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Posts from Senator Gillibrand

October 11, 2025

1. Fighting rising health care costs

At least 1.6 million New Yorkers in every corner of our state are on the brink of seeing their health insurance premiums skyrocket—all because congressional Republicans refuse to extend the health care assistance that families rely on. This week, Kirsten called on her Republican colleagues to come to the table to negotiate an end to the shutdown and extend the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits that help Americans across the country afford care. She and her Democratic colleagues stand ready to negotiate and reach a bipartisan deal.

Read more.


A county-by-county breakdown of expected ACA premium increases in each of New York’s 62 counties can be found at gillibrand.senate.gov/trumphealthcareincrease.

2. Helping New Yorkers navigate the government shutdown

The federal government remains shut down. Kirsten’s office is open to assist New Yorkers throughout the shutdown.

Because of the shutdown, many federal agencies will be operating with significantly reduced staff, so delays in processing new applications and resolving any issues should be anticipated. Kirsten and her staff will do everything they can to assist you during and after the shutdown.

For information about how the shutdown may impact you and your benefits, click here.

3.  Combating sexual assault on college campuses

Sexual assault on college campuses remains a serious and persistent problem.

This week, Kirsten led the reintroduction of the Campus Accountability and Safety Act, vital legislation that would strengthen the support network for survivors and increase accountability for schools by creating a standardized process for investigating instances of sexual assault. This legislation is a commonsense bipartisan fix that Kirsten is determined to get passed.

Read more.

4. Protecting federal workers during the government shutdown

The financial impact of a government shutdown on federal workers, contractors, and their families can be extremely painful. 

That’s why this week, Kirsten and 17 of her Democratic colleagues introduced the Federal Employees Civil Relief Act to protect these individuals from foreclosures, evictions, and loan defaults during the shutdown. Federal employees shouldn’t lose the essentials they rely on because of a government shutdown that is entirely outside of their control. Kirsten is fighting to get this critical legislation across the finish line.

Read more.

5. Working to enhance drug safety

In this week’s Senate Aging Committee hearing, Kirsten heard from witnesses about their recommendations for how to secure and support our generic drug manufacturing base to ensure American patients have access to affordable, high-quality, and safe drugs.

Watch the hearing here.

6.  Assisting New Yorkers

A Kings County constituent and owner of a physical therapy practice contacted Kirsten’s office for help after waiting nearly a year for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to process their claims for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC).

Kirsten’s office worked with the IRS for a year to ensure that each of the constituent’s six claims were pulled from the ERC processing backlog and disbursed, despite the agency’s red tape. The constituent has now received all their ERC funds, totaling over $350,000. Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.

October 4, 2025

1. Fighting for affordable health care

President Trump and congressional Republicans have proven that they would rather shut down the government than make Americans’ health care more affordable.

20 million Americans are on the brink of seeing their premiums skyrocket. If we don’t extend the health care assistance that families rely on, many Americans will have to make impossible choices: pay rent or see a doctor; put food on the table or buy their child’s medication; keep their small business afloat or offer their employees health insurance.

Kirsten and her Democratic colleagues stand ready to work on a commonsense, bipartisan solution to reopen the government and make sure that Americans don’t see their health care costs skyrocket.

Read more.

2. Helping New Yorkers navigate the government shutdown

As of October 1st, the federal government has shut down. Kirsten’s office will remain open to assist New Yorkers throughout the shutdown.

Because of the shutdown, many federal agencies will be operating with significantly reduced staff, so delays in processing new applications and resolving any issues should be anticipated. Kirsten and her staff will do everything they can to assist you during and after the shutdown.

If you are a New Yorker who needs help from a federal government agency, open a case with our office here.

For information about how the shutdown may impact you and your benefits, click here.

3.  Protecting Social Security

As ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, Kirsten is leading the fight against the Trump administration’s threats to raise the Social Security retirement age, which would amount to a benefit cut for millions of Americans. 

This week, she sent two letters to Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano to sound the alarm about the dangerous ramifications if this change were to be implemented. Americans deserve to be able to retire with dignity and not be worried that this administration will keep raising the bar on retirement. 

Read more.

4. Combating the politicization of the military

This week, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth expressed his desire to return the military to the early 1990s – a time when victims of sexual misconduct were deterred from reporting, women could not serve in combat roles, and sexual orientation was grounds for discharge. Justice for survivors of sexual assault in the military should not be up for debate.

This week, Kirsten spoke with NPR’s Here & Now to discuss her commitment to supporting all of the men and women in our military and fighting to preserve the military justice system. Listen here.

5. Helping New Yorkers get their benefits

A Nassau County constituent contacted Kirsten’s office for help after her Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits were mistakenly suspended. The Social Security Administration (SSA) stated she was earning too much from her work for a named employer for which the constituent had never worked before. 

After Kirsten’s team contacted SSA, the erroneous work earnings were removed and the agency released over $12,000 in benefits to the constituent.

September 27, 2025

1. Protecting Medicare for seniors

Doctors—not artificial intelligence or private insurance companies—should be helping Americans make their health care decisions. 

As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, Kirsten led 18 senators in opposing a Trump administration plan to allow AI and private insurers to delay and deny care to seniors enrolled in Traditional Medicare across six states. Rewarding AI companies for putting up roadblocks to seniors seeking necessary care is a flawed and dangerous tactic, and Kirsten is fighting to ensure this plan does not go into effect.

Read more.

2. Fighting for pediatric cancer research

The Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium (PBTC) brings together institutions dedicated to developing lifesaving treatments for pediatric brain cancers. By cutting funding for this critical program, the Trump administration is putting children’s lives at risk.

That’s why this week, Kirsten led a bipartisan group of lawmakers in demanding a reversal of the Trump administration’s PBTC funding cuts.

Read more.

3.  Visiting student housing in NYC

When students and interns can’t afford a decent place to live in New York, they’re forced to take their talent elsewhere. We can’t let that happen.

This week, Kirsten joined Educational Housing Services to celebrate the opening of their newly renovated Hudson Yards Campus. By providing students and interns with safe and sustainable housing, this facility will help the next generation build their lives in New York City.

4. Helping New Yorkers

A registered nurse in Orange County contacted Kirsten’s office for help with her DACA application and work authorization renewal. 

Kirsten’s team contacted U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on her behalf, highlighting the potential impact to the Hudson Valley’s patient care if she were unable to continue working locally as a nurse. Soon after, USCIS approved her application and work authorization renewal, allowing the constituent to continue her work.

Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.

5. Subscribe to Kirsten’s quarterly casework newsletter!

Interested in learning more about Kirsten’s casework efforts? Subscribe to her quarterly constituent affairs check-in! This newsletter will contain the most up-to-date information about how Kirsten’s office can help constituents with issues related to immigration, passports, taxes, and more.

Subscribe here!

September 20, 2025

1. Working to ban congressional stock trading

Americans deserve to have confidence that their elected officials are using their power to advance the interests of their constituents, not grow their stock portfolios.

That’s why this week, Kirsten introduced the No Stock Act, which would ban senior government officials—including members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, the president, and the vice president—from holding or trading stocks and certain other financial assets. This is a commonsense bill, and Kirsten is determined to get it passed.

Read more.

2. Fighting for paid family leave

National paid family and medical leave is vital to make sure that workers can handle serious medical and family events without fear of losing their jobs or their paychecks.

This week, Kirsten joined Rep. Rosa DeLauro to lead the fight for paid leave by reintroducing the FAMILY Act. This critical legislation would create the nation’s first permanent, guaranteed paid family and medical leave program, giving workers the flexibility and dignity they deserve.

Read more.

3.  Demanding FDA oversight of foreign drugs

Ensuring that all drugs imported into the United States fully comply with our laws and regulations is crucial to keep Americans safe. This week, Kirsten held a Senate Aging Committee hearing to discuss the FDA’s pattern of allowing foreign generic drugmakers to export drugs to America even when their facilities have been found to fall below our standards. Following the hearing, she and Aging Committee Chairman Rick Scott sent a bipartisan letter to the FDA raising concerns and requesting information about FDA’s oversight of foreign drug manufacturing and how it may threaten the quality and safety of drugs sold in the United States.

Read more.

4. Fighting for affordable child care

Access to high-quality, affordable child care is critical for working families in New York and across the country. It’s time that we bring child care into the 21st century so that every family has the resources they need for their kids to thrive. 

That’s why this week, Kirsten introduced bipartisan legislation to help states expand child care facilities; recruit, train, and retain qualified child care workers; and help ensure that care is available to every family that needs it.

Read more.

5. Meeting with New Yorkers

Kirsten enjoyed meeting with a variety of New York groups this week, from affordable housing advocates to Gold Star families.

At her meeting with the North Country Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian government, her pup Maple even got to join!

6.  Helping constituents get retirement benefits

A Brooklyn constituent contacted Kirsten’s office for help withdrawing funds from his federal retirement account after repeatedly contacting the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and receiving no response from the agency.

Kirsten’s office worked for several weeks with OPM on his behalf. As a result, he was finally issued a refund of his nearly $30,000 in FERS contributions.

Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.

7. Celebrating the city of Buffalo

Wednesday was Buffalo Nite in Washington, and Kirsten had a blast! She celebrated all that the city has to offer by enjoying wings, beef on weck, and sponge candy.

September 13, 2025

1. Honoring our 9/11 heroes

24 years after the darkest day in our nation’s history, we must honor our promise to never forget.

The World Trade Center Health Program is a lifeline for the 9/11 first responders and survivors who are battling horrific health conditions as a result of their exposure to toxins at the sites of the attacks. Kirsten is leading the effort to make sure that the WTCHP is permanently and fully funded.

Read more.

2. Visiting New York School for the Deaf (NYSD)

Making sure every New Yorker has access to career development opportunities is critical to ensuring an equitable and prosperous future for our state.

This week, Kirsten visited NYSD to discuss her fight for $5 million in federal funding to help NYSD offer critical education and certification programs to prepare deaf and hard-of-hearing students for the jobs of the future. She had a blast meeting with NYSD students and is steadfastly committed to getting this funding across the finish line.

3. Fighting hunger

In the richest country in the world, it is unacceptable that over 47 million Americans, including nearly 14 million children, still face hunger.

That’s why this week, Kirsten led her Senate Democratic colleagues in reintroducing the Closing the Meal Gap Act, which would expand and strengthen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and help those with large medical and housing expenses qualify for SNAP. This is commonsense legislation, and Kirsten is determined to get it passed.

Read more.

4. Supporting NY manufacturing

Workforce training programs like the one run by the North Country Chamber of Commerce help keep New York’s manufacturing industry strong.

This week, Kirsten visited Alstom’s facility in Plattsburgh to highlight the $350,000 in congressionally directed spending (CDS) she is working to secure to help expand the North Country Chamber of Commerce’s Advanced Manufacturing Skills Training Program. She enjoyed learning about the state-of-the-art trains being constructed at Alstom and touring their facility.

Read more.

5. Visiting Indium Corporation

Indium Corporation exemplifies New York’s vital role in strengthening our national security by bolstering our critical minerals sector.

This week, Kirsten toured Indium to learn more about their work and how she can best support New York’s advanced manufacturing industry.

Read more.

6.  Helping New York farmers

The general manager of a farm in Pine Island, NY reached out to Kirsten’s office for assistance after the federal grant used by his small family farm was paused by the Trump administration. 

After a federal injunction required the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to lift the pauses for this grant, the manager reported that there had still not been any updates from the agency. Within 10 days of Kirsten’s team reaching out to the USDA, the farm received its first disbursement of $100,000, and it will receive the remainder of the grant as scheduled.  Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with a federal agency, contact her here.

September 6, 2025

1. Fighting for affordable health care

In the richest country in the world, no one should have to forgo treatment because they can’t afford health insurance. But unless Congress acts, critical Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies that help millions of Americans—including 1.6 million New Yorkers—afford their health insurance will expire at the end of the year.

That’s why Kirsten is calling on her colleagues in Congress to include an extension of the ACA enhanced premium tax credits in any funding bill that passes this fall. These subsidies save lives, and she is determined to keep them in place.

Read more.

2. Honoring the Harlem Hellfighters

On Wednesday, Kirsten was honored to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the legendary Harlem Hellfighters.

These courageous Black soldiers showed extraordinary valor in World War I, even as they faced racism at home. They made New York and our country proud, and their heroism will never be forgotten.

Watch Kirsten’s speech here.

3. Protecting seniors in the workplace

According to AARP, 64% of older workers have seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace. It’s unacceptable. 

Kirsten held an Aging Committee hearing to discuss ways to combat age discrimination against working seniors. During the hearing, Kirsten called for the passage of the bipartisan Protecting Older Americans Act, which would invalidate forced arbitration clauses that prevent age discrimination victims from seeking justice and public accountability, ensuring that seniors can have their day in court.

Read more.

4. Funding the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station

The work done at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station (NFARS) is crucial to our national defense.

This week, Kirsten visited NFARS to announce her push to send federal dollars to the station for much-needed upgrades that will consolidate operations, streamline communications, and enhance readiness.

Read more.

5. Supporting workforce development programs

Workforce development programs like Rochester’s Multi-Craft Apprenticeship Preparation Program (M.A.P.P.) are a critical gateway for many hoping to break into the building and construction trades.

This week, Kirsten visited M.A.P.P. to discuss her fight for $2 million in federal funding to support M.A.P.P.’s work and build out a new state-of-the-art workforce development center that will help connect New Yorkers with good-paying jobs.

Read more.

6.  Supporting first responders’ wellness

Police officers, firefighters, and EMTs face unique stressors on the job that increase their chances of developing PTSD and put their mental health at risk.

That’s why Kirsten is fighting to secure more federal funding to expand mental health resources for first responders. This week, she visited the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association to highlight the $500,000 in federal funds that she is fighting for and meet with law enforcement families who have lost loved ones to mental health crises.

Read more.

7. Helping New Yorkers get benefits

When an Oneida County veteran had waited three months for his Social Security benefits application to be approved, he contacted Kirsten’s office for help. After Kirsten’s team contacted the Social Security Administration (SSA), the agency approved his retirement benefits and released over $12,500 in past-due benefits.

Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with a federal agency, contact her here.

8. Coming up: Kirsten’s service academy workshops

Are you interested in attending one of the nation’s service academies? 

This fall, Kirsten’s office will host 2025 Service Academy Nights in each of New York’s regions. Representatives from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Naval Academy in Annapolis, Coast Guard Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and Air Force Academy will share information about the admissions process and the unique academic and career opportunities they offer.

Representatives from across New York will also share information about the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and Department of Defense Cyber scholarship programs.

Interested students, parents, and school officials can find more information and RSVP by visiting the links below. Contact nominations@gillibrand.senate.gov for information.

  • Long Island: Monday September 15th at SUNY Farmingdale 
  • Hudson Valley: Wednesday September 17th at SUNY Westchester Community College
  • Rochester: Thursday September 18th at Monroe Community College
  • Capital Region: Tuesday September 23rd at University of Albany
  • New York City: Thursday September 25th at John Jay CUNY
  • Central Region: Monday September 29th at National Veteran Resource Center @ Syracuse University
  • Buffalo: Thursday October 2nd at Roswell Cancer Institute 

Frequently asked questions and the link to apply for a nomination from Kirsten’s office are available online at https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/help/academy-nominations/. The deadline to submit all application materials for Kirsten’s nomination is October 12, 2025 at 11:59 PM.

August 31, 2025

1. Attending the New York State Fair

Kirsten had a blast attending the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse this week! Highlights of the day included visiting vendors, meeting the New York State Police’s canine team, and enjoying her favorite maple ice cream.

Watch Kirsten at the fair here!

2. Fighting for public health funding

Public health research saves lives, and we must do everything we can to support the institutions doing this critical work.

On Monday, Kirsten visited Trudeau Institute, a not-for-profit research institute in Saranac Lake that conducts life-saving studies on immunology and emerging bio-threats. Kirsten successfully fought for the inclusion of $2.5 million in federal funding for this research in the Fiscal Year 2026 Senate appropriations bill currently under consideration by Congress, and she is working to ensure this funding is delivered so that Trudeau Institute can continue its crucial work.

Read more.

3.   $$$ → New York airports

From the New York City metropolitan area to rural communities Upstate, airports are gateways for tourism, commerce, and opportunity across New York. 

This week, Kirsten announced over $66 million in new federal funding to upgrade airport facilities and equipment at 22 airports across the Empire State. As the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee, Kirsten is committed to bringing home federal dollars so that New York’s airports can provide top-notch service, efficiency, and safety for all travelers.

Read more.

4. Securing funding for NY redevelopment

Albany has a special place in Kirsten’s heart as her hometown, and she is committed to fighting for its revitalization to give New Yorkers the vibrant capital they deserve.

This week, Kirsten headed to the capital city to celebrate the use of federal funds she secured for the Lincoln Square Redevelopment Project. The redevelopment of the vacant Lincoln Square Towers will make Albany a safer and better place to live, and Kirsten is eager to see this project continue.

Read more.

5. Helping military families get health care

An Onondaga County veteran contacted Kirsten’s office for assistance after waiting months to hear about the status of their child’s Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) application, which was needed to restore the child’s health, dental, and vision insurance.

After Kirsten’s office contacted the VA, the agency swiftly approved the benefits. Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.

August 24, 2025

1. Fighting for Social Security

90 years ago, the U.S. government made a promise to take care of seniors by establishing Social Security. 

But now, the Trump administration is threatening access to the benefits that more than 3.8 million New Yorkers rely on to pay their bills, afford medical care, and put food on the table. It’s unacceptable. That’s why Kirsten announced that she’s signing onto the Keep Billionaires Out of Social Security Act, which would reverse Trump administration cuts to the Social Security Administration (SSA), protect Americans’ data, and prohibit unnecessary SSA office closures and staff layoffs.

Read more.

2. Protecting schools from cyberattacks

In recent years, K-12 schools have experienced an increase in data breaches and cyberattacks, posing a serious threat to student safety and privacy.

This week, Kirsten demanded that the Trump administration take immediate action against these attacks and strengthen the agencies and programs needed to combat them.

Read Kirsten’s letter here.

3. Helping New Yorkers get their tax refunds

A New York City constituent contacted Kirsten’s office after waiting over a year and a half for his delayed tax refund. He was initially contacted by the IRS to complete an identity verification, and despite his prompt completion, his return remained unprocessed due to an identity protection hold. 

Kirsten’s office reached out to the IRS on his behalf and secured the release of his refund, which totaled over $800,000. Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.

August 17, 2025

Helping New Yorkers with federal agencies

Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. So far in 2025, her office has helped over 5,300 constituents resolve issues with federal agencies.

Kirsten’s team can help with issues involving passports, federal taxes, the Social Security Administration (SSA), Medicare benefits, veterans benefits, the Small Business Administration, federal student loans, the World Trade Center Health Program, and much more. If you need help with a federal agency, contact her here.

Casework by the numbers

This year, Kirsten’s casework team has helped secure over $160 million in federal benefits for New York constituents, businesses, and cultural organizations. This includes:

  • $750,000 in Social Security benefits restored to seniors and Medicare bills covered for enrollees;
  • $400,000 in VA benefits reinstated to veterans;
  • $110,000,000 for New York cultural organizations and businesses that were in danger of losing revenue without their top performers and staff;

$53,000,000 released back to constituents and small businesses from delayed tax refunds.

Success Stories

From assisting veterans and 9/11 survivors to aiding immigration cases, Kirsten’s team is here to help. Here are some success stories from 2025 so far:

  • Veterans Affairs: When a Purple Heart recipient needed help securing his retirement benefits after 32 years of service, he reached out to Kirsten’s office. Kirsten’s team contacted the Department of the Army and discovered agency errors that were promptly corrected. Within two weeks, the constituent’s retirement and health care benefits were approved, and he received nearly $60,000 in retroactive payments.
  • Social Security: A Suffolk County senior contacted Kirsten’s team after she applied for Social Security survivor benefits and did not hear from the SSA for six months. Kirsten’s team inquired with the SSA about the status of her approval, and the agency released a $27,000 payment to the constituent. 
  • Immigration: When a Senegalese domestic violence survivor needed help with her application for permanent U.S. residency, she contacted Kirsten’s office for help. Kirsten’s team contacted U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the constituent received her green card. 
  • Education: When cuts at the Department of Education left a local university’s federal student aid in limbo, the university reached out to Kirsten’s office for help. Her team reached out to the agency, and the university was eventually approved to receive $13 million for student aid.
  • World Trade Center Health Program: A retired firefighter and 9/11 first responder contacted Kirsten’s office for assistance after he was informed that, due to budget cuts, treatment for his pancreatic cancer would not be covered by the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). Kirsten’s team contacted the WTCHP to support his request for emergency acceptance. The next day, the constituent was accepted into the program, allowing him to begin his lifesaving treatment. 

Kirsten is eager to continue working on behalf of her constituents. If you need help with a federal agency, contact her here.