COMING TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY THIS THANKSGIVING

I want to give a huge thank you to our food banks and the volunteers across the Hudson Valley who came together to deliver Thanksgiving meals to our neighbors.

I was truly grateful to join with volunteers at the Regional Food Bank’s turkey distribution where we shared 700 hand-prepared Thanksgiving food bags to ensure every Hudson Valley family has a warm, delicious meal.

I’m thankful for our community that always comes together to serve and support each other. This is what our Hudson Valley community is all about!

DEMANDING TRANSPARENCY FROM DEFENSE SECRETARY HEGSETH

This week, we learned more about both about ‘Signalgate’ in which Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used an unsecured phone messaging application to send details of a military strike and about the September 2nd strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean.

The Secretary of Defense’s two main jobs are to execute the mission and to keep our men and women in uniform safe; the ‘Signalgate' report confirmed Hegseth failed at both of those jobs. Crucially, the report concluded that “the Secretary’s actions created a risk to operational security that could have resulted in failed U.S. mission objectives and potential harm to U.S. pilots.”

We also deserve answers on the September 2nd attack, in which following an initial strike that destroyed the alleged drug boat and most of its crew, additional strikes took place to kill the two remaining unarmed, shipwrecked individuals.

I led 19 colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee in writing to the Secretary with a straightforward request, squarely within our oversight duties and authorities as Members of Congress: release all follow-on strike video, audio, transcripts, after-action reviews – everything – to the public immediately. The American people deserve transparency, and we will fight until we get it.  

Watch my discussion of both of these topics here.

CALLING FOR ANSWERS AFTER ABRUPT CANCELLATION OF NATURALIZATION CEREMONIES 

People who came to this country, who came to our community, to build a better life for themselves and their families should be commended and rewarded for their hard work – not shunned by our legal system without warning or reason.

I’ve been to naturalization ceremonies, they are joyful occasions representing the very best of what our community can be. 

Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen USCIS pull the rug out from under many of our neighbors by abruptly canceling naturalization ceremonies. For U.S. Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) to cancel previously scheduled hearings for people that have been in this process for years, decades even, is a fundamental slap in the face to our community and the American dream as a whole. 

Cancelling naturalization ceremonies for people who have followed every legal process, met every qualification, and gone to every court day is more than wrong – it’s deeply un-American.

This week, I sent a letter to USCIS Director Edlow demanding answers for this series of abrupt cancellations. The Hudson Valley deserves answers, and we won’t stop fighting until we get them.

DEFENDING PROTECTIONS FOR DISABLED TRAVELERS 

Under former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the United States saw our most pro-traveler Transportation Department in history. It made it easier for folks to get refunded, to travel with their families, and instated new protections for disabled travelers. 

What we’re seeing now is a sharp reversal, and a total betrayal of millions of Americans. That’s because, while Secretary Buttigieg understood that disabled Americans, including veterans, deserve to fly safely and with dignity, Trump’s DOT Secretary – former airline lobbyist Sean Duffy –  is selling out consumers to line the pockets of the guys who used to sign his paychecks. It’s peak corruption, and an abject abandonment of the American people.

Duffy is reversing a provision to protect and appropriately compensate the 1 in 100 wheelchair users who have their chair or scooter damaged by the airline while traveling by plane, just like he recently rolled back a rule requiring airlines to compensate travelers for flight disruptions. 

I’m demanding that Secretary Duffy protect disabled Americans’ right to fly safely and with dignity by enforcing this provision. We have to be loud and relentless in fighting back and I won’t let up.

BUILDING BRIGHT FUTURES FOR OUR KIDS

I fought tooth and nail to secure over $4 million in landmark funding for the Boys & Girls Club of Newburgh because they go above and beyond to help our kids thrive. 

The Boys & Girls Club recently brought our community together to cut the ribbon on the expansions made possible in part by this funding. These expansions are paving the way for new programs, resources, and opportunities that are going to transform Hudson Valley kids’ lives forever.

I am so grateful to everyone that has helped get us to this point - especially the Boys & Girls Club of Newburgh leadership and Board, New York State Council on the Arts, and the Ohnell Family Foundation.

And thank you to the Boys & Girls Club of Newburgh for helping the leaders of tomorrow succeed today.

HEARING DIRECTLY FROM YOU: ARE YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS INCREASING?

We’re feeling the harms of Trump’s cruel health care cuts and cost increases every day in the Hudson Valley. 

I’m fighting back relentlessly against the devastating impacts to our community – but as hardworking families across the region face skyrocketing insurance prices, I’m asking for your help.

I want to hear directly from you: Have you received a notice that your health insurance premiums are increasing? Please take my quick survey here. 

If you know someone else impacted by increasing premiums, please forward this to them so they can complete the survey, too.

240,000 of our neighbors – seniors, veterans, and single parents – are at risk of losing their health insurance. 17,000 already have. Nearly half of them are kids. An average 60-year-old couple on ACA insurance in our community could face a $1,000/month increase to their health care bill. 

These are burdens that our community simply cannot afford – and they shouldn’t have to. That’s why it’s so important that I hear from YOU. We are not powerless – and together, we can build the more affordable, safe, and free Hudson Valley that our families deserve.

HONORING A CHAMPION FOR JUSTICE

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Father Frank Alagna - rector emeritus of Holy Cross/Santa Cruz Episcopal Church, Ulster Immigrant Defense Network founder, and a powerful advocate for our community's most vulnerable.

He lived a life grounded in justice that serves as an inspiration to us all. He will be greatly missed by our entire Hudson Valley community.

FIGHTING TO BRING DOWN GROCERY PRICES

This holiday season, the only thing you should be focused on is making memories with your loved ones – not the bills stacking up as you prepare for times spent around the table with family.

As I work to get my Lower Grocery Prices Act passed, please tell me how you're impacted by rising food costs by taking my quick survey here.

I’ll keep working to lower costs for your family and your input is critical for me to do so!

BRINGING MY OFFICE TO YOU

Do you need help enrolling in Medicare, getting your IRS tax return, and more? Join my team at one of December's CARES Van events for one-on-one assistance with federal programs.

If you need help navigating a federal agency, but can't join an event, please call my team at (845) 443-2930.

UPHOLDING OUR NATION’S PROMISE TO OUR VETERANS

Our veterans risked their lives to protect our country. We have a sacred duty to take care of them when they come home.

I’m grateful my team could join for the opening of Ulster County’s Veterans Treatment Court that will help veterans receive the support and mental health treatment they need to forge a new path forward.

The Rumshock Veterans Foundation, under Bill Whetsel’s leadership, does incredible work for our community. 

I fought tooth and nail to secure $1 million for its Veterans Village of tiny homes for Orange County veterans. I’m proud of the completion of the Village’s first tiny home and excited for it to transform a veteran’s life! Read more about it here.

CELEBRATING OUR GREEK COMMUNITY

St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Kingston is an integral part of our Kingston community.

Thank you to Father Kordaris for the invitation and warm welcome to the Church’s Greek Bazaar - it was truly a perfect celebration of the Church community, Greek traditions, and amazing food!

LOWERING THE COST OF HOUSING

Lowering housing costs needs an all-of-the-above approach, including cracking down on Wall Street speculators buying up houses and jacking up prices. That’s why I’ve kept up the pressure of my demand to investigate price gouging by multi-billion dollar private equity firms - watch here!

It’s part of my multi-pronged Housing Agenda targeting the root causes of the housing crisis in the Hudson Valley. I’ll keep fighting to lower the cost of housing for you and your family.

SUPPORTING OUR SMALL BUSINESSES

Our family-owned businesses are the backbone of our local economies and I want to say thank you to our Hudson Valley businesses owners for being staples in our communities.

On this past weekend’s Small Business Saturday and every day, I’m working to make sure you have the resources you need to keep thriving.

KEEPING MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

I was heartbroken to hear of the targeted shooting of National Guard members Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe in Washington D.C. the day before Thanksgiving.

I am sending my deepest condolences to Sarah Beckstrom’s loved ones as they grieve her loss, praying for Andrew Wolfe and his family that he fully recovers, and keeping the entire National Guard community in my thoughts during this time.

Beckstrom and Wolfe are Patriots and heroes. Targeted violence against the men and women serving our country is wholly unacceptable. Thank you to our brave first responders for their quick work to capture the suspect.

PREPARING YOU FOR WINTER WEATHER

The Hudson Valley saw its first blast of winter weather this week.

As we prepare for the rest of the winter ahead, I want to make sure you’re ready. Please follow winter weather safety tips to help keep you and your family safe and warm and check in on neighbors who may need assistance getting ready themselves!

REMEMBERING THOSE LOST TO AIDS

On Monday’s World AIDS Day, we remembered those lost to this horrific disease.

We have made huge progress in the fight against AIDS and we must continue to push forward by supporting our dedicated healthcare workers, researchers, advocates, and programs like PEPFAR.

GRANTS CORNER

NEW!

• Fiscal Year 2026 Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MARC) Grants: EPA’s Brownfields Program provides grants and technical assistance to communities, states, tribes and others to assess, safely clean up and sustainably reuse contaminated properties. Please visit the Types of Brownfields Grant Funding for an overview of the Multipurpose, Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Grants. EPA has pre-recorded videos to provide an overview of the FY 2026 grant submission process, Application Information Sheet, and threshold requirements. The application submission deadline is January 28, 2026.
  
  
• New York State Child Care Capital Construction Funding Program: This new $100 million Child Care Capital Construction Funding Program is designed to increase the availability of quality care and expand the capacity of child care, including school age programs, across New York State by funding the construction of new child care facilities or expanding existing ones. The initiative is expected to add between 6,000 and 10,000 new seats at child care programs for New York families. The program will provide funding for design, construction, reconstruction, renovation, equipment, and other capital assets for existing or proposed not-for-profit or municipal OCFS-licensed child day care centers and OCFS-registered school-age child care programs.The facility must be intended to be used as a child care program for at least eight years and should be located in an area with a current shortage of regulated child care services. Applications will be accepted from January 12, 2026, through February 13, 2026. Awards will be announced no earlier than April 15, 2026.
  
  
• 2025 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP): $97.4 million in new funding is available for active transportation-related projects and programs that support the advancement of healthy lifestyles across New York State. Projects selected under this solicitation will support the Department of Transportation’s commitment to community-centered transportation by providing safe, reliable and resilient transportation systems. Selected projects, which include multi-use paths for pedestrians and bicyclists, will also connect communities, enhance the quality of life, protect the environment and support the economic well-being of New York State. TAP funding is made available to the State through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and administered by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). The application deadline is March 12, 2026. The application, program guidance and workshop schedules can be found here.
  
  
• Rediscovering Our Revolutionary Tradition: The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Division of Preservation and Access is accepting applications for the Rediscovering Our Revolutionary Tradition program. The purpose of this program is to preserve and improve access to primary source materials that document the history of America’s founding era and of American government in federal, state, and local contexts. Supported activities include conservation treatment and rehousing, digitization and description, transcription and translation, and updating existing digital resources to ensure long-term public availability. This program is offered in honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. The application deadline is January 15, 2026

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR:

• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) FY26 Conservation Program Funding: NRCS in New York is announcing that the fiscal year FY26 sign-up deadline for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and EQIP Initiatives including the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI), Working Lands for Wildlife Golden-Winged Warbler (WLFW) and Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) is Oct. 24, 2025
  While applications are accepted on a continuous basis, NRCS utilizes application cutoff periods to assess and rank applications based on their potential conservation impact. All applications need to be received by Oct. 24, 2025, to be considered for this first round of funding for FY 2026. Applications received after this date will be held and considered for subsequent rounds.
  
  
• New York State Council on the Arts FY2026 Capital Projects Fund: Up to $80 million in capital funding is now available to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations through the New York State Council on the Arts Capital Projects Fund. The Fund has three grant categories: Small and Midsized Capital Improvement Grants, Large Capital Improvement Grants, and Capital Design Grants for Arts and Culture. The deadline is January 13, 2026, at 5PM. 
  
  
• Brownfields 101 with the EPA: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 2 Office recorded its “Brownfields 101” briefing for New York communities to provide an overview of the EPA’s Brownfield Program. To view the recording, please contact Natalie Lincoln at natalie.lincoln@mail.house.gov or (518) 465-0700. Sign up for the EPA’s Technical Assistance and Funding Resource Guide here!
  
  
• Each month Hudson Valley Regional Council publishes its Grants Guide focused on federal, state, and local funding opportunities related to economic development, water, clean energy, resilience, and sustainability.  Each grant listing features the deadline, eligibility, and a short description including the amounts municipalities are eligible to apply for and any required match. To view past Grants Guides, click here. To subscribe to the grants guide, please email epeck@hudsonvalleyrc.org.
  
  
• New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP): Governor Kathy Hochul announced $200 million in new funding for zero-emission school buses through the Environmental Bond Act of 2022. Distributed via the NYSBIP, the funds support electric bus purchases, charging infrastructure, and fleet planning to improve air quality and reduce pollution in communities across the state. The funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis with incentive amounts covering up to 100 percent of the incremental cost of a new or repowered electric school bus. This helps offset some or all of the difference in purchase price between zero-emission buses and comparable diesel or gasoline buses. All school bus fleet operators in New York State can also qualify for funding for fleet electrification plans, which provide a customized roadmap for electric bus adoption.
  
  
• Weatherization Assistance Program is the largest residential energy conservation program in the country. NYS WAP assists income-eligible homeowners and some renters* in our state by reducing heating and cooling costs through energy-conservation measures, while also addressing health and safety issues in their homes. Households with incomes at or below 60% of state median income are eligible for assistance. Program services are available to both homeowners and renters, with priority given to senior citizens, families with children, and people with disabilities. If a household contains a member who receives Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits or certain other forms of public assistance, the household is automatically eligible for NYS WAP services.  Applications are accepted from renters, homeowners, and rental property owners.  Potential program participants apply by contacting the WAP provider that serves their area.

RESOURCES:

• New York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC) - NYS Multi-Agency Small Business Resource Presentation: Watch this free session as representatives from several NYS agencies share information about resources and services available to assist small businesses. Topics include licensing, regulations, taxes, insurance, grants, training, and more.

If you want to stay up-to-date on all of that my office is doing, I encourage you to follow along on our social media channels: Facebook and Twitter.

Please remember that my office is always here to help if you have a question or need assistance. You can reach us using the contact information above and below and we will do everything we can to connect you with the resources you need.

I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Sincerely,



Patrick K. Ryan
Member of Congress
New York's 18th District
https://patryan.house.gov/