Welcome to Kirsten’s New York Minute!
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.
August 10, 2025
1. Fighting for the 9/11 health program
It is vital to support the heroes who put their lives on the line during one of our nation’s darkest hours. As many survivors and first responders battle horrific 9/11-related conditions, we must guarantee that they receive the care and treatment they need.
This week, Kirsten demanded that Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. immediately address the administrative issues within the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) that are threatening to impede care for survivors. These issues stem from staffing shortages due to Trump administration cuts; an ongoing pause in communications with the 9/11 community and travel restrictions for program staff; and halted research meetings. They must be addressed immediately, and Kirsten will continue holding the administration’s feet to the fire until our 9/11 heroes get the care they deserve.
Read more.
2. Protecting clean air
Climate change and toxic air pollution are a significant threat to human health and the environment. Despite this, the Trump administration proposed repealing regulations that target emissions of greenhouse gases and other hazardous substances from fossil fuel-fired power plants.
This deregulation would put clean air, the environment, and the health of all New Yorkers at risk. That’s why Kirsten joined 30 of her fellow senators in demanding a reversal of the administration’s decision to roll back emissions standards that keep New Yorkers safe.
Read more.
3. Helping people with disabilities get their benefits
A Putnam County constituent contacted Kirsten’s office on behalf of her disabled son after his Social Security Disability Insurance benefits were suddenly suspended.
Kirsten’s team inquired with the Social Security Administration about the case, and the beneficiary’s $2,000 monthly benefits were swiftly reinstated along with his past-due payment for the month of July.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
August 3, 2025
1. Protecting New Yorkers from tick-borne illnesses
Tick-borne illnesses are a growing threat across the country; in New York, reported cases of Lyme disease skyrocketed from 2,200 in 2020 to over 22,000 in 2023. We must do more to ensure that all Americans are protected.
This week, Kirsten pushed for passage of the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act, which would support research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. This legislation would help protect families, communities, and service members across New York, and Kirsten is determined to get it passed.
Read more.
2. Working to expand SNAP benefits
No college student should have to scrounge for food or wonder where they’ll get their next meal.
Kirsten’s Enhance Access to SNAP (EATS) Act would eliminate work-for-food barriers to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for low-income college students, ensuring that they can get the benefits they need to study and thrive. If passed, this legislation would give as many as 290,000 additional students in New York access to SNAP benefits. Kirsten introduced the EATS Act this week, and she’s fighting hard for its passage.
Read more.
3. Reducing PFAS contamination at military sites
Water contamination by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) poses a serious health risk to New Yorkers living near military sites.
That’s why Kirsten introduced the bipartisan DOD PFAS Discharge Prevention Act. This legislation would reduce drinking water pollution and exposure to toxic forever chemicals for firefighters, service members, and communities by facilitating better monitoring and management of forever chemicals at Department of Defense installations.
Read more.
4. Fighting for the Older Americans Act
Elder abuse and neglect are an ever-present threat against seniors.
At the Senate Aging Committee hearing this week, Kirsten highlighted the need to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA), a cornerstone law that funds programs that provide nutrition assistance, meal delivery services, caregiver support, disease prevention services, long-term care, and more. These programs are essential to safeguarding the health, safety, and dignity of aging Americans, and they are critical tools that help make sure seniors are well taken care of.
Read more.
5. Protecting seniors from financial fraud
Last year, seniors lost over $2.8 billion to fraud schemes involving cryptocurrency. Unfortunately, many state and local law enforcement agencies lack the capabilities to catch fraudsters using blockchain technology, allowing these scammers to go undetected.
That’s why Kirsten introduced the Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception (GUARD) Act. This critical legislation would enhance law enforcement’s ability to utilize the blockchain to investigate financial fraud, bolstering their ability to catch scammers.
Read more.
6. Helping New York veterans
A Yates County veteran contacted Kirsten’s office for assistance when he was experiencing inconsistent care at his local VA.
Kirsten’s team contacted his VA’s Patient Advocate team on his behalf, and, within a day, the VA replied that they would be working directly with the veteran to ensure that his requests for care are met. Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
July 26, 2025
1. Fighting for first responders
First responders are the backbone of our public safety system, and they deserve our support. This week, Kirsten hosted over 100 New York firefighters, EMTs, and law enforcement officers for a day of panels, workshops, and advocacy on Capitol Hill.
From supporting the 9/11 health program to making sure police officers have the mental health resources they need, Kirsten is committed to fighting for first responders in New York and beyond.
2. Advocating for child care for police officers
Offering child care for law enforcement officers could boost recruitment, help families plan around abnormal work schedules, and increase public safety.
This week, Kirsten announced a bipartisan bill that would provide $24 million in federal funding for each of the next 5 fiscal years to establish a pilot program to provide child care for law enforcement families. This bill is a win-win for law enforcement and communities, and she’s committed to ushering it to passage.
Read more.
3. $$$ → NY infrastructure
This week, as ranking member of the Transportation and Housing Subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, Kirsten secured significant funding for New York infrastructure, transit, and housing projects in the Senate Appropriations Committee’s draft Transportation and Housing bill.
This funding will help New Yorkers travel more easily, make homes more affordable, and improve air traffic congestion at local airports—and Kirsten is pushing to get this bill passed.
Read about the specific funded projects here.
4. Helping seniors with Social Security
A 91-year-old Westchester County senior contacted Kirsten’s office for assistance when her Social Security benefits were paused for two months after the passing of her husband, pending transition from Railroad Retirement Board benefits to Social Security Retirement benefits.
After Kirsten’s team inquired about the status of the benefits transition, the constituent received a $3,000 payment in past-due benefits and had her ongoing benefits reinstated.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.
5. Protecting estuaries in New York
Protecting estuaries is critical for our environment, our economy, and our health.
This week, Kirsten sounded the alarm about a Trump administration proposal to cut $8 million in funding from the National Estuary Program (NEP), which works to maintain and restore water quality of estuaries across the country, including the Peconic Estuary and Long Island Sound. Without sufficient funding, the NEP will not be able to keep New York’s estuaries safe from pollution, jeopardizing public health, the environment, and local jobs.
July 19, 2025
1. Combating scams against seniors
Last year, seniors lost almost $5 billion to scammers. But instead of supporting the agencies that combat fraud and scams, the Trump administration is making cuts at these very institutions.
As the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, Kirsten called on the Trump administration to develop and implement a strategy to fight scams and to stop making cuts to the federal agencies doing this critical work.
Read more.
2. Fighting Republican funding cuts
This week, Republicans passed a rescissions package that claws back funding for public broadcasting and foreign aid.
Our public broadcasting system is one of the few remaining institutions committed to providing free, fact-based programming to every American—regardless of zip code. By rescinding funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Republicans are betraying the rural communities that rely on public media for trusted news, high-quality educational content, and lifesaving emergency alerts.
Kirsten is appalled by the rescissions package and committed to doing everything she can to protect public broadcasting and support rural communities in the wake of these cuts.
Read Kirsten’s statement here.
3. Improving our transit infrastructure
As extreme weather events become more common, ensuring that our transportation system is equipped to handle heavy rains, wind, and flash flooding is critical.
That’s why this week, following flash flooding in New York City brought on by heavy storms, Kirsten reintroduced the Resilient Transit Act. This legislation would provide a dedicated stream of federal funding to strengthen the resilience of America’s public transportation systems.
Read more.
4. Strengthening defense
As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Kirsten is committed to protecting service members and making our country safer.
She secured major wins in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, including provisions that will help victims of sexual assault and address brain-related health incidents. The bill also expands Kirsten’s Cyber Service Academy scholarship program—which provides students with full scholarships in exchange for public service after school—and includes millions in funding for New York military installations.
Read more.
5. Helping seniors with Social Security
A Monroe County senior contacted Kirsten’s office for assistance after she had waited three months to hear from the Social Security Administration about her application for survivor benefits. Kirsten’s team inquired about the status of her application with the SSA, and she received approval in addition to $4,200 in past-due benefits. Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with any federal agency, contact her here.