Rep John Faso Talking STOP Act on House Floor
As I travel around our district, citizens relate friends or family members who are addicted to or have overdosed on heroin or synthetic opioids. It is a crisis that is crippling our communities, wrecking families and destroying hope for many.
This week, the House has continued its fight against the opioid crisis by debating and passing over two dozen bills, none more important than the STOP Act. The STOP Act cracks down on synthetic opioids entering the country through international mail by requiring advanced tracking data that provides clues to illicit packages. This data will help customs agents target and confiscate packages containing deadly synthetic drugs, like fentanyl.
I was proud to work on this bill and am encouraged that the House and Senate came to an agreement that can not only be signed into law, but also will be effective in cracking down on synthetic drugs. The bill passed the House floor by an overwhelming vote of 353—52. Watch my floor speech from earlier today.
Faso on House Floor Discussing Opioid Legislation to Improve 'Medicare & You' Handbook
The House continued its fight against the opioid crisis by beginning a two week long push to pass dozens of bills targeting the crisis. One of those proposals was my legislation to improve educational materials in the ‘Medicare & You’ handbook so seniors are aware of alternative treatments to traditional opioid medications.
One of the best ways to combat the opioid crisis is to better educate the public on risks, and to educate them on alternatives. I am glad this common-sense legislation has passed the House and will be included in a large package of opioid bills being sent to the Senate.
Rep. Faso Highlights Late-Rep. Maurice Hinchey's Legacy on House Floor
Late-Rep. Maurice Hinchey was known as an unflinching advocate for the causes he believed in, including care for U.S. military veterans and protecting the environment through his support of the Clean Air Act and the Hudson River Heritage Area. Naming the post office at 111 Market St. in his hometown of Saugerties, New York is a fitting honor to Maurice’s legacy.
Late-Rep. Louise Slaughter was instrumental in building support for this legislation and I know she would be pleased the bill passed through the House last night.
Rep. John Faso Discusses Lyme Disease Awareness Month on House Floor
The month of May marks Lyme Disease Awareness month. It’s estimated by the CDC that there are 300,000 new cases of Lyme Disease each year. The disease is found in about half of all U.S. counties and about 80 countries around the world. Transmitted by tick bites, Lyme Disease has no known cure, is often difficult to diagnose, and can attack the nervous system if left untreated.
Better public education and more federal research can lead to significant advancements. Medical experts advise the public to check for ticks often and to ensure that children especially are monitored following outside activities. I will continue to work with members of the Upstate New York community and Lyme Disease advocates across America to fight this devastating disease.
Rail Safety Technology
Last week, I asked a representative of Amtrak about the difficulty of implementing new technological safety measures. Amtrak and rail travel in our district is a highly utilized form of transportation used by many residents on a daily basis, and we must do a better job in ensuring that new technology, such as PTC, is being used to improve rail safety.
Securing our Digital Infrastructure
The Surface Transportation Board’s digital infrastructure was deemed insufficient in a recent audit. Critical information stored on that digital network, including employees’ personal information and other proprietary information, was vulnerable. I highlighted why it’s important to fix this problem along with ensuring our broader digital infrastructure networks are safe and secure.
Rep. Faso: Talking Tax Reform on MSNBC with Hallie Jackson
I appeared on MSNBC with Hallie Jackson to talk tax reform and why I am voting against the bill, today due to my primary concern with the state and local tax deduction (SALT).
This version of the bill makes progress in respect to the medical expense deduction, education affordability benefits, and private activity bonds which help economic development in our local communities, and are crucial for economic development in Upstate New York. However, the changes to SALT simply are not enough to protect New York families and be a positive development for our state.
Rep John Faso on Tax Reform
People all across the 19th district have asked me how tax reform will affect them, their families, or their small businesses. While it is not an official government tool, different publications and organizations have produced tax calculators that can give you an idea of how the tax reform bill may affect you: Here is one example - http://taxplancalculator.com/.
While I hoped tax reform would be beneficial to all Upstate New York families, the changes to the state and local income tax deduction fail to meet the threshold needed to for me to support this legislation. I will vote no.
Thoughts on Net Neutrality from 12/13/17
I know many people are concerned about net neutrality and I support a free and open internet. Here are more of my thoughts when asked about the issue last night during a live meeting.
Strengthening Brownfields
The Brownfields program has been an important environmental and economic driver for Upstate New York. Shortly after the program was authorized, the EPA selected the City of Oneonta as a recipient of a brownfield assessment grant to prepare reuse plans for a 100-acre heavy industrial area.
This modest assessment grant helped accelerate ongoing efforts to support site enhancement by providing essential financial support to the city. Remediating Brownfields like the one in Oneonta, supports economic growth while protecting the safety and well being of nearby families.
Honoring Maurice Hinchey
Earlier this evening, I spoke on the House floor to honor the life of Maurice Hinchey. He was a dedicated public servant and advocate for the causes he believed in.
Rep. Faso Joins Fox Business to Discuss Protecting New York Fa...
I joined Neil Cavuto on Fox Business to talk tax reform and how we can protect New York families. The complete removal of the deduction for state income taxes and the limitation on deductions for local property taxes, both currently in the House version, will impact New York families more severely than taxpayers in other states. These provisions are central to why I voted against the House version that came up for a vote two weeks ago.
Rep Faso Joins America's News HQ
I recently spoke with Arthel Neville from America's News Headquarters on Fox News to discuss the American Health Care Act and the importance of advanceable tax credits to help hardworking families have the freedom to choose the healthcare plan that works best for them. https://youtu.be/wg5QdefdfbY
Faso Supports Local Manufacturing
Over the next 10 years, roughly 3.5 million new manufacturing jobs will be created in the United States. Unfortunately, we are seeing a growing skills gap in manufacturing which poses a threat to America’s future competitiveness. The Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) assistance programs are critical to ensuring that we can continue to compete in a global marketplace. The Capital Region’s local industry and economy can greatly benefit from these programs which is why I testified recently in support of funding for the EDA.
Rep. Faso discusses a $3 billion-plus cost to taxpayers
WATCH: At today’s House Agriculture Committee hearing I discussed a $3 billion-plus cost to taxpayers.
Rep. Faso poses questions to witnesses during Ag Hearing on th...
WATCH: During today’s House Agriculture Committee hearing on the Economic Outlook in Rural America I asked witnesses: What can we do to expand the domestic market for dairy products and help our farmers?
Rep. Faso talks with Tom Sipos on 1450 WKIP
ICYMI: I spoke with Tim Sipos on NewsRadio 1450 WKIP earlier this week. Listen here!
Rep. Faso Introduces NY19 to the Members of the 115th Congress
I was privileged to introduce #ny19 to the members of the 115th Congress today. Thanks to Representative Doug Collins for hosting tonight’s speaking event.
Rep. Faso asks CBO Director about their budget and economic ou...
The House Budget Committee GOP held its hearing on the Congressional Budget Office’s latest Budget and Economic Outlook. CBO Director Keith Hall was today’s witness and I had the opportunity to ask some questions about what certain tax reforms would mean for our economy and jobs.
This is my first time serving the people of #ny19 as presiding officer on the House floor. Honored and humbled.
Rep. Faso talks with Fred Dicker on Talk1300
Rep. Faso talks with Susan Arbetter on WCNY
ICYMI: I Spoke with Susan Arbetter from WCNY. You can listen to the interview below.
At the beginning of every new Congress, members are invited to the House floor to read the US Constitution. Today I had the opportunity to recite Article IV, Section 3 of the Founders' genius governing blueprint: “New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.”