Welcome to Kirsten’s New York Minute!
Markus 20
1. Working to protect Social Security
The Trump administration is cutting Social Security staff and closing offices, making it extremely difficult for seniors to get benefits they’ve earned.
This week, Kirsten joined Governor Hochul and local leaders in Albany to demand that President Trump and Elon Musk keep their hands off Social Security. Social Security is a promise, not a political bargaining chip, and Kirsten is doing everything in her power to make sure that it remains accessible.
Read more.
2. Fighting for veterans’ health care
By firing and driving off VA psychiatrists and therapists, forcing VA workers to return to crowded offices, and potentially violating privacy regulations, President Trump is making it harder for veterans to access the mental health care they deserve. We owe better to the people who have served our country.
This week, Kirsten sent a letter to the VA demanding that they reverse the policies undermining veteran care. Veterans in need of mental health care deserve easily accessible treatment from qualified professionals with a guarantee of confidentiality, and Kirsten is committed to protecting this care.
Read more.
3. Demanding funding for New York’s health system
The Trump administration’s decision to cut over $300 million in federal health funding for New York is reckless and cruel.
This move is a direct threat to mental health services, addiction recovery programs, and infectious disease preparedness across our state, and it puts New Yorkers’ lives at risk. That’s why Kirsten is demanding an immediate reversal of these cuts, and she will not rest until funding is restored.
Read more.
4. Meeting with rural postal workers
Rural postal workers provide a vital service in our communities, often traveling miles between stops to make deliveries to rural New Yorkers.
This week, Kirsten met with members of the New York Rural Letter Carriers’ Association to thank them for their work and reiterate her unwavering support for the Postal Service.
5. Helping constituents with Social Security
When a Rensselaer County constituent with cancer needed to expedite his Social Security Disability Insurance application, he reached out to Kirsten’s office for help. Kirsten’s team contacted SSA regarding the Compassionate Allowances program to automatically qualify his condition, and he was promptly approved for disability benefits.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
March 22
1. Fighting for Social Security
The so-called Department of Government Efficiency’s plan to cut Social Security phone support service and close nearly 50 SSA offices—including in White Plains, NY—is a disgrace.
This is a full-blown attack on Social Security, and Kirsten is committed to fighting back. New Yorkers are entitled to the Social Security benefits that they’ve earned, and Kirsten is working to make sure these benefits remain accessible.
Read more.
2. Fighting for New York farmers
The Trump administration’s decision to cancel funding for local food purchase programs will harm New York farmers and families. This decision jeopardizes more than $63 million that is used to buy food from local farmers and distribute it to food banks, schools, and child care centers across New York.
Local food purchase programs are a win-win for farmers and families, and Kirsten is vehemently opposed to the decision to cancel these programs. This week, she wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture demanding a reversal of the canceled funding.
Read more.
3. Working to conserve forests
New York’s forests are a crucial environmental and economic resource. Preserving forest land is vital to maintain clean water, air, wildlife habitats, and jobs without interrupting a steady supply of manufacturing materials.
That’s why Kirsten reintroduced legislation that would help conserve working forests and give landowners in New York and across the country more options to ensure their land is protected.
Read more.
4. ATTN: Government and nonprofit leaders!
Every year, Kirsten submits funding requests to the Senate Appropriations Committee for state and local community projects across New York. This money helps fund everything from affordable child care facilities to mental health services to ecosystem restoration – and much more.
Ahead of the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process, she’s soliciting input from New York government and nonprofit leaders seeking funding for their projects.
Appropriations requests can be submitted here using the Congressionally Directed Spending Request Form until Monday, March 31 at 11:59pm ET. Questions? Contact appropriations@gillibrand.senate.gov.
5. Helping constituents get their Social Security payments
When a Kings County constituent needed to secure a missing Social Security disability payment from last year, he contacted Kirsten’s office for help. Kirsten’s team inquired about the issue with the Social Security Administration, and he promptly received the missing payment.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
March 15, 2025
1. Standing up for veterans
The Trump administration’s plan to fire more than 80,000 employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs – including roughly 20,000 veterans – is reprehensible. These cuts will impair veterans’ ability to access the health care and benefits that they are owed.
That’s why Kirsten is fighting back. This week, she held a press conference and sent a letter to the VA blasting the decision to fire staff and cut essential contracts and demanding answers about how this will impact the veterans who have put their lives on the line for our country.
Read more.
2. Fighting for Medicaid
Millions of older Americans and their families rely on Medicaid to access lifesaving health care. The Trump administration’s efforts to cut hundreds of billions of dollars from Medicaid will be devastating for New Yorkers and contradict the promises made by Republicans in Congress and in the administration.
This week, Kirsten led a group of 14 Democratic senators in demanding answers as to how – or if – the Trump administration plans to provide care for low-income families, and particularly seniors, after gutting Medicaid. Kirsten is committed to fighting tooth and nail to protect this program, and she will continue working to make sure seniors get the care they deserve.
Read more.
3. Combating loneliness among older Americans
Loneliness is an epidemic that leaves many older Americans feeling helpless and isolated.
This week, in her role as ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, Kirsten convened a hearing to discuss the need to strengthen family and community support for seniors so that we can better care for our nation’s aging population.
Watch the hearing here.
4. WATCH: Kirsten honors NY NAACP President and activist Dr. Hazel Dukes and staffer Geri Shapiro on Senate floor
On Wednesday, Kirsten gave two floor speeches to highlight two amazing women who dedicated their lives to helping others.
Dr. Hazel Dukes was an extraordinary activist who served as the president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) New York State Conference for many years. She passed away earlier this month.
Geri Shapiro is a longtime Gillibrand staffer who is one of the oldest members of staff in Congress. A Westchester County native, Geri is a go-to resource for advocates and constituents, and she is deeply adored by her fellow staffers.
Watch Kirsten’s speeches on Dr. Dukes and Geri Shapiro here.
5. Helping constituents get their tax benefits
After a constituent had been waiting for her delayed tax refund for nearly two years, she reached out to Kirsten’s office for help. Kirsten’s team contacted the IRS and worked with the constituent to provide the necessary documentation to the agency to get her tax refund of over $2,000 released to her.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
March 8, 2025
1. Fighting for Social Security
Cutting staff at the Social Security Administration (SSA) could result in the collapse of the entire Social Security system, jeopardizing the benefits on which millions of Americans depend.
That’s why Kirsten is demanding answers about reports that the Trump administration plans to reduce the SSA workforce by as much as 50 percent. This week, she wrote a letter to the acting SSA commissioner highlighting the importance of Social Security for New Yorkers and requesting additional information about the impact of staff reductions and office closures on SSA’s vital operations.
Read more.
2. Working to combat bird flu
Avian flu has been found in 44 of New York’s 62 counties, forcing farmers to cull millions of birds and dramatically driving up the cost of eggs.
That’s why this week, Kirsten called on the Trump administration to take action to develop and approve a vaccine for poultry and contain the outbreak. This is a necessary step to protect farmers’ livelihoods, safeguard human health, and make groceries more affordable.
Read more.
3. Shining a spotlight on 9/11 heroes
In the wake of President Trump and Elon Musk’s attempts to cut funding and staff for the World Trade Center Health Program, Kirsten brought Andy Ansbro, 9/11 first responder and president of the FDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association, to this week’s joint session of Congress in order to shine a light on the importance of the WTC Health Program.
The stories of 9/11 heroes like Andy remind us of our promise to “never forget.” Amid political division, we must come together to make sure 9/11 survivors and first responders get the health care they deserve.
Read more.
4. WATCH: Kirsten on CNN
On Wednesday, Kirsten joined CNN’s Pamela Brown to discuss foreign policy, the affordability of groceries, and President Trump’s recent speech to a joint session of Congress.
Watch here.
5. LISTEN: Kirsten on On Brand with Donny Deutsch
This week, Kirsten spoke with Donny Deutsch on his podcast. They discussed her analysis of Trump’s joint session speech, the impact of tariffs on the economy, and how Democrats can win voters back during the 2026 midterm elections.
Listen here.
6. Helping older New Yorkers
When a senior constituent with Alzheimer’s disease needed to complete the naturalization process so that she could travel and pay respects to her late husband in their home country, she contacted Kirsten’s office for help. Kirsten’s team contacted USCIS on her behalf and she was granted a medical accommodation. Now she will be able to secure her U.S. passport and travel as planned.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
March 1, 2025
1. Fighting for 9/11 survivors
The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) is a lifeline for thousands of Americans who risked their lives to protect our country during its darkest hour. Now, as many of these individuals battle horrific health conditions as a result of their service, we must ensure they can get the health care that they deserve.
This week, Kirsten joined 9/11 survivors and responders, as well as a bipartisan group of her colleagues, to introduce legislation that would update the WTCHP’s outdated funding formula to ensure that the program can continue providing medical care to new and existing enrollees who suffer from 9/11-related conditions. It is beyond time to get this passed, and Kirsten is committed to working across the aisle to do so.
Read more.
2. Supporting first responders’ mental health
Police officers, firefighters, and EMTs face unique stressors that put them at a high risk of developing PTSD and other mental health problems. We owe it to our first responders to provide them more support.
That’s why this week, Kirsten introduced bipartisan legislation to establish a national mental health hotline for first responders and to expand mental health services for those on the frontlines.
Read more.
3. Leading efforts to restore the Long Island Sound
Decades of pollution had put the Long Island Sound’s wildlife population, fisheries, water quality, and surrounding communities at risk.
This week, Kirsten reintroduced the Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Reauthorization Act, which would reauthorize $65 million annually to continue restoration efforts that will preserve the Sound’s long-term health.
Read more.
4. SSA begins issuing retroactive Social Security benefits
This week, the Social Security Administration began issuing retroactive payments to the millions of teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public servants who were unfairly penalized by recently repealed SSA provisions.
These payments are a direct result of Kirsten’s Social Security Fairness Act, which passed with bipartisan support last year and was signed into law by former President Biden. As a result, 2.5 million Americans, including 35,000 New Yorkers, are expected to receive retroactive payments and increased monthly benefits.
Read more.
5. Advocating for gun safety with Gabby Giffords
Commonsense gun safety legislation is vital to protect American children and communities.
This week, Kirsten met with her good friend Gabby Giffords to discuss ways to end gun violence and get deadly weapons off our streets. Kirsten is committed to working across the aisle to keep our communities safe and save lives.
Watch part of Kirsten’s meeting with Gabby here.
6. Helping constituents get their benefits
When a constituent’s Social Security Disability Insurance checks were stolen in the mail and cashed by an imposter, he became gravely concerned about his ability to pay for his basic needs and requested help from Kirsten’s office. Our team contacted the Social Security Administration, and the constituent was reissued checks for $30,000 in critical funds.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
February 22, 2025
1. Fighting for 9/11 survivors
The Trump administration’s decision to cut funding for the World Trade Center Health Program and fire staff who help our 9/11 survivors and first responders get the care they need was utterly disgraceful. This was a betrayal of the heroes who risked their lives to help during one of our nation’s darkest hours.
That’s why this week, Kirsten wrote a letter demanding that the Trump administration reverse the cuts to the WTC Health Program immediately to ensure that those impacted by 9/11 get the care they deserve.
Read more.
2. Demanding answers on FAA layoffs
The Trump administration’s termination of hundreds of critical Federal Aviation Administration employees – including safety inspectors and maintenance mechanics – is reckless and dangerous. In the wake of multiple deadly aviation disasters, these layoffs will put American lives at risk.
Kirsten is demanding answers. This week, she asked the Trump administration to provide comprehensive information about exactly how many workers were fired, what they did, where they worked, and what plan – if any – the administration has to replace them and to keep Americans safe.
Read more.
3. Sounding the alarm about NIH funding cuts
Cutting National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding will force researchers to abandon work on cancer, infectious disease, aging, mental health, and much more.
This week, Kirsten joined professors and researchers at the University at Buffalo, SUNY Upstate, the University of Rochester, and Rochester Institute of Technology to sound the alarm about the disastrous ramifications of President Trump’s recent cuts to NIH. She is committed to working across the aisle to convince the administration to restore this vital funding.
Read more.
4. Supporting commonsense gun safety legislation
Guns are the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in America today. Year after year, deadly assault weapons inflict devastating and avoidable harm across the country, causing children, parents, and teachers to live with the fear that the next school shooting may happen in their community.
This is unacceptable. That’s why this week, Kirsten and 18 other Democrats introduced legislation to raise the minimum age to purchase assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines from 18 to 21. This is the same age requirement that already applies to purchasing handguns from federally licensed dealers, and it will save lives.
Read more.
5. Meeting New Yorkers during Caucus Weekend
Last weekend, Kirsten met with New Yorkers from across the state during Caucus Weekend. She enjoyed meeting with representatives from women’s empowerment groups, labor groups, service organizations, and more to learn about the grassroots efforts happening on the ground in New York.
6. Helping 9/11 survivors pay their medical bills
When the family of a 9/11 survivor with Stage 4 cancer needed help with the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), they contacted Kirsten’s office for help. Kirsten’s team got to work immediately with the VCF and, within a week, the survivor was awarded the maximum benefit available.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
February 15, 2025
1. Fighting for students
Access to quality education is a right and a stepping stone to success for all Americans. President Trump’s threat to shutter the Department of Education is a reckless and unconstitutional move that would jeopardize vital programs that help New York’s kids, families, and communities thrive.
Kirsten is committed to doing everything she can to protect New York’s students, who would see academic support evaporate with the closure of the Department of Education. That’s why this week, she stood alongside union leaders, elected officials, students, parents, and educators to warn of the disastrous consequences of President Trump’s threats and to demand that the Department of Education remain operational.
Read more.
2. Working to lower prescription drug prices
No American should ever be forced to ration medication or skip refills because they can’t afford lifesaving medication.
That’s why Kirsten introduced the Capping Prescription Costs Act. This legislation would cap the annual out-of-pocket cost of prescription drugs at $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for families with private insurance, making medications more affordable for hard-working Americans.
Read more.
3. Celebrating Lunar New Year
新年快乐!
This week, Kirsten celebrated Lunar New Year alongside New York Assemblymember Grace Lee, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and constituents in Chinatown. She wishes all New Yorkers good health, peace, and prosperity in the Year of the Snake!
4. Promoting longevity
Knowing the key components of healthy aging is critical to ensure that Americans can age with dignity.
On Wednesday, Kirsten held a U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing to discuss components of healthy aging, including longevity research, the positive impacts of nutrition and exercise, and disease prevention.
Watch the hearing here.
5. Fighting for dairy farmers
New York dairy farmers deserve to be paid a fair price for their milk.
That’s why this week, Kirsten introduced the bipartisan Fair Milk Pricing for Farmers Act. This bill would require manufacturers to report dairy processing costs every 2 years, which would help dairy farmers make sure that their prices accurately reflect the costs of production.
6. READ: Kirsten’s op-ed in CoinDesk
This week, Kirsten published an opinion piece in CoinDesk explaining the need for a bipartisan bill to regulate stablecoins – cryptocurrencies whose values are pegged to U.S. dollars or dollar equivalents.
The op-ed follows the introduction of the bipartisan Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, which she introduced alongside Senators Bill Hagerty, Cynthia Lummis, and Tim Scott.
Read the piece here.
7. Helping New Yorkers with student loans
When a Kings County constituent needed to bring her federal student loans out of default, she contacted Kirsten’s office for help. After Kirsten’s team contacted the Department of Education, the constituent’s loans were brought out of default, and she enrolled in an income-driven repayment plan to make ongoing monthly payments toward her loan balance.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
February 8, 2025
1. Standing up for Social Security, Medicare, and VA benefits
By implementing a hiring freeze for federal workers, President Trump is playing games with Americans’ retirement benefits.
Without enough staff to process enrollments at the Social Security Administration, seniors could be forced to wait months or longer to get their Social Security or Medicare benefits, and veterans who rely on staff at the Department of Veterans Affairs to get health care, disability compensation, educational benefits, and more will suffer. That’s why on Wednesday, Kirsten held a press conference urging President Trump to immediately reverse the freeze on hiring federal workers.
Read more.
2. Fighting Trump’s funding freeze
The chaos, uncertainty, and disorder fueled by the Trump administration is wreaking economic havoc on families and communities across New York.
President Trump’s ongoing attempts to freeze grants and loans disbursed by the federal government will put both the public safety and well-being of New Yorkers at risk. From aid to seniors to funding that addresses food insecurity and homelessness to critical money for law enforcement, federal grant money is vital to protect individuals across the country.
That’s why Kirsten is fighting back. This week, she held a press conference to sound the alarm about the disastrous impact that a funding freeze would have on New Yorkers and called on the president to immediately reverse course.
Read more.
3. Protecting Americans from lithium-ion battery fires
Over the last four years, faulty and improperly manufactured lithium-ion batteries have ignited over 850 fires in New York City alone. Far too many innocent lives have been lost in these incidents, both in New York and across the country.
That’s why this week, Kirsten reintroduced the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act. This bipartisan bill would create the first-ever mandatory consumer product safety standard for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in micromobility devices, making these devices safer and protecting American consumers.
Read more.
4. Celebrating Lunar New Year with AAPI leaders in NY
On Sunday, Kirsten celebrated Lunar New Year alongside AAPI business and community leaders in Flushing, NY. Over dim sum, they discussed how she can best support and strengthen the AAPI community in New York.
5. WATCH: Kirsten on NY1
On Monday, Kirsten joined Pat Kiernan on NY1 to discuss the impact of President Trump’s executive orders, funding freezes, and chaos on New Yorkers.
Watch here.
6. Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast
This week, Kirsten spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast at the Capitol. During such a tumultuous time, she offered a prayer for our nation’s judges, lawmakers, and public servants and reminded those in attendance to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly.
Watch Kirsten’s prayer here.
7. Helping veterans get their benefits
When a Long Island veteran faced delays securing his disability severance payments and could not reach an agency representative for clarity on next steps, he contacted Kirsten’s office for help. Kirsten’s staff contacted the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, and he received over $30,000 in retroactive payments owed to him.