Paul Tonko

While Trump continues to blame everyone but himself for rising prices, American families continue to struggle under the costs of his reckless tariffs and war of choice with Iran. https://t.co/4oAJUtpubL

The raid on Congresswoman Omar’s home—just weeks before the election—is an absurd abuse of power. Once again, Trump is weaponizing the federal government to target and intimidate political opponents. I stand with @Ilhan. https://t.co/u8GiE3QWX2

There have been many promising advancements in Alzheimer's diagnoses and treatments in recent years. But that progress will mean little if patients cannot access or afford them. I joined my colleague @VernBuchanan to push for legislation that ensures access to screening tests that diagnose this disease early. Read more in our op-ed in @thehill: https://t.co/GtMopCfP9L

I’ve fought for years to improve access to mental health and addiction treatment – and I’ve seen what happens when we fail to provide help. That’s why I’m leading the charge in Congress to tackle the rise of problem gambling in America. Read more here: https://t.co/USwLO7VdKH

Livestreaming executions is what dictatorships and terrorist groups do. It has no place in America. Secretary Hegseth and the Pentagon must reverse this grotesque decision at once. https://t.co/AEV0R5X0hA

Great to be at @HudsonValleyCC with @RepRileyNY yesterday to speak with the Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce and to stop by HVCC’s Career Jam event! https://t.co/X07Clz9RcS

Today marks three years since the horrific act of terrorism against Israel, that left 1,200 Israelis killed and hundreds captured in the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. As we reckon with that devastating loss, and the unacceptable rise of antisemitism across our nation and world, we also grieve the ongoing pain and suffering being felt in Gaza, Israel, and the West Bank. Further conflict, violence, and hate will not achieve peace. As we honor those lost today, we must continue to push for an end to this war and a resolution that centers the safety, freedom, and humanity of both Israelis and Palestinians.

Republicans’ latest cuts to SNAP are making life even harder for American families already struggling with rising grocery costs. Read my latest newsletter to learn more about these cuts and what I’m doing to stop them: https://t.co/sWynu0eR44

Proud to be part of the successful push to restore this lifesaving support line! So grateful to all who joined us in this effort to ensure our LGBTQ+ youth have the resources they need and deserve.

Trump: “We have the BEST FINANCIAL NUMBERS EVER” Meanwhile, gas and diesel prices: https://t.co/QfZbiLIH7i

When we return to Washington, Congress must be armed with a plan of action to meaningfully respond to this cost-of-living crisis and to deliver for the American people. Read my latest newsletter for more on my push to do just that. https://t.co/PtOmLKYlKb

New Yorkers are being forced to pay over $5,500 more for necessities since Trump took office. From cutting massively to Medicaid, to imposing reckless tariffs, to a 7 month war with Iran—Trump's actions are making life harder and more expensive for Americans. https://t.co/2QemC9LSPr

I’m ready to get back to work, @SpeakerJohnson. Are you? https://t.co/9zXxalmI0d

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I’m proud to announce that the 2026 NY20 Congressional App Challenge is now open! The Challenge is open to middle & high school students with all levels of coding experience. If you or someone you know is interested, click below to learn more! #Congress4CS https://t.co/PjNj0pwYTZ https://t.co/paKp2xIkrD

🥞 A great morning at the Visher County FD this past weekend! It was wonderful to join our local firefighters, volunteers, and community members for some good food and even better conversation. #CommunityStrong #VolunteerFirefighters #CapitalRegion #PaulTonko https://t.co/rJ7AM6rlu7

Our volunteer firefighters give so much of their time to keep their neighbors safe, and events like this are a great reminder of the strong community spirit that makes the Capital Region special. Thank you for all that you do! 🚒🥞

My visit to ICE's detention center in Batavia last month left me with more questions than answers about the treatment of detainees & operations. That's why I sent a letter to ICE and facility leadership demanding information, transparency, and a halt to the recently announced center expansion.

WASHINGTON, DC — In a follow-up to his August visit to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia, U.S. Congressman Paul D. Tonko today is demanding answers and transparency on facility operations, namely on the facility expansion announced earlier this year. The first letter — sent to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, as well as the Acting Director for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Acting Field Director for the Buffalo facility — requests answers on facility practices as well as the planned construction of the new 100-bed facility. The second letter — sent to Akima Infrastructure Protection, LLC, the construction company that received the federal contract for overseeing the facility expansion — asks for details on the construction and other information. Federal records show that ICE awarded the contract for construction just one day after public notice, a clear violation of the statutorily required minimum of 15 days of public notice for federal contracts. “In July 2026, ICE announced that it would be constructing a 100-bed facility to expand the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility,” the first letter reads. “ICE intends to use taxpayer dollars for this expansion and says that it will operate “in accordance with applicable National Detention Standards,” yet ICE has failed to answer basic questions about what this expansion might look like, estimated construction timelines, and who would be housed in such an expansion. During my visit to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility, I followed up for further detail on these questions and was extremely disappointed by the lack of transparency and detail in the responses I received.” The letter continues, “This expansion is especially concerning given the conditions that have been alleged by current and former detainees, including many of my constituents, at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility. Detainees have alleged overcrowding, issues with accessing medical care in a timely fashion, and excessive use of solitary confinement as punishment.” “As an agency, your practices and standards, as well as the behavior and actions of your employees, have been appalling. For the safety of our communities and my constituents, I demand that you take immediate action to correct the horrific and dehumanizing behavior that your employees have exhibited and pause the plans for this expansion.” The full letter to Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Acting Director Venturella, and Acting Director Kurzdorfer can be read HERE and below. The letter to Akima Infrastructure Protection President, Laura Mitchell can be read HERE. Dear Secretary Mullin, Acting Director Venturella, and Acting Director Kurzdorfer: I am writing today to follow up after my visit to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia, New York, on August 3, 2026. My visit to this facility came amid increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and arrests in New York’s Capital Region, as well as across the country, and after I was illegally denied entry to this same facility in August 2025. In July 2026, ICE announced that it would be constructing a 100-bed facility to expand the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility. ICE intends to use taxpayer dollars for this expansion and says that it will operate “in accordance with applicable National Detention Standards,” yet ICE has failed to answer basic questions about what this expansion might look like, estimated construction timelines, and who would be housed in such an expansion. During my visit to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility, I followed up for further detail on these questions and was extremely disappointed by the lack of transparency and detail in the responses I received. Now, federal records show that after just a single day of public notice, ICE awarded a contract for the construction and operation of the expansion of this facility, a decision that was made in clear violation of the statutorily required minimum of 15 days of public notice for federal contracts. I am following up to demand proper and substantive responses to my questions below and requesting that you send my office all records related to the decision to construct the facility, including official memos, cost estimates, and communications with any contractors. 1. What is the full construction timeline for this expansion? 2. Have you completed the environmental review for this planned expansion? 3. What does “hard-sided” mean? Will these structures be able to safely house detainees during a Buffalo winter? If yes, provide relevant data to back this assertion. Does the facility have an emergency winterization plan? 4. Will the facility be for temporary or permanent lodging of detained individuals? What is the expected sleeping arrangement? Will detainees be provided individual sleeping quarters? Will the bathrooms in the facility have running water? Will this facility be equipped with air conditioning and heating? 5. Does ICE plan to detain any women or children at the new facility? Do you expect to detain members of the same family at this facility? Do you expect that individuals detained in this facility will interact with individuals detained in the main facility? 6. Please provide all information that allowed you to make the determination that “only Akima Infrastructure Protection, LLC can meet the requirement in the required timeframe without unacceptable risk to ERO operations.” Are the costs of the construction and operation of this expansion included in Akima Infrastructure Protection, LLC’s existing contract with ICE? Will you be hiring additional staff for this facility? Will prior contracts for the original facility, including those for security, health, and food preparation, be in force for this new facility? 7. What does your organization determine to be an “unacceptable risk to ERO operations?” Please provide all relevant materials that led you to make this determination. This expansion is especially concerning given the conditions that have been alleged by current and former detainees, including many of my constituents, at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility. Detainees have alleged overcrowding, issues with accessing medical care in a timely fashion, and excessive use of solitary confinement as punishment. My own constituents have also alleged overcrowding at this facility, including being forced to sleep on the floor, and during my visit I witnessed staff wheeling additional cots inside the facility. I was also particularly struck that you were shackling a detainee at the wrists and ankles even though he was designated as a non-criminal and non-violent detainee, and upon further inquiry was told that this behavior was standard practice for detainees when leaving the facility. This is deeply disturbing and dehumanizing behavior, and I am angered that it is taking place under the federal government’s watch. 8. How often has solitary confinement been utilized at this facility? Please provide the documented reasons for and length of each placement, including whether an individual’s classification (non-criminal, criminal/non-violent, violent). 9. Your most recent publicly available data shows that you are detaining 699 people in the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility, which is over your 650-bed capacity. However, your publicly shared data has not been updated in months. How many people are currently detained in Batavia? Do you track the daily population of this facility? How many times in the past six months has this facility been over capacity? How many individuals are sleeping on cots on any given night? Are individuals ever forced to sleep on the floor? Please provide all data for the population of this facility during fiscal year 2026. 10. Do you ever move large numbers of detainees in and out of the facility at a time? Did you move more than 100 detainees out of the facility in advance of my visit? If so, where were those 100 detainees moved during my visit? 11. During fiscal years 2024 and 2025, detention statistics for this facility were updated approximately 22 times. As of September 4, 2026, they have been updated approximately 8 times in fiscal year 2026. Why have these numbers not been updated more regularly over the past fiscal year? 12. Is it standard practice to shackle non-criminal, non-violent detainees at the wrists and ankles when they are leaving the facility? Please provide the relevant statute that directs this behavior. As an agency, your practices and standards, as well as the behavior and actions of your employees, have been appalling. For the safety of our communities and my constituents, I demand that you take immediate action to correct the horrific and dehumanizing behavior that your employees have exhibited and pause the plans for this expansion. Your agency is operating with little regard for human life and dignity, and you have repeatedly refused to cooperate with lawful Congressional oversight. As an agency, you report that at least 22 people have died while detained in facilities across the United States this year, which is an unprecedented and horrifying increase. At the same time, my colleagues and I have serious concerns regarding the reliability and accuracy of your data on deaths in custody. Your recent actions, coupled with my visit to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility have raised serious questions, and I demand that you respond with the transparency the American people require before September 30, 2026. Sincerely, Paul D. Tonko

While Republicans sent us home early from Washington claiming a job well done, countless Americans continue to struggle with rising costs. I’ll keep fighting to address the affordability crisis, including taking action to lower energy costs. Read more here: https://t.co/aEBrST4Isv

Access to safe, clean drinking water is a necessity, not a luxury. Yet, EPA is considering rolling back more safety standards that protect people from cancer-causing PFAS, known as ‘forever chemicals.’ It's shameful. I stood with advocates to fight this move and protect our drinking water.

WASHINGTON, DC — Representatives Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and Jen Kiggans (VA-2) announced the introduction of a bipartisan resolution designating September 20th as “Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day” and recognizing the need to reduce mental health stigma and improve access to mental health services. Across the United States, nearly 800,000 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians provide essential care and medication services to patients across community pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. The pharmacy workforce experiences significant levels of occupational fatigue given systemic staffing shortages, administrative hurdles, and workplace threats and violence. Suicide rates amongst pharmacists are 20 per 100,000, which is greater than the general population of 12 per 100,000. “Our pharmacists work hard each day to ensure we are delivered the treatment and care we need,” Congressman Tonko said. “They deserve to have their needs met, and that must include addressing any mental health challenges they may experience. I’m proud to be joined by Congresswoman Kiggans to designate September 20th National Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day. I’ll keep pushing to ensure our healthcare workforce receives the same support, dedication, and compassion that they provide to their patients.” “The men and women working in the healthcare space are tasked with long and trying schedules, and pharmacists are no exception. As a geriatric nurse practitioner, I understand how important it is to ensure healthcare professionals have the mental and emotional support they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Rep. Kiggans. With over 30% of the pharmacy workforce experiencing significant levels of distress leading to depression, anxiety, and fatigue, I’m proud to join Congressman Tonko in recognizing September 20th as National Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day. Our pharmacists dedicate their careers to helping others and we have a responsibility to make sure they have the resources they need to care for themselves.” “APhA is deeply grateful to Reps. Tonko and Kiggans for introducing this resolution and elevating the mental health and well-being of the pharmacy workforce,” said Michael Hogue, PharmD, FAPhA, FNAP, FFIP, executive vice president and CEO of APhA. “Every death by suicide is a heartbreaking loss to families, colleagues, patients, and our profession. This resolution challenges all of us to look more broadly at the conditions contributing to burnout, psychological distress, and isolation. APhA is committed to working with congress and our partners across pharmacy to create environments where pharmacists and pharmacy professionals feel supported and can thrive.” "We are grateful for the leadership of Reps. Tonko and Kiggans for introducing this resolution. Today marks an important step in broadening awareness of the mental health needs and prevalence of death by suicide within our profession. ASHP is proud to partner with members of Congress and other pharmacy organizations in prioritizing the well-being of our workforce,” said Samuel V. Calabrese, MBA, RPh, CPEL, FASHP, Executive Vice President and CEO of ASHP The bill is endorsed by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) & American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Representatives Hayley Stevens (MI-11), Buddy Carter (GA-1), Jonathan Jackson (IL-1), Diana Harshbarger (TN-1), Seth Moulton (MA-6), and Don Bacon (NE-2) joined the Congressman as original cosponsors.

Investing in people and workers always pays off. That’s why I introduced the Good Energy Jobs Act this week, a bill that establishes strong labor standards & drives community development. Proud to be joined by @SenatorHeinrich , @RepNikkiB, and many labor & environmental groups pushing for this bill.

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Ranking Member of the Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, introduced several new bills that would help address the cost-of-living crisis for American households by delivering urgently-needed utility bill relief and establishing a comprehensive energy affordability agenda. The legislation authored by Tonko includes: The End Energy Hardship Act: establishes a federal program to fund forgiveness of residential customer utility debt. Roughly 1 in 6 households are behind on their energy bills, and 14 million Americans have utility debt so severe that it has been or will soon be sent to collections. To qualify for funding, utilities must adopt a program to cap eligible customers’ bills at no more than 6% of each household’s income for at least 60 consecutive months. Capping utility bills at a set percentage of income provides customers with predictable and more affordable bills each month and prevents arrears from accumulating. The legislation would also provide federal funding to help offset the potential ratepayer impacts of administering these percentage of income payment programs. The Data Center Fairness Fee Act: requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to impose a charge on the owners of data centers based on electricity consumption. The revenues raised would be made available to State and Tribal Governments to fund energy affordability programs, such as LIHEAP, and electric grid upgrades to benefit residential utility customers. The State Energy Oversight Act: creates a Department of Energy (DOE) program to provide financial and technical assistance to state public utility commissions, which are responsible for overseeing utility rates, to support staffing, modeling, analysis, and other activities to increase commission capacity and improve public participation in proceedings. The bill would authorize $50 million for each of Fiscal Years 2027 through 2031 to be allocated to states through a DOE-determined formula. The Regional Energy Hubs Act: authorizes the DOE to fund state governments to establish regional energy hubs across the nation that help residents navigate and access energy efficiency incentives and affordability programs. This proposal is modeled after the success of programs like New York’s Capital Region Clean Energy Hub and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Cooperative Extension System. “There’s a lot of talk in Washington about skyrocketing energy costs; but the American people don’t want more discussion about rising utility bills — they need action,” Congressman Tonko said. “This slate of legislation I’m introducing responds to that need with near-term utility bill relief that provides tangible savings for consumers and puts us on a path to a more affordable energy system. When it comes to lowering energy costs, there’s no time to waste. I urge my colleagues in Congress to support this legislation that will deliver relief for countless Americans struggling to pay their energy bills.” Since President Trump took office, household electric bills have gone up on average 18% nationally, with estimates expecting that number to continue to rise. Tens of millions of U.S. households have reported difficulty paying their energy bills, often reducing or forgoing food or medicine to keep the lights and heat on. These latest bills build upon Congressman Tonko’s track record as a leader in the national energy affordability policy conversation. Tonko is a long-time champion of existing federal energy affordability programs, including the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). He is the author of H.R. 1355, the bipartisan Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act, which would reauthorize and strengthen WAP. Additional details, including supporting organizations, bill text, and section-by-section summaries on each of Tonko’s bills can be found below. H.R.10466: The End Energy Hardship Act Bill text Section-by-section summary This bill is supported by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) and the American Economic Liberties Project (AELP). Alexander Ratner, senior federal policy counsel at the American Council for an Energy-Efficiency Economy, said “No one should have to choose between paying an energy bill and buying groceries. Rep. Tonko’s bill would help wipe out utility payment debts and put stronger protections in place so bills stay affordable. This is a smart way to give families relief today and more stability tomorrow.” "It is absolutely unacceptable that American families are having to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table because of how unaffordable essential utility services have become in our for-profit monopoly utility system," said Marissa P. Gillett, Senior Fellow at the American Economic Liberties Project and former Chairman of the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. "Rep. Tonko's bill is an important first step in delivering real relief from skyrocketing utility bills. We look forward to continuing working with him and others in the fight for structural change that addresses the roots of the affordability crisis, including excess utility profit." H.R.10467: The Data Center Fairness Fee Act Bill text Section-by-section summary H.R.10468: The State Energy Oversight Act Bill text Section-by-section summary This bill is supported by Evergreen Action, the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), and the Future of Heat Initiative. “At a time when Americans are paying historically high energy costs, the State Energy Oversight Act will help ease their burden by giving states the resources and funding they need to hold utilities accountable for the rates they charge, while putting consumers first,” said Evergreen Action Federal Affairs Director Dani Hupper. “Keeping the lights on at home should not come at the expense of paying for other basic needs. Families deserve affordable energy and a government that will stand up to the utility companies profiting off of them.” “State public utility commissions are the peoples’ best defense against skyrocketing bills and exploding data center energy use. Unfortunately these commissions are outdated, underfunded, and understaffed, and families and businesses are paying the price. This bill would strengthen states’ affordability arsenal through much-needed funding and technical support for commissions,” said Arjun Krishnaswami, FAS Senior Advisor. “Utilities come to rate cases with teams of lawyers and expert witnesses. State regulators often have a few staff and a mountain of filings. When they don’t have the capacity to scrutinize a spending request, families absorb the difference on their energy bills. The State Energy Oversight Act gives regulators the support they need and it gives consumer advocates a real seat at the table. We’re glad to support it,” said Jamie Van Nostrand, Policy Director, The Future of Heat Initiative, and former Chair of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. H.R.10469: The Regional Energy Hubs Act Bill text Section-by-section summary This bill is supported by the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO).

Congress should not go home until we rein in AI. We can’t afford to wait for a disaster caused by AI before we do something. Trump, Speaker Johnson, and Republican leadership can’t just bury their heads in the sand and ignore this issue as a so-called ‘hoax.’ We need action now. https://t.co/dHpDXSiWxi