CONGRESS

Speaker Johnson 'trying to figure out some creative role' for Stefanik in House GOP leadership after ambassador post withdrawal

BY Luke Parsnow and Kevin Frey New York State

House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters Tuesday that Republicans are looking for what kind of future Rep. Elise Stefanik can bring to the House leadership now that she won’t be serving as President Donald Trump’s ambassador to the United Nations.

“We’re trying to figure out some creative role for Elise to play,” Johnson said.

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Chuck Schumer says he's taking the fight over federal spending to Trump country

BY Associated Press New York State

The Senate’s top Democrat is no stranger to political maneuvering. But his latest act — a tightly choreographed blitz through Republican-held districts — signals a sharpened strategy: take the fight over federal spending directly into Trump country, and force Republicans to own the response.

On Monday, Sen. Chuck Schumer visited two nursing homes, one on Staten Island, the other in suburban Long Island, to spotlight what Democrats warn would be catastrophic consequences if Republican-led efforts to slash Medicaid succeed. The choice of backdrop was deliberate, as both facilities sit in congressional districts held by GOP members who have largely aligned with President Donald Trump’s agenda.

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Trump nominates former Rep. Anthony D'Esposito as Department of Labor inspector general

BY Luke Parsnow and Kevin Frey New York State

Former U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito has been nominated by President Donald Trump’s administration to serve as the next inspector general for the U.S. Department of Labor, months after he narrowly lost his reelection bid in November, the White House said Monday evening.

The role conducts audits to review the effectiveness, efficiency, economy, and integrity of all Department of Labor programs and operations, including those performed by its contractors and grantees, according to the department's website. It also conducts criminal, civil, and administrative investigations into alleged violations of federal laws relating to DOL programs, operations, and personnel.

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Democrat eyeing NY-21 seat to remain in the race until 2026 general election

BY Susan Arbetter New York State

On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced that he was withdrawing the nomination of North Country U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik to be America’s ambassador to the United Nations, citing the Republican’s' narrow majority in the House of Representatives.

The withdrawn nomination puts an end to speculation on when a special election might be called in a race where Democrats had already picked their candidate, St. Lawrence County farmer Blake Gendebien.

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Analysis: Keeping Stefanik in the House has benefits for Trump and the GOP

BY Luke Parsnow New York State

“A new Republican Star is born. Great going @EliseStefanik!”

That’s what President Donald Trump tweeted on Nov. 17, 2019, about the northern New York congresswoman. Facing his first impeachment at the time, Rep. Elise Stefanik quickly became one of the president’s most vocal and effective defenders during those hearings. At 35 at the time, she quickly earned praise and respect from elders of the GOP in a very public way.

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New York GOP strategist discusses Stefanik's UN ambassador nomination withdrawal

BY Susan Arbetter New York State

With Republicans having a razor-thin majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he is withdrawing the nomination of North Country Republican U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik to be the country’s ambassador to the United Nations.

In his post on Truth Social, the president praised Stefanik and said he “looks forward to the day when Elise is able to join my administration.”

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Hakeem Jeffries insists Democrats are winning against Trump

BY Susan Carpenter Nationwide

WASHINGTON — As the Trump administration makes sweeping changes to the federal government, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said Thursday that the Democrats are winning in their fight against President Donald Trump’s policies.

Citing Republican initiatives to cut Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare and public education, Jeffries said the Democratic Party is “all hands on deck, and it will continue to be all hands on deck” to protect the programs that make life better for all Americans.

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White House to pull Rep. Elise Stefanik's nomination for U.N. ambassador

BY Luke Parsnow New York State

President Donald Trump is pulling Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination as ambassador to the United Nations, he announced on Truth Social on Thursday.

Stefanik, who represents New York's 21st Congressional District, was one of the first cabinet-level nominees put forward by Trump just days after his election in November. Her confirmation hearings were held the day after Trump’s inauguration in January but two months later was yet to be confirmed.

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Schumer, Jeffries both say U.S. defense secretary should be fired over Signal group chat

BY Luke Parsnow New York State

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer joined House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in calling for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to be fired following the texting of sensitive plans for a military strike against Yemen's Houthis earlier this month to a group chat that included The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg.

“He should be fired. I agree, he should be fired,” the Democratic New York senator told reporters Wednesday afternoon while leaving a press conference event on Social Security.

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Pelosi backs Schumer after critique, says Jeffries should tour like AOC and Sanders

BY Cassie Semyon and Joseph Konig Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON — Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, D-Ca., told reporters Tuesday that Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer should “of course” remain in his role after she criticized her Senate colleagues last week for conceding the fight on the Republican spending bill.

Pelosi also said her successor, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, is the leader the party needs headed into next year’s midterm elections. She encouraged him to take a page out of the playbooks of fellow New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who have been rallying across the country as part of Sanders’ “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, pitching their progressive politics and ginning up opposition to Trump and Republicans.

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AOC hits the rally circuit, as Democrats seek effective messengers and messaging

BY Kevin Frey Washington, D.C.

Bronx Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez addressed huge crowds over the weekend, joining Sen. Bernie Sanders in a series of rallies denouncing President Donald Trump and his agenda.

Her campaign-style swing, where the progressive star told rally attendees that Democrats need a party that “fights harder for us,” grabbed the spotlight at a time the party is hungry for a winning message and new leadership.

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N.Y. Conservative Party prefers state Sen. Dan Stec to succeed Stefanik, will meet with candidates this week

BY Tim Williams and Luke Parsnow New York State

The New York state Conservative Party will be meeting three candidates this week in the eventual special election to replace Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik in New York's 21st Congressional District, but at this time, still prefers state Sen. Dan Stec, the party told Spectrum News 1 Monday.

Stec, R-Queensbury, represents New York's 45th state Senate District, which is made up of the eastern part of the state’s North Country, including Plattsburgh, Potsdam, Lake Placid and Lake George. He served in the state Assembly prior to being elected to the Senate in 2020.

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Schumer says he won't step down as Senate Democratic leader despite government funding uproar

BY Associated Press Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON — Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer says he won't resign his post, despite pressure from some in his party after he voted to move forward with a Republican spending bill that avoided a government shutdown.

“Look, I’m not stepping down,” Schumer said in an interview with NBC's “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday. The New York senator said he knew voting for the bill backed by Republican President Donald Trump would spark “a lot of controversy."

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Rep. Paul Tonko: Dismantling U.S. Education Department 'a tragic occurrence'

BY Susan Arbetter New York State

President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education which oversees federal student loans, funding for low-income students and civil rights enforcement.

While only Congress can completely abolish a federal agency, the administration can begin to reduce the agency’s resources.

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New York congressmen try to reassure tech stakeholders amid Trump attacks on CHIPS Act

BY Natalie Mooney Clay

Upstate New York is working toward becoming home to a bustling technology hub thanks to the planned Micron semiconductor manufacturing facility coming to Onondaga County. But President Donald Trump’s criticism of the CHIPS and Science Act have left some questioning if the projects will come to fruition.

Members of New York’s congressional delegation reassured stakeholders the future of tech in the state is bright.

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Rep. Josh Riley introduces bipartisan bill to adjust rules for egg farmers in aim to lower prices

BY Luke Parsnow New York State

Democratic U.S. Rep. Josh Riley introduced bipartisan legislation that aims to lower egg prices by adjusting certain regulations for egg farmers, the congressman announced Wednesday.

The Lowering Egg Prices Act would address federal regulations that require farmers to refrigerate eggs immediately after they are laid, but current regulations do not distinguish between table eggs — raw products that need to be refrigerated — and breaker eggs — which are pasteurized for use in products like salad dressing, cake mix and pasta.

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Rep. Pat Ryan hosts candid conversations about affordability

BY Darcie Ortique Newburgh

NEWBURGH, N.Y. – Rep. Pat Ryan is raising awareness about the concerns families across the Hudson Valley have regarding affordability. The congressman on Tuesday visited Alexis Diner in Newburgh for "kitchen table" conversations with housing experts, dairy farmers and child care experts.

The attendees held candid discussions about inflation prices, tariffs and the affordable housing crisis impacting New Yorkers.

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Trump, Musk dominate conversation at Rep. Paul Tonko's town hall

BY Spencer Conlin Albany

U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko hosted a town hall at Schenectady High School on Monday, fielding a wide range of questions from the live audience with most involving Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration and cuts being made to the federal workforce.

“I will continue to fight this plan with every fiber of my being as it works its way through Congress,” Tonko said of President Donald Trump’s policies.

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Chuck Schumer postpones book tour amid criticism over spending vote

BY Associated Press New York City

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer is postponing several planned events this week to promote his new book, “Antisemitism in America: A Warning,” after some liberal groups had planned to stage protests.

The cancellations of events in Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and other cities came amid widespread criticism from the party’s liberal base over Schumer’s vote to move forward with Republican spending legislation last week. Risa Heller, a representative for Schumer’s book, said that the tour would be rescheduled “due to security concerns.”

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Ex-U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey, a New York Democrat who chaired powerful House Appropriations Committee, dies

BY Associated Press New York State

NEW YORK (AP) — Former U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey, a long serving New York Democrat who was the first woman to chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee, has died. She was 87.

Lowey's family, in a statement shared by the Westchester County Democratic Committee, said she died Saturday after battling metastatic breast cancer with the “same tenacity and strength that she fought throughout her 32-year career in Congress for women, children and families."

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‘Betrayed us all’: Democrats blast Schumer over handling of GOP funding bill

BY Kevin Frey Washington, D.C.

Sen. Chuck Schumer is facing a massive backlash from fellow Democrats after he refused to block Republican legislation to keep the government funded and avert a shutdown.

In the 24 hours after he announced he would vote to advance the legislation, progressive and centrist Democrats alike are voicing frustration, even anger, with the New Yorker. Some went so far as to accuse him of betrayal and rolling over for President Donald Trump.

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Analysis: Schumer's tough position with government shutdown likely avoided, past shutdown haunting

BY Luke Parsnow New York State
UPDATED 5:28 PM ET Mar. 14, 2025

New York U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer had been quite boisterous all week regarding congressional Republicans’ plan to keep the government funded through September, which had squeezed through the House of Representatives almost exclusively on party lines. But that changed rather quickly.

In Schumer’s chamber, 10 Senate Democrats joined Republicans to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to pass the budget with a deadline of midnight on Saturday. On Wednesday, Schumer said the GOP didn’t have enough Democratic votes to advance the funding stopgap bill past a filibuster.

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Democratic Party fractures in government shutdown fight, with anger running high

BY Associated Press Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON — The Democratic Party was fracturing Friday as a torrent of frustration and anger was unleashed at Senate Democrats, led by Sen. Chuck Schumer, who faced what they saw as an awful choice: shut the government down or consent to a Republican funding bill that allows President Donald Trump to continue slashing the federal government.

After Schumer announced Thursday that he would reluctantly support the bill, he bore the brunt of that anger, including a protest at his office, calls from progressives that he be primaried in 2028 and suggestions that the Democratic Party would soon be looking for new leaders.

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House Dems see silver lining after first weeks of second Trump admin

BY Kevin Frey Washington, D.C.

Out of power in Washington, and with their brand in the dumps, House Democrats say they see a silver lining after the first weeks of the second Trump administration.

“I think a number of people who voted for the current administration are having second thoughts,” Albany-area Congressman Paul Tonko said.

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Dem leadership in Congress need to be 'more emphatic' in warning of democratic crisis, historian warns

BY Kevin Frey Washington, D.C.

Democratic leadership on Capitol Hill could be doing more to push back against President Donald Trump, warns a historian who studies the rise of autocracy.

Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a professor at New York University and author of the book “Strongmen,” warns the United States is in a “democratic emergency” that is “getting worse every day.”

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Rep. Kennedy calls on Trump to permanently rescind tariffs on Canada

BY Spectrum News Staff Western New York

Buffalo Congressman Tim Kennedy is calling on President Donald Trump to permanently rescind tariffs on Canada.

Rep. Kennedy said that Canada is our greatest ally and trading partner. He said that Trump's pausing of the tariffs is a positive step as Trump needs to avoid an all out trade-war.

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New York House Republicans sign onto resolution supporting correction officer strike

BY Luke Parsnow New York State

Republicans in New York’s congressional delegation backed a resolution Thursday supporting the ongoing strike by correction officers at prisons across the state that is now in its 18th day.

Rep. Claudia Tenney, of New York's 24th Congressional District, introduced the resolution in the House of Representatives and was cosponsored by Reps. Nick LaLota, Mike Lawler, Nick Langworthy, Andrew Garbarino and Nicole Malliotakis.

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Jeffries says GOP House funding plan violates Fiscal Responsibility Act

BY Susan Carpenter Nationwide

One day after the Congressional Budget Office said the proposed House GOP budget was impossible without cutting Medicare and Medicaid, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said the CBO assessment is proof of what Democrats have been saying since Republicans approved the budget blueprint last week.

“House Republicans and Donald Trump have proposed the largest cut to Medicaid in American history, and they’ve also put the target on the back of Social Security and Medicare,” Jeffries said during a news conference Thursday.

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New York business groups to Congress: Don't cut NIH grants

BY Kate Lisa New York State

The New York State Business Council and more than a dozen chambers of commerce sent a letter Thursday pressing the state's congressional delegation to push back against President Donald Trump's proposed cuts to National Institutes of Health grants — arguing it would be detrimental to New York communities.

Business leaders urged the state's 26 representatives to fight cutting the NIH grants, which provides over $3.5 billion to more than 250 entities across the state for some of the nation's leading biomedical, cancer and other health care research.

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Rep. Torres reintroduces bill to improve federal response to health emergencies

BY Kevin Frey Washington, D.C.

Bronx U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres is re-introducing legislation aimed at improving the federal government’s response to public health emergencies, Spectrum News NY1 has learned.

The bill was initially inspired by concerns over the government’s handling of COVID-19 and mpox, formerly known as monkeypox. Torres is reintroducing it in this session of Congress as the U.S. grapples with outbreaks of the bird flu and measles.

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'Are you selling out New Yorkers?': Democrats grill Mayor Adams on Capitol Hill

BY Kevin Frey Washington, D.C.

Democrats in the House Oversight Committee on Capitol Hill flipped the script Wednesday, sharply questioning one of their own: New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

During the hearing, they pressed him repeatedly on the Trump Justice Department’s controversial push to drop the federal corruption case against him. More than a half dozen veteran prosecutors resigned, some alleging an improper quid pro quo between the White House and the mayor over immigration enforcement.

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New York officials confident CHIPS Act likely won't see repeal

BY Ryan Whalen Buffalo

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- During his congressional address Tuesday, President Donald Trump boasted the country has seen $1.7 trillion in new investment over the past several weeks — a result, he said, of confidence in his election and new economic policies.

That included a $100 billion commitment from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company to expand its Arizona operations.

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New York state Senate leader says bill changing special elections is stalled

BY Luke Parsnow and Bernadette Hogan New York State

A bill that would amend New York’s special election schedule remains stalled, state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins told reporters Tuesday in Albany.

Democrats in the state Legislature introduced a measure earlier this year that would allow the governor to delay congressional special elections until Election Day. Republicans labeled the measure as a pure political one, as it would directly impact the race to replace Rep. Elise Stefanik in the 21st Congressional District once she resigned to become U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

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Rep. Claudia Tenney invites Oswego County sheriff to Trump's address to Congress

BY Luke Parsnow New York State

U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney has invited Oswego County Sheriff Don Hilton to be her guest at President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress next week.

"Sheriff Don Hilton is a highly regarded law enforcement officer from our district, and I am honored to have him join me in attending the Joint Address this year. Since 1987, Sheriff Hilton has dedicated his life to public service, serving in a variety of law enforcement roles across our region," Tenney said in a statement Friday. "He started his career in Oswego County as a corrections officer and has since returned to serve as the Oswego County Sheriff."

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Rep. Adriano Espaillat to give Spanish-language response to Trump's address to Congress

BY Luke Parsnow New York State

U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat will deliver the Democratic Party’s Spanish-language response to President Donald Trump’s upcoming joint address to Congress, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Thursday.

Espaillat represents New York's 13th Congressional District, which includes upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2016. He is currently the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

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Jeffries says Republicans are lying about Medicaid cuts

BY Susan Carpenter Nationwide

WASHINGTON — Two days after House Republicans narrowly approved the “big, beautiful” budget blueprint President Donald Trump has been asking for, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., derided it as a reckless scheme.

“The Republican budget will set in motion the largest cut to Medicaid in American history,” he said. “Children will be hurt. Families will be hurt. Seniors will be hurt. Everyday Americans with disabilities will be hurt. Hospitals will be hurt. And nursing homes will be hurt all across America.”

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N.Y. lawmakers relaunch push to permanently fund 9/11 health program, one week after rescinded DOGE cuts

BY Kevin Frey Washington, D.C.

Congressional lawmakers are launching yet another bipartisan push for permanent funding for the health program that helps people sickened by toxic smoke and debris from the World Trade Center's collapse.

“We've made a promise that we will never forget and we will keep fighting for this,” Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said, introducing the legislation at a Wednesday press conference on Capitol Hill.

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House Dems warn GOP plan is 'devastating' for 7 million New Yorkers on Medicaid

BY Kevin Frey Washington, D.C.

Democrats are warning of the possibility of devastating cuts to Medicaid, as House Republicans in Washington move ahead with legislation to enact President Donald Trump’s agenda.

On a nearly party-line vote Tuesday, House Republicans advanced a budget blueprint, setting the framework for the eventual spending package. As part of the final bill, Trump is seeking massive tax and spending cuts alongside new funding for immigration enforcement.

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Federal legislation proposed to increase transparency of milk pricing

BY Emily Kenny, Report for America corps member Central NY

Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives that would require manufacturers to report their dairy processing costs every two years.

“New York dairy farmers deserve to be paid a fair price for their milk, and they need a milk pricing system that they can count on,” said U.S. Sen. Kristen Gillibrand Thursday in a press release. “Requiring manufacturers to report dairy processing costs on a biennial basis will give dairy producers, processors, and cooperatives the data they need to ensure that their prices accurate reflect the costs of production.”

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Rep. Mike Lawler discusses N.Y. prison strikes, NYC Mayor Adams and congestion pricing

BY Tim Williams and Casey Bortnick New York State

As he continues to mull his 2026 options, Hudson Valley Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler was in Western New York on Wednesday to stand with state Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt at a press conference on the prison strikes happening across New York state.

The congressman, who has been mentioned as a top Republican gubernatorial candidate in 2026, joined Capital Tonight on Wednesday to discuss the strikes, President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw federal support of New York City’s congestion pricing plan and the calls for New York City Mayor Eric Adams to resign or be removed from office.

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Malliotakis cheers Trump's move to cancel congestion pricing

BY Spectrum News Staff New York City

On the heels of the Trump administration announcing Wednesday that it is moving to end congestion pricing in New York City, Staten Island Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, a fierce critic of the toll, joined NY1 to air her thoughts on the decision.

Tap the video player above to watch the full interview.

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Pharmacists, Rep. Ryan push for pharmacy benefit manager reform

BY John Camera Dutchess County

Pharmacists are calling on Congress to pass reforms for pharmacy benefit managers, also known as PBMs, who act as middlemen between pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies, and are supposed to negotiate the cost of drugs to save patients money.

But pharmacists like Pine Plains’ Nasir Mahmood say they haven’t been doing that, and instead, they’ve driven up costs and made it harder for locally owned pharmacists.

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First on Spectrum News: Rep. Josh Riley sponsors first bill, aimed at helping households weatherize homes

BY Kevin Frey Hudson Valley

First-term Rep. Josh Riley is introducing his first bill in Congress, Spectrum News 1 has learned. The focus: lowering energy bills for low-income households.

The legislation, which Riley, a Democrat representing New York's 19th Congressional District, is rolling out with a bipartisan group of co-sponsors, would modify the Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program, a nearly five-decade-old program that helps individuals retrofit their homes to make them more energy efficient. Upgrades can include improving insulation and moisture control.

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'On a short leash': NYers on Capitol Hill react to DOJ's Mayor Adams order

BY Kevin Frey New York City

President Donald Trump has Mayor Eric Adams on a "short leash."

That's just one of several reactions from New York Democrats on Capitol Hill after the U.S. Department of Justice ordered the Manhattan U.S. Attorney's office to halt its criminal prosecution of the mayor — while still holding out the possibility of reviving charges later.

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Schumer calls for community health center funding

BY Spectrum News Staff New York State

U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer called for continued funding to community health centers.

He spoke Monday at Syracuse Community Health, saying federal funding is set to run out in a month for these type of health care facilities.

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Rep. Claudia Tenney says violent threats made against staff

BY Ryan Whalen and Luke Parsnow New York State
UPDATED 7:18 PM ET Feb. 06, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney's district offices are closed after reporting of three separate incidents Wednesday of threats of violence and intimidation against staff.

Tenney's office said Capitol Police and local law enforcement responded to the threats. The statement does not identify which offices were targeted.

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Democrats pick St. Lawrence County dairy farmer as nominee for pending NY-21 special election

BY Tim Williams Northern NY

As the United States Senate moves forward with the nomination of U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik as United Nations ambassador, North Country Democrats are preparing for the special election to fill the seat whenever a special election is called by selecting St. Lawrence County dairy farmer Blake Gendebien as their candidate.

In a special election for New York's 21st Congressional District, there is no primary for voters to pick their party’s nominee – the nominee is selected by the chairs of the county parties in the district. Gendebien is a third-generation dairy farmer from Lisbon, and operates Twin Mill Farms. He is married and has three children. He has degree in agriculture from Penn State University.

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2 N.Y. lawmakers push for use of Niagara Falls air base in ICE operations

BY Spectrum News Staff and Keegan Trunick Niagara Falls

A Western New York air base is being floated as a potential place to help support the recent expansion of ICE operations.

Rep. Nick Langworthy (R - NY23) and Rep. Claudia Tenney (R - NY21) sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to potentially use the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

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Gillibrand warns Trump's tariffs will hit wallets hard

BY Erica Brosnan and Spectrum News NY1 New York City

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is vowing to push back against President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico, saying the plan is only going to drive up costs for everyday Americans.

“I think what President Trump is doing is harmful. It's creating chaos. It doesn't make sense. It's not going to have the impact that he's hoping it has. It's just going to raise costs for everyday Americans,” Gillibrand said Monday on “Mornings On 1.”

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'She's good at formulating messages': What does Stefanik's time in Congress say about how she'll serve as U.N. ambassador?

BY Kevin Frey Washington, D.C.

It was a moment that vaulted New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik to prominence on the national stage and won her the admiration of MAGA Republicans.

As House Democrats pursued impeachment against President Donald Trump during his first term in the White House, Stefanik aggressively mounted a defense of the president, with pointed questioning at impeachment hearings.

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Rep. Nick Langworthy meets with Buffalo ICE officials to discuss operations under Trump

BY Ryan Whalen Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-NY-23, spent about 45 minutes with Buffalo Immigration Customs Enforcement officials Tuesday to discuss how operations have changed under President Donald Trump's new executive orders.

Across the country, ICE has reported detaining individuals including three this past week in Western New York.

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Trump nominates former Rep. Brandon Williams for National Nuclear Security Administration administrator

BY Luke Parsnow New York State

Former U.S. Rep. Brandon Williams will serve as the next under secretary for nuclear security and also the administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration at the federal Department of Energy, President-elect Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday morning.

“Brandon is a successful businessman and Veteran of the U.S. Navy, where he served as a Nuclear Submarine Officer, and Strategic Missile Officer,” Trump wrote. “He is a graduate of Pepperdine University, and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Congratulations Brandon!”

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Stefanik confirmation hearing for UN ambassador post slated for next Tuesday

BY Luke Parsnow and Kevin Frey New York State

The confirmation hearing for U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik to become the next ambassador to the United Nations will take place next Tuesday, Jan. 21 with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Confirmation hearing for @EliseStefanik to become UN Ambassador is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 10a before the Senate Foreign Relations Cmte >> https://t.co/9RLthBNAqg

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Taliban hostage Ryan Corbett's family speaks to Biden, meets with Trump administration in Mar-a-Lago

BY Dana Damiani Rochester

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — For 887 days, Livingston County native Ryan Corbett has been wrongfully detained by the Taliban. He’s been living in a nine-by-nine basement cell with little access to food, water and sunlight. Since his detention, he says he’s had constant ringing in his ears, dental issues, fainting spells and seizures, among many other illnesses.

His family heard from him Sunday around 5:30 a.m. and learned he has finally been able to put on a little weight and he’d been given a bit more access to sunlight.

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New York's newest members of Congress get committee assignments

BY Luke Parsnow and Kevin Frey New York State

With the 119th Congress underway, New York’s newest members of the House of Representatives received their committee assignments on Tuesday.

Democratic Rep. John Mannion, of the 22nd District in Central New York, was appointed to the House Education and Workforce Committee, as well as the House Agriculture Committee.

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Mulling a run for governor, Rep. Mike Lawler criticizes Hochul on day of her State of the State address

BY Luke Parsnow and Kate Lisa New York State

U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler stood beside New York legislative Republicans Tuesday morning to criticize Gov. Kathy Hochul and Democratic policies ahead of her State of the State address as the Hudson Valley congressman mulls a run for governor next year.

Lawler slammed the Democratic governor on state spending, criminal justice reforms, the migrant influx, congestion pricing and other issues.

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Malliotakis: Trump backs efforts to raise SALT cap, end congestion pricing

BY Spectrum News NY1 New York City

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis said Monday that President-elect Donald Trump supports efforts to raise the state and local tax deduction cap and oppose New York’s congestion pricing plan,

Malliotakis, who attended a weekend meeting at Mar-a-Lago in Florida with Republican members of the New York delegation, said Trump’s stance on the SALT cap—created during his administration in 2017—has shifted because of rising taxes in New York.

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Rep. Mike Lawler to lead House Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee

BY Luke Parsnow New York State

U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler will serve as chairman of the House Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee announced Thursday.

The panel has jurisdiction over the Middle East and North Africa regions and has oversight responsibilities over activities in the State Department.

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Hochul: New York House Republicans owe residents 'a full repeal of the SALT cap'

BY Luke Parsnow New York State

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul released a statement Wednesday saying the state’s Republican congressional delegation should demand a full repeal of the cap on the federal deduction for state and local taxes, or SALT, as negotiations on its future continue with Donald Trump about to return to the White House.

“The New York Republican delegation owes middle class New Yorkers a full repeal of the SALT cap. This cap has cost New Yorkers as much as $12 billion every year since it took effect in 2018, robbing middle-class families of their hard-earned money,” Hochul said in the statement. “Republicans have drained billions directly from the pockets of their own constituents, and now it’s time for them to deliver. No excuses. No half measures. It's all or nothing – New Yorkers deserve a full repeal.”

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Disgraced former U.S. Rep. George Santos seeks to delay fraud sentencing to make more podcast episodes

BY Associated Press New York State

Disgraced former congressman George Santos has asked a New York judge to delay his sentencing on federal fraud charges until the summer so he can pay off more than half a million dollars in fines by making more episodes of his recently launched podcast “Pants on Fire."

But prosecutors, in their response Tuesday, dismissed the New York Republican's promises of a financial boon as “extremely speculative” and derided the program's title as a “tone-deaf and unrepentant reference to the crimes he committed."

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First on NY1: Rep. Pat Ryan urges Trump to include Democrats in SALT talks

BY Kevin Frey Washington, D.C.

Rep. Pat Ryan is urging President-elect Donald Trump to include Democrats in discussions about the future of the cap on the federal deduction for state and local taxes, or SALT.

“If President-elect Trump is serious about removing the SALT cap and ending double taxation, he’s going to need bipartisan support,” the Hudson Valley Democrat said in a statement shared first with Spectrum News NY1. “I’ll go to Mar-A-Lago myself if that’s what it takes.”

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Gillibrand selected to lead Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee

BY Luke Parsnow and Kevin Frey New York State

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., has been selected to lead the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, the campaign arm for the caucus, for the 2026 election cycle, Senate Democrats announced Monday.

“We are excited to announce Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will serve as the next DSCC Chair for the 2026 cycle working to build strong campaign infrastructure, hold Republicans accountable, and mobilize voters to win the majority for Senate Democrats!” Senate Democrats posted on X.

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Now former Rep. Marc Molinaro discusses new Congress and his future

BY Tim Williams and Casey Bortnick New York State

Members of the new 119th Congress descended on the nation’s Capitol Friday with Republican majorities in both chambers of Congress and the second term of Donald Trump on the horizon.

While the GOP has the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, it is one of the smallest in congressional history. So what can New Yorkers expect from the new Congress?

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Gillibrand to join Senate Appropriations Committee in new Congress

BY Luke Parsnow New York State

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand announced Thursday she will be joining the Senate Committee on Appropriations in the next Congress, which is set to convene on Friday.

The panel in Washington’s upper chamber oversees federal spending and allocates funding to programs and government agencies.

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Proposed 'SNOW Act' aims to bring federal support after winter storms

BY Kevin Hayes City of Buffalo

From the lake-effect machines that batter Buffalo's Southtowns, the Finger Lakes region, the Southern Tier and the remnants that crash the Capital Region down to the Hudson Valley, we know Mother Nature is nothing to discount.

Rep. Tim Kennedy (NY-26) and others in offices across New York state do too, and come the next legislative session, there could be some meaningful change for preparation and recovery.

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CNY manufacturer cheers House passage of FORKS Made in America Act

BY Justin Velazquez Syracuse

Plates, forks and knives are everyday essentials for all of us, however, most of these items are made abroad. Now, state leaders are pushing for the items to be American made with the FORKS Made in America Act.

It would require the Department of Defense to buy stainless steel flatware and dinnerware from manufacturers in the United States, potentially good news for Sherrill Manufacturing in upstate New York.

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Rep. Molinaro bids farewell to Congress, promises future in public service

BY Luke Parsnow New York State

Republican U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro thanked his constituents and colleagues in his farewell remarks to Congress Wednesday as he exits his role as representative for New York's 19th Congressional District, while also promising to have a future in public service.

“To the people of NY-19: thank you. Thank you for your trust, your support, and your unwavering belief in me. Representing you was never just a job; it was a deeply personal mission,” Molinaro said on the House floor. “Your faith in me inspired every decision I made, every vote I cast and every moment I spent advocating for our shared future. Together, we focused on what truly matters: delivering results for the people and places that make our district extraordinary.”

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Rep. Ocasio-Cortez loses bid to Rep. Jerry Connolly for top Democratic spot on House Oversight Committee

BY Luke Parsnow and Kevin Frey New York State

New York U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has lost her bid to be the top Democrat on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee in the next Congress following a caucus vote that picked Virginia Rep. Jerry Connolly as ranking member instead.

Currently second in line to the ranking member, Ocasio-Cortez made a play for the position since Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, the current ranking member, is seeking to be the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee after New York Rep. Jerry Nadler said earlier this month he would not seek another term in that spot.

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Anti-hunger advocates urge Congress to extend SNAP benefit replacements for EBT skimming victims

BY Sergio Cruel Rochester

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — EBT card skimming has become an issue for families relying on food assistance programs like SNAP. Tens of thousands of users have fallen victim to this crime, with their benefits wiped out without warning. To address this, Congress authorized a temporary provision in late 2022, allowing the replacement of up to two months’ worth of stolen SNAP benefits.

In New York alone, more than 64,000 households have had their stolen benefits restored, providing much-needed relief to families in crisis.

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U.S. agencies should use advanced technology to identify mysterious drones, Schumer says

BY Halena Sepulveda and Associated Press New York State
UPDATED 4:16 PM ET Dec. 15, 2024

After weeks of fear and bewilderment about the drones buzzing over parts of New York and New Jersey, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy better drone-tracking technology to identify and ultimately stop the airborne pests.

The New York Democrat is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy special technology that identifies and tracks drones back to their landing spots, according to briefings from his office.

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Schumer presses to confirm federal judges, as clock ticks down on Dem majority

BY Kevin Frey New York City

One of Donald Trump’s top achievements during his first term as president was confirming federal judges - reshaping the courts with conservative jurists for decades to come.

Now, with just weeks to go before they lose power in Washington following the outcome of the November election, outgoing Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and his Democratic colleagues are rushing to finalize a judicial counterbalance.

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Schumer: CHIPS funding for Micron facility upstate 'now secured'

BY Spectrum News Staff Central NY
UPDATED 9:14 AM ET Dec. 10, 2024

Micron and the federal government have sealed the deal on the funding agreement on their future plant outside Syracuse.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's office confirmed Tuesday that the up-to-$6.1 billion in CHIPS & Science Law funding for Micron to build a new facility upstate is finalized and secured. This locks in the funding for the massive new chip fabrication facility being built in Clay.

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Rep. Ocasio-Cortez to seek top Democratic spot on House Oversight Committee

BY Luke Parsnow and Kevin Frey New York State

New York U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says she will seek the top Democratic spot on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee in the next Congress, according to a letter she sent to colleagues on Friday.

Currently second in line to the ranking member, Ocasio-Cortez is bidding for the position since Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, the current ranking member, is seeking to be the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee after New York Rep. Jerry Nadler said earlier this week he would not seek another term in that spot.

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In letter, N.Y. House Republicans urge Hochul to reconsider opposition to Northern Access Pipeline

BY Luke Parsnow Western New York

Several New York and Pennsylvania House Republicans, led by Rep. Nick Langworthy, called on Gov. Kathy Hochul to end opposition to a proposed natural gas pipeline that would’ve run through parts of the Southern Tier and Western New York, according to a letter they sent Thursday.

Known as the Northern Access Pipeline, National Fuel Gas Co. proposed a decade ago to build a two-foot wide, 96-mile pipeline that would run through parts of Allegany, Cattaraugus and Erie counties, as well as one county in Pennsylvania, and carry natural gas to a variety of places in North America.

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Gillibrand seeks to bolster nutritional programs for older Americans

BY Spencer Conlin Albany

Food prices are high and older Americans are struggling to fill their pantries. But there are efforts in Washington, D.C., to help curb the trend.

It's called the Older Americans Act, which includes a nutrition program that provides millions of affordable meals to older adults. It’s no secret, the number of Americans older than the age of 65 is growing, and right now, 1 in every 4 of them are skimping on basic needs like food.

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Rep. Jerry Nadler to step down as top Democrat on House Judiciary Committee

BY Luke Parsnow and Kevin Frey New York State

U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler, of New York, will relinquish his role as the top Democrat on the powerful House Judiciary Committee in the next Congress, according to a letter to colleagues on Wednesday.

Nadler has been the party’s top member of the committee for seven years, as chairman from 2019 to 2022 and ranking member since then.

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Rep. Anthony D'Esposito vying to be Trump's nominee to lead DEA after losing reelection

BY Luke Parsnow and Kevin Frey New York State

Outgoing U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito is lobbying to be President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Drug Enforcement Agency administrator after he narrowly lost his reelection bid in November, members of his team told Spectrum News 1 Wednesday.

The Long Island Republican congressman’s endeavor after leaving the House of Representatives was first reported by Axios. Trump’s first pick to run the DEA, Hillsborough County, Florida Sheriff Chad Chronister, withdrew his name from consideration Wednesday.

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House Democrats, GOP agree Cuomo was not transparent about N.Y. nursing home death count

BY Bernadette Hogan New York City

Congressional Democrats Tuesday scolded Andrew Cuomo, saying the former governor and his top aides were less than candid about the number of nursing home deaths in the state during the pandemic.

While most Democrats generally agree with the former governor that President-elect Donald Trump botched the country’s COVID-19 response, those House Democrats investigating the pandemic don’t have Cuomo’s back when it comes to his defense of how he tabulated nursing home deaths.

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Nadler faces challenge for top Judiciary Committee job, as potential leadership shuffle could open door for another high-profile New Yorker

BY Kevin Frey Washington, D.C.

The dean of New York’s delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Jerry Nadler, is fighting a movement to replace him as the top Democrat on the powerful Judiciary Committee.

If Nadler is ousted, it could open the door for another notable New York Democrat, Bronx Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, to land a high-profile role in the new Congress.

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Schumer to continue leading Senate Democrats as the party returns to the minority

BY Luke Parsnow New York State

U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer has been reelected as leader of the Senate Democrats and will continue leading the caucus as it shifts back to the minority with Donald Trump once again in the White House.

“I am honored and humbled to be chosen by my colleagues to continue leading Senate Democrats during this crucial period for our country. Our caucus has led the way in passing historic legislation that has improved the lives of millions of Americans and we remain laser focused on addressing the most pressing challenges facing our country,” Schumer said Tuesday in a post on X. “As I have long said, our preference is to secure bipartisan solutions wherever possible and look for ways to collaborate with our Republican colleagues to help working families. However, our Republican colleagues should make no mistake about it, we will always stand up for our values.”

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Staffer for Rep. Joe Morelle charged with carrying ammunition at U.S. Capitol

BY Luke Parsnow New York State
UPDATED 4:13 PM ET Dec. 02, 2024

A staffer for U.S. Rep. Joe Morelle was charged by the U.S. Capitol Police for carrying unlawful ammunition on Capitol grounds, authorities said Monday morning. The staffer has since lost his job.

Capitol Police said in a statement that Michael Hopkins, 38, entered the Cannon House Office building and put his bag through screening, where authorities detected what appeared to be ammunition on the X-ray screen.

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Schumer pushing extension to avoid 'telehealth cliff' as coverage expires Dec. 31

BY Jack Arpey New York State

In his final weeks as Senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer is making it a priority to stave off the end of Medicare coverage for telehealth and related services, set to expire at the end of the year.

“They won’t do it anymore, and that means if you want telehealth, you have to pay it out of your own pocket, or the hospital has to pay for it,” he said of the looming deadline known as the “telehealth cliff.”

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Trump transition team says Cabinet nominees targeted with bomb threats, swatting

BY Susan Carpenter Nationwide
UPDATED 12:09 PM PT Nov. 27, 2024

The transition team for Donald Trump said Wednesday that several of the president-elect's appointees, including Cabinet nominees, were targeted with bomb threats and swatting Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Calling the threats “violent” and “unAmerican,” Trump-Vance transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt did not say which, or how many, officials had been targeted but said law enforcement acted quickly to ensure their safety.

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