Press Releases
Gillibrand Praises First Lady Obama’s Let’s Move Campaign
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined First Lady Michelle Obama today to kick off Let's Move -- a new campaign to fight the childhood obesity epidemic and improve health and nutrition for our children. Senator Gillibrand issued the following statement praising First Lady Obama's leadership to put our children on a path to healthier, more successful future: "First Lady Obama understands that child obesity is a crisis that our nation must urgently address. "Every New … Continue Reading
February 09, 2010
With Approximately 2.1 Million New Yorkers Retiring In Next 10 Years, Gillibrand Unveils Plan To Help Middle Class Nyers Save For Retirement
Washington, D.C. - With approximately 2.1 million New Yorkers set to retire in the next 10 years and approximately 5 million to retire in the next 20 years, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today unveiled plans to help hardworking middle class New Yorkers save for retirement. Her new legislative agenda would expand tax credits that match contributions to retirement plans, protect 401(k)s with more security and transparency, and encourage automatic enrollment in Individual Retirement Accounts … Continue Reading
February 05, 2010
Gillibrand Introduces Solar Energy Legislation
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced legislation this week to encourage the installation of 10 million solar systems on the rooftops of homes and businesses over the next decade. According the New York State Department of Labor report from 2009, New York has nearly 75,000 jobs associated with solar manufacturing and installation in more than 7,000 New York companies. Based on average wages, New York's solar industry payroll is approximately $4.8 billion dollars. … Continue Reading
February 05, 2010
After Gillibrand Called For Debt Relief For Haiti, Treasury Announces It Will Press For Action At This Weekend’s G7
Washington, DC - At the urging of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner will announce U.S. support for a debt moratorium for Haiti at this weekend's meeting of G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to help remove some of Haiti's heavy financial burdens as it struggles to recover from a devastating set of earthquakes. Currently, Haiti faces approximately $429 million of external debt to the InterAmerian Development Bank (IDB), as well as other debt … Continue Reading
February 04, 2010
Gillibrand, Menendez, Clarke To Introduce Legislation To Speed Visas For Haitians With Families In The U.S.
Washington, DC - With Haiti in ruins and hundreds of thousands of people left homeless by the earthquake, Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) announced today that they will introduce legislation that would allow an estimated 55,000 Haitians who already have approved immigration petitions to join their relatives in the United States. The legislation would also provide the opportunity to apply for work, and send money back home. The Gillibrand-Menendez bill would speed … Continue Reading
February 04, 2010
Gillibrand, Baldwin To Sec. Clinton: Save LGBT Refugees
Washington, D.C. - With hundreds of LGBT individuals being beaten, persecuted and even killed in Iraq, Iran and other countries, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), joined by 11 of their Senate colleagues and 31 of their House colleagues, today wrote to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urging her to work with U.S. Ambassadors, the United Nations and NGOs across the globe to enforce human rights laws … Continue Reading
February 03, 2010
Year In Review – Gillibrand Pushes Her Agenda To Create Jobs And Improve The Lives Of All New Yorkers
Washington, D.C. - In her first year in office as U.S. Senator, Kirsten Gillibrand traveled to all of New York's 62 counties, meeting with local business leaders, elected officials, community advocates, local law enforcement, educational leaders and everyday New York families - listening to their concerns and pushing her agenda to create jobs and improve the lives of New Yorkers struggling in this difficult economy. Senator Gillibrand spent her first year in office traveling from Buffalo to … Continue Reading
February 02, 2010
With Release Of Buffalo Plane Crash Investigation Report, Gillibrand Announces Legislation To Require FAA Action
Washington, DC - With the release of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation report into the crash of Continental Connection Flight 3407 near Buffalo, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand pledged to stand with the families. Senator Gillibrand is announcing legislation that would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to implement the NTSB recommendations. "Time and time again the FAA has failed to heed the calls by the NTSB to enhance safety measures and training … Continue Reading
February 02, 2010
Gillibrand Statement For Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing On “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”
Washington, D.C. - Today, as the Senate Armed Service Committee holds the first hearing on the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy since it was first established 17 years ago, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued the following statement. Senator Gillibrand is helping lead the charge in the Senate to repeal the unjust, harmful policy that undercuts the civil rights of some of America's bravest men and women, and weakens America's national security. Chairman Levin, Senator McCain, … Continue Reading
February 02, 2010
Gillibrand Introduces Job Creation Tax Credit Legislation
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Bob Casey (D-PA), Carl Levin (D-MI) and Mark Begich (D-AK) introduced legislation to create a job creation tax credit. "While some sectors of the economy are doing better, middle class families and small businesses across New York are struggling in this economic crisis," Senator Gillibrand said. "We need to take aggressive action to help businesses create good-paying jobs and get New Yorkers back to work. The job creation tax cut … Continue Reading
February 01, 2010
Senator Gillibrand: President Obama’s Budget Has Right Priorities – Jobs, Education, Security
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today applauded President Obama's budget, which prioritizes job creation, education, and security. Senator Gillibrand will work to improve funding for Medicaid and infrastructure, which would help hold the line on rising property taxes. "Over the past year, I have met with New Yorkers across the state and the number one concern is the economy," Senator Gillibrand said. "New Yorkers expect Washington to be focused on solutions. The President's … Continue Reading
February 01, 2010
Schumer, Gillibrand, Nadler Seek Hud Mortgage Assistance To Help Keep St. Vincent’s Doors Open
New York, NY - With St. Vincent's Hospital on the brink of bankruptcy, U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-Manhattan) urged the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help the only Level-1 trauma center serving neighborhoods from Midtown to Downtown stave off closure. Lawmakers warned that closing the hospital's emergency room and trauma center would be devastating to the community. Senator Schumer said, "St. Vincent's plays … Continue Reading
January 28, 2010
Gillibrand Statement Following EPA Order To Tonawanda Coke To Clean Up
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works, commented on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calling on Tonawanda Coke to comply with the Clean Air Act, fix wastewater leaks, and stop dumping coal tar sludge: "I am pleased that the EPA is continuing to demand that Tonawanda Coke not only meet New York State air pollution requirements, but also clean up their leaks and sludge. It is clear that Tonawanda Coke … Continue Reading
January 28, 2010
Gillibrand Announces $151 Million For High-Speed Rail In New York
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that New York State is receiving $151 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to build new high-speed rail lines across New York. "This is great news for New York," Senator Gillibrand said. "Building high-speed rail here will connect more commuters and businesses, create jobs immediately and help rebuild our economy for the long term. We've worked hard for a long time to bring high-speed rail to New York. This … Continue Reading
January 27, 2010
Gillibrand: President’s Historic Call For Repeal Of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Begins A New Era Of Equality And Justice In America
Washington, D.C. - As President Obama issues a historic call to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and unveils a new way forward for hardworking middle class families in his State of the Union Address, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued the following statement: "President Obama's call to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' marks the beginning of a new era of equality and justice in America. The military's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy is an unfair, outdated measure that … Continue Reading
January 27, 2010
In Message To Pentagon Leadership, Gillibrand, Former Joint Chiefs Chairman Say It’s Time To Repeal “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”
Washington, D.C. - Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General John Shalikashvili today joined U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's call for action to finally end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" by issuing the following statement urging top leadership at the Department of Defense to move forward on repealing the policy:STATEMENT FROM GEN. SHALIKASHVILI:"Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts about the Policy Concerning Homosexuality in the Armed Forces. When I was Chairman of the … Continue Reading
January 25, 2010
Gillibrand Fights To Extend Unemployment Insurance For Struggling New Yorkers
Washington, D.C. - With the number of jobless claims and the cost of health insurance premiums on the rise, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today pushed for an extension to unemployment insurance benefits and the COBRA Premium Assistance Program through the end of the year. More than 850,000 New Yorkers are out of work -- with many relying on the assistance they receive from unemployment insurance benefits and the COBRA Premium Assistance Program. Without an extension, the benefits will expire … Continue Reading
January 25, 2010
Gillibrand Urges Feds To Provide Haiti Debt Moratorium
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand urged Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner to press the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) for a debt moratorium for Haiti. Currently, Haiti faces approximately $429 million of external debt to the IDB, as well as other debt obligations to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and bilateral debt to Venezuela and Taiwan totaling almost $900 million. While the U.S. has established a trust fund to help service Haiti's debt, this only addressed a … Continue Reading
January 25, 2010
With Dropping Temperatures And Rising Energy Costs, Gillibrand Calls On Obama To Send All Available Home Heating Assistance Resources For New York
Washington, DC - With dropping temperatures and rising energy costs, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today called on President Obama to release an additional $100 million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding that cold-climate states like New York need and were promised. Last month, Senator Gillibrand helped secure $5.1 billion for the program that helps seniors and low-income families heat their homes during the winter months. An additional $45 million was sent to New … Continue Reading
January 22, 2010
Senators Menendez And Gillibrand, Congresswoman Clarke, Councilwoman Letitia James Urge Feds To Protect Thousands Of Orphaned Haitian Children In Aftermath Of Devastating Earthquake
New York, NY -- In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti which has left hundreds of thousands of children as orphans, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-Brooklyn) and Councilwoman Letitia James (D-Brooklyn) urged the State Department and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to help orphaned children in Haiti by clearing the legal adoption process logjam … Continue Reading
