Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle - Representing the 25th Congressional District of New York

Buerkle Statement on Fiscal Cliff Legislation

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 05:36:19 +0000

Washington, DC – Representative Buerkle (NY-25) released the following statement regarding her opposition to HR 8:

“Our country does not have a taxing problem, we have a spending problem. This legislation, while containing some commendable tax relief provisions, fails to address our nation’s spending and debt crisis. I could not in good conscience vote for a bill that raises taxes and does not cut spending. Our nation must develop true tax reform, stop wasteful government spending, and implement a pro-growth economic agenda. It is unconscionable to pass this debt off to the next generation. It must be dealt with now.

Note: Due to an electronic error, Representative Buerkle was recorded as “not voting” in the final counted vote tally. However, Buerkle did record her “no” vote on the legislation for the Congressional Record.

Happy Holidays

Tue, 25 Dec 2012 17:09:37 +0000

December 25, 2012

Dear Friend,

Today, as we celebrate Christmas with our loved ones, I want to tell you what a great honor it is to serve the people of New York’s 25th Congressional District. It is a privilege I am sincerely thankful for.

As we celebrate this holiday season with our family and friends, please remember the men and women who serve our nation. Thousands of our soldiers will spend their holiday in a war zone, away from their families. It is because of their courage and bravery that we are able to enjoy our freedoms and this joyous holiday season. We are a grateful nation and thank them for their service.

I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday and a happy new year. As we face a new year, filled with many challenges, let us remember we live in the greatest country in history. We must remain faithful to the values that make this nation great.

May God bless you all during this holiday season. May God bless our military and our veterans and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year!

Legislation Honoring Cpl. Kyle Schneider Passed by Senate

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 15:54:41 +0000

Washington, DC – The U.S. Senate passed S.3435, which would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 26 East Genesee Street in Baldwinsville, New York, as the "Corporal Kyle Schneider Post Office Building." Representative Ann Marie Buerkle (NY-25) introduced companion legislation, H.R. 5837, in the House in April and it passed unanimously by voice vote in July. Buerkle released the following statement regarding the Senate’s passage of the legislation:

“I am pleased that the Senate passed legislation to name the Baldwinsville Post Office after Corporal Kyle Schneider.

“Corporal Kyle R. Schneider is an American hero. He was a proud and valiant Marine. He was also a son, a brother, a grandson, a fiancée, friend, and comrade. Kyle is greatly missed, and no words will diminish the grief of those who knew and loved him. In his death, he has earned the thanks of a grateful nation. I am so thankful that the House and Senate could come together to honor his sacrifice by naming the Baldwinsville Post Office after him. I look forward to the President signing this legislation into law.”

Baldwinsville native, Kyle Schneider, joined the joined the United States Marine Corps in 2008. In January 2011, he was assigned to 3rd Platoon and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In defense of the United States, Kyle was killed in Helmand Province Afghanistan on June 30, 2011 by an improvised explosive device. He was 23 years old.

Buerkle Honored By Disabled American Veterans

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:24:18 +0000

Washington, DC - Representative Ann Marie Buerkle (NY-25) was presented with the Disabled American Veterans Congressional Leadership Award yesterday in her Washington, DC office. Buerkle received the award for her steadfast support and tireless efforts to strengthen veterans’ programs and enact new legislation to empower all of America’s injured heroes to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity.

“Serving as the Chairwoman of the Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health is one of my highest honors. Our nation is the greatest in the history of mankind because of the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform. One of government’s most important duties is to care for our veterans and their families and I am proud to work every day on their behalf,” said Buerkle.

“I want to thank Disabled American Veterans for this prestigious award.It is important that we continue to work together to ensure that our veterans have the assistance and benefits they deserve.”

Buerkle was chosen to receive the DAV Congressional Leadership Award for her commitment to veterans. In her role as Chairwoman, Buerkle has provided vital oversight of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) on such important topics as veterans’ suicide prevention, mental health care, and prosthetics programs. In addition, her work has resulted in improvements to the Federal Recovery Coordination Program and more timely and faithful implementation of the new caregiver assistance programs.

In response to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report detailing sexual assault at VA health care facilities, Buerkle authored legislation to require the VA to correct safety and security problems that had left too many veterans and VA employees vulnerable. The legislation, which President Obama signed into law, requires the VA to implement a comprehensive policy to prevent, monitor, report, and track sexual assaults and other safety incidents that occur at VA medical facilities in order to hold accountable those responsible.

Buerkle has also put the spotlight on veterans’ mental health issues. Earlier this summer Buerkle hosted a Member briefing on Veteran Students’ Mental Health with David Rudd, PhD, Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Science and Scientific Director of the National Center for Veterans Studies at the University of Utah.

In April of this year, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University, in cooperation with Rep. Buerkle, held a Conference on Engaging Community Support for Veterans. Attended by more than 150 people, the conference served as an opportunity to harness the power of community in supporting, engaging, and respecting our nation’s veterans and their families and featured panel discussions related to veterans’ health and wellness, employment, and education. The conference was designed to equip community leaders with the tools and resources they need to help veterans reintegrate into society.

Last year, Rep. Buerkle and the American Psychological Association (APA) partnered to host a symposium on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Syracuse.

A day to renew our commitment to our veterans

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 02:10:20 +0000

Honoring Our Veterans

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 19:02:10 +0000

Syracuse, NY - Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle (NY-25) released the following statement in honor of Veterans Day:

"Every year it seems the Christmas season starts earlier and earlier. By November 1st radio stations were already filling the airwaves with Christmas music and department stores had decorations on full display. In the haste of readying for Christmas, we often overlook one of our nation’s most important holidays: Veterans Day.

"While not as prominently celebrated as other major holidays, Veterans Day is undoubtedly one of the most significant days of the year. It is a day dedicated to saying thank you to the men and women who have selflessly served our nation in the armed forces. We should show our gratitude to our veterans every day of the year, but we should especially do so on Veterans Day. Their willingness to put their lives on the line and spend time away from loved ones to defend our freedom is something that we must never take for granted.

"On this Veterans Day, let us renew our commitment to our veterans. Let us pause and honor the brave Americans who have fought to make and keep this country the land of the free. We live in the greatest nation in the history of mankind because of the service and sacrifice of the members of our military. Let us never forget that.

"May God bless our military, our veterans, and may God bless the United States of America."

Buerkle Statement on Hurricane Sandy

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 22:45:47 +0000

Syracuse, NY - Representative Ann Marie Buerkle (NY-25) released the following statement regarding Hurricane Sandy's potential impact on the Upstate New York region:

"As our region begins to feel the impact of Hurricane Sandy, I want to take this opportunity to share some helpful resources with you so you are fully informed of the storm’s trajectory and any updates you might need from our state and local authorities.

"Please – pay attention to the news media for updates, clear the way for first responders, check on those who might need assistance including seniors, and above all – stay safe!"

RESOURCES 

Monitor the storm: http://www.noaa.gov/ 

Check for federal, state and local emergency alerts:

FEMA: http://www.fema.gov/

New York Emergency Management: http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/

Cayuga County: http://co.cayuga.ny.us/ccemo/index.html

Monroe County: http://www.monroecounty.gov/safety-oep.php

Onondaga County: http://www.ongov.net/em/

Wayne County: http://www.co.wayne.ny.us/departments/emermgt/emermgt.htm

Buerkle Honored for Agriculture Work

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 19:53:57 +0000

Syracuse, NY - Representative Ann Marie Buerkle (NY-25) has been awarded the Friend of the Farm Bureau Congressional Award at the Onondaga County Farm Bureau’s annual meeting last night.

“I am honored to receive this award from the American Farm Bureau Federation. Agriculture is essential to the economic viability of my district and New York State overall. Throughout my tenure in Congress I have had the opportunity to tour numerous farms and meet with various individuals from the agricultural community. I understand the needs they have and the issues they face and I am proud to work on their behalf in Congress,” said Rep. Buerkle.

Buerkle was presented the award by New York State Farm Bureau President Dean Norton. The Friend of the Farm Bureau award is given to individuals who have supported Farm Bureau issues, as indicated by their voting records, and who were nominated by their respective state Farm Bureau and approved by the Board of Directors of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Buerkle Receives Award for Veterans Work

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 02:45:44 +0000

Syracuse, NY - Representative Ann Marie Buerkle (NY-25) has been selected to receive the Disabled American Veterans Congressional Leadership Award in recognition of her steadfast support and tireless efforts to strengthen veterans’ programs and enact new legislation to empower all of America’s injured heroes to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity.

“I want to thank Disabled American Veterans and National Commander Larry Polzin for this prestigious award. I look forward to continuing to work with this organization and others to ensure that our veterans have the assistance and benefits they deserve.”

Last year, Rep. Buerkle and the American Psychological Association (APA) partnered to host a symposium on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Syracuse.

Buerkle Statement on Syracuse Professor Being Appointed to Libya Panel

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:28:49 +0000

Syracuse, NY – Representative Ann Marie Buerkle (NY-25) released the following statement regarding Catherine Bertini, a professor at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University and former undersecretary-general for management at the United Nations, who will be a member of the State Department’s Accountability Review Board investigating the murder of the U.S. Ambassador to Libya.

“The American people deserve answers regarding the situation that occurred in Libya. It is unconscionable that four Americans, including an Ambassador, could be killed and such little information can be provided over what happened.

“I am pleased that Chairman Issa will conduct a hearing to investigate the situation fully and hope that the State Department will cooperate fully. Throughout my first term in Congress, I have had the opportunity to meet with Catherine Bertini several times. Her vast experience and knowledge on foreign affairs will no doubt aid our ability to gain insight into the situation in Libya.”

Congresswoman Buerkle continued, “I am eager to hear what the State Department has to say so that we can answer the questions over what happened on September 11, 2012 and obtain justice for the four Americans who were killed.”