Read newsletter as a PDF here.

Dear neighbor, 

Happy Friday! I hope that this week has treated you well and that you enjoy this weekend as we head into the summer. Today I am happy to provide you with an update on some of the business our office conducted throughout the month of May. 

Last month, our office continued our work throughout the district and in Congress to address local and national/ international needs. 

I had the opportunity to meet directly with Senator Bernie Sanders as our office continues building relationships across Capitol Hill in both the House and Senate.In the district, I had the opportunity to meet with diplomatic officials, including the Consulate General of Jamaica, to discuss how to better serve our neighbors. I also attended some food distributions in Mt. Vernon and New Rochelle, because food is a right and not a privilege, and no one in our district should go hungry.

May was also the season of graduation. Congratulations to all who graduated this month, whether from a K-12 school, undergraduate, graduate or trade school. Your hard work is noted and well-deserving of praise. Special thank you to Sarah Lawrence College for allowing me the privilege of to address their graduating class as their commencement speaker (pictured to the right). 

Please continue reading for more updates on our work in the district and our legislative agenda. As always, do not hesitate to reach out to one of my offices for any questions and/or concerns. 

Legislative Update

In May, I voted for the following bills. which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, in order to advance issues like limiting debt collector outreach, prescription drug inequalities, oversight and protection for Capitol workers as a result of the insurrection, and funding for necessary federal programs. 

• H.R. 2547 - Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act

• H.R. 1065 - Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

• H.R. 1629 - Fairness in Orphan Drug Exclusivity Act

• H.R. 3233 - National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act

• H.R. 3237 - Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021, and for other purposes

I also sent a letter to President Joe Biden alongside Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Senator Chuck Schumer calling for wastewater infrastructure investments in the American Jobs Plan. Sewage issues are occurring throughout our district, mainly in Mount Vernon and Yonkers, where neighbors experience sewage backup and leaks which infiltrate their homes, waterways and our streets. It’s time we make capital improvements to these systems. 

In addition to votes in the House and writing the aforementioned letter, I also supported over 44 of my colleagues’ bills, resolutions, and letters. Some of these legislative efforts include:

• Fair Housing Resolution of 2021

• The Vetran Deportation Prevention and Reform Act

• Letter Urging the CDC to Strengthen the Federal Eviction Moratorium 

• Letter to Senator Schumer and McConnell calling for HR1/SR1 passage in Senate

• State-Based Universal Health Care Act 

• Bipartisan Letter to President Biden on Rising Antisemitism

I also joined Senator Bernie Sanders in leading a resolution to call for a ceasefire and diplomatic efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I know that residents of our district and throughout our country have been deeply impacted by this conflict, and our priority is fighting for the peace and security of all.

District Update

In May, my office continued serving you and your neighbors through our casework assistance team. We currently have 341 open cases, of which about 50 are closed per week. Our response rate to constituents who need assistance with a federal agency or other department remains at 72 hours and we are closing more cases than we were last month. The team is steadily working to resolve your needs! 

Last month, I joined community leaders (pictured below) from the district to share the federal funding I requested from the U.S. House Appropriations Committee for Community Project Funding in NY-16. These projects will bring us closer to affordable housing, making healthcare a human right, rebuilding our infrastructure and providing necessary social services. 

I also joined Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and State Senator Alessandra Biaggi (pictured to the right) to celebrate the introduction of the Universal School Meals Program, which would expand and make permanent USDA’s emergency schools meal waiver. When the pandemic ends, millions of kids will still need healthy food to thrive and this will make sure that happens. 

I look forward to continuing to advocate for the needs of our district and introducing more impactful legislation and working with more leaders and groups in the district. 

For all other concerns please feel free to reach out to my office. We are able to assist with the following services: 

• Get a flag flown over the Capitol

• Get nominated to a U.S. Military Service Academy

• Get information on grants

• Request a letter of support 

• Request a program letter

• Request a certificate 

• Receive help with a federal agency including the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the IRS or any other federal agency

In everything I do I also want to take the time to honor constituents who deserve to be celebrated and appreciated. If you or someone you know would like to be featured by my office for the work you do or for a special accomplishment please share at this link! 

Kind regards,

Congressman Jamaal Bowman