Welcome to Kirsten’s New York Minute!
March 22, 2026
| 1. Supporting working Americans |
Working families are struggling amid higher prices and substantial job losses due to President Trump’s reckless tariffs.
This week, Kirsten introduced the Tariff Refunds for Working Families Act to bring these families financial relief. This critical legislation would provide American consumers with direct tax rebates, putting money back into the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers. Kirsten is determined to get this bill across the finish line.
Read more.
| 2. Fighting for tax cuts for working families |
As high prices strain working families, Kirsten introduced legislation that would provide broad, permanent tax cuts to nearly 130 million working Americans.
The Working Americans’ Tax Cut Act would eliminate federal income taxes for Americans who make under the median cost of living, $46,000, and provide a significant tax break to individuals making between $46,000 and $80,500. This critical legislation would support working families, drive economic growth, and reduce income inequality.
Read more.
| 3. Demanding the release of heating assistance funding |
No New York family should have to choose between putting food on the table and staying warm.
As working families across the country struggle to keep up with skyrocketing utility prices, Kirsten demanded that the Trump administration swiftly release roughly $400 million in heating assistance funding that has already been approved by Congress.
Read more.
| 4. Securing commitments on the military’s use of AI |
The American people deserve transparency on the U.S. military’s use of artificial intelligence.
During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Kirsten questioned two top generals about the use of AI in military operations and secured commitments from both generals that they would not use AI for any domestic surveillance.
Watch here.
| 5. Fighting for clean water |
Every New Yorker deserves safe, clean drinking water.
Kirsten was grateful to meet with New York members of The Garden Club of America to discuss their shared mission to protect New York’s bodies of water and keep dangerous chemicals out of our water supply.
| 6. Helping New Yorkers with federal agencies |
A Nassau County constituent contacted Kirsten’s office for assistance after the Social Security Administration (SSA) wrongfully reported an overpayment debt to credit bureaus.
After Kirsten’s team contacted SSA, the agency reviewed the discrepancy and ultimately retracted its report to the credit bureaus.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
| 7. WATCH: Kirsten opposes voter suppression |
President Trump’s SAVE America Act is a voter suppression bill disguised as an anti-fraud measure. By imposing onerous voter registration requirements and severely restricting mail-in and absentee voting, this bill would disenfranchise millions of Americans.
Kirsten opposed the bill on the Senate floor this week, and she will do everything she can to prevent it from passing.
Watch Kirsten’s Senate floor speech here.
March 15, 2026
1. Demanding answers about U.S. strikes in Iran
This week, Kirsten pressed the Trump administration for answers about an American missile that struck a girls’ school in Iran, reportedly killing over 150 children. Kirsten has been a vocal critic of President Trump’s war and the billions of dollars a day he is spending as he cuts health care spending for Americans here at home.
Watch her questioning here.
| 2. Fighting to end to Trump’s tariff chaos |
New Yorkers deserve better than President Trump’s illegal tariffs, reckless wars, and cost-increasing chaos.
This week, Kirsten introduced new legislation to exempt small businesses from the latest round of President Trump’s tariffs and require the administration to refund businesses for tariff costs they’ve already paid. Working New Yorkers and small businesses need relief, and Kirsten will continue to do everything in her power to protect them from the president’s chaos.
Read more.
| 3. Protecting seniors’ savings |
Financial scams can be devastating for American seniors, robbing them of their hard-earned savings and stealing their personal information. Unfortunately, far too often, federal agencies are unprepared to address the specific needs of older populations.
This week, Kirsten introduced bipartisan legislation that would establish a dedicated task force to better protect investors over the age of 65 and help create the stronger protections that our seniors and their families deserve.
Read more.
| 4. Protecting children’s wellbeing |
Disturbing reports about toys that use generative artificial intelligence (AI) must be investigated. Our children should be protected from AI toys that have the potential to expose them to inappropriate concepts and compromise their privacy.
Kirsten is demanding that the Federal Trade Commission investigate whether AI-enabled toy companies are misleading American families when advertising these toys and hold companies accountable for failures to protect children’s privacy.
Read more.
| 5. WATCH HERE: Kirsten on CNN |
Kirsten joined CNN’s Wolf Blitzer to discuss her concerns about the war in Iran, homeland security, and President Trump’s recklessness.
Watch here.
| 6. Making American drugs safer |
Americans deserve to know that their medications are safe, regardless of where they are manufactured.
Kirsten spoke with ABC’s Lisa Fletcher about her bipartisan effort to strengthen the generic drug supply chain to make sure that these medications meet American standards for safety and quality.
Read more.
| 7. Supporting New York farmers |
New York farmers are the backbone of our Upstate economy.
Kirsten was honored to meet with members of the New York Farm Bureau to discuss their Farm Bill priorities and how she can best support them in Washington.
| 8. Helping New Yorkers get health care |
A Queens County constituent reached out to Kirsten’s office for assistance when she needed approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to use a non-approved material in a necessary surgery. After the constituent’s surgeon’s first request was denied, Kirsten’s team reached out to the FDA, and the agency approved the request so the constituent could get the procedure that she needed.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
March 8, 2026
| 1. Demanding an end to Trump’s war with Iran |
The American people want lower costs, not forever wars.
Kirsten is demanding that President Trump end his reckless, illegal war with Iran, and instead focus on lowering costs for hardworking Americans. The president must be held accountable for launching an unauthorized war that is endangering American service members, jeopardizing our national security, and raising costs for New York families.
Read more.
| 2. Helping New Yorkers evacuate the Middle East |
President Trump started a war with no plan for how to evacuate Americans caught in the crossfire. That is unacceptable.
Kirsten demanded that the Trump administration immediately develop a plan to get Americans stranded in the Middle East home safely. She will hold their feet to the fire until they do so.
Read more.
| 3. Making sure Americans get their benefits |
Supplemental Security Income forms a crucial lifeline for thousands of low-income New Yorkers, but outdated rules and antiquated policies mean that too many seniors and people with disabilities aren’t receiving the benefits they need.
This week, Kirsten introduced legislation to modernize this critical program by expanding eligibility, increasing benefits, and fixing outdated rules that penalize Americans for trying to save. As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee and a champion of empowering the most vulnerable, she is committed to getting this passed.
| 4. Expanding nutrition assistance for Puerto Ricans |
Puerto Rico’s exclusion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has needlessly punished Puerto Ricans, ripping away essential nutrition benefits and billions of dollars in funding to the island.
This week, Kirsten introduced legislation that would correct this injustice by allowing Puerto Rico to fully participate in SNAP. Puerto Ricans deserve the same nutrition assistance afforded to other American citizens. Kirsten is determined to get this bill across the finish line.
Read more.
| 5. Making it easier to file taxes |
Filing your taxes shouldn’t be a burden. Unfortunately, the Trump administration sided with powerful special interests over everyday Americans and ended the highly successful Direct File program, which allowed Americans to file their taxes for free directly with the government. The administration’s action will make it harder and more expensive for working families to file their tax returns.
Kirsten introduced the Direct File Act to restore access to that free, easy tax filing option. This is a commonsense bill that would lower New Yorkers’ tax burdens.
| 6. Helping NY health care workers |
A New York hospital contacted Kirsten’s office for assistance securing the production and delivery of a physical work authorization document for one of their critical care fellows.
Kirsten’s team contacted U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the hospital’s behalf, and USCIS promptly delivered the physical work permit.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
February 28, 2026
| 1. Fighting President Trump’s tariffs |
President Trump’s tariffs are hurting American families and wreaking havoc on New York’s economy.
Following the Supreme Court’s ruling that the bulk of these tariffs are illegal, Kirsten demanded that the Trump administration follow the law, end the president’s harmful tariffs once and for all, and refund small businesses and consumers for the billions of dollars these illegal tariffs have cost them.
Read more.
| 2. Expanding benefits for public safety officers |
Public safety officers risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe. When tragedy strikes and an officer loses their life or becomes permanently disabled in the line of duty, we must look out for them and their family.
This week, Kirsten introduced bipartisan legislation that would amend the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program to speed up benefit determinations and extend benefits to permanently disabled officers currently excluded from the program. This is commonsense legislation that will help support our public safety heroes, and Kirsten is determined to get it passed.
Read more.
| 3. Demanding accountability from DHS |
Kirsten is deeply disturbed by recent reports that a nearly blind Buffalo man was abandoned by Border Patrol agents miles from his home, leading to his death, and that DHS agents misrepresented their purpose to gain entry to a Columbia University-owned apartment to detain a student.
If true, these incidents are absolutely unacceptable. Kirsten has demanded a full account of the events and actions taken by federal agents in Buffalo and condemns their actions at Columbia University in the strongest possible terms. She won’t stop fighting for justice.
Read more.
| 4. Supporting rare disease treatments |
As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, Kirsten held a hearing to examine how regulatory processes and evolving standards at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can unintentionally delay patient access to safe and effective therapies, particularly for individuals living with rare diseases.
Watch here.
| 5. Supporting living organ donors |
It is heartbreaking that so many Americans die while waiting for the lifesaving organ transplants they need.
This week, Kirsten’s Living Donor Protection Act passed out of committee. This vital legislation would encourage organ donation by making sure that people who are willing to donate can do so without jeopardizing their job security and facing barriers to insurance coverage.
Read more.
| 6. Assisting New Yorkers |
A Queens County constituent and retired federal employee contacted Kirsten’s office for help changing her last name on file with the Office of Personnel Management after struggling to change it for years. The constituent’s health insurance and prescription drug benefit documents did not match her current name or identification, which led to serious concern that she might be denied vital benefits at the point of service.
Within weeks of Kirsten’s team contacting OPM on the constituent’s behalf, her name change was reflected in her file.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
February 21, 2026
| 1. Fighting for paid sick leave |
No one should have to choose between a paycheck and taking care of a sick loved one or themselves.
That’s why Kirsten introduced legislation that would guarantee paid sick leave for workers across the country. Paid sick leave is a fundamental right and a commonsense protection that provides stability, economic security, and peace of mind to working families. Kirsten will do everything she can to get this legislation across the finish line.
Read more.
| 2. Strengthening rural economies |
Rural communities are the backbone of Upstate New York’s economy. We must do everything we can to help them grow and thrive.
This week, Kirsten introduced legislation that would help strengthen rural economies, expand opportunity, and support local efforts to create good-paying jobs and grow small businesses. The Rural Innovation for a Stronger Economy (RISE) Reauthorization Act would expand the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s grant program for rural job accelerator partnerships that support in-demand job training and rural business formation and expansion efforts.
Read more.
| 3. Federal $$$ → NY buses |
This week, Kirsten secured over $50 million to upgrade bus transit facilities across Central and Western New York.
These federal dollars will enhance bus service, improve reliability, and help ensure that New Yorkers can get where they need to go safely and efficiently. Kirsten was proud to deliver these vital funds, and she’ll keep fighting to improve transit and infrastructure across New York.
Read more.
| 4. Opposing Trump’s tariff chaos |
President Trump’s tariffs are a hidden tax on hardworking New Yorkers and small businesses. Kirsten has fought these tariffs since their inception.
This week, the U.S. Supreme Court confirmed that in addition to being reckless and vindictive, President Trump’s tariff scheme was also unconstitutional. Kirsten demanded that President Trump respect this ruling, reimburse small businesses for these illegal taxes, end the tariffs immediately, and shift his focus to lowering costs for American families.
Read Kirsten’s full statement.
| 5. Helping New Yorkers get their tax refunds |
A Queens County constituent contacted Kirsten’s office for assistance after waiting over a year for the replacement of a stolen tax refund check.
Kirsten’s team worked with both the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service to make sure the funds were released, and the constituent promptly received her refund of over $8,000.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
If you were forwarded this newsletter and want to sign up to receive it every week, click here.
February 14, 2026
1. Working to increase food assistance
No child should go hungry in the richest country in the world. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is one of the most effective ways that we can help children and mothers get the nutrition they need – and it’s past time that we modernize this program.
This week, Kirsten introduced bipartisan legislation to allow WIC participants to complete certification and recertification through secure phone or video appointments. Through the use of technology, this legislation expands access for busy families, reduces the need for transportation and time off work to secure benefits, and brings WIC into the next generation for moms and their children.
Read more.
| 2. Fighting for healthy moms and babies |
More women in the United States die from pregnancy-related complications than in any of our peer countries. That is outrageous and downright shameful. Kirsten believes we must do more to support women at every step of their maternal health journey.
This week, she introduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Healthy Start program – a critical federal initiative that supports community-based efforts to improve maternal and infant health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy. This program provides vital services in communities that experience disproportionately high rates of infant mortality and maternal health complications, and Kirsten will do everything she can to ensure continued federal support.
Read more.
| 3. Celebrating wins for first responders |
First responders put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities at the expense of their own health.
Kirsten joined firefighters in New York to celebrate the federal funding she secured to support first responders’ physical and mental health. This funding includes $632,000 for mental health and wellness programming through Friends of Firefighters, along with the full funding of the World Trade Center Health Program.
Read more.
| 4. Supporting SUNY community colleges |
By providing access to affordable, high-quality education, SUNY community colleges give New York students the tools they need to thrive.
This week, Kirsten met with SUNY community college students and leaders to discuss their vital work and how she can best support them.
| 5. Fighting for transparency in Washington |
For her entire career, Kirsten has believed elected officials should be focused on serving their constituents, not amassing personal wealth.
That’s why this week, she introduced a bill to increase transparency around government officials’ financial disclosures. This commonsense legislation would update and expand the monetary values that elected and senior government officials are required to disclose in order to increase transparency and accountability.
Read more.
| 6. Protecting Lake Champlain |
The Lake Champlain Basin is a vast, historic, and invaluable resource that is deeply important to communities in the North Country.
This week, Kirsten introduced legislation to support ongoing conservation efforts surrounding Lake Champlain. This legislation would help make sure the Basin continues to provide clean drinking water, safeguard critical wildlife habitats, and support tourism and local jobs for years to come, and Kirsten is committed to getting it passed.
Read more.
| 7. Helping New Yorkers with Social Security |
A St. Lawrence County constituent contacted Kirsten’s office for help after waiting over two months for an update on his Social Security Retirement benefits application.
After Kirsten’s team contacted the Social Security Administration on his behalf, the agency promptly issued the constituent’s first $2,470 monthly retirement benefit payment.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
February 7, 2026
| 1. Securing health care for 9/11 heroes |
Making sure that 9/11 first responders and survivors have the resources they need to deal with the long-term health effects from toxic exposure has been one of Kirsten’s top priorities during her time in Congress.
This week—after over a decade of fighting alongside our 9/11 heroes—Kirsten finally got it done. The funding bill signed into law this week includes legislation to fully fund the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) through 2040.
Since its creation in 2011, WTCHP has provided treatment and medical monitoring for over 150,000 Americans with 9/11-related conditions. With the funding guaranteed this week, the program will be able to continue its vital work for years to come.
Read more.
| 2. Federal dollars –> NY |
The funding bill signed into law this week contains millions of federal dollars for New York projects that Kirsten has been fighting for. This includes major wins to protect New Yorkers’ health care, improve affordable housing, strengthen infrastructure, and increase education funding:
- $194 million to upgrade the New York National Guard’s “Ski Bird” fleet at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Schenectady County. Read more.
- Over $93 million for affordable housing upgrades, infrastructure improvements, economic development projects, and more in New York City. Read more.
- Nearly $30 million for transportation improvements, public safety investments, and local projects in the Hudson Valley. Read more.
- $9.6 million for affordable housing, infrastructure upgrades, and apprenticeship programs in the Rochester area. Read more.
- Over $9 million for a new community center and economic development projects in Western New York. Read more.
- Nearly $3 million for food bank expansion, Hudson Valley Community College, and the Capital District Jewish Holocaust Memorial in the Capital Region. Read more.
- $1 million for the Corning Museum of Glass to expand educational programs. Read more.
- $1 million for economic development projects in the North Country. Read more.
- $850,000 for Syracuse International Airport. Read more.
- $500,000 for the New York Law Enforcement Assistance Program. Read more.
| 3. Hosting the National Prayer Breakfast |
This week, Kirsten hosted the 74th annual National Prayer Breakfast, continuing a bipartisan tradition that serves as an opportunity for members of Congress to come together in fellowship and prayer for the nation, its leaders, and the American people.
| 4. Protecting Americans on the roads |
Truck underride guards are one of the best and easiest solutions for protecting road users during collisions with large trucks.
This week, Kirsten introduced legislation that would require these guards to be installed on the sides of new trucks and to direct additional research and data collection about underride crashes. This commonsense legislation will make our roads safer for drivers, passengers, and vulnerable road users, and Kirsten will do everything she can to get it passed.
Read more.
| 5. Honoring the Oneida Indian Nation’s contributions |
Kirsten was proud to join members of the Oneida Indian Nation to celebrate the minting of $1 dollar coins to honor Oneida heroine Polly Cooper, who played an integral role in supporting George Washington’s army during the Revolutionary War.
The stories of New York, America, and the Oneida Indian Nation have been deeply intertwined since America’s founding, and Kirsten was honored to recognize their contributions.
Read more.
| 6. Helping New Yorkers with their employment paperwork |
A New York City constituent from Ukraine contacted Kirsten’s office when he needed to expedite processing of his employment authorization documents to continue working so he could pay his bills.
After Kirsten’s team contacted U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on his behalf, the agency approved his documents quickly, allowing the constituent to return to work.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
January 31, 2026
| 1. Delivering for New York |
After Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding was removed from the most recent government funding agreement, Kirsten was proud to vote for the package, which will deliver billions of dollars to New Yorkers for critical affordable housing and transit upgrades, quality child care, vital mental health services, and health care for 9/11 first responders and survivors.
The bill now heads back to the House of Representatives for final passage.
Read more.
| 2. Demanding ICE reforms |
Following the murder of two U.S. citizens at the hands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in Minnesota, Kirsten announced that she would not vote to fund DHS without serious reforms to the agency and increased accountability for federal agents conducting immigration enforcement.
After her and other Senate Democrats’ advocacy, funding for DHS was removed from the funding package that passed the Senate this week. Kirsten is committed to working across the aisle to secure meaningful reforms to ICE.
Kirsten has also made clear that the fatal shootings in Minnesota demand full scrutiny, transparency, and accountability from law enforcement authorities. She is committed to continuing to push for justice and accountability.
| 3. Fighting Trump’s tariff threats |
President Trump’s threat to impose 100% tariffs on Canadian goods would be detrimental to New York’s economy—driving up costs, killing good-paying jobs, and harming small businesses.
At a time when prices are already soaring, working families shouldn’t have to pay more for what they need. That’s why this week, Kirsten demanded that President Trump stop illegally threatening tariffs against American allies. She will continue to do everything in her power to hold the president accountable for the hardship he’s causing for New Yorkers.
Read more.
| 4. Pushing for transparency in drug labeling |
As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, Kirsten, along with Chairman Rick Scott, held a hearing to discuss the lack of transparency in labeling for drugs sold in the United States. Kirsten examined the potential risks this poses to patients and the drug supply chain and discussed potential legislative solutions.
This hearing follows up on a bipartisan Aging Committee investigative report detailing the need to strengthen oversight of America’s pharmaceutical supply chains and expose the U.S.’ dangerous overreliance on foreign-manufactured generic drugs.
Watch here.
| 5. Fighting for NY farmers |
Farmers are the backbone of our Upstate economy. We must support our farmers to make sure they can continue to deliver fresh, healthy food to our communities.
This week, Kirsten reintroduced legislation that would promote sustainable farming and help eliminate the steep barriers that farmers face when transitioning to organic methods.
Read more.
| 6. Helping constituents get health care |
The widow of a 9/11 responder contacted Kirsten’s team after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. The constituent’s insurance company was delaying her request to be transferred to a specialized cancer center despite her doctors approving the move.
Kirsten’s team reached out to her insurance company, and the constituent was approved for immediate transfer so that she could start receiving the treatment she needed.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
January 24, 2026
1. Federal $$$ –> New York
Kirsten, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured millions of federal dollars for New York projects and organizations in a series of recently-passed funding bills. This includes:
- $90 million for cleanup of nuclear waste at the West Valley Demonstration Project site in Western New York. Read more.
- Over $6.3 million for critical science and public safety projects in New York City, including quantum research at New York University, construction of a microelectronics nanofabrication facility at Queens College, and crime prevention programs. Read more.
- Millions more to help bolster economic development, aid in efforts to protect our environment, and preserve historic sites for future generations in New York and across the country. Read more.
| 2. Helping New Yorkers get clean drinking water |
Clean drinking water should be a right—not a privilege.
This week, Kirsten visited Cheektowaga to announce $1.6 million in federal funding for the Erie County Water Authority to replace lead pipes and improve water infrastructure. These federal dollars will help make sure that every New Yorker has access to safe, reliable drinking water, and Kirsten was proud to secure these funds.
Read more.
| 3. Fighting to improve affordable housing |
Every New Yorker deserves a safe place to live.
This week, Kirsten visited the Patterson Houses, a public housing complex in New York City. As the top Democrat on the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee, she’s fighting to secure funding to improve overall living conditions there and at several other affordable housing buildings across the city.
Read more.
| 4. Visiting a community center in Harlem |
This week, Kirsten had a blast helping pack food and meeting future basketball stars during the Catholic Charities basketball tournament at the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Community Center in Harlem.
| 5. Celebrating MLK Day with National Action Network |
This week, Kirsten celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day at National Action Network’s (NAN) Public Policy Forum.
Kirsten was honored to commemorate Dr. King’s legacy by speaking about the importance of faith and action with some of New York’s most prominent advocates for justice.
| 6. Helping New Yorkers get the assistance they need |
In 2025, Kirsten’s office helped over 7,600 constituents requesting assistance with federal agencies. In total, her team helped secure over $187 million in benefits for New Yorkers last year.
Kirsten’s successful casework includes:
- Over $1.3 million in Social Security benefits restored to seniors and Medicare bills covered for enrollees
- Over $600,000 in benefits reinstated to veterans from the VA
- Over $111 million for New York cultural organizations and businesses that were in danger of losing revenue without their top performers and staff
- Over $56 million released back to constituents and small businesses from delayed tax refunds
Individual casework continues to be Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
Interested in learning more about Kirsten’s casework efforts? Subscribe to her Constituent Affairs Check In! This newsletter will contain the most up-to-date information about how Kirsten’s office can help constituents with issues including immigration, passports, taxes, and more.