news

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 »

AMSTERDAM, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) released a statement following the increasingly unhinged threats of violence from President Trump against the people of Iran: “The President of the United States is publicly threatening to commit genocide. “This is not hyperbole or wordsmithing, his exact words were “a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be… Read more »

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) joined House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Clean Energy Deployment Task Force Co-Chairs U.S. Congressmen Sean Casten (IL-06) and Mike Levin (CA-49), along with more than 100 House Democrats today to introduce the Energy Bills Relief Act. This legislation takes a family- and consumer-focused approach to… Read more »

AMSTERDAM, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) released a statement following an announcement from President Trump that the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran: "Trump is dragging our nation into another reckless, unjustified war in the Middle East. Americans don’t want another regime change war that costs trillions and sacrifices the lives of our nation’s troops. "Congress must… Read more »