Posts from Senator Gillibrand

Welcome to Kirsten’s New York Minute!

September 20, 2026

Welcome to Kirsten’s New York Minute!

Here’s what she’s been up to this week:

Menopause impacts half of our population, causing debilitating symptoms for some women. But until this week, Congress had all but ignored the topic.

That changed this week. On Wednesday, Kirsten held the first ever congressional hearing on menopause. The hearing was a critical step toward getting the issue front and center and improving research, training, and care for women experiencing menopause.

Read more.

Fuel prices are soaring because of President Trump’s war with Iran, and New Yorkers need help heating their homes as temperatures drop. 

This week, Kirsten called on the Trump administration to immediately release Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding to help low-income New Yorkers afford their energy bills.

Read more.

At a time when many New York families can barely afford a cart of groceries or a tank of gas, President Trump and Republicans’ so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” will soon change the rules to make states and localities bear excruciating cost burdens for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. 

Kirsten stood with leaders of New York food banks to demand a reversal of this change, which is slated to take effect on October 1 as part of a broader slate of harmful cuts to food assistance programs by the Trump administration. Counties in New York State are expected to be on the hook for $168 million annually as a result of the change, potentially forcing them to raise local taxes or slow down the review of SNAP applications.

Read more.

President Trump’s latest tariffs against Canada are a bad deal for New York families.

This week, Kirsten and Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) formally introduced the BAD DEAL Act, which would repeal the latest tariffs against Canada and refund Americans for duties they have already paid. It’s past time for President Trump to stop the political games, get back to the negotiation table, and make a trade deal that actually lowers costs for New Yorkers.

Read more.

The Schenectady VA clinic provided access to care for more than 1,500 veterans in the Capital Region who put their lives on the line to protect our nation. However, the Trump administration closed the facility with little communication to the veterans who it served.

This week, Kirsten stood with Capital Region veterans to bring attention to the hardship and confusion that the clinic’s closure has caused and demand that any plans going forward include the veterans who rely on VA care.

Read more.

This week, Kirsten joined CNN’s Pamela Brown to discuss President Trump’s costly tariffs on Canada, AI policy, and this week’s menopause hearing.

Watch here.

Garment workers are the backbone of a multibillion-dollar industry, yet for far too long, their labor has been undervalued and exploited.

This week, Kirsten reintroduced the Fashioning Accountability and Building Real Institutional Change (FABRIC) Act to curb wage theft, protect workers, and revitalize domestic manufacturing. This critical legislation would protect over 75,000 American garment workers and help revitalize the garment manufacturing industry in the United States by improving working conditions and reforming the piece-rate pay scale.

Read more.

A New York County constituent, the surviving spouse of a U.S. Navy veteran, contacted Kirsten’s office for assistance with her CHAMPVA federal healthcare benefits after encountering an issue with her prescription coverage. 

Kirsten’s team contacted the Department of Veterans Affairs on her behalf, and within a week, CHAMPVA reached out directly to the constituent and confirmed the delivery of her medication. 

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

Kirsten is currently accepting congressional nomination applications from high school seniors and young leaders across New York State who wish to serve as commissioned officers in the U.S. Armed Forces. If you are interested in being nominated to a service academy, apply here! 

Have questions about the process? Sign up for Kirsten’s Virtual Service Academy Information Night on Wednesday, September 23rd.

September 13, 2026

Twenty-five years ago, our nation experienced overwhelming tragedy. But in our darkest hour, we saw the extraordinary courage and resilience of the American people. 

As we mark the 25 years since September 11, 2001, we owe it to the victims, the heroes who ran into the burning towers, and the military personnel who answered the call to serve to make sure their sacrifices are never forgotten. 

This week, Kirsten honored the victims of 9/11 at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum ceremony in New York. She also announced a Senate resolution to reaffirm our commitment to standing with survivors and their families, supporting the programs that continue to provide critical care, and vowing to never forget.

Constituent services are Kirsten’s top priority. This week, her mobile casework program, Senate at Your Stop, continued making the rounds in New York City, and Kirsten stopped by to talk with constituents.

If you need help with Social Security, VA benefits, an immigration case, or any federal agency, keep an eye out for when Senate at Your Stop is coming to your neighborhood, or visit Kirsten’s website for assistance.

This week, Kirsten joined the 9/11 Day of Service at New York’s Intrepid Museum to help pack meals for New Yorkers in need.

Across the nation, volunteers packed 18 million meals for individuals and families facing food insecurity. Kirsten was honored to help give back to the community that supported New York during its darkest hour 25 years ago.

Kirsten joined NY1’s Errol Lewis to discuss the 25th anniversary of 9/11, President Trump’s costly war in Iran, and the upcoming midterm elections.

Watch here.

5. Helping 9/11 heroes get their benefits

A 9/11 first responder contacted Kirsten’s office after he was diagnosed with a 9/11-related cancer and denied Social Security Disability benefits.

After Kirsten’s team contacted the Social Security Administration on his behalf, the constituent’s hearing was scheduled within a few months, and he was able to appeal the denial of benefits. He was granted a favorable decision on his claim and awarded over $10,000 in retroactive benefits.

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

September 6, 2026

While President Trump has poured billions of dollars into a forever war with Iran, New Yorkers are struggling to afford groceries, gas, and essentials due to skyrocketing prices here at home.

Kirsten met with New Yorkers in Buffalo and Troy to discuss how rising prices have made it harder to put food on the table.

Read more.

President Trump’s executive order to rename Lake Ontario is a weak attempt to distract from the fact that the Trump administration has raised costs on hardworking families, caused gas prices to skyrocket, and cut the programs that Americans rely on.

This week, Kirsten announced legislation that would nullify the president’s executive order to rename Lake Ontario “Lake America.” Instead of renaming Great Lakes for no good reason, the president should stop the political games, get back to the negotiation table, and make a deal that lowers costs for New York families.

Read more.

Working Americans deserve to take home every penny that they have earned, and employers who cheat their employees out of hard-earned wages must be held accountable.

Ahead of Labor Day, Kirsten announced new legislation to crack down on wage theft, bringing the punishment for wage theft in line with other forms of criminal theft.

Read more.

Last year, the Trump administration cut $187 million, or over 80%, of New York’s federal counterterrorism funding. After pressure from Kirsten and other state and federal leaders, $100 million was restored—leaving New York with $87 million fewer federal dollars to support local law enforcement and counterterrorism operations.
 
Less than a week before the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Kirsten is continuing to demand that President Trump fully restore counterterrorism funding to keep New Yorkers safe.

Read more.

A Queens County constituent contacted Kirsten’s office when her Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) permit was set to expire, which would have prevented her from continuing to work as an attorney.

After Kirsten’s team contacted U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency approved the constituent’s DACA renewal and work authorization applications in a timely manner, allowing her to continue working.

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

The Great New York State Fair highlights the very best of New York, from our booming agricultural economy to our vibrant communities.

Kirsten had a blast meeting with New York farmers and fairgoers at the State Fair.

Read more.

August 30, 2026

President Trump announced a new 50% tariff against Canada, one of New York’s strongest allies and economic trading partners. This is a continuation of the president’s misplaced priorities and cost-increasing chaos, and Kirsten is fighting back.

This week, she introduced legislation that would end these costly tariffs and refund Americans for duties they have already paid. It’s past time for President Trump to stop the political games, get back to the negotiation table, and make a deal that lowers costs and strengthens our economy.

Read more.

New York’s future depends on affordable, high-quality housing in every borough. 

Kirsten visited NYCHA’s Red Hook East Houses in Brooklyn, which she secured $5 million in federal funding to renovate. These renovations will help create safer buildings, modernized plumbing, and the dignified homes New York families deserve.

New York families need high-quality, reliable healthcare from day one. 

This week, Kirsten joined doctors and nurses at Richmond University Medical Center on Staten Island to celebrate $2 million in federal funding that she secured to support their NICU expansion. She enjoyed touring the facilities and seeing firsthand how this expansion will help support growing families.

Read more.

After their contracts were suddenly canceled earlier this year, New York’s Concord grape farmers faced difficult decisions for their current crop.

This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it is heeding Kirsten’s call to purchase surplus Concord grape juice to use in federal nutrition programs. This deal is a win for farmers, families, and New York’s agricultural economy, and Kirsten was proud to get it done.

Read more.

During her trip to New York City this week, Kirsten was grateful to visit the Hindu Temple Society of North America in Flushing and tour their temple.

An Albany County veteran contacted Kirsten’s office for assistance with canceling and receiving a refund for his ex-wife’s Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). Despite submitting all required documents, he was repeatedly told his paperwork had not been received and could not fix the problem on his own. 

After Kirsten’s team contacted the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) on his behalf, the agency canceled the SBP and refunded $10,000 back to the constituent.

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

August 23, 2026

As Americans struggle to fill up their gas tanks, pay their soaring utility bills, and put food on the table, President Trump is spending billions of taxpayer dollars dropping bombs overseas. Now, with no peace deal in sight and no objectives achieved, President Trump is threatening to prolong the war with Iran even further by bombing Oman.

This has to stop. This week, Kirsten continued to demand an end to this reckless war. She is doing everything she can rein in President Trump’s cost-increasing chaos and provide relief for American families.

Read more.

2. Fighting for troops on the USS Abraham Lincoln

After reports of dismal conditions for sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln—a Navy aircraft carrier stationed in the Middle East to support President Trump’s war with Iran—Kirsten demanded accountability and relief for American service members.

Following pressure from Kirsten and her colleagues, the USS Abraham Lincoln was sent home, providing the prospect of much-needed relief for the 5,000 sailors and Marines on the ship. Kirsten will continue pressing for hearings and accountability to ensure that American service members are protected in future military operations.

Read more.

This week, Kirsten’s mobile casework program, Senate at Your Stop, continued making the rounds in New York City.

If you need help with Social Security, VA benefits, an immigration case, or any federal agency, keep an eye out for when Senate at Your Stop is coming to your neighborhood, or visit Kirsten’s website for assistance.

Hear more from Kirsten.

A Suffolk County constituent and former federal employee contacted Kirsten’s office following nearly a year of delay in receiving her retirement package. 

After Kirsten’s team contacted the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on the constituent’s behalf, the constituent’s retirement package was finalized and she received a retroactive payment of over $15,000.

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

August 16, 2026

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.

Last week, Kirsten’s bipartisan bill to speed up benefits delivery for public safety officers passed the Senate. This is commonsense legislation, and Kirsten is continuing to fight for swift passage in the House. 

Read more.

Women in the U.S. are more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than in any of our peer countries. That is shameful and unacceptable.

Kirsten joined a bicameral group of colleagues in reintroducing landmark legislation designed to end our nation’s maternal health crisis. The Momnibus Act will address maternal health risks that disproportionately affect Black mothers, fund community support, and strengthen federal programs that assist new moms.

Read more.

In last week’s episode of Kirsten’s YouTube show, she broke down her fight to establish a national “Democracy Dollars” voucher program that would empower everyday American voters to participate in the campaign finance system and reduce the outsized influence of megadonors.

Watch here.

Millions of New Yorkers rely on federal services to feed their children, obtain necessary medical care, and run their businesses. But recent Trump administration policies are making it harder for non-English speakers to access these services.

That’s why Kirsten introduced the Language Access For All Act to codify translation and interpretation requirements for federal agencies, protecting access for the 25 million individuals in the United States with limited English proficiency.

Read more.

Kirsten joined MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas to discuss her new legislation to get money out of politics, the upcoming midterm elections, and President Trump’s cost-increasing chaos.

Watch here.

A Manhattan constituent reached out to Kirsten for help securing her federal tax refund following multiple delays from the IRS. 

Kirsten’s team stepped in and contacted the Taxpayer Advocate Service to request a review of her file and urge the IRS to process her return. Following the office’s outreach, the backlog was finally cleared, and the constituent received her full refund.

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

August 8, 2026

1. Fighting Trump’s Medicare cuts

Last week, the Trump administration announced its decision to end Medicare subsidies that help seniors afford life-saving medications. This decision is a betrayal of our values, and Kirsten is fighting back.

This week, she demanded that President Trump reverse the Medicare cuts and instead take action to lower costs for American seniors.

Read more.

2. Working to get money out of politics

When billionaires and special interests buy our elections, it’s working families who pay the price—in higher costs at the grocery store, higher drug prices, and tax breaks that flow to the wealthy. Political candidates should be answering to their constituents, not special interest groups and wealthy donors.

This week, Kirsten reintroduced landmark legislation to empower everyday American voters to participate in the campaign finance system and to reduce the influence of big money in politics. Her Clean Elections Act would give every American citizen “Democracy Dollars” to donate to the federal candidates of their choice.

Read more.

3. Working to prevent a shortage of cancer drugs

Currently, America is experiencing a critical shortage of essential chemotherapy drugs. We must do everything we can to make sure no cancer patient goes without life-saving medication, but addressing this crisis cannot come at the expense of patient safety or a secure supply chain. 

That’s why Kirsten and Senator Rick Scott pressed the FDA to develop a plan to fix the cancer drug shortage while also ensuring that imported drugs are up to American regulatory standards.

Read more.

4. WATCH: Fighting for Americans with disabilities

The Trump administration is signaling a move toward forcing people with disabilities into overcrowded facilities.

Kirsten is fighting for disabled children’s right to grow up with their families, attend school in their own neighborhoods, and contribute to their communities. In her weekly YouTube show, she broke down the administration’s attacks and brought on an expert to tell viewers what this means for New York families.

Watch here.

5. Supporting accessible housing

Nobody should be forced into a nursing home because their home is physically inaccessible. 

This week, Kirsten introduced two bills to support accessible housing for seniors and people with disabilities. The VITAL Act would support the construction of more affordable housing units with accessible features. Additionally, the Senior Accessible Housing Tax Credit Act would help seniors age in place by assisting with the cost of home modifications related to mobility needs.

Read more.

6. Demanding an AI regulatory framework

The Trump administration’s unfocused, ad-hoc approach to AI risks America’s economic security, innovation, and competitiveness.

This week, Kirsten demanded that the administration work with Congress to establish a transparent, durable, and standardized regulatory AI framework.

Read more.

7. Combating invasive spotted lanternflies

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive, destructive pest that threatens crops across New York. If not contained, this pest could have devastating economic consequences for New York farmers.

This week, Kirsten introduced legislation that would increase USDA’s resources to combat the spread of lanternflies. This is a bipartisan priority, and Kirsten is determined to get it passed.

Read more.

8. Helping New Yorkers with Social Security

A senior in Brooklyn contacted Kirsten’s office for help after missing a Social Security payment when she had to open a new bank account following an incident of fraudulent activity.

The day after Kirsten’s office inquired with the Social Security Administration, a critical payment of over $3,600 was issued to the constituent.

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

August 1, 2026

1. Forcing a vote to end the war with Iran

As working New Yorkers are being crushed by skyrocketing gas prices, President Trump is content spending billions of American tax dollars and risking American lives in another endless foreign war.

On Thursday, Kirsten introduced a War Powers Resolution directing President Trump to remove the U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran unless military force is explicitly authorized by Congress. Senate Republicans blocked the resolution, but Kirsten will continue fighting to end the war, reassert Congress’ constitutional role, and prioritize policies that put working families first.

Watch Kirsten’s speech on the Senate floor.

2. Fighting to prevent AI scams against seniors

AI has supercharged financial scams against seniors, making them more convincing, more deceptive, and easier to pull off. We must take action to ensure that our seniors are protected.

Kirsten is taking action. This week, she pressed nine top AI companies on how they are protecting seniors who use their AI chatbot companions. She also held an Aging Committee hearing on AI scams and released a bipartisan report on the costs and benefits of AI for American seniors.

Read more.

3. Working to protect public health

New Yorkers deserve to know that the food on their tables is safe to eat. However, the Trump administration has been cutting staff and funding for public health programs and scaling back tracking of foodborne illnesses, putting public health at risk.

As the cyclospora parasite outbreak continues to sicken New Yorkers, Kirsten is demanding answers about how the Trump administration plans to combat the outbreak and protect Americans from foodborne illness in the future.

Read more.

4. Helping New Yorkers build families

Millions of hopeful parents depend on IVF to build their families, but the technology remains expensive and inaccessible for many.

That’s why this week, Kirsten introduced legislation to bring down the cost of IVF treatments and make it easier for military and working families to access the fertility care they need. This is vital, pro-family legislation, and Kirsten is committed to getting it passed.

Read more.

5. Protecting NY small businesses

New York’s small business owners are being crushed under the weight of rising costs, and they need assistance now more than ever. Despite this, the Trump administration is planning to close the New York regional office of the Export-Import Bank, which helps businesses expand into overseas markets and finance their export activity.

This move would jeopardize New York’s economy, threaten jobs, and hurt small businesses. Kirsten is demanding answers about this decision and doing everything she can to get it reversed.

Read more.

6. WATCH: Kirsten on Squawk Box

This week, Kirsten joined Aging Committee Chairman Rick Scott (R-FL) to discuss their bipartisan efforts to combat AI generated scams against seniors and to improve the transparency of the prescription drug supply chain.

Watch here.

7. WATCH: Kirsten on ABC Opposing Medicare Cuts and Iran War

Kirsten joined ABC News’ Linsey Davis to discuss her War Powers Resolution, President Trump’s cuts to Medicare Part D, and Todd Blanche’s nomination to serve as attorney general.

Watch here.

8. Helping NY colleges

A college in Western New York reached out to Kirsten for help in expediting the release of an overdue Employee Retention Credit (ERC) payment. Despite submitting their tax filings over four years ago, providing extensive supporting documentation, and making monthly inquiries to the IRS, the institution was left waiting without any clear timeline of the release of the $600,000 owed to them. 

Kirsten’s team contacted the IRS, and following a review, the issue was resolved and the agency issued the college its full credit.

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

July 12, 2026

1. Fighting for seniors in assisted living facilities

Seniors and their families deserve protection and peace of mind when seeking care in assisted living facilities.

This week, a Government Accountability Office report commissioned by Kirsten showed that assisted living facilities are subject to little federal oversight to guarantee resident safety despite receiving at least $12 billion a year in taxpayer funding. In the wake of this report, Kirsten is demanding stronger regulations to protect seniors.

Read more.

2. Supporting 9/11 survivors

Honoring our promise to ‘never forget’ means protecting healthcare for 9/11 first responders and survivors. That’s why Kirsten is leading the bipartisan push to reinstate Dr. John Howard to another term as the administrator of the World Trade Center Health Program. 

Dr. Howard has dedicated his career to ensuring that 9/11 heroes get the specialized care they need to cope with the long-term health effects of toxic exposure. Ahead of the 25th anniversary of the attacks, the Trump administration must reappoint Dr. Howard to guarantee that survivors keep the care and stability that they deserve.

Read more.

3.  Working to prevent civilian casualties during war

Kirsten is demanding reform following a new report finding that President Trump’s Department of Defense risked civilian lives and potentially violated federal law by gutting the programs designed to prevent harm to civilians.

President Trump’s and Defense Secretary Hegseth’s incompetent leadership has endangered our troops, jeopardized our national security, and threatened civilian lives. They must fully restore the programs and public servants that mitigate civilian harm.

Read more.

4. Helping New Yorkers

When a Monroe County constituent faced a stressful 15-month bureaucratic delay while trying to change her life insurance plan, she turned to Kirsten for assistance. 

After Kirsten’s team contacted the Office of Personnel Management on her behalf, the change was made and the constituent was reimbursed for overpaid premiums.

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

5. Keep up with Kirsten

Interested in staying up to date on Kirsten’s legislative efforts? Follow Kirsten on social media!

Instagram: @senkirstengillibrand
X (formerly Twitter): @gillibrandny
Facebook: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Threads: @senkirstengillibrand
YouTube: @KirstenEGillibrand

Interested in learning more about Kirsten’s work as the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee? Sign up for Kirsten’s Senior Scoop, a monthly recap of her Aging Committee efforts.

Sign up here.

July 4, 2026

1. Working to cap Medicare costs for seniors

Under President Trump, seniors are being forced to choose between paying for lifesaving care and affording their everyday expenses.

That’s why Kirsten introduced the Medicare Cost Cap Act, which would lower out-of-pocket costs for seniors with Medicare and help ensure that no one is pushed into financial ruin by a single health emergency. This is critical legislation, and Kirsten is determined to get it passed.

Read more.

2. Demanding care for military families

Military families with autistic children aren’t getting the full scope of life-changing care because the military’s healthcare program is restricting coverage. It’s absolutely unacceptable, and Kirsten is committed to working across the aisle to address this gap in care.

This week, Kirsten demanded that Secretary Hegseth remove bureaucratic barriers and cover essential autism therapy as a basic benefit.

Read more.

3.  $$$ —> New York airports

Airports are a critical gateway to our state, helping New Yorkers and Empire State visitors get around safely and efficiently.

This week, Kirsten announced that over $63 million in federal funding is headed to New York for airport upgrades statewide. This grant money will fund infrastructure projects that enhance airfield safety, modernize terminals, and upgrade taxiways, making travel safer and easier for all New Yorkers.

Read more.

4. Demanding answers about delays in toxic chemical cleanup

Recently, the Trump administration quietly delayed toxic chemical cleanups at more than 170 military installations nationwide, putting the health of our military communities at risk.

Kirsten is demanding answers. This week, she led 24 Senate Democrats in calling on the administration to reverse the postponement of cleanup efforts and provide detailed explanations for the delays in order to give service members, their families, and the surrounding communities the transparency they deserve.

Read more.

5. Supporting caregivers

Direct care workers like certified nursing assistants, home health aides, and personal health assistants provide a vital support system for seniors and people with disabilities. But too often, these workers are underpaid and overworked—resulting in a growing labor shortage in the field and increasing pressure on family caregivers.

This month, Kirsten introduced the Supporting Our Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers Act, which would provide federal funding to help build, train, and retain the direct care workforce and help reduce the burden on family caregivers.

Read more.

6.  Helping New Yorkers with Social Security

After a retired New Yorker living abroad had waited nearly two years for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to approve her retirement benefit claim, she contacted Kirsten’s office for help.

Kirsten’s team contacted SSA, and the agency finally completed its adjudication, released more than $26,000 in retroactive benefits to the constituent, and activated her ongoing monthly benefits.

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

June 28, 2026

1. Getting illegal guns off our streets

Thanks to Kirsten’s legislation making gun trafficking a federal crime, thousands of illegal guns have been taken off our streets. 

This week, on the fourth anniversary of the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, she was proud to announce that her anti-firearm trafficking provision in the law has allowed law enforcement to take over 6,000 illegal guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals.

Kirsten is committed to keeping New York communities safe and will continue to push the Trump administration to prosecute gun crime.

Read more.

2. Exposing President Trump’s failed deal with Iran

President Trump’s war with Iran has driven up prices at home, wasted taxpayer dollars, and put our service members at risk. 

This week, Kirsten exposed President Trump’s weak deal with Iran, which creates a $300 billion fund to rebuild Iran’s economy while failing to achieve even his own stated objectives or make our country safer. 

Read more.

3. Fighting to secure affordable housing

After President Trump refused to sign a bipartisan housing bill that would build more housing, lower costs, and stop private equity from buying up homes, Kirsten fought back. 

She’s demanding that Congress come together to override a potential presidential veto and deliver urgent relief to the American people.

Read more.

4. WATCH: Two Truths and Trump’s Lies

President Trump promised he would cut energy bills in half. Instead, New Yorkers are set to pay almost $800 for electricity this summer. 

In the latest episode of Kirsten’s YouTube show, she breaks down rising electricity prices and interviews an energy expert on how high utility bills will impact New York families.

Watch here.

5. Celebrating Sunday service at Abyssinian Baptist Church

On Sunday, Kirsten was grateful to visit the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem. 

She shared the lessons she carries about loyalty and community from the Bible’s story of Ruth, who refused to leave her grieving mother-in-law and chose to journey into an uncertain future alongside her.

Watch here.

6. Helping service members get their benefits

An active-duty service member with a family of 8 reached out to Kirsten for help with his Basic Needs Allowance after receiving less than $1,000/month, despite being qualified for over $4,000/month.

Kirsten’s team contacted the Department of the Army on his behalf, securing the soldier’s full allowance and ensuring his command authorized retroactive payments.

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

7. Photo of the week: Celebrating champions!

Kirsten was excited to celebrate the New York Knicks and MVP Jalen Brunson!

June 21, 2026

1. Exposing the damage done by President Trump’s war with Iran

President Trump’s reckless war with Iran has cost New Yorkers an extra $2 billion in gas, endangered our national security, and torn America’s international credibility to shreds.

This week, Kirsten laid out the harm that the war has caused, demanded a permanent end to the war, and urged President Trump to shift his focus to providing relief to Americans rather than launching reckless wars abroad.

Read more.

2. WATCH: Two Truths and Trump’s Lies

New York families are feeling the impact of President Trump’s destructive policies. Between rising inflation, sky-high gas prices, and the Trump Tariff Tax, New York families have had to spend $4,000 more on everyday essentials since Trump took office.

This week on her YouTube series, Kirsten breaks down Trumpflation and speaks with an expert about how long New Yorkers can expect to see high prices.

Watch here.

3.  Demanding relief amid high gas prices

New Yorkers shouldn’t have to break the bank just to get to work or drive to a critical doctor’s appointment. But since the Iran war sent gas prices skyrocketing, this has been the reality for many working Americans.

That’s why Kirsten is urging the Trump administration to raise the standard mileage rate for certain business, medical, and moving uses. This commonsense policy would allow workers and small business owners to deduct a greater amount for their vehicle miles traveled for those purposes, providing much-needed relief to working New Yorkers.

Read more.

4. Securing disaster recovery funding for NY

As New York continues to combat the impacts of severe weather and disaster events, FEMA grants are critical to support ongoing relief and recovery efforts.

This week, Kirsten secured an additional $11.8 million in federal funding on top of the $168 million she announced last week to support ongoing disaster relief and recovery efforts in New York following the COVID-19 pandemic and severe weather events across the state. These grants will be used to repair infrastructure and help reimburse medical facilities still suffering the financial impact of pandemic-related emergency measures.

Read more.

5. Helping seniors struggling with loneliness

Far too often, seniors experience social isolation that contributes to loneliness and adverse health effects as they age.

Kirsten introduced legislation that will provide millions of crucial federal dollars every year to community-based organizations that support seniors in need of connection. This is critical legislation to combat the loneliness epidemic plaguing older adults, and Kirsten is committed to getting it across the finish line.

Read more.

6.  Getting New Yorkers their disability benefits

An Erie County constituent reached out to Kirsten for help getting retroactive disability benefits that the Social Security Administration was withholding because of inaccurate information in the constituent’s record. He had been trying to seek assistance from the SSA for over three months but was not making any progress. 

Kirsten’s team raised the issue with the agency, and the SSA issued $55,000 in retroactive benefits to the constituent soon thereafter. 

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

7. Congratulations to the New York Knicks!

Congratulations to the New York Knicks on a well-earned, hard-fought victory in the NBA Finals! Kirsten had a blast cheering on Jalen Brunson and the team.

June 13, 2026

Americans who have worked hard their entire lives deserve every dollar of Social Security they were promised. But due to the Trump administration’s reckless policy agenda, seniors’ benefits are projected to be cut by more than 20% in six years.

This week, Kirsten demanded that Republicans work with Democrats to address this shortfall. She is fighting to pass legislation that would extend the solvency of Social Security for 75 years by requiring the wealthiest American households to pay their fair share of payroll taxes.

Read more.

New York’s nurses, social workers, public health professionals, physician assistants, and healthcare administrators are the backbone of our healthcare infrastructure. Unfortunately, many of these professions are facing devastating workforce shortages—a crisis that will worsen in the coming years because of Trump administration restrictions on the amount that students pursuing graduate degrees in those fields can borrow.

This week, Kirsten announced a new bipartisan bill that would give nursing, public health, and other healthcare graduate students access to the student loans they need to earn their degrees. This is commonsense legislation to support our students and protect our public health, and Kirsten is determined to get it passed.

Read more.

This week, Kirsten celebrated more than $24 million in federal funding for critical projects across Long Island and in Westchester County. 

This includes:

• $3 million for the expansion and renovation of the YMCA’s community center in Patchogue. Read more.
• Over $1 million for improvements to Yonkers’ drinking water infrastructure. Read more.
• $750,000 for a Construction Training Academy at the United Way of Long Island. Read more.
• $400,000 for the renovation of a community hub at the Viscardi Center on Long Island. Read more.

From Revolutionary War sites to elite colleges and arts institutions, the Hudson Valley is home to so much American history. As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, we must make sure that the communities who safeguard this history have the resources they need to preserve it.

This week, Kirsten visited Hudson to announce a major bipartisan push for federal historic preservation funding to make sure that historic treasures across New York and the nation can be protected for generations to come.

Read more.

This week, Kirsten visited Arts Center Lake Placid and the Mt Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex in the North Country.

At Arts Center Lake Placid, she celebrated a $1 million federal investment to help create a new arts and early childhood education complex at the center. At Mt Van Hoevenberg, she met with officials to discuss New York’s pursuit of a bid to host the 2042 Olympic Games.

Read more.

When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, it stripped over 170 million Americans of their constitutional rights to privacy and bodily autonomy.

Ahead of the four-year anniversary of that disastrous decision, Kirsten introduced legislation that would reaffirm the constitutional right to travel freely across state lines and empower Americans to take legal action against those who seek to block women from traveling to access the reproductive care they need.

Read more.

This week, Kirsten secured the release of over $168 million in long-delayed Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants to New York State for disaster relief following major events like Tropical Storm Fred, Hurricane Ida, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

These dollars will help repair local infrastructure and prevent damage from future weather events and disasters in communities across the state.

Read more.

A Westchester County senior reached out to Kirsten for help reversing an erroneous deduction of Social Security benefits from his checking account. 

Kirsten’s team coordinated with three different federal agencies and the constituent’s bank to correct their records and confirm that the deduction should never have been made. After months of coordinating with all involved, the constituent was finally refunded the amount that was mistakenly taken out of his account.

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

This week, Kirsten called for an immediate reversal of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s unilateral termination of collective bargaining rights for 300,000 Department of Defense employees, including thousands in New York.

Stripping these employees of their collective bargaining rights undermines workplace protections and jeopardizes the effectiveness of the civilian workforce that our military depends on. Kirsten will keep fighting until their bargaining rights are restored.

Read more.

8. WATCH: Two Truths and Trump’s Lies

President Trump said it himself: “I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation.” He doesn’t care that New Yorkers are struggling as they are being forced to pay more for groceries, gas, and healthcare.

This week, Kirsten sat down with Under the Desk News’ V Spehar to cut through the chaos and bring you the truth.

Watch here.

9. Helping New York veterans

A Saratoga County veteran contacted Kirsten’s team after his pension was suspended due to an erroneous death determination. Despite his multiple attempts to contact the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the agency failed to confirm if the error had been corrected or if his benefits would be reinstated. 

Less than a week after Kirsten’s team contacted the VA, the agency rectified the mistake and issued the veteran $700 in retroactive payments.

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