|
Week in Review |
| |
| Fighting for Central New York Seniors |
I have been, and always will be, committed to fighting for Central New York’s senior population in Congress. I have led the charge to help lower the costs of prescription drugs, protect Medicare and Social Security, and bolster research for diseases like Alzheimer’s.
I had the opportunity to join local volunteers at North Area Meals on Wheels to highlight the importance of programs like SNAP and CDBG – federal programs which help Meals on Wheels continue to run and ensure seniors in our community have access to nutritional, healthy meals. Last year, North Area Meals on Wheels delivered 115,000 meals across the areas that they serve.
I have long been supportive of SNAP, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, a program which provides nutritional assistance to Central New York’s senior population, as well as low income individuals. Meals on Wheels accepts SNAP as a form of payment, allowing eligible, low-income seniors access to nutritional assistance.
In Congress, I have opposed past budget resolutions, including the House budget this past October, which would have block granted or cut funding for SNAP -- effectively shifting those costs to NYS or making significant changes to eligibility of the program. Additionally, I have advocated for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which was eliminated in the President’s budget this year. CDBG provides funding to Meals on Wheels nationwide.
In addition to joining Meals on Wheels for the day, I hosted a telephone town hall conference with seniors across Onondaga, Cayuga, Wayne, and Oswego Counties to highlight the ongoing Medicare Open Enrollment period. I was lucky to be joined by experts in the areas of Social Security, Medicare, and adult and long-term care services to answer questions. During this Medicare Open Enrollment Period, I encourage Central New York seniors to review their health care plans. You may be able to save money or modify your current health care coverage during this period.
|
| Beginning to Address Tax Reform |
Yesterday, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act was introduced in the House. Since I first began running to represent Central New York in Congress, I have advocated for reforms to ensure families can take home more of what they earn and to level the playing field so that small businesses and local manufacturers can grow and thrive. The bill introduced in the House is a starting point for desperately needed action on tax reform. For thirty years, progressives have demanded exactly what this bill does – easing of the tax burden on low and middle income working families and eliminating loopholes. Anyone who dismisses this bill outright should be prepared to explain this discrepancy, and detail why hardworking Americans should continue to be taxed at excessive rates.
No bill is perfect, which is why we need to keep this process moving forward. As this measure moves through the House over the coming weeks, I will continue to consult with individuals, families, small businesses and manufacturers across my district and seek their feedback. As I always have, I will advocate in Congress to ensure that this measure is a net win for Central New York.
|
| Highlighting the Importance of Central New York's Infrastructure |
| As a member of the House Transportation Committee, as well as the co-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Infrastructure Working Group, I attended a meeting with leaders at the White House on rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure. During the meeting I advocated for the urgent need to revitalize the roads, bridges, water infrastructure, and tunnels in our communities. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress on both sides of the aisle to put forward meaningful reforms and policies to enhance our nation’s infrastructure. |
 |
|
| Continuing to Address CNY's Opioid Epidemic |
|
Having served as an Assistant United States Attorney for twenty years, I saw firsthand how drug abuse can devastate families and ruin lives. Opioid addiction is a serious national crisis that negatively impacts our families, our friends, and our communities. On October 26, President Trump declared the opioid crisis a national public health emergency. I was honored to be in attendance for this news, and have previously worked with the White House to develop policies and reforms to address this epidemic.
I applaud the President for declaring the opioid crisis a national public health emergency. Since coming to Congress, I have made addressing this scourge a top priority and we have taken some key bipartisan steps towards increasing resources available to treat and prevent addiction and to support our law enforcement. However, much more attention is needed.
I was glad to hear the President outline the need to address the influx of fentanyls into our country. In Congress, I will continue to advocate for bipartisan legislation I have introduced to make it easier to ban these harmful synthetic substances. This epidemic is costing our communities greatly, and I appreciate the President’s attentiveness to this important issue.
|
| ICYMI: Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Middle East and Europe |
|
Since coming to Congress in 2015, I have focused intensively on keeping our country safe. As Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee Transportation & Protective Security Subcommittee I have worked to improve security at airports within this country and at Last Point of Departure (LPD) airports, overseas airports with direct flights to the United States. Because of my leadership in this area in Congress, I recently lead a bipartisan House Homeland Security Committee Congressional delegation visit to parts of Europe and the Middle East focused on improving aviation security to keep our country safe, and to enhance our partnerships with relevant foreign officials.
As Europe continues to face an unprecedented threat landscape, we made our first stop in the Netherlands where we focused on enhancing information exchanges among EU member states to better combat terror. Our delegation was briefed at the Port of Rotterdam on the safe and secure handling of shipping in and out of Europe. We also met with our Dutch counterterrorism partners, the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV), and discussed cyber threats, the current terror threat assessment in the region, and new Dutch counterterrorism measures.
In Jordan, the delegation toured Queen Alia International Airport, met with His Royal Highness Prince Faisal, visited Za’atri Refugee Camp, and was briefed at the Joint Training Center in Zarqa. Our group discussed the strategic and operational coordination between Jordan and the United States on various fronts, including our partnership to defeat ISIS, the ongoing refugee crisis, as well as Jordan’s stability and strong ties to the U.S.
In Germany, we examined current threats to aviation security and the measures our German partners have in place to screen passengers and aviation workers. The group also discussed the German refugee issue as well as Brexit's impact on air travel within the European community.
|
| Legislative Update: House Passes Bipartisan Katko Legislation to Close Security Gaps at Cuban Airports with Service to U.S. |
The House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass legislation I introduced focused on addressing security gaps at Cuban airports that now have commercial flights directly to the United States. In the Senate, Florida Senator Marco Rubio introduced identical legislation. While commercial flights travel regularly between the U.S. and Cuba, we are still largely unaware of the day-to-day operations of Cuban airports, employee screening and training, and overall airport security. This bill will help provide important insight in these areas, while ensuring the safety and security of Americans traveling to Cuba. Senator Rubio has been a leader on issues surrounding the U.S. relationship with Cuba, and I could not ask for a better partner in the Senate to work with on this bill. With this legislation passed through the House, I am hopeful that the Senate will act swiftly so that we can address the current security inadequacies present at Cuban airports and on commercial flights between the U.S. and Cuba.
|
Taking Action to Reauthorize CHIP |
Vulnerable children in communities across our country – including Syracuse, where a resounding fifty percent of our children are born into poverty – rely on the Children's Health Insurance Program for access to healthcare. There is longstanding, bipartisan support in Congress for CHIP, which is why I urged my colleagues to prioritize reauthorization of this program. Today, I am proud to announce that the House took action to reauthorize CHIP.
With Medicaid, CHIP serves as the primary source of health insurance for 8.9 million American children. Issued as a block grant, CHIP is a collaborative program between the federal government and the states. Today's reauthorization will ensure that healthcare coverage remains uninterrupted and states have the certainty they need to plan for the long term.
|
| Around Central New York |
I was able to meet with our local legal services providers, as well as partners of our local major law firms to discuss the important of Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and their contributions throughout Central New York. Each year, LSC provides millions of hours of free legal services to people who need help. LSC has no boundaries. They have given aid in all 50 states to a wide range of Americans: women seeking protection from domestic violence, families struggling to stay in their homes, homeless veterans seeking the benefits they earned, disaster victims needing help to recover.
 |
The State University of New York does so much to provide a quality and affordable education to its students. I spoke about the power of SUNY as a system, and heard about the most important issues facing New York's college campuses today from students, educators, and administrators.
As you know, Central New York has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic. Turning in leftover prescriptions is a great way to prevent drug misuse and abuse. I recently worked with the Drug Enforcement Agency to host a prescription give back at the Capitol.
I had the pleasure of meeting with United States Solicitor General Noel Francisco. Solicitor General Francisco is a native New Yorker, and grew up in Oswego. He’s an extraordinary public servant, and I’m glad we were able to talk about Syracuse basketball!
I met with Major General Raymond Shields, the Assistant Adjutant General for the New York Army National Guard. We discussed a multitude of issues -- including the ongoing assistance to Puerto Rico and military construction projects in New York. The New York Army National Guard has mroe than 10,000 guardsmen and women, and I would like to thank each of them for their service.
|
As always, thank you for subscribing to my e-newsletter!
Sincerely,
John Katko (NY-24)
Member of Congress
P.S., Don't forget to follow along for regular updates on Facebook and Twitter!
|
|
|
| CONNECT |
|
| IN THE NEWS |
|
Rep. John Katko delivers food, pledges to oppose cuts to Meals on Wheels, SNAP
House passes Katko bill to find security gaps at Cuban airports serving U.S.
|
| HOW CAN WE HELP YOU? |
Our constituent service team is made up of experienced caseworkers who specialize in helping constituents and their families solve problems with federal agencies.
Please contact my Syracuse District Office at (315) 423-5657 if you would like assistance with:
- Dealing with Federal agencies
- Purchasing U.S. Flags
- Military Academy Nominations
- Tours and tickets for your visit to Washington, D.C.
- Internships
|
| LOOKING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MEDICARE'S OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD? |
|
The Medicare open enrollment period is ongoing through December 7. During this window Medicare plan enrollees can reevaluate their coverage, (e.g., Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage or a prescription drug plan through Medicare Part D), and decide whether they would like to stay with their current plan or change to another plan.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are expecting a large Medicare enrollment surge this year. If you or any of your family members need to apply for Medicare, or make any changes to your plans, please allow plenty of time to accommodate delayed processing.
More information can be found here.
If you have questions, do not hesitate to reach out to my constituent service team at 315-423-5657.
|
|
