NY-22 Minute: Brindisi on Aggriculture & Veteran's Affairs Committees; First Telephone Townhall Tonight By Luke Perry
Anthony Brindisi was assigned to the House Agriculture Committee and the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. NY-22 is a predominately rural district where the dairy industry provides 4,000 jobs and $235 million in wages for a $1.83 billion economic impact. There are approximately 46,000 veterans in NY-22, home to three VA outpatient clinics, located in Binghamton, Rome, and Bainbridge.
Previous representative Claudia Tenney (2017-18) served on the Financial Services Committee. Richard Hanna (2011-16) served on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the Small Business Committee, the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Education and Workforce Committee. Michael Arcuri (2007-10), the last House Democrat to represent the area, was also on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, as well as the Rules Committee.
“I am excited to begin my work on the House Agriculture Committee and deliver results for our farmers, producers, rural communities, and hardworking families. I will work across the aisle to make sure our local farmers have the support they need to get a fair price for their goods, succeed financially, and make an honest living.”
Brindisi did not discuss his preferred committees beforehand, though previously noted the importance of infrastructure and agriculture when discussing potential assignments. Upstate representatives, such as John Faso (NY-19) and Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), recently held these dual committee posts.
Politico reported the New York House delegation was displeased that Brindisi “was blocked from the Armed Services Committee” and suggested Brindisi’s opposition to Nancy Pelosi for Speaker was in part to blame. Brindisi stated that the Armed Services Committee was one of five committees he indicated interest in and that he requested to meet privately with Pelosi after the decision.
Brindisi, who does not have any foreign policy or defense-related experience, believed the position would be helpful in advocating for DFAS in Rome, who employs approximately 1,000 civilians in NY-22. Brindisi said the situation was “getting blown out of proportion,” because the Armed Services Committee is “very competitive” and Democrats “have so many freshmen who have a military background.”
“These brave men and women put their lives on the line to defend our country and they must come home to grateful nation. I will work every single day to meet the needs of our veterans and ensure the VA has the tools and resources it needs to give veterans the best possible care. If the VA falls short of this standard, I’m committed to holding them accountable to make sure veterans are being put first and that each and every one has access to the high-quality care he or she needs.”
Brindisi is developing a Veterans Advisory Council and Agriculture Advisory Council comprised of constituents. People interested in participating can contact Brindisi’s office prior to February 1. Ben Simons, from the Oneida County Farm Bureau, said that “having a direct voice from the farmers to the committee is very, very important.”
Brindisi is holding his first telephone town hall this evening at 7:35pm. People can participate by calling 855-614-0159. Brindisi’s first in-person town hall will be January 26 in Binghamton (American Legion Post 1645 at 39 Louisa Street).
Luke Perry (@PolSciLukePerry) is Chair and Professor of Government at Utica College
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