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Tenney announces Farm Bill listening tour with stop in Batavia on April 4

By Press Release

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Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today announced her upcoming Farm Bill Listening Tour to hear directly from constituents about issues impacting our agriculture industry in New York’s 24th District.

Every five years, Congress passes legislation that sets national agriculture, nutrition, conservation, and forestry policies. This legislation is commonly called the “Farm Bill” and will be considered this year by Congress. Tenney is hosting a series of roundtables to hear directly from farmers and producers about issues facing the agriculture industry in New York’s 24th District.

New York’s 24th District is the largest agriculture and dairy district in the Northeast, producing dairy, beef, crops, wine, apples, and more. In addition, Wayne County ranks third in the nation for apple production.

“As your voice in Congress, it is essential that I hear directly from you about the issues facing our community,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Our sprawling district, the largest agriculture-producing district in the Northeast, is home to so many hardworking farmers who feed our community, state, and nation. I am committed to hearing from them about their top priorities as we prepare for the consideration of the 2023 Farm Bill. I will always be a tenacious advocate for our region’s agriculture community.”

Please see the schedule below for upcoming roundtable sessions. Those interested in attending should use this link to RSVP. If you cannot attend an in-person session, you can also submit your views virtually using the same link above.

Western New York Farm Bill Roundtable
Tuesday, April 4th, 10 a.m. Old Courthouse
7 Main St., Batavia

Central NY & North Country Farm Bill Roundtable
Wednesday, April 5th, 10 a.m. Oswego County Legislative Chamber
46 E Bridge St., 4th Floor Oswego

Finger Lakes Farm Bill Roundtable
Thursday, April 6th, 10 a.m. Phelps Community Center
8 Banta St., #100, Phelps

Photo: File photo by Howard Owens.

Tenney co-sponsors dairy pricing legislation

By Press Release

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) recently cosponsored the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act of 2023, which ensures dairy farmers can price their products to reflect today’s market environment. This bill will increase transparency and modernize the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) system, giving our farmers confidence that any future changes to the program reflect economic fundamentals.

This bipartisan bill is being led in the House by Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25) and Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) and has a Senate companion led by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Susan Collins (R-ME).

"I am honored to represent New York's 24th District, the largest dairy-producing district in the Northeast. The Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act ensures that dairy farmers and producers across New York can stay competitive amidst rising inflation rates, labor costs, and energy prices. This bill is essential so farmers can focus on the important work of producing food for our nation. I will continue to advocate for our nation's farmers and producers and promote stability in the dairy market," said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.

“Federal milk marketing reform is a key priority for AFBF, and we are pleased to see Rep. Langworthy incorporate several of our requested changes into the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act. Dairy farmers deserve clarity and confidence in how they are paid, and all-inclusive cost and yield surveying of processors is a good first step to ensure make allowances are being calculated fairly and accurately. Switching back to the “higher-of” Class I formula as quickly as possible is a priority of our dairy farmers. We commend Rep. Langworthy for including a provision that would require USDA to initiate a National Federal Order hearing process that will allow us to pursue this change administratively while we also pursue the change legislatively. We look forward to working with Rep. Langworthy to get this legislation passed,” said Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

“Meaningful Federal Milk Market Order reform is essential for New York’s dairy farms to help ensure they receive a fair price for their milk. Farm Bureau has long been advocating for federal order changes and created a special working group made up of farmers and industry leaders to help identify areas for the key change. We thank Representatives Langworthy and Morelle for introducing the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act, which will modernize the federal milk marketing order system to more equitably support our farms and food supply,” said David Fisher, New York Farm Bureau President and dairy farmer.

Additional original cosponsors include Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22), Congressman Trent Kelly (MS-01), Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), Congresswoman Mary E. Miller (IL-15), Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09), Congressman Chris Stewart (UT-02), and Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01).

Photo: File photo of Claudia Tenney by Howard Owens.

Tenney announces annual Congressional Art Competition for NY-24

By Press Release

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today invited High School students from New York’s 24th district to participate in the 2023 Congressional Art Competition. The contest winner will have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year.

Started in 1982 by members of the U.S. House of Representatives, High School students across the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories are invited to participate in a nationwide annual art competition. Since its creation, over 650,000 high school students have submitted their artwork to the contest. 

“I’m pleased to announce the 2023 Congressional Art Competition for students across New York’s 24th District,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “This competition is an incredible way for students to showcase their artistic abilities. Every year, I am in awe of the talent of the students in our district, and I look forward to seeing all the great artwork that is submitted this year.” 

The deadline to submit artwork to be judged by members of the local art community will be Friday, April 21, 2023.

Additional information about the competition, including guidelines and student release forms required to participate in the 2023 competition, can be found at https://tenney.house.gov/services/art-competition or by calling Tenney’s District office at (716) 514-5130.

Tenney calls for defunding World Health Organization

By Press Release

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), recently co-sponsored three pieces of legislation focused on promoting transparency and defunding the World Health Organization (WHO). During the pandemic, the WHO showed that they are not an independent international public health cooperative, but rather simply a puppet of the Chinese Communist Party. Instead of listening to Chinese scientists warning about the dangers of COVID-19, for months, the WHO parroted CCP talking points including that person-to-person transmission was not possible.

First, H.R.79, the “WHO Withdrawal Act,” led by Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-5), requires the President of the United States to remove the U.S. from the WHO and prevents taxpayer dollars from being used to fund the organization. This legislation would codify President Trump’s decision in 2020 to leave the WHO, which was reversed by President Biden.

Second, H.R.343, the “No Taxpayer Funding for the World Health Organization Act,” led by Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21), would avert any assessed or voluntary contributions from the United States to the WHO.

Finally, S.444, the “No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act,” introduced in the House by Rep. Tom Tiffany (WI-7), deems any final agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response to be a treaty. Under Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, treaties require the consent of two-thirds of the U.S. Senate. This bill will prevent the Biden Administration from circumventing the Senate and arbitrarily deeming any final treaty an “executive agreement” which does not require Senate approval.

"Since the beginning of the pandemic, the WHO has proven that it does not have America's best interest at heart," said Congresswoman Tenney. "​​Through the disguise of the WHO, millions of taxpayer dollars have bankrolled the Chinese Communist Party's propaganda and have covered up the pandemic's origins. The WHO is not reformable. It is a privilege to join these three pieces of legislation that will ensure the United States leaves this CCP-puppet agency once and for all."

Tenney backs bill to prevent states from shifting Medicaid costs to local governments

By Press Release

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) introduced the Property Tax Reduction Act, which would prevent state governments like New York from unfairly shifting state Medicaid expenses onto local county governments.

Congressman Nick Langworthy (R-NY) co-led this bill alongside Congresswoman Tenney. Congressman Brandon Williams (R-NY) and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) are also original cosponsors.

New York is the only state in the country that requires local counties to pay a substantial portion of the state’s share of Medicaid funding, amounting to nearly $8 billion per year or nearly a quarter of the non-federal cost share for the program. 

This places enormous fiscal pressure on our local governments and has led to some of the highest property tax bills in the country. This arrangement also enables the state to inflate and expand both the scope and the cost of Medicaid since the state is not directly responsible for absorbing the costs associated with burdensome changes and unfounded mandates to the program. This mandate is among the reasons New York also has the highest per capita Medicaid expenditures nationwide; as of 2019, per capita Medicaid personal spending for New York is close to 7 times higher than that of California and 10 times higher than New Jersey.

In New York’s 24th Congressional District, this irresponsible funding scheme shifts a burden of at least $180 million onto our county governments annually. Counties raise most of these funds through property tax levies. Tenney’s bill would stop Albany from passing this Medicaid share onto counties, saving local taxpayers millions. 

“New York State leads the country with the highest rate of outmigration,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “This mass exodus directly corresponds with outrageous property taxes, forcing families and small businesses to relocate. One of the driving causes of this crisis is that New York’s 62 county governments have zero say in how New York’s Medicaid program is operated but are forced to pay a significant amount of its costs. This dysfunctional and unfair system burdens county governments, driving up costs for working families. It also lets Albany Democrats off the hook for reckless spending and gross mismanagement. I am reintroducing the Property Tax Reduction Act to require New York’s Democrat lawmakers to start taking responsibility for reckless spending and to prevent them from unfairly shifting costs to local property taxpayers and counties.”

Tenney sponsors legislation to help municipalities improve water quality

By Press Release

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), member of the Ways and Means Committee, today cosponsored the Financing Lead Out of Water (FLOW) Act, bipartisan legislation that will remove federal red tape to help more municipalities finance water projects focused on the removal of lead service lines. The legislation will make it easier for upstate New York counties to finance and execute water projects.

This legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-8).

The FLOW Act would allow bonds issued by public water utilities to finance the replacement of private lead service lines to bypass the U.S. Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS’s) “private business use test.” Streamlining this process in the tax code will help more communities access low-cost financing for lead service line replacement. This becomes more important as laws regulating lead in drinking water are updated nationwide.

Lead service lines are unique pieces of infrastructure often owned by the local government and private citizens. Removing them is costly but can be financed by issuing tax-exempt bonds. However, under current law, if a water utility issues bonds to fund the replacement of lead service lines buried on private property, the utility must prove that the bond proceeds will not mainly benefit private businesses. Providing this documentation to the IRS requires extensive and costly analysis, delaying these infrastructure projects. The FLOW Act would remove this expensive and time-consuming barrier.

“Outdated lead pipes are still an issue for many communities, but the process to install new pipes is often filled with unnecessary and costly roadblocks for municipalities,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. “The FLOW Act removes the federal red tape that prevents too many of our communities from affordably tapping into the investments they need to provide affordable, clean drinking water. I'm introducing this bill to support water infrastructure programs and address hazardous lead pipes.”

Tenney proposes amendment to Constitution to restrict voting to U.S. citizens

By Press Release

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), co-chair of the Election Integrity Caucus, introduced a resolution calling for an amendment to the Constitution to prohibit individuals who are not citizens of the United States from voting in federal, state, and local elections.

Cosponsors of this resolution include Rep Barry Moore (R-AL), Rep Mike Bost (R-IL), Rep Mary Miller-Meeks (R-IA), and Delegate James Moylan (Guam).

Recently, multiple jurisdictions around the nation, including New York City, San Francisco, Vermont, and the District of Columbia, have attempted to water down our sacred right of citizenship by extending the right to vote to non-citizens. Tenney’s resolution provides for an amendment to the United States Constitution to ensure that only citizens of the United States are allowed to vote in federal, state, and local elections.

“The right to vote is one of the most sacred rights we have as American citizens,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “A citizen of another nation should not be allowed to vote in elections that will influence government officials and U.S. laws at any level. It is time to restore confidence in our elections and rebuild faith in our self-governing Constitutional Republic by making it explicit that only American citizens are permitted to vote in local, state, and federal elections. I am honored to introduce this important piece of legislation.”

You can view the text of this resolution here.

Tenney targets Canadian border for increased security

By Press Release

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), today announced that she has joined the newly formed "Northern Border Security Caucus." The caucus is a coalition of 28 members of Congress who are concerned about the increased human and drug trafficking along the U.S.-Canada border.

The Northern Border Security Caucus, which all House Republicans and Democrats were invited to join, is supported by House Republican Leadership and the National Border Patrol Council, among other groups and organizations.

The U.S.-Canada border is the longest international border in the world. Recent news reports, along with data compiled over the past two years, show a surge in illegal migrant crossings and drug trafficking across the Northern border. Specifically, in the North Country sector of the border, there has been an 846% increase in illegal border crossings. As the national security threat at our Northern Border continues to grow exponentially, there has been no corresponding increase in U.S. Border Patrol staffing, which is still at the same level as it was in Fiscal Year 2009.

“There’s been an unprecedented surge in illegal crossings at our Northern Border, including an 846% increase across the North Country alone," said Congresswoman Tenney.  "Under President Biden’s failed leadership, our borders are less secure, and our communities are at risk. The Northern Border Security Caucus is needed now more than ever for members of Congress to come together with one voice to advocate against Joe Biden’s reckless policies and to focus on delivering the resources needed by our brave Border Patrol agents at our Northern Border to do their jobs effectively.”

NORTHERN BORDER FAST FACTS:

  • Drug smuggling has increased by 596% along the Northern border since Fiscal Year 2021, including a 26% increase in fentanyl.
  • Since President Biden took office nearly two years ago, there has been an almost 15 times increase in Northern land border encounters.
  • There were only 997 Northern land border encounters in January 2021. But that number has increased each month since. In the month of October 2022, there were 15,938 Northern land border encounters. In FY2020, there were 32,376 border encounters. In FY2022, there were 109,535 encounters.
  • Border Patrol staffing has remained flat since FY 2009. Since FY09, staffing levels along the Northern border sectors have been between 1,887 and 2,263 personnel. FY2020 Northern border sector staffing was 2,019.
  • The longest international border in the world, measuring 5,525 miles, the U.S. Northern border has only 115 ports of entry with no performance measures to assess security between ports.

Tenney wants to redirect IRS funds to border enforcement

By Press Release

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) yesterday reintroduced the Diverting IRS Resources to the Exigent Crisis Today (DIRECT) Act. The legislation, which Tenney first introduced last year, redirects $45.6 billion from the Biden administration’s overreaching plan to increase audits of low and middle-class families to the border to hire additional law enforcement agents and increase security.

Additional co-sponsors include Rep. Brian Babin (TX-26).

In the Democrats’ falsely named Inflation Reduction Act, the IRS received $45.6 billion for additional enforcement activities, a significant portion of which is set to be used to target low- and middle-income Americans for increased audits. As the Biden administration continues to ignore the crisis at our Southern Border, it is time to put these funds to better use on behalf of the American people. Already in Fiscal Year 2023, there have been almost 875,000 illegal crossings at our Southern Border.

“Since Joe Biden took office, there have been more than 4.6 million illegal crossings at our Southern Border – it is a historic and tragic record. Yet even amidst this crisis, the Biden administration has prioritized increasing audits on middle-class Americans, rather than hiring additional Border Patrol agents to safeguard our national security and restore operational control of the border,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “While the Republican House voted earlier this year to defund Joe Biden’s massive IRS expansion, this bill goes a step further by redirecting these funds to the border, where they are urgently needed.”

The full text of the bill is available here

Tenney says Biden Administration not complying mandated reporting on Iran's military

By Press Release

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) on Thursday sent a letter to the Biden administration slamming it for failing to comply with a legally-mandated reporting requirement on Iran’s military capabilities. The letter, which was addressed to Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, follows her failure to submit a report to Congress on the military capabilities of Iran, which is legally required by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022. The report was due 180 days following the passage of the NDAA. It is now 233 days late.

This report requires a detailed description of the advancements in the military capabilities of Iran, especially regarding the capabilities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran-backed groups, including Hezbollah and the Houthis. Further, this report requires detailed accountings of attacks against U.S. servicemembers and our allies by Iran and its proxies.

“At a time when the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to escalate tensions in the Middle East and threaten our allies like Israel, Congress required the Biden administration to provide a detailed report on the regime’s military capabilities,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “This report is now 233 days late. The administration’s failure to comply with this legally required reporting requirement from Congress is unacceptable and I am calling on the Director of National Intelligence act immediately to provide this information. Not only is the failure to send this report a clear violation of the law, but it is also detrimental to our national security. I look forward to promptly receiving this report from Director Haines, as well as an explanation for the delay of more than 200 days.”

Tenney’s full letter is available here.     

Tenney appointed to House Science, Space, and Technology Committee

By Press Release

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) on Monday released the following statement after her appointment to the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee in the 118th Congress. This committee has jurisdiction over all non-defense-related federal scientific research and development portfolios. 

Congresswoman Tenney was also named to the committee’s Energy Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the Department of Energy’s research and development programs.

"It is an honor to serve on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee for the 118th Congress," said Congresswoman Tenney. "This committee is vitally important for maintaining our technological edge over adversaries like China. We simply cannot let our enemies out-compete and out-innovate us. Additionally, with the Biden administration’s war on energy, I am especially honored to serve on the Energy Subcommittee. New York’s three remaining nuclear power plants are in New York’s 24th Congressional District. Safe and reliable nuclear power continues to hold great promise for our nation. As a member of the Energy Subcommittee, I will continue to oppose the Biden administration’s dangerous Green New Deal policies and support targeted investments in energy technologies like nuclear that are clean, affordable, and reliable.”

The Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Frank Lucas released the following statement following Congresswoman Tenney's appointment to the committee.

"I’m very pleased to welcome Congresswoman Tenney to the Science Committee," said Chairman Lucas. "She understands how scientific innovation drives a strong economy, and she’s been a strong voice for an all-of-the-above approach to developing clean, affordable, and reliable American energy. She will be a tremendous asset to our Committee as we tackle the challenges facing us and work to keep America at the cutting edge of scientific, technological, and economic development."

Tenney introduces bill to exempt firearms from bankruptcy proceedings

By Press Release

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) yesterday introduced the Protecting Gun Owners in Bankruptcy Act. This bill would exempt $3,000 worth of firearms from bankruptcy proceedings, allowing Americans to maintain their Second Amendment rights through tough financial times.

Current bankruptcy law allows debtors to maintain items to support a base quality of life, including a primary residency, car, clothing, household appliances, and even musical instruments. But there is no current exemption for a firearm that can be used for self-defense, a constitutional right. This important piece of legislation ensures that Americans can keep their firearms to defend themselves, no matter their financial state.

“No American should ever have to sacrifice their constitutional rights because of their financial situation,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The Second Amendment is a constitutional right for all Americans, even those experiencing financial hardship. I am honored to lead this important legislation that protects the rights of gun owners everywhere, no matter their financial situation.”

Additional co-sponsors include Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ-9), Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14), and Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO-5).

Read the full text of the bill here.

Tenney introduces resolution promising to protect Social Security

By Press Release

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), a member of the Ways and Means Committee, today introduced a resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Social Security should be preserved and protected for current beneficiaries, and for future generations to come.

Congresswoman Tenney released the following statement after the introduction of the resolution: 

“Last night, in his State of the Union address, President Biden once again spewed lies and a false narrative surrounding House Republican’s plan for Social Security and Medicare,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “This resolution reaffirms House Republicans’ commitment to protecting Social Security for current beneficiaries and future generations to come. Programs like Social Security and Medicare were lifelines for my parents when they were older, and I will always fight to preserve and strengthen them for seniors, retirees, and future beneficiaries. Joe Biden’s shameful and deliberate deception demonstrates once again how unserious he is about working with Republicans to address the crises facing our nation under his leadership.”

Read the full text of the resolution here.

 

Tenney responds to Biden's State of the Union address

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) tonight issued the following statement in response to President Biden’s State of the Union Address.

“Tonight, President Biden once again tried to take a victory lap despite the endless crises caused by his administration,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “From the economy to national security, the President has continued to fail this country. The list is endless, but to start, inflation has risen over 13%, 4.5 million illegal aliens have flooded across our Southern Border, and homicides are up 13% since Joe Biden took office. 

“Despite Biden’s disastrous presidency, our Republican House Majority is committed to delivering real results for the American people. In the first month that Republicans have been in the Majority, we have fully reopened the Capitol to the American People, voted to defund Biden’s 87,000 new IRS Agents, established a bipartisan Select Committee to hold the Chinese Communist Party Accountable, stood up for the right to life and voted to end unconstitutional and overreaching vaccine mandates.

“Republicans will continue fighting to preserve our self-governing Constitutional Republic and defend our individual rights. We will keep our communities safe, make life more affordable, and make the government more transparent. And we will always hold Joe Biden and the federal bureaucracy accountable to the American people.”

Tenney offers Tele-Town Hall this week

By Press Release

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) announced today that she will be hosting a live Tele-Town Hall for constituents in New York’s 24th Congressional District from 6 to 7  p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9.

Participants can ask questions, provide feedback through interactive polls, and hear directly from Tenney on important issues in the district and across the country.

If you are interested in registering for the Tele-Town Hall, you can call Tenney’s office at (202) 225-3665, visit the Congresswoman's website at tenney.house.gov/rsvp, or dial in directly at the time of the call at (833) 419-0132.

Tenny has also scheduled mobile office hours in Genesee County on Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 7 Main St., Batavia.

Press release:

During these mobile office hours, expert caseworkers from Congresswoman Tenney’s staff will be on hand to provide constituents assistance dealing with federal agencies. This includes issues surrounding Social Security benefits, veterans' health care, passport applications, and much more.

If you are interested in attending any of the mobile office hours below, you can schedule an appointment in advance by calling (315) 236-7088 or walk-in at any time. Please note that scheduling your appointment in advance will provide a more expedited casework experience and ensure that every constituent is able to receive the help they need.

Tenney backs three bills aimed at combating Chinese Communist Party

By Press Release

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) introduced three bills to combat the China Communist Party (CCP) amid China’s deployment of a surveillance balloon over the United States. These three bills will increase transparency and stop federal funds from going to the CCP and CCP-affiliated entities.

First, Congresswoman Tenney led H.R. 748, or the Stop CCP Infrastructure Act, alongside Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (VA-7), which prohibits federally funded public works projects from granting contracts to entities affiliated with the Chinese government, the CCP, or those headquartered in China. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) passed last Congress appropriated almost $1.2 trillion for infrastructure spending, but it did not include necessary safeguards to ensure these funds do not go to the CCP or CCP-affiliated entities. This bill will remedy this omission for IIJA funds and other public works spending.

Next, H.R. 747, or the No Chinese Communist Subterfuge via Unregistered Regime Presence Rendered Indivisible to Shareholders and Equivalent (SURPRISE) Parties Act, was introduced by Congresswoman Tenney alongside Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Congressman Max Miller (OH-7). This bill requires publicly traded companies to disclose their ties to the CCP. Many companies that have divisions that operate in China have CCP cells and CCP members on their corporate boards. Americans should be entitled to know which companies are under the malign influence of the CCP when making investment and purchasing decisions.

Finally, H.R. 749, or the Turn Off Federal Funding of Threatening Entities that Thwart American Prosperity (Turn OFF THE TAP) Act, was led by Congresswoman Tenney and Senator Rubio. This bill will explicitly prohibit any federal funds from going to entities on federal trade blacklists and sanctions lists directly or through third parties. Under current federal law, there is no central ban on contracts with foreign firms that are on U.S. government blacklists or from contracting with companies that do business with blacklisted firms. This bill will fix this gap and ensure the federal blacklists work the way they are intended.

“Time and again, the CCP has refused to play by the rules and has engaged in exploitative trade policies, corrupt business deals, and severe human rights abuses,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Today, China is operating a surveillance balloon over American soil. China is emboldened by President Biden’s weak policies, and it continues to threaten both our economic and national security. We must begin taking China’s threat seriously and end their abuse of hardworking Americans. These pieces of legislation are critical first steps in combatting the malign influence of the CCP in our economy and their exploitation of U.S. public and private investment funds.”

Tenney backs bill to keep transgender athletes out of female sports

By Press Release

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today, on National Girls and Women in Sports Day, introduced The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act alongside Congressman Greg Stuebe (R-Fl.). Additional original cosponsors of this legislation include Representatives Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), Troy Balderson (R-Ohio), Ken Buck (R-Colo.), Jerry Carl (R-Ala.), Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), Jake Ellzey (R-Texas), Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), Morgan Griffith (R-Va.), Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Jason Smith (R-Mo.), Ann Wagner (R-Mo.), Daniel Webster (R-Fla.), and Rob Wittman (R-Va.).

This legislation guarantees women and girls a fair playing field in competitive sports by ensuring that school athletics comply with the Title IX recognition of a person's reproductive biology and genetics at birth. This commonsense bill ensures that biological females are not forced to compete against biological men in women's competitive sports funded through Title IX.

“This legislation is about protecting the equal opportunity for women and girls to fairly compete and succeed in athletics,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “President Joe Biden’s Department of Education and state agencies across the nation are allowing – even encouraging – biological men to participate in women’s sports. This is fundamentally unfair. It deprives women and girls of what so many of us fought for decades to achieve: equal opportunity to train, compete, excel in athletics. The Republican majority has pledged to protect women’s sports, and today we’re delivering on that promise.”

On behalf of Congressman Greg Stuebe, Congresswoman Tenney spoke on the House floor to introduce this piece of legislation.

Watch her full remarks here or read the full remarks prepared for delivery below:

Sports and athletic competitions provide essential opportunities for women to thrive at every state of their life. As children in youth sports, as teens in high school, in college, and beyond.

As a former athlete in high school and college, I know the unparalleled opportunities that sports offer to women and girls. They are a chance to learn new skills, develop lifelong friendships, and challenge yourself to compete at the highest levels. Title Nine and the banning of discrimination against women in school sports made so much of this possible for me, and countless other women.

But today, these opportunities are under threat.

Joe Biden’s Department of Education and state agencies across the nation are allowing – even encouraging – biological men to participate in women’s sports. This is fundamentally unfair. It deprives women and girls of what so many of us fought for decades to achieve: equal opportunity to train, compete, excel in athletics.

 We saw this last year in the NCAA women’s swimming championship, when a female athlete was robbed of her title by a biological male. And this is not an isolated incident. It is happening in countless other sports and athletic leagues.

Today we take a stand up, with compassion for all, in defense of women’s sports and to stop this dangerous precedent.

This is why I am honored to cosponsor Rep. Greg Steube’s Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act and to announce its introduction today in honor of National Women and Girls in Sports Day.

This bill will make it a violation of Title Nine for biological men to compete in sports designated for women or girls. 

Further, it sensibly defines sex based on one’s biological designation at birth. This bill isn’t just anti-woke, it is pro-science.

This bill will protect opportunities for women and girls to compete fairly on the athletic field and in life - without interference from woke agencies or politicians who are making up definitions of sex and gender as they go, all to fit toxic political agendas and ideologies.

 Women have fought hard over the years for equality of opportunity, and it is essential we protect these opportunities we cherish today for generations of girls to come.

The Republican majority has pledged to protect women’s sports, and today we’re delivering on that promise.

Tenney backs bills opposing vaccine mandate and ending pandemic designation

By Press Release

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today voted in favor of H.R. 497, the Freedom for Health Care Workers Act, a bill she cosponsored to end the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services vaccine mandate for healthcare workers. In addition, the Congresswoman also voted in favor of H.R. 382, the Pandemic is Over Act, which officially ends the COVID-19 public health emergency declared by the Department of Health and Human Services in 2020.

H.R. 497 passed the House by a vote of 227-203, while H.R. 382 passed the House by 220-210.

Following her vote on these bills, Congresswoman Tenney released the following statement:

"The president has said it himself: the pandemic is over," said Congresswoman Tenney. "As New York families and small businesses have returned to normal, it is finally time for the government to do the same by ending the permanent state of emergency and lifting its overreaching and unconstitutional mandates. I was honored to support these critical pieces of legislation, which make good on the Republican commitment to restore our fundamental freedoms and ensure the government is accountable to the people."

Tenney backs bill aimed at providing assistance to small manufacturers

By Press Release

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), a member of the Ways and Means Committee, reintroduced the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which would work to provide financial assistance to investment companies that finance small manufacturing businesses.

This bicameral legislation has been introduced in the United States Senate by Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL).

The AIM Act works to provide additional capital to Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) to leverage private capital to provide more patient and flexible financing to smaller and mid-sized manufacturers.

“By incentivizing and creating manufacturing jobs not only in Upstate and Western New York but across the country, we can work to rebuild and grow our nation’s economy,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Many Americans rely on the essential goods and services from our smaller manufacturers, and the AIM Act will work to stimulate economic growth and opportunities for these businesses. I am honored to lead this bicameral legislation alongside Senator Rubio. Boosting support for our small manufacturing businesses remains a top priority for House Republicans.”

Tenney backs legislation aimed at blocking OSHA from attempting COVID-19 vaccine mandate

By Press Release

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today reintroduced the Health Freedom for All Act to prevent the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) from overstepping its congressional authority by enacting a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

In September of 2021, the Biden Administration, through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) attempted to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for employees of businesses with 100 or more employees and require weekly testing for those who remain unvaccinated.

While this mandate was blocked by the Supreme Court, this legislation will stop the Biden Administration from ever attempting a COVID-19 mandate through OSHA again. The bill finally clarifies that under existing law, OSHA does not have the authority to implement rules requiring Americans to undergo COVID-19 vaccinations or testing.

The Health Freedom for All Act was co-sponsored by Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-2), Congressman Bill Posey (FL-8), Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17), Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-3), and Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-2).

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