news

RENSSELAER, NY — Today, Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) announced that the City of Rensselaer has been awarded $487,174 in federal funding from the Northern Border Regional Commission’s (NBRC) Timber for Transit program to design and construct a timber bridge over Quackenderry Creek. Once constructed, this bridge will provide residents and visitors with safe, permanent access into the… Read more »

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) today celebrated the advance of several priorities he champions impacting the health and wellbeing of American families out of the full Energy and Commerce Committee today. Among the bills advanced include: H.R. 8209  the School-Based Health Centers Reauthorization Act This legislation would reauthorize the… Read more »

WASHINGTON, DC — Representatives Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and Don Bacon (NE-2) announced the introduction of a bipartisan resolution recognizing the significant and often overlooked behavioral health needs experienced by individuals and their families affected by rare diseases.   An estimated 1 in 10 Americans are affected by a rare disease, over half of those affected being children,… Read more »

SCHENECTADY, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko held a reception last week at the Nott Memorial at Union College to announce the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for New York’s 20th Congressional District. The winning artworks were chosen from among 42 student submissions representing 21 high schools across the Capital Region. “Each year I am inspired anew by the incredible… Read more »

JOHNSONVILLE, NY — Today, Congressman Paul D. Tonko visited a Rensselaer County home undergoing weatherization improvements to view the ongoing progress, meet with the homeowner and local advocates, and discuss ways to help more families take advantage of the benefits provided by home weatherization. During the visit, Tonko highlighted his Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act, a… Read more »

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) released a statement following the House passage of the Farm Bill: "Republicans spent the last several years crafting a Farm Bill, and this is all they have to show for it: legislation that ignores the cost-of-living crisis that so many American families are shouldering in favor of cementing massive cuts to SNAP and to… Read more »

AMSTERDAM, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) released the following statement after news of the death this morning of former Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) CEO Carm Basile: “I’m deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of former CDTA CEO Carm Basile, a true friend and dedicated public servant who spent his brilliant career working to better connect and serve… Read more »

WASHINGTON, DC — Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY-20) and Troy Balderson (R-OH-12) announced the introduction of bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) program. The bill H.R. 8209, would amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the school-based health centers grant program. Students and their families rely on SBHCs to meet their… Read more »

AMSTERDAM, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) today announced his selection of 20 community development and improvement projects that he has submitted to the House Committee on Appropriations in an effort to bring federal investment to the Capital Region through the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Community Project Funding process.   “No one knows the needs of our communities better… Read more »

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) today introduced the Power for the People Act in the House, legislation that ensures data centers are held responsible for the high costs of their electricity demand. Senator Van Hollen (D- MD) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate.  The rise of artificial intelligence models has resulted in data center… Read more »