Press Releases
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced House approval of H.R. 1620, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021. The bill reauthorizes the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which expired in 2019, ensuring continued protections and access to essential services for victims of domestic violence and abuse.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the House passage of H.J. Res. 17, which clears the path for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. The vote comes during Women’s History Month and just days after International Women’s Day. Higgins is a cosponsor of the resolution.
American Rescue Plan Funding Will Help Keep Students Learning & Safe in Classrooms
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced school districts in Erie and Niagara Counties will receive over $391 million in funding provided through the American Rescue Plan recently approved by Congress and signed into law by the President.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced House approval of H.R. 1620, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021. The bill reauthorizes the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which expired in 2019, ensuring continued protections and access to essential services for victims of domestic violence and abuse.
Announcement heeds members’ calls for taxpayer flexibility
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Reps. Brian Higgins (D-NY-26), a member of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, and Bill Pascrell, Jr.
Federal Relief Provided in the American Rescue Plan
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced colleges, universities and institutions of higher education in Erie and Niagara Counties can expect to receive approximately $172.7 million in federal funding through the American Rescue Plan, with the requirement that at least half of the funding is dedicated directly to students.
“Over the past several weeks we have heard the stories of strong and brave women. I previously issued a statement supporting ongoing, independent investigations into early accusations, but given continuing new accounts, it is clearly time for the Governor to resign.
“This a challenging time for New York. There is too much important work to be done. We need to move forward.”
Federal Government Lays Out Plan to Bring Nation Closer to Normal
Congressman Brian Higgins released the following statement in response to President Biden’s address to the nation and new federal plans to fight the pandemic.
Legislation Closes Gun Background Check Loopholes
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the House of Representatives has approved H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021, and H.R. 1446, the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021. The legislation, both cosponsored by Higgins, would close background check loopholes in federal law.
NEW YORK (March 11, 2021) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH) of Buffalo is one of 18 organizations to receive a total of $3.3 million in grants for environmental job training programs across the country.


