology standards, increasing the electrical output threshold to enable easier deployment of higher-output reactors. Additionally, this bill would establish a working group within the Department of Energy to advance the commercialization of SMRs. Nuclear energy remains the most efficient, carbon-free form of energy, and I am fighting to ensure it remains viable now and to ensure our energy becomes more dependable and affordable. 

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, November 17

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 1608, the Department of Homeland Security Vehicular Terrorism Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2025. On January 1, 2025, a deadly vehicular terrorist attack occurred in New Orleans, Louisiana, when an individual inspired by the Islamic State drove a vehicle into a crowded area, resulting in the deaths of 14 individuals and injuries to at least dozens of others. This bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to produce a report to Congress on emerging threats and countermeasures related to vehicular terrorism and publish a summary of this report on the Department’s website for the public. We must do more to keep the American people safe from deadly vehicular terrorism. This bill passed by a vote of 400-15.

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 2659, the Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act. This bill establishes an interagency task force and requires a comprehensive report to Congress on the targeting of the United States' critical infrastructure by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-sponsored cyber actors. In recent years, the PRC has significantly escalated its malicious cyber operations targeting the United States, compromising power grids, water systems, and telecommunications. This new task force will be laser-focused on the threats posed by the PRC and will enhance our defense of critical infrastructure. This bill passed by a vote of 402-8. 

Tuesday, November 18

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 815, the Epstein Files Transparency Act. This bill will direct the Department of Justice to release the Epstein files, including files related to Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, flight logs to the island, and any plea deals related to the Epstein files. I applaud President Trump’s commitment to release the files, something President Biden failed to do during his tenure. The American people deserve to know the extent of Jeffrey Epstein’s depravity and any other individuals that were complicit in his heinous crimes. However, this Democrat discharge petition is poorly drafted and fails to include sufficient protections to preserve the privacy of the victims, prevent the release of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and keep whistleblowers and undercover law enforcement officers protected. The Senate must amend this legislation to include important safeguards to protect the victims and protect confidential methods and sources. However, I supported this resolution generally because the release of the files will help provide closure to the many victims of Jeffrey Epstein and ensure the public has all the information possible related to this tragedy. The bill passed the House by a vote of 427-1.

I voted “Yes” on H.Res. 878, Disapproving the behavior of Representative Jesus G. “Chuy” García of Illinois. This resolution disapproves of the behavior of Congressman Chuy García for his actions to undermine the Congressional election in Illinois’ 4^th Congressional District. On October 27^th, Congressman García filed for re-election and on November 5^th, minutes before the filing deadline, Congressman García’s chief of staff filed to run for the seat as well. Then, the day after the filing deadline, Congressman García announced he would not be running for re-election. This shady maneuvering is beneath the dignity of the House of Representatives and violates the spirit of free and fair elections. I strongly condemn Congressman García’s manipulation and supported the passage of this resolution formally expressing Congressional disapproval of his actions. This resolution passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 236-183 with 4 members voting present.

I voted “Yes” on H.Res.888, Censuring and condemning Delegate Stacey Plaskett and removing her from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence for conduct that reflects discreditably on the House of Representatives for colluding with convicted felony sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during a congressional hearing. Recent reports revealed that during the Trump impeachment hoax hearing with Michael Cohen, Delegate Stacy Plaskett (VI) texted with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This resolution censures Delegate Plaskett for her conduct, directs the Ethics Committee to conduct a full investigation into the relationship between Epstein and Delegate Plaskett, and removes Delegate Plaskett from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI). As a member of HPSCI, I can attest that this conduct is completely unbecoming of a member of this prestigious committee that deals with the information with the highest sensitivity. Delegate Plaskett’s actions reflect discreditably on the House of Representatives, and thus I voted for this resolution. This resolution failed to pass the House by a vote of 209-214, with 3 members voting present.

I voted “Yes” on H.J.Res. 130, Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to “Buffalo Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment”. This resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to rescind the Biden Administration rule which locked up all 800,000 acres of land and 4.7 million acres of mineral estate administered by the Buffalo Field Office and made 48.12 billion short tons of coal unavailable for leasing. Critical mineral resource access is a national security priority, and this resolution is a necessary reversal against the Biden administration’s broader agenda of locking up public lands and stifling domestic industrial capacity. This resolution passed by a vote of 214-212. 

I voted “Yes” on H.J.Res. 131, Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to “Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Record of Decision”. This resolution would use the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to rescind the Biden Administration rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) which made 1.16 million acres of land unavailable for oil and gas leasing. Overturning these burdensome Biden Administration regulations will help unleash American energy dominance and is essential for boosting domestic energy production while responsibly managing federal land. This resolution passed by a vote of 217-209. 

I voted “Yes” on S.J.Res. 80, Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to “National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska Integrated Activity Plan Record of Decision". This resolution rescinds the Biden Administration rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) that restricted development of petroleum reserves in Alaska. During his time in office, President Biden pushed policies that targeted American fossil fuels while prioritizing environmental special interest groups over everyday consumers, restricting market choices, and ultimately driving up costs for American households. Overturning these harmful Biden Administration rules will help drive down costs for American consumers. This resolution passed by a vote of 216-209.

Wednesday, November 19

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 4058, the Enhancing Stakeholder Support and Outreach for Preparedness Grants Act. This bill amends the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) and the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) of the Department of Homeland Security to require the FEMA Administrator to provide ongoing stakeholder outreach, education, technical assistance, and support to grantees. Cooperation and resource sharing among federal, state, and local authorities enhance our national security and ensure that all levels of government are ready for emergencies. H.R. 4058 is a crucial step toward better equipping state and local governments with the information and resources they need to protect the American people. This bill passed by a vote of 380-45. 

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 5214, the District of Columbia Cash Bail Reform Act. Like New York, Washington, DC is experiencing record levels of crime that threaten the safety of residents and visitors alike. Amidst this crime wave, DC’s radical bail reform laws give judges complete discretion on bail, including for murderers and drug dealers. This legislation will help keep violent offenders off DC’s streets by requiring individuals charged with violent crimes to be held pre-trial. This includes charges such as assault of a police officer, carjacking, and murder. Additionally, this bill requires cash bail for serious crimes that pose a threat to public safety, such as fleeing a police officer, rioting and stalking. Upstate New Yorkers that visit our Nation’s capital should never feel unsafe or be threatened by violent criminals that continue to roam DC’s streets. This bill passed by a vote of 237-179. 

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 5107, the CLEAN DC Act. Like Albany, Washington DC is full of politicians that support the radical defund and demoralize the police movement that have led to record staffing lows that embolden criminals in our Nation’s capital. This legislation will help protect DC police officers as they do their jobs to keep DC’s streets safe. This includes reinstating the rights of DC police officers to collectively bargain over disciplinary matters, allow for the use of riot gear and less-lethal projectiles, and allow officers and the police union to be represented on the Police Complains Board. Allowing police officers proper due process when a complaint is filed is critical to ensuring that police officers are not punished for upholding the law and doing their jobs. For too long, DC has prioritized criminals and punished police officers – this is completely backwards. By restoring proper protections for police officers in DC, we can help recruit and retain more officers to keep DC safe for Upstate New Yorkers that visit our Nation’s capital. This bill passed by a vote of 233-190. 

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 6019, To repeal certain provisions relating to notification to Senate offices regarding legal process on disclosure of Senate data, and for other purposes. This bill repeals Section 213 of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (PL 119-37) which allows Senators to receive up to $500,000 in damages if federal law enforcement obtains their electronic data without proper notification. This provision provides unfair protections to Senators, without similar provisions for the general public or members of the House of Representatives, and would force taxpayers to provide compensation for the weaponization of law enforcement by the Biden administration. This provision was unfortunately included in the CR by the Senate without coordination with the House of Representatives, and this legislation will repeal this problematic provision. This bill passed by a unanimous vote of 426-0. 

I voted “Yes” on the Motion to Table H.Res. 893, Censuring Representative Cory Mills and Removing Him From the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs. This resolution would have censured Congressman Cory Mills (FL) and removed him from the Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees. This resolution did not go through regular order and would preempt the ongoing investigation by the House Ethics Committee into the allegations against Congressman Mills. By tabling this resolution, the House Ethics Committee can investigate these allegations and make a proper recommendation to the House of Representatives once its work is concluded. The motion to table passed by a vote of 310-103, with 12 members voting present. 

Thursday, November 20

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 3109, the REFINER Act. This bill addresses the shrinking refinery capacity that has driven rising fuel costs. Since 2020, the U.S. has lost more than a million barrels per day in refining output, thanks to overregulation and the Biden Administration’s misguided energy policy. This bill directs the National Petroleum Council to collect and provide critical information on the current state of our nation’s petrochemical refineries. This will inform sound policy decisions that restore American refining reliability, lower fuel prices for working families, and reinforce the energy security our economy depends on. The bill passed the House by a vote of 230-176.

I voted “Yes” on H.R. 1949, the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act. This bill reverses the Biden Administration’s arbitrary pause on LNG export approvals and ensures that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has sole authority over natural gas exports. That means more certainty for producers, more jobs for American workers, and more support for our allies abroad who are trying to end their reliance from Russian natural gas. At a time when demand for LNG is rising both domestically and around the world, this legislation sends a clear message that the United States is still the global leader in energy output. The bill passed the House by a vote of 217-188.

Friday, November 21

I voted “Yes” on H.Con.Res. 8, Denouncing the horrors of socialism. Socialism has always been rooted in control, not compassion. Across the world, socialist regimes have delivered only misery, oppression, and economic ruin. After graduating college, I had the opportunity to work in Yugoslavia as the country prepared for the Olympics. I saw firsthand how everything was controlled by the state and nothing moved without political permission. It was a cautionary lesson about what happens when government dictates opportunity and individual liberty is an afterthought. That is exactly why America must never embrace that path. Here in New York, we are already watching socialist ideology gain ground paving the way for radical politicians to push government run systems, undermine law enforcement, and drive out families and job creators. We cannot allow New York’s slide toward socialism to become a model for the nation. This resolution passed the House by a vote of 285-98, with 2 members voting present.

Strengthening Fort Drum with Reliable, Secure Energy

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and I led a letter to Army Secretary Daniel P. Driscoll urging the Army to select Fort Drum as one of the nation’s first microreactor sites. Fort Drum is home to the most deployed division in the United States Army, the 10th Mountain Division, and it must never be forced to rely on an unstable and unreliable power grid. Under Governor Hochul’s extreme climate mandates, New York has already shut down reliable energy sources, including Fort Drum’s biomass plant, which once supplied dependable power to the installation. These reckless policies have weakened grid reliability across our state and put mission readiness at risk. A microreactor would provide Fort Drum with secure, independent, uninterrupted energy to support critical operations and ensure our troops have the power they need to defend our nation. Ensuring Fort Drum’s strength and stability is not just an energy issue; it is a national security imperative.

READ FULL LETTER HERE.

Meeting Niagara County Law Enforcement Leaders 

Our team joined local, state, and federal law enforcement leaders in Niagara County this week to discuss ongoing public safety needs and the ongoing challenges facing our communities. From strengthening coordination across agencies to ensuring police departments have the tools and support they need, these conversations are essential to keeping our neighborhoods safe and prepared. Our team also visited the Niagara Intelligence and Crime Analysis Center, which plays a critical role in tracking threats and assisting officers across the region. We will continue to advocate for our law enforcement partners and support them in protecting our community. 

Hodgins Printing Ribbon-Cutting

Our team attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new joint location of John’s Studio and Hodgins Printing in Batavia. This expansion, supported by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, brings new energy and opportunities to our region’s small business community. We toured the updated facility, met with the hardworking staff, and congratulated the owners on their continued growth. It’s always inspiring to see local businesses investing in our community and creating jobs right here in Upstate New York.

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.