Kennedy, Tim RSS Articles

Kennedy Leads Bipartisan SAFEGUARDS Act to Enhance Airport Security

Tue, 19 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Representatives Kennedy and Strong Lead Legislation to Ensure Proper Allocation of 9/11 Passenger Security Fee Revenue

BUFFALO, NY – Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) introduced the “Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act,” or SAFEGUARDS Act, alongside Congressman Dale Strong (AL-05), to ensure that revenue collected through the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee is invested into aviation and airport security, consistent with the original intent.

The $5.60 fee included on every one-way airline ticket was originally created post-9/11 to support stronger aviation security measures and critical airport infrastructure upgrades nationwide. But since 2014, roughly $15 billion generated through the fee has been diverted away from its intended purpose and spent on unrelated federal expenses.

The SAFEGUARDS Act would restore the integrity of those funds by ensuring they are reinvested directly into aviation and airport security improvements. The legislation would help expand investments in modern screening technology, including enhanced baggage detection equipment and improved passenger checkpoint operations. The legislation comes at a time when the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is confronting rising passenger traffic and increasing pressure on the country’s aviation security system, particularly as the U.S. prepares to host several major international events expected to attract millions of visitors in the years ahead.

“The SAFEGUARDS Act is a necessary piece of legislation to provide increased funding that we rely on to keep our skies and cities safe. As the existing screening technology in our airports falls behind modern standards and best practices, we are going to start to see real strain on systems that are essential to passenger and crew safety. This legislation guarantees that the TSA has the resources it needs to protect travelers and keep our airports running smoothly,” said Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26).

“As we prepare to host millions of visitors for major international events and continue facing evolving threats to our homeland, we must ensure TSA has the resources necessary to secure our airports with modern screening technology and upgrades that keep passengers safe. The SAFEGUARDS Act ensures that the resources are available to do just that,” said Congressman Dale Strong (AL-05).

Specifically, the SAFEGUARDS Act would:

Allocate $500 million in 9/11 fee revenue annually for checked bag explosive detection systems.
Designate $250 million annually for checkpoint technology improvements.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

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Kennedy Announces $8.7 Million in Federal Funding for Buffalo Niagara International Airport

Mon, 18 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Funding will Modernize Passenger Boarding Infrastructure, Improve Traveler Experience, and Strengthen Western New York’s Transportation Network

BUFFALO, NY – Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) announced the awarding of $8.7 million in federal funding for the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. The grant was authorized through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 Airport Terminal Program. This federal investment will fund the replacement of up to eight existing passenger boarding bridges, along with new ground power units and preconditioned air units that will modernize airport operations and improve the travel experience for passengers across Western New York.

“As more people travel through Buffalo Niagara International Airport, it is critical that we continue investing in modern, reliable infrastructure that improves the passenger experience and keeps our region connected,” said Congressman Kennedy. “This $8.7 million federal investment will help deliver safer, more efficient operations for travelers while supporting jobs and economic growth here in Western New York. I’m proud to fight for federal resources that strengthen our infrastructure and position our region for continued success.”

The funding represents a significant investment in Western New York’s critical transportation infrastructure that supports the region’s economy and long-term growth. Upgraded boarding bridges and improved terminal equipment will help enhance efficiency, reliability, and comfort for travelers while strengthening the airport’s ability to serve the growing number of residents and visitors who rely on Buffalo Niagara International Airport every year.

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On Fourth Anniversary of May 14, 2022 Tops Supermarket Shooting, Kennedy Leads House Colleagues in Honoring Victims and Survivors of Racist Massacre - Calls for Gun Violence Prevention and End to Hatred

Fri, 15 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

On May 14, 2022, a White Supremacist Gunman Murdered Ten Black People and Injured Three Others in Racist Domestic Terror Attack on a Predominantly Black Community

As Racism and Hatred Continue, Kennedy Calls for Country to Come Together to Reject Violence and Bigotry in all Forms

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As Western New Yorkers commemorate the fourth anniversary of the racially-motivated May 14, 2022 Tops Supermarket shooting that claimed the lives of ten innocent people and injured three others, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) led his colleagues in honoring the victims and survivors. Joined by his colleagues, including members of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, Kennedy’s remarks shined a spotlight on the dangers of weapons of war, the heroism shown by Lt. Aaron Salter, Jr., and the rich lives lived by the victims of the attack.

Kennedy sponsors the Aaron Salter, Jr. Responsible Body Armor Possession Act (H.R.3398), which would limit the purchase, ownership, or possession of enhanced body armor to the military and law enforcement. The legislation is named in honor of Lt. Salter, a retired Buffalo Police Officer who was working as a security guard on the day of the attack. Salter was able to retrieve his sidearm and open fire on the assailant, however his rounds were unable to penetrate the shooter’s military-grade body armor. Though he lost his own, Lt. Salter’s bravery undoubtedly saved lives, buying precious moments for customers and employees to hide or escape.

Full video of 5/14/26 Special Order Hour Available Here

“Entire generations of children have now grown up with the normalization of mass shootings,” said Congressman Kennedy. “That reality cannot become normal, we must not allow it to become a permanent reality. On the fourth anniversary of this tragedy, we must use this opportunity to advocate for the advancement of commonsense gun violence prevention legislation in the name of every single person we have lost because of a lack of it. We must condemn acts of hateful, racist violence in all forms. And we must come together as Americans to ensure that our supermarkets, our places of worship, our schools, and everywhere else in our community are free from the scourge of gun violence. This body has a moral obligation to take action.”

In addition, Kennedy noted the continuing scourge of white supremacy, a despicable worldview that led the perpetrator to plan his attack on the only supermarket in a predominantly Black community on Buffalo’s East Side. Among the survivors was Zaire Goodman, son of then-Senator Kennedy’s Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Zeneta Everhart. In the wake of the shooting, Kennedy accompanied Everhart to Capitol Hill as she testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Weeks later, the first gun violence legislation in nearly three decades was passed and signed into law.

Following the shooting, New York State enacted a package of enhanced gun violence legislation, including raising the age of possession of semiautomatic rifles, banning the civilian purchase of body armor, and strengthening red flag laws. Kennedy, a then-State Senator, helped to lead passage of the legislation.

On May 14, 2022, a racist gunman drove nearly three hours to Tops Friendly Markets on Jefferson Avenue in the City of Buffalo, intent on carrying out a massacre of Black people. The perpetrator, who had planned his attack in detail, livestreamed the terrorist attack. In a matter of just over two minutes, ten lives were callously stolen, and three more individuals were severely injured. Numerous other customers, employees, and first responders carry emotional scars to this day.

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Thompson, Kennedy Write DHS on Lack of FEMA Readiness Ahead of Hurricane Season

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

“FEMA is less prepared to respond than it has been in a generation”

May 14, 2026 (WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, and Rep. Tim Kennedy (D-NY), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology, sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) leader Robert Fenton urging immediate action to address FEMA's alarming lack of readiness ahead of the 2026 hurricane season.

The letter details how the Trump administration has systematically hollowed out FEMA's workforce, with more than 5,000 employees departing since January 2025 and nearly half of the agency's top 38 leadership positions currently vacant. Thompson and Kennedy also raised urgent concerns about the Trump administration’s unprecedented politicization of the disaster declaration process.

Forecasters project 11 to 16 named storms during the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which begins on June 1st—just weeks from today. Thompson and Kennedy called on DHS and FEMA to immediately release withheld disaster relief funding, restore critical hurricane-related contracts, reverse workforce reductions, and fill all vacant leadership positions.

"Americans in hurricane-prone communities deserve a FEMA that is fully staffed, operationally ready, and nonpartisan," the Ranking Members wrote. “By every measure, they do not have that today."

Click here to read the full letter.

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Congressman Kennedy Secures $850,000 for the City of Tonawanda’s Kohler Pool Project

Mon, 11 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Kohler, Which Loses Half a Foot of Water Each Night, Dates Back to 1950s and is in Severe Need of Repair or Replacement to Ensure Continued Access to Swimming Facilities in City of Tonawanda

Kohler Pool is a Vital Resource for Families Without Pools - Teaching Kids Water Safety Skills, Providing Summer Jobs for Teens, Opening Access to Healthy Recreation

CITY OF TONAWANDA, N.Y. - Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) was joined today by City of Tonawanda Mayor William Strassburg to announce $850,000 in federal funding to kickstart the City’s Kohler Pool project. Kohler, constructed in the 1950s, is in dire need of repairs or replacement in order to ensure that the Tonawanda community maintains access to summer swimming facilities. During the summer season when the pool is fully filled, it loses approximately half a foot of water each evening, requiring refilling and unnecessarily straining the city’s water resources. Kohler Pool is centrally located in the City, providing access to the nearby Tonawanda Youth Center and to the Boys & Girls Club of the Northtowns’ Newman Family Clubhouse. Kennedy’s funding represents the first public funding committed to the Kohler rehabilitation and reconstruction project. With Tonawanda hosting three bodies of water in the Niagara River, Ellicott Creek, and the Erie Canal, providing youth with access to a safe place to swim is vitally important to prevent dangerous activities.

“Every child deserves access to safe, clean, accessible swimming facilities, regardless of zip code,” said Congressman Kennedy. “Swimming skills save lives and stay with children throughout their lives as they grow into adulthood. This funding represents a significant public investment in ensuring Kohler Pool gives future generations a place to cool off during the summer, puts some spending money in the pockets of teen lifeguards, and anchors a vibrant hard-working community.”

“I wish to thank Congressman Kennedy for his support,” said City of Tonawanda Mayor William Strassburg. “The pool is an asset to our community and serves hundreds of residents on a daily basis. Without this investment, the future viability of the pool was in doubt.”

“I thank Congressman Tim Kennedy for obtaining this much needed funding for the City of Tonawanda and our Kohler pool,” said Second Ward Councilmember Chris Fisher. “Swimming is a fundamental skill that children of all ages can learn and explore at a public pool. Congressman Kennedy knows the importance of having access to a public pool and it shows with this funding. The children, and adults, of the City of Tonawanda will get to continue the use of a high-quality and affordable public swimming pool thanks to Congressman Kennedy.”

“Progress like this and partnerships with our Legislators is vital to the success of our City and growth in our community,” said Fourth Ward Councilmember Jason Voisinet.

“This will help us fix infrastructure issues that have been neglected,” said Dave Fronczak, Superintendent of Public Works. “It is work that needs to be completed to keep the pool open and operational.”

“I commend Congressman Kennedy for securing this federal investment for the City of Tonawanda and for continuing to push this project forward,” said Senator Jeremy Zellner. “Kohler Pool has been an important part of this community for generations, and this long-awaited investment is a major step toward restoring a space that local families and residents rely on every summer. In a city surrounded by water, places like Kohler Pool do more than bring the community together, they also help kids learn important water safety skills and provide families with a safe, accessible place to gather during the warmer months.”

“Robust recreation facilities are essential to the quality of life in a community, and pools especially are invaluable assets,” said Assemblyman Bill Conrad. “Swimming offers families a path toward better wellness and greater comfort in the heat of summer, and in our region, so rich with natural waterways, it's critical that we offer people of all ages safe, affordable access to swimming lessons. Kohler Pool is a site with great history and even greater potential, and I'm thrilled that Congressman Kennedy is partnering with Mayor Strassburg and the City of Tonawanda to deliver this much-needed funding for its replacement. We all benefit from an investment like this – and I have no doubt that City residents and Western New Yorkers will be reaping the rewards of it for generations to come.”

“Access to safe, modern recreational spaces is essential to the health and well-being of our communities, and this investment in the Kohler Pool Replacement Project is a major win for the residents of the City of Tonawanda,” said Erie County Legislator John Bargnesi. “I want to thank Congressman Tim Kennedy for continuing to deliver critical federal resources to Western New York and Mayor Strassburg for his leadership and advocacy on behalf of the city.”

"Thank you Congressman Kennedy,” said Tonawanda resident Amanda Shepler. “Kohler Pool has been the highlight of a classic Tonawanda summer since 1957. This funding will help us to keep it open for another 70 years of summer fun."

Pending further funding sources, construction is slated to begin in 2027.

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Cutting Through the Cost of Waiting: Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz joins Congressman Kennedy at Roswell Park to Push Three-Pronged Legislative Approach to Expand Access for Survivors and High-Risk Patients

Thu, 07 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Three Pieces of Legislation Championed by Wasserman Schultz Would Provide Comprehensive Approach to Continuing Care for Cancer Survivors, Enhance Medicare Coverage for Those with Hereditary Risks, and Reauthorize the EARLY Act to Raise Awareness of Early Detection in Young Women

Wasserman Schultz, a Breast Cancer Survivor, Toured Roswell Park with Kennedy to See Firsthand the Progress Being Made at World’s First Cancer Hospital

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Following a tour of the world’s first dedicated cancer hospital, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) joined Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) to call for passage of her three-pronged approach to expanding access to care for cancer survivors and high-risk patients. Wasserman Schultz, a breast cancer survivor, was in Buffalo at Kennedy’s invitation. The Congresswoman is calling for the passage of three pieces of legislation she sponsors: the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act, the Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act, and the EARLY Reauthorization Act. Taken together, these three bills transform cancer care at every stage of a patient’s journey by identifying hereditary gene mutations in at-risk individuals, expanding access to early screenings and risk-reducing surgeries, and addressing the lasting health challenges that survivors face.

“Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz’s inspiring story proves exactly why early intervention is vital,” said Congressman Tim Kennedy. “No matter your background or family history, early detection is the most critical factor in surviving cancer. The lifesaving work at Roswell Park, combined with this new legislative package, will expand access to care and give families more precious time together. I’m deeply grateful to my friend Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz for visiting Buffalo to see this research firsthand, and to the thousands of dedicated professionals at Roswell Park who work tirelessly to save lives.”

“As a breast cancer survivor myself, I know firsthand that a patient’s cancer journey doesn’t end with the final round of chemo or radiation - it’s a lifelong battle,” said Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz. The challenges cancer survivors face must continue to be at the forefront of every conversation we have about this deadly and unrelenting disease. I really appreciate my friend Rep. Kennedy and his incredible team at Roswell Park, both for their invitation, and their unyielding commitment to the cancer community.”

“From expanded services for people at high risk of cancer to ongoing support for cancer survivors, we are delighted to have the chance to share our ideas and experiences with legislators,” said Candace Johnson, PhD, President and CEO of Roswell Park. “Representatives Wasserman Schultz and Kennedy have once again proven their commitment to the cancer patients here at Roswell Park and across the country.”

“I’m here to say thank you to the caregivers, researchers, lawmakers and leaders who are partners in these important conversations about cancer prevention, care, research and survivorship services,” said breast cancer survivor Sharon Sanford, a Senior Associate Director of Athletics at the University at Buffalo, and founder of Sadie Strong. “Together, we are shaping the access, the resources, the realities that tomorrow’s cancer patients will confront, and we are paving a way for more cancer victories, more people getting back to their lives and moving forward with good health and positivity.”

“We are so grateful to Representative Wasserman Schultz, Representative Kennedy and Dr. Johnson for hosting conversations today that lead to meaningful action tomorrow,” said breast cancer survivor Annette Colden, founder of We R As 1 Inc. and a longtime partner in Roswell Park’s outreach and engagement programs. “It’s so important that cancer survivors are engaged as true partners in this way.”

The three pieces of legislation being advanced by Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz and supported by Kennedy are:

The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act - This legislation overhauls cancer survivorship care by requiring Medicare to cover personalized survivorship plans to help patients navigate from active treatment to long-term survivorship and mandating Medicaid cover vital fertility preservation services for women at risk of iatrogenic infertility resulting from cancer treatment. The bill also creates a specific Medicaid benefit to help childhood and adolescent survivors safely transition into standard primary care and establishes a grant program through nonprofits to assist cancer survivors facing barriers to employment as a result of their disease and effects of treatment. To drive long-term progress, the act formally establishes the Office of Cancer Survivorship to manage dedicated research grants and mandates a sweeping government evaluation of patient outcomes.

The EARLY Reauthorization Act - First enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, the EARLY Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the CDC, to launch a national education campaign targeting young women (ages 15–44) to raise awareness of breast health, risk factors, and early detection, with particular attention to diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. It also established a parallel campaign aimed at educating health care professionals on the importance of early breast cancer diagnosis, patient counseling, and genetics referrals. Additionally, the EARLY Act created a grant program for nonprofit organizations assisting young women diagnosed with breast cancer to help them navigate the process. The authorization for this law expired at the end of last year. This bill reauthorizes programs under this law through 2031.

The Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act - This bill provides for Medicare coverage of germline mutation testing for individuals with a personal or family history of a hereditary cancer gene mutation or suspected history of hereditary cancer, as well as for associated coverage of risk-reducing surgeries and screenings.

“Cancer has unfortunately touched my family in many ways, including personally affecting both my wife and me,” said Erie County Comptroller Kevin Hardwick. “We know firsthand that early education, screening, and detection save lives. Institutions like Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center need sustained funding to continue advancing our understanding of this disease and how it can ultimately be eradicated. The more our country invests in cancer research, screening, and prevention, the more lives we will save and the more progress we will have to celebrate in the future. I am proud to support Congressman Tim Kennedy’s efforts to provide comprehensive care for survivors living with the long-term effects of cancer treatment, while also expanding screening and education for those at high risk of developing cancer.”

New York State Senator April N.M. Baskin said, "As someone who has supported a loved one through cancer treatment, I know how critical access to quality, comprehensive cancer care can be. However, not everyone in this country has the same access to that lifesaving care. Black Americans face a higher cancer burden and the highest death rates of any group, driven by long standing inequities. I'm grateful to Congressman Tim Kennedy and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz for their leadership to expand access, improve early detection, and ensure patients and survivors get the care and support they deserve."

Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “Cancer doesn’t end when treatment does, and for far too many families, the hardest part begins after they leave the hospital. Congressman Kennedy’s legislative package recognizes that survivorship is a lifelong journey, and it finally meets patients where they are. These proposals ensure that survivors aren’t left to navigate recovery alone, and they recognize the real-life challenges patients face beyond the doctor’s office. This is what comprehensive, compassionate care looks like. I’m proud to stand with Congressman Kennedy in pushing for these critical investments in prevention, treatment, and survivorship.”

“I’m proud to stand with Congressman Tim Kennedy and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz in support of this comprehensive cancer care package that puts patients and families first," said Erie County Legislator Taisha St. Jean Tard. "This legislation recognizes that cancer care does not end with treatment, but that it requires continued support, early detection, and access to life-saving resources. By expanding coverage and investing in survivorship and prevention, we are taking meaningful steps to ensure our communities receive the care, dignity, and support they deserve.”

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With Nearly 200 Prescription Drugs Facing Shortages, Kennedy Delivers $338,000 to D’Youville University School of Pharmacy for New Drug Compounding Space

Fri, 01 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

New, Secure, and Regulated Space will Feature Sterile and Non-Sterile Compounding, Promoting Research and Innovation

Ensuring the Availability of Hazardous Compounding Services is Vital for Treatment of Conditions Such as Cancer

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Congressman Tim Kennedy visited D’Youville University today to announce he secured $338,000 in federal funding for DYU’s School of Pharmacy’s drug compounding space. The project will transform the facility into a secure, regulated space featuring sterile and non-sterile compounding services. The project will promote research and innovation at DYU while addressing critical service gaps in Western New York. Ensuring the availability of hazardous compounding services is crucial given their vital role in treating conditions such as cancer.

“Modern healthcare professionals need access to modern medicine,” said Congressman Kennedy. “D’Youville University’s School of Pharmacy plays a key role in filling the need for highly-trained pharmacists. With this funding, we’re ensuring students have real hands-on experience with the latest cutting-edge technologies, while simultaneously providing access to lifesaving drugs for Western New Yorkers who are facing shortages. As a D’Youville alumnus, I’m incredibly proud to see my alma mater continue to lead the way in innovation and public service.”

“This investment strengthens pharmacy education while directly expanding access to critical healthcare services in our community,” said D’Youville University President Lorrie Clemo, PhD. “By modernizing our compounding facilities, we are better preparing students for high-demand careers and addressing a significant gap in access to complex medications for patients across Buffalo and Western New York.”

New York State Senator April N.M. Baskin said, "Healthcare access remains a challenge in many communities throughout Western New York, so any investments to help bridge that gap are critical. I'm grateful to Congressman Tim Kennedy for securing this funding, which will expand access to life-saving treatments and create new opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare."

“I commend Tim Kennedy for securing this funding,” said New York State Senator Jeremy Zellner. “D’Youville University is quickly emerging as a healthcare hub for Western New York, and this investment strengthens both access to care and the workforce pipeline we urgently need. At a time when drug shortages are already impacting patients, expanding safe, regulated compounding capacity locally isn’t optional — it’s necessary.”

Deputy County Executive Lisa M. Chimera said, “At a time when drug shortages are impacting communities across the country, this investment at D’Youville is an important step forward for Erie County. Expanding compounding capacity means patients, especially those undergoing critical treatments like cancer care, can access the medications they need, when they need them. I want to thank Congressman Tim Kennedy for his tireless advocacy and for being a strong partner in delivering resources that strengthen public health across our community.”

Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “This investment in D’Youville University’s School of Pharmacy is a major step forward for both healthcare access and innovation in Western New York. By expanding sterile and hazardous compounding capabilities, this project will help ensure that patients, especially those undergoing complex treatments like cancer care, can receive the medications they need close to home. I thank Congressman Kennedy for delivering this critical funding, which will strengthen our local healthcare infrastructure, support cutting-edge research, and make high-quality, affordable care more accessible for families across the Buffalo community.”

“Thanks to the leadership of Congressman Timothy Kennedy, this investment in D’Youville University will expand access to critical healthcare services and help ensure patients in Buffalo can receive essential treatments closer to home,” said Erie County Legislator Lawrence Dupre. “D’Youville has long been a leader in advancing healthcare access for underserved communities on the West Side, and this project builds on that legacy while making care more accessible and equitable for all.”

The ability to offer hazardous compounding services will allow critical treatments to seamlessly integrate into the local healthcare landscape, promoting convenience, accessibility, and affordability for community members. This project will also enable DYU's School of Pharmacy to meet critical industry standards, which provide for the safe handling of hazardous drugs and compounding quality nonsterile preparations. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting more than 14,000 job openings for pharmacists each year for the next decade, the need to prepare students to meet the needs of patients has never been greater. Additionally, the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists reports that there are currently 189 drugs in a state of shortage, further underscoring the need for expanded compounding services to help bridge that gap.

Currently, the nearest sterile, non-sterile, and hazardous compounding provider is approximately 15 miles away, creating transportation and access challenges for many patients, particularly those requiring complex therapies such as genetic, oncology, and research treatments.

Rep. Kennedy is a D’Youville graduate, having earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in occupational therapy. Prior to entering public service, Kennedy actively practiced as an OT for more than a decade.

About D’Youville University

D’Youville University is a nationally ranked private university founded in 1908 and headquartered in Buffalo, New York, which offers degrees in the health sciences and business. D’Youville University promotes a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Through transformational educational experiences, students are prepared for growth, career success, and upward mobility. For more information, visit dyu.edu.

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Congressman Kennedy Statement on Final Passage of DHS Funding Bill

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tim Kennedy released the below statement today following final passage in the House of the Senate-led DHS funding bill:

“For 76 days, Republicans kept the Department of Homeland Security shuttered, risking national security, jeopardizing pay for TSA workers, and halting essential missions at FEMA. And for more than a month, House Republicans refused to pass a bipartisan funding bill the Senate approved unanimously, intentionally holding hostage FEMA, TSA, and Coast Guard personnel just so they could first secure billions more in funding for ICE to continue the violent assault on our communities. After overseeing the longest shutdown in history, Speaker Johnson has finally allowed this funding bill to pass, proving once again the Republican Majority cannot govern.”

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Kennedy Sounds Alarm on GOP Threats to Election Integrity, Defends Western New Yorkers’ Right to Vote

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

With Misinformation and Threats of Interference Coming from White House in Lead-up to November Elections, Kennedy Highlights Need to Maintain Independence of State-run Elections

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) participated in a Homeland Security Committee hearing focused on protecting American elections from federal overreach, using the platform to underscore what is at stake for voters in Western New York and across the country. Kennedy warned that efforts to undermine confidence in elections and interfere with state-run systems threaten the democratic process and jeopardize the fundamental right of every eligible citizen to have their voice heard and their vote counted.

“Our colleagues across the aisle are driving forward an agenda that would restrict voter access,” said Congressman Kennedy. “I had the opportunity to serve in the New York State Senate for the better part of fourteen years and was very proud to help transform our election laws in New York to improve access, security, and transparency. That included increasing absentee ballot drop boxes, expanding early voting sites, voting by mail, and improving election misinformation protections. The last priority is particularly essential, given that this President is actively working to sow misinformation in our elections, undermine state procedures and protections, and block access to the ballot box as part of a larger effort to ensure he sees the election results he wants later this year.”

(Kennedy’s full committee remarks here.)

Misinformation and unfounded claims about election fraud have serious consequences for communities across the country. In Western New York, where local officials work to administer elections with limited resources, these narratives erode public trust, strain election systems, and make it more difficult for eligible voters to participate with confidence. Kennedy underscored that maintaining both access and security in elections is critical to preserving democratic participation at every level.

Kennedy also raised concerns about the weakening of federal support for election security infrastructure, noting that cuts to key programs and personnel leave state and local officials without the tools needed to protect voting systems from both cyber threats and physical intimidation. For communities like Western New York, this shift increases the burden on local governments while exposing voters and election workers to heightened risks, including harassment and politically motivated interference.

With the 2026 congressional, state, and local elections approaching, Kennedy called for a renewed commitment to safeguarding democratic institutions and rejecting efforts that would restrict access to the ballot, stressing that Republican policies to centralize control over elections or impose unnecessary barriers risk disenfranchising millions of eligible Americans.

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Kennedy, Meng Lead Congressional Effort Demanding Reversal of Harmful Refugee Detention Policy

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Kennedy, CAPAC Chair Meng, House Democrats Send Oversight Letter to Trump Administration

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Tim Kennedy (NY-26) and Grace Meng (NY-06) led a coalition of 35 House Democrats in demanding the Trump administration immediately reverse a dangerous new policy that allows for the arrest and detention of legally admitted refugees after one year in the United States. In a letter sent to top immigration officials, Kennedy and his colleagues warn that the policy upends decades of established law and threatens to destabilize communities across the country. For Western New York, a region strengthened by generations of refugee resettlement, this policy puts working families, local economies, and community institutions at risk.

“At its core, this policy breaks a promise,” said Congressman Kennedy. “Refugees who followed the law, passed incredibly rigorous vetting processes, and began building new lives here are now being told they could be detained simply for complying with the system as it exists. That’s wrong, and it’s a direct threat to the stability of communities like Buffalo, where refugees are our neighbors, coworkers, and small business owners contributing to our shared prosperity.”

“The Trump administration's new policy betrays refugees who came to this country seeking safety, only to now face the threat of detention by the very nation that promised them protection,” said Rep. Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. “This cruel bait-and-switch undermines decades of precedent and leaves thousands of fully vetted refugees in limbo. We urge the Trump administration to reverse course and uphold our American values.”

The letter emphasizes that this unprecedented policy creates fear and uncertainty for families who have already endured hardship, while undermining the core tenets of the legal immigration process. Subjecting lawful refugees to detention during the green card process, a step refugees are already legally required to take, risks disrupting businesses, separating families, and weakening the socioeconomic fabric of communities nationwide. Refugees are proven drivers of workforce growth and local revitalization, particularly in regions like Western New York that rely on new Americans to fill critical jobs and strengthen neighborhoods.

This DHS policy comes against the backdrop of several actions taken by the Trump administration to undermine the refugee program. House Democrats are demanding answers and accountability, making clear that policies with such profound human and economic consequences cannot go unchecked.

Read the full text of the letter here.

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March 11 Telephone Town Hall

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 23:30:00 GMT

Join Representative Tim Kennedy for a telephone town hall on March 11th at 7:30PM. Representative Kennedy will provide an update on his work in Washington, answer your questions, and address the issues that affect you most.

Special guests include Letitia James, Attorney General of New York and Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08).

To watch the Telephone Town Hall, click here.

2024 Service Academy Night

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 21:30:00 GMT

Congressman Kennedy will host the 2024 Service Academy Night at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at the Hohn Auditorium on the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Campus at 665 Elm Street in Buffalo. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Free parking is available in the Roswell Park parking ramp.

Additional Information:

Representatives from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, Coast Guard Academy, as well as the Army and Navy R.O.T.C programs will discuss the application process and be available to answer questions.

Students applying to the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy are required to receive a nomination from a member of Congress. The individual academies make final acceptance decisions. Students enrolled in a U.S. service academy graduate achieving a military officer rank and commit to at least five years of military service.

The deadline for students living in New York’s 26th Congressional District to apply for a nomination from Congressman Kennedy is November 1, 2024. For more information or to apply for a nomination visit: https://kennedy.house.gov/services/service-academy-nomination.htm.

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