Dear Neighbor,

Welcome to our first newsletter! We’ll send this newsletter to subscribers every week or so to provide an update on our office’s work on behalf of Upstate New York. You can also follow along on social media at the handles below.

I just finished my third week in office as your representative in Congress. Here’s what I’ve been up to:

WE OFFICIALLY OPENED OUR OFFICE IN DC

On January 3, I was given the keys to my office, and I was officially sworn-into Congress. We kicked things off at our new office the only way that made sense: with spiedies! I was so humbled that so many constituents from across the district came to help us officially open our new space.

And I was especially honored to share this special moment with my boys. Every day, I’m going to fight for their future–and yours. I’m so honored to serve you, and I’ll never forget the trust and responsibility you’ve placed in me.

I RECEIVED THE COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS I REQUESTED TO FIGHT FOR UPSTATE FAMILY FARMS AND BRING GOOD MANUFACTURING JOBS HOME.

I was appointed as one of just two New Yorkers to serve on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, which focuses on the U.S. agriculture industry, nutrition policy, and rural development.

Upstate New York’s family farms are the backbone of our economy, our communities, and our way of life. I’ve seen firsthand how hard our growers and producers work to feed this country, and I know how big corporate ag monopolies threaten their survival. I’ll fight tirelessly to protect family farms, ensure local farmers get their fair share, and break down the barriers that stand between Upstate producers and the success they’ve earned.

I was also named to the Science & Technology Committee, which oversees research and development, energy and environmental policies, aerospace manufacturing, and technological innovation. NY-19 is home to several colleges and universities, as well as several aerospace manufacturers, and I am eager to support them in this role. Upstate New York has a proud history of manufacturing and innovation, and I will use my seat on this committee to bring good jobs back home.

KEY VOTES

During my first two weeks in office, the house has started passing legislation on several important issues. These are just a few of the bills I’ve voted on:

Laken Riley Act: I voted in favor of the Laken Riley Act because Upstate New Yorkers deserve an immigration system that is both tough and fair. It is crucial that we take action to keep dangerous individuals off the streets, reduce crime, and enforce our laws. By ending “catch-and-release” policies for undocumented immigrants who commit certain crimes, this bill takes an important step toward keeping our communities safe–and that will always be my top priority.

We need to do much more to fix our broken immigration system. I support bipartisan, comprehensive reform that expedites legal proceedings for immigrants by putting more judges on the job, and creates a pathway to citizenship for those who work hard, pay their taxes and contribute to our communities. At the same time, we must secure our border, and ensure law enforcement officers, at every level, have the resources they need to do their jobs. I am committed to working with anyone to fix our broken immigration system and make these policies a reality.

Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act: I will not support any bill that would lead to gender inspections or promotes the bullying of any child anywhere. That's what this bill does. The federal government should stay the hell out of school locker rooms. I trust Upstate New York's schools, teachers, parents, and doctors to work with athletic leagues to determine what is best for them.

United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act: This bipartisan bill will not only bolster Upstate New York’s economy by supporting local businesses but also strengthens the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, especially in critical sectors like semiconductors and technology. By strengthening our economic ties with Taiwan, we reduce reliance on China.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP!

My office is here to help you navigate the federal government and cut through red tape. If you need casework assistance or help with a federal agency, please contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-5441 or visit riley.house.gov.

BRINGING UPSTATE NY VALUES TO CONGRESS

For far too long, the deck has been stacked against working families, and it’s been stacked in favor of corrupt politicians who sell us out to greedy special interests. I’m here to change that, and I’m eager to get to work lowering costs, securing the border, and rebuilding the Middle Class. To stay up to date with the work I’m doing, follow along on my official social media pages at @RepRileyNY on X, Facebook, and Instagram.