Beyond the sound bites alleging “Balter’s healthcare plan is extreme” and “Katko voted to end the ACA”, the two candidates in the neck-and-neck race for the 24th Congressional District have different perspectives on two tenets of healthcare: prescription drug pricing and pre-existing conditions.

Both say they want to lower the cost of prescription drugs; both say they want to cover pre-existing conditions, but each sees a different path to getting there.

Republican Representative John Katko and Democratic challenger Dana Balter are in a close race for the battleground 24th Congressional District in Central New York, a Siena College/Syracuse.com poll released on Sunday found.

The poll shows Balter drawing 45 percent of the vote to Katko's 42 percent. If Working Families Party candidate Steven Williams remains on the ballot in November, pending the outcome of a legal challenge, Balter receives 42 percent of support, Katko 40 percent, and Williams 6 percent.

Rep. Elise Stefanik in a letter released Tuesday urged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to back aid to New York's state government as well as the local governments who have been financially battered by the coronavirus pandemic.

The letter comes as lawmakers in Congress are negotiating the details of the next pandemic stimulus package that would result in direct aid to states and local governments who have had their revenue evaporate during the crisis.

Democratic House candidate Jackie Gordon on Tuesday will announce having raised nearly $800,000 to bring her cash-on-hand total to more than $1.1 million.

Gordon is running for the Long Island House seat being vacated by Republican Rep. Peter King. Democrats have long eyed the seat as a potential pickup opportunity.

A bill backed by Rep. John Katko is meant to better prepare the federal government for the next wave of coronavirus cases.

The measure, which comes as cases continue to grow in the south and western regions of the country, would require federal government agencies to develop plans for how they would respond to a potential second wave of the pandemic, measurable goals, what challenges are anticipated and how they would consult with Congress.

Congressional lawmakers whose districts share a border with Canada urged leaders in both countries develop guidelines for a phase reopening of the border.

The move has the backing of the co-chairs of the Northern Border Caucus, Democratic Rep. Brian Higgins and Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik.

Two congressional lawmakers who represent cental New York are urging the Internal Revenue Service to clarify the rules surrounding pandemic relief payments made through debit cards issued by the federal government.

A package of safety bills proposed after the 2018 limousine crash in Schoharie have made their way to the floor of the House of Representatives, Reps. Paul Tonko and Antonio Delgado on Monday said.

Republican Chairman Nick Langworthy on Friday endorsed former Rep. Claudia Tenney's bid for the seat she lost in 2018.

Langworthy's endorsement of Tenney comes before a Republican primary next week for the 22nd congressional district; she faces George Phillips.

Congressional lawmakers on Wednesday announcd a propsal that would create a tax credit of up to $25,000 for small businesses to purchase personal protective equipment.

The tax credit would also benefit non-profits, veterans' organizations, independent contractors, farmers and those who are self-employed.

Former Rep. Bill Owens on Tuesday formally endorsed fellow Democrat Tedra Cobb for the seat he vacated in 2014.

Owens is the last Democrat to hold the North Country House seat which had historically been a GOP-held district.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed Democratic congressional candidate Mondaire Jones in the 17th congressional district primary.

Jones is running for the seat in a crowded field of Democrats vying to replace Rep. Nita Lowey in the House of Representatives in the northern New York City suburbs.

A bill introduced Thursday by U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand would outlaw the use of chokeholds or maneuvers that restrict the flow of blood to the brain by law enforcement.

The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, a Brooklyn Democrat.

A trio of labor unions this week endorsed Democratic congressional candidate Jackie Gordon in her bid for the 2nd congressional district on Long Island.

Gordon's bid was given the nod by SEIU Local 1199, UFCW Local 1500, and the New York State AFL-CIO.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer endorsed Democratic congressional hopeful David Buchwald ahead of the June 23 primary on Thursday, backing the Assembly lawmaker out of the crowded field of candidates vying for the nomination.

Buchwald is seeking the seat held by Rep. Nita Lowey, who is retiring after the current term.

Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik backed the deployment of the National Guard to support local law enforcement officers across the state as protests continued in cities across New York and in the United States.

Tensions eased somewhat last night after several days of violent unrest, including in New York City, were an 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew was imposed.

Lawyers for former Rep. Chris Collins are asking a federal judge to once again delay in reporting to federal prison, citing concerns over contracting coronavirus.

"Mr. Collins is older than 65 and has additional risk factors," Collins's attorneys wrote in a letter sent Thursday to District Court Judge Vernon Broderick. "'The impact of the pandemic on U.S. jail and prison populations is particularly acute, and potentially disastrous."

Direct aid for local governments in New York that are reeling from the pandemic has won bipartisan support from Republican Rep. Tom Reed and Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi.

Providing the aid would not just preserve support for police and firefighters, but could also stem property tax increases on the local level.

The next coronavirus relief package should include money for gun violence prevention, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand on Tuesday said.

Gillibrand wants $250 million in spending for gun violence prevention and intervention in the measure, pointing to increased gun sales and the strain on emergency health services.

Two state lawmakers are urging Congress to provide more relief for small businesses battered by the pandemic in New York, a call that comes after a joint legislative hearing on the issue.

Assemblywoman Nily Rozic and Assemblyman Al Stirpe in a letter to the state's Congressional delegation pointed to shortcomings with the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program as identified by small business owners.

Reps. John Katko and Antonio Delgado are leading a bipartisan push to have President Donald Trump extend the authorization for National Guard activities in New York through the duration of the national emergency declaration.

The move would ensure National Guards units receive benefits for their service and help maintain public safety measures put in place during the coronavirus pandemic.

State governments would receive a combined $500 billion in federal aid to provide direct relief from the economic toll of the coronavirus pandemic under legislation that's gaining bipartisan ground in Congress.

The next coronavirus stimulus package should include $100 billion in rental assistance to help families stay in their homes amid an economic crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said.

At the same time, Gillibrand is backing a provision that would provide $11.5 billion for state and local governments to aid families and people who are left homeless due to the crisis.

Rep. Elise Stefanik in a letter sent this week to top House lawmakers called for federal funding that would support mental health care resources and suicide prevention.

Stefanik in the letter urges $61 million for funding the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. In a separate letter, the North Country Republican also called for mental health needs of front line health care workers who are treating COVID-19 patients.

Reps. Elise Stefanik and Anthony Brindisi on Tuesday released a letter to federal agriculture officials urging them to provide support for New York dairy farms amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Farms are struggling nationwide as direct markets like restaurants and schools have shuttered over the last month and individual consumer spending has not made up the difference.

Democratic Assemblyman David Buchwald on Tuesday was endorsed by Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Ben Boykin in his bid for the open 17th congressional district.

“I am proud to endorse David Buchwald for Congress,” Boykin said. “Throughout his career, David has been a fierce advocate for fairness and accountability. From addressing gun violence to pushing for fair taxes to holding Trump accountable, David is a tireless leader who will be a fighter for us in Congress.”

Republican Rep. John Katko on Tuesday was endorsed by the state Conservative Party as he runs for re-election in what has been a key swing district in upstate New York.

"Congressman Katko is an unflinching defender of life and of our 2nd Amendment right to preserve it," said Wayne County Conservative Party Chairman Mike Garlock in a statement. "As a husband and father of three, John understands the needs of Central New York families, and he's fighting to make life just a little bit easier for all of us. His powerful advocacy for Parental Savings Accounts and for common-sense school safety measures are but two examples of the great work John Katko is doing on our behalf."

Republican lawmakers in the state Senate and Assembly on Monday met privately with officials from the Department of Homeland Security, who aired concerns over acccess to the state's motor vehicle database.

Access to that database by entities like ICE is blocked by the state's Green Light Law, which allows undocumented immigrants to receive driver's licenses over concerns they would be targeted by federal immigration enforcement.

Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin on Tuesday was endorsed by the state Conservative Party in his bid for re-election to his eastern Long Island House seat.

"The Suffolk County Conservative Party is pleased to once again endorse Congressman Lee Zeldin for re-election," said Suffolk County Conservative Party Chairman Frank Tinari. "The Conservative Party supports candidates who will secure our borders, oppose burdensome government outreach, and stand up for taxpayers. Lee Zeldin shares the values and purpose of our mission. This fall, Democrats are offering candidates that will destroy our pocketbooks and economy, erode our public safety and rule of law, take away our private health insurance, and far more. Lee Zeldin is endorsed because we know he will never waiver in defense of taxpayers and our community."

Republican House candidate Chele Farley on Wednesday was endorsed by New York GOP Chairman Nick Langworthy.

Farley, a former U.S. Senate candidate, is running for the seat held by Democratic Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney.

Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik's bid for re-election on Tuesday was endorsed by the Conservative Party and local county chairs.

Stefanik, first elected in 2014, is seeking a fourth term to the sprawling North Country House seat.

Democrat Erica Vladimer on Friday ended her bid for the party's nomination in the 12th congressional district.

Vladimer, an attorney, had challenged Democratic Rep. Carolyn Maloney, launching her campaign last year.

Assemblyman David Buchwald on Thursday pledged that if he elected to Congress he would back a national version of the SAFE Act.

“I have long advocated for tougher gun safety laws in New York, and I’m ready to tackle this issue in Congress,” he said. “The first bill I ever voted for as an Assemblymember was the New York SAFE Act, banning assault weapons, expanding background checks, and providing New York the strongest gun laws in the nation. I’ve never been afraid of the NRA, and I wholly reject their warped view of the Second Amendment. I’ll go to Congress ready to stand up for common sense, with a real gun safety agenda for all Americans.”

For more than an hour, President Donald Trump on Thursday unloaded on his critics, Democrats, Mitt Romney and others a day after he was acquitted of impeachment charges.

But Trump also singled out individual members of Congress who had publicly supported him during the process -- including New York Rep. Elise Stefanik.

Republican former Rep. Claudia Tenney's campaign on Friday announced having raisied $300,000 in the final fundraising quarter of 2019, ending the reporting period with more than $286,000 in cash on hand.

“I am so grateful for the outpouring of support for our campaign to hold Anthony Brindisi accountable in November and bring a fighter for Upstate New York back to Congress,” Tenney said. “This report reflects the momentum we have felt on the ground since launching in October and we will continue to build on one of the strongest grassroots operations in the country heading into November.”

The county-level Conservative Party committees in the 18th congressional district on Thursday announced they will back Republican Chele Farley for the House seat.

"Chele Farley will make an excellent standard bearer for the Conservative Party," said New York State Conservative Party Chair Gerard Kassar. "A common sense conservative with a wealth of private sector experience and a heart for public service, the residents of the congressional district will do well in electing her to Congress."

The New York Independence Party has endorsed Republican Congressional candidate Chris Jacobs in the state’s 27th Congressional District.

Jacobs is running to replace convicted Congressman Chris Collins, who resigned from the position in the fall. The GOP nominated the current state senator over the weekend.

Democratic House candidate Jackie Gordon on Tuesday was named to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's Red to Blue program — a distinction meant that shows she's hit goals for support, organizing and fundraising.

Gordon is running for the district on Long Island being vacated by Republican Rep. Peter King, a seat Democrats have eyed in recent election cycles as a potential pickup.

Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren on Tuesday waded into a crowded primary contest in suburban New York City to endorse House hopeful Mondaire Jones.

Warren backed Jones in the race to replace retiring Democratic Rep. Nita Lowey, who has represented the northern suburbs in Congress since 1989.

Swing-district Republican Rep. John Katko has his reservations with President Donald Trump, but the pros Katko identified in continuing Trump's presidency for a second term are a strong economy, trade agreements, and national security. He says these outweigh the policy platforms of Democrats seeking to run against him.

"As much as I am sometimes frustrated by the president's approach, I believe our country is in a better place today than it was four years ago," Katko said. "We cannot afford the extreme policies being championed by the left — which would result in higher taxes for every American and a guaranteed debt crisis for our country. Given this choice, I will support President Trump this November."

Democratic House candidate Adam Schleifer on Monday released his first video of his campaign, a spot that highlights his biography.

Schleifer, a former U.S. attorney, pointed to his Holocaust survivor grandfather and special needs brother as heroes in his life.

A range of Republican luminaries on the national, state and local level wrote to a federal judge last year urging leniency for former Rep. Chris Collins.

Among those urging Judge Vernon Broderick to consider Collins's career in business and public service was former House Speaker John Boehner, who is neighbors with Collins in Florida.

On Sunday, Democratic Rep. Antonio Delgado made some news: He’s voting “yes” on two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.

A day later, the Democratic-allied House Majority PAC wasn’t touting the vote of a swing-district freshman, but instead crediting him for helping reduce the cost of prescription drugs in a new ad.

Democratic Rep. Anthony Brindisi this week said it was fair to say he agonized over the decision to impeach President Donald Trump.

The former state lawmaker called it the toughest vote he’s ever taken in office.

Democratic Rep. Antonio Delgado will vote yes on both articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, his office said Sunday in a statement.

The two articles of impeachment accuse Trump of obstructing Congress and abuse of power in a case stemming from allegations he sought to pressure Ukraine into investigating his political rivals and advance a theory the country sought to interfere in the 2016 presidential election, which has been discredited by intelligence officials.

The looming vote for two articles of the impeachment of President Trump will put battleground Democrats and Republicans in the House of Representatives in a quandary: Take an official vote to advance the removal of the president to the U.S. Senate or reject it.

For Democrats like Reps. Anthony Brindisi, the vote, which could come by the end of this month, is fraught with risks and the potential to alienate progressives who cheered his election over Republican Claudia Tenney last year or inflame the voters in the central New York House district who voted for the president.

The New York State Republican Party filed a lawsuit Wednesday in State Supreme Court in Monroe County asking a judge to compel the governor to call a special election as soon as possible for NY’s vacant 27th Congressional seat.

“We feel no choice here but to sue Governor Cuomo to do his job, just like other political leaders have had to do in the past, to call a special election within this district,” state GOP Chairman Nick Langworthy said.