Veterans

Introduced the bipartisan Next Mission Act, a bill to help service members and military spouses access job training, career support, and employment services. Inspired by Syracuse University's Institute for Veterans and Military Families 'Onward to Opportunity' program.  

Introduced the bipartisan End Transcript Withholding for Veterans Act, a bill that prevents colleges from unfairly withholding transcripts from veterans as a debt collection tactic.  

• Passed in subcommittee in May 2026.  

Successfully pushed back against VA's proposed rule that would have cut disability benefits for thousands of veterans with service-connected disabilities.  

Cosponsored the bipartisan Major Richard Star Act to allow veterans with combat injuries to receive their full retirement pay and disability compensation without offset; also signed on to the discharge petition that would make sure this bill receives a House vote. 

Cosponsored the bipartisan Caring for Survivors Act to increase compensation for survivors of military service members who died in the line of duty or as a result of service-related injury or disease. 

Cosponsored the bipartisan GUARD VA Benefits Act to penalize "claim sharks" who charge unauthorized fees to veterans when filing a claim for VA disability benefits. 

Created a Veterans Advisory Committee made up of local NY-22 veterans to meet quarterly and discuss how to best meet veterans' needs.  

Presented Utica resident Frank J. Filippelli, Jr. with the Purple Heart and Bronze Star he earned for his service in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. 

Presented Liverpool resident Sergeant First Class Joe Pounder with the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, an Air Medal, and the other honors he earned for more than a decade in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. 

Presented the Clinton-based Abounader family with their father's medals from WWII.