Press Releases
Ways & Means Committee Begins Process of Approving Components of the COVID Relief Package
Unemployment Extension & Expansion Among Measures Approved
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced that the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee has begun its work on the American Rescue Plan, passing several components of the COVID disaster relief package in committee.
State & Local Aid Formula Estimates $324 Million for Buffalo, $55 Million for Niagara Falls
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced Erie and Niagara Counties will receive over $792 million in estimated federal disaster relief under the American Rescue Plan. The newly released data is provided by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, which is overseeing the state and local aid component of the bill.
White House Targeting Some Federal Health Centers As Distribution Sites
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is pushing for Western New York Federally Qualified Health Centers to receive a direct allocation of the COVID-19 vaccine from the federal government.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the passage of H.R. 447, the National Apprenticeship Act. The bill invests more than $3.5 billion over the next 5 years to expand Registered Apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeships, creating nearly one million new apprentice opportunities nationwide.
SAFER Grant Applications Due March 12
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant application period is now open with a deadline of March 12, 2021 at 5:00pm.
Congressman Says Regulations Related to Applying for Restaurant Relief Should Ensure Smaller Businesses Aren’t Left Behind
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is pushing to ensure restaurant assistance in the next COVID disaster relief package doesn’t leave smaller, neighborhood restaurants behind.
Assists Providers, Like Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, with Grants to Set up Necessary Registry
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) introduced legislation aimed at increasing access to lung cancer screening by providing grants that support the establishment and maintenance of new lung cancer screening registries.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced approval in the House of Representatives of the 2021 Budget Resolution, the first step in passing President Biden’s American Rescue Plan.
Assignments Include Subcommittees on Social Security, Health & Trade
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) has been reappointed to serve on the House Budget Committee and the House Committee on Ways and Means including its subcommittees on Social Security, Health, and Trade.
First Social Security Payment Issued on January 31, 1940
On January 31, 1940, Ida May Fuller became the first person to receive a Social Security payment following enactment of the Social Security Act. As we mark the 81st anniversary of the first check, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is sharing answers to some of the questions that frequently come into his office and committing to continuing to f