In May the WNY community was devastated by a racist mass shooting. Armed with an assault weapon, the shooter committed this violent act in 123 seconds, killing 10 & injuring others.
When we think about Buffalo, Uvalde, & so many other mass shootings, the common denominator is an assault weapon in the hands of a shooter under 21.
I talked about this on Meet the Press last night during a segment on gun violence in America. ⬇️
On the anniversary of #September11 it is always the emotions about people that are top of mind: profound shock and sadness for the innocent victims, pride and respect for the heroes including the brave first responders, and the unity of Americans.
#wewillneverforget
#PatriotDay
September is Passport Awareness Month. Are you planning a trip? Don't wait, check your expiration date.
Passports are valid 10 years for adults & 5 years for kids under 16. Start your renewal today: https://bit.ly/3Awtop2 #RenewMyPassport
Did you know? Our office has helped Western New York veterans receive 1,773 military medals earned while serving our country.
If you or someone you know needs assistance with receiving military honors or accessing VA benefits, our office is here to help. Give has a call at 716-852-3501.
This morning we joined the community to celebrate India’s 75th Independence Day. Honored to March with the Council of Heritage & Arts of India during the India Day parade. As WNY’s Indian community continues to grow, we are grateful to share culture & tradition.
Western New York traditionally has a stable housing market, but COVID-19 made it more challenging to afford a home, especially for communities of color.
The Neighborhood Homes Investment Act would create a tax credit to cover the gap between the cost of construction or renovation & the price of a home. It encourages home ownership & builds stronger neighborhoods.
Learn more about how this bill would benefit the future of our community & its older housing stock ⤵️
House Budget Committee
Buffalo Erie Niagara Land Improvement Corporation
LISC WNY
During today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing titled “Examining the ‘Metastasizing’ Domestic Terrorism Threat After the Buffalo Attack,” Garnell Whitfield, Jr., whose mother Ruth was murdered during the racist Buffalo shooting, provided powerful testimony. Whitfield challenged Senators, “I ask every one of you to imagine the faces of your mothers as you look at mine and ask yourself...Is there nothing that you personally are willing to do to stop the cancer of white supremacy & the domestic terrorism it inspires?” Watch his testimony below.
Congressman Brian Higgins Gives Remarks on House Floor Following Buffalo Mass Shooting
Tonight on the floor of the House of Representatives, surrounded by my colleagues from New York and across the country, we remembered the victims of the horrific mass shooting in Buffalo. We need action and unity in the fight against racism and hate.
Military medals honor the service & sacrifice of our servicemembers. We have worked hard to secure 1,657 medals for local veterans to ensure that they receive all of the military honors they earned.
If you or your family needs assistance with receiving service medals, securing VA benefits, or any other veteran-related issues, please reach out to our office at 716-852-3501.
Once a dumping ground for contaminated Buffalo River sludge, the Times Beach Nature Preserve is now a vibrant wildlife habitat & a waterfront destination.
Thanks to a $14 billion federal investment in our ports & waterways, as a result of the Bipartisan #Infrastructure Law, this year Times Beach will receive $10 million to improve its parkland & natural habitats. Supported through work by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, the funding will help restore public access lost due to storm damage. https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-announces-10-million-for-times-beach-on-buffalo-s-outer-harbor
Infrastructure Investments Coming to WNY
Today we joined Senator Timothy Kennedy, County Executive Mark Poloncarz, Mayor Byron W. Brown, South District Councilman Christopher P. Scanlon, the Construction Exchange of Buffalo & WNY, Inc. & the FAIR Committee to highlight the positive impact infrastructure investments will have on Western New York.
Thanks to increased funding as a result of the Bipartisan #Infrastructure Law, we have the opportunity to transform Tifft and Louisiana Streets, including road & bridge upgrades, improvements to pedestrian walkways & lighting, and designated bike lanes to better connect Buffalo neighborhoods with the Buffalo River & the Outer Harbor.
Western New York has a long history as leaders in the labor movement.
SBWorkersUnited is continuing this tradition, successfully unionizing at locations in Buffalo & Cheektowaga and serving as an inspiration for Starbucks Partners across the country. I am proud to stand with WNY Starbucks employees as they continue fighting for fair working conditions.
Temperatures are frigid in Western New York this week, making it challenging to keep the many older homes in our community warm.
Resources for home weatherization included in the Bipartisan #Infrastructure Law, as well as HEAP funding in the #AmericanRescuePlan provide critical assistance, but more needs to be done. Congress must pass the renewable energy provisions in #BuildBackBetter to better prepare Western New York for future climate challenges.
The #AffordableCareAct decreases healthcare costs, expands access to quality care, & protects those with preexisting conditions. A record 31 million Americans now have healthcare coverage because of this historic legislation.
I was happy to sit down with Peter Morley & Health Care Awareness Month to talk about what #ACA coverage delivers for you.
The #ACA open enrollment period ends December 15. #SignUpForHealth TODAY to get covered on January 1, 2022. Visit: https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/?fbclid=IwAR2m-ORf9Gi764Bdd0mS6FtniODTatqQuP4GpsVlpsoSfzrWMrrjAKcQ1Vc
The #bipartisaninfrastructurelaw and the #buildbackbetteract represent a long-overdue investment in American workers and communities to compete for the 21st century. While we used to compete with China in the production of toys, t-shirts, and tennis shoes, now we compete on artificial intelligence, green energy, and other advanced manufacturing fields.
Yesterday, in the Ways and Means Committee I highlighted the need to continue to strengthen laws to promote the growth of United Steelworkers jobs at plants like Sumitomo in Tonawanda, which has been manufacturing tires since the 1920s, and protect them from the illegal dumping of goods made in China and other countries that exploit international laws, which I have repeatedly done during my time in Congress. This is essential work for the future of our community.
I was also pleased to see Lockport native Kim Thompson Glas testify before the Committee on how to promote Made in America industries in domestic and international markets National Council of Textile Organizations. Kim was a long-time staffer of Congressman John LaFalce, one of my predecessors, and is part of a tradition of Western New York natives going to Washington and advocating on behalf of labor and all American workers in the halls of government.
We are LIVE at the @iibuff with @BestSelBehavioralHeallth & @eriecountysocialservices announcing a program assisting minor victims of labor trafficking in Western New York.
Access to quality, high-speed broadband is essential for connecting people to school, work, customers, and healthcare.
Despite this, over 25% of households surveyed in Buffalo reported having no internet access and those with access reported abysmal average connection speeds that represent an unacceptable quality of service.
This week, we urged federal and local governments to quickly utilize the funding we passed in the #AmericanRescuePlan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Law to close major broadband gaps in underserved communities across American and mitigate the digital divide in Western New York.
https://higgins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/higgins-urges-federal-local-government-action-to-close-broadband-gaps
Yesterday, we honored Vietnam Veteran Captain Jack Walter during a ceremony at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, presenting him with a Vietnam Veteran Commemorative Lapel.
Jack received a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and five Air Medals for his heroic service during the Vietnam War. He brought his leadership back home to Western New York, dedicating his time to both his family and community, serving as a softball and basketball coach, as well as leader at his church.
Captain Jack Walter's dedication to his country, community, and family is an example of selflessness and sacrifice that makes Western New York a better place. Thank you for your service.
With over 235,700 new cases in 2021 alone, and a five-year survival rate of less than 22%, lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer deaths in America. While screening is critical for improving patients' chances of survival, few Americans undergo routine checks.
To save lives, it is vital that we encourage all who are eligible to be screened. Legislation like the Lung Cancer Screening Registry and Quality Improvement Act improve screening access and support federal investments. This year, we successfully pushed to include $1.5 million in House appropriations bills for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center toward improving and expanding the screening process.
Today, for #LungCancerAwarenessMonth we took to the House Floor to emphasize the important role lung cancer screening plays in early detection, serving as an effective warning sign that gives patients the best possible hope of beating this terrible disease.
For additional information on lung cancer prevention and screening, visit: https://www.cancer.gov/types/lung
#LCAM21
October Recap 🔽
Throughout October we worked hard to bring home funding and advocate for the Western New York community. Next week in Washington, we will continue working to pass the #BuildBackBetterAct and the bipartisan infrastructure bill so we can deliver more for Western New Yorkers. #NCA50 #WeSettheModel #HealNY #DomesticViolenceAwarenessmonth #expandsocialsecurity #letusreunite
Higgins Announces New Legislation that Would Protect & Expand Social Security
By 2035, the number of Americans age 65+ is projected to increase to 76 million. A recent report predicts that by 2034 beneficiaries could begin losing $300 each month in benefits if action is not taken soon.
Today we joined Rep. John Larson to urge Congress to pass the Social Security 2100 Act, which would prevent cuts to benefits and ensure that Social Security is protected long into the future. #Secure2100
Higgins Announces New Legislation that Would Protect & Expand Social Security
By 2035, the number of Americans age 65+ is projected to increase to 76 million. A recent report predicts that by 2034 beneficiaries could begin losing $300 each month in benefits if action is not taken soon.
Today we joined Rep. John Larson to urge Congress to pass the Social Security 2100 Act, which would prevent cuts to benefits and ensure that Social Security is protected long into the future. #Secure2100