“Despite gridlock in the broader Congress, my team and I were able to find many opportunities to build on common ground with Republican colleagues,” said Tonko. “Thanks to the tireless work of my staff, our Energy & Commerce and Science committee staff, my fellow members and, as always, the constituents of New York’s Capital Region, we were able to address many critical priorities for the year. These include advancing legislation to repair leaking and outdated drinking water systems, to protect federal scientific integrity, to make energy production systems more efficient, to secure mental health parity and addiction treatment, to expand broadband access and close the homework gap, to improve our national Alzheimer’s treatment systems, and to ensure our veterans have access to the healthcare they deserve. I am humbled and grateful for all of the work and support that made these advances possible, and I look forward to another productive year in 2018!”
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"I voted no on this farce of a bill because kicking the can down the road, making sure kids have health insurance, DREAMers are not ripped away from their families, and America’s national defense and domestic priorities are adequately funded are far more important than Members of Congress getting to leave for a long holiday vacation." - Rep. Paul Tonko
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"If this betrayal is approved by the Senate and signed by the President, it will marshal in one of the largest long-term redistributions of wealth to the wealthy in our nation’s history." - Rep. Paul Tonko
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"Since 2002, the Brownfields program has helped put tens of thousands of acres of economically critical land back into circulation, supporting local economies and encouraging greater development in areas that were previously written off. In the process, more than 130,000 jobs have been created and $24 billion has been leveraged from federal investment. Local governments are realizing that through this program we can turn a liability into an opportunity."
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"Congressional Republicans took another step forward today in their plan to raise taxes on millions of middle class families, rip away their healthcare and explode the deficit, and give massive tax handouts to some of the wealthiest individuals and corporations in the world. Their vote today betrays millions of working families in New York and all across the country."
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"My constituents have repeatedly expressed longstanding frustrations with their limited access to broadband Internet service. I have heard from doctors who depend on the Internet to read X-rays when they are on call, from librarians who see students sitting in the parking lot after hours so they can finish homework, from workers who are forced to leave their home to find high enough speeds that they can upload and download large files. They all ask ‘When will we have access to broadband?’ As a nation, we owe all of these people an answer.” - Rep. Paul Tonko
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"we have a critical opportunity to take another giant step forward on this issue, making investments in Alzheimer’s infrastructure that will drive public health research and promote prevention, early detection and diagnosis, all leading to lower costs and better care. I’m proud to stand alongside my fellow Alzheimer’s champions in introducing the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act and I look forward to getting this important legislation signed into law.”
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“Our bill has gotten a fast start right out of the gate this year, with bipartisan support picking up faster than for any of its predecessor bills. As the number of congressional cosponsors hits triple digits, and our broad coalition of interested parties continues to grow, I remain optimistic that our bill has the momentum it needs to move forward in the legislative process. This issue and industry are too important to the Capital Region of New York and the nation to go unaddressed. My fight and advocacy for the equine athlete and the integrity of the sport is stronger than it has ever been.” - Rep. Paul Tonko
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Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) issued the following statement today after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H Con Res 71 by a vote of 216-212. The measure received no Democratic support and was opposed by 20 House Republicans. “Borrowing over two trillion dollars to spend on a tax cut for the rich does not seem to be the relief the middle class and working poor need right now. Why would you ask me to support this lopsided budget?”
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Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) issued the following statement today in response to President Trump’s announcement regarding the opioid crisis: “As a candidate, President Trump promised to take care of communities ravaged by the opioid epidemic, like so many in Upstate New York. Today’s announcement is a small step in the right direction, but it took far too long to be announced. President Trump’s own Bipartisan Opioid Commission, chaired by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, recommended this ac...
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