U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Paul Tonko today announced $3,000,000 in federal funding for the Schenectady County Community College (SCCC). Over the next five years, this funding will help 2,200 students obtain the necessary training to pursue careers in the healthcare sector. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Health Profession Opportunity Grant to Serve TANF Recipients and Other Low-Income Individuals (HPOG) program. Schumer, Gillibrand and Tonko said this $3 million healthcare job training grant is renewable for five years, which means the total award could be brought to $15 million over the next five years. Read more »
Today, Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20) joined 78 of his colleagues in the House of Representatives, urging Speaker Boehner to keep the House in session every day until a deal is reached to prevent another government shutdown.With only five legislative days scheduled before the government closes its doors at 12:01 am on October 1st, the letter calls on the Speaker to use his power to keep Congress working every day, including over the next two weekends, until there's an agreement. Read more »
Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) released the following statement after General Electric announced planned job cuts to their American plants – including hundreds in their Schenectady, New York location. GE referred to the recent expiration of the Export-Import Bank, the official export credit agency of the United States, and the need for contracts to be backed by a government creditor as the reason work on a new contract would be completed by French workers instead of Americans. Read more »
Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20) marked the 14th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks by announcing his support for the bipartisan James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act (H.R. 1786). The legislation permanently extends the Victim Compensation Fund and World Trade Center Health Program, which provides health care to 9/11 responders and survivors in all 50 states, including 54,226 in New York State, where almost 80% of 9/11 responders and survivors reside. Approximately 190 residents of New York's 20th Congressional District participate in the World Trade Center Health Program. Read more »
Today, Congressman Paul Tonko announced he will support the recently negotiated agreement that cuts off Iran's ability to develop a nuclear weapon. The Congressman's full remarks can be found below and linked to here. Read more »
After careful consideration and many meetings with local and national stakeholders including President Obama, members of the Cabinet, national security officials who have served both Republican and Democratic administrations, scientists and local faith and civic groups, I agree with the majority of Americans — that the Iran deal is an important step forward in dealing with a regime that… Read more »
Congressman Paul Tonko released the following statement in response to today's release of the final Clean Power Plan by President Obama and EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy: Read more »
Congressman Paul Tonko announced today that the Albany County Airport Authority will receive $1,153,216 from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to rehabilitate the terminal building at Albany International Airport. The project will fund the first of two phases to replace approximately 126,000 square feet of the terminal roof that has reached the end of its useful life. Read more »
Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) today asked Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) to cancel recess, citing an extensive list of tasks left untouched by the House Majority. The U.S. House of Representatives now stands in recess for almost six weeks until Tuesday, September 8. Tonko released the following statement in support of his request. Read more »
