Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) invited local leaders to sign up for updates for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Community Project Funding (CPF). This process is an important initiative for members of Congress to advocate for crucial projects that enhance our communities.
Instead of relying on bureaucrats to make critical funding decisions, this process provides transparency, accountability, and rigorous oversight with congressional input.
The FY25 CPF process will allow localities and non-profits to submit requests for federal funding for high-priority community projects in New York’s 24th District. All CPF applications supported by Tenney’s office must meet rigorous eligibility requirements, as outlined in the appropriations guidance.
Additionally, applicants must exhibit robust community backing for projects and present a clear strategy using the funds in a timely manner. Tenney’s office collaborates with all grantees throughout the process to vet requests and ensure allocated funds are utilized responsibly and for their intended purpose. The CPF process is targeted and limited; it has historically been capped at .5% of federal spending.
Local elected officials and non-profits planning on submitting applications for projects should visit Tenney’s website here to signal their interest. After signing up, interested organizations will be updated when guidance for the FY25 CPF process is released, and the formal application window opens.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today voted in favor of the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act, the largest intelligence reform package since FISA’s creation in 1978. This legislation prevents the FBI from targeting Americans, increases transparency and accountability in our intelligence community, and strengthens our national security.
H.R. 7888, passed the House by a vote of 273-147.
“At a time when our adversaries are ramping up their intelligence and military capabilities and seeking to orchestrate attacks on our homeland, we must ensure that our intelligence community has the capabilities to swiftly counteract and prevent terrorist attacks,” said Congresswoman Tenney.
“Section 702, which applies only to foreigners outside the United States, is the most critical tool to keeping America safe, whether it is countering Cyber Attacks, hindering the flow of deadly fentanyl into our country, or averting threats from China, Iran, and foreign terrorist organizations. Our Republican Majority is committed to preventing another Russia Hoax FISA disaster and ensuring that FISA can no longer be abused to target Americans and political adversaries. The abuses by the FBI have been outrageous and unlawful. I support Representative Mike Garcia’s condemnation of FBI Director Wray for failing to uphold the law and holding those who violated our laws accountable. This legislation provides 56 reforms to current law, including reducing the number of FBI agents who can perform Section 702 searches by 90 percent, and enhances criminal penalties for those who violate FISA, leak FISA applications, or lie to the FISA Court. Importantly, this bill also prohibits vague “abouts” searches that make broad sweeping searches of data.”
“This bill does not include a dangerous proposal that would have granted Fourth Amendment rights to foreign nationals by requiring a warrant to search foreign surveillance data already lawfully collected by our national security agencies. Under existing law, national security agencies already require a warrant to collect data and take any action against U.S. citizens. This amendment would hamper important law enforcement efforts to protect Americans and would further the radical Defund and Demoralize the Police movement that has been codified by New York’s Greenlight and Bail Reform laws. Approximately 90 percent of individuals on the terror watch list have crossed our Northern Border illegally, leaving New York particularly vulnerable to terror threats. Section 702 is a critical tool for law enforcement to protect New Yorkers and all Americans. By not reauthorizing a substantially reformed Section 702, we would have allowed our foreign adversaries to plan terrorist attacks without our knowledge. This would give our enemies the ability to undermine our freedoms and orchestrate attacks on our soil. As a Constitutional lawyer, I remain dedicated to protecting our civil liberties and privacy while defending our national security. This bill furthers the reforms to Section 702, which was made by and supported by President Trump in 2017, and I was honored to support its passage.”
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today introduced the Don’t Quit to Lobby Act to change the timeframe that a former Member of Congress is prohibited from lobbying to one year after the Member’s elected term ends in the House, and two years after the Senator’s elected term ends in the Senate.
Currently, Members of Congress are prohibited from lobbying for one year after they leave office. However, the existing legislation fails to consider Members of Congress who voluntarily end their terms prematurely, creating an incentive for them to retire in pursuit of more financially rewarding opportunities.
“Elected officials made a commitment to their constituents to serve to the best of their abilities their full elected terms,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Recently, an increased number of members of Congress have abandoned their posts and neglected their commitment to their constituents in order to cash out and make millions lobbying. The Don’t Quit to Lobby Act ensures that when these members leave office, they are forbidden from engaging in lobbying activities for one year after their elected term ends, guarding against potential early retirements solely driven by financial opportunities. We must uphold the integrity of public service!”
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) announced her office will be hosting a Webinar with guests from the Social Security Administration (SSA) to discuss retirement best practices, fraud protection, and other services the SSA offers.
This webinar is open to all constituents and aims to provide an overview of best practices for retirement preparation. Guests from the SSA will share invaluable tips and strategies for navigating the complexities of retirement and accessing vital SSA resources.
When: Tuesday, April 30
Time: noon
Format: Zoom Webinar
RSVP: To receive the link to the webinar, email NY24.RSVP@mail.house.gov
This webinar is being hosted as part of Congresswoman Tenney’s monthly webinar series, in which the Congresswoman connects residents of New York’s 24th Congressional District to resources and support at the federal level. Recordings of past webinars can be found on Tenney’s website here.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) voted against the H.R. 2882, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, which includes funding for Defense, Financial Services and General Government, Homeland Security, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, the Legislative Branch, and State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs.
This bill passed the House by a vote of 286 - 134.
"Once again, instead of instituting a serious cut to excessive federal spending, Congress was forced to vote on a massive spending bill that perpetuates President Biden's policies that are detrimental to hardworking Americans," said Congresswoman Tenney.
"Crafted at the last minute, this sprawling 1,012-page bill allocates $1.2 trillion of taxpayer funds and fails to include numerous priorities House Republicans advocated for during the appropriations process. This includes critical initiatives to bolster border security, such as reinstating the effective Trump era policy of "Remain in Mexico," and it fails to end Biden's disastrous Catch-and-Release policy, fails to sufficiently curtail funding for President Biden's woke agenda, and fails to halt Biden's unlawful proposed student loan program. While this bill had positive aspects, including a $27 billion increase to critical national defense efforts, this legislation was not enough to protect the American people. I could not, in good faith, support legislation that did not provide relief to hardworking families in NY24."
This bill:
Fails to include Rep. Tenney’s amendments to defund the salaries of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre Fails
Does not include funds for President Trump’s Border wall or any key policies in H.R. 2 especially by ending Biden's dangerous Catch and Release policy and re-instating Trump's effective Remain in Mexico policy
Continues to allow universities to host CCP-controlled Confucius Institutes
Fully funds the Department of Defense (DOD) abortion travel fund
Continues to fund woke DOD policies, such as DEI programs and transgender surgeries
Violates the Hyde Amendment and funds Planned Parenthood
Continues to fund the World Health Organization
Fails to defund the Biden administration’s woke executive orders
Funds radical Green New Deal programs
Subsidizes Biden’s student loan bailout scheme
Continues to fund Executive Order 14019 which turns federal agencies into Democrat vote-harvesting operations
Includes funds for radical organizations like Briarpatch Youth Service, which provides gender transition services to minors without parental consent, and the Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center which provides free needle and syringe exchanges for illegal drugs
Despite the wasteful spending in this bill, key provisions which Tenney fought for in this bill include:
Fully funding the Civil Air Patrol and Job Corps programs
Providing a $27 billion increase for Defense over the FY23 enacted level
Ensuring a 5.2% increase in basic military pay
Clawing back $2.16 billion in unused COVID-19 funding
Defunding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, which supported the horrific October 7th Massacre
Taking back $10 billion from the Administration
Securing $5 million for non-recurring engineering expenses to design the new LC-130J planes that will be operated by the New York National Guard
Letter to the Editor from David Wagenhauser, NY-24 Congressional District candidate:
Rep. Claudia Tenney was recently quoted defending big corporations - specifically those drug companies affected by the Medicare $35 insulin price cap.
It’s as if Tenney feels sorry for big pharma. Uber-profitable big pharma that gets billions in research and taxpayer funding from NIH. Big pharma has had a monopoly on drugs for 20 years and the ability to charge whatever it wants. Big pharma that charges Americans significantly more than any other country. - for the same drugs.
There are about 1.5 million New Yorkers with diabetes. While insulin costs about $10 to manufacture, prices skyrocketed to about $400/month. It was little surprise that 1 in 4 diabetics could not afford their insulin. Some rationed. Sadly, some died.
So why does Tenney consistently back big pharma and not our neighbors? Is it the money she receives from Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Gilead, etc.? In fact, Tenney receives over 70% of her campaign’s millions from big corporations and PACS. In return, she’s voted against efforts to reduce gas prices and gouging by big oil, against drug price competition for Medicare, against the ACA and protections for preexisting conditions, and she continues to push tax laws that benefit big corps and billionaires over hard-working Americans.
Diabetes and other diseases have no political affiliation – there’s no Red vs. Blue. We must work to make WNY more affordable for our families and neighbors. Vote after vote, Rep. Tenney shows us who she works for.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today voted in favor of H.R. 7521, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which would ensure the safety of Americans' data and the national security of the United States from threats posed by foreign adversary-controlled applications such as TikTok.
This bill, which Tenney cosponsored, passed the House by a vote of 352-65, with one present vote.
Over the last two weeks, the Chinese Communist Party has worked aggressively to spread misinformation about this bill. This bill does not apply to U.S.-owned companies, so the risk of weaponization of this legislation against U.S. social media companies, such as X, Truth Social, or Rumble, is not applicable.
The enforcement powers are limited to applications owned by China, Iran, Russia, or North Korea. This bill also does not mention "election interference," which some pro-TikTok advocates have claimed will be weaponized against conservatives. H.R. 7521 would merely require applications controlled by China, Iran, Russia, or North Korea to either divest ownership of the foreign adversary or face a prohibition from operating in the United States.
"Congress has heard consistently from the intelligence community about the serious threats posed by TikTok to our national security," said Congresswoman Tenney. "With over 170 million users, TikTok is the Chinese Communist Party's propaganda megaphone, using the App to manipulate and exploit users' data for its own surveillance and monetary gains. Congress took a decisive and critical measure prohibiting the Chinese Communist Party from controlling the TikTok application. I remain dedicated to cracking down on the CCP's malign influence and working to ensure that our adversaries do not have access to sensitive data held by individuals and businesses who use the App."
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) today sent a letter to New York Governor Kathy Hochul raising serious concerns about her administration’s Migrant Relocation Assistance Program (MRAP) which seeks to move migrants from New York City to Upstate New York and Long Island Communities, including Erie and Monroe Counties.
“Instead of reversing these disastrous policies, your administration has chosen to export the crisis in New York City to Upstate communities, such as those in Erie County and Monroe County. Law-abiding New Yorkers should not have their safety placed in jeopardy because of radical policies allowing unvetted individuals to cross our borders at will. While many of these individuals are allowed to stay here as “asylum seekers,” the facts show that the overwhelming majority of asylum claims are found to be illegitimate when adjudicated,” the lawmakers wrote.
The lawmakers continued, “We continue to urge you to reverse the disastrous immigration policies that have been implemented by your administration and the New York State Legislature.”
Tenney and Langworthy demanded answers to the following questions from Governor Hochul by March 25:
How many individuals have been relocated to Erie County or Monroe County under MRAP?
How much have the relocations to Erie County and Monroe County cost taxpayers?
How is your administration vetting the individuals selected to participate in MRAP? Is part of this vetting an evaluation of the legitimacy of their asylum claims or a criminal background check?
How is your administration ensuring the safety of American citizens in Erie County, Monroe County, and the surrounding counties with the influx of these individuals with unproven asylum claims?
How is your administration ensuring that these individuals show up to their court dates and do not evade the law?
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) issued the following statement in response to President Biden's State of the Union Address:
"Since Joe Biden took office, inflation has skyrocketed, the border is a dangerous catastrophe, energy costs continue to rise, there is chaos around the world, and our greatest ally in the Middle East has been brutally attacked. Yet, President Biden dared to declare the State of the Union as strong. Rather than lay out a clear plan to restore our economy, strengthen our national security, tackle the border crisis, and keep our families safe, Biden barked out lies and harsh partisan rhetoric as if he were speaking at a campaign rally. He refused to provide solutions to the myriad of problems plaguing communities across NY-24."
"Tonight, President Biden's demeanor and hyper-partisanship created a divisive and hostile environment in the House Chamber that was unbecoming of the President/Commander in Chief of our armed forces and insensitive to the American people who are suffering under his disastrous policies."
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today voted against the omnibus government funding bill for the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) due to its failure to rein in out-of-control government spending, cut wasteful and woke programs, and lower costs for hardworking families.
This bill passed the House by a vote of 339-85.
“With over $34 trillion of national debt and counting, Congress should not spend another $1.65 trillion while failing to address the crises plaguing our nation in a meaningful way,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “I understand the complexity and frustration of a divided government, however, our communities will continue to suffer under Biden’s policies that spend our tax dollars on the woke and Green New Deal projects that have been inserted into this bill. This 1,050-page spending monstrosity does not provide the relief that the American people are demanding and will only increase already sky-high prices and add to our national debt. There are positive aspects of this bill, including the 12 Community Funding Projects we submitted to help residents of NY-24. Other positives include fully funding veterans’ healthcare and toxic exposure programs, military construction projects, and important agricultural research programs, but this bill in its entirety, negotiated behind closed doors, is a bridge too far.”
Some of the worst provisions in this bill include:
Provide $3.5 million for an initiative to create parade floats
Supports the Biden administration's illegal Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule
Fails to rein in the ATF’s anti-second amendment rules
Maintains funding for the VA’s and DOJ’s anti-life initiatives
Gives $1 million to a private entity to construct a coffee shop and a greenhouse for refugees
Funnels $1 million to the WE ACT environmentalist group in New York City
Continues allowing leftist bureaucrats to fly pride flags and other political flags over federal buildings
Wastes taxpayer money on Critical Race Theory and the DEI Executive Offices
Allows federal funds to continue flowing to the Wuhan lab
Despite all the wasteful spending in this bill, there are some critical infrastructure projects for NY-24, which Congresswoman Tenney submitted after a rigorous review process. The projects Tenney successfully submitted and advocated for in NY-24 include:
$1.75 Million for the Town of Constantia Northshore Sewer Project
$1.75 Million for the City of Canandaigua Water Plant Project
$750,000 for the Town of Watertown Phase 1 Army Water Line (AWL) Pipeline Replacement Project
$2 Million for the Brickyard Road Tank and Transmission Main Improvements on behalf of the Canandaigua-Farmington Consolidated Water District
$3.5 Million for Town of Fayette Sewer District No. 1 Project
$1.75 Million for the Genesee County Water Security and Resilience—Prole Road Transmission Main Project
$1.6 Million for Keuka College’s Rural Community Outpatient Clinic
$700,000, for the Livingston County Regional Water & Wastewater Cybersecurity Improvement Project
$1 Million for the City of Watertown Water Quality Improvement Project
$2.1 Million for the Town of Wolcott Salt Storage Barn
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today introduced the recognizing Judea and Samaria Act to require all official United States documents and materials to use the term "Judea and Samaria" instead of the "West Bank."
Additional cosponsors of this legislation include Representatives Randy Weber (TX-14) and Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04).
The terms Judea and Samaria date back millennia to the ancient Kingdoms of Judah and Samaria. In 1967, after Israel’s Arab neighbors launched the Six-Day War, Israel reclaimed Judea and Samaria from Jordan. The term “West Bank” is used to delegitimize Israel’s historical claim to this land.
In November 2019, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the United States would formally recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and Judea and Samaria. Recently, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reversed this position, stating the Biden administration's disappointment in Israel's recent decision to expand its settlements in the region.
This condemnation comes even though under the Oslo Accords, a bilateral agreement between Israel and Palestinian representatives, Israel was granted full military and civilian control over the majority of Judea and Samaria.
"The Israeli people have an undeniable and indisputable historical and legal claim over Judea and Samaria, and at this critical moment in history, the United States must reaffirm this," said Congresswoman Tenney. "The misguided decision by the Biden administration to revoke the Pompeo Doctrine undermines our greatest ally in the Middle East. The recognizing Judea and Samaria Act requires all U.S. legal documents to use the rightful term "Judea and Samaria" to refer to this territory instead of the "West Bank." This bill reaffirms Israel's rightful claim to its territory. I remain committed to defending the integrity of the Jewish state and fully supporting Israel's sovereignty over Judea and Samaria."
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today announced that her office is accepting submissions for the 2024 Congressional Art Competition from high school students in New York's 24th District.
Since 1982, high school students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories have been invited by members of the U.S. House of Representatives to participate in this esteemed nationwide art competition. Over the years, this competition has provided a platform for over 10,000 works of art to be exhibited and celebrated.
The contest winner will have their artwork displayed in the prestigious halls of the United States Capitol for an entire year. Additionally, they will be given the exciting opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to witness their masterpiece showcased at the Capitol. Southwest Airlines is donating two round-trip tickets for the winner and a guest to attend this year’s celebration on June 27.
All submissions must be delivered to one of Tenney’s district offices by the close of business on Friday, April 19. Additional information about the competition, including guidelines and student release forms required to participate, can be found here or by calling Tenney’s District office at (716) 514-5130.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today, with Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), introduced the Promoting Affordable Childcare for Everyone (PACE) Act to update federal childcare incentives and improve access to affordable and high-quality childcare for American families.
The PACE Act would modernize the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and enhance Dependent Care Flexible Spend Accounts (FSAs) to make the credit refundable and allow for annual updates to keep both incentives effective and provide more financial support for working parents.
“Families shouldn’t have to jeopardize their finances to enroll their children in quality childcare,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The current federal childcare incentives have not kept up with the rising costs plaguing hardworking families and sometimes rival college tuitions. This pro-family bill updates federal childcare incentives, expands accessibility, and ensures lower-income and working families can provide quality care for their children. On top of that, our legislation will enable parents to go back to work, helping to combat our nationwide worker shortage.”
“It is hard to find quality, affordable child care – and when workers can’t afford child care, they can’t pursue work opportunities, take care of a loved one, or attend college," said Congressman Schneider. "We need to make child care less expensive, which is why I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan PACE Act with my colleague Rep. Claudia Tenney. This important legislation would directly provide working families with money in their pocket to put towards child and dependent care."
"Working families continue to struggle with the costs of child care," said Radha Mohan, Executive Director of the Early Care and Education Consortium. "A lack of access to high-quality, affordable child care means parents cannot participate in the workforce. The bipartisan PACE Act helps working families pay for child care by expanding and modernizing the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and increasing the amount of pre-tax dollars families can set aside in Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts. Childcare providers applaud Reps. Tenney and Schneider for introducing this bill."
“The bipartisan Promoting Affordable Childcare for Everyone (PACE) Act is a crucial step to supporting families with young children while ensuring greater economic stability across the country,” said FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling. “The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) is the only provision of the tax code specifically created to help working parents afford child care. Together with expanded Dependent Care Assistance Plans (DCAP), enhancing the CDCTC and ensuring its refundability will help ease the burden of the cost of child care for families who truly need it most. We are so grateful for the bipartisan leadership of Reps. Tenney and Schneider, in coming together to introduce the PACE Act and helping America’s young children and their families find and afford the care they need."
“It is critical that federal tax incentives intended to support access to child care meet the needs of the nation’s workforce,” said Linda K. Smith, Director of the Early Childhood Initiative at the Bipartisan Policy Center. “We applaud Representatives Tenney (R-NY) and Schneider (D-IL) for their leadership in introducing bipartisan legislation that enhances the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) and increases the Dependent Care Assistance Plan cap to better support low- and middle-income working families. The PACE Act makes meaningful changes to help both businesses and working parents meet the demands of today’s economy.”
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC):
Makes the credit refundable in order to expand the credit’s reach to working parents.
Enhances the value of the credit for working parents through an increase in the credit rate.
Indexes the credit to inflation to ensure the value of the credit will not be eroded over time by rising childcare costs.
Dependent Care Flexible Spend Accounts (DCFSAs):
Increases the amount of pre-tax dollars parents can put into the accounts from $5,000 to $7,500.
Indexes the new cap to inflation so DCFSAs can keep pace with the cost of childcare.
The FEC released fundraising totals for NY-24. Rep. Claudia Tenney’s, numbers showed:
About 340k raised for the 4th Q 2023 and $1.1 million for fiscal year 2023
Tenney’s “Victory Fund” brought in an additional $290k for the year
$200,000 of the Victory Fund was from a billionaire energy investor and over $70k from another
Of Tenney’s total take, over 70% was from Big Corporations, Corporate PACS, lobbyists, and their officers
“This is just wrong,” said David Wagenhauser, who is running to unseat Tenney. “We work for the people signing our paycheck - the people signing Tenney’s check are not the people of NY-24; they are Pfizer, billionaires, bankers, and Wall Street elites,” he said.
“Tenney’s fundraising totals won’t tell you who will win the election, but a review of her donors will tell you who’s got their money's worth and how she will vote this year,” Wagenhauser stated.
He pointed to Tenney’s previous votes for Big Pharma (she voted against price caps on insulin for diabetics and other efforts to make prescription drugs more affordable); her votes for Big Insurance and against covering people with pre-existing conditions and to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), that would have left millions uninsured; and her votes to cut tax rates for billionaires and Big Corporations, causing the national debt to skyrocket.
While raising big PAC money, Tenney’s campaign also spent huge sums: $845 thousand dollars last year. “Hundreds of thousands of dollars to slick DC consulting firms and $750 meals at exclusive DC insider haunts such as the Capitol Hill Club show just how out of touch Tenney has become and the respect she shows for other people’s money.” Wagenhauser continued, “They go in rich, they come out richer.”
Wagenhauser’s fundraising totals for 2023 were also released yesterday. They showed he raised over $6k in a very short time after his Christmastime launch. He noted he is significantly above that amount now. He also noted that unlike Tenney, his campaign will not accept money from Big Corporations, Corporate PACS or lobbyists. “We are working for the people of our District, and will fight for our neighbors, not Wall Street, not K Street lobbyists and not Big Pharma.”
“I can guarantee you that we will be outraised and outspent by Tenney.” he said, “But we will not be outworked or out-organized, or beaten in November by a career politician who no longer represents the interests or values of the people of this District.”
He concluded, “Tenney once campaigned on fighting for people, not PACS. Her FEC filings and the video I am releasing today tell a different story. She’s changed and the lines she’s crossed tell us who she’s really fighting for.”
Rep. Claudia Tenney, at the site of the Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines Monument in Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens.
Take any object -- a house, office building, highway, bridge, car -- all will eventually fall apart if not properly maintained.
The same is true of war memorials, the monuments communities erect to honor their war dead and help tell the history of their hometowns.
Rep. Claudia Tenney has co-authored a bill she hopes will help communities preserve those sacred monuments so the legacies they are meant to honor live on well after we're all gone.
The Remembering Our Local Heroes Act, co-sponsored by Rep. Chris Pappas from New Hampshire, allocates $2 million a year over five years that will act as matching funds for community groups to mount efforts to preserve war memorials as well as monuments honoring those who served in law enforcement and fire services.
If a community group, such as a veterans group or a Boy Scout troop, can raise $10,000, for example, the group can apply for a grant of up to $20,000, which would result in a total of $30,000 for the project. If $150,000 is needed for the project, the group would need to raise $50,000. The maximum federal grant under the bill, which is still pending in committee, would be $100,000 per project.
"We really would love to be able to do this," Tenney said. "There are so many areas where you go to, especially throughout my district, where you see these beautiful old monuments, including your Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines Monument that you have here, the Upton Monument, that could definitely be upgraded and cleaned and maintained. A lot of these monuments really aren't being maintained, especially the monument for our heroes."
Tenney stopped in Batavia on Saturday to visit the Upton Monument and discuss her bill with The Batavian.
"This (bill) would allow the federal government to participate in helping maintain veterans memorials and remembering local heroes," Tenney said.
In order to unlock access to the federal grant, all of the money to preserve a monument would need to come from private donations. Local governments could not help fund the project.
The bill combines twin interests and passions for Tenney, recognizing the sacrifices of those who have served their nation and their communities, and history. During the interview, she talked a good deal about Upstate New York's rich history and its contributions to creating the nation during the Revolution, the abolitionists of New York who helped free the slaves, most notably with the Underground Railroad, but also leading figures Frederick Douglas and Harriet Tubman, and New York's efforts to preserve the union during the Civil War and its role in the War of 1812.
"I brought Burgess Owens (to New York), who is a Republican, former football player, a Black Republican, whose hero is Harriet Tubman, his whole life, and he never knew that Harriet Tubman had a house in Auburn," Tenney said. "So I brought him in, and we went everywhere. He was amazed. We did the full tour. We went to all the different sites. And he was like, 'Wow, I can't believe this.' You know, we have such a rich history."
The germ of the bill began when Tenney served in the New York State Legislature, and she learned that Vietnam Veterans often have a hard time unlocking support that's available to other veterans groups because of the lingering controversies of that war. During that time, she visited a group that wished to build a Vietnam memorial, but they couldn't access federal funds. When she was first elected to Congress, she introduced the first version of this bill designed to allow any community group that takes on the task of ensuring local heroes are appropriately honored to tap into a small pot of federal funds to assist the effort.
"We (New York) were critically important in all the wars, whether it's the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the War of 1812," Tenney said. "I think it's important that we know our history."
The Upton Monument was dedicated in August 1919 (see the 100th-anniversary documentary produced by The Batavian embedded below), with construction funded by donations and contributions from the city of Batavia and Genesee County. It was constructed by Wardon Monuments, a company that built monuments throughout the northeast, including Gettysburg, and had its headquarters on Evans Street in Batavia. Officially, it is the Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines Monument, but it carries a bronze statue of Civil War hero Gen. Emory Upton, who was from Batavia.
At 105 years old, it shows some age -- discolored bronze and cracks in the stone, including a large chunk of granite missing from the base. There has been no known effort over the past several years -- and The Batavian has made inquiries -- among either private groups or the county government to take steps to ensure it is maintained and preserved.
That isn't unusual in her NY-24 district, Tenney indicated, because local governments are so cash-strapped these days.
On Memorial Day and Veterans Day, Tenney said she often goes for a ride on her motorcycle through the district and will stop at various memorials along her route.
"I'll drive around to the monuments and just kind of place a little flag or just kind of see what condition they're in," Tenney said. "I did that a couple of years ago, I didn't last year, but I did that, and it was just really interesting to see how many people actually do care about what's in their community. But there's no money, and all these local governments are strapped with unfunded mandates from the state and all these other issues, so we have this as something that is supplemental."
When we remember our history, Tenney noted, it binds us to our community and it teaches our children the value of their community.
"If you don't remember the people who really founded your community, the principles that it was founded upon and that people actually served, died, sacrificed, lost life and limb, I think that really sends a message," Tenney said. "We want to send a message to our young people that their community is worth something and that they should be proud of their community, of the people that founded it."
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), member of the Ways and Means Committee, today voted in favor of H.R. 7024, Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024.
This bill passed the House by a vote of 357-70.
“The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 is a pro-growth, pro-worker bill which ensures that hardworking Americans, family-owned farms, and small businesses that have suffered for far too long under Biden’s disastrous policies receive much-needed economic relief,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “This comprehensive bill was shaped by critical feedback from Main Street Americans across the country and New York’s 24th District. This package, focused on renewing President Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, will boost our economy and give manufacturers the tools they need to bolster our global competitiveness. Not only does passing this bill work to preserve over 7,300 jobs in New York, but it would also retain $622 million per year in R&D-related wages for our state. I am thrilled that this bill, which will increase desperately needed economic growth, passed the House today. By voting in favor of this bill, I reiterated my commitment to supporting fiscally conservative economic policies implemented by President Trump that deliver much-needed relief for the hardworking taxpayers of NY-24.”
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today joined Congressman Marc Molinaro (NY-19) and New York’s Republican Congressional Delegation in introducing a Congressional Resolution condemning New York Governor Kathy Hochul for defunding schools across New York State and prioritizing increased funding for migrants.
The Governor’s budget reduces funding for hundreds of schools across New York State while providing $2.4 billion to provide undocumented immigrants with legal assistance, housing, transportation, healthcare, and jobs. If Governor Hochul’s cuts to schools go through, schools could be forced to make up the difference by shuttering special education and disability services, cutting mental health resources, and more.
"Once again, Governor Kathy Hochul and Albany Democrats are putting illegal migrants and their progressive agenda ahead of New York’s children," said Congresswoman Tenney. "Hochul's misguided decision to cut critical funding from taxpayer-funded schools threatens students' learning, especially as they continue to recover from COVID-related learning loss and their access to valuable disability services and mental health resources. I stand with my New York Republican colleagues in demanding that she reevaluate her priorities and support our children over illegal migrants!"
"Governor Hochul is prioritizing undocumented immigrants over our children's education," said Congressman Molinaro. "Cutting funding for schools will inevitably jeopardize crucial disability services and mental health resources. We cannot let extreme left immigration policies ruin our children’s future. Governor Hochul: reverse course.”
"This self-inflicted New York City migrant crisis shouldn't be paid for on the backs of our children," said Congressman Garbarino. "Our children must come first. The needs of New Yorkers must be placed before those of illegal immigrants. I urge the Governor to change course and do what’s right for our kids and our state.”
“New York Democrats’ sanctuary policy that’s turning hotels, schools, federal parks, and senior living facilities into encampments for unvetted migrants from all over the world is unfair to surrounding communities and the taxpayers who are being forced to foot the bill," said Congresswoman Malliotakis. "Because of State and national Democrats’ reckless policies, the Governor is now slashing hundreds of millions of dollars from schools across the state, including over $130,000 from New York City. This crisis is unsustainable and unsafe for everyone involved, and the fact that our Mayor and Governor are cutting services from citizens to continue funding free giveaways to illegal immigrants is insane. Our children deserve better.”
“Governor Hochul’s misplaced priorities have placed the interests of migrants over Empire State students by slashing education funding while dedicating billions to those who crossed through our porous borders," said Congressman D’Esposito. "I am calling on Governor Hochul to immediately reverse course and stop punishing New York students for Joe Biden’s disastrous migrant crisis.”
“A politician’s budget proposal is indicative of that politician's values and it is clear from her budget that Governor Hochul values migrants over our kids," said Congressman LaLota. "As the husband of a teacher, father of three young girls, and a New York taxpayer, I’m appalled by the Governor’s heartlessness. Her decision to hurt our kids, especially in counties that voted against her, is Cuomo-esque bullying. The Governor is yet again putting politics before people and every New Yorker should be vocal against Hochul.”
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) introduced H.Res. 965, a resolution calling for the immediate release of Ryan Corbett, a United States citizen, who was wrongfully detained by the Taliban on August 10, 2022, and condemning the wrongful detention of Americans by the Taliban.
Additional cosponsors of the resolution include House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Representatives Dan Meuser (R-PA), Haley Stevens (D-MI), French Hill (R-AR), Pat Ryan (D-NY), Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Dina Titus (D-NV), Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY), Joseph Morelle (D-NY), Michael Lawler (R-NY), Morgan McGarvey (D-KY), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Jim Costa (D-CA), Michael Waltz (R-FL), Daniel Goldman (D-NY), Brandon Williams (R-NY), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Marc Molinaro (R-NY), Tony Gonzales (R-TX), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), and Pete Stauber (R-MN).
Ryan Corbett, a husband, father, and Western New Yorker has been held without charge by the Taliban in Afghanistan since August 10, 2022. Ryan is being held in a basement cell without regular access to a bathroom, sunlight, or medical care. Other Westerners who have been released from the prison where Ryan is being held report that he is in deteriorating health. Ryan’s family has been fighting for his release in silence but decided to go public because of fears for his life.
Since meeting with the Corbett family and hearing their story, Congresswoman Tenney has led the charge in fighting for Ryan’s release and well-being. This includes working to get Ryan officially designated as a wrongful detainee by the U.S. Department of State on October 10, 2023.
"When I first heard of Ryan Corbett’s detention and the brutal conditions of his captivity from his wife Anna, I was heartbroken," said Congresswoman Tenney. "Inspired by Anna, his children, and his loved ones who have been bravely advocating for his release, today I introduced a bipartisan resolution, reiterating that Congress will not stand idly while an innocent American is wrongfully detained and suffers under harsh captivity at the hands of the Taliban. The strong bipartisan support for this resolution calling for Ryan Corbett’s release shows that Congress stands united in calling for Ryan’s release and condemning the Taliban’s wrongful detention of Americans. We will work tirelessly to bring attention to Ryan Corbett's case and advocate for his immediate release to bring him home to his family."
"I am grateful for the strong bipartisan support that my family has received, in particular from our Congresswoman, Claudia Tenney," said Anna Corbett. "Ending the wrongful detention of Americans abroad should be in the interest of all Americans, and I am hopeful that these continued efforts to highlight Ryan's plight will help us bring him home without delay."
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) today introduced the Unborn Child Support Act to enable expecting mothers to receive child support payments during pregnancy.
Additional cosponsors of the legislation include U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and U.S. Representatives Jim Banks (R-IN-03), Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05), Ben Cline (R-VA-06), Bob Good (R-VA-05), Clay Higgins (R-LA-03), Nick Langworthy (R-NY-23), Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL-13) and John Moolenaar (R-MI-02).
Specifically, this bill allows the courts, in consultation with the mother, to grant child support payments during the prenatal period, extending retroactively to the physician-determined point of conception. Additionally, it provides flexibility for mothers who seek to avoid the involvement of the father by offering discretion as to whether those mothers receive child support.
“Every human life is important, and expecting mothers should have the physical, emotional, and financial support they need to reflect that,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The Unborn Child Support Act provides mothers with the opportunity to access child support payments during pregnancy while giving them the flexibility to deny these payments, should they choose. I am honored to lead this bicameral legislation in the House and will continue to work to ensure mothers and their unborn children have the support they deserve from conception.”
“New mothers and unborn children deserve care from conception, and child support should reflect this. Modifying child support laws to allow pregnant mothers to receive it is commonsense and long overdue,” said Senator Cramer. “Instead of imposing mandates, our bill empowers mothers by giving them the choice to receive pre-natal child support. Now, more than ever, there is a greater responsibility for Congress to pass legislation to protect and support mothers and children.”
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04) today announced that their provision, which would require that American flags purchased by the Department of Defense be made in America by American workers and use American-grown and manufactured materials, was included in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.
“American Flags flown over our military installations, carried into battle, and draped over the caskets of our servicemembers who have made the ultimate sacrifice should be made in the land they so valiantly defend,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The United States should never contribute to offshoring jobs, especially when it comes to purchasing American flags. I am thrilled our bipartisan amendment was included in the FY24 NDAA to ensure that only American flags made in the USA are purchased by the DOD. I will always fight to support American manufacturers and workers and the domestic production of critical goods, including American flags.”
“The American flag is the greatest symbol of freedom in the world, and it represents the hard-fought battles by American servicemembers who made tremendous sacrifices to protect our nation,” said Congressman Thompson. “Every American flag purchased by the Department of Defense should be made by American workers in the United States with American materials. I am proud to have gotten this requirement signed into law.”
