Rep. Paul Tonko

So much of a child’s life is shaped by his or her first years. Today, I was joined by advocates to speak against the Trump administration’s efforts to erase Head Start and rip away early learning and child development services from our kids and families.

Even amid this administration’s attacks on our democracy, your vote still matters – and I’m committed to doing everything in my power to protect your right to vote and ensure you have the information you need to exercise it. Read more here: tonko.house.gov/news/email/s...

When my Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act became law, it removed red tape blocking coverage to lifesaving addiction medication. Had a great conversation with advocates & community members in Sullivan County on how to fully realize the dream of that law and open the doors of access for all.

While Americans struggle to navigate the affordability crisis caused by the Trump administration’s disastrous economic policies, Trump and his cronies are focused only on enriching themselves and protecting their own wealth. Read more here: tonko.house.gov/news/email/s...

Joined my colleagues in New York to hear from voting rights experts on the Trump administration's attempts to interfere with our elections. They made clear that our democracy is not a spectator sport. We all play a role in keeping our elections free and fair for every citizen.

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.

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.

There have been promising advancements in Alzheimer's diagnoses & treatments in recent years. But that progress will mean little if patients can't access or afford them. I joined my colleague Rep. Buchanan to author legislation that ensures access to screening tests that diagnose this disease early.

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: tonko.house.gov/news/email/s...

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.

Great to be at Hudson Valley Community College with @reprileyny.bsky.social yesterday to speak with the Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce and to stop by HVCC’s Career Jam event!

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: tonko.house.gov/news/email/s...

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:

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. tonko.house.gov/news/email/s...

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.

I’m ready to get back to work, Speaker Johnson. Are you?

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.

I’m proud to announce that the 2026 NY20 Congressional App Challenge is now open! The Challenge is open to middle and high school students in NY-20 with all levels of coding experience. If you or someone you know is interested, click below to learn more! #Congress4CS tonko.house.gov/constituent-...

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: tonko.house.gov/news/email/s...

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.

Investing in people & 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 Sen. Heinrich, Rep. Budzinski, and many labor & environmental groups pushing for this bill.

Congress shouldn’t go home until we rein in AI. We can’t afford to wait for a disaster caused by AI before we do something. Trump, House 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.

Tick season is getting worse each year, & with it, tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. Congress just took action to address this threat by passing the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act, legislation I co-led in the House that funds research & protects public health against tick-borne diseases.

Tonight, landmarks across the world will glow green for International Myotonic Dystrophy Awareness Day. Myotonic dystrophy is the most common form of adult-onset muscular dystrophy, and I’ve been proud to support the UAlbany RNA Institute’s efforts to develop treatments.

Trump's illegal attempt to restrict mail-in-voting FAILED. While this administration continues to attack the fundamental right to vote, it is more important than ever to make your voice heard in our elections.

Across our Capital Region, communities are stepping up to support each other in challenging times – from expanding mental health services and improving access to care to honoring the spirit of service that brings us together. Read more here: tonko.house.gov/news/email/s...

Today, I visited the American Red Cross’s 9/11 Day of Remembrance Blood Drive at Albany Capital Center, where I joined many members of our community who lined up to donate blood in commemoration of the lives we lost and the heroes who served on that tragic day 25 years ago.

Rather than advertising this fake plan that would blow an even bigger hole in the deficit, Trump could end his war with Iran and invest in social safety net programs like Medicaid & SNAP. But he won't—because he would rather line his own pockets than anyone else's.

This Labor Day, we express our gratitude for the working men and women who drive our nation forward. We celebrate the achievements of the labor movement and the resilience of workers everywhere. Happy Labor Day!

This Labor Day weekend, as we honor the contributions of the hardworking people who keep our country moving every day, we must also commit to taking action to better the lives of the millions of workers struggling under the weight of Trump’s policies. Read more: tonko.house.gov/news/email/s...

Science is under attack from this administration & a proposal changing how researchers receive funding would further erode public science. I'm calling for the National Science Foundation to reverse this plan to ensure we don't lose a generation of researchers & the discoveries they could make.

We're now 6 months into Trump's war with Iran that he claimed would last 6 weeks. While the president rakes in millions from oil stocks—Americans are paying hundreds more for gas, groceries & other necessities. Enough. Taxpayer dollars need to go towards lowering costs, not endless foreign wars.

Great to be in Watervliet last night to speak with residents about their concerns with the rising cost of living here in our region and beyond. The stories I heard will fill my voice as I return to Washington to fight for Democrats’ agenda to build an America families can afford.