Blog
May 20, 2019
NYS Alliance 2018 Annual Congressional Voting Record
On Thursday the national Alliance released its 2018 Congressional Voting Record scoring each U.S. Senator and Representative’s votes on critical retirement security issues.
“Most politicians say they care about seniors on the campaign trail, but their Voting Record shows whether they keep the needs of retirees front and center after they are elected,” said Robert Roach, Jr., President of the national Alliance. “The Voting Record will help the 500,000 NYS members and all voters hold their elected officials accountable for the votes they take.” said Barry A. Kaufmann, President of the NYS Alliance for Retired Americans.
The annual report reviewed 10 key Senate and House votes affecting the health and well-being of retirees. It includes votes affecting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, provisions of the 2010 Affordable Care Act, prescription drug prices, election security, protections for the disabled, and tax cuts that disproportionately harm seniors, and in the Senate confirmations of key cabinet and judicial appointments that directly impact the lives and health of NYS Seniors.
Both New York State’s U.S. Senators, Schumer and Gillibrand and 10 of 25 members of New York’s U.S. House of Representatives delegation that were re-elected achieved perfect scores of 100% in 2018. Since the Voting Record covers votes in 2018, newly elected members and senators are not included and House members defeated in 2018 ARE included.
The House members that were re elected from New York State achieving 100% were, Nydia Velasquez (D/CD #7), Hakeem Jeffries (D/CD #8), Yvette Clarke(D/CD #9), Jerrold Nadler (D/CD #10), Carolyn Maloney (D/CD # 12), Adriano Espaillat (D/CD # 13), Jose Serrano (D/ CD # 15), Elliot Engel (D/ CD #16), Nita Lowey (D/CD #17) and Brian Higgins (D/ CD #26)
New York State House members that were re-elected that scored 50% or under were: Lee Zeldin – 20% (R/ CD #1), Peter King – 30% (R/ CD #2), Elise Stefanik – 40% (R/ CD # 21), Tom Reed – 10% (R/ CD #23), John Katko – 40% (R/ CD # 24)and Chris Collins – 10% (R/ CD #27).
“The last Congress took little action to ensure retirement security for all Americans,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance. “Retirees, who vote in the greatest numbers, helped elect a new majority to the U.S. House of Representatives. New York State Retirees will hold our delegation’s feet to the fire. Those scoring under 50% will be expected to improve their voting record on senior issues to garner NYSARA’s support. Those scoring 100% will find our zealous support and thanks.” , said NYS Alliance President Barry A. Kaufmann. The voting records for each member of the New York State Congressional delegations can be downloaded here.