Legislative & Committee Update
Recently, I introduced the Securing America's Ports of Entry Act, to fully staff our land, air, and sea ports of entry. This bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to hire at least 1,000 additional officers each year until the agency meets its needs, ensuring smoother trade and travel, while also preventing the flow of illegal goods. With nearly 6,000 officers already missing from the workforce and a looming retirement cliff ahead, this legislation ensures our ports remain strong, secure, and prepared for the future.
I’m proud to support the Babies Over Billionaires legislative package, which lifts Trump’s reckless tariffs on essentials like diapers, formula, strollers, and car seats. These unnecessary tariffs have already driven up costs for new parents by hundreds of dollars, putting the dream of raising a family even further out of reach. Starting a family is expensive enough, Congress should be working to ease that burden, not make it harder.
I recently led 37 House Democrats in demanding the Trump Administration release nearly $300 million in frozen CDC public health funds that Congress already approved. These grants support programs that prevent chronic disease, fight tobacco use, respond to overdoses, and address gun violence - the leading cause of death for children and teens. Blocking this funding is a dangerous practice that puts Western New Yorkers, and all Americans, at risk, and I’m calling on the administration to lift the freeze without delay.
Now more than ever, your voice matters. Stay engaged. Speak out. Together, we’ll continue fighting for a future Western New Yorkers deserve.
Funding Opportunities
You can find up-to-date information on federal grants here. Below are a few of these grant opportunities my office has highlighted:
Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund Grant Program
Applications due by Sept 5, 2025.
Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections
Applications due by Jan 9, 2026
Landmarks of American History and Culture
Applications due by Feb 11, 2026
Institutes for Higher Education Faculty and K-12 Educators
Applications due by Feb 11, 2026
Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP)
Applications due by March 17, 2026.
Veterans Legacy Grants Program
Applications due by April 17, 2026.
Community Corner: Resources for You
Need Help with Casework?
Whether it’s navigating the VA, IRS, Social Security, or immigration issues, my team is here to help. For assistance with a federal agency call my office at (716) 852-3501 or visit my website.
Service Academy Nominations
The Service Academy applications open May 15th of each year. Fill out your nomination and find more information here.
Congressional App Challenge
Do you know a middle or high school student who loves coding? Sign up for the Congressional App Challenge by October 30th! For more information, visit the official Congressional App Challenge website or contact at Gretchen Hazard.
Internship Opportunities
Interested in public service? Apply to intern in my office here.
Stay Connected
Stay up to date with the latest details about my work in Congress here.
Visit my website at kennedy.house.gov
