Kennedy, Tim RSS Articles

With 15 Cosponsors, Kennedy Introduces the DHS Release Transparency Act - Legislation Introduced in Memory of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, Buffalo Refugee who Died Following DHS Release

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Co-Sponsors Include House Homeland Security Ranking Member Bennie Thompson, Judiciary Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Grace Meng

Shah Alam, Mostly Blind, Unable to Speak English, and With Mobility Issues, Died Five Days After Being Released Alone in Parking Lot of Closed Coffee Shop in Buffalo by DHS

Washington, D.C. - Joined by House Democratic Caucus colleagues and advocates, Representative Tim Kennedy (NY-26) announced the introduction of the DHS Release Transparency Act. The legislation was introduced in the wake of the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a Rohingya refugee from Burma who was mostly blind, spoke little to no English, and had mobility issues. Shah Alam was released by DHS at a closed coffee shop in Buffalo, New York at night without notification to his family and without proper clothing for the Buffalo winter. Five days after his release, as his family, police, and volunteers desperately searched for him, Mr. Shah Alam was found dead miles away from where he was dropped off. The death has been ruled a homicide by the Erie County Medical Examiner. Kennedy’s legislation would require Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to notify a detainee's chosen point of contact prior to release from DHS custody.

Video of Rep. Kennedy’s Press Conference Available Here

Recognizing that Shah Alam had significant communication and translation challenges while in custody, the bill requires DHS to provide translation and interpretation services throughout the entire point-of-contact (POC) notification process. This includes ensuring the detainee is made aware of the POC notification option in a language that they can understand. It also requires DHS to notify the designated point of contact in a language they can also understand prior to a detainee’s release. In order to protect families, the legislation explicitly prohibits DHS from using any of the point of contact’s information for enforcement purposes.

Kennedy’s legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Bennie G. Thompson, Jamie Raskin, Grace Meng, Jerry Nadler, Dan Goldman, Adriano Espaillat, George Latimer, LaMonica McIver, Troy Carter, Judy Chu, Raja Krishnamoorthi, James Walkinshaw, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Eleanor Holmes Norton, and Nanette Barragan. This bill is endorsed by the National Immigrant Justice Center and Global Refuge.

“Like so many of our ancestors, Nurul Amin Shah Alam left his homeland in search of a brighter, safer, and more prosperous future for himself and his family” said Congressman Kennedy. “The promise of the American Dream was stolen from Mr. Shah Alam and his family and community have been left reeling in the wake of his entirely preventable death. This legislation is about empathy and kindness, ensuring that our government treats people with the dignity and respect that they deserve as fellow human beings. Contrary to DHS’s claims, Mr. Shah Alam was not left in a warm, safe place. He was abandoned at night in a cold, dark parking lot, miles from his family and with no way to find his way home. No person should go through that in the United States.”

“No family should be left wondering whether their loved one is safe after being released from DHS custody. The death of Mr. Shah Alam exposed a glaring failure that put a blind man in serious danger with tragic consequences that could have been avoided. I thank Congressman Kennedy for introducing this legislation to ensure transparency at DHS and help make sure a tragedy like this never happens again,” said Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member Bennie Thompson.

“Nobody should vanish into government custody and then be cast out alone into danger without so much as a call to their family. This bill injects a basic measure of humanity and compassion to a system that failed Nurul Amin Shah Alam in the most devastating way. I’m proud to support Rep. Kennedy's legislation and admire his leadership,” said Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin.

“DHS agents left a vulnerable man who did not speak English to die in the freezing cold and then lied to cover it up. We must hold DHS accountable for this heartbreaking tragedy. That is why I am co-sponsoring Rep. Kennedy’s DHS Release Transparency Act to bring much-needed reforms to ICE and CBP and ensure that every person has a trusted point of contact for release, regardless of the language they speak. Nurul Amin Shah Alam should still be alive today, and we will continue to demand justice in his name,” said Rep. Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC).

Congressman Latimer said “I am proud to join my colleague, Representative Tim Kennedy, in introducing the DHS Release Transparency Act. This is imperative for improving the communication, accountability, and basic human rights standards within our immigration system. This legislation will ensure that when an individual is released from DHS custody, a point of contact will be notified. An essential safeguard that is currently missing from the procedures of the DHS, which resulted in the tragic death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a blind man who was dropped off at a closed coffee shop by DHS agents and died after being unable to seek shelter from cold temperatures. I remain committed to policies like this one that protect vulnerable individuals from corrupt systems.”

"The DHS Release Transparency Act is the kind of commonsense, humane policy reform that should be prioritized in Congress. Right now, there is no codified requirement that a detainee's family, attorney, or designated contact be notified when that individual is released from ICE or CBP custody. The tragic death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam in February exposed exactly how dangerous that gap can be. He was here lawfully, he was a human being with family and legal representation, and he was released into the night with no warning to anyone who could have helped him. This bill fixes that. I'm proud to cosponsor it and to honor Mr. Shah Alam's memory with action," said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02).

"Donald Trump’s cruel and chaotic immigration policy led to the tragic death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam,” said Congressman Jerrold Nadler. “The DHS Release Transparency Act is responsible legislation to make sure that others won’t meet the same fate. I am pleased to join Congressman Kennedy in introducing this important legislation to ensure that DHS no longer leaves vulnerable people alone and without potentially life-saving resources.”

“DHS should not be able to release someone from custody, walk away, and leave their family, attorney, or trusted contact in the dark,” said Congressman James Walkinshaw. “Congressman Kennedy’s DHS Release Transparency Act creates a basic safeguard that could save lives by requiring DHS to make a good faith effort to notify someone the detainee trusts before release. I’m proud to partner with Congressman Kennedy as we fight to bring transparency, oversight, and accountability to DHS from every side.”

"Mr. Shah Alam should still be alive today, but for Border Patrol's reckless disregard for his care and safety," said Azadeh Erfani, Policy Director with the National Immigrant Justice Center. "DHS has shown over and over again that it has little regard for the lives and safety of people in its custody. We applaud Congressman Kennedy for introducing this bill as a welcome act of humanity and transparency."

President and CEO of Global Refuge, Krish O’Mara Vignarajah said “Global Refuge is proud to endorse the DHS Release Transparency Act. Nurul Amin Shah Alam came to the United States through legal pathways, fleeing religious persecution and genocide. Instead of the safety he was promised, he was left by federal immigration agents — blind and alone on a freezing cold night with no way to contact his family. The DHS Release Transparency Act is a common sense and humane policy change that requires a contact be notified of an upcoming release, if a person opts-in to provide a contact to DHS. Importantly, the bill contains safeguards to provide language translation and protect the use of contact information. We urge all members of Congress to support the DHS Release Transparency Act to prevent this horrific and unacceptable tragedy from occurring again and ensure that our neighbors are treated with dignity and compassion."

Currently, neither ICE nor CBP provide notice to a point of contact or family member when a detainee is released. When a detainee is released from ICE custody, they are notified personally of the upcoming release and typically provided the opportunity to make a free phone call to facilitate release arrangements. These standards, dictated by the Performance Based National Detention Standards (issued in 2011 and revised in 2016), are not codified, vary across ICE facilities, and are not always adhered to. Shah Alam was held in CBP custody, which has no codified policy that requires notifying family or an attorney of a release. The DHS Release Transparency Act closes this gap, requiring DHS to make families aware of their loved one’s upcoming release in order to ensure their safety.

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Congressman Kennedy Presses DHS Secretary Mullin for Answers on Death of Buffalo Refugee Shah Alam

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Kennedy Demands Accountability After DHS Released Blind, Disabled Refugee Into Freezing Buffalo Winter; Secures Verbal Confirmation of Investigation From Mullin

WASHINGTON, D.C. – At a House Committee on Homeland Security hearing Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) pressed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin for answers regarding the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a Buffalo refugee whose death was ruled a homicide after DHS agents released him at a closed coffee shop in below-freezing temperatures earlier this year.

Kennedy questioned Secretary Mullin directly about whether DHS is conducting any internal investigation into Alam’s death and challenged the Department’s previous claims that Alam had been released at a “warm, safe location,” despite being left at a closed Tim Hortons during a cold winter night alone, blind, separated from his family, and unable to effectively communicate in English.

Despite no formal response to any of Congressman Kennedy’s oversight letters, during their exchange Secretary Mullin verbally confirmed that DHS is investigating the incident, but refused to provide any further information to support that claim. While pressing Secretary Mullin to confirm in writing a DHS internal investigation, Congressman Kennedy added, “We want the American people to see what your department is doing. This committee deserves answers and the people of this country deserve answers.”

Congressman Kennedy's full remarks can be viewed here.

During his questioning, Kennedy noted that despite his repeated written requests to the Department, DHS has yet to provide a response or any meaningful information about the circumstances surrounding Alam’s death. Kennedy has led multiple oversight efforts related to the case, including requests for federal and state-level investigations, a visit to DHS facilities in Western New York, and correspondence with both former DHS Secretary Noem and current Secretary Mullin. Kennedy successfully solicited a state level inquiry into the matter from New York Attorney General Letitia James.

The hearing marked Secretary Mullin’s first appearance before the House Committee on Homeland Security since his confirmation in March. Kennedy used the opportunity to underscore broader concerns about accountability within DHS and the Department’s responsibility to uphold the safety, dignity, and constitutional rights of every person in its custody.

This hearing comes a day after Congressman Kennedy introduced the DHS Release Transparency Act, legislation, inspired by the tragic and preventable death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam. The bill requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to notify a detainee’s chosen point of contact prior to release from DHS custody. After Shah Alam’s release from local custody, he was immediately taken into custody by DHS, who erroneously believed he lacked legal status. Upon receiving confirmation that he was indeed legally present in the U.S., the DHS agents, rather than notifying his loved ones of his status, dropped Shah Alam at an unsafe, unfamiliar location – a closed Tim Hortons restaurant on a wintery Buffalo night. Shah Alam was nearly blind, did not speak English, suffered from mobility issues, and was not equipped with proper clothing to safely be outside. He was found dead five days later in Buffalo.

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Following the Death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, Kennedy Introduces DHS Release Transparency Act to Ensure Family Notification of Release

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Shah Alam, a Rohingya Refugee with Legal Status, was Released by DHS Agents at a Closed Tim Hortons in the Buffalo Winter Without any Notice to Family

Speaking Little to No English, Nearly Blind, and Without Shoes, Shah Alam Suffered for Days While his Family Desperately Tried to Find Him - Death has Been Ruled a Homicide

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Standing under an etching of the Constitution and its promise that individuals cannot be deprived of life, liberty, or property without proper legal procedures, Congressman Tim Kennedy announced the introduction of the DHS Release Transparency Act. The legislation, inspired by the tragic and preventable death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, would require Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to notify a detainee's chosen point of contact prior to release from DHS custody. After Shah Alam’s release from local custody, he was immediately taken into custody by DHS, who erroneously believed he lacked legal status. Upon receiving confirmation that he was indeed legally present in the United States, the DHS agents, rather than notifying his loved ones of his status, dropped Shah Alam at an unsafe, unfamiliar location – a closed Tim Hortons restaurant on a wintery Buffalo night. Shah Alam was nearly blind, did not speak English, suffered from mobility issues, and was not equipped with proper clothing to safely be outside. He was found dead five days later.

Watch the full press conference here.

Kenndy’s legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Bennie G. Thompson, Jamie Raskin, Grace Meng, Jerry Nadler, Dan Goldman, Adriano Espaillat, Troy Carter, and James Walkinshaw. This bill is endorsed by the National Immigrant Justice Center and Global Refuge.

“Nurul Amin Shah Alam and his family came to Buffalo seeking the American dream,” said Congressman Kennedy. “They fled war and persecution, seeking the ability to build a new life for themselves in a country that respected their right to worship, that provided economic opportunity, and that welcomed them not just as refugees, but as neighbors. Less than a year and a half later, he was dead. This death was preventable, and it points to the clear need to demand better of ICE and CBP. My legislation does just that.”

“DHS agents left a vulnerable man who did not speak English to die in the freezing cold and then lied to cover it up. We must hold DHS accountable for this heartbreaking tragedy. That is why I am co-sponsoring Rep. Kennedy’s DHS Release Transparency Act to bring much-needed reforms to ICE and CBP and ensure that every person has a trusted point of contact for release, regardless of the language they speak. Nurul Amin Shah Alam should still be alive today, and we will continue to demand justice in his name,” said Rep. Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC).

New York State Senator April N.M. Baskin said, "I was heartbroken by the tragic death of City of Buffalo resident Nurul Amin Shah Alam in February. No human being – especially residents with disabilities who’ve been wrongfully detained – should be released into our community without a clear plan to ensure their safety. The DHS Transparency Act will improve accountability and communication, preventing tragedies like this from happening again. I thank Congressman Kennedy for his leadership on this issue and for working to ensure no other family ensures such an unimaginable loss."

“What happened to Nurul Amin Shah Alam was tragic, preventable and deeply disturbing,” said Senator Jeremy Zellner. “A lawful refugee who was nearly blind and unable to speak English should never have been released without support, without notice to his family or attorney and without a plan to keep him safe. Congressman Kennedy’s DHS Release Transparency Act is a commonsense step to make sure families, and designated contacts are notified before someone is released from federal custody, with the translation services and guardrails needed to protect basic rights. No family should have to experience what Mr. Shah Alam’s family has endured, and no community should have to ask how something like this was allowed to happen.”

Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “The tragic death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam was a preventable failure that demands action. No family should be left in the dark when a loved one is released from federal custody, especially when timely communication could mean the difference between safety and tragedy. The DHS Release Transparency Act is a commonsense, humane measure that will bring greater accountability and dignity to the release process by ensuring that individuals are not left vulnerable and alone. I am proud to stand with Congressman Kennedy in support of this legislation and in our shared commitment to building an immigration system that prioritizes transparency, compassion, and basic human decency.”

“The death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam will forever be a tragedy,” said Erie County Legislator Taisha St. Jean Tard. “The DHS Release Transparency Act would provide a layer of protection and would help ensure that no one else experiences what Nurul Amin Shah Alam endured. I thank Congressman Kennedy for his leadership and urge all members of Congress to support this act.”

"The tragic and preventable death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam highlighted serious gaps in communication and accountability that should never be ignored,” said Erie County Legislator Lawrence Dupre. “No family should be left in the dark when a loved one is released from federal custody. I want to thank Congressman Tim Kennedy for introducing this legislation that takes a commonsense step toward ensuring individuals are treated with dignity and that families, attorneys, and designated contacts are informed during critical moments."

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With Some Vehicles Registering More than 150,000 Miles, Kennedy Announces $1.8 Million in Federal Funds for Buffalo Airport to Replace Shuttle Vans

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Kennedy: A Modern Airport Deserves Modern Amenities - New Vans Will Put Buffalo’s Best Foot Forward and Ensure Travelers Can Ride in Safety & Comfort

Funding Secured by Kennedy in Federal Budget Will Replace Four Vans in Airport’s Parking Lot Shuttle Fleet

CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. - Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) was joined by leadership from the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) to announce $1.8 million in federal funding he secured that will replace four of the Buffalo Niagara International Airport’s parking lot shuttle vans. With several of the vans registering more than 150,000 miles and showing wear and tear from thousands of airport parking lot pick ups and drop offs, the new vans will ensure that travelers using the busiest airport in the state outside of New York City can get to their destination safely and comfortably. Surpassing pre-pandemic levels, the airport sees 11,000 passengers per day and has surpassed 5 million travelers in each of the last two years. Most importantly, the airport generates $1.7 billion in annual economic activity, supports nearly 14,000 jobs, and generates $139 million in state and local taxes. The NFTA continues to aggressively pursue Canadian passengers, with approximately 30% of passenger traffic originating from neighboring Ontario. New shuttle vans will ensure the airport remains competitive with its peers on both sides of the border, offering the latest amenities to families that are on the move.

“The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is the first impression tens of thousands of visitors have of our region, and we have to put our best foot forward,” said Congressman Kennedy. “With the airport’s fleet of parking lot shuttle vans aging and racking up miles on the odometer, these new vans mean that families traveling in and out of the Buffalo Niagara region will be able to enjoy comfort and the latest amenities every step of the way from the parking lot to their gate.”

“We are grateful to Congressman Tim Kennedy for his continued support of public transportation and his commitment to investing in cleaner, more accessible mobility solutions for our community,” said Kim Minkel, Executive Director of the NFTA. “This funding will help the NFTA modernize its fleet at the Buffalo Airport with electric airport shuttle vans. This will help us improve reliability, sustainability, and the overall customer experience. We appreciate Congressman Kennedy’s partnership in helping us move our region forward.”

The Buffalo Niagara International Airport offers more than 100 flights per day to 31 locations across North America. In 2025, J.D. Power & Associates ranked among the highest in the nation among medium-sized airports for customer satisfaction. Last month, Kennedy announced another $8.7 million in federal funds to replace up to eight existing passenger boarding bridges, along with new ground power units.

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Ranking Members Thompson, Kennedy Request Investigation into the Politicization of FEMA Disaster Declarations

Thu, 28 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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, announced they are requesting a Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) disaster declaration process amid concerns that disaster aid decisions are becoming increasingly politicized under the Trump administration.

In a request letter, the Ranking Members warned that recent denials of disaster declarations, despite damage exceeding FEMA’s traditional thresholds, could disproportionately harm rural communities, small States, and underserved areas that already face challenges accessing disaster assistance.

“There are indications that the President’s decision-making is often based, at least in part, on perceived political support rather than on objective data about a jurisdiction’s need for Federal assistance,” the Ranking Members wrote. “American communities deserve a consistent, objective, and non-partisan process for determining whether they will receive help from the Federal Government during what may be their most dire time of need.”

In their letter, Thompson and Kennedy asked GAO to investigate changes to FEMA’s disaster declaration process, examine whether presidential decisions aligned with FEMA’s recommendations from 2016-2026, and assess whether rural and underserved communities have been fairly evaluated for disaster assistance.

Read the full letter here.

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Thompson, Kennedy Demand Answers From FEMA Over Troubling Changes to Disaster Mitigation Grant Program

Tue, 26 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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, announced they are demanding answers from FEMA over troubling changes to the agency’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program.

In a letter to FEMA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Administrator Robert J. Fenton, Jr., Thompson and Kennedy warned that the Trump administration’s new BRIC funding notice makes it harder for rural, Tribal, and low-income communities to access disaster mitigation funding while adding potentially unlawful requirements unrelated to disaster resilience.

“BRIC is a cost-effective investment in the safety and resilience of American communities, and it deserves to be administered in a manner that is lawful, equitable, and responsive to the unprecedented demand for mitigation funding,” the Ranking Members said. “The changes reflected in the fiscal year (FY) 2024 & 2025 BRIC NOFO, released in March 2026, represent a troubling departure from past precedent and raise significant legal, ethical, and practical questions.”

Thompson and Kennedy requested a FEMA briefing by June 5, 2026, and urged the agency to rescind or substantially revise the funding notice.

Read the full letter here.

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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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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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