Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) voted in favor of three appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2025 to strengthen our national security and secure our borders.
H.R. 8752, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act; H.R. 8771, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act; and H.R. 8774, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, all passed the House by votes of 212-203, 212-200, and 217-198, respectively.
"Supporting the brave men and women who safeguard our nation and promoting our national security is of utmost importance when crafting funding bills to implement these crucial initiatives," said Congresswoman Tenney. "By passing these three appropriations bills, we are combating the Biden administration's failed policies that have left our borders wide open, weakened America's standing on the world stage, and abandoned our troops. These comprehensive and commonsense bills aim to restore fiscal responsibility in Washington, counter the China-supplied fentanyl crisis, support Israel and our allies, secure our borders, and address the migrant crisis plaguing our communities. While these bills were not perfect, and I am particularly disappointed that the Department of Defense Appropriations Act did not reverse President Biden’s cuts to the Virginia Class Submarine program, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to improve these bills before they become law."
"These spending bills address the growing threats facing America from all angles—domestically, at our borders, and overseas—while protecting our hard-earned tax dollars. I will continue advocating for fiscally responsible funding bills like these while in Congress. I look forward to passing all 12 Appropriations bills individually this year and ending the annual omnibus cycle."
Tenney’s Priorities included in the FY25 Defense Appropriations Bill:
$4.5 million increase for Civil Air Patrol
Language included in the bill prohibiting funding for the transfer of National Guard personnel and functions to the Space Force without consent of the relevant governors.
Fully funds the request for the Navy's Columbia Class Submarine.
Fully funds the request for Advance Procurement for the Navy's Columbia Class Submarine.
$70 million total increase for Impact Aid and Impact Aid for children with disabilities.
Defunds Biden’s unconstitutional Executive Order 14019
Defunds “Federal Acquisition Regulation: Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate-Related Financial Risk” rule
Eliminates the salary of Secretary Lloyd Austin
Tenney’s Priorities included in the FY25 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill:
$360 million for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.
$360 million for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program.
Report language in support of the Coast Guard's acquisition of a Great Lakes Icebreaker.
Eliminates the salary of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas
Prevents CBP from reducing hours at the Port of Buffalo station
Tenney’s Priorities included in the FY25 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill:
$50 million included for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC).
Bill language prohibits funds for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
No funds provided for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Bill language prohibits funds for labs in adversarial nations, including the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
Defunds Biden’s unconstitutional Executive Order 14019
Prevents funding to pay the salary of, reinstate, or reemploy Robert Malley
Armor Security staff members made their debut at Friday's home football game between Batavia and Livonia high schools. Spectators were wand-checked at the gate, and security guards were on site to ensure that the only commotion was on the field at Van Detta Stadium. Perhaps there was also some excitement in the stands as the Blue Devils blew away the competition by 42-6.
The security company has a contract through the end of this year, and members of Batavia Police Department were also on hand to check for illegal parking and related un-gamely behaviors. Superintendent Jason Smith has been adamant -- via a letter to parents and recommending the extra security -- that home football games will be safe and without unwanted disruptions from spectators.
Friday's game included a moment of recognition during a dedication to honor all police and fire department and armed forces members.
Earlier in the day Smith issued his superintendent's update to the district, sharing that he is "personally thrilled to begin my first full school year as our Superintendent of Schools, and I look forward to experiencing all the fun and joys associated with being a Batavia Blue Devil!" Certainly, players, staff and fans experienced one of those well-deserved joys with Friday night's win.
District leaders were "out and about" during the first day of school on Wednesday, he said, and they are focused on three key teaching principles: effective teaching, literacy (reading and writing) across all content areas, and providing an engaging and consistent curriculum. Smith gave some advice that is well-suited for anyone: work hard and be kind.
Top Photo: Spectators are wand-checked as they enter Van Detta Stadium Friday evening; members of police, fire and armed forces were given a dedication to honor their service to the community. Photos by Steve Ognibene. File Photo: Superintendent Jason Smith takes board members on a tour of the revamped Robert Morris building before the first day of pre-school and UPK classes on Wednesday. Photo by Joanne Beck. Children arrive for the first day at Robert Morris. Photos from Batavia City Schools.
As part of the $2 billion Smart School Bond Act that was approved by voters in 2014, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that both Pembroke and Oakfield-Alabama Central school districts will be receiving funding to make technology and security upgrades in their schools.
“Technology is ever-changing and that means the way our students learn must be ever-changing and adaptable as well," Hawley said. "The whole idea behind the Smart Schools Investments was to provide a higher quality of education for our students and bring every classroom up to par with the digital age of tablets, laptop computers, whiteboards and high-speed wireless Internet access.”
In addition to technology and Internet capabilities, a portion of the funding will be allotted to high-tech security upgrades.
Hawley wrote Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie earlier this year asking for $50,000 per school statewide to hire armed resource officers. Furthermore, he recently introduced legislation that would make it easier for school districts to hire armed security personnel.
“The safety and security of our students is preeminent and I am glad some of this funding will go toward technological security upgrades,” Hawley said. “Our students, teachers and faculty deserve to feel safe and protected from the moment they step inside a school and that starts with taking a proactive approach.”
