“Working to raise gas mileage standards is important for America’s consumers, public health and energy security. Maintaining these reasonable standards makes our economy more competitive, efficient and sustainable. These measures also support our public health and environmental safety by keeping countless tons of carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants out of our air.” - Rep. Paul Tonko Read more »
"If this bill passes, Americans who have experienced asthma, arthritis, cancer, anxiety, even pregnancy, could see their health insurance premiums skyrocket and their out-of-pocket costs drive them into a lifetime of debt and despair.” - Rep. Paul Tonko Read more »
“More Americans died from a drug overdose last year than were lost at the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Several of our local organizations are on the front lines of this fight, doing critical work to combat the spread of addiction in our region. Whether they are working to prevent opioid abuse or educating our young people about the dangers of alcohol and drugs, I am proud of their efforts and congratulate them on this well-deserved federal support.” - Rep. Paul Tonko Read more »
“Our firefighters are the first and last line of defense when tragedy is at our doorstep, a responsibility that demands extraordinary bravery and selflessness. These folks work day and night, saving lives and protecting businesses, homes and families in communities all across New York. We cannot afford to let the dangers and burdens of this work fall on too few shoulders. Recruiting and training new firefighters is one of the most important ways we can keep our community and our career firefighters safe. I want to congratulate the leaders and staff at FASNY for advancing this worthy initiative and for their leadership in support of firefighters throughout New York State.” - Rep. Paul Tonko Read more »
“Americans have consistently and overwhelmingly rejected the skyrocketing out-of-pocket costs and heartless gutting of coverage under Trumpcare. Now Republicans are at it again, this time pushing the most devastating version of Trumpcare we have seen yet. This time they propose to rip billions of dollars from funds that keep health care affordable for countless New York families. I stand on the side of our local communities, of seniors, women, people with pre-existing conditions and working families in this fight. I will do all I can to prevent the heavy cost increases and abject cruelty that would result from this misguided bill.” - Rep. Paul Tonko Read more »
“When a person is going through a mental health or substance use crisis, getting immediate and effective treatment can be a matter of life and death. Today, many states today lack a reliable system for keeping track of which treatment facilities have space available, meaning vulnerable patients are left waiting while overburdened healthcare workers call each area hospital, one by one, in the hope that they can find an appropriate placement. Even at its best, this is an inefficient and time-consuming process. At its worst, the results are tragic. By streamlining the process of finding the appropriate treatment placement for patients in crisis, this program promises to save lives, increase system efficiency, and provide a higher standard of care for those who urgently need it.” - Rep. Paul Tonko Read more »
“Opioid addiction is a deadly and painful epidemic that continues to spread across our nation. Thousands more of our family members, friends and neighbors fall victim to this disease every year, while just a fraction are finding their way to treatment. We must do more. This legislation addresses the epidemic head-on by empowering the healthcare professionals at the front lines of this crisis, locking in previous treatment expansions and granting more specialist nurses the ability to prescribe the medication-assisted treatment that we know gives patients their best chance to recover.” - Rep. Paul Tonko Read more »
"A just nation does not take lightly the judgment of innocents. Let us not discard our friends and our neighbors for the sake of political theater, not when we can instead draw strength of heart and mind and treasure from their experience, their differences, and the many values we share in common." - Rep. Paul Tonko Read more »
“We know all too well that our firefighters are the last line of defense against tragedy for families, businesses and communities all across New York. Our first line of defense has to be prevention, and that starts with public awareness. These worthy projects will help ensure New York seniors are living in homes with smoke alarms that will keep them safe, and we all benefit from greater awareness of other available fire prevention measures. I want to congratulate the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs for spearheading these worthy projects to keep our families, businesses and communities safe.” - Rep. Paul Tonko Read more »
“If you take the time to listen to the stories of sick veterans who served at Fort McClellan, they will break your heart. These folks are patriots who signed up knowing their military service would come with very real risks, even beyond the battlefield, but that is no excuse for America to abandon them in their time of need. For too long, these veterans have been left, alone and forgotten by the nation they served, to suffer painful illness and indignity. It is long past time for these selfless warriors to get the answers they deserve.” - Rep. Paul Tonko Read more »
