WASHINGTON—U.S. Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) and David McKinley (R-WV) are introducing the Helping Experts Accelerate Rare Treatments (HEART) Act today, legislation that advances a collection of reforms at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to strengthen the agency’s review and approval of drugs to treat rare and ultra-rare diseases, in particular by ensuring scientists and doctors with direct expertise are involved throughout the process of reviewing a treatment for a condition... Read more

AMSTERDAM—Congressman Paul D. Tonko announced today that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) awarded the Schenectady Community Action Program (SCAP) a grant totaling $849,892. The award was provided through a DOL Pathway Home grant program to assist incarcerated individuals transitioning back into communities to reenter the workforce through social services including education and training, job preparation, legal assistance, counseling and career exploration. “Many in our region are struggling to... Read more

AMSTERDAM, NY—Congressman Paul D. Tonko announced today that West Glenville Fire District 6 is being awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) COVID-19 Supplemental totaling $2,368.78. Tonko sent a letter of support to help secure this funding; in it he requested consideration for West Glenville Fire Company’s application for this grant. The supplemental funding will be used for to provide PPE to local firefighters including masks, face shields, gowns and gloves. “Even in the midst of th... Read more

WASHINGTON—Congressman Paul D. Tonko cheered news today that the Albany International Airport received a Department of Transportation (DOT) grant totaling $4,150,000. The award, provided through the CARES Act, funds a project replacing passenger boarding bridges to maintain the efficient movement of passengers at the airport. “As we continue ramping up our Capital Region economy after months of waiting, delivering these investments that make our transportation systems safer, more accessible and ... Read more

WASHINGTON—Congressman Paul D. Tonko joined with a majority of his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to advance H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act, a $1.5 trillion nationwide infrastructure package that invests in modern, sustainable upgrades and repairs while creating millions of good-paying jobs, combatting the climate crisis and addressing vital needs and disparities for communities throughout the country. Tonko featured several significant legislative advances he was able to secure... Read more

WASHINGTON—Congressman Paul D. Tonko voted today to advance H.R. 1425, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act, legislation that builds on the Affordable Care Act to make health coverage and prescription drugs more affordable for millions of Americans. “As America’s COVID-19 case numbers continue to hit record highs, our work to ensure all Americans have access to quality, affordable healthcare is more important than ever,” Tonko noted. “Protecting and expanding health coverag... Read more

WASHINGTON—Congressman Paul D. Tonko highlighted a significant collection of his top legislative priorities that are now officially incorporated into the House infrastructure package including limousine safety reforms, broadband access legislation, investments in clean energy, drinking water safety and upkeep, and more as part of the $1.5 trillion package. The bill, H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act, invests in modern, sustainable infrastructure while creating millions of good-paying jobs, combatti... Read more

WASHINGTON—Congressman Paul D. Tonko voted today with the House to adopt H.R. 7120, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020. Led by Congressional Black Caucus Chair Karen Bass (D-CA), Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Kamala Harris (D-CA), and House Judiciary Committee Chair Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), the legislation would, among other things, ban police chokeholds, limit the transfer of weapons of war to local departments, build trust between police and the communities they serve, end danger... Read more

AMSTERDAM, NY—Congressman Paul D. Tonko, Chair of the Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Environment & Climate Change, announced that the new House infrastructure package will include major investments in protecting, fixing and upgrading America’s drinking water systems. Among other things, the legislation authorizes more than $23 billion in drinking water support administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—including the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund that recently awarded $45 ... Read more

AMSTERDAM, NY—Congressman Paul D. Tonko announced that his ACCESS BROADBAND Act has been included as part of the major infrastructure bill now moving through the chamber. The legislation would help expand broadband access in underserved areas and create a simpler process for small businesses and local economic developers to access federal broadband resources. Tonko also worked to ensure that more than $100 billion in broadband funding would be included to expand high-speed internet access especi... Read more