In New York: Labor Leaders Gathering, CPI Aerostructures Tour, Expand SNAP & Financial Literacy For Seniors, Renewable Projects, Blizzard Disaster Declaration, More Updates – Senator Gillibrand

Labor Leader Gathering, CPI Aerostructures Tour, Congressman Engel Memoriam, End Iran War, Expanding SNAP For Seniors, Financial Literacy For Older Americans Hearing, Disaster Declaration For Blizzard, No Sitting President’s Names On Buildings, Second Ave Subway Funding, Renewable Projects Hearing, NY Non-Profit Grants,

Editor’s note: Our previous rundown of Senator Gillibrand’s activities included her concerns about tribal and state rights to clean water protections are being slashed by President Trump’s EPA, along with the important role that aging Americans play in the current workforce.  With the fastest growing segment of the workforce being those 75 and older, there is clearly a return to regular employment for a growing number of older Americans.  Some of this is due to necessity, and sometimes it is due to boredom, loneliness, or depression.  

Below is a short excerpt of the above hearing, where the senator asked one of the experts about what the top concerns are of senior members of the AARP (American Association of Retired People):

SENATOR GILLIBRAND: Miss Roszkowski, American workers and retirees are facing rising inflation and soaring costs. They’re seeing their costs for groceries to go up. Health care, utilities, housing. Earlier this year, AARP declared, “Retirement is on pause: high costs push older Americans back to work.” What are your members sharing as their top concern in these day-to-day issues that they are dealing with for their own retirement?

CARLY ROSZKOWSKI: Thank you for your question, ranking member. They are concerned about affording everyday costs. They are concerned about groceries. They are concerned about gas. They are concerned about health care. They are concerned that they will outlive their retirement savings. Our research shows not only that 7% of retirees are going back into the workforce – which is up from the survey we did last summer in 2025 – it also shows that 28% of retired people are, unfortunately, they think they’ve retired too early. They’re concerned they’re going to outlive their savings. Some people are living longer, and it’s hard to plan for. We’re feeling it not only with everyday costs, but also long-term care. Health care. And women 50 and older say that everyday costs is their number one concern.

GILLIBRAND HOSTS LABOR GATHERING FEATURING NEW YORK STATE UNION LEADERS 

New York, NY – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) hosted “A Morning with Labor,” a summit bringing together New York State’s most influential labor leaders to discuss the most pressing concerns for New York’s union members and the future of the American workforce. The event, hosted alongside Hotel and Gaming Trades Council President Rich Maroko, New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento, and Executive Director of District Council 37 Henry Garrido, served as a forum for aligning federal policy with the immediate needs of New York’s working families.

The morning-long event featured a series of remarks and discussions aimed at ensuring every New Yorker has the resources and protections to thrive in a changing economy. The senator announced that she is cosponsoring the Faster Labor Contracts Act, which would require employers to come to the negotiating table quickly and ensure that they engage in good faith negotiations with unions.

Beyond the policy discussion, the event also served as a tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to the labor movement. Senator Gillibrand presented three awards, including:

• U.S. Senate Proclamation for Outstanding Service presented to Christopher Erikson, Former Business Manager of IBEW Local 3 and Chairman of the IBEW International Executive Council

• U.S. Senate Proclamation for Innovation in Workforce Development presented to Kereem Berry, Executive Director of the Multi-Craft Apprenticeship Preparation Program (M.A.P.P.)
• U.S. Senate Proclamation in Recognition of Full Federal Funding Secured for the World Trade Center Health Program and the 25^th Anniversary of September 11^th Attacks presented to New York state, regional, national, and international labor unions who were on the front lines of the 9/11 response, evacuation, rescue, security, transportation, clean-up, recovery, and rebuilding efforts and have since fought tirelessly to secure funding for the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF)

“Everything from groceries to gas costs more now than it did before President Trump took office, and American workers are feeling the pinch,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Instead of focusing on lowering costs and helping people get ahead, President Trump has spent his time launching a full-frontal assault on organized labor. In the face of these attacks, we must not back down, which is why this morning’s event was so critical. Every step forward for the American worker – from every weekend off to every safe workplace and every living wage – came because workers showed up, fought back, and refused to be silent.”

“Kirsten Gillibrand has been a true champion for the middle class, actively advocating for policies that support working people here in New York and across the nation,” said Mario Cilento, President of New York State AFL-CIO. “The Senator has the courage of her convictions to fight for what she believes in. And that is more important now than ever before, as workers are increasingly under attack. Senator Gillibrand has fiercely supported our efforts to ensure 9/11 responders, survivors, and their families have access to the help they need. She continues to be instrumental in ensuring those exposed to the toxins at Ground Zero receive the health care and compensation they deserve. I am deeply grateful for all she has done for working people and look forward to continuing to partner with her to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers.”

“Thank you, Senator Gillibrand, for your leadership and for bringing us together at this challenging time. What we’re living is a full throttle attack on working people, an economic attack due to Trump’s commitment to war over social services, an attack on immigrants, and an attack on what we used to respect about this country – democracy. We need more conversations like the one Senator Gillibrand convened today,” said Manny Pastreich, President, 32BJ. 

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“At a time when organized labor is under attack, Senator Gillibrand has remained steadfast in her commitment to ensuring that workers aren’t left behind,” said Rich Maroko, President of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, AFL-CIO. “She understands that strong labor protections are more than good wages and benefits; they are the bedrock of a thriving society.”

“The stakes have never been higher for working people as they are with this administration, and we need leaders like Sen. Gillibrand who will stand up to President Trump and his attacks on organized labor and programs that help families thrive,” said Henry Garrido, Executive Director of District Council 37 AFSCME, New York City’s largest public employee union. “Today’s discussion highlighted the need for aggressive policies that prioritize the health and security of the working class. We thank Sen. Gillibrand especially for her work to fund the WTC Health Program, oppose cuts to social security, and strengthen labor protections.”

“We’re grateful to Senator Gillibrand for her continued partnership with working people across New York City and New York State,” said Brendan Griffith, President of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. “From securing health care for 9/11 responders to expanding pathways into union careers, New York’s Labor Movement has always led on what working people need. This gathering reflects Senator Gillibrand’s shared commitment with the Labor Movement to build on that progress and ensure that this and future generations of workers have the protections and opportunities they deserve.”

“I want to thank the Senator for the U.S. Senate Proclamation for Outstanding Service. I couldn’t have done anything without my local 3 members. My sole purpose was to serve the members, and when you do that with distinction you can focus on your challenges and make meaningful progress,” said Christopher Erikson, Former Business Manager of IBEW Local 3 and Chairman of the IBEW International Executive Council. 

“I am incredibly grateful to be honored by US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for her continued support of MAPP and its mission to provide career opportunities for individuals in disadvantaged communities into the union construction trades,” said Kereem Berry, Executive Director of the Multi-Craft Apprenticeship Preparation Program (M.A.P.P.).

“On behalf of the Port Authority Detectives Endowment Association of NY & NJ, I want to thank Senator Gillibrand for her unwavering commitment to our first responders and organized labor. Her leadership in securing and protecting funding for the World Trade Center Health Program continues to make a real difference in the lives of those who answered the call on 9/11 and are still paying the price today. Today’s recognition of our unions is deeply appreciated. We stand grateful for her continued partnership and dedication to those who serve,” said Michele M. Fusco Jr., President, Port Authority Detectives Endowment Association.

“Senator Gillibrand has stood shoulder to shoulder with 9/11 responders, fighting for their healthcare, and never letting America forget their sacrifice,” said Dr. Jean Kanokogi, Director of Mental Health and Peer Support, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.

This summit is the latest event in Senator Gillibrand’s longstanding partnership with organized labor. As a champion of bills such as the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act, Gillibrand has been a leader in the Senate, urging her colleagues to pass bipartisan legislation that would bolster and protect New York State workers.

Her legislative priorities remain focused on:

• Strengthening collective bargaining and ensuring workers have a seat at the table without fear of retaliation;
• Protecting federal funding and ensuring the long-term solvency of the WTCHP and VCF for 9/11 first responders and survivors;
• Safeguarding union jobs and supporting the development of pathways to economic mobility, including through pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs;
• And advocating for paid family leave and affordable child care, longtime priorities that have both New York State and New York City governmental support.

Image Credit – Sen. Gillibrand

MONDAY IN EDGEWOOD: SENATOR GILLIBRAND TO TOUR CPI AEROSTRUCTURES FACILITY

Edgewood, NY – On Monday, April 13, 2026 at 2:00pm at the CPI Aerostructures Facility in Edgewood (91 Heartland Blvd, Edgewood, NY 11717), U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand visited  the CPI Aerostructures facility. The visit will underscore the intersection of national security, economic development, and New York State’s leadership in the aerospace and defense sectors.

CPI Aerostructures is a Long Island-based manufacturer of structural aircraft components for fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, serving both the U.S. defense market and commercial aerospace sector. Senator Gillibrand will first tour the facility, then hold a press conference to highlight the vital role CPI Aerostructures plays in Long Island’s economy and its ripple effect on the statewide workforce.

SENATOR GILLIBRAND TOURS CPI AEROSTRUCTURES FACILITY

Edgewood, NY – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand visited the CPI Aerostructures facility to underscore the intersection of national security, economic development, and New York State’s leadership in the aerospace and defense sectors.

“What CPI Aerostructures is doing on Long Island is exactly what American manufacturing should look like: skilled workers, high-quality materials, and cutting-edge technology,” said Senator Gillibrand. “There is no better resource in America than the American worker. The workers at CPI Aero exemplify the innovative spirit, the drive, and the dedication we need to maintain New York’s manufacturing excellence. By leveraging innovation, they are helping build the future right here in our state.”

CPI Aerostructures is a Long Island-based manufacturer of structural aircraft components for fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, serving both the U.S. defense market and commercial aerospace sector.

Image Credit – Sen. Gillibrand

SENATOR GILLIBRAND STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF FORMER CONGRESSMAN ELIOT ENGEL

New York, NY – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement on the passing of former United States Congressman Eliot Engel:

“Today, New York mourns the loss of former Congressman Eliot Engel. Eliot was not only my colleague for many years, but he was also a close friend who exemplified persistence and compassion for those he represented. Eliot loved our nation and had a passion for public service that never wavered throughout his 44 years in elected office. First as an assemblymember and then as a member of the United States House of Representatives, he helped improve the lives of people across our state and our country. As chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he held a deeply influential role in shaping our nation’s foreign relations and diplomacy. Eliot Engel’s service to our country will never be forgotten. My condolences go out to his wife, children, and grandchildren. May his memory be a blessing.”

GILLIBRAND, COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO END PRESIDENT TRUMP’S RECKLESS WAR IN IRAN

**Watch the press conference here**

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a press conference with several of her Senate Democratic colleagues to announce a new wave of War Powers Resolutions that can be used to force a vote to stop President Trump’s reckless and unconstitutional war in Iran, which is endangering American troops, jeopardizing national security, and raising costs for New York families. Specifically, Gillibrand’s resolution directs the president to remove the U.S. armed forces from hostilities with or against Iran unless military force is explicitly authorized by Congress.

War Powers Resolutions are privileged, meaning they can be brought to the Senate floor for a vote by any senator ten days after they are filed. Gillibrand joins Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Andy Kim (D-NJ) in putting forth these new resolutions, which come in addition to those filed over the past several weeks by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).

“President Trump chose to start a war knowing it was going to raise gas prices on Americans already struggling to get by,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The president, and his party, just don’t care about anyone other than themselves. They lie, cheat and steal to enrich themselves and leave regular folks with the bill. It is long past time for Republicans in Congress to stand up and do their job.”

“As the administration’s reckless war of choice spirals further out of control and Americans face even greater costs here at home, the need for the Senate to do its job and stop this war is intensifying,” said Senator Booker. “I am proud to stand with my Democratic colleagues in this effort to use every tool at our disposal to uphold our constitutional responsibility, check a power mad president who has plunged our nation and world into chaos, and stop this unconstitutional war.”

“The American people want lower costs, not more forever wars. But President Trump has dragged us into an unnecessary and costly war with Iran that has sent energy prices soaring and killed 13 U.S. servicemembers and thousands of civilians in Lebanon and Iran,” said Senator Kaine. “It’s time for Congress to finally step up and put an end to this deeply unpopular war. I’m grateful to Senators Merkley, Gillibrand, Van Hollen, Kelly, Warnock, and Kim for joining us in our efforts to keep giving the Senate opportunities to do that.”

“Donald Trump’s disastrous war in Iran has been nothing but a series of cascading mistakes fueled by incompetence and ego,” said Senator Murphy. “Six weeks in and all he’s managed to do is embolden a more hardline Iranian regime, spike gas prices for millions of American families, and get thousands of people, including 13 U.S. service members, killed. Republicans need to pull their heads out of the sand and work with Democrats to end this war that is completely out of control.”

“Donald Trump is now escalating his illegal war against Iran, instituting a blockade that will both put U.S. servicemembers at risk and drive up costs worldwide,” said Senator Schiff. “Republicans were calling for hearings on a peace agreement that JD Vance failed to deliver but are now silent on holding hearings on this costly and extended conflict. As we have said for more than a month, if Senate Republicans will not do their basic constitutional duty and vote on whether to authorize this war, we will force the debate they are avoiding. I’m grateful that more of my colleagues are joining this effort so we can ensure accountability for a war that the American people do not want and cannot afford.”

“President Trump’s war of choice has been nothing short of a disaster for the American people and the world. It has caused gas and fertilizer prices to skyrocket for families and farmers, killed 13 American troops, and opened the door to an endless expensive foreign conflict,” said Senator Baldwin. “This President’s reckless war needs to end. I’m proud to stand with my Democratic colleagues to try to do just that, but the only question is if my Republican colleagues will keep greenlighting an illegal, multibillion-dollar war halfway around the world or join us to stop it.”

“Donald Trump continues to plunge our nation deeper into his unjustified war of choice, putting American lives at even further risk abroad and sending prices skyrocketing for Americans at home,” said Senator Duckworth. “While Republicans abdicate their responsibilities to our troops and their duty to uphold their oaths, the wanna-be dictator in the White House continues to prove he has no serious plan to end this needless conflict. The Senate must fulfill its constitutional duty and vote to stop it immediately, before our economy takes yet another hit and more lives are lost.”

“The Constitution is clear: President Trump does not have the authority to start a war,” said Senator Merkley. “Trump’s disturbing threats of the past week clearly demonstrate why we cannot trust one person with that power. The Senate must act now to reassert its authority and rein in this unconstitutional war with Iran—not rubber-stamp Trump’s reckless warmongering.”

“Trump promised to keep America out of foreign wars and work to bring prices down, but he has done just the opposite by launching an illegal war of choice with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in Iran,” said Senator Van Hollen. “This reckless action has left 13 U.S. service members dead and hundreds injured, killed thousands of civilians across the Middle East, and cost the American people dearly – in billions of taxpayer dollars per day and through higher prices across the board. With the enormous toll this war has taken on our nation and the region – and especially after Trump’s grotesque threat to commit massive war crimes in Iran – I urge our Republican colleagues to join us in reining in this lawless president and bringing this war to a permanent end, before he does even more harm.”

“Americans want Washington to improve their lives, not to drag us into another endless conflict in the Middle East that is putting American service members at risk and driving up costs at home,” said Senator Kelly. “Congress has the power to stop this chaos and hold this president in check, and that’s exactly what we should do. Then Washington can focus on what the American people need, starting with lowering costs.”

“The Constitution is very clear that the declaration of war is in the authority of the Congress, not the president,” said Senator Warnock. “American service members have lost their lives, and billions of taxpayer dollars have been spent on bullets and bombs—without the president making a case, laying out a plan, or even allowing a debate in Congress. Something as serious and solemn as war deserves a debate and deserves a vote. I intend to hold this president accountable.”

“Donald Trump has waged this war in the American people’s name, without our say,” said Senator Kim. “Congress cannot watch from the sidelines as Americans continue to suffer and foot the bill for an illegal and devastating war. With a president making unconscionable threats of civilization destruction, it is our duty to immediately vote to end this war.”

Senator Gillibrand has long advocated for ending unauthorized forever wars and reasserting Congress’ responsibility over the use of military force. In 2019, Gillibrand introduced the War Powers Reform Resolution, which would require the president to provide Congress with a clear objective for military action, as well as evidence that the use of the United States’ armed forces is necessary, appropriate, and proportional to the mission; a finite list of adversaries; and the names of the countries where the U.S. military will deploy. Since President Trump began his reckless war of choice in Iran in February, Senator Gillibrand has repeatedly called for an end to the war and highlighted the harm it has done to the American people.

The full text of Senator Gillibrand’s resolution can be found here.

Senate Republicans are gearing up for their big push to dump billions of dollars into ICE and CBP with money they cut from YOUR health care. Image Credit – Sen. Gillibrand

GILLIBRAND, FETTERMAN, BONAMICI, SALINAS INTRODUCE BILL TO FIGHT SENIOR HUNGER

Bill Would Expand SNAP Benefits For Seniors

600,000 Older New Yorkers Rely on SNAP To Put Food On The Table

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1) and Andrea Salinas (D-OR-6) introduced the bicameral Senior Hunger Prevention Act to expand Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for older Americans.

Despite facing high rates of food insecurity, less than one-third of eligible older adults are enrolled in SNAP. The Senior Hunger Prevention Act would eliminate unnecessary administrative hurdles to make it easier for seniors to receive SNAP benefits.

“Skyrocketing grocery prices in President Trump’s America have left too many seniors struggling to put food on the table,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Unfortunately, the complexity of the current application process for SNAP benefits deters many older adults from using this critical resource. My legislation would simplify the SNAP application process for seniors and increase the monthly benefit available to all SNAP participants. As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, I am committed to getting this bill across the finish line so that every senior can access the resources they need for healthy aging.”

“It is unacceptable that in our wealthy nation, more than 12 million seniors don’t have enough to eat,” said Representative Bonamici. “Federal nutrition programs like SNAP are intended to end hunger, but too many older adults and people with disabilities can’t easily access them. This bill will make it easier for older adults and adults with disabilities to benefit from nutrition assistance and will raise the value of SNAP benefits so older Americans can age with dignity.”

“Across Oregon, too many seniors are struggling to afford groceries while also keeping up with the rising cost of rent, utilities, and health care,” said Representative Salinas. “Older adults and caregivers face unnecessary administrative barriers to accessing the nutrition support they qualify for. The Senior Hunger Prevention Act will help cut through that red tape, expand access to healthy, local food, and ensure Oregonians can age with dignity and security. I’m proud to help lead this effort so that no senior in our state has to worry about where their next meal is coming from.”

Specifically, the Senior Hunger Prevention Act would:

• Increase the minimum monthly SNAP benefit for all participants;
• Simplify application and certification processes for eligible individuals in nutrition programs, including SNAP, and ensure they can stay enrolled in programs for longer periods of time;
• Support outreach efforts to enroll more older adults, caregivers, and adults with disabilities in nutrition programs;
• Enable adults with disabilities to participate in additional nutrition assistance programs;
• Provide grants to non-profits, local aging and disability service providers, and related organizations to bring fresh, local food to accessible locations;
• Expand SNAP food delivery options through public-private partnerships and strengthen retail delivery options for older adults and people with disabilities.

In addition to Gillibrand and Fetterman, the Senate bill is cosponsored by Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Andy Kim (D-NJ).

The Senior Hunger Prevention Act is endorsed by: ADvancing States; Alliance to End Hunger; Center for Science in the Public Interest; Defeat Malnutrition Today; Feeding New York State; Feeding Pennsylvania; Feeding Westchester; Generations United; Hunger Free America; Hunger Solutions New York; Justice in Aging; Long Island Cares, Inc. — The Harry Chapin Food Bank; MAZON; Meals on Wheels America; Meals on Wheels Association of Georgia; Meals on Wheels Association of New York State; Meals on Wheels California; Philabundance; Share Our Strength; The Gerontological Society of America; The National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs; The National Council on Aging; and USAging. A list of quotes from endorsing organizations can be found here.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

Image Credit – Sen. Gillibrand

GILLIBRAND, SCOTT TO HOLD HEARING TO SPOTLIGHT FINANCIAL LITERACY AS CRITICAL TO RETIREMENT SECURITY

***To view this hearing in its entirety, scroll to the beginning of this article to watch***

Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, April 15th at 3:30PM, Chairman Rick Scott and Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand convened a hearing entitled “Empowering Seniors through Financial Literacy: Tools to Protect Savings, Prevent Fraud, and Promote Independence.” This hearing will emphasize financial literacy as critical to Americans’ financial security in retirement, including as a first line of defense against scams targeting America’s aging community. The hearing will also explore the challenges Americans face in financially planning for unexpected circumstances and costs that are essential to a secure retirement.

Chairman Scott and Ranking Member Gillibrand have been leading the fight against scams targeting America’s seniors. Previously, they have:

• Led the bipartisan 2025 Fraud Report elevating national awareness of financial exploitation targeting seniors;
• Continued the committee’s toll-free Fraud Hotline to expand access to education, prevention tools, and direct support for seniors and families;
• Supported legislation to combat financial exploitation and increasingly sophisticated scams, including the:

• National Strategy for Combating Scams Act;
• GUARD Act;
• National Slam the Scam Day bipartisan resolution in 2025 and 2026.

Witnesses for the hearing will include:

• Christine Kieffer, Senior Director and Interim Head, Office of Investor Education, FINRA

• Sam Kunjukunju, Vice President of Consumer Education, American Bankers Association Foundation

• Carly Roszkowski, Vice President of Financial Resilience Programming, AARP

• Scott Kahan, CFP, President and Senior Financial Planner, Financial Asset Management Corporation

Image Credit – Sen. Gillibrand

GILLIBRAND, SCHUMER URGE TRUMP TO APPROVE MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FOR NEW YORK STATE FOR FEBRUARY BLIZZARD 

New York, NY – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) called on President Trump to approve Governor Kathy Hochul’s Major Disaster Declaration request in response to the February blizzard that brought record snowfall, high wind speeds, and coastal flooding to New York. The governor recently made the request for Public Assistance for Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties, along with Snow Assistance for Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties, and Hazard Mitigation for the entire state. Tragically, the blizzard resulted in the death of five people across the state of New York.

In the senators’ letter to President Trump, they wrote, “The blizzard created whiteout conditions, coastal flooding, travel disruptions, and power outages for over 40,000 households. More than 175 school districts on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley were closed on February 23^rd.”

The senators highlighted that many local and state resources were required to deploy equipment and personnel during these hazardous conditions to assist with necessary snow removal to protect the public and save lives. Due to the severity of this blizzard, which was compounded by the effects of Winter Storm Fern a few weeks before, the senators asserted that “New York and its municipalities are not able to fully rebuild and recover without federal resources.”

Governor Hochul’s Major Disaster Declaration request under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act would authorize Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aid to help New Yorkers recover and rebuild.

The senators are further calling on congressional Republicans to restart the flow of funding to FEMA by taking up the bipartisan funding bill the Senate passed unanimously in March. Since then, House Republicans have refused to hold a vote on the bill and fund FEMA disaster recovery assistance.

The full letter can be read HERE.

Image Credit – Sen. Gillibrand

GILLIBRAND INTRODUCES BILL TO BAN SITTING PRESIDENTS FROM PLASTERING THEIR NAME OR LIKENESS ON FEDERAL PROPERTY AND CURRENCY

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) formally introduced new legislation to stop President Trump’s absurd practice of putting his face and name all over government property. The Halting Unilateral Money and Building Labeling by Egotistical (HUMBLE) Presidents Act would bar the use of a sitting U.S. president’s name, image, likeness, or signature to decorate or designate federal property, assets, or currency. Gillibrand initially announced that she would be introducing this legislation on last month’s No Kings Day of Nonviolent Action.

“The president of the United States serves the people, not the other way around,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Right now, working families are struggling to afford groceries and sky-high health care bills. They want their president bringing down costs and putting money back in their pockets, not spending time and taxpayer dollars on self-promotion. The HUMBLE Presidents Act would force our leaders to focus on the issues that truly matter to American families, not their own personal brand, and I will work to get it passed through Congress.”

The HUMBLE Presidents Act would include prohibitions on actions such as hanging banners with a sitting president’s face on the side of federal buildings; naming a class of warships after a sitting president; tacking the sitting president’s name onto the name of an existing federal building; depicting a sitting president on a federally issued commemorative coin; or placing a sitting president’s signature on U.S. paper currency.

Specifically, the bill would:

1. Prohibit the name, image, likeness, and signature of a sitting president to be used to designate or name any federal property or buildings, U.S. currency, and other federal assets.
2. Prohibit the name, image, likeness, and signature of a sitting president to be used to decorate the exterior of any federal property or buildings, U.S. currency, and other federal assets.
3. Prohibit federal funds from being used for either of the above activities.

Full text of the HUMBLE Presidents Act can be found here.

GILLIBRAND STATEMENT ON RELEASE OF SECOND AVENUE SUBWAY FUNDING

New York, NY – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, released the following statement regarding the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) resuming reimbursements for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for construction of the Second Avenue Subway extension:

“Manhattan residents and commuters have waited long enough for the Second Avenue Subway extension, which will cut travel times, create new opportunities, and provide better connections, particularly in East and Central Harlem. I am pleased that USDOT has decided to follow the law and finally restart long-delayed reimbursements so that MTA can deliver the modern and accessible transit system that New Yorkers deserve. 

“The Trump administration has used New Yorkers as political pawns by holding up federal dollars for important projects and harming the livelihoods of our union workers. I’ll keep fighting to protect New York from the Trump administration’s reckless attacks on our state. 

“I am proud to have helped secure the funding that is making this critical expansion to the New York City subway system possible, and I’ll continue working to bring home more federal resources to improve public transportation for all New Yorkers.”

Image Credit – Sen. Gillibrand

GILLIBRAND, COLLEAGUES PRESS INTERIOR SECRETARY BURGUM ON FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL LAW ON STATUS OF RENEWABLE PROJECTS

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), along with Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), demanded an update from the U.S. Interior Department on the status of renewable energy projects that have been arbitrarily delayed by the agency, including projects that were fully approved and under construction before President Trump’s Interior Department intervened.

The senators’ inquiry to the Interior Department follows the agency missing the initial deadline of March 24, 2026 to provide the Senate and House Appropriations Committees with two reports on energy activities within the purview of the department. The FY2026 Interior-Environment Appropriations Act—which passed both chambers of Congress in overwhelmingly bipartisan votes—requires status reports on energy projects to be submitted to Congress.

“Congress mandated bimonthly reports in the FY2026 Interior-Environment Appropriations Act to better understand the Department’s actions. Yet if anything, things have become more opaque since December,” the senators wrote in a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “The Department announced some renewable projects are being considered, but hasn’t shared a list of which projects those are. DOI also has failed to share basic information with Congress about its unprecedented plan to buy back renewable energy leases, including where the $1 billion it plans to pay French energy company TotalEnergies is coming from or what taxpayers are receiving in return.” 

The senators directed Secretary Burgum to “promptly submit the reports due to Congress and make them comprehensive. Reports should include energy projects with offers, or planned offers, for buyouts or other similar incentives or legal arrangements.”

The text of the letter can be found here and below:

Dear Secretary Burgum,

We write to request an update on the status of renewable energy projects that have been arbitrarily delayed by the Department, including halting projects that were fully approved and under construction. The bipartisan Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Interior-Environment Appropriations Act (Division C of Public Law 119-74) requires bimonthly status reports on energy projects. The Department has now missed the initial due date of March 24, 2026, to provide the Appropriations Committee with two reports on energy activities within the purview of the Department. We urge you to promptly submit these reports and to make timely submissions in the future.

The directive of July 15, 2025, requiring “all decisions, actions, consultations, and undertakings” relating only to wind and solar energy facilities to be reviewed by the Secretary and Deputy Secretary created uncertainty about the process for permitting renewable energy projects. This directive burdens renewable energy projects, both on federal lands and waters and on private lands, with new unnecessary layers of political red tape, and has injected additional steps to the permitting process for only one type of energy source. Other energy sources are not being scrutinized in the same manner and the result has been higher energy prices for American families.

Congress mandated bimonthly reports in the FY2026 Interior-Environment Appropriations Act to better understand the Department’s actions. Yet if anything, things have become more opaque since December. The Department announced some renewable projects are being considered, but hasn’t shared a list of which projects those are. DOI also has failed to share basic information with Congress about its unprecedented plan to buy back renewable energy leases, including where the $1 billion it plans to pay French energy company TotalEnergies is coming from or what taxpayers are receiving in return.

To increase transparency, we urge you to promptly submit the reports due to Congress and make them comprehensive. Reports should include energy projects with offers, or planned offers, for buyouts or other similar incentives or legal arrangements.

In addition to immediately providing the status reports for energy projects as directed by Public Law 119-74, we ask that you provide written response to the following questions by April 21, 2026:

1. What actions is the Department taking to operationalize routine compliance with the requirements for status reports on the “execution of funds to fulfill the timely review of all energy projects” every 60 days?
2. How many full-time equivalent staff are currently dedicated to energy project reviews at BLM, and how does that compare to staffing levels prior to enactment of P.L. 116-74? How many of these staff work on solar or wind energy project reviews?
3. Provide a list of projects that were already under any stage of review or have requested a review by the Department that fall under the July 15, 2025 memo’s list of 68 categories of reviews and permits that require the Deputy Secretary and Secretary’s approval.
   1. Please include the status of each review request, stating whether it is in progress or completed, and whether projects with a completed review have a notice to proceed/permission to begin construction.
   2. Of the solar, wind and battery projects in review or seeking a permit from the Department, how many have completed NEPA reviews (categorical exclusion, Environmental Assessment, or Environmental Impact Statement) since the July 15, 2025 memo was published and how many are awaiting notice to proceed/permission to begin construction?
   3. Please include projects whose applications have been withdrawn or the Department has rejected.
   4. Please indicate which projects the Department is negotiating lease repurchases.
4. How much total new electricity generation capacity has the Department approved since the July 15, 2025 memo was issued? Please provide a breakdown by energy resource, capacity amount, and any other relevant information about potential energy production to support the grid.
5. How many transmission facilities, gen-tie lines, and transmission upgrades is the department reviewing or has the Department approved for construction?
6. Provide a full accounting of the funding source, authority, and mechanism for the nearly $1 billion in taxpayer dollars that the Department has publicly announced it will pay to TotalEnergies for cancelling renewable energy projects in favor of conventional energy projects.
   1. What funding sources is the Department looking to use to buy back additional leases?
   2. What commitments did TotalEnergies make as part of the deal?
   3. Did you threaten to withhold or withdraw permits to TotalEnergies or other renewable energy companies during negotiations?

We look forward to your response.

Paid parental leave. Image Credit – Sen. Gillibrand

GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCES $5.1 MILLION IN NEIGHBORWORKS AMERICA GRANTS FOR NONPROFITS ACROSS NEW YORK 

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), announced $5,101,000 in grants to member organizations of the national NeighborWorks network headquartered in New York. NeighborWorks America is a public nonprofit organization established by Congress in 1978 that focuses on expanding affordable housing options, economic development and opportunity, and making neighborhoods safe. In the FY26 THUD appropriations bill Senator Gillibrand worked to enact earlier this year, NeighborWorks America received $158 million, rejecting an 83 percent cut proposed in President Trump’s budget request and including new guardrails to ensure this funding gets into the hands of communities across the country.

“NeighborWorks America is focused on improving the lives of New Yorkers across the state and Americans across the country,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Their goal is to even the playing field for so many by expanding housing stock, revitalizing neighborhoods, and creating economic opportunities. I worked hard to secure this funding and am thrilled to announce that they will keep on doing critical work throughout New York and beyond.”

The following organizations received grant funding:

NeighborWorks America supports a network of nearly 250 local and regional nonprofit partner NeighborWorks organizations that bring together residents, private sector business leaders, and representatives of local government to create strong, safe, and prosperous communities of opportunity. For over 45 years, NeighborWorks America has supported local solutions to affordable housing and community development challenges in urban, suburban and rural communities in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and Native lands by providing NeighborWorks organizations with financial and grant support, training, technical assistance, organizational assessments, technology tools, and other services.

Banner Image: Senator Gillibrand discusses her resolution to end the Iran War. Image Credit – Sen. Gillibrand