War Powers Resolution, New York Childcare Funding Being Withheld, Redirecting Federal Law Enforcement To ICE, Supporting Victims Of Human Trafficking, Honoring Fallen Heroes, National Endowment For The Arts Funding: Senator Gillibrand

War Powers Resolution, New York Childcare Funding Being Withheld, Redirecting Federal Law Enforcement To ICE, Supporting Victims Of Human Trafficking, Honoring Fallen Heroes, National Endowment For The Arts Funding: Senator Gillibrand

Editor’s note: Here you can view Senator Gillibrand’s previous feature discussing rising costs during the holidays along with increasing pregnant women’s Healthcare access and expanding social security.   This weekend we’ll be covering the press conference on the topic of the withheld childcare funding.  

GILLIBRAND STATEMENT ON WAR POWERS RESOLUTION ADVANCING IN THE SENATE

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, made the following statement on the Senate’s bipartisan vote to advance legislation that would require congressional authorization for military force against Venezuela:

“President Trump is trying to commit the United States to another protracted foreign regime change war that he has said could last years. At a time when working Americans are struggling to pay their bills, President Trump wants to spend New Yorkers’ tax dollars in Venezuela, while he cuts health care, child care, and essential services to our state.

“The Constitution makes it clear that presidents do not have the unilateral authority to send our service members into harm’s way without explicit congressional authorization. Today’s bipartisan vote sends a clear message to President Trump that he has overstepped his authority, and I urge my colleagues to vote for this resolution’s final passage. The United States Constitution is not optional, and we must reassert Congress’ duty to prevent unjustifiable wars.”

GILLIBRAND DEMANDS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION REVERSE DECISION TO RIP AWAY CHILD CARE FUNDING FOR NEW YORK

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a virtual press conference to demand that the Trump administration unfreeze the grants that provide child care assistance to tens of thousands of families in New York.

“Investing in child care is investing in our future. The Trump administration’s decision to freeze child care grants is a brazen political attack that will hurt New York families, children, and child care providers who are already struggling to get by,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Because of this action, child care providers will almost certainly be forced to close their doors, families will be stripped of the assistance they rely on, and children will suffer. I will continue to work with our state and local partners to hold the administration’s feet to the fire until they reverse this immoral, heartless decision.”

Last Tuesday, the Trump administration froze $10 billion in funding for child care subsidies, social services, and cash support for low-income families in five Democrat-controlled states–including New York. The administration is claiming widespread fraud throughout these states, but it has not provided any evidence of this in New York.

The funding cuts come from three funding streams: the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, which provides cash assistance to households with children; the Child Care and Development Fund, which supports child care for working parents; and social services grants that benefit at-risk children. In total, New York receives over 3 billion dollars between these funding streams, helping provide care to hundreds of thousands of New York children.

Senator Gillibrand discussed the importance of child care assistance for working parents, especially at a time when child care costs are rising faster than inflation in most states. According to the Department of Labor’s National Database of Childcare Prices, American families spent between 8.9 and 16 percent of their median income on full-day care for one child in 2022. In New York, the average cost of child care is between $15,500 and $20,500 per year, depending on the age of the child and type of child care center.

Additionally, child care has been shown to improve outcomes for children, workers, and the economy. It gives children vital early learning and socialization, increases labor force participation, and reduces worker absenteeism.

Gillibrand demanded an immediate reversal of the administration’s funding freeze.

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GILLIBRAND, COLLEAGUES DEMAND ANSWERS ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION DECISION TO DIVERT FEDERAL AGENTS FOR IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined 29 Senate Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to President Trump, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and Attorney General Pam Bondi demanding answers on the impact of the administration’s decision to pull thousands of federal law enforcement agents away from their work keeping dangerous criminals off the streets and reassign them to arrest, detain, and deport primarily non-violent immigrants.

“Once again, the Trump administration is jeopardizing the safety of our communities in a blatant attempt to score political points,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Instead of supporting law enforcement officials dedicated to protecting our communities from child predators, cyberattacks, and gun trafficking, the president is stripping away critical resources and putting our national security at risk. These actions make our communities less safe and weaken public safety.” 

In their letter, the senators wrote, “You have pulled agents away from some of the federal government’s most critical criminal investigations, weakening the very work that ensures public safety. In a world in which we must prioritize the use of limited resources, an agent arresting non-violent immigrants necessarily means one less agent available to catch child predators and drug traffickers.. This diversion represents a deliberate choice: a stunning abdication of the basic responsibilities of the executive branch to the American people, and a direct threat to the security of communities across the country.”

Though the majority of immigrants arrested have no criminal background, many agents across the federal government have been pulled off of cases involving child exploitation, drug trafficking, sanctions evasion, cyberattacks, domestic extremism, and foreign adversaries mid-investigation.

There have been reports of reassignments at agencies across the federal government, including nearly 25% of agents at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and 80% of agents at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). These diversions are especially devastating at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – one of the primary agencies responsible for combatting child exploitation, human trafficking, fentanyl smuggling, and cartels. HSI personnel themselves have warned that these reassignments are dismantling one of the country’s most effective child protection and national security forces. To mitigate the damage, some investigators have even tried to work on their cases at nights or on weekends.

“Redirecting these investigators to pad deportation statistics is not simply irresponsible—it is a dereliction of duty with life-or-death consequences that puts the safety of our children in jeopardy,” the senators continued. “No modern administration has ever attempted a reallocation of this scale or recklessness.”

The senators’ letter also calls out the dangerous national security implications of the administration’s decision, including damage to cyber and critical infrastructure defenses that protect the systems Americans rely on every day for necessities like clean water, air conditioning, and electricity.

“Taken together, these actions are more than just a routine shift in administration priorities; they represent a systematic dismantling of the very institutions that protect Americans in their homes, online, and in their communities,” the senators wrote. “The fact that the majority of individuals arrested during immigration enforcement operations to date have had no criminal history belies the administration’s claim that it is targeting the “worst of the worst.” Instead, it suggests that federal law enforcement capacity is being sacrificed to fuel a politically orchestrated deportation drive. That tradeoff is indefensible, and it puts Americans at risk to serve a political narrative, not a security strategy.”

The senators requested:

• A full accounting of personnel diverted to immigration enforcement from all federal agencies since January 20, 2025, including numbers, assignment duration, and mission details;

• A list of all investigations paused, terminated, or reassigned as a result of, in whole or in part, these diversions, including those related to child exploitation, cyber intrusions, human trafficking, drug smuggling, domestic extremism, terrorism financing, and violent crime;

• Any threat, risk, or operational assessments informing the decision to divert personnel;

• All formal taskings or communications directing agencies to provide personnel for immigration enforcement surge operations;

• Any internal objections raised by agency leadership or career investigators regarding the diversions, and how these objections were addressed; and

• Any internal assessments completed to gauge the impacts of these diversions, including on investigations into child exploitation, human trafficking, cybercrime, counter narcotics, and national security investigations.

In addition to Senator Gillibrand, the letter was co-signed by Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Gary Peters (D-MI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Angus King (I-ME), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mark Warner (D-VA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Michael Bennet (D-CO).

Read the full letter HERE.

GILLIBRAND STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF HER BIPARTISAN BILL TO SUPPORT VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Gillibrand Fought to Pass the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act for Nearly a Decade

Washington, D.C. – Following the signing of the bipartisan Trafficking Survivors Relief Act into law, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) released the following statement:

“I am thrilled that my bipartisan Trafficking Survivors Relief Act has been signed into law. This represents significant progress in the effort to support victims of human trafficking, protecting them against the vicious cycle of criminalization that arises when their traffickers force them to break the law. I want to thank Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and Reps. Russell Fry and Ted Lieu for their partnership in getting this bill across the finish line, and I am so grateful to all of the survivors who have bravely come forward and shared their stories. Our work continues in the fight to end human trafficking once and for all.”

Their Trafficking Survivors Relief Act enables survivors of human trafficking to have nonviolent criminal convictions or arrest records they incurred while being trafficked vacated and expunged, shielding them from criminalization and subsequent problems securing housing and employment as they work to reestablish their lives. Additionally, the new law:

1. Allows for an individual’s status as a victim of trafficking to be a mitigating factor for courts to consider when imposing a prison sentence for violent crimes.
2. Requires U.S. attorneys to submit a report one year after enactment detailing the number of motions filed under the law.
3. Ensures that DOJ Office for Victims of Crime and Office on Violence Against Women grant funding can be used for legal representation for post-conviction relief activities.

Senator Gillibrand first introduced the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act with a bipartisan group of colleagues in 2016 and reintroduced it in every subsequent Congress. The most recent version of the bill, which was signed into law by President Trump, was co-led by Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) in the Senate and Reps. Russell Fry (R-SC-07) and Ted Lieu (D-CA-36) in the House of Representatives. The legislation unanimously passed the House and Senate in December 2025.

For a full list of endorsing organizations, please click here.

GILLIBRAND, COLLEAGUES’ HONORING OUR FALLEN HEROES ACT SIGNED INTO LAW

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), along with Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), announced that their Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act has been signed into law. The bipartisan legislation expands access to federal support for the families of firefighters and other first responders who pass away or become permanently disabled from service-related cancers.

“New Yorkers know that our firefighters and first responders are selfless heroes who rush into danger every day to protect our communities. But we also know their fight does not end when their shift does, and that many are exposed to dangerous health risks that can surface years later. When these heroes face health challenges or lose their lives as a result of their service, they and their families must be supported,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I’m grateful that our legislation has been signed into law, and I will continue fighting to ensure our first responders receive the critical support they deserve after dedicating their lives to keeping our communities safe.”

“This is a critical victory for our firefighters who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, and for their loved ones,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This bipartisan legislation will ensure that the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program covers service-related cancers—honoring the commitment we make to our firefighters like Captain Paidar and other first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

“Our first responders epitomize courage and selfless sacrifice, confronting both the immediate perils of their duty which are extreme and the lingering health risks associated with their service,” said Senator Cramer. “Their exposure to dangerous carcinogens happens on our behalf. When these heroes make the ultimate sacrifice, their families should not have to bear these burdens alone. I’m grateful my Senate colleagues passed this important legislation.”

This bipartisan legislation now makes firefighters and other first responders who lose their lives or become permanently disabled as a result of service-related cancers eligible for support from the federal Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program. Previously, firefighters were only eligible for support under the PSOB program for physical injuries sustained in the line of duty, or for deaths from duty-related heart attacks, strokes, mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, and 9/11-related illnesses.

In addition to Gillibrand, Klobuchar, and Cramer, the legislation was co-sponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Jim Banks (R-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Cornyn (R-TX), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jon Husted (R-OH), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Justice (R-WV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), John Kennedy (R-LA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), David McCormick (R-PA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), James Risch (R-ID), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The legislation was endorsed by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), as well as the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA); Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI); Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA); Fraternal Order of Police (FOP); International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC); Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA); Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs); National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO); National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF); National Fire Protection Association (NFPA); National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC); National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC); and Sergeants Benevolent Association of the NYPD.

Senator Gillibrand has long been a champion for first responders. In addition to securing millions of dollars in grants to help hire, train, and support them, she has introduced bipartisan legislation to establish a dedicated mental health hotline for first responders, fought for increased funding to support mental health services for law enforcement across New York, and demanded that the Trump administration fully fund the World Trade Center Health Program. Senator Gillibrand has also held two summits in Washington, D.C. that brought together first responders from across New York for a day of conversations and presentations about how the federal government can better support their lifesaving work.

GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCES NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS FUNDING FOR NEW YORK STATE ARTS AND CULTURE INSTITUTIONS

New York, NY – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $287,000 in funding distributed by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to organizations in New York State. This funding will allow cultural organizations and nonprofits to support artists, musicians, exhibitions, educational programing, and public engagement and outreach to help grow these vital industries in communities across New York.

“New York State is the arts capital of America,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Amidst destructive cuts to funding for cultural institutions across the nation, I am pleased to start off the new year by announcing $287,000 in funding for organizations in New York. While this funding is by no means as high as it should be, these dollars are a meaningful investment in local organizations to advance art, music, and culture in our communities. I am proud to deliver this funding and will continue to fight to bring federal dollars home to New York.” 

Recipients of NEA grants across various regions in New York are listed below:

Fiasco Theater (New York, NY) — $30,000
Funding will support artist fees and benefits for the development and production of The Verge by Susan Glaspell. Written in 1921 and set in New England, the play follows a woman grappling with modern American identity amid ancestral expectations. Fiasco Theater will reimagine the century-old work for contemporary audiences in New York City.

Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc. (New York, NY) — $60,000
Support will fund artist fees for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s national tour celebrating America250. The tour will honor Ailey’s legacy through performances of Revelations, works set to music by Duke Ellington and Charlie Parker, and new premieres by Matthew Neenan, Earl Moseley, and Maya Garcia, reaching communities across the country.

Lubovitch Dance Foundation, Inc. (New York, NY) — $20,000
This grant will support the documentation and presentation of historic works from the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company. Developed in partnership with the Dance Heritage Coalition and the New York Public Library, the project includes new recordings of historic dances, oral histories, digitization of archival materials, and a restaging of Othello with American Ballet Theatre, expanding public access to American dance history.

Midtown Management Group, Inc. (New York, NY) — $39,000
Funding will support Inside Broadway’s touring musical Grand Old Flag, featuring the music of George M. Cohan. Designed for elementary and middle school students, the production blends American history with lessons on friendship and community, and it introduces students to live theater through performances, workshops, and post-show discussions.

Parsons Dance Foundation, Inc. (New York, NY) — $48,000
Support will fund new dance works by David Parsons and Mayte Natalio. Parsons’ site-specific piece About Sprouts will feature youth dancers alongside professionals at Battery Park, highlighting the site’s Revolutionary War history. Natalio will premiere a new work inspired by America250, alongside student performances, talkbacks, and sensory-friendly workshops.

DreamYard Project, Inc. (Bronx, NY) — $30,000
This grant will support poetry residencies for youth in underserved Bronx communities. Guided by teaching artists, students will write and perform original poems, participate in open mics and competitions, and explore identity, heritage, and visions for the future through poetry in connection with America250.

Strawtown Art & Garden Studio Inc. (New City, NY) — $15,000
Funding will support free after-school and outdoor visual arts programs for youth in Haverstraw. Students will combine artmaking with environmental exploration, examining historical symbols, Indigenous history, and our founding documents before creating their own personal symbols using traditional materials like feather, quill, and ink.

Steven Myron Holl Foundation, Inc. (Rhinebeck, NY) — $25,000
Support will fund a commissioned sculptural installation by artist Anne Lindberg at ‘T’ Space in Rhinebeck. Inspired by the Hudson River School, the immersive exhibition will explore perception, place, and American identity through thousands of colored threads woven into architectural space, alongside poetry, artist talks, and youth workshops.

Corning-Elmira Musical Arts, Inc. (Corning, NY) — $20,000
This grant will support a free outdoor symphony concert by the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes in Elmira’s Eldridge Park. The America250 celebration will feature a diverse program including folk, jazz, patriotic music, Broadway selections, and modern works, open to audiences across the region.

Banner Image: Senator Gillibrand at a lunch meeting. Image Credit – Sen. Gillibrand