Mr. Chair, Republican leadership has claimed that this proposal will address our Nation's most immediate priorities. That could not be further from the truth. This budget gives this administration a blank check to continue their war of choice with Iran. It makes it harder for Americans to exercise their fundamental right to vote. Most importantly, it fails to meaningfully improve the lives of everyday Americans. Those are certainly not the priorities my constituents have asked me to fight for.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatD+22D shift +12$565K raised
Paul Tonko
Representative · New York · Democrat
Paul Tonko
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Across our great country, we are witnessing an onslaught of dangerous policies, executive actions, hateful legislation, and vile rhetoric, all designed to strip away rights, sow fear, and erase hard-fought progress. The Trump administration has engaged in a calculated and relentless assault on diversity, equity, and inclusion across the Federal Government and beyond. These harmful policies would eradicate programs that address persistent inequalities in American life. They would worsen systemic disparities in access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the AADAPT Act, legislation I am proud to be co-leading along with my good friends and colleagues Representatives Troy Balderson, Nanette Barragan, and Darin LaHood. Alzheimer's is a devastating disease that impacts nearly 427,000 individuals in New York State alone. I would imagine that everyone in this room has been impacted in some form by Alzheimer's at some point. It is, first and foremost, a human crisis, but it is also a Federal budget crisis.
Biography
Paul Tonko began his career as an engineer, bringing technical expertise and a practical approach to public service. Elected to represent New York’s 20th Congressional District in 2008, he focuses on clean energy innovation, mental health advocacy, and infrastructure improvement. Tonko authored legislation advancing renewable energy research and has served as Chair of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change. Through detailed policy work and coalition-building, he champions forward-looking solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of his upstate New York constituents.
Education
- B.S. in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY1971
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2009-PresentRepresenting New York's 20th district
Member, New York Assembly
1983–2007(chairman, Standing Committee on Energy, 1992–2007)
President/ceo, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
2007–08Member, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors
1976–83(chairman, 1981–83)
Engineer, New York State Department of Transportation
Engineer, New York State Department of Public Service
Policy Focus
Health38%
Energy18%
Environmental Protection13%
Science, Technology, Communications11%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Paul Tonko's record in Congress.
Clean Energy Leadership
Championed the CLEAN Future Act to advance nationwide clean energy standards and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Mental Health Parity
Co-authored legislation to enforce mental health and addiction treatment coverage equal to physical health benefits.
Water Infrastructure Funding
Secured federal investments to upgrade New York's aging water and wastewater systems through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
Support for Manufacturing
Helped pass the CHIPS and Science Act to boost semiconductor manufacturing and research in New York and nationwide.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Energy and Commerce
- House Committee on the Budget
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